Sue Thornquist

Movies have always felt very real and personal to me. As a young teen, I went to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with my dad. I sobbed at the end when the two outlaws died. Concerned by my strong emotion, Dad told me sternly, “Sue, you need to learn that movies are not real life, or you’re going to have a tough road ahead.”

Fast forward to 1986, when Bruce and I were on our honeymoon in St. Maarten. We had spent the afternoon in a secluded cove, snorkeling and sunning. The scenery triggered something in my memory. A movie scene flickered to life.  

I could see the lovers Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr stretched out on the beach, kissing hungrily as waves washed over them.  I grabbed Bruce and told him I needed him to do something for me that required careful orchestration.

Bruce allowed me to position him on the white sand, water lapping at his feet.  I draped myself over him and explained, “We’re recreating a famous movie scene. No time to describe it.  We need to make out.”  

“Right here on the public beach?” Bruce asked.  

“Yes, right here. Right now. Go!”  

I had made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Click.

My best friend Suzy saw this photo and demanded to have a copy.  While not an exact replica of the movie shot, it is close enough that most viewers immediately say, “OMG, that’s the famous From Here to Eternity scene!”   Movie magic made real.

And an image for all eternity.