John Inman in Philadelphia, PA, October 5, 1997 (posted on 10.6.97)

- posted at: http://www.drh.net/jrice/www/Canteen/Read/ -

thanks to:

- "Mr Lucas" (flemingfan@aol.com) -

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Mr Lucas writes:

I had the pleasure of meeting John Inman in Philly on Sunday. It was the most
exciting thing I have done.
     I left Indiana early Sat morning and arrived in Philly about mis afternoon. I
went straight to the Willow Grove Mall where he was appearing to get confirmation.
The Store of Knowledge said they were expecting several thousand people to come
see him. The advised me to get there as early as possible. After talking to them
for a while I got a hotel room where I recorded Top Hat and Tails.
     The next day I got up at 7am and drove to the mall. I was of course the first
person to arrive since it would be two hours before the doors would open. Shortly
thereafter, a few other cars arrived.
     At about 9am, they opened the doors. There were seven of us who were among
the first. We lined up in front of the store and waited. I was about sixth in
line. Since he wasn't coming until 11am, we had two hours to talk to each other.
We discussed our favorite Britcom, favorite character, episode, etc. 
     At about 11, there were well over a thousand people in line. Then we could
see him come in the store through a back entrance. He spoke to them briefly and
then an employee told the first ten of us to come inside. All of us were very
nervous. I got out my books and camera and waited. Finally it was my turn. Mr
Inman remarked at how I came dressed in a suit with a tape measure around my neck
and a London collage tie. I told him I drove 600 miles to see him. He replied "My
heavens you have come a long way, haven't you? I shall have to visit closer to you
next time around." I then told him of my experience of working in a store and how
it resembled Grace Brothers. He replied, "Well, there's bound to be people like
that no matter where you go, isn't there." After he finished signing my books, I
got three quick photos. I thanked him for his time. He said, "I enjoyed meeting
you too. Have a safe trip back home." And that was it. I stayed in the store for
the two hours that he was there. He only saw a few hundred people and he stayed at
least a half hour later than expected. He then walked out to meet the thousand-
plus people that he didn't get to meet. Each person seem to be pleased that he
made an attempt to meet them. As he was getting ready to leave, everyone gave him
a huge round of applause.
     I found John Inman to be very nice and he took time to talk to each person.
Some told joke, others told him of his favorite episode. Everyone walked away
feeling that they had had the experience of their lives.
     After that, I headed home.
     I notice that people from all walks of life had come to see this man. Young,
old, black, white, etc. etc. had all come to see this man who has entertained so
many.
     I wasn't the only perosn who came from a long way. Fans from Wisconsin,
Brooklyn and Michigan also came.
     BTW, during the pledge drive, he mentioned that Mr Klein was dead, and that
hw will return to England in late October. He also said that he will be appearing
a Christmas play of Snow White, where he will play Snow White's nurse.

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