Debbie Reynolds remembered by Santa Barbara Film Festival volunteer

The death of actress Debbie Reynolds has brought back memories for one Santa Barbara International Film Festival volunteer who recalls a cute song the team of hosts sang the night of a special event.

Eleanor Lyon saw Reynolds here in 1997 for a special evening and film she just appeared in.

Well known for the song, “Good Morning” from the movie Singing in the Rain, Reynolds was in town for the evening presentation. Lyon and the crew that night changed some words and sang, “Good evening, Good evening…welcome to Santa Barbara!” when the actress arrived. Reynolds flashed a big smile and stopped to thank the volunteers. She also posed for pictures. Reynolds also introduced herself as “Princess Leia’s mother.” (Her daughter is the late Star Wars legendary actress Carrie Fisher who also passed away this week, shocking fans worldwide.)

Lyon believes the event was at the Fiesta Theater on State Street, one of the smaller venues.

“Yea it has always been definitely on the high points during my activities with the Film Festival,” she said.

The Director of the festival Roger Durling says there were not special honors with titles back then as we see today. He was not in charge at that time. But he did say they had special salute and tribute nights and that is what Reynolds was here for.

(please check back for more information and video later today)

For information about the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2017 go to:http://sbiff.org/