The Name on the Receipt

One of the rewards of working for a video store with such a large library of titles was that people would often seek us out for really hard-to-find titles. Especially in the days before the internet and online catalogues. Even older films when newly released on VHS could be difficult to locate for purchase. Most VHS titles were released at what was called "priced to rent", which meant they usually retailed for around $89.99 and retailers purchased them for about $59.99 or so. A store like ours would buy one or two copies per store and would regain the cost by renting them for a reasonable rental charge. But if a customer wanted to purchase one of these titles when first released they had to pay full price and usually order a new copy. Today most titles are released on DVD for $29.99 or much less. Back in the late 1980s a middle-aged gentleman approached the counter and said he was picking up a movie he had ordered. I asked his name and he replied "Bushman, Francis Bushman." I went through the cabinet of backorderd tapes and came upon the video of the 1925 silent version of the film, Ben-Hur. Wrapped around the tape was a receipt with the name Francis X. Bushman on the top. I placed the tape on the counter and entered the receipt info into the computer. Glancing over at the box cover to the film I noticed it read, "Starring Ramon Novarro and Francis X. Bushman." Hmmm? Looking up at the customer who looked to be in his mid-fifties or a little younger, I thought it couldn't be the same Francis X. Bushman. He would have to be over 100 years old. The younger namesake smiled noticing my befuddled look and announced.. "He was my grandfather!" I was relieved and excited and of course I was nosy and asked about his famous grandpa! He was purchasing the film for his own father, who had always wanted a copy on tape. His grandfather, the star of the film had passed away in 1966 the year I was born. He was 73. It was fascinating and one of those rare moments when working in retail seemed very rewarding and even a little educational.