1947 Norfolk, Virginia

Jean Gile

1941

Norfolk Virginia

Interviewed on 1/31/19

by Garrett Gile

The first movie I ever saw was probably Bambi (1942). Yes, it must have been Bambi. It was so long ago, but that’s the earliest I remember going to a theater. I must have been about 10 years old. Every kid had seen it. They re-released it a few times, and I saw it during one of those re-releases. A lot of the first movies I saw were cartoons, now that I think about it. I think Snow White was also one of the first movies I saw. The cartoons were so colorful and so entertaining. The most lasting memory I have of Bambi was being so sad when Bambi’s mom died. That part was terrible, I was so upset. I remember that feeling sticking with me. It’s the first thing I think of when I recall that movie. I remember the feelings I had from the movie more than what actually happened in it. I also remember being terrified when there was a scene with a forest fire. I think at one point Bambi had a fight with his girlfriend and I didn’t like that part. I was young, and I wanted everything to be happy in the movie.

I remember the characters really well. I loved Thumper, and I was always happy whenever he was on the screen. Flower, too, was adorable and I liked him a lot. My sisters and I would always quote the Owl, saying “Oh, what now?” We said that around the house constantly. The characters definitely stayed with me. They were made for kids, and I was at a good age to enjoy how happy and funny and light they all were.

When I saw the movie, I was with my mom and my sister, Brenda. Like I said, everyone had seen Bambi, so my mom took the both of us down to the theater. It was called Lowe’s Theater, I think. Yes, like the hardware store. This was when we were little and lived in Norfolk, Virginia. The theaters were different back then; there were ushers that led us to our seats. We didn’t just go seat ourselves like you would today. There was a concession stand outside. We’d always get popcorn, of course. That was always the classic snack at the movies. I also remember there was a candy called ‘Goobers’ that my sisters and I loved. I don’t think they still have them today. I think they were chocolate and peanuts. We’d beg our mom for them every time we went.

Overall, I remember the movies being a positive experience. It was a family affair when I was that young, as we needed Mom to drive us there. Brenda would be there, and Judy (younger sister) too when she got a bit older. It was always nice to share that with them, and going to the theater felt like a big deal. It was more of an outing than it is today, maybe because of the ushers and the theaters. They’re pleasant memories, the ones I have of the movies back then.