Almost every small town in America has a special person who rides a bike, walks the streets, everybody knows and loves, and has at least one good story about. My old hometown, Rolling Fork, claims Calvin Dickerson as that person.
Rolling Fork has bragging rights when it comes to these special folks. Calvin is a bona fide movie actor who has appeared on the sliver screen in movie theaters all across the South.
You may recall a short piece in the Dispatch”s Lifestyles sections some weeks back about the independent movie “One Came Home.” Willie Bearden, classmate and good friend since childhood — now headquartered “up north” in Memphis — co-wrote and produced it.
Willie wrote one scene with Calvin in mind — a special person who collects Army patches for his bib overalls. Who could play Calvin better than Calvin? A no brainer. Calvin got the call, and another Delta star was born.
Malco Theaters was pleased with the success of the movie”s three-week run in the Memphis market. Riding that wave, they gave it a brief run in select markets across the South. Fortunately, many of us got to see it here in Columbus.
For those of you who may have missed your chance to see Calvin on the silver screen, I predict that you”ll get to see him in a year or two on one of the television networks.
This past week I was reminded while watching a late night re-run of the movie classic “Forest Gump” that “%&@# happens.” Once upon a time, Calvin was like you and me. “It” happened. When he woke up, he was a young boy all over again, this time forever.
Calvin has a special outfit for every occasion. For instance, whenever there is a special event in Rolling Fork, you can always count on him being there in his “security” uniform complete with security T-shirt and hat, bloused boots and key ring dangling from his belt. The key ring holds no less than 20 keys. I would give anything to know what wondrous places they unlock.
In the Army now
My favorite Calvin story comes from his special relationship with the local Army National Guard unit. Like everyone in the community, they, too, have embraced him. At the ready in a uniform the local troops designed especially for him, more often than not, he is present and accounted for at monthly drills.
Some time back, the unit was traveling to a training exercise when they noticed they had an extra soldier on board. There sat Calvin, his gig line straight, boots laced tight, all smiles and glad to be along in the service of his country. Needless to say, adjustments in troop strength were quickly made.
Red carpet night
“One Came Home” got a brief run in the Jackson market. An 80-mile trip is nothing for Delta folks; therefore, no surprise, Rolling Fork showed up in mass to support one of their favorite sons — no, make that two: Willie and Calvin.
Here”s where this story turns special. Local attorney and philanthropist Charles Weissinger, also a classmate and pal of ours, took on the role of Calvin”s chauffeur. Stars have a knack for getting their way. Calvin insisted on arriving in full costume for the premiere.
Making sure that this was a night to remember, Charles brought along a red carpet to roll out for Calvin”s grand entrance. Hometown boys — Willie, Calvin and now Charles — doing good.
I was honored to get in a brief visit with the Delta”s newest star a couple of weeks ago at Rolling Fork”s annual Great Bear Affair (that, by the way, gets bigger and better every year, with a special tip of the hat to perennial corporate sponsor Cellular South.)
Rather than his usual security attire, Calvin was dressed in his “One Came Home” costume, ready to sign autographs and pose for pictures with adoring fans. When I told him how so many of you came out to see his acting debut in Columbus, he beamed with pride.
As he turned and walked away, I was reminded at how the Good Lord has so many wondrous tricks up his sleeve to provide inspiration for those of us who”ll simply take the time to be inspired.
As always, Willie was there with his band, The Grayhounds, to close out the Great Bear Affair. He brought along a few DVD”s for Calvin to autograph and sell. Calvin may have discovered a new talent — sales.
His pitch? “Twenty dollars … fifteen for my friends.”
You guessed it. “One Came Home” DVD”s were selling like hot cakes for 15 bucks a piece.
Roger owns Bayou Management, Inc. and is also a semi-pro guitar player.
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