Interpretations: The Picture Game: A 1969 Photo

[Rick Henry]

What are your thoughts and observations on this picture?

[wisejester7]

My first impression is that they (K&R) are young and happy.

Note the way it looks like they MIGHT be holding hands. I think this picture is part of the marketing bag of tricks that make it look like they are a couple. The powers that be truely didn't know how to promote a brother/sister act.

Thanks for posting this picture for our observations, Rick. This is part of the beginning of the 'couple' pictures that R & K dealt with for a good portion of their careers.

**Note the 'couple-ness' in the avatar I use.

[Rick Henry]

It does somewhat look like they're holding hands - or maybe Karen has a hold of Richard's arm. Myself personally I don't think it's an unusual thing for siblings to hold hands or to show their familial closeness.

I do like this picture as it shows an upbeat and "ready to conquer the world" K&R. They're fashionably clothed and Richard looks a tad bit chubby cheeked.

[GoodOldDreams]

Karen and Richard both look fresh-faced and happy, full of vitality. The tunic look may be fashionable then, but appears dated now.

I have often wondered about Richard's Prince Valiant haircut, which was mid-length and vaguely resembled the Fab Four's mop tops back in the 1960's, but not long enough to make him a "long-haired rock and roller" of the 1970's.

The ladder in the background reminds me of another photo of Karen and Richard dressed literally as two carpentry workers. Thankfully, they didn't continue to use that cutesy image to promote them!

[Rick Henry]

goodolddreams said:

The ladder in the background reminds me of another photo of Karen and Richard dressed literally as two carpentry workers. Thankfully, they didn't continue to use that cutesy image to promote them!

Yes, thank goodness for that - that sort of promotion would have definitely been too much.

This picture is actually a cropped version picture which includes Danny Woodhams, Doug Strawn and Gary Sims on the steps of the ladder behind K&R - it's a great photo in it's entirety. I just cropped it for this particular game. Though, I will go back tomorrow and scan the entire picture and post it here for all to see.

goodolddreams said:

I have often wondered about Richard's Prince Valiant haircut, which was mid-length and vaguely resembled the Fab Four's mop tops back in the 1960's, but not long enough to make him a "long-haired rock and roller" of the 1970's.

I like your using a quote from "Druscilla Penny".

[enigma]

I will give a what they may be thinking scenerio here

"Hi we are the Carpenters we are a little new at this whole photo op thing so forgive us if it looks like we are presenting a forced smile we hope you like our music (and little do we know at this point that decades of great music are ahead.)"

They do seem a little niave and uncomfortable in this photo they look like typical excited and nervous young people excited to have the opportunity to make and share thier music yet nervous and unsure about how the public will react to it. Karen often grabbed Richards arm when she was excited so it looks like she may be doing that here they kind of have a "this is so awsome!" look.

[Rick Henry]

You are so right, Enigma, they do have a "this is so awesome" look.