In 1969 one of my favorite films was released: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It was sexy, fun, and thrilling, even if it didn’t end well.
Here are my MiniMemories glimpsing the Sundance Kids IN PERSON.
San Francisco, California (1980s): During my lawyering days, a group of us lawyers met for dinner at a elegant restaurant near San Francisco’s Civic Center. It was a very busy night. We waited for quite a while before our waiter stopped by to apologize for the delay. He explained that Paul Newman and his party were there and they were busy taking care of them. Paul Newman? Did he say Paul Newman? Right here? Well, the waiter no sooner said Paul Newman’s name than ALL the women at the table jumped up and went looking for Paul Newman. We spotted him with his beautiful blue eyes in a private room. Ahhhhh. If we hadn’t been more embarrassed than we already were to be gawking at him like teenagers, we would have lingered outside the door. Fortunately, we had enough dignity to keep walking. Slowly. When we returned to our table, all giddy with PaulNewmanness, the men had absolutely no idea what was going on with us!
Grand Canyon, Arizona (1996): When President Clinton opened up the magnificent Grand Staircase -Escalantes National Monument in southern Utah, there was a ceremony at the Grand Canyon. President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, and “gorgeous, sexy” Robert Redford were the dignitaries. We were on the “rope line” to shake their hands. Husband Ken was behind me; I gave the camera to him and told him to take pictures! When we had them developed, there was only one picture of Robert Redford! One! As for the pictures of President Clinton and me, later I was so mad at him over the Monica Lewinsky mess that I threw them out. I have no idea what happened to the lone Robert Redford picture.
Copyright © 2025 by Jane Iddings
Jane, your story triggered me thinking of my first date in Rochester. Louie and I went to the Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid movie at the old Chateau Theater. Your story was much funnier and more descriptive! Thanks for sharing.
Delightful , giddy girls , brought back memories of the infatuation my mom had with Clark Gable and Cary Grant ! Girls just want to have fun!
Thanks for sharing !
Gosh Jane, your little story triggered my nostalgia for the movie with Newman and Redford; those two gorgeous men! I also remember the disgust I felt reading about Clinton and “that woman” – I still shudder when I think of him. Your story is a blast from the past – thanks so much for waking up those memories.