As a rule, I don’t care much for the old 1930’s-1950’s black & white films, and don’t get me started on the genre of westerns; (unless Jimmy Stewart is included). However, I was watching a movie on TMC today which was more enjoyable than most I have seen.
“Keep Your Power Dry”
Lana Turner was the headliner. One of the top three ‘on the marquis,’ however, was a lady named Susan Peters. I googled her bio, and noticed that she was 25 at the time she appeared in the foregoing movie.
I have written about this topic in the past, how that people who watch old movies almost play the part of prophets; since they know things which the individual on that long celluloid strip won’t find out ‘til later. And, I have often reflected how that adult actors in early to mid 20th century movies, by the time we watch their reruns, have mostly gone on to their reward. Odd to think that in some cases every individual in a given film is, by now, ‘growing daisies.’
But speaking of Susan Peters, at the fresh-faced age of 25 she completed the WWII era movie, (in which she and numerous other women portray members of the Women’s Army Corps, WACS).
And speaking of “playing the part of a prophet,” I discovered that this dear young lady was paralyzed in a hunting accident with her husband on January 1, 1945. As a result, Susan became a paraplegic, and was, for the remainder of her life, forced to participate in movie roles which accommodated her disability.
Pt. 2
Speaking of the remainder of her life, there wasn’t all that much remainder of her life. For you see, after her accident, and subsequent to her divorce in 1948, Ms. Peters became increasingly despondent.
Speaking of the remainder of her life, there wasn’t all that much remainder of her life. For you see, after her accident, and subsequent to her divorce in 1948, Ms. Peters became increasingly despondent.
And long before it was ‘popular’ among runway models, actresses, and others of ‘less noble birth,’ she lapsed into anorexia. As the 40’s gave way to the 50’s, she told her doctor that maybe it just wasn’t meant for her to ‘hang around’ any longer. She died in 1952, at the young age of 31; the result of dehydration and pneumonia.
Like anyone else I have pondered the seeming unfairness of the premature passing of children and young adults. And it simply cannot be properly explained, nor justified.
It seems the rich and famous have a premature death rate far and above that of the average person. You hear of suicides, fatal addictions, plane crashes, foolhardiness, etc. which so often short circuits the lives of the notable among us.
Of course, the events which transpired in the life of Susan Peters could just as well have happened to anyone. A hunting accident, paralysis, depression, an eating disorder, and resulting symptoms which culminated in her death.
My father was sensitive to what he considered the unfairness of children and young adults being taken out of this world in the flower of their youth; so much so that it was difficult for him to accept that God was anything but aloof, and “off doing His own thing.”
I can only surmise that, (as the scripture assures us) “God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways.” To reach what we might call a logical conclusion in this regard is beyond the capacity of any human being.
There is no especially interesting or memorable way to end a blog like this, nor a conclusion designed to provoke some insight. I have decided to leave such mighty meanderings in the hands of Providence; since I am convinced that our Lord is fair, and that He will, one day, make all things clear.
“We will understand it better by and by.”
By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 74. Copyright pending
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