Beth frowned as she thought about Aidan. “I’m afraid there is no one at the moment.”
Ms. Hooper snorted. “Miss Sutton, this is Hollywood. Everyone has something going on in the relationship department, whether it is serious or otherwise.”
Beth shrugged. “I’m truly not seeing anyone.”
Ms. Hooper tapped the end of her pencil on her notepad. “There must be at least someone you’re interested in.”
Beth looked down at her lap, hoping to hide her blush.
Ms. Hooper giggled. “See, Miss Sutton? I’m always right. Now, please share. Who is he?”
Beth met her inquisitive stare. “There’s no one.”
Ms. Hooper frowned. “Fine, be that way. But remember, nothing stays hidden from me for very long.”
Beth gave a small smile. “Yes, ma’am.”
Ms. Hooper took another sip of her tea and then picked up her pencil and notepad again. “Anyway, about Sparkling Meadow …”
For the next hour, Beth answered the rest of Ms. Hooper’s questions truthfully. The columnist asked her how she liked working with Alistair Graves, where she lived prior to moving to Los Angeles, her opinion of Hollywood, as well as information on her upbringing.
Upon the conclusion of the interview, Beth thanked Ms. Hooper for the hospitality and tea––even though she felt uncomfortable by the columnist’s blunt approach and the tea was too strong for her liking––and the butler escorted her to the door. As she walked down the front steps to the waiting studio car, she felt thankful to head home and relax for a few days until rehearsals started for Venus Rising.
***
Back at the apartment, Beth joined Nathan and Olivia in the living room. Olivia promptly handed her a letter.
“This came for you.” She smiled mischievously. “Nathan already told me what it’s about but I thought you might like to read it for yourself.”
Beth unfolded the note. It was an invitation addressed to her, typed on official Starlight Studios stationary.
September 3rd, 1953
Miss Elizabeth Sutton,
As dictated by Mr. Luther Mertz, your attendance is required at the Los Angeles premiere of Spike Rollins on the evening of Friday, September 25th, 1953 at seven o’clock. The event will be held at Grauman’s Egyptian Theater, with the studio’s most significant employees on hand. Attendance is mandatory.
You will represent the studio as an usherette, walking the red carpet, posing for photographs, and speaking with the press regarding this most important motion picture. Please report to the studio at four o’clock that afternoon for hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Additional details to follow.
Regards,
Ethel Ashby
Personal Secretary to Mr. Luther J. Mertz
Starlight Motion Picture Studios
Beth read the note three times before refolding it. She felt more nervous than she did while at Ms. Hooper’s house. As much as she looked forward to attending Aidan’s premiere, she also worried if their paths crossed he wouldn’t remember her—or worse, he wouldn’t care to speak with her.
Olivia squealed. “Aren’t you excited? Not only is it your first big red carpet event, but you might get to talk to Aidan again!”
“I don’t want to get my hopes up,” Beth admitted. “It’s been a long time since we last spoke and the circumstances weren’t the greatest.”
Olivia scoffed. “I’m sure everything will work out. You have nothing to worry about.”
Beth sighed. “I prefer not to discuss the matter right now.” She looked at Nathan. “If Spike Rollins just finished filming, and Sparkling Meadow was completed over a month ago, why is Aidan’s film being released a week ahead of mine?”
“Throughout the re-shoots of Spike Rollins, the post-production team was working toward getting the film ready as quickly as possible,” Nathan explained. “Luther put a rush on the work because he has a good feeling about the picture and didn’t want the FCC’s involvement to delay its release longer than necessary. I haven’t watched the film in its entirety, but from what I’ve seen, Aidan’s performance is phenomenal. Now that filming is complete, all that remains is for the post-production team to add in the new FCC approved scenes, which won’t take much time.”
“Oh, I see.” Beth weighed his words carefully. Mr. Mertz was proud of Sparkling Meadow as well, but he hadn’t rushed its post-production work. Given this information, Aidan’s acting must’ve been more spectacular than she assumed.
Clutching the invitation, Beth ventured to her room, wondering if Aidan would return to New York until the premiere or stay in L.A. She wasn’t sure, since as far as she knew, he had no new projects lined up at the studio. The thought of seeing him again near the end of the month thrilled her. At the same time, she knew she had to proceed realistically and prepare herself for a less than enthusiastic welcome.
Chapter Thirty-Two
While drinking a cup of java at Googie’s Coffee Shop on Sunset, Aidan mulled over the news that Starlight Studios was hosting the Spike Rollins premiere on September twenty-fifth. He was excited for the film’s release, but annoyed that Mr. Mertz wanted to make a circus out of the whole deal. He believed gimmicks weren’t necessary to capture the public’s interest. The film spoke for itself.
The only thing that intrigued Aidan about Mr. Mertz’s plans for the premiere was he was forcing all of his top contract stars to attend––the bigger the names, the more important the picture looked to the public. Although Aidan didn’t share the studio boss’s philosophy, he hoped Beth was on the list of attendees. She wasn’t a top star yet, but he’d heard her work in Sparkling Meadow was great. If Mr. Mertz was smart, he would recognize the benefits of having her show up to the Spike Rollins premiere to promote both films.
Aidan didn’t want to ask Nathan because the event wasn’t for another month, and if he knew Beth was attending, his nervousness would grow from now until then. He craved Beth’s approval and it scared him to think she might not like his performance.
As Aidan took another sip of coffee, he picked up the newspaper lying on top of the empty stool next to him, which was, coincidently, opened to Hilda Hooper’s column and his featured interview. He lit a cigarette and grudgingly started reading.
Aidan Evans, Starlight Studios’ latest New York City Method actor import, leaves much to be desired. Amongst many other things, his unruly hair and rude attitude make for a very poor first impression. Esteemed director, Preston Adams, however, thinks otherwise. He cast Mr. Evans in the lead role in Starlight Studios’ most jarring motion picture to date, Spike Rollins, without an audition after seeing him perform on Broadway.
I had hoped to understand what the director saw in Mr. Evans firsthand, but when the young actor showed up at my house for the interview printed below, dressed in jeans, a white T-shirt, and unpolished leather shoes, I was extremely disappointed.
Throughout the interview, Aidan slouched in his chair, chain-smoked, swore, and grunted in response to my questions, further swaying my opinion of him in the negative direction. My initial thought was that while utilizing his Method acting background, Mr. Evans had simply taken his first film role too far and confused Spike’s look and personality with his own. As our meeting progressed, I quickly discovered that this twenty-three-year-old motorcycle riding rebel is, unfortunately, truly similar to his gang member, knife wielding movie counterpart.
Upon Mr. Evans’ departure from my home, without so much as a good-bye, let alone a thank you, I concluded he possessed no redeeming qualities that would make anyone in this industry think twice about him. That is, except his director.
Preston Adams regards Aidan very highly. He calls him a pleasure to work with, a nice young man, even, and insists that his real-life rebelliousness and unrefined manner make him the perfect actor to play Spike.
It must be noted that I am not the only one who is skeptical of Mr. Adams’ opinion. Many Starlight Studios contract stars are also perplexed by the casting choice, and with
good reason: Mr. Evans refused to sign Luther Mertz’s standard seven-year contract, and his negative social reputation on the studio lot, as well as his lack of movie-acting experience, leave many questioning his ability to play such a complex role effectively. Only time will tell who is correct, as Spike Rollins premieres Friday, September twenty-fifth, and arrives in theaters nationwide the following day.
Ms. Hooper’s column continued with the question and answer portion of their meeting, where Aidan came across as a cocky, inexperienced kid, who didn’t care about his film. The portrayal only made him angrier. He felt he shouldn’t have to prove himself as an actor through press interviews, but only through his work. His first instinct was to use his cigarette to burn the article until it was nothing but a pile of ashes—until he caught Beth’s name in the article printed below.
Miss Elizabeth Sutton, the delightful, new girl-next-door actress at Starlight Studios is well on her way to becoming America’s Sweetheart. This small town gal hails from Clarkson, Oregon. She is eighteen years old and a truly refreshing change from the plethora of one-dimensional, curvy blondes who have arrived at the studio lot as of late.
Miss Sutton showed up for her interview dressed in a respectful navy blue and white polka dot belted dress, which showed off her slim, womanly figure magnificently. She also wore navy blue pumps she purchased from a secondhand store in Santa Monica. Her hair was styled in a demure bun, and she had on very little makeup. She is undeniably an authentic, natural beauty.
Miss Sutton is polite, she loves animals (she was discovered by a Starlight Studio executive while volunteering at a Los Angeles animal shelter), and she exemplifies all of the positive qualities any respectable man desires in a young wife. Gentlemen take note: She is currently single and enjoys quiet nights at home, reading, and cooking.
Elizabeth, or Beth, as her friends and family affectionately call her, is looking forward to her Starlight Studios motion picture debut in Sparkling Meadow, which premieres on Saturday, October third in New York City. She plays Claire Wilson, a girl not much different than her true, sweet self, who falls in love with a distinguished, wealthy young gentleman, played by the charming and handsome William Everett.
Do not fret, my male readers, Mr. Everett and Miss Sutton did not share a romance off-screen, and as you all know from my column three weeks ago, William is newly engaged to one of Luther Mertz’s newest ingénues, the voluptuous Anita Young.
Beth just finished filming another motion picture opposite Will entitled Forever and a Day, which is set in Monterey. However, they will be parting ways for their next project so Mr. Everett and his real-life love can star together in a Starlight Studios costume drama.
For those of you who care to know more about Beth’s views on romance, she insisted to me she is not the type of girl to jump into a relationship unless the man values commitment and shows husband potential. Her standards are high and she is not interested in having a fling. She is looking for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now.
Beth’s innocence is endearing and genuine, and this columnist is overjoyed that her lifelong dream of becoming a Hollywood movie starlet has finally come true. Beth is very grateful to be a part of the Starlight Studios family, and I am certain that after Sparkling Meadow is released, she will be in demand for many more lead roles.
Currently, Beth is back in Los Angeles to begin work on her next motion picture, a musical, Venus Rising. Her costars are Jack Peters and Lydia Dale, and rehearsals start this Monday, September seventh. Yes, my lovely readers, you read that correctly. Miss Sutton is putting on her dancing shoes and going toe-to-toe with Starlight Studios’ most famous dancing duo. Is there anything this girl can’t do? This columnist doesn’t think so.
Stay tuned for more on Miss Elizabeth Sutton because I have a feeling she isn’t going anywhere soon––anywhere but up, that is!
Aidan scanned the column a second time, wondering if Ms. Hooper exaggerated Beth’s interview, given the lies she wrote about him.
When filming wrapped on Spike Rollins, he’d asked Preston if he could hang around during post-production because he was interested in the editing process and wanted to oversee how things were coming together. He was grateful that the director agreed because now that Beth was back in L.A. and filming on the lot, he could monitor Spike Rollins’ progress, as well as increase his chances of running into her again. Never before had Aidan felt happier to return to Starlight Studios.
Chapter Thirty-Three
“Let’s try that one again. And one, two, three … one, two, three.”
The piano player positioned at the side of the stage resumed his lively tune. On cue, Beth extended her leg upward, struggling to keep up with her costars, Jack Peters and Lydia Dale, hoping she wouldn’t make another mistake.
The trio had been rehearsing the Venus Rising dance routines for almost two weeks and the choreography continued to get tougher. They were currently running through the most complicated musical number of the entire film and it wasn’t going very well for Beth. She was still learning the number while Jack and Lydia pretty much had it down pat after their first few run-throughs.
Concentrating on her position, Beth lowered her leg. Her right foot gave way and she landed on her ankle.
“Ouch!” She grabbed her foot and hopped up and down, trying to breathe through the pain.
“Stop!” choreographer, Ryan Sawyer, called from his position in the fourth row of the rehearsal theater. The piano player slammed his hands down on the keys, producing a jumble of notes.
“Not again!” Lydia threw her arms up in the air. “I swear, Ryan, I can’t take another minute of this. I don’t like doing a simple routine repeatedly. We’re never going to complete this film if this amateur can’t cut it.”
Lydia Dale was a red-haired beauty, who the movie-going public regarded as Starlight Studios’ sweet dancing star. Beth soon learned that in reality, she was very impatient and had a nasty temper.
Lydia was twenty-three years old and had been dancing ever since she could walk. In contrast, Beth started dancing upon her arrival at the studio, but even then, her lessons weren’t consistent because she had been away shooting on location. She was trying her best, but couldn’t make up for the years of experience Lydia had on her in only a few weeks. She understood Lydia was annoyed with having to work with an amateur dancer, but the actress’s attitude was very unprofessional. Since Beth was simply following Mr. Mertz’s casting orders, all she could do was try to make the best out of the situation.
“I’m sorry, Ryan,” she said.
“It’s okay, Beth.” He gave her a cheerful smile. “We’ll just start over again.”
Jack draped his arm over Beth’s shoulders and flashed a grin. “It’s a tough routine so don’t be too hard on yourself. Next time, when you kick your leg out, don’t lift it as high. Then, when you bring it back in and spin out, your timing will be much better and you won’t come down on your foot so hard.”
Jack Peters was twenty-five years old and traditionally handsome with his short black hair and tanned complexion. He was two or three inches taller than Beth, and in outstanding physical shape, as emphasized by his outfit today––a tight black T-shirt and dark gray slacks.
He was one of Mr. Mertz’s most profitable box office draws. Musicals were his forte because of his professional dancing and singing background. However, he wasn’t a know-it-all like Lydia. He was compassionate and patient toward others and even secured a studio contract for twenty-six year old Ryan, his longtime friend. Now, Ryan was one of the top choreographers in the business and very in-demand.
Beth and Jack had become good friends since starting the film. No matter how many times she erred in rehearsal, he never once complained. If it wasn’t for him, she would’ve begged Mr. Mertz to take her off the movie on the first day.
“Thanks,” she replied, grateful she had at least one strong ally on set.
“Okay, Beth, if you’re ready, we’ll take it from the top,” Ryan called
.
She wiped her brow. “Here we go again.”
“You’ll be great,” Jack said. “Just relax and let the music sweep you away.” He squeezed her shoulder and then took his mark. “All right, Ryan, we’re ready!”
As Beth took her starting position again, Lydia mumbled a negative comment. She chose to ignore it and focus on the task at hand. Squinting against the bright spotlights, she stared at the back of the theater and rotated her ankle, hoping the pain would cease. She preferred to concentrate on the darkness in the rear of the venue because she felt more comfortable if she pretended the theater was vacant and no one was watching her.
Rehearsing in flats would’ve made things easier, but since she wore high heels during the routine in the film, Mr. Mertz insisted she practice in the same style of footwear. She didn’t whine about it because Lydia’s heels were even higher than hers and she didn’t want to give her costar another reason to complain.
Beth waited for Ryan’s count.
“And one, two, three … one, two, three!”
The piano player resumed the song. Beth forced a large grin as she kicked out her leg in a less dramatic manner, following Jack’s advice. Keeping her posture straight, she spun around and came to a controlled stop. Then she extended her arms out at her sides, squatted, and popped back up again before sidestepping toward Lydia as required.
Instead of gliding past her costar, they collided. The impact knocked Beth to the ground.
Lydia shrieked. “Watch where you’re going, Sutton!”
Sprawled out on the stage floor, Beth kept her gaze lowered so Lydia wouldn’t see how upset she was.
Starlight Page 23
