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by Rusty White
I have to admit that I got a thrill out of meeting Jerry and Elizabeth
Maren at the Memphis Film Festival. The Lollipop Kid from "The Wizard of Oz"
has always been a favorite cameo performance of mine. When I sat down to talk
to Mr. and Mrs. Maren, Jerry wasn't feeling to well. His delightful wife
Elizabeth did most of the talking.
EInsiders.com: Mr. Maren, you were in "Under the Rainbow." What was it like on the set
of that film, and how did what "Under the Rainbow" depict compare to what
really happened on "Wizard of Oz?"
Jerry Maren: That was a terrible movie.
Elizabeth Maren: Just a horrible film. It was nothing like what went on during "Wizard of
Oz." The munchkins weren't running around getting drunk all the time like
they said. We did make a lot of money for "Under the Rainbow" but it wasn't
like on the set of "Wizard of Oz."
Did you remain friends with Billy Barty over the years?
Jerry: Yes, we stayed in touch. It sad that he's gone.
Elizabeth: Jerry is years older than Billy was. Billy worked himself to death. He
never turned down a role.
Jerry: I haven't had to work so much. I made some smart investments and have
been able to enjoy retirement. Of course the real reason I've lasted this
long is the woman sitting next to me. Elizabeth is the worlds best cook.
What was it like on the set of "The Marx Brothers at the Circus?"
Jerry: Oh man they were funny. I couldn't keep a straight face. Groucho would
get you every chance he got. He'd do something to crack you up. He was the
funniest man I ever met. Harpo and Chico were funny, but not like Groucho.
Later at the panel discussion Jerry spoke about the third member of the
Lollipop Guild: Billy Curtis. Billy Curtis is best known to modern audiences
as the dwarf sheriff in Clint Eastwood's Western Ghost story "High Plains
Drifter." During the panel discussion Mr. Maren stated that Mr. Curtis wasn't
very smart and cited several forms of moral deficiencies. Actor Gary Gray, a
costar of Mr. Curtis on television came to his defense.
Gary Gray: I have to butt in here. I worked with Mr. Curtis and found him to
be very much the gentleman. He's not here to defend himself. I can't let this
pass. Billy Curtis is a very fine human being.
Jerry Maren: But stupid!
Mr. Maren played the announcer at the recreation of the "Gunsmoke " radio
show on Saturday afternoon. He an Elizabeth also treated the audience to an
impromptu bit of fancy ballroom dancing at the closing banquet.
Rusty White
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