Frank Langford's - Love on a Rooftop!

I've got Frank Langford fever! Yup, ever since I saw Allan Harvey's post on the Langford story "Cry, Soul; Cry, Love" over at his blog Gorilla Daze, I have had an unquenchable thirst for the art of Frank Langford! Can you blame me?! Hopefully, you will see what I mean in the beautifully illustrated "Love on a Rooftop!" from Young Love #90 (December 1971) in which we meet Mark and Lori -- a couple with little in the way of money, but rich in love (or so Mark thinks).

Lori feels that things will never look up, but Mark assures her that if she is just content, their luck will turn around. Having lived all their lives in a tenement building in the slums, Lori's patience diminishes on a daily basis.

While at work the next day, a handsome guy by the name of Peter Forrest introduces himself and asks Lori out to dinner. Feeling lonely, Lori accepts. That evening, Peter picks her up in a fancy sports car and takes her to an opulent French restaurant. The two have a wonderful time and continue to see each other.

Lori dates Peter and has a great time, but meanwhile, she is still in a sort of limbo stage with Mark. Eventually they do break up, but Mark clearly still has feelings for her. But Lori's world only has room for Peter and eventually her days and nights revolve around the wealthy young man who has adventure, glamor, and love to offer.

One day when Peter drops Lori off at her tenement, Mark encounters them and declares that he won't back down from loving her. It turns out to be very bad timing though, as Lori has just accepted Peter's marriage proposal. Peter announces that he will be introducing Lori to his parents during a formal dinner party that Saturday. Peter's plan stresses Lori out, as she does not own a gown. As Mark looks on, Lori and Peter walk away as she verbally frets about her attire for the party. Peter assures her that she will be beautiful in whatever she wears.

The day of the party, a package containing a stunning white gown is delivered to Lori. Her heart brims over with joy and she cannot thank Peter enough for the surprise. The two make their way to the home of Peter's parents, but the young couple is not welcomed with open arms.

Peter's parents do not want him marrying Lori because as his mother puts it, "He has a future to think of..." Lori is obviously crushed, but Peter acts pretty nonchalant about it and tells her that he doesn't want to risk his parents cutting him off financially. Lori thinks that Peter is ashamed of her and that is why he bought her a new gown to wear. But suddenly, it clicks that it wasn't Peter that purchased the dress -- but Mark!

"One man wanted me -- but not enough to risk his future for me, and another had spent his meager savings to insure [sic] my happiness..."

Lori runs to Mark and lets him know that nothing can substitute for real genuine love. Mark doesn't give her the old "I told you so," but simply, embraces her. In a sweet narrated ending, Lori announces that the white gown Mark gave her will be her wedding dress.

So, what do you think? Do you have Langford fever now too?! Not only is the art fantastic, the story is quite good too with the dress bit and all!