A Reason to Name it Dudley Moore Square

Few of my columns have generated as much response as my one about Some suggested making its Hamburger Square nickname from long ago official, although I personally prefer an appellation that's unique to Venice. Opinion was divided pro and con about naming it after Venice musician Jim Morrison of The Doors.

Here's one reason to consider naming it after comedian and concert pianist Dudley Moore: The long time peninsula resident frequented the area.

It was after "10" but before Moore's unforgettable role as "Arthur" that on a rain-soaked night, Moore walked into the Sunset Saloon where I was nursing a drink. I knew who he was because I had first thoroughly enjoyed him in the British comedy "Bedazzled"   in which he played a fry cook willing to sell his soul make it with a beguiling waitress who ignored him. Peter Cook played the droll devil in the Stanley Donen film. Moore had effectively conveyed the desperate vulnerability of a short order cook.

Moore and I chatted. After downing a single drink, he asked me for the route I'd suggest to get through the storm to a studio, when a woman walked over and said "It's you!"

"No, I am not he." Moore replied, drawing himself up to his full 5 feet 2 inches, while intentionally using the most proper English grammar and inflection.

"I know it is!" She had recognized him but didn't have a clue as to who he was. Yet she obviously wanted to crow about the encounter later. She thrust a piece of paper at him for his autograph. Moore scrawled a name on it. She glanced down, eager to find out who this celebrity was. Her brows knit in disappointment.

"But that's not you," she moped.

"As I told you, madam, I am not he." She stalked off.

Moore and I chuckled. We had talked as people who appreciated film not fame. He smiled once more then disappeared into the rain. 

I don't know if Moore ever went fishing on the pier, or bought a hamburger in the square, but I do know that naming the area will help give it an identity. As the name search continues, let's consider christening the Western terminus of Washington Boulevard, Dudley Moore Square.

As a British subject, who was awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of The British Empire (one step below knighthood) Moore would have appreciated the irony of having a square named for him at the end of the street honoring the rebel leader who helped us break free of Britain.