
My Father Was An April Fool ~ Monday April 3, 2023
My Father was born on April Fools Day. Our relationship was rocky. Dad wanted things his way because he was the father. I know this because he told me. I wanted things my way because I was the daughter. He knew that because I told him. We drew our lines in the sand, and we waited for the other to blink. For me it was very simple. My father was usually wrong, and I was right.
The power and fun—and ultimately, the convincing logic— of Toto-As-Hero in Toto Too is driven by the cumulative evidence of Tulis McCall’s singular focus on canine sagacity and assistance in The Wizard of Oz. Through McCall’s narrative, the movie’s entire plot is recapitulated using only Toto’s wise and intuitive actions or reactions, while her tracing the movie’s dialogue explicitly affirms the dog’s importance. As illustrated in McCall’s talk, Toto is needfully integral to and necessarily ubiquitous in Dorothy’s story, not just a throwaway cutesy companion for her. Knowingly and engagingly recounted, Toto Too’s journey takes us through a series of isolated meanings which, as a whole, become greater than the sum of their parts, adding significant breadth and depth to the meaning of Dorothy’s best friend. Impressively written, Toto Too is stellar oral entertainment. I probably won’t watch the film again this year, but I’ll definitely listen again to this recitation.
Hands down! It IS Toto’s story. Brava, Tulis. There IS no place like home!!!!!
Brilliant observations! Toto has always been my hero!! He’s always there with a bark, a wag and a lick when needed! Great tale telling Tulis!!! 👏🏻👏🏻
Brilliant observations! Toto has always been my hero!! He’s always there with a bark, a wag and a lick when needed! Great tale telling Tulis!!! 👏🏻👏🏻 ❤️
Tulis’ musings are always so insightful. This one is no exception. What a refreshing way to revisit a familiar tale.
What a great insight on this story — making it new, Tulis!
How does that phrase go? deus de machina? Your analysis shows that was “Toto”lly the case in Wizard of Oz!
Oh Gordon…..