Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Fierce Competition For Roles In Hollywood
He couldn't be a star.
Chatting with Mayer for so long suggested he had significant influence.
Sarah recalled seeing him greet Noah's Ark Films' people earlier. They must know each other. She approached Richard, the production manager of Noah's Ark Films.
"Hello, Richard," Sarah greeted with a smile.
Richard smiled back and said, "Hello, Sarah."
"Do you have any new film projects at Noah's Ark recently?" Sarah asked, starting a conversation.
"Yes, we're working on one in collaboration with Warner Bros. and another with HD Films, titled 'The Wild Bunch.' Our production team is currently in New Mexico," Richard replied.
Sarah had heard of "The Wild Bunch." It had made headlines recently due to Ava Gardner's involvement. The newspapers mentioned her singing a song from "The Wild Bunch," and she was still filming in New Mexico.
"HD Films? I haven't heard of them before. Are they a new company?" Sarah inquired.
"Hhhh, it's a company established by Jon Hardy, our assistant chairman. He's investing in that film. Noah's Ark is only handling the production, and Ava Gardner is also one of the actors signed with his company." Richard explained.
Sarah was unfamiliar with the name Jon Hardy.
She was an astute woman who seized every opportunity. Immediately, she asked, "Is Mr. Jon Hardy here today? Could you introduce me to him?"
Richard gestured towards the direction where Mayer and Hardy were conversing. "Do you see that young man chatting with Mr. Mayer? That's Jon Hardy."
Sarah was slightly taken aback.
She had come over to inquire about the young man chatting with Mayer and was planning to chat with Richard first before asking. Unexpectedly, she had discovered the answer during their conversation.
The young man was Noah's assistant chairman, who owned a film company and talent agency and was already investing in film making.
Noah Ark, though unable to compare with the Big Eight film companies, could still be ranked among the second-tier film companies in Hollywood.
In terms of departments and qualifications, Noah Ark lacked nothing, it's just smaller in scale.
Being able to serve as an assistant to Noah's chairman, owning one's own film company and talent agency, and even being able to converse with Meyer indicated that this young man had quite a background.
After all, even Noah's general manager, Cohen, might not be able to chat with Meyer for so long, and she had faintly heard about Sigel's affairs.
In any case, A high-level executives at Noah Company investing in films and being so familiar with Meyer were enough for Sara to take notice.
Hardy and Meyer agreed to talk further once the script was ready, then bid farewell and left.
The drink in his hand had long been empty, and talking too much made his mouth dry. As he prepared to get another drink, he walked to the table, and a beautiful woman approached.
"Are you Mr. Jon Hardy? Hello, I'm Sarah, Elizabeth Taylor's mother. May we get acquainted?"
Sarah greeted Hardy with a smile.
Hardy turned to look at Sarah. The woman before him was elegantly dressed. He had seen her in the parking lot earlier and knew she was Taylor's mother.
She was quite beautiful and appeared to be in her thirties.
However, Hardy knew that Elizabeth had an older brother. The woman before him was probably nearly forty.
"Hello, I'm Jon Hardy."
"I heard that you invested in 'The Wild Bunch,' which hasn't even finished shooting yet but has already attracted a lot of interest. I believe it will draw large audiences when released."
"I hope so," Hardy said.
This woman was quite eloquent.
"By the way, are you planning to invest in a new film recently? If there's a suitable role for a young girl, please consider my daughter. I don't know if you've seen her films, 'Lassie with the Dog' and 'The Pony.'"
Hardy was slightly surprised.
He had arranged to discuss shooting a new film, "Léon The Professional," to promote Taylor, but before he had a chance to approach Sarah, she had come to him.
Hardy found it amusing.
Sometimes things work out in surprising ways.
"I am indeed planning to invest in a new film. I've already discussed it with Director Hitchcock, he finds the script quite interesting."
Sarah thought to herself, Alfred Hitchcock was one of Hollywood's few top directors, and his approval meant the film was surely extraordinary.
"And just now I also spoke with Mr. Meyer, he's also interested in investing in this film. We're preparing to collaborate." Hardy continued.
Sarah's eyes lit up even more.
Having Hitchcock as the director and working with MGM, this film would definitely be a major production. It was a tremendous opportunity.
Sarah's smile grew broader as she asked Hardy, "Mr. Hardy, do you happen to have a role for a young girl in your upcoming film? If so, please consider my daughter, Elizabeth Taylor."
"Taylor's acting skills have been honed, and she works hard, is passionate about making movies, and is an obedient child." Sara
highly recommended her daughter.
Her eyes were full of longing.
In Hollywood, there were too many people seeking opportunities. If you didn't strive for them, they would pass you by in an instant.
Many talented people gathered here, and though one's daughter might be very beautiful, what Hollywood lacked the least was beautiful girls.
Being beautiful didn't necessarily mean becoming a star, it required opportunity.
Her efforts had allowed Taylor to star in two films, she was now somewhat known. Yet Sarah understood well that Hollywood was a harsh place. Only by continuously producing work could one maintain heat, grow in fame, and make more money.
Many people became famous for one or two films, but afterward, opportunities dwindled. Even long established stars like Shirley Temple faced situations where there were no roles to play. In the new movie that has been launched this time, she only played a supporting role.
Yet this small supporting role.
Many people were competing for it, and Taylor lost this battle.