The
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"
(click
on title above to load video - you will need Real Player)
It's fuzzy and jerky - but if you can get past that - you can see the depth and the meaning. It was done as a project connected to my writing and not for any commercial purposes.
When I began all this research on Maureen's career I hadn't a clue as to what was happening as it all began to unfold. I thought my purpose was to write about a proud and strong woman, Maureen O'Hara, and also to promote an awareness of the need to remember- to look back into the past and see how sensuality on the screen could be presented with morality and respect. I knew, in my heart, that no stars of that era have had quite the magic and intensity of Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne. It was their gift to the industry and quite sadly, that industry, more often than not, does not have the vision to see the treasure they had in these two marvelous actors. I figured if I jogged one memory of that bygone era or prompted one person to go out and buy a video of some of their great films, then I had accomplished something - even though it was a small contribution.
I have always tried to be very candid and objective about just what it is I can do - what things are of true merit and what are not. I guess everyone is his own worst critic. I know I can write, but I don't fool myself in believing I have any more than a marginal talent, at best. I am, however, a very good researcher and I've had some good fortune in making some excellent contacts. The information I have acquired has allowed me to design what I think is a "worthy" and "deserving" presentation of the image and life of Maureen O'Hara. It is, of course, presented with my philosophy and interpretation. I've made mistakes - some whoppers - but hopefully I've learned from them.
When I made that montage it was a way to incorporate my feelings about scenes that were particularly compelling - again, my own interpretation. It was difficult to do. I had no sophisticated editing equipment, just two VCR's, a stopwatch, and some music. I wanted the music to meaningfully coincide exactly to the lyrics of the incredible song of Roberta Flack "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." To me, those lyrics, that voice…and that refrain were made for Maureen and Duke and the characters they brought to life on the screen. I worked for weeks, sitting on the foot of my bed, facing the TV monitor and clicking the recording button as I moved from scene to scene, and then getting the music to coincide with the lyrics.
Notice that the lyrics "The first time ever I saw your face, I thought the sun…rose in your eyes" (showing Kathleen's beautiful eyes with wonderful memories and then the combined memories of the estranged couple after dinner in Kirby's tent)."The first time ever I kissed your lips" was in reality the first time on screen that John Wayne ever kissed Maureen O'Hara in "Rio Grande" - 1950 - and then it unfolds into their subsequent screen embraces. "The first time ever I lay with you, I felt your heart so close to mine…and I knew our joy, would fill the earth, and last 'til the end of time".. is the scene from "The Quiet Man" where she does indeed, after their conflict, consummate their wedding vows and continues on to other tender screen movements. "The first time ever I saw your face, …..your face….your face….." For the final sequence I chose to take "that face" from a few other movies to show that at any age…in any stage of her career, the multi-faceted emotions Maureen O'Hara was able to project to her audience.
When this little piece of video was done, it actually said what I felt inside - it was my impression of the what I saw in these two actors - the tenderness, the fire, and the love - that wonderful combination that makes them so special. I kept running and re-running the montage and was myself totally caught up in it. Then I'd sit out under the stars and contemplate the whole thing. I remember saying aloud as I gazed into the heavens…"Well God, I have no idea how this little production came together or even why, but you know something God…IT'S GOOD!" All the things I was trying to write about came together in those film clips…it said everything.
Of course I wanted to find a way for Maureen to see it. That was kind of a reckless wish because even though I liked it…I had no way of knowing if she would like it. I had some occasional contact with Charles FitzSimons and I bravely sent it to him. Fortunately, he took the time to view it, and then shared it with Maureen. (Here I have to thank my friend, journalist Angela Fox Dunn. She was the one who arranged my first interview with Charles, and it was she who assured him of my credibility.) Mr. FitzSimons called me and told me the video was wonderful and told me that Maureen also liked it. That was it - it was what opened the door of interest. Later when in L.A. I called Mr. FitzSimons and asked if I could say hello to Maureen. He arranged it that day before I flew back to Phoenix. I am quite sure it was because of the montage that Maureen took time from her busy schedule to meet me. It was a typical gesture of kindness for Maureen. This is the same woman who stands for hours signing autographs of fans at public appearances. This time she waited in a busy airport for some secretary in Arizona who composed a video montage. Not something your "ordinary" celebrity would do…from ANY era.
Knowing that because of copyright releases this little montage creation could never be marketed professionally to share with O'Hara and Wayne fans, it was put back on the shelf, where it has remained for the past 5 years. My son then suggested that he make a digital copy for the website…and although it won't have the impact as seeing the real video, it should project the sentiments intended.
I have tried to give appropriate credits to all the artists, and studios, involved. It is presented as a non-profit presentation of some of the finest scenes in cinema history from the greatest studios and incorporating the talents of directors, lighting and crew. I must say that it was, however, built around a song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by the incredible artist, Robert Flack. Without that music and that voice…it would not have come together at all. Those pure, beautiful tones…flawless. Those beautiful, tender lyrics.
So there you have it. Before long I will remove the montage, either because it's been up too long...or until I'm asked to take it down because of copyrights. However, if you have enjoyed it, even its rather rustic state, then again I feel I've accomplished something.
From the articles published, to the website, to Ireland and back…nothing could make me quite as proud as this little four-minute montage. It's not much, but it's my gift to Maureen - it's the best I could do, for a person I admire and respect.
©June Parker Beck 2-4-02