Another Senior Day At The Cinema

Mom called the other day and asked if I wanted to go see the new movie The Second Exotic Marigold Hotel which I agreed to go to since I didn't have anything better to do. We decided to go to the afternoon matinee and went to Applebees for lunch. It was really a hard decision about lunch because we usually like to go to Red Lobster when we're in the neighboring town. After lunch, we purchased our tickets, bitched about the price of the popcorn and walked inside the movie theater. I thought it was strange when the lady selling the tickets said that we had purchased the last two tickets and the movie was now sold out. It was a Wednesday afternoon, school was in session and I didn't think that this movie was supposed to be a blockbuster or anything. I soon got my answer when we arrived in Theater Two; the place was packed. It was filled with row upon row of old people, namely senior citizens. I was the youngest person in there by about 30 years. Even Mom, who ain't a spring chicken any longer looked at me strangely. "What the heck's going on," she asked. "Did they get Senior price? Did they get a group discount? How can I get in this group?" We found two seats up in the very last row and after tripping over two walking canes, a walker on wheels and a prosthetic leg we settled into our seats. The movie started and we were about 30 minutes into it when the tape broke. Mom elbowed me and decided that she wanted popcorn after all and now would be a good time to get it. I agreed and started down the steps when I heard someone ask me if I was going to the concession stand. I stopped and looked towards the voice and was startled to see the smallest little old lady imaginable. I said I was and she asked if I would get her something too. Her legs don't move so good especially when she's been sitting awhile. I nodded in agreement, collected her money and started back down the steps. Another voice chimed in. And then another. Finally, once I reached the bottom of the stairs, I just asked the entire audience who wanted popcorn. Almost every hand in the theater wobbled upright. I looked a little scared I think because the lady on the bottom row said, "Come on honey, I'll help you." It seems in the rush to get the Soothing Waters Assisted Living Home residents inside the theater before the movie started someone had neglected to ask the Seniors if they wanted any refreshments. And that's how for the next 30 minutes, myself and my helper, Genevieve, made about 25 trips to the concession stand. The manager of the theater noticed what we were doing and didn't restart the movie until we had finished. Everyone had popcorn and everyone had a drink! Well, almost. When I walked backed up the stairs totally exhausted to reclaim my seat Mom gave me a quizzical look. "Where's my popcorn?" she asked. "Here, honey," the lady in front of us said, "she can have the rest of mine. I only wanted a bite or two anyway." We accepted her offering and after the movie got back into the car. "Where's my ten bucks?" mom asked. "What ten bucks?" I asked. "The money I gave you for the popcorn; you didn't get me any, remember?" I just smiled and handed over the money...

An One Senior

Mom and I went to dinner and a movie this weekend. We saw the Curious Case of Benjamin Button and then had dinner at a new Cuban restaurant. The movie was interesting, albeit a little bit curious. Anyhow, at least it was different. Movies have gotten really expensive. The regular price for an evening show is $9.75. The matinee (before 6 PM) price is $7.25 and the Senior rate(age 55 & over)is also $7.25. As we waited in line to puchase our tickets Mom kept reminding me to ask for the Senior rate--make sure you ask for the Senior rate. Since it was before 6 PM, the matinee and Senior tickets were going to be the same price so I didn't mention the Senior rate. Oh my goodness! Mom went Senior on me and the ticket agent: "What kind of place you people running here? I worked my whole life paying school taxes to keep you kids in pimple cream and xerox paper. You think you could help a senior out by giving them a discount on a movie ticket. And furthermore, why does it cost 15 bucks for a drink and popcorn? I know those big time movie stars make 40 million a picture, but why should I have to pay for it? As a senior that has proudly paid her taxes since before our current President was born, I think I deserve a discount." Nobody said anything until the ticket agent said this: "It's after 6 PM, so I'm going to have to charge you full price of $9.75 and..." "An one Senior"!