|
|
|
Tall in the Saddle (1990)
written by Teresa Klakamp
Tall in the Saddle was Kurt's first made for TV special which was filmed in
1990. In addition to Kurt, Kristi Yamaguchi, Gary Beacom, Michael Slipchuk
and Norm Proft are also featured in this show. As with Jump, Tall in the
Saddle shows the ranch where Kurt grew up and includes segments with Kurt and
his family and friends talking about Kurt growing up, his skating career and
of course, the quad. Kurt also skates a number outside in Tall in the
Saddle, but it is different than the number he does in Jump (I don't know the
name of this all musical piece). After that, any similarity between Jump and
Tall in the Saddle ends.
In one segment, Kurt talks about an older gentleman named Walter who really
changed the way Kurt views skating. Kurt then skates to a cute number while
dressed as "Walter." Later, Kurt talks about his friendship with Kristi and
skates a western number with Kristi in the Kurt Browning arena. I really
enjoyed this number and watching the rapport between the two of them. Kristi
also skates a solo number right before their duet.
Tall in the Saddle has many scenes outside with the background of an old
western town. Kurt does a number with Michael Slipchuk and Norm Proft to the
music of Rawhide. I always think of this routine as The Three Amigos. My
favorite number is a showdown on the ice between Kurt dressed as the cowboy
and Gary Beacom dressed as the bad guy. They skate to the Devil Went Down to
Georgia and this music really showcases the incredible footwork that both
skaters possess.
There is also a clip from a show with skaters from the Royal Glenora Club
which I believe was done just for Tall in the Saddle. All of the skaters are
introduced on the ice and skate together, again to a western theme. My
favorite quote from Tall in the Saddle is actually from Kristi Yamaguchi,
right before this number starts. She talks about how much fun it was for her
to get ready for this show because "its not every day you get to put on a
show." How ironic to watch Tall in the Saddle now and hear her say that when
she probably feels now like she does put on a show every day. At least the
skaters must all feel that way during the touring season.
Later in the program, Kurt talks about the respect he has for Gary Beacom and
then Gary skates a solo number outside. I didn't enjoy this number, but I'm
sure there are people who really like it. The routine alternates from an all
white costume with a black background to a black costume with a white
background (snow and ice).
Towards the end of Tall in the Saddle there is a mock rodeo with Kurt as the
clown skating and telling jokes. Of course, these are the sort of jokes that
make you groan out loud when you hear them and then laugh in spite of
yourself. Kurt even rides one of those stick horses like the ones children
play with. All in all its a fun segment to watch.
Tall in the Saddle ends with Kurt outside on the ice again talking about what
skating means to him then skating to the song Tall in the Saddle. After that
some bloopers are shown from the making of Tall in the Saddle, and the very
ending shows Kurt standing beside his dad as the sun is setting in the
background. Every time I watch this part I am again struck by the
resemblance between Kurt and his father and I find this one little segment, a
few seconds long, a wonderful ending to the show.
Teresa Klakamp
|
|
|
|
|
