Forrest Gump: 20 Year Anniversary

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the film release of Forrest Gump. It was originally released to theaters in the United States on July 6, 1994. Hard to believe it's been 20 years! I still remember seeing this in the theater when it was released.

And I bet you have some distinct memories from this film too. Who can forget that Life is like a box of chocolates:

And what about Run, Forrest, Run:

Before this was a blockbuster hit at the box office, it was a novel by Winston Groom. And Mr. Groom has given us a few "Gump-isms" that don't necessarily sound like they came from some guy sitting on a park bench. Try these on for size.

The Wit and Wisdom of Forrest Gump

1. People not to talk back to: 1) Your teacher, 2) 1st Sergeants, 3) The police, 4) Your mama
2. Nobody ever got in trouble by keeping his mouth shut.
3. Never trust nobody that says he never took a drink in his whole life.
4. Don't ever pick a fight with somebody that's really ugly-looking.
5. If you can't sing good, sing loud.
6. When you think you're so low you gotta look up to look down, beat yourself hard on the foot with a stick for a while. At least you will feel better when you stop.
7. If you are ahead, shut up and stay there.
8. A lot is to be said for the word no.
9. Don't expect anybody to help you. If they do, fine. If they don't, file it away.
10. Do not ever roll dice with a guy called "Bones."
11. If you got to pee, do not talk about it. Just do it. Might not be time later.
12. Always be nice to your mama.
13. Most people don't look dumb till they start talkin'.
14. Do not sweat the small stuff; for that matter, do not sweat at all, as it will save you money on deodorant.
15. Keep a vegetable garden with lots of nice tomatoes.
16. Your chances of winnin' the lottery get a lot better if you buy a ticket.
17. If you don't know where you're goin', you will probably not wind up there.
18. Nobody ever went broke sayin' "good mornin'" to folks.
19. Never wear a belt and suspenders at the same time; people might think you are paranoid.
20. Always be able to look back and say, "At least I didn't lead no humdrum life."

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And in honor of the 20th anniversary of the movie, I'll let you in on a secret. This movie holds a special place in the hearts of the Harris Sisters. You see, there's one specific part in the movie that set us rolling with laughter in the theater aisles the first time we saw the movie, and it still elicits a chuckle from us to this day. See for yourselves:

It's the line: "I'm Dorothy Harris."

With that one line, Mama had been forever immortalized in this classic film! And she was laughing right there in the theater with us. (Of course this was made all the funnier because the actress so skillfully delivered the line without ever removing the cigarette from her mouth!)

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