 |
Cultural Background |
|
Storyteller's Cabin |
After what seemed like hours driving through the misty darkness, the cab finally pulled up to a brightly lit building. "Here we are, sir," said the driver as he pulled beside the doors. Jack got out, and his eyes widened immediately. The Hotel Scofield was a grand, 15-floor brick edifice very much in the style of 1940s luxury hotels. It was a solidly built, narrow building, with a golden awning, red carpet and gas lamps glowing warmly in the foggy night.
The doorman smiled at Jack and opened the door into the lush lobby. Sparkling crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, red velvet curtains flowed over the windows, and plush chairs and sofas invited weary guests to relax in luxury. Jack smiled as he looked about Ð he had hit the jackpot. Like the taxicab, the hotel didn't look restored as much as it did looked after. The management seemed to take great pride in transporting its guests to another time. It would work perfectly for the film.
Jack walked up to the front desk - which was made of deep blue marble with polished gold trim - and asked the manager for a room. The slightly plump man smiled warmly and replied, "Well, we tend to be busy this time of year, but we might have one more room." After checking the registry, the manager said, "You're in luck - we have a room available on the top floor. Best view of the city!"
With that, he signaled a bellhop to grab Jack's bags. As Jack followed him toward the elevator, he noticed something strange. The guests in the lobby wore fancy eveningwear - the men in tuxedos, the women in long vintage dresses. There were also soldiers milling about in green, World War II-looking uniforms, grabbing the attention of the giggling single ladies. Champagne was flowing everywhere. Children in their best suits and dresses ran laughing around their parents' legs. All smiled warmly at Jack as he walked by. Have I wandered into a costume party, thought Jack. Or worse - is someone already shooting a movie here?
Jack heard a piano player playing the standard "Auld Lang Syne" in the smoky cocktail lounge. Then he noticed the decorations Ð a giant Christmas tree glowing brilliantly in the main sitting area, a wreath hanging over the fireplace, greenery with red bows draped over the railings. Nothing unusual - except that it was mid-April.
It was then that Jack froze in his tracks. Across the fireplace was a huge banner that read, "Happy New Year 1946."
At the end of the hall, the golden elevator doors suddenly swung open. Inside was a car full of holiday revelers, all smiling warmly at Jack. One of the men reached out his hand and said, "Come on up, buddy. I think there's room in here for one more."
Return to top
