Sparkles and Shoes

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The Most Influential People Who Never Lived

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When TIME magazine comes out with commemorative issues I usually flip through in the grocery store, like the feature on The Royal Wedding, but never purchase them.  However, this past week one cover made me stop in my tracks – The 100 Most Influential People Who Never Lived. What an interesting idea for an issue and very thought provoking – I immediately began racking my brain for who I thought should be on the list and was very excited to see many of my favorites match up with those selected by TIME.  Here are five we agree on:

James Bond
“Shaken, not stirred”.  Yes please!  A big congratulations to Ian Fleming for creating such an amazing fictional in this British Secret Service agent. While the character was developed over the course of 12 novels and two short-stories I believe his real notoriety and place on the top of my list is due to the many attractive actors who have brought 007 to life over the course of twenty-three films.  Mr. Bond, James Bond you may come rescue me at any time and if you brought me a martini at the same time I would not be sad.

Cinderella
When I first read the description of the story of the girl with the glass slipper as a folk tale embodying a myth-element of unjust oppression/triumphant reward I wanted to simply cross it out.  No, this is a story about a girl who meets her prince charming, falls in love, and lives happily ever after, however,  I do understand the social relevance.  While the story dates back to the first century B.C. for me, and for most American’s, I associate Cinderella with the 1950 Walt Disney film.  I do have two favorite adaptations though –  Rodgers and Hammerstein Cinderella musical starring Brandy and Drew Barrymore’s Ever After.

King Arthur
This legendary British leader of the late 5th and early 6th centuries may have led the defense of Britain against Saxon invaders but to me he is just the little boy who managed to pull the sword, Excalibur, from the stone.  Growing up, especially having a younger brother, the tales of Arthur, his knights around the round table, and his adventures in Camelot were legendary.

Holden Caulfield
The 16-year-old protagonist of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye has become an icon for teenage rebellion since the book’s publication in 1951 and it only makes sense that as one of the most important characters of 20th-century American literature that he make the list.  The novel still ranks in my favorite books and I whole heartedly agree with TIME, he belongs on this list.

Rocky Balboa 
When I first watched Rocky I assumed the movie was based on a true story and as it is such a heartwarming tale I still wish it was true, but alas, Rocky is a fictional character. His role as the everyday man who started out with hard work and determination which led him to  overcoming obstacles and developing a career as a professional boxer is one version of the American Dream. The story is amazing but there is nothing quite as good as that feel good moment when he reaches the top of the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You go, Rocky!

These are just a few of my favorites from TIME’s list of The 100 Most Influential People Who Never Lived.  Below is the special issue’s table of contents, who would you cherry pick off this list? 

With this to think about I hope everyone has a splendid Labor Day weekend 
and I will be back on Tuesday!

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Comments

  1. Michael says

    Pierce Brosnon is my absolute favorite Bond. Ok, so I’ve really only seen his and the new ones, but still. That man was a perfect Bond. He already HAS the accent. Swoon!

  3. Dawnelle says

    Ooh what a fun list! and I honestly am kind of thrilled Cinderella made the list… and now I need to re-read Catcher in the Rye… Thanks Kelly!

  6. Kelly Ann says

    I did not watch it until I was in college but I am sure I would be even more in love if I watched it when I was ten!

  12. Kelly Ann says

    There absolutely should be one will all of the different adaptations over the decades and cultural variations of the tale!

  14. Sam @ Frills & Thrills says

    What a wonderful idea, thanks for letting me know about this list, it was so fun to read. I loved the couples and wish there were a real Nancy Drew, Buffy and Cinderella. Happy September Doll!!

  17. carly says

    I love this! I’m wondering if it’s still in stores because I’d love to look through it as well! I agree with you on james bond, cinderella, and holden!

    sundays grace

  20. Jesss says

    This is such a great idea for an article! I love Hannibal Lecter (I’m obsessed with the films & love the books!) and I’d definitely put Sherlock Holmes, Dracula and Dr Frankenstein on my list 🙂

    Jess xo

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