Mr. Rogers was perhaps the most likable man who ever lived. I grew up watching him, learned about the world through his neighborhood and to be kind (or as kind I can be) during any situation. The only other man who can get close to him in terms of likability is Tom Hanks.
So imagine my delightful surprise when I heard that Tom Hanks will play Mr. Rogers in a fictionalized biopic of his life, "It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood." In the film, journalist Lloyd Vogel talks to the acclaimed TV host about his life. He was supposed to seek the "real" Mr. Rogers, a.k.a. his defects of character, but instead, Vogel was surprised to find out that the man doesn't have a bad bone in his body. Though Mr. Rogers wouldn't have admitted it himself, he was always the perfect man: kind, good-natured, and forgiving. And Hanks played that role perfectly!
I was so enamored by the prospect of Hanks playing Mr. Rogers in a film, as well as its trailer, that I just had to get his autograph on my poster. Fortunately, I live in Hollywood and I get to go to all sorts of red carpet movie premieres. Of course, I went to this one. Alongside my sister and his boyfriend, we all hoped we'd get the chance to see Tom Hanks. And of course, get him to sign our posters.
We eventually got most of the cast to sign our posters, but the man we wanted—nay, needed the most—was Tom Hanks. When he finally arrived on the red carpet, we were almost adamant to get his attention. The only real way was to scream for him and we were initially apprehensive to do it. mostly because photographers were already shouting at the man so that he could pose for their cameras. But also because he's such a nice man that we didn't want to shout at him.
Eventually, however, we didn't have any choice. We screamed at the top of our lungs and we got his attention. He went by us, signed our posters and even chatted a little. He really is such a nice guy. Like a father you can always depend on or an uncle who will always help you no matter what.
If the world was fair, this man would win the Academy Award for his portrayal of Mr. Rogers. Through the latter's spirit, he made a beautiful day in the neighborhood that much more beautiful!
Please note: Our inventory is limited as we may have only received a few posters in total. Most of our items are obtained from film premieres, studios, and from autographed hounds such as the one in the story above.