It’s time, once again, to play our game called “Cast the Character.” Your challenge is to tell me or show me who you envision playing the role of this character when Dickens Station is made into a blockbuster movie or television series. Your selection can be real or fictional, contemporary or historical, or anyone you like.
Simple, no?
This week I’m seeking your vision of many readers’ favorite Dickens Stationer, Old Joe. As most of you know, Old Joe first appeared in my award-winning short story, Christmas Renewal, and has since made appearances in My Best Friend’s Valentine, A Sugarbush Easter, and in my latest short story, Cheyenne’s Valentine. So, if you are not familiar with Old Joe, or can’t get enough of the guy and want more, these stories are free to read on DickensStation.com. I also feature Joe prominently in Marley’s Curse, A Dickens Station Treasure Hunt Mystery, a full-length novel coming out on July 25th, just in time for Christmas in July.
For now, I will share the description of the one-wide-eyed Cockney with fingerless gloves I first shared with readers in Christmas Renewal, Old Joe.
A whispered voice echoed through the hollow structure, “ ’Oo comes to visit old Joe this time a’ night, eh? ’Oo be ye?” A hunched-over figure, unshaven, dark from soot, one eye fixed wider than the other, shuffled into the room. His long coat, open, black, and blotched with gray, dragged its unraveled hem on his lower side. He offered an eerily warm smile.
Who is Old Joe in your mind’s eye? Search the rogues gallery of your memory and cast an actor or some other figure in the role. Be sure to name your nominee in a comment on this blog or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
I’m anxious to see who you come up with.
Until next time.
James Earl Jones
I like the way you think! Good choice.
I’m thinking Dick Van Dyke, a version of the Cockney chimney sweep in “Mary Poppins.”
I can see that. Good choice.
I was thinking Dick Van Dyke like Ben. 😊
I can see why. Great minds think alike.
I think Woody Harrelson would make a good casting choice for Old Joe.
What an interesting choice. I would have never thought of him but I can see why you nominated him. Good choice!