Comments on: I Remember Betsy

By: Memories of Betsy | Gene Kelly Fans

Memories of Betsy | Gene Kelly Fans — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 02:14:33 +0000

[...] hearing of Betsy Blair’s death in 2009, Donna Pointkouski wrote “I Remember Betsy,” in which she recalls her memories of meeting, conversing, and ultimately forming a [...]

By: Elissa

Elissa — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:30:36 +0000

I happily remember being one of those people who was outside the theatre that night in Ann Arbor while Betsy and my husband shared a smoke. I’d wished I could have been able to have gotten into the more deeper aspects I found intriguing about Gene Kelly but sadly went blank. Still, Betsy couldn’t have been more gracious and down to earth with my family and I even when my very young daughter boldly asked Betsy what it had been like to kiss Gene.

I love to recall how elated she was that my husband didn’t just have the average cigarette to share but the a stronger Canadian brand. When warned by my husband they tended to be strong, Betsy replied, “Good!” and proceeded to puff on them with gusto.

I remember how Betsy loved my young daughter’s dress that night even though having injured her foot just before the trip, had to wear the most inappropriate shoes with her outfit. Somehow, I felt Betsy unphased by that little out of place detail. That’s how real she was.

I loved hearing from Betsy about how she’d taught herself dancing by tapping out the steps on her leg as she’d watch other dancers and her attempts to disguise the height difference between her and Gene.

When we met her again at Barnes and Noble, she was gracious yet again and remembered us going so far as to sign her book to me by knowing perfectly how to spell my not so easy name. It’s those small details that are the mark of a person’s true character and Betsy’s attention to those things showed her decency towards others no matter what walk of life they may come from. That is one of the things she most shared with Gene.

I am very grateful for the experience of meeting her that will forever leave an indelible mark upon myself and my family.

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:04:59 +0000

How nice it is to get a first hand experience on the type of person Betsy Blair was. Thanks Donna…

By: Thomas MacEntee

Thomas MacEntee — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:54:58 +0000

A great tribute Donna! Reading this I felt like I was right with you on each visit with Betsy.

By: Sheri Fenley

Sheri Fenley — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:31:43 +0000

Beautiful tribute Donna. Most people have a hard time trying to grasp the idea that movie stars and those in the public eye, are real people like you and me – they just have a little more pizazz than most human life forms.

Betsy sounds like the type of person who would be the same even if she wasn’t famous.

I do not think that this is a sanctioned “15 minutes of fame” (although pretty damn close!) since you co mingled with stars and did not solo. So there is still time twinkle toes for your turn. Mr. DeMille – she’s ready for her close-up.