Exit Hollywood
By Chris James
Chapter Eleven
Jim had given them no warning, just a note to the staff at Curry Productions that there would be a preview showing of Partial Payment next week and a reception to follow.
"Oh great," Ted said. "We have to get all dressed up and smile throughout the film. After what you've told me I don't know if I want to sit through it."
Dennis smiled. "The author is going to be there and so are Jim's kids."
"Susan? You mean his ex-wife is actually coming?"
"I just found that out this morning," Dennis said. "The film isn't that bad, just nothing like the original script. I imagine Jim will have some explaining to do, Susan may not like it."
"Okay, I'll sit through it. Did you pack your toothbrush?" Ted asked.
"You figure this will take all weekend?"
Ted nodded. "I'm counting on it."
Redemption had a very interesting plot, at least what there was of it. The characters were genuine and the dialogue seemed real enough. It just had no objective, no real goal in mind. Ted could see that Jim had focused on personality traits for the actors to portray. But the story left the four main characters with no place to go and the ending was terrible.
Ted could understand that Hank and Jim didn't know how to change that ending. They were standing too close to the words. So often it took another perspective or an injection of new ideas to pull a story line together. Mark seemed pleased at the chance to work on the script and Ted would have to fall in line with that.
It was Friday and Mark had invited them to dinner, and a chance to relax. Bright and early the following morning they would begin working on the script. Total immersion, no distractions Mark had promised. It was the only way they could wrap their minds around what needed to be done, and Ted was afraid they would have to start at the beginning.
Dennis had his own plans for the weekend and Ted was just a little envious. Saturday morning at ten, Dennis and Steve were on a private flight to Sacramento. Mike Stone had remembered that Ted and Dennis were from that city, and he was planning to fly up there to scout out some film locations east of town. The offer had been for them both to accompany him, but Ted was committed to the task with Mark.
Mike had his own aircraft sitting on the runway at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and Steve had agreed to join Dennis for the weekend. It was a good opportunity to see the family, and Dennis knew that having Steve along would impress his siblings. Tim had considered Steve going it alone and decided that there was little risk involved as the setting wasn't going to be public.
But tonight there was dinner among friends. Brian was tending the backyard grill when they arrived and Mark was in the pool. No sooner had they sat down than Tim walked out of the house with a pan of goodies for the grill. Steve was right behind with a stack of plates and silverware. Dennis smiled and wondered what they would be eating, but he should have known it would be healthy.
"Tuna," Steve said. "Some of the best fish you will ever taste, but I bet you wanted a steak."
"No, that's all right. I figure Ted and I have been eating too many pizzas lately, it's time for a change."
"So, is everything set for this flight tomorrow? I've never been on a small plane."
Dennis nodded. "I haven't either, but you know guys like Mike, they travel in luxury. I just hope that Ted and Mark make progress this weekend. Have you read the script?"
Steve shook his head. "Nope, I'll wait. There are just too many other things in my head. Mickey is a real trip, but I like his style as a director."
"Results, that's all Jim is looking for," Dennis replied. "So I hope you're set for a quiet weekend, my parents are not very exciting people."
Steve smiled. "We'll have fun. At least it won't be work."
"I'm glad Dennis has something to do this weekend," Ted said as he slid into the pool.
"Your boy will be fine," Mark replied. "One less distraction."
"I know we shouldn't talk about the script until tomorrow..."
Mark grinned. "Go on, you have something to say?"
"I don't want to write it in script format, can't we just write the story?" Ted asked.
Mark thought a moment and nodded. "Would that make you more comfortable?"
"Yes, it would allow the thoughts to flow without all that disruption of character and place appearing all over the page. The script could come later after we're convinced what we have is the final product. We should write descriptive scenes and dialogue, maybe leave the rest to some professional."
"I can buy into that," Mark said. "You have the literary background and I don't. As for the scripting format, I have a program on my laptop we can use later."
"Really? Yeah, that would make it easier. I know you can do it, you did all that writing for the television show," Ted said.
"I did...and I didn't. Most of that script came out of bull sessions I had with the other writers. We tended to talk a script into existence, and then someone would write it down. I might say: Adam was walking down the street, and another guy might add: and he found a quarter on the sidewalk, and then another would add: but someone had glued it down...and so on."
"You can't tell me that it was possible to build an entire story line like that," Ted said.
"No, that's true. We made a list of things to accomplish in an episode that were within the framework of the ongoing story line. Then we would take the list and talk our way through the scenes. After a while it was easy to assume the mindset of each character. There were some outrageous ideas thrown around, but most of that got pared down to something realistic."
Ted smiled. "Now that I know you a little better I can see why that worked. I think good comedy is much harder to imagine than drama."
"Comedy is usually situational. It's a lot more than telling jokes for a laugh. Drama requires a thoughtful set up to bring out the emotional aspect in a good story. But good comedy doesn't just hand out the answers and neither does drama. The audience needs to feel like they earned the results, fought the fight, and suffered the blows. Comedy and drama are two sides of the same coin."
"This is going to be fun," Ted said.
"Damn right," Mark said.
Mark had laid claim to the basement as a creative space for their writing work. It had lots of creature comforts and yet was isolated enough to avoid distractions. So after an early workout and breakfast, Steve and Dennis made their departure for the airport and Ted followed Mark downstairs to begin work.
"I know we have to make a considerable change to the story line," Ted said.
Mark nodded as he took a seat at the worktable. "I've been thinking about that. There's only one way to do it properly, and that would mean starting at the beginning."
"I completely agree. I don't think the opening is strong enough to grab the audience."
Mark laughed. "See, you're thinking about the images already and that's how we need to write this story. So how would you change it?"
"The story begins with the Steve's character, Danny Rhodes," Ted said. "We need to immediately define him and make the audience understand why he's a central character."
"Agreed. We can skip that little boy growing up stuff and bring it in later. Danny is all about the music he sings..."
"Let's start with a concert."
James drove the limo down the ramp towards the terminal building and joined the short line of cars disembarking passengers. They were going to meet Mike in the private departures lounge and Tim had assured them he knew exactly where that was.
"I like this airport, no hassles," Tim said as they finally pulled to the curb.
Dennis and Steve had each brought only one carry on bag since they would only be in Sacramento for one night. Valets and baggage handlers descended upon the vehicle but Tim smiled and waved them away as he led the boys through the entrance.
Steve wore a ball cap and sunglasses and it occurred to Dennis that he really was traveling with a celebrity, but then this was Hollywood and everyone expected to see famous people here. He was just sorry Steve felt self conscious about it.
There was a security person at the entrance to the private areas but Tim flashed an ID card and they walked right on through. Mike Stone was seated by the windows looking out at the mountains in the near distance. Right outside sat a sleek white aircraft and Dennis knew this was their transportation.
"Dennis...Steve," Mike said, rising to his feet. "Hello, Tim. Are you coming with us?"
"Wish I could, but I have too many chores left undone here," Tim replied. "You guys enjoy yourselves. I'll see you tomorrow evening."
Steve gave him a hug and a kiss before he left, and then they turned to the boarding ramp.
"Nice plane," Dennis said.
"I like it," Mike said. "Wish I had the time to take flying lessons. But I do sit up front on occasion when the pilots allow me."
The morning was warm and the concrete on the ramp was heating up. The door on the side of the jet was open and a handsome young man stood at the bottom of the short staircase.
"Casey, these are our passengers today. Dennis...Steve, this is Casey our pilot."
The man shook hands with them and handed their bags up into the cabin to another guy.
"That's Marty, the co-pilot," Mike said as they climbed the steps.
The cabin didn't look very big, but then Dennis had only flown in huge commercial jets and had no experience with these small ones. Marty stowed their bags in a closet as Mike led them down the narrow aisle. There were six seats, three on each side, but they were wide and comfortable.
Dennis sat behind Steve with Mike across the aisle, and immediately after he sat down Dennis saw Marty pull the steps up and shut the door. The plane gave a shudder as the engines started up.
"How long will it take us to get there?" Steve asked.
"About an hour," Mike said. "Depends on how much time we have to spend in take off and landing. I don't know how crowded the skies are over Sacramento."
Casey turned to look back at them from the small door into the cockpit. "Is everyone comfortable? Seat belts on?" He asked.
Mike gave him a nod and Casey shut the door. The roar of the engines increased and the plane began to move. They turned away from the terminal and headed out towards the runway. Dennis glanced out the window as they swung onto the broad concrete strip, and then almost immediately the jet engines wound up and the plane began to hurtle down the runway.
As they clawed for the sky the vista spread out below them. The mass of houses scattered in the foothills, bare mountain tops and then quickly the ocean. The plane banked right and quickly headed north and back over the hills.
"Doing okay, Steve?" Dennis asked.
"This is cool, I feel like I'm in a rocket ship," Steve laughed.
Mike spent the flight working on his laptop which reminded Dennis that this was really a business trip. Looking out the tiny window he could see the central valley spread out below and the mountains in the distance.
Dennis hoped that his parents were looking forward to this visit as much as he was. His mother was probably planning a nice home cooked dinner, Steve would like that. He knew she would probably be excited by having a movie star in the house. If she came with his father to the airport then he would have to introduce Mike which ought to give her a big thrill.
All those summers at the Spring Grove Theater had convinced Dennis of one thing. Celebrities put their pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else. He had always had great respect for the hard working performers around him, but the technical work was just as often unforgiving.
Guys like Mike, Vince and Jim had the most complicated careers anyone could imagine. Dennis was glad he had not chosen to pursue an acting career. It might be fun to make the big money and have a private jet, but look what that cost them in personal terms. Even Steve was subject to the pressure, although he might deny how difficult it was.
The door to the cockpit opened and Marty leaned out. "We'll be landing in about ten minutes," He announced.
"Thanks," Mike replied.
"Wow, that was quick," Steve said.
Mike smiled. "It would have taken our ancestors a week or so on horseback."
"Thank goodness for the Wright brothers," Dennis said.
"And Mr. Lear who designed this jet," Mike added.
They were on the ground within minutes. Executive Airport was the major hub for business jets and less cluttered than Sacramento International. But it had big advantages for Dennis since it was on the south side of town and only eight miles from his parent's house.
The jet parked outside a large hangar building and Dennis followed Mike down the steps. They shook hands with Casey and Marty, and then Mike led them over to the terminal. It took only a second for Dennis to see his family sitting in the waiting room.
He hugged his parents and then realized Mike and Steve were standing there.
"Mom, Dad...this is Mike Stone and that's Steve."
Everyone shook hands and Dennis thought his mother was going to faint. But Steve zeroed in on Dennis' two little sisters and they blushed at the attention.
"Dennis, I have to be going," Mike said. "Meet you back here around five tomorrow?"
"Sure, Mike. Thank you so much for the lift," Dennis said. "You have my parent's number if you need me for anything."
"Yes. You boys have a good time and I'll see you tomorrow. Mr. and Mrs. King, so nice to meet you," Mike said, and then he was off across the lobby.
"Come on, Steve...you can charm the young ladies when we get home," Dennis said.
His little brother was off at football practice and so Dennis and Steve shared the back seats with the two girls. They were both old enough to know just who Steve was and be embarrassed in his presence. Jillian was eleven, and Molly had just turned nine. But Dennis' mother was overjoyed to have access to a Hollywood celebrity and would not stop talking.
Steve patiently answered her questions and spoke about what he and Dennis were doing on the new film. If she didn't shut up soon Dennis was going to throttle her or take Steve away someplace for a while.
The house was much the same, except now his little brother had moved into Dennis' old room and that seemed about right. There were twin beds in the guest room and he would share that with Steve for the night. But Dennis realized how much he missed this family life when they sat down at the kitchen table for lunch.
Forewarned about Steve's nearly vegetarian diet, Dennis' mother had made vegetable soup with a large Greek salad. Steve talked about growing up in Los Angeles and his life before the stage work began. In the middle of their lunch Dennis' brother Mike came home, clad in his football outfit and covered in mud.
Dennis almost laughed at Mike's reaction to Steve. At fifteen, the boy was in that between time of life so he braved his way through the introductions and shook hands with Steve before going off to shower and change. Perhaps it would be best to include Mike in any plans they made for the afternoon.
It wasn't long after lunch that Dennis decided Steve needed a break from the ladies in the house so they wandered out to the garage to look at the old Volkswagen. Mike tagged along and pointed at the vehicle.
"I washed it the other day, it still runs pretty well."
"You know if Dad doesn't get you one when you turn sixteen this will be your car," Dennis said.
"You don't want it?" Mike asked.
"I don't need it, that's for sure. Jim Curry lets me use his little electric car and the studio drives me anywhere I want to go."
"That's cool," Mike said. "I'll have my learner's permit in a few months."
"So, how about we take a little drive," Dennis said. "I have someone I would like Steve to meet."
It was Saturday, but at Cabot Performing Arts it was just another work day in the fall production schedule. Dennis parked the car amidst the dozen or so that were lined up before the building and led Steve and Mike into the lobby.
It had only been seven months since he was last here, but the door to the office was open and Dennis knew the principal, Dr. Lynch, would be here. They passed the glass case and Dennis explained his attachment to the trophy representing Romeo and Juliet. His efforts had helped the school acquire that award.
"And this is Ethel Merman," Dennis said. "Dr. Lynch had the photo mounted after we did Annie Get Your Gun."
"Did I hear my name?" A voice said from the office doorway.
Dennis embraced Dr. Lynch and then introduced Steve and his brother Mike.
"Just passing through town?" Lynch asked.
"I am. How are you, Doc? And how is the program running?" Dennis asked.
"Busy as ever, we're producing Guys and Dolls at the moment."
"Great, I love that show," Steve said.
"It opened last weekend, would you like to attend this evening?" Lynch asked.
Dennis looked at Steve who nodded. It would be fun to see what the school was doing, although Dennis was sure he'd never feel totally comfortable sitting in an audience.
"I think we'd like that," Dennis said. "But would Tim approve?"
"Tim?" Lynch asked.
"Steve has security issues as you might imagine," Dennis explained.
"I don't think it will be a problem here," Steve said. "I'd like to see the show."
"Who's the stage manager?" Dennis asked.
"Your protégé, Brandon Stevens," Lynch said. "He's on the top of the heap this year, which I'm sure you understand. He's in the theater at the moment making a few repairs. Would you like to go in?"
"Yes, I certainly would," Dennis said.
"You know the way, just stop by before you leave," Lynch said.
The auditorium was dark as Dennis walked through the lobby doors. The proscenium of the stage was decorated with steel girders and a truss across the top that gave the impression of an overhead bridge. The show took place on the streets of New York and the backdrop of city buildings looked realistic. There were a half dozen neon signs hanging down and Brandon was there with a small crew working on one of them.
Dennis quietly led Steve and Mike down a side aisle and stood watching for a moment before he smiled.
"This must be a Brady set," He said in a loud voice. "That means something always breaks down."
Brandon looked up with a smile and dropped the wrench in his hand, running for the steps beside the proscenium.
"Dennis," He yelled and they embraced.
Of all the students Dennis had left behind after he graduated, Brandon held the most promise. Working side by side with someone for two years had built a lasting relationship and Dennis would always want to know what this boy was doing. He expected great things from Brandon.
Steve was enjoying the reunion and shook Brandon's hand as Dennis introduced him.
"I know your work," Brandon said. "So this is who Dennis is hanging around with now."
Steve laughed. "Not quite, we're working on a film together at the moment."
"And this is my brother Mike," Dennis said.
Brandon shook hands with Mike. "Thinking about a career in theater?" He asked.
Mike shook his head. "No, I like sports too much."
Brandon gave them a tour across the stage and explained to his crew who Dennis was. There was no doubt from the looks that the students had already recognized Steve.
"I think we're coming tonight," Dennis said. "How's the show?"
Brandon laughed. "Brady didn't kill it with his designs if that's what you're asking, it actually works. The best cast of dancers I think we've ever seen, strong leads, great chorus and I have a really fine crew. I won't be ashamed to leave my name on this one."
Dennis put his arm on Brandon's shoulder and nodded in Steve's direction. "I miss all this, but I have new responsibilities now."
Brandon nodded. "You keep an eye on this guy, Steve. He's the best of us."
Steve smiled. "It won't be long before you see his name on the movie screen."
"Come backstage after the show, Dennis," Brandon said. "I know there are a lot of people who would like to see you again."
"We'll do that."
They hugged again and Brandon went back to work as Dennis led the others back up the aisle to the lobby. He stopped to knock on Lynch's door.
"Well, there you are," Lynch said. "I pulled four tickets off the rack for you, will that be enough?"
"That's very kind," Dennis replied. "I think that will be just fine."
Lynch smiled. "I've seen Mr. Biddle's work. I have a granddaughter who adores you, young man. If you have Dennis supporting your career then I have no doubt that it will be of great success."
Steve nodded. "I already know that, but thank you for the reminder."
"Look me up before the show," Lynch said, and then he looked at Mike. "If you ever think of following your brother's footsteps in theater I want to warn you those are pretty big shoes to wear."
"I don't think Mike is very interested," Dennis said. "We have to go, Dr. Lynch, but I'll look for you before the curtain."
Lynch gave him another hug and they walked out of the office and down the hallway. Mike stopped to look at the trophies.
"Did you really win this one?" He asked.
Dennis nodded. "The trophy was a team effort but I got to shake the governor's hand when it was presented."
"Cool," Mike said.
"Does that mean you want to see the show with us tonight?" Dennis asked.
"Can I? I thought you would bring Mom and Dad."
"Mom will come, but I think Dad will take a pass if he can," Dennis said.
"I'd like to see it," Mike said.
"That's the spirit," Steve said. "You'll like this show, it's all about gangsters and gamblers..."
Dennis smiled as Steve went on to tell Mike about the story. He didn't think his brother was interested in a theater career, but it never hurt to encourage someone to sit in the audience. Dennis' mother had planned an early dinner, and was excited about attending the show that evening. As expected, Mr. King said he would stay home with the kids and encouraged Mike to attend in his place.
Dennis timed their arrival at Cabot's theater so that half the audience was already seated when they entered the lobby. They were there to see the show and he didn't want Steve's presence to distract anyone. Lynch was standing by the box office window and greeted Dennis' mother fondly. Steve smiled as they shook hands and handed Lynch an envelope.
"What's this?" Lynch asked.
"Something for your granddaughter," Steve replied. "If you will tell me her name I'll personalize it."
Lynch smiled. "How sweet, her name is Patricia Ann Marks."
Steve pulled out the eight by ten photo and wrote her name with a greeting before signing her name. "Tell her this is a publicity photo for the new movie, Come Next Tuesday and these haven't been released yet so it's a collector's item."
"How very kind, thank you," Lynch said. "Is this the film you're working on?" He asked Dennis.
"Yes, and I'll be a minor in the production credits."
Lynch patted his shoulder. "And so it begins for you, how wonderful."
Dennis looked at his watch. "We have five minutes to curtain if it's on time, we better take our seats."
"Enjoy the show," Lynch said. "Perhaps I'll see you backstage."
The house lights were at half and a gauze curtain was down across the proscenium opening. It was decorated with larger than life painted characters from the show dressed in period clothing. Behind the gauze hung the neon signs of the clubs and theaters in New York which were part of the scenery. Presenting it like this gave the audience only a taste of what they were about to see and Dennis thought that very clever.
The orchestra was groaning and squeaking in the pit as they took their seats. Mike sat between Dennis and Steve, with Dennis' mother on the other side of Steve. She seemed very aware that people were looking at them and that made her self conscious. Steve was quite used to the looks and did his best to ignore them.
The overture began at three minutes after eight and Dennis smiled knowing that Brandon was running a tight ship backstage. As the overture music came to a climax things began to happen on stage. Having designed lights for shows Dennis understood what was going to occur, this was the 'gasp' moment he always enjoyed.
The house lights were out and when the overture ended the signs were lit and the gauze curtain began to rise. The city was seen in silhouette as actors began to take their places on the stage, and then the stage lit up. Mike gave a little gasp and Dennis knew Brandon would be pleased to hear that. It was fun to notice Mike's reactions to the show, and it was made even better because Dennis recognized some of the cast members.
Jimmy Tolliver made an unlikely gangster, but he played that part very well. He was still the best dancer on stage. There were still a few actors and singers from the Annie Get Your Gun cast around. Talented kids from the chorus who had now moved up to play the leading roles.
Dennis resisted the urge to go backstage during intermission. Brandon's crew didn't need the distraction. Instead they stood in a corner of the lobby and smiled as several audience members worked up enough nerve to approach. Fortunately the cluster didn't grow too large before the lobby lights flashed to indicate that intermission was over.
Overall, Dennis felt that Brandon's estimation of the show was correct. It was all very well done. But Cabot had a tradition to uphold and the community was rarely disappointed in their performances. After the final curtain Dennis led their little group into the side hallway and in through the doors that would take them backstage left.
The shop doors were open and Dennis was surprised to see a small crowd of students standing there with Brandon.
"Dennis," He called, motioning them over. "Come meet the crew."
Brad Abrams and Tim Collins shook his hand as Dennis was introduced to the others. He saw weary faces and understood these kids looked like they had worked a demanding schedule. But there were also smiles, the semester was about to end and they would get a much needed break.
Steve stood beside Dennis' mother and enjoyed watching her son's moment in the spotlight. The world of technical people was still foreign to him, but Steve understood that this is where Dennis had acquired most of his skills. But like acting, knowledge was passed down and the basis for the work these technicians had performed tonight had started with Dennis.
Eventually Dennis introduced his family and then Steve. He spoke a little about the film work and then the moment arrived when they had to leave, the tech crews had work to finish before they went home. Brandon hugged Dennis again and wished him well in Hollywood. In turn Dennis told Brandon to look him up after graduation.
Steve saw the looks the crew gave him, but it was also something different. He was an actor and that was something they understood. There was little adoration evident, these weren't fans just co-workers. Steve got the same attitude from the union film crews. They wanted to know the person not the image. The crew kids shook his hand and thanked him for coming to the show. It felt wonderful.
Mike had spent his time looking around at the backstage area. Everyone was in awe of the scope and size of the workspace when they first saw it. Dennis watched his brother's eyes take in all the unfamiliar things. Perhaps...but he certainly wasn't going to encourage it. But Mike had just seen his first stage production and the thoughts had to be there. No one could understand better than Dennis because this is just the way he had begun. Only time would tell.
Sunday morning...they had the whole day to relax. But Steve was up just after dawn and Dennis followed him out into the back yard. Everyone else was asleep as Steve began his exercise regimen and Dennis did his best to follow along.
There had been other mornings when Dennis was at Tim's or over at Mark's house. The slow Tai-Chi was something he had at first admired and then been encouraged to join. It was hard to focus like that, and at first it felt extremely awkward, much like the dance class he had taken at Cabot.
But after years of practice, Steve made the moves with style and grace. When Tim, Mark and Brian were there Dennis thought it looked like a slow moving ballet. And so Dennis worked hard to copy Steve and in doing so tapped into the energy flow of the exercise. After a dozen repetitions Steve stood still to enjoy the moment, and then he smiled.
"Can we run?"
"Sure, we can go over to the park and use the trails," Dennis said.
They were back at the house an hour later. It had been some time since Dennis had a workout like that and he was covered in sweat and breathing hard. On the other hand, Steve was calm and collected, he didn't even appear winded. Dennis allowed him to hit the showers first while he wandered down to the kitchen to see about breakfast.
"Bacon and eggs?" His mother asked.
"Eggs, no bacon. Do we have any plain cereal or just that sugary stuff the girls like."
She laughed. "No dear, no sugary stuff. Your sisters are young ladies now and they have to watch their figures. Will you eat bran flakes with fruit?"
"That will be fine."
Steve appeared and Dennis ran up to shower. He came down to see Steve and his father reading the morning paper, how domestic. They had no plans for the day, and it occurred to Dennis that it had always been Ted who found them things to do. That made him wonder what the love of his life was doing, but he didn't dare call and disturb the writing session.
It was just ten o'clock when the phone rang and Dennis' mother picked up. Whoever it was made her smile and she motioned for Dennis.
"It's Mr. Stone," She said, handing Dennis the phone.
"Dennis?"
"Hi, Mike."
"Dennis...there's no easy way to say this. Betty Compton died this morning. I need to get back to LA."
Oh My God, Dennis thought...Ted. "Yes, how soon are we leaving?"
"I'm on my way to the airport from Placerville, we'll leave at noon," Mike said.
"We'll be there," Dennis said, still coming to terms with the shock.
"See you there," Mike said, and he hung up.
Betty was gone, this would kill Ted. He had to get back, Ted would need him and then he wondered if Ted even knew. The emotions came suddenly and Dennis wanted to cry. Instead he turned to the family sitting at the table and looked right at Steve.
"I have some bad news..."
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