by Joe Corso
“Red, you haven’t seen us in two years. Why are you trying to impress us now?”
Red’s temper flared for a second. “Look, I’m not trying to impress you. I’m looking to help you. Now keep quiet, because you’re beginning to aggravate me.” Even as the words were coming out of his mouth, he was sorry for snapping at her. She was stunned by his words. “Look, Iris, I didn’t mean to snap at you. Just let me do my thing and everything will become clear to you. Trust me on this, please.” She softened. “I shouldn’t have said what I said to you. You didn’t deserve it.” Suddenly, the curtains parted and the models started to walk in a line, demonstrating the new one-of-a-kind Rene Dumas dress creations. The models walked professionally around the catwalk, showing their beautiful dresses. Both Iris and Tiffany jotted numbers on the card.
When the demonstration was finally over, Marco asked for the cards. He studied them a moment and remarked, “These are good choices, ladies. Well, come with me and let’s get started.” Approximately twenty minutes later, both Iris and Tiffany walked out from behind the curtain, wearing beautiful dress creations. Tiffany’s was a low-cut, strapless blue dress with a white trim along the bottom. Iris chose a tight-fitting, emerald-green dress that showed a lot of cleavage. Both girls looked beautiful in the dresses that definitely showed their curves. Joey Bones’ eyes almost fell out of his head when he saw Tiffany in her dress. Shooter was impressed, but tried not to show any emotion. He was like Red that way. He kept his emotions hidden.
“Marco, wrap these up. Now show us some business apparel. Give me your honest opinion. If these girls were to go for an interview and I wanted them to look spectacular, yet professional, what would you suggest?”
Marco scratched his chin while thinking. “Let me show you something that just came in. I didn’t get a chance to put them on the floor yet.” He reached for the intercom. “Monica, would you have the girls model the new business outfits that just came in? Yes, the ones that haven’t been put in the showroom yet. Let me know when you’re ready.” A few minutes later, Monica peeked out from behind the curtain. We’re ready, Marco.”
“Good, let’s see them.” Once again, the girls came out, but this time they were wearing the latest in women’s business attire.
This time it was Red’s turn to pick the clothes. “Give us two of those, two of those, and those back there, give us two of those also. Make sure you include matching accessories, shoes, gloves, and whatever else they need to complete the ensemble. When these girls wear those outfits, I want it complete so make sure we get every accessory they need.” It didn’t take Marco long to have all the outfits and accessories in boxes and brought to the checkout counter. Red motioned to the guys to take to the boxes to the car. He pulled out a wad of dough. “Let’s have the invoice.” Red checked it and then gave him the correct amount. “Don’t worry, Marco. I’ll make that back Saturday night. You did get my invitation, didn’t you?”
“Yes we received it and Karen is looking forward to being there. I understand Swifty will be there and, am I correct, Sinatra will be the headliner?”
“You are correct, my man. I look forward to seeing you and Karen Saturday night.”
On the drive to Queens, Iris said, “Did I hear Marco correctly? Swifty Card is coming?”
Tiffany chimed in, “And Frank Sinatra will be appearing there that night?”
“Yes. You are both right.”
As soon as they arrived at the Starlight Club, Red excused himself as he usually did when he had guests and went to his chef. He told him to prepare an early dinner for him and the girls. While dinner was being prepared, he motioned to the girls to follow him and he smiled as he said to them, “Let me show you around the famous Starlight Club.” Both women had seen the Starlight Club in James Roman’s films, but the Starlight Club was really about the ballroom. It was the most beautiful ballroom anyone could ever visit and maybe the most beautiful ballroom in the world.
Iris kept looking around until she finally said, “I can’t believe I’m really in the famous Starlight Club.” Red turned on the lights and the full effect of the room came alive. It was breathtaking and the girls gasped as they stood admiring the effect the lights had in creating a mood. The girls stood in the middle of the room with the color reflecting off the crystal chandelier and the stars began to sparkle like a million diamonds above them. It was an enchanting room and they felt privileged to be enjoying it by themselves. Sort of like being alone in the Sistine Chapel, admiring Michelangelo’s ceiling. Although nothing could compare to the genius of Michelangelo, if you’ve been to the Sistine Chapel, the feeling you got of being alone in the famous ballroom of the Starlight Club was a similar one.
CHAPTER 41
Iris and Tiffany spent the rest of Thursday at the Starlight Club. Friday, Red took the girls to Tufaro’s Restaurant for a change of pace. Old Man Tufaro himself escorted Red and his two beautiful companions to the same table that Red and Marilyn had shared dinner at not that long ago.
Mr. Tufaro said respectfully, “Red I’m so sorry to hear that Marilyn Monroe died. She seemed like a sweet young lady when you introduced me to her. I have the pictures I took of her framed and hanging in a prominent spot on my celebrity wall. Look, you can see it from here.”
Red looked at where Tufaro was pointing and sure enough, there was a grouping of Marilyn’s pictures displayed prominently in the center of the wall for all of his guests to see. And one of the pictures was of Red and Marilyn sitting at the same table they were sitting at now.
“You knew Marilyn Monroe?” Iris asked.
“Yes, I knew her. Quite well, as a matter of fact.” He let those words linger a while before continuing. “She stayed with me for a while. In fact, she stayed in the same room you girls are staying in. And one night I brought her here for dinner just as I brought you two here. Tufaro’s is probably the finest Italian Restaurant in New York.”
“As good as the Starlight Club?” Tiffany asked.
“Well, the Starlight Club serves American food, even though we have a great Italian menu. Besides, we only serve dinners four nights a week, whereas Tufaro is open seven days a week. I respect Old Man Tufaro because he’s from the old country and he won’t sacrifice quality for quantity. He makes all of his food by hand, fresh every day. He serves the finest meats you can buy and I know that for a fact because Bobby, the guy I buy my meat from, originally sold to Tufaro before I got wise and bought from him too.”
Tiffany wanted to know more about Marilyn. “So how did you meet her?”
“Who, Marilyn?”
“Yes, how did you meet her?”
“It’s a long story, but the short version is, she was in trouble and I helped her.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“That I won’t discuss with you. It’s very private and confidential. But I can tell you that she was in serious trouble and destiny placed her in my hands. And as long as she was with me, she was safe from everything. Nobody could touch her when she was with me and she knew it and she felt safe being with me. It was when she left me to go to the west coast that they killed her.”
“Killed her?” both girls said in unison.
“Yes, she didn’t commit suicide. That was a bullshit story put out by the press. She was a nice kid who didn’t deserve what she got. Now that’s all I’m going to say on the Marilyn Monroe subject.”
Both girls looked disappointed. “Shucks, just when the story was getting interesting. You know, Red. When I first met you, I didn’t realize you were such a man of mystery. I should have read the signs. They were all around me, but I didn’t pick up on them. Now what’s happening tomorrow night? Why are we here and why did you buy those stunning dresses for us? We both would like to know.”
“Just be patient for another day. Tomorrow night, I’ll fill you in on everything. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.”
The following evening, Red was at the door, dressed in a tuxedo and greeting his preferred customers
as they arrived at the Starlight Club’s side entrance. The side entrance led into the main ballroom. No one on his preferred list ever missed one of Red’s gala parties and tonight was no exception. In fact, everyone was curious as to how the Starlight Club looked, knowing it had been destroyed. When they entered the room, no one was disappointed. It was as beautiful, if not more beautiful than it originally was.
Karen looking stunning in one of her husband’s one-of-a-kind creations and Marco was dressed in a very expensive navy blue Valentino Maximus suit. Red left the entrance in the care of his maître d’, Augusto, to escort Karen and Marco to the table he had placed Iris and Tiffany at. “Karen, meet Iris and Tiffany, Marco met them yesterday. They’re guests of mine.” Karen and Marco sat down just as Trenchie and Mary walked over to the table and joined them. Introductions were made, drinks were ordered, and before long, the ballroom began to fill up with familiar faces. Red personally escorted Larry Bernstein and John Morgenstein and their wives to their tables. Morgenstein's daughter June decided not to join her parents. She felt uncomfortable after breaking up with Swifty and she didn’t want to bump into him, knowing he would probably be here tonight. Among the last people to arrive were the three fighters. Everyone in the room immediately recognized Swifty. There were oooh’s and ahhhh’s and nudging by spouses. Everyone liked the charismatic young actor/boxer. The two girls couldn’t take their eyes off of the three handsome young men and they seemed to be walking in their direction. Maybe they’ll sit near us, Tiffany thought. But she was surprised when they walked to their table and greeted everyone as if they had known them forever. In fact, they were friends with everyone but Iris and Tiffany.
Swifty smiled that dazzling smile of his and it captivated the ladies. “Hi,” he said. “I’m Swifty Card and these two mugs are friends of mine, Henri, and the big guy is Gonzo.” After introducing himself and his friends, the boys sat down to relax. Red caught Swifty’s attention with a motion of his hands, indicating that he wanted to speak to him privately for a moment. Swifty excused himself and walked over to Red. “What’s up, Red?”
“Swifty I know you won’t like what I’m going to say, but it’s important to me. I‘m going to introduce you to the audience and I’m going to tell them that you’re going to visit each table and say a few words. I didn’t bother you the last time because celebrity was new to you. But now you’re an old hand at being recognized and you’re used to talking to your fans now – and you will do this for me.”
Swifty nodded and although he still wasn’t comfortable patting people on the back and making small talk, it was getting easier for him, so he agreed to do it. Red was more than fair last time. Red let Swifty off the hook after asking him to visit each table and Swifty asked Red for a pass. Red gave him the pass, but tonight was different. Tonight it was important that Swifty visit each table. This was the official opening of the Starlight Club. Tonight, Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack would be entertaining his patrons. Swifty had to do it for him. This night had to be the most memorable night any of his guests would ever experience and Swifty was his ace in the hole. Red had a special table set up near the stage area on the floor not far from the band. The table was for the entertainers’ wives. Music began at the appropriate moment and the band began to play a fast number to get everyone’s attention. Then the band played to the audience’s taste until dinner was served, and the band took a break. Just as dinner started, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford walked around the curtain and sat with their wives. Red was glad Peter had come. He had a lot more respect for the man now.
Iris got excited. “Look,” she said. “There’s Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the rest of the Rat Pack.”
After the entertainers joined their wives and before dinner was served, Red walked over to them, followed by his headwaiter, who was carrying a tray with small boxes on it. Red addressed the table. “Frank, Dean, Sammy, and Peter, thank you all for coming, especially you, Peter. I appreciate it. Since you honored me by agreeing to perform at the Starlight Club without any remuneration, I think it’s only fair to reciprocate.” He reached for the tray and placed it on the table. Each box had a last name on it. “Mrs. Sinatra, this is for you. Mrs. Martin, this is yours.” And so on until all four boxes were given to the ladies. When the women opened the boxes, they gasped. Inside each box was an exquisite and very expensive diamond bracelet. The men didn’t expect anything like this. They knew they were dealing with a class guy. One who wouldn’t accept something for nothing without equal payback and this was just such an example.
What no one knew was, a few weeks earlier, Red received a call from a contact he used to do business with in the past, one that he stopped using during his transition to legitimacy. The man wouldn’t speak over the phone because he knew the authorities tapped into a phone grid that swept a two or three block area. When they met in person, his contact told him he had a load of expensive jewelry and his buyer refused to go through with the deal because he couldn’t come up with the money. Either that or he got cold feet. He needed a buyer fast because he had monetary obligations he had to take care of soon. Red agreed to take the merchandise off of his hands, but at a deeply discounted price. Desperate, the man agreed. Once Red had the merchandise in his possession, he called a friend and had all the jewelry stripped of precious stones, gold, silver, and diamonds. He sold most of the items for a profit, but Red had the jeweler make up seven special bracelets from diamonds he kept for himself. He wanted five bracelets made for the wives of the Rat Pack. Then he decided to give one each to Iris and Tiffany if his plans for them worked out.
The Rat Pack’s wives were speechless. The bracelets were something they didn’t expect. And neither did the entertainers. They all had a deeper respect for Big Red Fortunato. His generous gesture was like something Sinatra would do. Sinatra often presented his female guests with diamonds from Tiffany during dinner at his home.
After dinner, the bandleader tapped a little bell, signaling for Red to approach the bandstand. He handed Red the microphone. Red tapped the mic a few times to make sure it was live. “Ladies and gentlemen, most of you are familiar with the Starlight Club and you all know that I always try to have a surprise, unadvertised guest appear. In the past, we had Jerry Vale and at another time, we had James Roman, and tonight, I am proud to announce a very special treat for all of you. Tonight the famous Rat Pack will entertain you.” The crowd got to their feet and applauded enthusiastically. This was something the audience never expected and they showed their appreciation by giving the boys a standing ovation. When it quieted down, the entertainment began. The Rat Pack had never been better. They appeared to be having as good a time as the audience was.
After the Rat Pack finished their act, Red asked Iris and Tiffany to come with him. He walked to Bernstein’s table and he introduced his lady friends to Larry and John and their families. “Larry, could I speak to you alone for one minute, please?”
Bernstein got up from the table and walked over to Red. “What is it, Red?” Red didn’t want to talk in front of the girls, so he asked them to return to their table while he spoke to Bernstein. He said he’d be with them in a minute and they left. “Larry, I want those two girls to have a screen test, but I won’t do it if you tell me they don’t have potential. I think they do, but I can’t presume to know your business, Larry. I need to hear it from you before I invest money in them.”
Bernstein looked over at the table and looked at them differently this time. “I figured you wouldn’t be bringing me two beautiful women just to impress me or my wife. I think there’s potential there. Of course, I won’t know for sure until we give them a screen test. Do you want me to do it? Or do you want to do it yourself?”
Red told him. “I could have Harvey Bancroft do it, but to be honest with you, I’d prefer you doing the test. I trust your judgement more than anyone I know.”
Larry loved the compliment, especially coming from Big Red. “Sure, I’ll be happy to do it for
you. When can you get them to the studio?”
“I’ll discuss it with them and call you on Monday. If I can get them there early next week, what day could you do the test?”
“Call me on Monday and I’ll check my schedule. I think I could set up a screen test by Tuesday or Wednesday – I’m sure that would work for me.”
“Good. I’ll call you on Monday.”
Red took the stage again. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have another surprise for you. You all remember a young fighter from the neighborhood that went out to Hollywood and became a famous movie star. His name is Swifty Card. Stand up, Swifty.” Swifty got a standing ovation. Even the Rat Pack stood and gave him a big hand. Everyone loved Swifty. And he was overcoming his shyness among strangers. “Swifty told me that he’d like to visit each table and say ‘hello’ to all you people. WOULD YOU LIKE THAT?” Red exaggerated and placed his hand to his ears like he did with James Roman, as if he couldn’t hear them. “I DIDN’T HEAR YOU. I SAID, ‘WOULD YOU LIKE THAT?’”
Everyone said, at the top of their lungs, “YES, WE’D LIKE THAT!”
“Good,” he said. “Swifty, go to work.” Everyone laughed as Swifty went to the first table and worked his way around the room. Like Jimmy the Hat, everyone liked Swifty. The women loved him and even the men liked the rugged young man. He ingratiated himself with everyone and if they weren’t fans of his when they arrived, they sure were when they left.
As Red left the bandstand, he motioned for Iris and Tiffany to come with him. This time, he guided them to his office. “Sit down, girls. I have something I want to tell you that I couldn’t tell you before. You both wondered why a guy you haven’t seen in a long time called you and asked you to drop everything and come to New York. I couldn’t tell you yesterday or even earlier today, but now I can. The man whose table I took you to and introduced you to is Larry Bernstein. He’s the President of Columbia Pictures. I haven’t mentioned this to you before, but I’m the President of Starlight Productions. We’re a new movie production company in Hollywood, California. We have a low budget division and an ‘A’ budget big picture division. Swifty will be making the ‘A’ pictures for us and Henri and Gonzo just completed a ‘B’ picture that was just released. You might have seen it. It’s been re-titled. It was released as Street Guys.
