| by Maria Ingmire  | She Recognized My Foul Stench…. When I was twelve years old I saw Star Wars for the first time, even though the film had been in theaters for probably a couple of years at that point. My dad was enlisted military, and we never had much money for entertainment. Consequently, I didn’t get to see this exciting “new” movie until well after all my classmates at school had seen it, and only then in the crowded second-run bargain theater on base. |
There she was--Princess Leia, defying Grand Moff Tarkin, pushing her way past the “walking carpet,” and accusing Han of trying to get everyone killed. I wanted to be Princess Leia so badly. She was intelligent, sarcastic, and tough. Okay, she was pretty, too, even with the cinnamon buns on her hair. I suspect every Geek Girl has had that urge to be Princess Leia at least once.
| In 2011, Carrie Fisher finally appeared as a guest at Dragon Con in Atlanta. Photo ops with the celebrity guests are not exactly cheap, but this was the A-list for geeks. As soon as the information appeared on the website, I made a note because I would NOT be missing my chance to have my photo taken with Carrie. |  |
To add to my experience, I also waited in her autograph line with my then 12-year-old daughter, just so that I could have a 3-minute conversation with Carrie and say how much I admire her work. Depending on the celebrity, a con guest can usually stand in line and wait to say hello to that celebrity, even when not actually buying an autograph. (When trying this, make sure to ask the staff member at the line whether that celebrity is willing to just chat.)
When it was our turn to meet Carrie at her autograph table, I was not disappointed. Carrie engaged with my daughter and admired her fairy wings. She also looked directly at me and said my daughter was pretty, just “like her mother.” I will carry that compliment to my grave.
When it was our turn to meet Carrie at her autograph table, I was not disappointed. Carrie engaged with my daughter and admired her fairy wings. She also looked directly at me and said my daughter was pretty, just “like her mother.” I will carry that compliment to my grave.
The piece de resistance of Dragon Con 2011, however, occurred at Carrie Fisher’s panel. One of my favorite scenes in Star Wars: A New Hope occurs when Princess Leia banters with Grand Moff Tarkin. (One of these days, someone needs to explain to me whether “Moff” is the guy’s first name, an actual title, or just a pet nickname...)
At panels, I sometimes try to get in line to ask a question of that celebrity. When a celebrity is as charming and quick-witted as Carrie, the panel is never dull. I asked her about the “British accent” she uses in the film, and she gave an amusing response, which isn’t entirely flattering towards George Lucas’s scripted dialogue, but that’s a discussion for another time.
Here is the actual recording of that panel - I’m near the 20:00 mark, around the time the fire alarm goes off.
Yes, that is Carrie Fisher quoting Star Wars lines at me at Dragon Con. Not many can say that Princess Leia recognized their foul stench, but I can now say I’m one of those few.
