Barbra Streisand's latest collection,
The Movie Album, reinterprets some of the singer's favorite songs from Hollywood, that legendary land of cinematic make-believe. Yet the first tune on the new album is all too real for the award-winning artist and animal lover.
The Movie Album leads off with Streisand's delicate interpretation of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," first heard in Chaplin's 1936 classic comedy, Modern Times. If Streisand sounds particularly connected to the lyrics of the song—"Smile, though your heart is aching/Smile, even though it's breaking"—it's for good reason. She recorded the tune just two days after the death of her beloved bichon frise, Sammy, who had been her companion since 1994.
After reading about Streisand's loss, The HSUS contacted the artist's representatives to express our condolences. Within no time, Streisand had graciously granted The HSUS the right to use her recording in conjunction with our Kindred Spirits memorial program. "Smile" is now the official Anthem of Spirit for those who have experienced the loss of a pet.
"I was very flattered that The Humane Society of the United States wished to use this song for this purpose," Streisand said. "I'm a great admirer of The HSUS's efforts to improve life for animals, and to assist those who love—and eventually lose—pets who become so much a part of their families. The song brought me solace and if it does the same for others, that will be a very great reward."
"We were so gratified that Ms. Streisand agreed to help us reach out to pet owners," said Rob Blizard, director of gift planning for The HSUS. "People who are grieving take great consolation in knowing that others appreciate and share their feelings. To have Barbra Streisand be open about how it feels to lose a pet is a great validation, and we thank her."
