Meaning a lot to me

No one was more surprised than I was when Christopher Walken called me up on my mobile phone from LA.

“Hi Ruth, it’s Chris.  Christopher Walken.  Do you have a minute, is now a good time?”

“Well Chris” I replied, “I have to say, you’ve caught me at a bit of an awkward moment.  I’m meeting some friends in a while and I’ve a few things to do before then.  But perhaps I have a minute or two, how can I help?”

“I won’t keep you” promised Christopher Walken.”Well alright then” I replied.

“I’ve been offered the role of a Welsh man in a movie next year” he continued “and, you know, I was just hoping that you might be able to offer me advice and guidance as I prepare for the role.  I was hoping you would come out to LA tomorrow and work with me on the accent”.

“I don’t know Chris” I said “see the thing is, how will I get there?”

“My jet is on stand by in Paris with Marty and Bob.  They’re good people and looking forward to working with you too.  We’ll do voice-work, party, I’ll show you the west coast.  It will be great.  I mean, everyone is really excited out here”.

“Oh I don’t know Chris” I said “to be honest with you the Welsh accent is one of the hardest things for an actor to take on, see.  The best most actors can do, and I mean the very best they can hope for is to sound like they come from Islamabad.  I don’t know if I can help you at all.  Have you tried a professional voice coach?”

“No Ruthy.  No Ruthy baby, that’s not my road” he replied.

“Well Chris” I said “I won’t lie to you.  I’ve loads on this weekend, it’s mental, I don’t think I can help you at all.  Sorry love”.

“OK, OK, OK.  Well thanks Ruthy and I hope to see you at the premier right?”

“Yeah, you too Chris” I said “oh, before you go though, I’ve said it before to others so I’ll say it to your face now.  The Deer Hunter is one of my favourite films of all times.  Honestly”.

“Thank you” said Christopher Walken “that means a lot to me”.