‘Freddy Krueger’ Day in L.A.

It is with some dismay that I read about “Freddy Krueger Day” at the Los Angeles City Hall. One evening some years ago, I was threatened at a bus stop by a young man with a straight razor who claimed he wanted to be “Freddy” and that I had better run for my life. Although we were in front of the West Hollywood sheriff’s station, I realized that justice might not be done quickly enough to save my life. I considered telling “Freddy” that I was “the Dragon” and putting the heel of my sneaker in his face, but there was the danger that I might be hurt and as the hour was yet early with a lot of pedestrian traffic, I thought that to keep him talking, indulging his fantasy, would be wiser.

Within three or four minutes, other bus riders joined us, and “Freddy” withdrew into his private, muttering world, still carrying the razor in his clenched hand. Later the bus came and “Freddy” joined us for the ride and was still aboard when I disembarked. What became of him later, I do not know.

No one will ever convince me that these films are “just entertainment,” and any who would say so have begged the real issue.

MARK WREDE, Los Angeles