Description
256 Navy #3247 (Mil. Govt) FPO San Francisco Thurs 21 June 1945 6:05 pm My dearest darling, Just a few minutes before I must go up to the school to start the generator for tonight's movie - “National Velvet,” a picture about horses and racing which will be a great relief from the current crop of second- and third-rate musicals. Before the movie there is to be about 45 minutes of orchestra music by a CB outfit. Thank you, my darlings, for the lovely surprise package which I received today. Wendy, I love the little book about Barnaby - will you send me each one as it comes out, four times a year? I was very glad to get Sumner Welles' book - I think books remain, in general, the present I most like getting - and the little airplanes. The [pg 2] latter I'll give to some little boy, tho I'll continue to keep the silver one I got for Christmas. I'm writing now with Quink (also got the 51) - it's much smoother and pleasanter to write with. The seasoned salt will come in handy - it's one of those little luxuries that I enjoy having. The anchovies, bouillon cubes and sardines replenish my stock - I took all I had to a party for M.G. Education Office personnel about a month ago. And you know I love fruitcake! As for the china cement, I just used most of a tube of it to fix my office chair, successfully, the other day. I'm always glad to have it on hand. Packages are such fun! By the way, I received a third one at the same time - the light blue material with enclosed presents for Shiba and Shibata - I'll see them soon. Till later, darling. [pg 3] 10 pm (after the longest program we've had yet) Sweetie, I know how you feel about going to see movies without me, but here's one I want very much to have you see. We've had five or six really good movies at the school since we started the program, and this was by far the most suitable. I want you to see it, and to listen to Mrs. Brown and think of Wendy (and yourself, or anybody). I know you will love the horses and the riding - the picture's in Technicolor and there isn't a single phony line or overdone part in it. I was more completely absorbed in it than I have been in any picture in years - though my enthusiasm was supported partly, of course, by the appropriateness of the film to our audience and their reaction to it. The name, once again, is “National Velvet,” headlining Mickey Rooney but actually starring a young girl whose name I don't know. [pg 4] After the first reel, unfortunately, it began to rain, and continued intermittently for sometime. Then came a long spell during which most of the audience, having no protection, headed for home (if the rain had stopped shortly, they would have returned - they always do when it's a good picture). But three of four hundred kids insisted on seeing it through to the very end, and we gladly showed it after a brief interruption, a hasty consultation and a question put to the audience (The answer - a very positive chorus of “Hai - O.K!”) Since so few saw it all, we will probably show it again, perhaps during the daytime in the new auditorium. Am I growing sentimental? That picture had the emotional force of a first-rate novel dealing in simple human values. It was decidedly refreshing. I love you darling, I have you with me very strongly tonight Warren
