Post by conwention on May 22, 2013 15:29:17 GMT -5
This is an in depth study of a trip to Los Angele's mentioned in a previous story called ( CYNTHIA.)
Location - Lancaster Calif 1930
Characters
Ethel Gumm - Judy's mother.
Frank Gumm - Judy's father.
Cynthia - Fictional cousin of Muggsie. Cynthia is visiting from Phoenix Arizona.
Muggsie ( Ina Mary Ming ) - Judy's best childhood friend.
Babe, baby ( Francis Gumm ) - Judy Garland.
Judy lived in Lancaster from 1927 to 1933.
Judy is eight years old in this story and Muggsie and Cynthia are ten.
Judy's nick name as a child was Babe.
I'm going to use both the names " Judy " from our perspective and " Babe " from the other characters perspective in this story.
THE SIERRA HIGHWAY # 3
Judy was looking off into the desert. The shimmering heat that was rising from the desert floor was distorting the light waves. She could see off in the distance a dark object darting quickly back and forth near the ground. Probably a Coyote she thought. Judy loved being where she was at right now. She was at the " Spittoon ". The Spittoon was a few buildings on the north side of a railroad spur on the northern edge of Lancaster. It was a refuge for those who didn't exactly fit in with the normal life of Lancaster. A place for one to think and to look a new. Judy and Muggsie fit the bill exactly. They were of the very few women to be granted membership to the Spittoon and the only children to do so. Their dues were the great Swing and Black Gospel records ( lifted from Ethel's vast collection ) that made the Spittoons pool room juke box the swinginest in Lancaster. Judy and Muggsie could get their smokes and occasional shot of whiskey there. Everyone at the Spittoon had their own special nick name used only there. Judy's was " Lefty " and Muggsies was " Butch ". Judy was sitting on a soda chest near the gas pump watching Muggsie fixing a flat on one of the bikes. It was acknowledged that Babe was pretty useless where the mechanical laws of nature were applied. Babe continued her visual study of the desert and amused herself by fluttering her left cheek as she exhaled. Muggsie was always in awe of the seemingly endless examples of idiocy that Babe demonstrated, this genius of song and live performance. Muggsie had seen Babe selfish, spoiled, vain, totally helpless and at times she could display a tender gentleness that defied description. Just then Cynthia came out of the pool room with three new ice cold bottles of Coke. Muggsie nodded to Babes cheek fluttering and both Muggsie and Cynthia grinned and shook their heads. Babe, sensing that she was being laughed at, turned her head silently like a rattle snake to face her companions and fluttered her cheek again to show her indifference. You guys have got a nice desert out here, Cynthia said while handing out the Cokes. The desert back in Arizona is harsher and vast. Yours is softer and full of surprises. Babe comes from a place up north where they have lots of forests and lakes ( Muggsie said. ) What was that like Babe? " Cynthia asked while taking a sip of Coke. " " Girls " Judy said, those forests were so thick and wild I heard stories of whole families going ten feet into the woods from the road for a picnic, getting lost and never being heard from again. ( Everybody needed a swig of Coke after that one. ) Judy said to Muggsie, " Muggsie " have you asked Cynthia yet? Muggsie, tightening up a bolt on the bike she was working on didn't answer. Cynthia looked at Muggsie and said, ask me what ? Ask me what Muggsie ? After a short pause Babe said " Muggsie " in a long drawn out manner. Muggsie sighed, put down her wrench and looking up at Cynthia said, Babe wanted to know if you've ever seen anyone as funny lookin as her back in Arizona. Judy burst out, aw! that's not what I asked Muggsie, always tryin to be funny ain't ya. Cynthia had witnessed several such encounters between Babe and Muggsie in the few short days she'd been hangin out with them. A game of putting the other on. Babe seemed to win most of the battles but Muggsie would lay and await, attacking Babe at her most vulnerable moments which made her explode with anger, but Babe would secretly chuckle the rest of the day, no doubt admiring Muggsies ruthless style. Muggsie walked over to where Judy was sitting on the soda chest, put her arm around Judy's waist and kissed the cheek that Judy instinctively offered. All now forgiven. Muggsie said to Cynthia, Babe wanted to know if you'd like to go to Los Angele's with us tomorrow for an audition Babe has. Please say yes Cynthia, Muggsie pleaded.
Bang ! The Buick backfired as it rolled out of the Gumm driveway at four am. It turned right on Newgrove street and then right on the Sierra Highway to begin its journey through the San Gabriel Mt's. Cynthia with Judy and Muggsie who were already asleep, were huddled in the back seat, the car still cold. Cynthia peered out into the darkness watching the Lancaster street lights and random house lights flash by. They quickly reached the edge of town and entered the vast darkness of the desert with the Buick now steadily gaining in speed to where it seemed that the wining of the engine and tires were becoming a frightening defiance to God. Cynthia leaned back in the seat, closed her eyes and began to think about last night. She had a wonderful time last night. With everyone sleeping over at Babes in preparation for an early start, Cynthia was expecting an early, quiet night. Boy, was she wrong. The Gumm house was full of action. The Gumm parents had a dinner " bridge " party going on downstairs with singing around the piano. Judy, Muggsie and Cynthia were playing stud poker in Babes bed room upstairs. Judy hollering out " San Antone!! " excitedly when she would draw a new card for her hand, setting up a bluff by creating doubt in Muggsies and Cynthia's minds. Cynthia using this, the first of her Judy Garland expressions for the rest of her life whenever excited by something. Mary Jane and Virginia dropping by the bed room with their friends who were always interested in talking with Judy for a few minuets and just looking at her. Cynthia had noticed this phenomenon while being with Babe. People would just stair at her to study the exquisite look of bliss on her face, and through it all the incredible sound of Babes laughter that she had stolen from heaven as she ran from one end of the house to the other. Cynthia witnessing the future legendary night time raver to be. Cynthia fell asleep now in the back of the car creating a little pile with Muggsie and Judy. The Buick was running a steadie 90 mph when below Palmdale the Sierra makes a long sweeping right turn. Ethel down shifted using the engine to slow the Buick down while maintaining tire grip on the road ( which would have made Ralf Depalma proud ) and excelerated west torwards the imposing wall of the San Gabriel Mts. When Cynthia awoke they were deep in the mountains with the morning daylight glowing. Cynthia looked out the windows and saw towering rock walls above her only a few feet from the car. There were masive bolder fields way above them on steep mountains and valleys opening up revealing even greater mountains in the distance. It struck Cynthia as an errie and foreign world. Cynthia felt refreshed and excited for the day ahead. She noticed that Judy and Muggsie were still asleep. Did you get some sleep honey ? Ethel asked from the front seat. Oh yes Mrs Gumm Cynthia said as she leaned up against the back of the drivers seat. Ethel said why dont you come sit up here and talk to me Cynthia. Cynthia climbed over the seat and plopped down next to Ethel as Ethel gave her an encouraging smile, the Jimmie Dorsey band softly playing on the car radio. So whats this place were going to Mrs Gumm Cynthia asked. Ahh! Ethel responded. Its a nightclub called Lopezes. Its on the bottom edge of the mountains over looking Los Angeles. Some of the teachers at the Lawler dance school told me about the place and I went there one night on my way home from work. I just felt that the people there would be very receptive to Babe. I was very excited. As it turns out, the manager there already knew of Babe himself through Mrs Lawler and had seen her perform several times to and was excited about the idea of trying her out there to. This was Cynthias first hint of the second world that the Gumm family lived in. Cynthia looked in the back seat where Babe was lying asleep in Muggsies bussom ( both asleep ) with Muggsies arm protectively wraped over Babe. Cynthia looked at Ethel and said " what other places has Babe sung, Mrs Gumm? As Ethel ticked off a bewildering range of venues, radio shows and lost forever moments Cynthia was realizing she was repulsed by much of what was the show buisness world that went hand in hand for her true love of Babes sensual singing, the growl of Babes voice stiring the most primitive instincts in Cynthias soul. Cynthia knew she had only one shot at her next question as who better to ask than Babes own mother. Mrs Gumm she said. Is there something about Babes singing that you cant describe ? Ethel thought for a long time then stroked the hair on the back of Cynthias head. Yes, Ethel said. I know what you mean Cynthia. But I think there are questions one should not ask or think to deeply on. Babe is the only one who knows these answers and it is a burden that she alone will have to bear, never sharing it with anyone elese. Judy spoke up from the back seat " see Momma, I told you Cynthia asked good questions ". Cynthia turned to see Babe and Muggsie awake and coloring in their coloring books. Yes she does, Ethel answered. Its nice that you have a friend who asks such good questions. Everybody in the car knew this was directed at Muggsie and the tennsion was unbearable as everyone was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Mrs Gumm, Ive got to go to the bathroom Muggsie whined. Ethel chuckled and said yes, you ask good questions to Muggsie. They all stopped for breakfast at the Drago cafe ( now called the Half Way House cafe ) , Cynthia adding her carved initials next to Judys and Muggsies on the wall next to the front door. ( if you look, you can still find these initials today ). The girls made the usalual pigs of themselves, stuffing down their chipped cream cornbeef on toast and hot crossed bunns. Cynthia would put on ten pounds over the next two weeks just trying to keep up with Babe and Muggsie. Over the next hour the journey through the mountains in the car settled down to talk, coloring in books, bad jokes, listening to the radio and watching the scenery. As the seirra highway reached the higher limits of the San Gabriel Mts the radio waves from the Los Angeles stations were bouncing up the canyons and passes searching for the Buicks antena. As the car radio started to crackle alive with the call letters KR99 out of San Bernadino Judy, Muggsie and Ethel came alive with excitement. Cynthia got caught up in their excitement and for the first time could sense where they were going. Los Angeles, the home of movie stars, dreams, sunny beaches and excitement. Judy began squealing with delight as the radio began playing " Swingin At The Peabody " a new hit that was creating alot of excitement. Oh! mamma! mamma! Turn it up Judy cried out. Cynthia turned around in the front seat and watched Babe as she was swingin with the beat, eyes closed, hands held up to shoulder height, her butt bouncing in the seat, her Judy Garland smile all set as she waited for the next verse. Singing Babe bent her first note to find the correct key of the song and never looked back, her sweet voice ( punctuated with laughter ) filling the Buick but letting the music flow through. Cynthia had never seen cooler body language as Babe would acentuate the instance before and after a beat with body movment and facial exspressions. Muggsie was looking at Cynthia ( a proud smile on her face ) Muggsie was releved that she could share this with someone eles after seeing hundreds of demonstrations by her self. Through the instrumental section of the song everyone in the car was laughing and excitedly talking as Judy kept flailing away with her body, durring the last lyric of the chorus Judy laid down the word " Devine " in such a sensual and masculin way that it would tell you everything that you would ever need to know about " Judy Garland ". It was this way the rest of the trip. Song after song until everybody got sick of hearing Babe sing and told her to shut up. The Buick continued on for another hour loosing elevation as the San Gabriel Mts sloped downwards torwards Los Angeles. As the car went around a bend Cynthia was suddenly thrilled as she saw far off in the distance her first view of the sparkling Pacific ocean. Excitement picked up in the car again and soon they were entering the western outskirts of L.A. They left the Sierra Highway and turned on to Foothill Blvd. Cynthia could look at the city spread out below her. She felt a sense of freedom in the beautiful climate and scenery. She was glad she came. Ethel found what she was looking for and turned the car up Lopez Canyon road. They were going back up into the mountains but only a little way. This is where the Lopez night club was. Ethel pulled the car into a large ( mostly empty ) gravel parking lot of a pretty white stucco, large Spanish looking building that was Lopez'es. It was 7:30 AM. Girls, you know the drill ( Ethel said ). Muggsie, you keep an eye on Cynthia. ( Which the no nonsense Muggsie responded to the order with " Yes Mamm. " Muggsies seasoned rough road exsperience was an invaluable asset to the Gumm family where the aplication of muscel is frequently needed in the show buisness world.) Cynthia watched as Ethel handed Babe two small white pills wich Judy swallowed with a sip of water and went Ahh! as she wiped her mouth and gave Cynthia a wink. The inside of Lopez'es was painted in different shades of green. It was of an intimate size with a band stand, a polished wooden floor with tables and elevated tears of tables on the back and sides of a rounded room. It was a beautiful place. The three girls were sitting at a table at one of the back tears of the room watching Ethel talking with the manager in front of the band stand. Cynthia asked, Babe, have you ever sang at a place like this before? Judy kept quiet looking down at the glass of Coke in front of her. This aint nothin, Muggsie said speaking up for Babe. Last winter Babe did two shows at the Coacunut Grove in the Ambasidor hotel. Cynthia had a blank look on her face. ( Muggsie added ) thats where they have the Academy awards. I got Garry Coopers autograph the one night. Cynthia shook her head in disbeleve. She said to Judy " Babe " I know this isnt the best time to ask but I dont understand how you live in two worlds at the same time, singin for movie stars and doin belyflops at the Plunge back home. Judy looking up at Cynthia while slurping Coke up with a straw sat up and said, what did Mamma tell you drivin up here. She said there are questions best not asked. After a few moments of silence Muggsie said I know how she does it. Its all those dirty thoughts that Babe has about boys. Muggsie you promised, Judy reminded her. No I didnt Muggsie said. Right then Ethel waved to Babe, calling her down to the band stand. " Well " Babe said, here I go girls and she left the table. Muggsie saw the look of carring on Cynthias face. Look Cynthia she said. Your not the only one to ask such questions. Alot of the adults back in Lancaster think shes really pretty spooky. Iv'e heard my parents talk with their friends around diner about how Babe apears to be corupted by a trans - like gratification when she sings. They think that when shes older the normal pain of life will temper that. They say we should always remember her at this time because if Babe becomes a big star someday the show buisness industry will cover her up with their own idea of what they think entertainment is. Cynthia listened to every word Muggsie spoke to her with a great hunger and gratefull desperation. The two cousins held each others hand for a calming minute and the Cynthia said " so what about those dirty thoughts that Babe has ". Cynthia listened in stunned shock as Muggsie told her of Judys most deliciously vile thoughts of boys that brewed behind Babes large eyes and angel face. The two girls lost track of time with the intense nature of their conversation. Babe was standing big eyed looking up at Mr Davis ( the owner of Lopezes ) as he talked to Ethel.But Judys little heart was beating wildly as she fidgited impatiently wanting to get on the stage. She kept glancing at the musicians on the stage. A Black drummer and a White trumpet player talking amongst themselves about Babe. Judy flashed her most devastating smile ( the kind where she takes a deep breath and tilts her head when she exhales ) and waved to them. The trumpet player waved her to come over. Go on honey ( Mr Davis said ) go and be with your brethen. Whats your name sugar the trumpet player asked as Judy aproached them. I'm Frances but everybody calls me Babe. Sure ( the Black drumer Sam said ) this is little baby Gumm. She tore up the Lowes State Theater last winter, that place was swingin that night. What musicians you like honey Clancy the trumpet player asked her. The two musicians faces turned to a look of fear as Judy revealed her depth of musical knowledge of Black blues, Gospile and Jazz and her deep love of Hellen Walker from Mississippi. By now the rest of the musicians were gathered around Eddie Shapiro on bass, Dempsy McCoy piano and James Andrews on saxaphone, all captivated by Babes charm. Lets try the Lonley Night ( Clancy said ) what key you like to sing in honey? Judy said A flat for Swing and F for the Show tunes. Clancy counted out the song one two " one two three". After the short intro Judy felt wonderfull as she began singing, all of her pain flowed away and she felt at home. She heard behind her the men musicians grunt their astonishment and approval. She was fattening the song out like the butchers dog, she was going to comfort herself and let the men surround her and be apart of them. All of this was instantly communicated to anyone in the room, Judy let loose her leathery voice right before the instrumental part and took two steps back to let her lovers wash over her the power of their music as a look of exstasy and laughter took over Judys face. Muggsie and Cynthia expected nothing less watching from their table. When they finished their song the bass player Eddie said ( why Baby must be from Alabama , I can tell the way she bends her ss'es and makes your heart ache. ) Why yes sir I am tee hee Judy laughed in her terible southern accent. We used to haul tobacy on a flat boat riddin on the Southern river singin songs cussin out general Sherman by the light of a full moon. The band put Judy through a series of exercises to judge her ability. The trumpet player said Babe I want you to hollow out your words during the intro " End of Time " to let more of the instruments through. Cynthia and Muggsie heard more and more rich subtle sounds the instruments each time they ran through the intro with no loss of Babes power. The band finished up having Judy improvise talking back and forth with each instrument singing in scat in powerful Dixie Land jazz progressions only fit for the darkest seediest bar joints that Judy would have fit in perfectly. Ethel watching from the side with the owner was carful not to give advise to the band knowing that the band would not take kindly to any outside feedback. But Ethel and the owner agreed the band was just getting out there kicks out and would settle down a little before a big audience to let Babes charm set the tone. ( taking a typing break, will continue later )
Location - Lancaster Calif 1930
Characters
Ethel Gumm - Judy's mother.
Frank Gumm - Judy's father.
Cynthia - Fictional cousin of Muggsie. Cynthia is visiting from Phoenix Arizona.
Muggsie ( Ina Mary Ming ) - Judy's best childhood friend.
Babe, baby ( Francis Gumm ) - Judy Garland.
Judy lived in Lancaster from 1927 to 1933.
Judy is eight years old in this story and Muggsie and Cynthia are ten.
Judy's nick name as a child was Babe.
I'm going to use both the names " Judy " from our perspective and " Babe " from the other characters perspective in this story.
THE SIERRA HIGHWAY # 3
Judy was looking off into the desert. The shimmering heat that was rising from the desert floor was distorting the light waves. She could see off in the distance a dark object darting quickly back and forth near the ground. Probably a Coyote she thought. Judy loved being where she was at right now. She was at the " Spittoon ". The Spittoon was a few buildings on the north side of a railroad spur on the northern edge of Lancaster. It was a refuge for those who didn't exactly fit in with the normal life of Lancaster. A place for one to think and to look a new. Judy and Muggsie fit the bill exactly. They were of the very few women to be granted membership to the Spittoon and the only children to do so. Their dues were the great Swing and Black Gospel records ( lifted from Ethel's vast collection ) that made the Spittoons pool room juke box the swinginest in Lancaster. Judy and Muggsie could get their smokes and occasional shot of whiskey there. Everyone at the Spittoon had their own special nick name used only there. Judy's was " Lefty " and Muggsies was " Butch ". Judy was sitting on a soda chest near the gas pump watching Muggsie fixing a flat on one of the bikes. It was acknowledged that Babe was pretty useless where the mechanical laws of nature were applied. Babe continued her visual study of the desert and amused herself by fluttering her left cheek as she exhaled. Muggsie was always in awe of the seemingly endless examples of idiocy that Babe demonstrated, this genius of song and live performance. Muggsie had seen Babe selfish, spoiled, vain, totally helpless and at times she could display a tender gentleness that defied description. Just then Cynthia came out of the pool room with three new ice cold bottles of Coke. Muggsie nodded to Babes cheek fluttering and both Muggsie and Cynthia grinned and shook their heads. Babe, sensing that she was being laughed at, turned her head silently like a rattle snake to face her companions and fluttered her cheek again to show her indifference. You guys have got a nice desert out here, Cynthia said while handing out the Cokes. The desert back in Arizona is harsher and vast. Yours is softer and full of surprises. Babe comes from a place up north where they have lots of forests and lakes ( Muggsie said. ) What was that like Babe? " Cynthia asked while taking a sip of Coke. " " Girls " Judy said, those forests were so thick and wild I heard stories of whole families going ten feet into the woods from the road for a picnic, getting lost and never being heard from again. ( Everybody needed a swig of Coke after that one. ) Judy said to Muggsie, " Muggsie " have you asked Cynthia yet? Muggsie, tightening up a bolt on the bike she was working on didn't answer. Cynthia looked at Muggsie and said, ask me what ? Ask me what Muggsie ? After a short pause Babe said " Muggsie " in a long drawn out manner. Muggsie sighed, put down her wrench and looking up at Cynthia said, Babe wanted to know if you've ever seen anyone as funny lookin as her back in Arizona. Judy burst out, aw! that's not what I asked Muggsie, always tryin to be funny ain't ya. Cynthia had witnessed several such encounters between Babe and Muggsie in the few short days she'd been hangin out with them. A game of putting the other on. Babe seemed to win most of the battles but Muggsie would lay and await, attacking Babe at her most vulnerable moments which made her explode with anger, but Babe would secretly chuckle the rest of the day, no doubt admiring Muggsies ruthless style. Muggsie walked over to where Judy was sitting on the soda chest, put her arm around Judy's waist and kissed the cheek that Judy instinctively offered. All now forgiven. Muggsie said to Cynthia, Babe wanted to know if you'd like to go to Los Angele's with us tomorrow for an audition Babe has. Please say yes Cynthia, Muggsie pleaded.
Bang ! The Buick backfired as it rolled out of the Gumm driveway at four am. It turned right on Newgrove street and then right on the Sierra Highway to begin its journey through the San Gabriel Mt's. Cynthia with Judy and Muggsie who were already asleep, were huddled in the back seat, the car still cold. Cynthia peered out into the darkness watching the Lancaster street lights and random house lights flash by. They quickly reached the edge of town and entered the vast darkness of the desert with the Buick now steadily gaining in speed to where it seemed that the wining of the engine and tires were becoming a frightening defiance to God. Cynthia leaned back in the seat, closed her eyes and began to think about last night. She had a wonderful time last night. With everyone sleeping over at Babes in preparation for an early start, Cynthia was expecting an early, quiet night. Boy, was she wrong. The Gumm house was full of action. The Gumm parents had a dinner " bridge " party going on downstairs with singing around the piano. Judy, Muggsie and Cynthia were playing stud poker in Babes bed room upstairs. Judy hollering out " San Antone!! " excitedly when she would draw a new card for her hand, setting up a bluff by creating doubt in Muggsies and Cynthia's minds. Cynthia using this, the first of her Judy Garland expressions for the rest of her life whenever excited by something. Mary Jane and Virginia dropping by the bed room with their friends who were always interested in talking with Judy for a few minuets and just looking at her. Cynthia had noticed this phenomenon while being with Babe. People would just stair at her to study the exquisite look of bliss on her face, and through it all the incredible sound of Babes laughter that she had stolen from heaven as she ran from one end of the house to the other. Cynthia witnessing the future legendary night time raver to be. Cynthia fell asleep now in the back of the car creating a little pile with Muggsie and Judy. The Buick was running a steadie 90 mph when below Palmdale the Sierra makes a long sweeping right turn. Ethel down shifted using the engine to slow the Buick down while maintaining tire grip on the road ( which would have made Ralf Depalma proud ) and excelerated west torwards the imposing wall of the San Gabriel Mts. When Cynthia awoke they were deep in the mountains with the morning daylight glowing. Cynthia looked out the windows and saw towering rock walls above her only a few feet from the car. There were masive bolder fields way above them on steep mountains and valleys opening up revealing even greater mountains in the distance. It struck Cynthia as an errie and foreign world. Cynthia felt refreshed and excited for the day ahead. She noticed that Judy and Muggsie were still asleep. Did you get some sleep honey ? Ethel asked from the front seat. Oh yes Mrs Gumm Cynthia said as she leaned up against the back of the drivers seat. Ethel said why dont you come sit up here and talk to me Cynthia. Cynthia climbed over the seat and plopped down next to Ethel as Ethel gave her an encouraging smile, the Jimmie Dorsey band softly playing on the car radio. So whats this place were going to Mrs Gumm Cynthia asked. Ahh! Ethel responded. Its a nightclub called Lopezes. Its on the bottom edge of the mountains over looking Los Angeles. Some of the teachers at the Lawler dance school told me about the place and I went there one night on my way home from work. I just felt that the people there would be very receptive to Babe. I was very excited. As it turns out, the manager there already knew of Babe himself through Mrs Lawler and had seen her perform several times to and was excited about the idea of trying her out there to. This was Cynthias first hint of the second world that the Gumm family lived in. Cynthia looked in the back seat where Babe was lying asleep in Muggsies bussom ( both asleep ) with Muggsies arm protectively wraped over Babe. Cynthia looked at Ethel and said " what other places has Babe sung, Mrs Gumm? As Ethel ticked off a bewildering range of venues, radio shows and lost forever moments Cynthia was realizing she was repulsed by much of what was the show buisness world that went hand in hand for her true love of Babes sensual singing, the growl of Babes voice stiring the most primitive instincts in Cynthias soul. Cynthia knew she had only one shot at her next question as who better to ask than Babes own mother. Mrs Gumm she said. Is there something about Babes singing that you cant describe ? Ethel thought for a long time then stroked the hair on the back of Cynthias head. Yes, Ethel said. I know what you mean Cynthia. But I think there are questions one should not ask or think to deeply on. Babe is the only one who knows these answers and it is a burden that she alone will have to bear, never sharing it with anyone elese. Judy spoke up from the back seat " see Momma, I told you Cynthia asked good questions ". Cynthia turned to see Babe and Muggsie awake and coloring in their coloring books. Yes she does, Ethel answered. Its nice that you have a friend who asks such good questions. Everybody in the car knew this was directed at Muggsie and the tennsion was unbearable as everyone was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Mrs Gumm, Ive got to go to the bathroom Muggsie whined. Ethel chuckled and said yes, you ask good questions to Muggsie. They all stopped for breakfast at the Drago cafe ( now called the Half Way House cafe ) , Cynthia adding her carved initials next to Judys and Muggsies on the wall next to the front door. ( if you look, you can still find these initials today ). The girls made the usalual pigs of themselves, stuffing down their chipped cream cornbeef on toast and hot crossed bunns. Cynthia would put on ten pounds over the next two weeks just trying to keep up with Babe and Muggsie. Over the next hour the journey through the mountains in the car settled down to talk, coloring in books, bad jokes, listening to the radio and watching the scenery. As the seirra highway reached the higher limits of the San Gabriel Mts the radio waves from the Los Angeles stations were bouncing up the canyons and passes searching for the Buicks antena. As the car radio started to crackle alive with the call letters KR99 out of San Bernadino Judy, Muggsie and Ethel came alive with excitement. Cynthia got caught up in their excitement and for the first time could sense where they were going. Los Angeles, the home of movie stars, dreams, sunny beaches and excitement. Judy began squealing with delight as the radio began playing " Swingin At The Peabody " a new hit that was creating alot of excitement. Oh! mamma! mamma! Turn it up Judy cried out. Cynthia turned around in the front seat and watched Babe as she was swingin with the beat, eyes closed, hands held up to shoulder height, her butt bouncing in the seat, her Judy Garland smile all set as she waited for the next verse. Singing Babe bent her first note to find the correct key of the song and never looked back, her sweet voice ( punctuated with laughter ) filling the Buick but letting the music flow through. Cynthia had never seen cooler body language as Babe would acentuate the instance before and after a beat with body movment and facial exspressions. Muggsie was looking at Cynthia ( a proud smile on her face ) Muggsie was releved that she could share this with someone eles after seeing hundreds of demonstrations by her self. Through the instrumental section of the song everyone in the car was laughing and excitedly talking as Judy kept flailing away with her body, durring the last lyric of the chorus Judy laid down the word " Devine " in such a sensual and masculin way that it would tell you everything that you would ever need to know about " Judy Garland ". It was this way the rest of the trip. Song after song until everybody got sick of hearing Babe sing and told her to shut up. The Buick continued on for another hour loosing elevation as the San Gabriel Mts sloped downwards torwards Los Angeles. As the car went around a bend Cynthia was suddenly thrilled as she saw far off in the distance her first view of the sparkling Pacific ocean. Excitement picked up in the car again and soon they were entering the western outskirts of L.A. They left the Sierra Highway and turned on to Foothill Blvd. Cynthia could look at the city spread out below her. She felt a sense of freedom in the beautiful climate and scenery. She was glad she came. Ethel found what she was looking for and turned the car up Lopez Canyon road. They were going back up into the mountains but only a little way. This is where the Lopez night club was. Ethel pulled the car into a large ( mostly empty ) gravel parking lot of a pretty white stucco, large Spanish looking building that was Lopez'es. It was 7:30 AM. Girls, you know the drill ( Ethel said ). Muggsie, you keep an eye on Cynthia. ( Which the no nonsense Muggsie responded to the order with " Yes Mamm. " Muggsies seasoned rough road exsperience was an invaluable asset to the Gumm family where the aplication of muscel is frequently needed in the show buisness world.) Cynthia watched as Ethel handed Babe two small white pills wich Judy swallowed with a sip of water and went Ahh! as she wiped her mouth and gave Cynthia a wink. The inside of Lopez'es was painted in different shades of green. It was of an intimate size with a band stand, a polished wooden floor with tables and elevated tears of tables on the back and sides of a rounded room. It was a beautiful place. The three girls were sitting at a table at one of the back tears of the room watching Ethel talking with the manager in front of the band stand. Cynthia asked, Babe, have you ever sang at a place like this before? Judy kept quiet looking down at the glass of Coke in front of her. This aint nothin, Muggsie said speaking up for Babe. Last winter Babe did two shows at the Coacunut Grove in the Ambasidor hotel. Cynthia had a blank look on her face. ( Muggsie added ) thats where they have the Academy awards. I got Garry Coopers autograph the one night. Cynthia shook her head in disbeleve. She said to Judy " Babe " I know this isnt the best time to ask but I dont understand how you live in two worlds at the same time, singin for movie stars and doin belyflops at the Plunge back home. Judy looking up at Cynthia while slurping Coke up with a straw sat up and said, what did Mamma tell you drivin up here. She said there are questions best not asked. After a few moments of silence Muggsie said I know how she does it. Its all those dirty thoughts that Babe has about boys. Muggsie you promised, Judy reminded her. No I didnt Muggsie said. Right then Ethel waved to Babe, calling her down to the band stand. " Well " Babe said, here I go girls and she left the table. Muggsie saw the look of carring on Cynthias face. Look Cynthia she said. Your not the only one to ask such questions. Alot of the adults back in Lancaster think shes really pretty spooky. Iv'e heard my parents talk with their friends around diner about how Babe apears to be corupted by a trans - like gratification when she sings. They think that when shes older the normal pain of life will temper that. They say we should always remember her at this time because if Babe becomes a big star someday the show buisness industry will cover her up with their own idea of what they think entertainment is. Cynthia listened to every word Muggsie spoke to her with a great hunger and gratefull desperation. The two cousins held each others hand for a calming minute and the Cynthia said " so what about those dirty thoughts that Babe has ". Cynthia listened in stunned shock as Muggsie told her of Judys most deliciously vile thoughts of boys that brewed behind Babes large eyes and angel face. The two girls lost track of time with the intense nature of their conversation. Babe was standing big eyed looking up at Mr Davis ( the owner of Lopezes ) as he talked to Ethel.But Judys little heart was beating wildly as she fidgited impatiently wanting to get on the stage. She kept glancing at the musicians on the stage. A Black drummer and a White trumpet player talking amongst themselves about Babe. Judy flashed her most devastating smile ( the kind where she takes a deep breath and tilts her head when she exhales ) and waved to them. The trumpet player waved her to come over. Go on honey ( Mr Davis said ) go and be with your brethen. Whats your name sugar the trumpet player asked as Judy aproached them. I'm Frances but everybody calls me Babe. Sure ( the Black drumer Sam said ) this is little baby Gumm. She tore up the Lowes State Theater last winter, that place was swingin that night. What musicians you like honey Clancy the trumpet player asked her. The two musicians faces turned to a look of fear as Judy revealed her depth of musical knowledge of Black blues, Gospile and Jazz and her deep love of Hellen Walker from Mississippi. By now the rest of the musicians were gathered around Eddie Shapiro on bass, Dempsy McCoy piano and James Andrews on saxaphone, all captivated by Babes charm. Lets try the Lonley Night ( Clancy said ) what key you like to sing in honey? Judy said A flat for Swing and F for the Show tunes. Clancy counted out the song one two " one two three". After the short intro Judy felt wonderfull as she began singing, all of her pain flowed away and she felt at home. She heard behind her the men musicians grunt their astonishment and approval. She was fattening the song out like the butchers dog, she was going to comfort herself and let the men surround her and be apart of them. All of this was instantly communicated to anyone in the room, Judy let loose her leathery voice right before the instrumental part and took two steps back to let her lovers wash over her the power of their music as a look of exstasy and laughter took over Judys face. Muggsie and Cynthia expected nothing less watching from their table. When they finished their song the bass player Eddie said ( why Baby must be from Alabama , I can tell the way she bends her ss'es and makes your heart ache. ) Why yes sir I am tee hee Judy laughed in her terible southern accent. We used to haul tobacy on a flat boat riddin on the Southern river singin songs cussin out general Sherman by the light of a full moon. The band put Judy through a series of exercises to judge her ability. The trumpet player said Babe I want you to hollow out your words during the intro " End of Time " to let more of the instruments through. Cynthia and Muggsie heard more and more rich subtle sounds the instruments each time they ran through the intro with no loss of Babes power. The band finished up having Judy improvise talking back and forth with each instrument singing in scat in powerful Dixie Land jazz progressions only fit for the darkest seediest bar joints that Judy would have fit in perfectly. Ethel watching from the side with the owner was carful not to give advise to the band knowing that the band would not take kindly to any outside feedback. But Ethel and the owner agreed the band was just getting out there kicks out and would settle down a little before a big audience to let Babes charm set the tone. ( taking a typing break, will continue later )