We
just watched “The Straight Story” starring Richard Farnsworth.
Ever since I saw him as Matthew in “Anne of Green Gables”, I’ve always
loved him … there was just something so kind about his face.
This movie was based on a true story of a 73-year-old man named Alvin
Straight who rode his lawnmower from Iowa to Wisconsin to see his
ailing brother one last time. Throughout the trip he meets a
number of strangers and has the opportunity to reflect on and share
bits of the wisdom he has gained over the course of his life.
It was a very touching movie … although a bit on the slow side.
Of course, how fast can you tell a story about a trip that took six
weeks at five miles an hour on a 1966 lawnmower? 
A definite tearjerker … more so if you know Richard Farnsworth’s story.
The
side story is that Richard Farnsworth had been diagnosed with terminal
cancer and suffered through great pain throughout the filming of the
movie. To escape his pain, he ended his own life with a
gunshot. He was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor for
his portrayal of Alvin Straight, but didn’t make it long enough to see
the ceremony.
Richard Farnsworth died on October 6, 2000 and is buried in a cemetery in the Hollywood Hills.
Poisoned by Fairy Tales 
That is the saddest thing I’ve read all day.