LAUREN BACALL – “THE FAN” 

“Murder on the Orient Express” (1974) is one of my favorite Agatha Christie books and movies and probably the first movie I watched with Lauren Bacall in it. But “The Fan” was the movie that really made me appreciate Lauren Bacall (before seeing any of the films that made her famous).  I loved “The Fan” because I had read the book first and it was right up my alley about writing fan letters to celebrities.  Here’s what’s on the first page of the book by Bob Randall:  

“Dear Miss Ross,  

I have finally worked up enough courage to write you. You do not know me, but who I am does not matter. If there is such a thing as a soul, which is the basis of all life, then you are my soul, and your life is my life.  

This is the first letter of what I hope will be an everlasting correspondence.  

Your greatest fan, Douglas Breen.” 

I personally would never write such drivel – or scary soul connection crap - in a fan letter.  Yet I could relate to the premise, since I was a teenager who was writing for autographs through the mail on a regular basis.  The movie came out when I was 16; I’m sure I was there opening weekend.  It was so stalking-good! (No, I do not condone real-life stalking – but the theme makes for a good movie) Michael Biehn had a gay undercurrent going on and that also had me riveted.  And (spoiler alert) when he swims at the gym and razors the guy in the pool ….ooooohhhh ouch … don’t cruise the wrong guy.  Plus, Maureen Stapleton as the sarcastic secretary/friend commenting on Sally Ross’s fan mail.  Come on.  This movie is a way-twisted version of wanting more than an autograph!  I loved it.  And to this day, I will sometimes text my actor friends with “Your greatest fan – Douglas Breen”.  And Matthew Martin gets it! 

Check out Michael Biehn’s creepy character and some highlights from the movie in this brief compilation: 

The close-up portrait of Michael Biehn signed to Tom is exactly around the time and how he looked in “The Fan”.  I especially love this photo and the autograph is authentic. (I bought a big collection inscribed to “Tom” who had magazine pics signed by just about any TV actor or model from the late 70’s early 80’s including Jon-Erik Hexum and Joel Crothers amongst so many others you will see on my site.)    

I don’t mean to diminish my admiration for Maureen Stapleton simply as being a stand-out in “The Fan”.  No, no, no. Mo was always good; in everything she did. Follies of the Gods quote from chapter 

“I’m thrilled, happy, delighted … sober” These are the words from her Academy Award acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in “Reds” (snoozeville).  Look up her acceptance speech on YouTube or check out the link here