Exit Hollywood

By Chris James

Chapter Seventeen - The Epilogue

Hollywood Boulevard was probably the most famous street in Los Angeles, and for at least one night a year it was jammed with people who were focused on just one thing. Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Wax Museum were the main attractions while the Walk of Fame displayed famous names of Hollywood stars set into the sidewalk. These were the fun things to see, until Oscar came to town.

Despite the tourist image, Dennis and Ted had done the walking tour of Hollywood's famous places. They wanted to see the star given to Betty Compton on the sidewalk and to view the Kodak Theater where the Academy Awards ceremonies were held.

But touring that theater held special meaning this year as the Oscar Awards would encompass so many people they knew. The year ahead would be busy enough to boggle the mind...the year past was something else.

Redemption had finished filming in late July and after a two week evaluation period Jim released the cast and most of the studio personnel for the hot month of August to get some well needed rest. Curry Studios was like a ghost town, except in the editing rooms.

Dennis and Ted stuck around since they both had roles to play in the editing process. Dennis had fulfilled the role of assistant to the director. Perhaps a busier job than he had anticipated, but then Michael Kane was directing his first film and needed all the help he could get. Ted would stay because Dennis was there, and to oversee the edits to make sure of continuity in his script.

By the middle of summer Dennis and Ted had attended a meeting with the three department heads in the performing arts at UCLA and Dean Black. There was a good deal of discussion about commitment since the university had certain requirements that could not be waived. But in the end they hammered out a program of study for both boys which would begin in September.

September and October brought so many changes, and not just the longer days that demanded their attention. The final cut of Redemption was completed and the distributor aimed for a Thanksgiving release. Just how popular the film would be was anyone's guess, but it didn't seem that there was going to be much dramatic competition this year.

Publicity for a film could be a funny thing, and this was no different. The trailer advertising the film was cut and released in early September. Curry had it posted on their website for just three days before the response shot through the roof. Media attention had been cautious until that point. Understandable perhaps since there were four comedic actors in leading roles. No one believed that Curry could pull it off, but they had.

The mail and comments passed along to the studio were overwhelmingly positive and contained a shocker. Everyone wanted to know how they could get Danny Rhode's music. The score for the film had contained only three songs supposedly penned by the character, it left them in a quandary.

Felecia Adams had written the songs that Steve sang in the movie and she was given credits and a good deal of money for her music. The publicity department bumped the ideas up to Jim, and he of course had to turn to Steve.

"They want you to record an album, buddy," Jim said. "Are you up for it?"

What could he say? "Of course," Steve replied. "But it's going to be weird pretending to be Danny Rhodes."

"Just think of the rewards," Jim reminded him, and it was a done deal.

Steve, his vocal coach and Felecia huddled for a week, and then retired to the Paramount, one of Los Angeles' foremost recording facilities. The recording had a live sound, as if the imaginary Danny was on stage with an orchestra. Twelve tracks of Felecia's music made the cut and Steve loved every minute of the work.

The album was named 'Smile: The Music of Redemption.' iTunes got the first shot at the release of the music and it snowballed onto the charts. The title track was all over the FM stations within two weeks and Steve Biddle was a recording star.

The rewards Jim spoke of came from the boost in publicity for the film which would be a shoo-in for several categories during the Oscar nomination process. But first they had to let the audiences see it, and on November 18^th, the week before Thanksgiving, the film opened in hundreds of theaters across America.

People flocked to the theater for many different reasons. Anything with Jim Curry was an immediate attraction and Hank had his own following. But a lot of the audience was younger, the teen crowd. Kids who had grown up watching Mark and Steve in films and on television now had another chance to see the boys. By the time everyone sat down to carve turkey for the holiday the film had grossed over a hundred million dollars.

The media frenzy pushed and pulled on the four main cast members, vying for their time in a hundred different ways. Hank partnered with Steve and Jim with Mark to make the rounds of the late night television shows. It was a tossup as to which pair had the most fun, but they all basked in the positive attention it gave the film.

The Christmas season did nothing to diminish the popularity of the film and Redemption remained at the top of the list for seven weeks before it slid to number two. The staff at Curry Studios had been on a natural high for two months, even while working on several new projects. But forty-eight hours before the big jolly man was due to bring gifts to boys and girls across the land, Jim Curry donned his Santa suit and handed out bonus checks.

Money like this was commensurate with job titles and years of service. That meant Ted and Dennis didn't expect to get much, if anything at all. Their salaries had doubled during the past year and they were each paying a fair share of taxes because of that. But this was the first time anyone had ever handed either of them a check for twenty-five thousand dollars.

The shock of that amount had not worn off by the time they went home to Sacramento for the holiday, or in the following week when they drove off to Lake Tahoe for the gathering. It was expected to be a big crowd at the lake this year. All the old familiar faces would be there. But Jim had begged off and taken Susan and the girls to the Mediterranean for three weeks.

Mike had named his compound on the lake Compton Lodge in honor of Betty. They would spend hours in talk about the great woman's passing, her legacy...and the little red shoes she had left to Ted.

It was Dennis who suggested that they ought to form a foundation and gain the rights to her films. Mike came up with the news that about half of her major productions had been restored, which represented a major body of work. Betty had been in thirty-six films, starting way back in her days as a child actress.

Perhaps it would be a monumental task to buy the rights to the films, but then Mike allowed that he already owned four of them and Jim had another six. They all agreed that was enough to run a week long film festival and raise money for the foundation. It was his idea so Dennis was put in charge of researching the event.

Quiet nights before the fireplace, good wine and conversation, it was everything Ted and Dennis needed to recharge their energy. They had been together for five years...partners in a life that had seemed surreal at first, but now they knew they could hold their own. There was nothing like success to cement a relationship.

"You're going to win an award, you know," Dennis said.

It was late, the wine had gone to their heads and they had to get up early for the return trip to Sacramento.

"I hope to win an award," Ted replied. "Nothing is certain."

"Oh, I don't know. You really don't have any competition." Dennis shifted in the huge bed and rolled on his side. "You've never had any competition."

Ted smiled up at the ceiling. "I thought we were talking about work."

"A long time ago we talked about getting married," Dennis said.

"It's a civil union now."

"Whatever they call it...it's a commitment we already share. Would you like to make it legal?" Dennis asked.

"Can't...not until you tell your parents about us," Ted replied.

"There is that," Dennis said. "I was just thinking..."

"About Mark and Brian...I know. That was a brave move."

Mark and Brian had tied the knot in a civil ceremony during the August break. They had told very few people of their plans, and instead of taking a vacation they had turned it into a honeymoon. At least they had brought back pictures of the event, even though everyone was still trying to figure out if it was legal.

Tim had sailed the rebuilt Real Deal all the way to Hawaii and somewhere along the way Mark and Brian had taken their vows. They had registered their civil union with the clerk of the county courthouse before setting sail, but that was just a piece of paper.

Tim held a Captain's certification from the Coast Guard and once in international waters he claimed that maritime regulations applied. As captain of the boat he married them, with Steve and several crew members as witnesses. The new couple honeymooned in Hawaii, most of that time spent learning how to surf.

"Do I feel a sense of jealousy?" Ted asked.

"Probably because they always seem to be one step ahead of us," Dennis replied.

"But what a lovely path to follow. We'll get our day, sweetie."

Christmas was just a memory when Dennis opened the newspaper and saw the list of nominees on the front page of the Entertainment section. Redemption was all over the list.

Best Actor: Hank Dobbs, Best Supporting Actor: Mark Harrison and Steven Biddle, Best Director: Mike Kane, Best Picture: Redemption...and there below all those was the one he sought. Best Original Screenplay: Ted Cavanaugh. If they took all of those there was be no doubt that they would also take the best film award and Jim Curry would hold his third Oscar.

Dennis would bask in Mike's glory if he won as best director. But of them all he had the worst chance because he was new to directing and he was up against two former Oscar winners. The competition between Mark and Steve as supporting actors in the same film was highly unusual, but it said a lot about the credit they deserved as actors.

Jim didn't need any validation of his acting skills, he already held two Oscars for past performances. In the following weeks he deferred the questions on that matter in the following way:

"You think I need another Oscar? I don't have any room left on my shelves." But he would accept on behalf of the studio and his star would shine a little brighter.

There were already two new projects in the pipeline, one of them controversial. Taffy Borden was tapped to direct her first film based on a novel about two notorious lesbians. Jim thought she would bring humor and an insider's look at the script. The other was a feed in to a planned television series on the Fox network. They wanted to make a series based on Come Next Tuesday.

The series would star none of the original actors and Jim gave it about a twenty percent chance of survival. But he controlled the rights to the characters and Marie Post would get a nice percentage since it was her story.

Jim was always on the prowl for new material even though he had more scripts stacked up in his office than Curry Studios could produce in a century. The Oscars would provide validation to his work and boost the star power of those who had been in the cast. Ted knew if he won that golden statue for his screenplay that the eyes would turn his way. Jim expected great things, and one tried very hard not to disappoint the Prince of Hollywood.

January became a month of supreme tension for everyone on the Oscar nominee's list. Dale Cavanaugh rolled into town after seeing his son's name in the papers.

"You're still at the university even after this?" Dale wanted to know.

"Sure, why not? I mean they look at me differently now, but I don't play the celebrity, that's just not me," Ted replied. "But I'll have to miss a class next week."

"Can you do that?"

"Yes, Dad...I have to attend a luncheon for the Oscar nominees."

Dale chuckled. "That makes it pretty damn real, doesn't it?"

"It scares me, I don't know any of those people," Ted said.

"But you will, and it's not like you have to sell yourself. You have a multi-million dollar movie to back you up," Dale said.

Ted grinned. "Hey, yeah...I do don't I? So how's your love life?"

Dale laughed. "Almost as good as your career."

There was a little jealousy among his classmates, but the faculty took it all in stride and made sure Ted didn't receive any favored treatment. But it also opened up the possibility of future collaboration for Ted when he formed a small writer's group with Eddy Green and Patricia Salton, students in some of his classes.

Ted found a pink telephone message slip in his mailbox just as the company was surging forward into February. Ms. Judith Henderson was trying to reach him and Ted had no idea who she was.

"Veronica, do we know a Judith Henderson?" Ted asked.

"Hmm, I believe she's on the Board of the Kodak Theater," Ms. V replied. "I'm sure you've probably never met her. Important lady in this town."

"Then I better call her back."

It took only a few minutes to get past the layers of administration in the Kodak organization, and Ted had Ms. Henderson on the phone.

"First off, let me congratulate you on your nomination, Mr. Cavanaugh" Judith said. "I'm looking forward to meeting you at the awards ceremony."

"Thank you very much, and it's Ted. I'm not up for the Mr. title yet."

"Very well, you may call me Judith. I'm not one for titles either. Just so you know, the current awards are not something I can speak about," Judith went on to say. "But I have a very good reason for calling you. I've been in touch with Mike Stone and he gave me your name. It seems you are the one who owns Betty Compton's red shoes."

"Oh...yes, I am," Ted replied. "Such a dear friend, she left them to me."

"That woman touched the lives of so many of us and that's why I'd like to put them on display here in the theater. It seems you're a close friend of Mike's so this will come as no surprise. The Academy is planning a special award for her lifetime achievement and Mike is creating a montage of her films to show during the ceremony. We both think it would be extremely special to have the shoes on display."

"That's wonderful," Ted said. "I would certainly agree to a loan under those conditions."

"Good," Judith said. "I'm going to send my assistant over to your office this afternoon to make the arrangements. Be assured, the display will come under our insurance policy and the shoes will be quite secure. We'll arrange a bonded security company to transport the shoes from wherever you have them located."

"They're in a safety deposit box at CNB on Ventura," Ted said. "I think this is a wonderful idea...Betty was very dear to me."

"That's what Mike said, and so we thought to include you in this little award moment. Would you like to say something about her?"

"A speech...on television?" Ted asked.

Judith laughed. "Why sure, don't you have any secret ambitions to perform?"

"Me? Heavens no, I'm just a writer."

"Never say that you're just anything, Ted. You created an outstanding story that you turned into a screenplay. But it would be nice to have you say a few words about Betty. Nothing long mind you, we never have enough time for all the things we want to do in the ceremony, so keep it down to a minute or two if you can."

"I can be brief if that's what you need. Thank you for the opportunity," Ted said. "I guess I better get right on this."

Jim was very pleased by Ted's opportunity, although he already knew the offer was going to be made. Working with Mike Stone, they had managed to create a seven minute look at the life of a star. Mike would introduce the short retrospective, the film would be shown, and then they had decided Ted would say his piece and be there to hand the award to Macy who would accept on behalf of Betty's family.

The month of February crept on towards Oscar night and their invitations arrived in the mail. For so long it had seemed surreal but there it was printed on a beautiful white card with a gold embossed Oscar statuette decorating the cover. This would be Ted's ticket to fame.

Jim had arranged transportation for every one of his people on the nomination list since arriving at the awards ceremony was all about image. They would alight in front of the Kodak Theater with millions of viewers on television watching their arrival.

Nina was in the forefront of making the arrangements and sent Ted and Dennis off to Richard Bowman on Beverly Boulevard for their tuxedos. They were offered a glass of white wine and a seat as they were shown some very classy and expensive formal wear. It seemed a crime to spend so much on a fancy suit they each might wear only once, but Jim was buying.

Ted spent a considerable amount of time pondering what he might say in just a few minutes about a woman whose career had spanned decades. The things she had done for him were very personal and didn't need to be mentioned. But Betty had meant so many things to other people and that is where Ted found his words flowing.

Finally it was Sunday the twenty-seventh, the day Oscar ruled Hollywood. Having been through it all before, Jim assembled everyone at his house for brunch and a chance to relax. Ted and Dennis were the only two who had never attended the awards ceremony before and it gave Ted pause to look at the assembled actors and realize these friends already knew what to expect.

Mark and Hank had been there for Indigo and the Cowboy. Steve had been there for Top Dog. Jim had...well from Ted's perspective Jim seemed to have been involved in every awards competition for the past decade. Even Tim and Brian had sat in that vast theater filled with everything Hollywood represented.

Standing before an audience of actors, directors, producers, and all the other people that moved and shook the Hollywood entertainment machine was the largest intimidation factor. Ted didn't even consider the television audience. It was the three thousand plus people in the theater that would judge his words. And as if sensing that trepidation, Mark pulled Ted aside in Jim's trophy room.

"You see all these things?" Mark said. "These are just the symbols of Hollywood. I learned long ago that the real Hollywood is a stream of people going about their business and hoping to become one of these symbols. We are the fortunate ones because we have been able to influence the flow."

"That sounds like a very Zen philosophy," Ted said.

"It's very much like that. What we do impacts millions of lives and gives us a voice in this town and across the world. This whole Academy Awards thing is overblown, but necessary. Those movie fans want to see us and what we've done on their behalf. They want to see us put up on a pedestal and glorified because our lives are so public. They feel like they own the image, and in truth, we exist because of that feeling.

"The real Ted Cavanaugh will cease to exist this evening and be replaced by the image. Your life will change from the recognition and the achievement. I have no doubt that Redemption will walk away with huge wins tonight, that's what we worked so hard to make happen."

"We wrote that together," Ted said.

"Sure we did, but you deserve the symbol that little gold statue represents. I have enough weight to carry as an actor," Mark said. "I seem to have little enough time to spend with Brian as it is, I don't need to be a writer too."

"I've started another story," Ted said. "It may take me a long time to finish."

"But you will finish it, and maybe Dennis will get to direct it. There might even be a part in it for me, but that's the point. The Zen part of all this is that we have to keep involved for this whole crazy Hollywood business to work. The flow never stops and it's been going on for generations. Our roles may change but that's evolution, or revolution, depends upon how you look at it. We are the force that moves this town and don't you ever forget that."

"Do you want to see the speech I wrote for tonight?" Ted asked.

"Nope," Mark said. "Surprise me. I'll be out there in the audience to watch your performance. It's always fun when the tables are turned. You'll do just fine."

Jim's wife Susan finally had her chance at Ted when the Curry girls cornered Mark and Steve.

"You wrote a wonderful story, Ted. I think you've got the best shot at that Oscar."

Ted didn't know what to say. He detected an edge in her compliment, but perhaps she was just a little envious. She had been given screenplay credit for Partial Payment which had won no awards and had quietly slid into DVD distribution.

"Thank you, Susan," Ted replied. "It wouldn't have happened without Jim's support."

They relaxed in the shade around the pool and were served a light dinner. This would be a long night and Jim would throw a grand after-party at the Beverly Wilshire. Dennis and Ted were given a guest room upstairs to share where they could shower and dress for the evening.

Dennis had been quiet and solicitous all afternoon, knowing that Ted would be nervous about his performance. But they showered together and the private performance they gave under the spray of water went a long way to relieving the tensions of the day.

"You're the performer, you ought to be giving this speech," Ted said when they were done.

"No, baby...it's you they want to see and hear," Dennis replied.

"I don't think anyone there will even know who I am."

"That is about to change."

The procession of limos left Jim's house. The Kodak Theater wasn't that far away, but like airplanes circling in the sky over an airport the long line of limos forecast a waiting time. Ted and Dennis had boarded the procession with Steve and Tim so they all sat waiting together.

"Nervous?" Steve asked Ted.

"Not really, I'm just a nobody," Ted replied.

"What about you, Dennis?"

"I'm with nobody which is good enough for me."

"You're all going to get a lot of exposure from this," Tim said.

"It's good for the industry and for us," Dennis said. "I can already see the work piling up for the year."

"I think Hank has something cooking for us," Steve said.

"What? No singing career?" Ted asked.

"Oh sure...move over Justin, here comes Steve. No, I'm an actor who can sing. That's good enough for me."

"Oh Lord, look at the crowd," Dennis said.

The sidewalks on either side of the Kodak were packed with people. There were already stacks of lighting equipment and television cameras surrounding the entrance ahead. A row of oversized Oscar statues flanked the red carpet which led from the street, through the huge overhead portal and into the theater lobby.

Each limo stopped to disgorge passengers to the screams of waiting fans and the gauntlet of reporters with microphones that lined the ropes towards the entrance. Dennis looked ahead and saw the waiting valets open the doors to Jim's limo and the family emerged. Even in the splendid luxury of the limo the noise of the crowd could be heard as Jim stood up and waved to the fans. Susan and the girls hung back, but Jim turned and urged them forward for the long walk down the carpet.

Hank Dobbs and family were next, followed by Mark and Brian. The sky was a bit overcast and the television lighting glared out at the line of cars, while the flash from dozens of cameras splashed the scene. There was a huge roar as Mark stepped out of the car and he waved at the fans. Then it was their turn.

Tim was the unknown so he stepped out first and held the door for Steve who leaped out into the glare. With the door open the surge of sound from the crowd was almost deafening and Ted gave Dennis a smile. The fans cheered Steve and he waved.

"Our turn," Dennis said.

"You first," Ted replied.

Dennis stepped out and Ted quietly followed. There was applause but no cheering and Ted grinned at their anonymity. But the limo doors were closed behind them and the miles of red carpet lay ahead. They moved slowly, trailing behind Steve and Mark. The reporters crowded around the boys, vying for their attention and a few words for the television viewers.

Steve grinned and motioned Ted and Dennis over to speak to one of the microphones.

"Marsha Grant, this is Ted Cavanaugh who wrote the book and the screenplay, and this is Dennis King the assistant director."

"We've known from the beginning that this film involved new young talent," Marsha said. "Jim Curry certainly knows how well you all performed. What's it like to work for such a famous man?"

The microphone was pointed towards Ted and so he replied. "He allowed each of us the chance to develop our talent and I think that's the key to the success of this film."

"Redemption certainly allowed all four of you to use that talent...so, what's next?"

The microphone was now aimed at Mark. "I think we all have ideas we want to pursue, but I think we enjoy our relationship to Curry Studios."

Brian laid a hand on Mark's back and they slid away from Marsha and moved up the carpet and finally walked under the portal and into the lobby. Ted looked around at the crowd and suddenly laughed aloud.

"What?" Dennis asked.

"All this star power decked out in their finest without a camera lens to see all their warts and wrinkles...it's refreshing," Ted said.

Steve smiled at the comment and nodded. "This is quite a little club, isn't it?"

Jim and Hank were nearby talking to some of the studio people when Mike Stone approached them through the crowd and shook hands all around.

"Have you seen the shoes?" He asked Ted.

"No...where are they?"

"Let me show you," Mike replied.

They walked past the large looping spiral staircase that led to the various upper lobbies for the box seating. Ted could see a crowd of people standing around a display area and there in a glass cube the red shoes sat on a cushion of white velvet. The photographs of Betty showed the progress of her career and Ted gazed at them until he could get close to the display.

Just seeing the shoes here in this enclave of Hollywood stardom gave him a rush of emotion and he barely felt Dennis' hand on his shoulder. Perhaps it was the shoes or the words engraved on the brass plaque that brought Betty's achievements to mind.

'Ms. Betty Compton. The Queen's Red Shoes, 1958.' The plaque read, and then below it: 'Courtesy of Ted Cavanaugh.'

It was the first time Ted's name had been on display with Betty's, and that brought on the surge of emotion. It was that bridge to her spirit that Ted often felt, and now it was shared with Hollywood. Ted looked up at the portrait of Betty on the wall and knew she would have been happy for him in this moment of acclaim.

Ted laid a hand on the pocket of his tuxedo, feeling the cards for his speech sitting there. He would hold them as he spoke, but he had memorized the words. What he could not prepare himself for were the emotions that would come as he spoke. If he shed a tear perhaps the audience of her admirers would understand and forgive him. He sure hoped so.

"Shall we gravitate towards our seats?" Tim asked.

The platoon of ushers were lined up at the door and glanced at the invitations. Jim and company had a block of seats five rows from the front. Since there were five nominees in the seats they were seated close to the aisle. An usher handed them each a program and then led them slowly down the aisle. This allowed them to see the grand decoration of the theater and be seen by others in the audience.

Mark and Steve both stopped here and there to shake hands. Ted recognized several of the film stars they greeted, but didn't know the other business folk involved. They were about halfway down the aisle when Ted saw someone he knew and loved.

"Mitchell," Ted said, and the man stood up so they could share a hug.

"Wouldn't miss your big night," Mitchell said. "Jim told me I had to be here."

"You ought to be up there with me if I win," Ted said.

"Oh, you'll win," Mitchell said in a quiet voice. "These people just don't know that yet. Jim has invited me to the party so we can chat later. But now I think your usher is concerned."

Ted smiled. "Always looking out for me...I'll see you later."

"That was sweet," Dennis said.

"I didn't know he was going to be here. Good Lord, look at this place."

The tiers of box seats seemed to cling to the walls like the layers of a glittering cake all done up in silver and plum. The muted lighting made it all sparkle as the eye was drawn to the iridescent curtains across the proscenium. Ted caught himself gawking and almost blushed...it was time to settle down.

Mark had the aisle seat, with Brian, Steve, and Tim in the next three, and then Ted's seat with Dennis on the inside. Jim and Hank with their families had the row in front of them.

"Wow, do you see who has the seat next to me?" Dennis whispered.

Ted looked over and caught a smile from Tiffany Banks who wore a white shimmering beaded dress. She and her producer husband had a teenage boy sitting between them. They were the only mother and son duo in town who were currently starring in films. The boy had a Disney contract and Tiffany had been in many light comedies.

Hank turned around to look at something and saw Tiffany. Like a gentleman he stood up and leaned over the seat to greet her, and then looked at Dennis.

"Dennis, this is Tiffany," And she offered Dennis her hand. "He's an up and coming director, dear," Hank told her, and then he looked at Ted. "And you may not know this young man, but Ted wrote our screenplay. He's another one of that new generation of Hollywood players."

Ted stood up and shook Tiffany's hand. "Nice to meet you," He said and she smiled.

"You don't look much older than my son...how delightful," Tiffany laughed.

Ted managed a quick look around and saw several people he knew, including Vince Delaney. Vince gave him a wave and Ted smiled and waved back. Then he felt self-conscious and quickly resumed his seat to look through the program. Dennis was doing much the same thing.

"You're on page twelve," Dennis said.

Ted turned through the pages and came to the list of nominees for Best Original Screenplay. He didn't know any of the others on the list, but he was sure they all had a long resume of writing skills. If he should win, and what a big 'if' that was, what would these people think of him? Was he the upstart with just an incredible amount of luck?

He had always wanted to be recognized for his work, what writer didn't? This past year he had seen only two of the nominated films, Suspicious Mind and Suburban Outcast. Both films had an excellent cast, and what he thought was a good screenplay. What made the words in a film exceptional enough to win an award?

There were thousands of members in the Academy who voted to nominate someone, but only in their field of endeavor. Actors nominated actors, directors chose directors, and on it ran until the nominee list was made and then everyone had a vote for the winner in each category.

Curry Studios, like most production companies, lobbied heavily for their film. And somehow the writers in the vast community of Hollywood had deemed Ted's efforts worthy of an award even before the ink was dry on his Writer's Guild membership contract.

Ted was suddenly aware that the theater around him was coming to life. He could see the television production crews taking their places. The Academy Awards was a large scale performance, and things were in motion. In just a short while an usher would come for Ted and he would be lead to a doorway backstage where a production assistant would show him where to stand...and wait.

Once again Ted tapped his pocket for the cards that contained his speech. The announcer would introduce Mike Stone, who in turn would introduce the special award for Betty and the film would roll. Ted would be shown to a podium during the last thirty seconds of the film and when it ended Mike would introduce him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is honored to welcome you to this..."

Dennis had been involved in many stage performances, but he had never seen anything this well organized in his life. Time was the show director's worst enemy here. The hard part was that he had to maintain strict control over some of Hollywood's most notorious performers. As expected the presenters tried to read their cues off a teleprompter or adlib their way through it...sometimes with awful blunders. There wouldn't be enough money in the world to make Dennis direct something like this...but he might do it for fun.

In years past the show had seen a parade of lesser awards at the beginning for things like make-up, costumes and cinematography. But television audiences loathed that slow approach to what they really wanted to see which was the glitz and glamour of actors winning awards. The show opened with just such a glitzy costumed dance number and then got right to it.

"And the award for Best Supporting Actress goes to...Michelle Kahn, for her role in Suspicious Mind."

Michelle rose from her seat on the other end of the row and seemed overwhelmed at her win. Ted had seen her performance and rated it top notch, she deserved an award. Dressed in a designer gown for the ceremony, she looked nothing like the middle-aged housekeeper in the film. She took to the stage amid the thunder of applause and crossed to the main podium.

"I would just like to thank my family for all their support..." And she went on to list numerous members of the cast and production staff. She was supposed to wrap it up in two minutes, but she carried on until a musical cue was heard and the orchestra tried to move her along. Dennis could only imagine the director's agony as he watched the clock.

"We'll be right back..." The announcer said, and everyone knew they were going off for a commercial break on the television broadcast. And that's when the usher came for Ted to lead him backstage. Dennis touched his arm and threw a wink as Ted stood up and moved towards the aisle.

He squeezed Mark's shoulder and smiled. "I'll be backstage watching," Ted said.

They would come back live to present the awards for Best Supporting Actor and Ted would be backstage. Steve or Mark, which had the Academy chosen? Mark had been nominated before, but Steve already had a little gold statuette on the mantel at home. They both deserved an award, but there was only one to give.

Ted was met by a production assistant at the backstage door and he was taken behind the scenery and shown to a row of chairs. Just as he sat down next to Mike Stone the awards ceremony went back live.

"Having fun?" Mike asked.

"This is all so overwhelming," Ted said.

"Yeah, it's like a big lumbering elephant," Mike replied.

"The nominees for Best Supporting Actor are..." The presenter on stage announced. "Timothy Adams, for Suspicious Mind." And the audience was shown a thirty second clip of the film in which young Adams played the butler who joins forces with the housekeeper to solve the murder of their mistress.

Ted thought that had been a creative script, but not terribly original considering how many 'the butler did it' mystery stories abounded in literature.

"Stiff competition," Mike said.

"Steve Biddle, for Redemption," The presenter said, and Ted smiled as he heard the words he had written that lead into the terrible fight scene between father and son. But after the first punch the clip shifted to Steve standing on stage, covered in sweat and singing his heart out. For that performance alone he deserved an award.

"Tyler Morris, for Suburban Outcast," The presenter said.

An experienced actor in an ever expanding pool of black Hollywood entertainers, Tyler had done an outstanding job with his role of a man whose wife leads the family back into the city to live and reclaim the streets of a drug infested neighborhood. Ted had enjoyed the acting, but he thought the script was weak.

"Mark Harrison, for Redemption," The presenter said, and Ted leaned forward to see the backstage monitor and view the film clip. They would not show the fight scene at the end, but they chose Michael's confrontation with Clarence and his Pops over the drinking. It had been a good scene and one that established the character's concern for his father.

"To present the award for Best Supporting Actor...the Academy welcomes three-time Oscar winner, actor, director and producer....Mike Stone."

Ted looked around and realized Mike was walking out towards the stage. Mike was handed the sealed envelope by one of the four gentlemen from Price Waterhouse who guarded the table covered in such envelopes.

"The award for Best Supporting Actor is the Academy's recognition for the best quality in a performance..." Mike said.

Suddenly this was all quite personal, and Ted felt the anxiety that both Mark and Steve must feel. In just a short while someone would hold the envelope with a name in it that could be his. But if it didn't happen...if he didn't win, what an honor it had been to be nominated.

"And the winner for Best Supporting Actor goes to..." Mike Stone said, and he paused to allow a smile. "Mark Harrison for Redemption."

The first win for the film and Ted felt elated. The audience responded with a resounding ovation as Mark stood up and leaned over to hug Steve. They were one apiece now and Steve would be happy for his friend.

Mark took the steps up to the stage as the applause continued and Mike handed him the statuette, and then they hugged as well. Mark acknowledged the award and stood waiting for the accolades to die down.

"Thank you so much," Mark said as the audience of his peers settled down. "To the members of the Academy...thank you. I have so many people to thank, but just a few names to share with you tonight.

"My dear Rosie and her husband, Todd, who have guided my career since the beginning. Brian...dear Brian, for his loving support since the day this little alien first appeared on television. Steve, for his friendship and affection, and who felt that one of us should win this award because then we'd both end up winners.

"To Jim Curry who produced the film, my thanks for the opportunity to use my abilities and learn what it means to be on camera with a crazy man." The audience laughed, Jim was well known for his off camera antics. "Hank...we make a good team, and there's no one I would rather have play my father.

"And to Mike Kane who achieved a first and did it so well that I have no doubt that some of this award is due to his efforts at directing me when he probably should have booted me in the rear end." More laughter. "And to the special people at Curry Studios who became friends under the pressures of production. Thank you, Dennis King...we'll work together on the next one.

"And a final thanks to someone special that made Redemption come to life and gave us words to say that will live on for generations of moviegoers. Ted Cavanaugh wrote me a part that gave me the chance to hold this award, and for that I will always be grateful, for his creative skills and his friendship.

"Thank you again," Mark said as the music swelled and he held the statuette aloft as the audience applauded his exit from the stage into the wings. He walked off straight into Ted's arms and they hugged.

"You did it," Ted said. "Thank you for what you said."

"And I meant every word," Mark replied. "Now it's your turn."

Out on stage the backdrop had changed and Mike Stone moved to a different podium on the far side of the stage as the huge movie screen lowered into place.

"Hollywood is a better place for having known Betty Compton," Mike began as a still photo of Betty in one of her fabulous dancing costumes appeared on the screen. "We all owe so much to this wonderful woman because she embraced generations of moviegoers over the years and kept them coming back for more.

"It wasn't enough that she was the top box office grossing star for nearly twenty years as there was more on her agenda than fame and fortune. The Betty Compton Foundation has been a major force in California's recognition that something must be done for the poor and indigent families throughout the state. For Betty, that charity work began at home in Santa Barbara.

"Her image will always be one that brings pride to our industry, and allows the world to see Hollywood at its best. Our thanks to MGM, Rittenhour Productions, and the newly established Betty Compton Library for the images you are about to see."

Betty danced across the screen in musicals, carried buckets of water in the early pioneer films she made, and comforted a small boy who cried in her arms. Only Jim Curry knew that was his small face filled with tears all those years ago. The film ran six minutes and forty-five seconds, long enough to bring the audience to its feet at the conclusion.

Ted was led to the near podium in the semi-darkness and saw a golden statuette waiting there. Somewhere in the wings Macy would be waiting for his speech to end, and when the applause ended he would have to begin.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Ted Cavanaugh, who will present tonight's lifetime achievement award." The announcement had encouraged the audience members to resume their seats and now there was some renewed applause before Ted had to speak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Academy, I am grateful to be here tonight with an opportunity to tell you about my favorite person. I was privileged to call her my dear friend as were many of you. Betty Compton may be the single most important person in all our lives because she was a visionary when it came to her town and her industry.

"I stand here tonight because of her encouragement to take a chance on a career as a writer. She told me that the next generation of actors, directors and writers would grow up around me and that we would all work together to keep Hollywood a growing and thriving industry."

Ted smiled at the smattering of applause that greeted that statement. "Betty Compton never saw herself as an icon in Hollywood. 'I'm only a dancer,' she once told me, 'only a simple dancer.' No matter how you evaluate her career, there was nothing simple about Betty's life. She knew her name would open doors and rally people to her cause when she retired from the studios and that's exactly what happened.

"Her life was filled with achievement, and her legacy continues through the work of her foundation. By this award, the Academy recognizes her lifetime of work on behalf of the film industry. It is now my privilege to introduce Ms. Macy Tremont who will accept this award on behalf of the Compton family."

Ted turned to the wings of the stage as Macy was escorted out to the podium by a young assistant. She held her arms wide and smothered Ted in her embrace. There was applause for that as well, and Ted was suspicious that Jim was leading the audience. Ted reached for the statuette and handed it to Macy. She stood there for a moment with tears in her eyes as the applause continued, and then she leaned forward to the microphone.

"On behalf of Betty, and the Compton family, we are honored and humbled by this award. There was never a day in her life that she didn't speak kindly of the years she spent with many of you wonderful people. Thank you so very much."

As if to overcome the emotional moment the audience rose to its feet and applauded as the announcer began. "We'll be right back to announce the winners for the Best Actor and Actress awards..."

Ted only had a few moments backstage to share with Macy before a production assistant escorted him to the stage door and an usher took over to show him back to his seat. The ceremony was still on hold awaiting the television commercial break when Ted reached the end of the row and Jim stood up to shake his hand.

"Wonderful moment, you did that real well," Jim said. But the then orchestra began to play again and Ted had to hurry to take his seat.

Ted could feel the eyes upon him as he sat back down. He was no longer an anonymous figure in the audience. Dennis leaned in close and whispered in his ear.

"You did that very well, sweetie."

"All I could think about was that I couldn't cry...I had to get through it."

Dennis smiled. "I'm proud of you."

"Ladies and Gentlemen...Mr. Stephen Winters," The announcer said, and the young accomplished actor walked out on the stage to present the award for Best Actress. He introduced the nominees, the audience watched each actress in a short clip from the film, and then he tore open the envelope to reveal the name Elizabeth Norden.

All this transpired as Ted grew more nervous about his own category. A win would mean not only some personal achievement, but it would reflect well on the film and the people around him. If he could take this award then anything he wrote would receive the greatest attention and consideration...like the book.

Jim had followed through on his promise and Ted had already met with a publishing agent from New York. Turning the Redemption story into a book would be a challenge since Ted had both a script and the written story to use as models. If it sold well, and the agent assured him it would because of the film, Ted had plans for all that money.

The book would be dedicated to those who had helped bring Ted this far. His chance to give credit to Mark and Mitchell, a chance to list those around him who deserved his grateful thanks. But foremost on that list would be Betty herself, and every dime of profit would go to the Betty Compton Foundation. Ted looked up from his reverie and saw Vince Delaney walk out on stage.

"I am privileged this evening to present the award for Best Original Screenplay," Vince said...and Ted caught his breath. Now...was it time already? Ted grasped Dennis' hand and felt the reassuring squeeze as Vince read off the five names.

"I'm reminded that writers are the ones who keep us in suspense," Vince said, chuckling as he slowly tore open the envelope. "But they are also the genius that makes us look good." He pulled out the card and smiled. "And he is a genius...Ted Cavanaugh for Redemption."

The audience burst into applause as Dennis encouraged Ted to his feet and then gave him a hug. On shaky legs Ted had to transit the row with hands patting him until he reached the end where Mark waited. They shared a brief hug and then Jim shook his hand as Ted made his way to the stairs. Those twenty feet across the stage to the podium seemed like a mile, and Ted gave Vince a hug.

"You did it...I knew you would," Vince said. "Now be polite and say thank you." And Vince handed him the heavy little statuette.

Ted turned to the audience and for the first time saw that most of them were on their feet. His eyes filled with tears as he smiled. "Thank you," Ted said, and the emotions surged as everyone in the Curry bunch gave a cheer. "Thank you."

"I have to thank the members of the Academy for this honor," Ted said as the audience quieted down. "I owe this success to Jim Curry and the cast of Redemption who brought the words I wrote to life. Hank, Mark, Steve...all of you share in this honor.

"I need to thank my father who allowed this venture in my life to begin, and to the constant and loving support of Dennis King who helped me navigate my way around Hollywood. To all those at Curry Studios who make life tolerable...my undying thanks." And here Ted paused.

"As I told you earlier, a very great lady supported my ambitions all along the way. This is only one achievement, but she always cautioned against believing in your own success. Perhaps some of you have heard her say, 'Even when your star shines brightest you don't own the glitter.'

"My final thanks must go to Betty Compton, for her wisdom and generosity, her love and kindness. She is and always will be a legend in this town, but for some of us she serves as the inspiration for what we can achieve, now and into the future. Thank you all."

Ted stood for a moment listening to the applause, hugging the Oscar statuette, and then Vince laid an arm on his shoulder and guided him off into the wings.

"Ladies and Gentlemen...here to present the award for Best Actor is Ms. Charlene Conover," The announcer said.

Ted and Vince both stopped and turned around to watch. "You think Hank will get it?" Vince asked.

"I'm sure he will...his performance was awesome," Ted replied.

They wouldn't allow him back to his seat until the commercial break and so Ted stood in the wings as Charlene read out the names and they showed the obligatory clips from each film. Hank Dobbs was second on the list and his short scene with Steve showed the power and intensity of his performance.

"And the winner of this award is," Charlene said. "Hank Dobbs for Redemption."

That made three, and with each award they had played the theme music from the film which was the instrumental version of Danny Rhodes' song 'Smile.' Felecia Adams would be so happy to hear her song played so many times. Although she was not nominated for any Oscar rewards, she was on the list for a Grammy.

Hank took to the stage to a thunderous ovation from the audience while Ted looked out at his profile under the spotlights. The role of Neil Keene had been written with Hank in mind and Ted had seen the man in his mind's eye with every word he wrote for the character to speak.

He thanked his family, Jim Curry and the people at the studio. He also spoke a bit about the young talent that had surrounded him in the film and how they were the best hope for Hollywood's future. That made Ted proud, and he knew Dennis would feel the same way. Finally Hank left the stage as the awards ceremony went into the commercial break and Ted was waiting.

Hank looked at the statuette and then at Ted. "We did it...we really did it," Hank said. They hugged as the assistant led them to the stage door and the waiting usher. The audience was all abuzz as they returned to their seats and Jim Curry got down on his knees in the aisle and bowed to them. Everyone in the audience laughed as Jim hugged Hank and then Ted.

It was pretty much a foregone conclusion when the awards ceremony resumed and the Best Picture category was announced. Redemption had its fourth award and Jim Curry stood to accept, but not before he motioned for everyone in the group to join him on stage.

Dennis followed Ted up the steps and into the national spotlight. The only person missing this evening was Mike Kane. Although he did not win for Best Director, his wife was busy at the hospital having their fourth child and Jim told the audience that much.

"You see all this young talent?" Jim said in his speech. "Some producers wouldn't take the risk, and some producers don't receive awards like this. It isn't a matter of inexperience, these young men are filled with a desire to do great things and we all have to give them that chance."

He gestured to Mark, Steve, Dennis and Ted who stood in a row behind him. "This is the future of our industry, Ladies and Gentlemen. If we don't embrace their potential for success then we fail to continue the legacy that earlier generations like Betty Compton passed on to us.

"I for one will continue to make sure this industry has a future. This award means you share that dream, and for that I am grateful. Thank you very much."

The audience responded with a standing ovation...and the Academy Awards ceremony was over. Redemption had taken its place in the pantheon of films that defined the Hollywood film industry, and in doing so would change the lives of four young men.

This ends the story which began so long ago with Exit Stage Left and continued on through Adam Conquers Earth. Exit Hollywood, including Redemption, has explored the lives of four boys as they became adults in a difficult and exacting industry. I will leave it up to your imagination where they will go from here.

The field of entertainment is a much admired and often maligned field of endeavor. But even in this tale I hope you found something to share with my characters. Perhaps you will encounter them again somewhere on the movie screen of your favorite theater. None of those named in the stories are meant to represent anyone famous, or infamous, this has all been a matter of fiction.

(cue the final curtain, fade to black, and that's a wrap)

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Exit Hollywood

By Chris James

Chapter Seventeen - The Epilogue