Friday, March 01, 2013

John Garfield Blogathon---Lori's Humble Tribute

When I first began thinking about hosting a blogathon in honor of John Garfield's centennial, it was with the knowledge that my good friend and fellow Garfield appreciator, Lori Moore, would be an integral part of the event.  Although not a blogger, Lori's love for Mr. Garfield is even greater than my own, so I had intended for her to be a guest writer here at They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To during the four days of the birthday celebration.  Sadly, though, Lori suddenly and very unexpectedly passed away on Christmas Eve.  I miss her, and I miss the conversations we used to have about "our Julie" (as we referred to Mr. Garfield), but I know she is with me and this event in spirit.  (There are over two dozen wonderful entries in this blogathon.  You can access them HERE.)




One of the ways Lori's regard for Mr. Garfield played out was in the creation of an incredibly beautiful video tribute to him.  Although she called it her "humble tribute," there's nothing humble about it.  Lori did an awesome job putting the video together!  It features dozens of wonderful photographs, all set to a lovely instrumental version of the songs "I'll Be Seeing You" and "Smile,"...the latter of which seems completely appropriate for such a tribute, given the tragic circumstances of the actor's final years, when his heart truly was breaking.

Some of you have already seen this, I know, as I have shared it before; however, I hope you'll take another look, not only in honor of Mr. Garfield's 100th birthday, but also in memory of the very sweet lady who created it.

Enjoy!!

17 comments:

  1. Ahh, that was a very nice video tribute to Garfield.

    And the song 'SMILE' is extremely meaningful to me, as I automatically associate it with my Pa's passing away in 1996.

    I very nearly signed up for this Blogfest, with the idea of re-posting an old review I wrote years ago for the movie 'TORTILLA FLAT' - one of my All-Time Top 25 Favorite Movies.

    But since neither you nor anyone else who follows your blog knows me, I decided to just sit this one out.

    Anyway... I'm sorry about the sudden, unexpected loss of your friend, Lori. I've experienced a number of those "sudden and unexpected losses" myself, and they are difficult to get over.

    Nice video and good music.

    Although I've seen a number of his other movies, Garfield will always be Tortilla Flat's "Danny" to me.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephen, isn't it funny how certain songs can take us back to a particular moment in time, and every time we hear or even think of that song, that certain memory will be vivid in our minds. Ah, the power of music!

      Mr. Garfield was great in the role of "Tortilla Flat's" Danny. For me, ever since falling in love with "The Breaking Point," he is Harry Morgan. And to think I almost sat that film out because I don't care for the Bogey/Bacall version!

      Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed Lori's beautiful video.

      Delete
  2. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and moving tribute to John Garfield.

    I'm so sorry to hear, that you lost your dear friend Lori. I'm sure she is pleased that you are sharing her John Garfield tribute with all of us..

    OK.. Where, is the Kleenex box?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree about the Kleenex, Dawn. I haven't been able to watch the video without a whole lot of tears ever since Lori's passing. Especially when the music switches to "I'll Be Seeing You," I lose it!

      Delete
  3. That was a beautiful tribute and hopefully your friend Lori is up there somewhere with "your Julie"! I'll catch up on all the fun on Sunday, when my honey goes back to work...sniffle sniffle:( It'll be a good distraction from missing him!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks again for participating, Victoria. That you took a break from your blog's focus on home decor to be part of this event really means a lot!

      Enjoy the last few days of your honey's vacation!

      Delete
  4. What a nice tribute to Garfield. I expect this event is somewhat shadowed by the loss of your friend Lori. Thanks for doing it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Kim, there is that melancholy that Lori isn't here to share in the 100th birthday celebration. How thankful I am that she created that video, not only because it's beautiful, but because it is a link to her and enables her to be involved in the blogathon.

      Thanks so much for taking part in the blogathon. I look forward to reading your "Postman" article. I LOVE that movie!

      Delete
  5. A lovely video tribute by Lori - it gives a great taste of all the Garfield films we will be discussing during the blogathon. Of course this beautifully-created video is now a tribute to Lori herself as well. Sorry about the loss of Lori and thank you to you for organising this blogathon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, Judy, the video provides a wonderful glimpse into a wide variety of Mr. Garfield's films, many of which will be showcased in this 4-day event. I think Lori did such an awesome job of putting it together....it looks professionally done to me.

      I'm thrilled to have organized the event. Thank you so much for getting involved. I look forward to reading your piece...on his very final film.

      Delete
  6. Patti, I was moved to tears at your account of your friend Lori and her love for John Garfield. Your beautifully-rendered tribute is absolutely wonderful. Lori is surely looking down from Heaven and smiling. I'm glad to have met you here online, and I'm looking forward to everyone's Garfield Blogathon posts, especially yours, of course!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorian, besides the video, Lori's regard for Mr. Garfield had also prompted her to begin a petition drive, targeted at Warner Bros. to ask that they release a boxed set of Garfield films. (There is no boxed set of his movies, believe it or not.) She was tireless in her efforts to see that the man receives the recognition and appreciation he deserves.

      Thank you for getting involved in this "birthday bash." I'm looking forward to reading your take on "Dangerously They Live."

      Oh, and I'm glad to have met you too. Thanks for your encouragement and support.

      Delete
  7. So sorry to hear of your friend Lori's passing, Patti. Thank you for sharing her video tribute to Mr. Garfield.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow - that was so beautiful and made even more poignant by the loss of your friend. I am sure she is smiling dow n on your very special event. May all the posts be dedicated to her.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was so sorry to read about the loss of your friend. This video is a beautiful tribute to John Garfield and a beautiful reminder of the life of your friend Lori.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am glad Lori could be present in this tribute, as you both had planned, Patti. Her passing makes sadder to watch the beautiful video she put together so lovingly. By posting it here, you have made a tribute to her with her tribute to John Garfield, so they are forever connected. I am sure both are happy about it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Patti, what a beautiful and moving tribute, made all the more poignant by your dear friend's passing. Thank you for sharing and I agree with the others - where are the kleenex?

    ReplyDelete

There are many wonderful blogs out there in blogland---and so little time to read them all. Therefore, I am truly humbled that you took the time to not only stop by my little place in the blogosphere, but to share your thoughts as well. Thank you for visiting...and for commenting. I hope your visit here was enjoyable and that you will return again soon.