Tennessee Williams
Photo: William Schmidt, 1975
One day walking by a bookstore, I ran into a crowd of people, and I went over to see what was going on. Tennessee Williams was autographing his newest book. I think it was his autobiography. There were guards at the door keeping the crowd on the sidewalk. I walked up with my camera hoping to get a picture and nobody stopped me. Inside there was a long line. I walked around it and sat in front of Williams and snapped about ten photos. He and I talked a bit, silly stuff. I met him again a few years later in Key West. He was with a couple companions, young fellows. Again we spoke. I always tell people that I was drunk and said, "Hey Ten, give me five," but it is not true. He seemed to be a very nice man and he had the most wonderful voice I ever heard come out of a human mouth.
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5 comments:
Wow, now I wish I knew what he sounded like... Fantastic photograph.
I do not know his books or plays, I know some movies which were based on them. Great movies. Photo is ok too ;-)
great story...historic and nice foto!
I appreciate your comments very much. The movies made of his plays are mostly good, but the film codes of the times forced film makers to leave some of the steamier parts of his writing out. I tried to keep my writing brief, but I could say more. If you have not heard his voice, please find a recording and you will see. Hear, rather. He was a fantastic fellow, very kind and gentle as far as I could tell. Not bad for the most important playwright of his generation if not in all of American literature. I have been fortunate enough to meet many famous authors in my life, and they have not all been as gracious. I have some other photos of authors, and if the wonderful people at F Blog deem them worthy, I will post them with some other, more raucous tales. Peace.
what an honor to see this -- thanks so much for sending it, and yes, by all means, please send us author photos, I think we can be unanimous in that!
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