HARD TIMES - The True Story - Part 3

HARD TIMES - THE TRUE STORY - Part 3

(continued from December 10, 2010 blog post...)

Now, at 65 years old - with still a full head of silver and black hair - he was going to meet the actor who was going to portray him. He had never heard of Charles Bronson - the last movie he’d seen was “The Ten Commandments”.

He strode onto the set like he owned it…This was his town, his life - and his story…


A cop stopped him - annoyed that he’d ignored him at the gate. “Got a pass, sir?” Hard Times stared him down, and shook his head “no”. The “badge” said, “Nobody enters without one…sir.” The old man gestured a knobby-knuckled finger for the officer to lean close. Then Hard Times spoke one word to him…the cop nodded and avoided the blue eyes piercing him…Hard Times passed through the gate…


He knew people. Important people. Really important people. He didn’t take advantage of his connections, but when he needed a favor - like getting on the film site of this movie and having “a little chat with a guy named Bronson” - a phone call was all it took…


Hard Times spotted some cameras, and with his characteristic fast walk, he weaved between the crowded site, and confidently positioned himself beside a boom man. “Which one of these guys is Bronson? I got a date with him in 15 minutes.” The man told Hard Times to go talk to “the guy over there” - pointing to the director. He walked over and caught the director’s eye - he had a knack of getting a person’s attention without saying a word - it was as if he willed another to look at him…


“My name’s Hard Times. Which one of these guys is Bronson?” The director pulled his eyes away from the old man, and yelled: “Charlie! Hard Times is here! Take a break…” The director turned back and shook his hand. “Sir. It is a real pleasure to meet you…Let me introduce you to Bronson…”

Hard Times chuckled to himself, “Yeah, the Judge must have made a few calls and done a little talking…”

(To be continued...)