As most of you now, Lynda is co-starring in an independent film called Tattered Angel. In fact, a number of the die-hard fans who visit this site took the plunge and became investors in the film. After meeting Duffy Hudson and Will Benson (the creative forces behind the film) I know that they would like to thank all of you for your support of the project. The film has been completed, but now comes the chore of getting the film to a distributor. It is no easy task but a task that these guys are ready to tackle.
To celebrate the film’s completion and to raise money to seek a distributor, Duffy, Will, and all of Cincinnatus Motion Pictures held a gala on June 6 in Newport, Kentucky. A wonderful pre-party was held at Jeff Ruby’s Tropicana. It was a great time of fun and food, not to mention an opportunity to mingle with the stars of the film. Of course Duffy Hudson, the film’s star and producer, was on hand to meet everyone and give many thanks to the cast, crew, and investors who attended. Being locals of the area, Duffy and Will also had a number of friends and family on hand to lend their support. Fans were also treated to meeting co-star, Roy Lee Jones, who was an absolute delight to talk with.
The highlight of the gala, however, was another co-star of the film that we all know and love. Yes, Lynda Carter was there in support of the film and in support of her friend, Duffy (the two had previously attended acting classes together). Lynda and husband, Robert Altman, arrived by limo on the red carpet about an hour after the pre-party began. The two entered the Tropicana to cheers and numerous camera flashes, including my own. In fact, yours truly was lucky enough to be in the shot that appeared in The Cincinnati Enquirer the next morning! Lynda looked stunning as always in a white silk blouse with hair in the classic Diana Prince bun! Lynda was also wearing a cast on her right arm from a recent ATV accident; however, this did not slow her down at all.
Lynda was gracious to a fault and was willing to take time with each and every person who wanted to chat, to have a photo taken with her, or to sign autographs (yes she signed autographs while wearing a cast). I must tell you that this meeting was 30 years in the making for me. I always thought I would be quite nervous, but Lynda was very approachable. I was able to introduce myself to her right away and a short time later had a photo taken with her. She continued to mingle with guests and sign autographs until time for the movie screening.
We left the party and headed for the AMC Theatre for our first look at Tattered Angel. Some friends and I arrived early and found our seats. Little did we know that the best part of the evening was yet to come for us. While we were sitting in the packed theatre, Lynda and Robert came in to find that there were no seats readily available for them. While this was a matter of concern for the TA staff, Lynda took it all in stride saying: “Oh we can just sit anywhere.” Through Divine Intervention, there were two empty seats on our row, so Lynda and Robert sat with us during the screening!!! To say that this was a dream come true is an immense understatement. In fact, I never even dreamed that something like this could happen. The movie didn’t start for at least 10-15 minutes, so we were able to chat with Lynda and get autographs from her with practically no interruptions! Fans of Lynda’s music will be happy to know that among other things, we discussed with her the possibility of getting her television specials released on DVD. Apparently, this is an idea that she has already thought about herself, so keep your fingers crossed.
After the movie began, I must admit that I had a bit of trouble concentrating. After all, Lynda Carter was only a couple of seats away!! Again, she took everything in stride, sitting in the theatre munching on popcorn and drinking a soda. Nuances like these are really what impressed me most about Lynda. She did not play up the star routine AT ALL. She was an absolute delight to be around. In fact, she had an uncanny knack for making you feel like she had been your friend forever. I know that some people come away from a meeting with a celebrity with mixed emotions because often the stars are completely different from the images that we create for them. I must say that my meeting with Lynda was everything I had hoped for and more!!
As for the movie itself, Tattered Angel looks really good. The story of Hazel (Lynda Carter) searching for her missing daughter is artistically interwoven with the story of Vince (Duffy Hudson) reliving the memories of his own sister’s abduction many years earlier. There are a number of very emotional scenes, including several with Lynda. In fact, we learned at the screening that Lynda’s most emotional scenes were actually filmed shortly after the tragedies of 9-11. The movie was made in conjunction with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and a portion of the June 6 proceeds were donated to the organization.
After the movie ended, most people headed for the Bar Louie for another chance to mingle with cast, crew, and investors. Unfortunately, Lynda was not able to stay for this party, but she did stay in the theatre until the bitter end. She continued to sign autographs, talk with fans, and pose for pictures. Lucky for me, I was able to get another picture with her.
I also feel that I should take time to shine the spotlight on Lynda’s husband, Robert Altman. At one point when Lynda was surrounded by fans, I spoke to him and said: “I really admire you for enduring all of the fans and their requests for autographs.” He kindly replied: “Oh I’m happy to do it.” He was so gracious that in several instances he took the camera from a fan and snapped their photo with Lynda. It is refreshing to see a relationship that powerful!
I will end by addressing my final comments directly to Lynda: You are more than a celebrity. You are a true star without all of the baggage that accompanies most stars. I had waited almost 30 years for this meeting, and I was not disappointed. You were a class act at the Tattered Angel gala, with more graciousness than I could have imagined. After seeing you in person, I am also beginning to wonder if you posess Amazonian immortality! However, your outer beauty is eclipsed by your inner beauty and your spirit of giving. You truly are a wonderful lady, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to meet you again.
TERRY HANEY
