Modern Screen (Jan-Dec 1960)

I've met you several times — but possibly you don't remember. That, however, is not important. I'd like to talk with you for five minutes in which to ask a favor of you — a favor which J would make some 20-30 kids the happiest ones ever at Christmastime. I know you must be busy — having everyone want to see you at this time — and I certainly don't want to bother you. But would it be possible to speak with you for these short minutes? I'd be so appreciative. Ruby Lee Mays It was approximately three minutes later that Travis returned with his answer, "Elvis says to tell you he'll be down in about ten minutes." And now comes my open letter to Elvis Presley: Do you remember how you drove down the road from the house — parking your car '•'next to mine, Elvis? Do you remember how you rolled down the window and yelled, "You the one that sent the note?" And my answer was, "Yes, I'd like to talk urith you for just a moment if I may, rolease." And do you remember how you yelled back, "Well, I'm a busy man. I don't ' have time to talk." :l: It was then, Elvis, that I said I was „sorry, that I knew you were busy, that I .didn't want to bother you, but that I had promised the kids I'd try and talk with iou. And then — through all that rain— ,t.jour answer was the same, "Well, I've got 1 date and I've goita go." With that I turned the key and began lacking out. Do you remember calling tack to me. Elvis, "What was it you vanted to talk about?" Well, the little speech I had rehearsed rime and again on my way out didn't eem so convincing any longer — certainly . ,ot the type you'd deliver between two H >arked cars in the rain with four guys ■: itting there in your car listening. But rex ardless, I had to make an attempt. I '.'.'culdn't go back to the hospital and tell :: 'lose kids I hadn't even talked with you. i If that were the case they'd expect me to -i ome back at a later date — and I could J.-ever go through this deal twice. And so began — I told you everything. I ex:| lained how heartbroken they were; your :\.npearance would make them happy, that you wouldn't have to sing or spend much ■ me there, only say hello and let them now you cared. I But you were having no part of it! Do :ou remember your reply when I again lid I was sorry to have taken up your wne and began backing out? Do you re1 ember jumping out of the car and stepkng the short distance to my side and tiling so all could hear, "Don't you act • smart! You don't realize I'm a busy :an. When I come home I'd like to spend little time with my folks." And again I said I was sorry! And again backed away. But you cried out, "You ait just a minute! Don't you act so high :d mighty!" And do you remember my answer, vis? I told you, "No one is acting high ■d mighty! I'm trying to be nice. I came ■t here to ask a favor of you. I didn't ally expect you to go — but I told those ds I'd ask. Now that you've given me ur answer I'll leave." But again you held me there. I can still s you leaning toward my car — dripping th rain — as you literally screamed, "You n't seem to understand that I want a tie time to myself. Whenever I come me people are always wanting me to do s — and do that — for charity!" Charity? Charity? Mr. Presley, let me I you one thing! . . . I didn't come out re looking for an autograph from the ck V Roll King! I don't care if you dig ditches for a living — so don't you get it in your head that I came out here for myself— that I'm running after you. . . ." And do you remember how you cut me short with, "Now you listen to me!" "Listen to you, Mr. Presley? I've heard your answer — so I've listened. But you just stand back and listen! I personally don't give a damn about you — or who you are! But I do care about those kids at that hospital — heartbroken because they can't go home for Christmas. They wanted you to stop by just long enough to say you were thinking about them. But no! You can't spare ten minutes! Sure, you can drop SI, 000 in the pot on Main Street and a photographer just happens to be standing there! But you can't drop in and see some kids who are less fortunate than you! I'm afraid I couldn't have the press standing there with the flash bulbs popping — showing what a thoughtful and wonder 100 FREE "ELVIS IS BACK" ALBUMS ■ How can you win one of RCAVictor's great new "Elvis Is Back" albums? Just fill in both sides of the form below (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) and mail it to us right away. Twenty winners ful person you are. No, I can't do that for you! Sure, I know you're busy! And I know a lot of people must be on you constantly for something! So go about your business and make all your fans happy! But don't you forget that those kids at the hospital — even though some are bedridden, some can't talk or wake up every morning and see what a beautiful world they live in, and others don't walk — those kids helped put you where you are today and they can very easily tear you down! Do you remember, Elvis? Do you remember how I sat there with tears of joy streaming down my cheeks because I could appreciate life to the fullest — and tears of sorrow for kids who cared enough for Elvis Presley to think he might possibly stop by and say hello? Do you remember later your reply, "I'm busy — you'll have to come back later on." Do you remember, Elvis? will be chosen from each of the following areas — on a basis of the date and time on your postmark: Eastern States, Southern States, Midwestern States, Rocky Mountain and Pacific States, Canada. And even if you don't win an Elvis album, you'll be glad you sent this ballot in because you're helping us discover the recording stars you really care about. MAIL TO: RECORDING STAR POLL, MODERN SCREEN, BOX 2291, GRAND CENTRAL STATION, N.Y. 17, N.Y. SINGLES If you own any singles (a record with one song on each side) by any of the following performers, please make an X in the box next to his name: Ames Brothers O Johnny Horton □ Paul Anka Q Marv Johnson □ Annette Q Brenda Lee □ Frankie Avalon □ Little Willie John □ LaVern Baker □ Rick Nelson n Brook Benton □ Patti Page □ Pat Boone □ Platters □ Brothers Four □ Elvis Presley □ Johnny Cash □ Lloyd Price □ Bobby Darin □ Jim Reeves O Fats Domino □ Debbie Reynolds □ Lonnie Donegan □ Marty Robbins [J Tommy Edwards Q Jimmie Rodgers CI Everly Brothers Connie Stevens □ Fabian □ Neil Sedaka □ Eddie Fisher [J Conway Twitty □ Ella Fitzgerald □ Sarah Vaughan Connoe Francis □ Jackie Wilson ,1 81