things change

Ricky Jay was an American actor and magician (June 26, 1946 – November 24, 2018).

In one of my favourite films, Things Change, Ricky Jay has a small part with some memorable David Mamet lines. The film opens as follows:

Shoe-shop owner: “May I help you?”
Silver (Ricky Jay): “A friend of ours would like to speak to you this evening.”
Shoe-shop owner: “I just shine shoes.”
Silver (Ricky Jay): “There’ll be shoes there.”

I can hear Ricky Jay’s voice as I read these lines. I love this film but it’s rarely shown on TV and I’ve never been able to find a DVD. I do, however, have the book of the screenplay, and what a joy it is.

Ricky Jay was best known as a magician rather than as an actor. I found this wonderful little drama that combines the two.