“He’s issued statements, one for us and one for Vance, and told them that will be all.”
“The LAPD will follow up with the press and keep them posted on leads. I think it’s best if the studio just stays out of it.”
“So do I. By the way, Leo and I have had our talk, and I think he has a thorough understanding of his place here. He knows he still works for you, although I’m sure he still covets your job.”
“No,” Rick said. “Leo covets your job.”
“This is a big jump for such a young guy. He’ll be our Irving Thalberg,” Eddie said, referring to the former production head at MGM, who had died in his thirties.
“I didn’t know Thalberg, but from what I’ve heard he and Leo have a lot of stylistic differences.”
Eddie grinned. “I think you could say that.”
“I heard from Vance. He’ll be back tomorrow night, and we’re having lunch on Wednesday. You want to join us?”
“Nah. You two have a lot to talk about. Did he read the script?”
“Yes, and he liked it.”
“I was worried he wouldn’t want to do it without Susie.”
“He didn’t mention Susie, but he asked who I had in mind. I think when he sees Hattie Carson’s test, he’ll like her.”
“Good. We go into wide release on both Bitter Creek and Times Square Dance today. I can’t wait to see our first week’s grosses.”
“Well, we’ve certainly milked every ounce of nationwide publicity; what with that and the reviews, we ought to do well.”
“I’m counting on it,” Leo said. “I want the profits from that picture to finance our move into television, and I hope the other picture will help, too.”
“You really think it’s not too early for that, Eddie?”
“Listen, kiddo, I’m told that industry-wide ticket sales were off twenty percent last year, and you can blame TV. The number of sets has doubled in the last year, and it’s going to do even better next year. We did okay last year, with our ticket sales up about six percent, but we’ve got to catch the wave at the right moment, and that’s now, while the other studios are still in denial and are dragging their feet.”
“I had an idea for a show,” Rick said.
“Tell me.”
“I think we should get space in New York for a production facility and do live dramas of two hours. We can buy Broadway plays, maybe even do some classics. And I think we should commission original stuff, too. It might be a good testing ground for later feature pictures.”
“I think that’s a terrific idea, kiddo. I’m going to be in New York in a couple of weeks, and I’ll feel out the networks. Have you given any thought about who should run it?”
“Yes, I have. I was thinking, maybe, Sid Brooks.”
Eddie’s eyebrows went up. “Have you talked with him about this?”
“No.”
“Good, because the blacklist is in force in TV, too.”
“Hy Greenbaum has managed to get some of his blacklisted clients rehabilitated.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard about it. Are you thinking that after what Sid went through he would change his mind and do that?”
“Hy has told me he’s trying to talk him into it. Maybe with something like this for an incentive, he’d do it. Also, maybe he doesn’t want to go to prison.”
“Does he know anything about TV?”
“No, but who does? They’re making this up as they go along. Sid knows drama, and he’s directed a couple of times on Broadway, and I’ve heard he’s very good with actors. Certainly, his name on the show as, say, executive producer would attract a lot of good New York talent, actors and playwrights, too.”
“Maybe you should have a discreet lunch with Sid sometime soon.”
“Maybe I should,” Rick said.
46
Rick stood up and walked around his desk to greet Vance Calder. “It’s good to have you back, Vance,” he said. “You look wonderfuclass="underline" tanned and rested.”
Vance smiled, his new dental work set off against his tan. “I think that about sums it up.”
“Before we sit down, I’ve got Hattie Carson’s test put up in my screening room. Want to take a look?”
“Of course.”
Rick led him into the little room; they sat down and Rick picked up the phone next to his chair. “All right,” he said.
The test, consisting of three scenes, began to run. Once in a while Rick glanced at Vance, but he got no reading. Then it was done, and the lights came up.
“What do you think?” Rick asked.
“I think she’s awfully good; I’d love to have her on the picture.”
“Great,” Rick said, relieved. Vance was now in a position to insist on a big star opposite him, and the studio would save a lot of money by using a contract player. “Let’s have lunch.”
They went back into Rick’s office, where the studio commissary had set up a table, and sat down. A waiter began serving them. When he had gone, Rick asked, “Did you speak with Hy about your new contract?”
“Oh, yes,” Vance replied, “I almost forgot. I signed it this morning, and Hy is messengering over all the copies. I’m very pleased.”
“I’m glad, Vance.”
“I was particularly pleased that you and Eddie forgave the loan on the house. That’s a big load off my mind.”
“Do you think you’ll be happy there?”
“I think so, but my ultimate ambition is to build somewhere. When I worked in construction I liked seeing other people’s houses go up, and I thought I’d like to invent my own place.”
“That’s a great idea. You’ll enjoy it,” Rick said. “Our place at the beach will be ready to move into soon, and we’re looking forward to it.” Rick took a more serious tone. “Vance, I’m sure that Hy has told you that this is an extraordinarily rich deal for an actor who’s made one picture.”
“I understand that.”
“The reason we did it is that we not only like your work, but we admire the seriousness with which you approach it. We think you have a long and successful career ahead of you, and we want it to take place at Centurion.”
“I’d be very pleased if I never made a picture anywhere else,” Vance said. “All you have to do is keep Hyman Greenbaum happy.”
“We’ll try. What we want to do for the next couple of years is create properties for you that are not only quality pictures but also ones that show your versatility.”
Vance grinned. “How do you know I’m versatile? I’ve just made the one.”
“I know,” Rick said. “Your test showed me your versatility, and I liked it that a lot of the press who interviewed you during our recent publicity blast were surprised to learn that you are English. I mean, other actors with accents, like Errol Flynn, have made westerns, but they never sounded American. The press and the critics loved that.”
“I’m glad. Tell me, Rick, why don’t you want to direct Greenwich Village Girl?”
“Two reasons: first I don’t think I have the background and experience to direct a fast-paced comedy; second, I’ve promoted Leo Goldman to production manager for the whole studio, working under me, and I want to be around to help him find his feet. It won’t take Leo long, believe me, and by the time you’re done with this picture, I should be ready to direct the next one.”
“Any idea what you want that to be?”
“Glenna read a novel that she liked, and I agree with her. It’s a serious drama, very suspenseful, and I think it might be the perfect follow-up to the comedy. It’s called Deep Night, by a first-time novelist. Hy Greenbaum is touting a new writer of his up in Maine to adapt it.”
Vance managed a small smile. “Maine, huh?”