The Meeting To Get It Right-- That Wasn't

Someone's interesting comment on the blog, inspired this post. It was said that when Bonnie and Clyde the movie came out in 1967, this person assumed that when people alluded to something non-heterosexual about Clyde-- it was felt some insider knowledge was in play, which they needed to respect. But now years later-- this individual sees things differently. This comment reminded me of a story I heard, regarding a fateful meeting-- a meeting with the intention of providing historical accuracy for the movie Bonnie and Clyde. But unfortunately this meeting never occurred, as it seems 1/2 the participants never made it-- to this historically important rendezvous.

As many will attest, some of the joys in knowing L. J. "Boots" Hinton, are the many wonderful stories and anecdotes he tells-- and also his down home Texas sayings or "Bootsisms" as some like to call them, which come cascading out of him on a regular basis. Now I'd heard "Boots" tell this story a number of years ago-- so when I read the comment about the movie, I called "Boots" in order to ask him to please recount this story again. Now there "are" some nuances to this tale, which I can't reveal. But don't feel bad-- as the basics of the story, will be insightful none the less.

The story goes that a dinner meeting was arranged by the movie's set director, to include Warren Beatty, Director Arthur Penn, Ted Hinton and "Boots" Hinton. Also in attendance at the Hinton's request, would be the Hinton's family attorney. It was said the purpose of this get together, was for Ted and "Boots" Hinton to provide historical background to enhance the movie's accuracy. However when the Hintons arrived and were seated for their meeting, they were informed that the Director couldn't attend-- as apparently he was having trouble with the rushes. An apology was also issued for Warren Beatty, who it was said couldn't make it, as he was called elsewhere on urgent business. Now for those who are good at reading between the lines, when I say some said to be elsewhere, were thought perhaps not too far away-- that may have a bit to do with some hard feelings that may have ensued, and well-- let's just say you don't mess with a Texas lawman-- especially one who's there to do a job.

So the long and short of it, no meeting-- and no clarification of historical content from the Hintons for the movie Bonnie and Clyde. Now it's been said that a Barrow cousin may have provided some guidance to the filmmakers. However I might question that, as some of the Barrows and Parkers ended up suing, for what were deemed inaccurate portrayals of themselves and their families. Of course the Hamer family also sued, in challenging the film's portrayal of Frank Hamer as a bungling lawman, who was captured and humiliated by The Barrow Gang. The Hamer family sued for 1.75 million dollars. Although the amount of the final settlement was gag ordered by the judge, it's thought the Hamer family was provided a substantial sum in winning their lawsuit. I believe I'm right in saying, all the family member's lawsuits were won vs the B&C production company.

It's perhaps too bad, some couldn't make the meeting that wasn't. And in an odd twist of fate-- in testifying for the Hamer family as the last surviving ambush posse member, and as a lawman who knew the truth regarding Frank Hamer's interactions with B&C (there was only 1)-- Ted Hinton's testimony helped seal the win for the Hamer family vs Mr. Beatty's production company. So in the end, not attending that fateful meeting-- may have cost it's producer plenty, and made it plain for those who know better, that Bonnie and Clyde the movie, although still a classic-- left a lot to be desired in the historical accuracy department. And concerning salacious B&C rumors which filtered into the movie-- I would think that conversation with Ted and "Boots" Hinton, might have cleared all that up rather quickly. My sincere thanks as always, to L. J. "Boots" Hinton for this timely recollection.