Chapter Fifty-Six: Hollyweird

The editing of "Home Alone" has finally reached a preliminary completion, now just awaiting a few additional shots. Let’s hope Toronto gets some snow soon. If it doesn’t snow by November, filming will have to move to Montana.

The so-called Christmas season doesn’t start on Christmas Day itself; it usually begins on December first. Throughout December, much like the Spring Festival back home, Americans lose interest in work and are busy preparing for their holidays. Christmas gifts are of particular importance; even the usually frugal parents become generous during this period. As long as you behave, you’re sure to receive something quite nice.

The Spring Festival back home has grown increasingly dull— for many, it’s simply a good holiday. Christmas, on the other hand, still carries a trace of religious color. Though it’s not very popular back home anymore, it remains lively in America.

If you lack religious faith, Christmas can seem meaningless. Many people attend church services on this day. There are also numerous performances, which are actually quite interesting, mostly telling the origins of Jesus.

If you wish to immigrate, it’s best to respect local beliefs. Through the church, you’ll find it easier to obtain legal status. Never mark yourself as non-religious; people here consider those without faith to be frightening.

Another advantage is the opportunity to do wrong— as long as you repent in time, God will forgive you. Buddhism, however, doesn’t work that way; bad deeds bring retribution, and you might come back as an animal in your next life. So these scoundrels, after committing all sorts of atrocities during the Eight-Nation Alliance, didn’t think much of it; returning home, they’d feign repentance in a church and call it good.

Back home, the cycle of cause and effect is emphasized; both Buddhism and Taoism describe similar ideas, generally urging people toward goodness. One must admit, the ancestors were wise. Buddhism, when brought from India, was not like this at all. Looking at what’s in India, it’s definitely not the same as what’s back home.

White Pictures has started casting its third film. Although it features a single male lead, it’s still attracting plenty of attention.

A movie like "Police Academy" didn’t just make Eddie Murphy famous; nearly all the supporting actors benefited— even if they couldn’t land leading roles, at least they got some lines. For a group of nobodies, that’s already quite something.

Selecting actors is a wonderful task; even if there’s no red sofa drama, it’s a feast for the eyes.

If the boss is interested in appreciating the talent, other staff naturally step aside— they wouldn’t want to be the third wheel if the boss can’t restrain himself.

This isn’t the initial audition; the ones present today are basically already chosen, unless the boss has any objections.

“Huh, why is it her?” William White was curious; this woman was a workhorse in Hollywood, how is she starting out so early?

Elizabeth McGovern— many may not know her, but she starred in "Once Upon a Time in America" and later in "Downton Abbey." Of course, by "Downton Abbey," she was already an older lady, but for now, her looks are still quite good.

Since she’s appearing early, William White doesn’t mind boosting her— after all, she’s a prolific actress, always somewhat popular but never quite breaking through, for reasons unknown.

Is it a matter of looks?

Perhaps. The younger version of Meryl Streep was dazzling, but she’s too familiar now, while William White is still fresh-faced— perhaps at a disadvantage.

“Elizabeth, is it? Here’s a script. You have five minutes.” William White casually handed her a script and pointed to where she should perform.

The lady was clearly hesitant, but William White paid her no mind, taking a sip of coffee. When he looked up again, she was standing before him, boldly exposed.

William White sprayed his coffee and began coughing violently.

“Cut! Cut!”

William White had to cover his face with a folder and quickly call for a stop. This woman was just too straightforward— the young man clearly couldn’t handle it!

At first, Elizabeth was a bit embarrassed, but seeing William White’s reaction, her mood improved. The rumors outside must be wrong; he didn’t seem like that kind of scoundrel.

In truth, William White was exactly that kind of scoundrel, only unaccustomed to such blatant transactions. While a fool in his past life, he had a bit of artistic temperament, quite different from the old Hollywood crowd.

“Listen, beautiful lady, we don’t make action films here. These are all comedies. You know, comedies.” William White smiled wryly at Elizabeth. He wasn’t actually angry; after all, he wasn’t the one losing out, and she seemed quite attractive.

“Yes, sorry, Director. I’ll get ready right away.”

Seeing her flustered appearance, William White couldn’t help but laugh. Did he really seem that desperate?

Well, maybe a little. If not for the table, he might have embarrassed himself.

Although the lady didn’t manage to seduce her way into the role, she still got it. Her part wasn’t large, but she had at least taken the first step.

Thinking of her awkwardness, Elizabeth could only smile bitterly. Five minutes to perform— what could you do in that time? Enough to take off a single piece of clothing.

Marilyn Monroe once said much the same: if you won’t strip, there are plenty of pretty girls waiting outside. If you want to keep yourself clean, don’t come to Hollywood— just find someone to marry.

Hollywood hasn’t grown any cleaner over the years. The red sofa may be gone, but now people have meals together, then head to hotels to “discuss the script.”

Today’s episode threw the plans into chaos. Did she really appear so unreliable?

It comes down to age. The older crowd needs time to warm up; maybe they can’t manage it otherwise. Young people don’t have this problem, so it’s no wonder others think that way.

“Damn, no wonder I’m the only one here— these idiots must all think the same.” William White was still brooding when his secretary knocked and entered.

“Boss, there are two more.”

“Alright, bring them in order. You should find a seat as well.”

The secretary suppressed a laugh. The previous lady left flustered, her face red to her neck. Seeing the boss like this, she probably nearly succeeded in seduction!

With others present, nothing outlandish happened afterward. The girls merely threw flirtatious glances, which could be accepted graciously— who doesn’t have a bit of vanity?

This film won’t be as tightly scheduled; shooting will begin in November. Aside from some scenes in Detroit, most will be done in Hollywood.

This is the movie that made Eddie Murphy a star— he was just incredibly lucky.

Originally, the movie was meant for Sylvester Stallone, but Stallone added so many action scenes that the production budget doubled and still wasn’t enough. The producers genuinely ran out of money and didn’t want to give up the script, so they found a nobody to star.

That nobody was Eddie Murphy.