True Grit: Then And Now

During the summer of '69, while basking in the sun on the beach at Asbury Park, I spied an attractive lass on an adjacent blanket. She was fumbling in a beach bag - I surmised for matches or a lighter since she had a cigarette dangling from her dainty lips. In a flash, and with my trusty Zippo in hand, I sprang from the olive drab Army blanket and hurried to her side. I squatted next to her with my lighter at the ready.

She smiled at me and took a long drag on her cigarette. She made room for me on the blanket and invited me to sit with her. Lynnie and I chatted for the rest of the afternoon until it was time to go. Before departing, I asked her if we might see each other again. She gave me her phone number. I called her as soon as I could get to a phone back at the barracks at Ft. Monmouth. We agreed to get together the following weekend.

All I could think of that week was Lynnie Broker, with the light brown hair, blue-green eyes, and warm smile. Today, some 42 years later, I still don't know how I got to her house or how we got to the city, but suddenly there we were, standing in front of Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes had a matinée performance that day followed by the New York City premier of True Grit.

That was then, and the 'now' was Christmas Day 2010. I invited the love of my life to the Cobb CineBistro in Hyde Park for the matinée showing of the Jeff Bridges' version of True Grit. While the Cobb is a spectacular venue for enjoying tasty food, adult beverages, and a movie it doesn't quite compare to Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes. As for my companions, Lynnie and I enjoyed just that one day together before the Army shipped me out to a new duty station. My bride and I recently celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary, so there really is no comparison to be made here - especially since I know what is good for me.

As for the two Grits, the '69 version was from a more innocent time and it showed. The 2010 Grit was courser. If I continue read or hear it referred to as "gritty" I think that I shall poop a big grit wad. And, I didn't much care for the 2010 ending. It was more believable, but I still like the first one better. One big improvement in the new movie was Matt Damon's Texas Ranger. Glen Campbell truly sucked as LaBoeuf, though I was sadden when his character expired. Talk about mixed emotions!

I don't mean to denigrate Hailee Steinfeld, Barry Pepper, or Dakin Matthews - fine actors all, but to me Kim Darby was Mattie Ross, Robert Duvall was Lucky Ned, and the Colonel Stonehill roll (the horse trader) was nailed by character actor Strother Martin. Conspicuous by his absence was Lawyer J. Noble Daggett played superbly by John Fiedler in the first Grit. As for Marshall Cogburn? John Wayne won an Oscar for playing John Wayne, and I think he deserved to win. Jeff Bridges continues to amaze me with his versatility, and he should probably be considered for another Oscar for his "Rooster" portrayal. I think I will have to call it a draw between John Wayne and Jeff Bridges.

I have not read the book True Grit, but in considering the two movie versions of Charles Portis' novel I felt that Rooster Cogburn was the character with true grit in the first movie, but it was Mattie Ross who truly had the grit in 2010.

And, my final thoughts on True Grit: Then And Now? Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes definitely win out over the Cobb CineBistro. While I remember Lynnie as a very charming and attractive young lady, anything and everything I do is so much better when my bride and I do it together. Sorry Lynnie, my Baby takes this one. Both Grits are good, but '69 is my favorite (adianoeta unintended).