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Not Satisfying, Not Delicious

He's the original Willy Wonka, the reluctant Dr. Frankenstein, and the sassy, drunk "Waco Kid." Gene Wilder, on a tour to promote the release of his newest book (What Is This Thing Called Love?), made an appearance at the Borders bookstore on Rancho Carmel Drive on March 30.

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The turnout wasn't very big. When Wilder sat down to sign books, he seemed friendly and in good spirits. I had been looking forward to this event for over a month and planned to ask him to sign my old VHS copy of Young Frankenstein. To my dismay, the experience began to go south before I reached the table.

A female assistant took my book from me, handed it to Wilder, and tersely informed me that he would not be signing my tape. I handed my camera to another woman and turned around to greet Wilder. As soon as I opened my mouth to speak, she barked from behind me, "Do you want a picture or not?" Startled, I turned around, prompting her to tell me to stop blocking him — and did I want him in the picture at all?

I was so befuddled I moved to the side, smiled awkwardly, and was then shuttled away. I didn't get the chance to say "Hello" or "Thank You," let alone get 30 seconds of meet-and-greet time.

Even though the assistants soured the experience, Wilder was fantastic, patient, and a little bit sassy. As I was leaving, I heard the woman taking pictures inform my friend that he could get closer, that Wilder wouldn't bite, to which he responded, "Oh, I don't know about that...I might."

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He's the original Willy Wonka, the reluctant Dr. Frankenstein, and the sassy, drunk "Waco Kid." Gene Wilder, on a tour to promote the release of his newest book (What Is This Thing Called Love?), made an appearance at the Borders bookstore on Rancho Carmel Drive on March 30.

Sponsored
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The turnout wasn't very big. When Wilder sat down to sign books, he seemed friendly and in good spirits. I had been looking forward to this event for over a month and planned to ask him to sign my old VHS copy of Young Frankenstein. To my dismay, the experience began to go south before I reached the table.

A female assistant took my book from me, handed it to Wilder, and tersely informed me that he would not be signing my tape. I handed my camera to another woman and turned around to greet Wilder. As soon as I opened my mouth to speak, she barked from behind me, "Do you want a picture or not?" Startled, I turned around, prompting her to tell me to stop blocking him — and did I want him in the picture at all?

I was so befuddled I moved to the side, smiled awkwardly, and was then shuttled away. I didn't get the chance to say "Hello" or "Thank You," let alone get 30 seconds of meet-and-greet time.

Even though the assistants soured the experience, Wilder was fantastic, patient, and a little bit sassy. As I was leaving, I heard the woman taking pictures inform my friend that he could get closer, that Wilder wouldn't bite, to which he responded, "Oh, I don't know about that...I might."

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