James Marshall: Genius

Midway through the love affair of George and Martha, George asks if Martha will accompany him to a scary movie. (It's my impression that James Marshall liked scary movies. The "Tunnel of Love" sequence--in "The Amusement Park"--seems to tip a hat to Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train.")

Martha is nervous, but George just ignores the concern. The two choose to see Vincent Creepo in "The Mummy's Toe." (One ticket costs five cents.)

Of course, during the actual screening, it's *Martha* who has fun (while a frightened George pretends to look for his glasses under a seat cushion....Uncharitably, Martha speaks up: "You don't WEAR glasses....")

The butt in the air, the fragile popcorn kernel in the giant hippo-fist, the wide-eyed scaredy-dog in the background: This is art. I'd very much like to be with Martha, viewing Vincent Creepo, out and about in the world again.

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