This is the story about "stuff that dreams are made of." If that famous line rings a bell for you, then you're obviously a fan of old movies, especially the 1941 film classic, "The Maltese Falcon," in which those words were spoken by the legendary actor, Humphrey Bogart, in his role as the super-sleuth Sam Spade.

For those too young to remember, the movie, based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett, is about a group of shady characters who are in hot pursuit of "a glorious golden falcon encrusted from head to foot with the finest jewels."

The pursuit takes the characters across two continents, from the falcon's original base in Algiers to Paris and who knows where else until, finally, with the help of Sam Spade (Bogart), the falcon is found after much intrigue, murder and suspense. In the end, however, it turns out that the falcon is a fake, made of lead, no jewels, zilch, nothing. The great cast, including Sydney Greenstreet (The Fat Man), Peter Lorre and Mary Astor, are all hoodwinked, to say the least.

Now, in comes New York filmmaker Ara Chekmayan. While rummaging through an outdoor flee market in New Jersey, he comes across what he believes is one of the falcons that was used as a prop in the famed movie. How does Ara know it's the real thing? He's an expert, having once worked for Warner Bros., the same studio that made the movie.

Plus, he has spent many years working as a producer, director, writer and film editor. His credentials include six Emmy nominations, three Emmy Awards, and an Oscar nomination for his film, "Children of Darkness." He also produced, directed and wrote the screenplay for the much-acclaimed film documentary, "Forever James Dean," about the legendary actor, which is still seen from time to time on cable TV and is available on video cassette.

Ara jumped at the opportunity of acquiring the falcon. He would have paid anything the flea market seller asked for it, but wound up shelling out a mere $8. The rest of the story, however, turns out to be as mysterious and intriguing as the movie itself. Was the falcon the real McCoy? Or was it a fake, as in the movie? Ara was confident he had the real stuff.

He took his discovery to Christie's, the world-famous auction house in New York. At first, the experts at Christie's agreed that Ara had found gold. And one of their experts was quoted as saying so in an article in the New York Times.

Everyone was elated. Movie props were in big demand these days and went for lots of money. Judy Garland's dress in "The Wizard of Oz" went for $48,000; Steven Spielberg paid $64,000 for Rosebud, the sled used in the classic movie, "Citizen Kane," and another falcon (similar to Ara's) went for close to $400,000.

But, not so fast! After reading about Ara's find in the New York Times, Warner Bros. throws a wrench into Christie's plans and demands more proof that Ara's statue is authentic. Afraid of possible lawsuits, Christie's chickens out and withdraws the sale.

Ara, not one to give up so easily, spends months researching the movie and its props. He finally gets in touch with Profiles in History, a major auction house in Beverly Hills, CA, which agrees with Ara about his find. Profiles then hires a company called Systems Applications, which is a technology-consulting firm that has worked for such prestigious organizations as NASA's jet propulsion laboratory.

After three months of intensive analysis, Systems Applications determined that Ara's falcon was indeed authentic and was the same one held by Humphrey Bogart in publicity shots for the movie. Ara finally hit paydirt. The falcon was auctioned off on March 12, 2000, and sold for $80,000.

In a phone chat the other day, Ara said he shared some of his windfall with members of his family. He also bought some furnishings for his new home in Douglaston Manor, NY, and said he would use the rest to help subsidize himself while he endeavors to interest a studio (are you listening, Kirk Kerkorian of MGM?) in financing and producing two of his latest comedy screenplays.

Ara said the screenplays, which he is keeping under wraps for safety reasons (to keep people from stealing his ideas), are definitely his best works to date. And, that's saying something, judging from his past successes.

Yes, indeed, these are the things that dreams are made of. Good luck, Ara. See you in the movies.

Other happenings around town: Went to see a musical-dance revue called "The Way We Were" at St. Mary's Armenian Church in Livingston, NJ on November 19. What a trip to get there! On arrival, I told some of the cast members that I hoped the trip was worth it. Well, I can honestly say, yes, and more so.

What a delightful show! The cast, which included at this performance Nvair Kadian Beylerian, her hubby Zareh, Yester Garabedian, and the dynamic duo ( and leaders of the troupe) Sosy Krikorian Kadian (mother of Nvair) and Hourig Papazian Sahagian, was outstanding. The group performs songs and dances the way our folks and grandfolks performed them years and years ago.

No great voices here, but their enthusiasm, vitality and magnetic personalities more than make up for the deficit. The show is performed in the round (not on any stage) and there's lots of audience participation. You can't help but have a good time. Guaranteed.

Also, no recorded music or synthesizers here, just real live musicians, who included on this sunny fall afternoon, the masterful John Vartan, along with Joe Halajian, Arax Kopooshian and Peter Baroochian. The cast changes from time to time, due to their availability. There's a large repertory ensemble to choose from. Book this troupe for your next affair. You'll be more than happy with the results.

That's all for now, until next time, 'Till then, remember: It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. Have a happy and safe Christmas season. Tsedesutiun!

Englewood Cliffs, NJ