Paradise Park

To many - probably a below-average film. I gave it an above-average rating. Wha??? First, let me say that the movie is steered by the musings of an intelligent, 16-year-old resident of the Paradise Trailer Park, who - incongruously - has dropped out of high school. He is able to tell us much about a variety of residents of this West Virginia community, the backbone of which is teacher, Marlon Dingus. During the few days before their Summer God-Watch and Fun Fest, we meet - among MANY others - two lady friends of Marlon; also, Avis, the neighborhood's fire-and-brimstone preacher; as well as Evelyn, a single mother of a "slow" son; and elderly Nada, who's "visit from God" is responsible for the resurrection of the picnic. My favorite, however, is grease-monkey Clifford, and his willing wife. The simplicity of the characters appealed to me. However, that's probably the biggest criticism about this flick: its simplicity - considerable inactivity and inappropriate timing and delivery by fledgling actors, many of whom are more known for their country songs: Porter Waggoner; Johnny Paycheck; T. Graham Brown; Razzy Bailey; and leading man, Larry Groce. So...probably not most folks' cup of tea...but I enjoyed it.

I saw this movie for one reason only...and that is the fabulous LINA BASQUETTE. I had the honor of knowing her for over 14 years before her death, while on the dog show circuit. She had bred Great Danes under the Kennel name of Honey Hollow Kennels for many years. When I met her, she was the greatest handler and and a mystifying legion with dog people. I saw her break the record for the top winning Great Dane in history when she went Best In Show in Montgomery, Alabama with CH. Kolyer's Kimba. I just bet that record is still standing with AKC even now. She told me many times, that if were not for the Great Danes she would have never made it in life after the way she was treated by Hollywood. She was one great lady, that we will not ever see again.