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MMD > Archives > May 2011 > 2011.05.21 > 02Prev  Next


Player Pianos in Western Movies
By Cecil Dover

I do not remember seeing the Star Trek episode that Andy Taylor
mentioned in 110520 MMDigest.  However as a teenager in Temple City,
Calif., we lived two doors away from Gene Roddenberry who was, at that
time, a deputy sheriff in Temple City and I would mow his lawn on
Saturday mornings.

In 1955, much to my parents anguish and concern, I spent my "saved for
college" money ($500) to buy a player piano that had been for sale in
a local music shop.  All was mostly forgiven while the piano resided in
my parents home as it quickly became the center of most family parties,
with sing-a-longs to the what seemed like incredibly hilarious lyrics
to the many song rolls I had by then acquired.

Gene Roddenberry came over several times to view and hear my piano and,
as I was by then attending Chouinard Art Institute studying "film art,"
Gene, who by this time was getting into his television career, told me
if I ever needed help to let him know.  I wonder if his visits to my
player piano could have influenced the Star Trek episode mentioned.

I still have that piano.  Having been restored once since buying it,
it is now on loan to my neighbor as a practice piano for their eldest
son while he decides if he really wants to continue his studies on the
piano.

Thanks, MMD is the "Greatest!"

Cecil Dover


(Message sent Sat 21 May 2011, 21:28:49 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Movies, Pianos, Player, Western

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