Adrian Frater, News Editor
Gloria Minto (stepping out of the limosine) shares a hearty smile with actors Bobby Smith (second from right) and Rodney Campbell (right) at Thursday night's opening of the movie, 'Gloria to Gloriana', in Montego Bay. - ADRIAN FRATER
WESTERN BUREAU:
IT WAS a red carpet affair at the Palace Multiplex, in Montego Bay, on Thursday night as Montegonians, elegantly clad in their finest wears, turned out in large numbers for the Western Jamaica premiere of the movie, Glory to Glorianna, which catalogued the life story of hometown girl, hotelier Gloria Minto.
Amid the fanfare associated with getting a chance to rub shoulders with dignitaries such as former Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, St. James Custos the Honourable Clarence Nelson and members of the city's civic, business and political fraternity, most of the attention was focused on Mrs. Minto and stars, who appeared in the movie.
Against a background of clinking wine and champagne glasses under an exquisitely-decorated tent erected at the entrance to the theatre, the excitement reached fever pitch shortly after 8:30 when the sounds of blaring police sirens signal the arrival of the four limousines, which transported Mrs. Minto and the stars to the venue in regal style.
Screams of delight erupted inside the tent as the stars led by Carol Campbell, who played Mrs. Minto in the movie and Rodney Campbell, who played her abusive husband Milton, stepped from the leading limousine into the glare and flashing cameras and video light.
DISCIPLINED
Despite their exuberance, the delighted patrons were quite disciplined as they lined up along the red carpet, flashing welcoming smiles at Mrs. Minto and the stars as they headed into the theatre where they were greeted by the various dignitaries. Some patrons were fortunate to get hugs from some of the stars, especially Teddy 'Zeeks' Price, of Royal Palm Estate fame, who was clearly one of the big favourites with the fans.
ENRAPTURED AUDIENCE
Inside the theatre, all eyes were glued to the big screen as the sights and sounds of the Lenny Little-White production began. As the plot unfolded, it became obvious that the patrons were siding with the 'Gloria' character as comments such as, "Me woulda throw hot water inna him ears" could be heard as the scenes of some of the vicious beatings Gloria got from Milton played out on the screen.
However, as the movie rolled along, more and more people were heard questioning Mrs. Minto's intelligence, some loudly proclaiming her ''a complete idiot' for allowing her husband to cheat, lie, steal and abuse her with impunity while she sat back and allowed it.
"Is one of these idiots I would like," said a young man seated in a row dominated by women. "Like how time hard and money fool, like this would suit me well."
GRAPHIC SCENES
While the plot offered up many graphic scenes, the scene that depicted various sections of Montego Bay and some of the city's familiar faces drew the most attention.
"Si John deh," screamed a delighted vendor from the Charles Garden Market as one of the scenes from the market appeared on the screen. Moments later, the same person jumped up in her seat screaming, "Si me deh ... unnoo no si me."
At the end of the movie, there were mixed reactions about its impact as the fans grabbed the opportunity to again meet and greet the stars. Some patrons were overheard saying they would be returning to watch the movie a second time while one obviously disgruntled woman declared, "They should have called it 'Royal Palm Extra' or 'Stupid.'
While not expressing his own opinion about the movie, Custos Nelson was quite forthright in stating, "I am proud of Mrs. Minto because she never allowed adversity to keep her down."
