บท 160: Chapter 160: A Famous Second-Rate Actor
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The Hardy Hotel began its major media campaign with a bang.
For a time, the advertisements for the Hardy Hotel dominated public attention. Major newspapers like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the Los Angeles Financial News featured extensive coverage of the Hardy Hotel, portraying it as a paradise on earth. The hotel boasted the most luxurious casino, promising that with a bit of luck, one could become rich overnight.
The Hardy Hotel also featured opulent accommodations, exquisite wine and food, countless beautiful people, and various entertainment options. The grand opening was scheduled for October 10th, with numerous promotional offers. Travelers to Las Vegas could redeem one-tenth of their airfare in casino chips with their tickets. For instance, a $200 ticket from New York would earn $20 in chips, though these were non-cashable "mud chips" that could only be converted to cash chips through successful bets.
In Los Angeles, a special casino shuttle bus was available for $7. A day pass for the casino could be exchanged for chips. The casino also held regular sweepstakes, with a prize awarded every two hours. A $1 bet could potentially win the ultimate prize, which included a share of the betting pool.
The latest issue of Playboy magazine featured a five-page spread on the Flamingo Casino, with over a dozen full-color photos highlighting its grandeur. The Hardy Hotel's casino was described as a palace, far surpassing any other casino ever seen.
Television stations also joined the advertising effort. CBS and NBC TV broadcasts reached the entire United States, with television ownership rapidly rising post-World War II. Hardy foresaw the rise of television as a dominant form of entertainment, so he invested in a TV factory, ensuring future sales and continual updates for decades to come.
HD Pictures produced six commercials, each about three minutes long. Ava Gardner and Heidi Ram were featured as the casino's ambassadors, showcasing its allure. Heidi Ram was known as Hollywood's most attractive woman, and Ava Gardner had earned a reputation as a new-generation goddess. The ads were highly attractive, and Hardy invested half a million dollars in the campaign. Despite the hefty cost, Hardy deemed it essential for the success of such a large-scale investment.
Survey feedback indicated the promotional efforts were highly effective. People from many East Coast cities were aware of the Hardy Hotel and Casino's opening, and the free shuttle bus service in Los Angeles attracted many who planned to visit over the weekends.
In the midst of this, Hardy enjoyed some leisure time, though it was a bit lonely without the company of his leading ladies. Ava Gardner was busy filming "Across the World" in New York and the UK, while little Lori Elizabeth Taylor was occupied promoting "This Killer Is Not So Cold" across the United States. She was expected to return next month for the film's official release.
Then, the phone rang.
It was Heidi Ramah.
"Hardy, Director Nolan and I have shortlisted some male actors. Do you have time to review them?" Heidi asked.
"If you have time, come to my manor," Hardy replied.
After completing the script for "Human Ghosts Are Not Over," Hardy had entrusted Nolan and Heidi with assembling the crew. Choosing the lead actor, Sam, had proven to be a challenging task.
Heidi arrived at the manor with a stack of actor profiles, each including photos and detailed biographies.
"Heidi, who do we have here?" Hardy asked.
Heidi began, "Lawrence Olivier, an Oscar nominee for Best Actor, known for his exceptional performances in stage plays and films. He is married to Vivien Leigh."
Hardy reviewed Olivier's resume and noted he was 40 years old, but with makeup, he would fit the role.
"Have you extended an invitation?" Hardy inquired.
Heidi sighed, "We did, but there was an issue. Lawrence Olivier responded that if Vivien Leigh were cast as Mei Li, he would agree to play Sam."
Heidi looked at Hardy, knowing that Vivien Leigh's fame, particularly for her role as Scarlett in "Gone with the Wind," would guarantee a strong box office. Yet, she was reluctant to give up this role, having worked so hard on it.
Hardy glanced at Olivier's photo again and then set the file aside. "Who's next?"
Heidi was taken aback. "Aren't you considering him further?"
Hardy smiled, "Do you really think I'd abandon my promise for box office guarantees?"
Heidi, understanding his commitment, apologized.
They continued reviewing the candidates.
"What about Gene Kelly?" Heidi suggested.
Hardy examined Gene Kelly's information. At 34, Kelly had been nominated for an Oscar for his role in 1945. Hardy remembered Kelly as the star of "Singin' in the Rain," a role Hardy had once snatched away from him.
Kelly appeared to be a good fit for Sam. Hardy considered compensating him with this role but held off on making a decision immediately.
Next, they reviewed Montgomery Clift, a handsome 27-year-old who had appeared in several films but had not won any awards. Hardy recalled Clift's relationship with Elizabeth Taylor.
"Not suitable," Hardy decided.
They then looked at Lee Bowman, Kona Wilde, Glen Ford, and other established actors. Their qualifications seemed acceptable.
The final file was unexpected. Hardy picked it up and, upon seeing the name Ronald Wilson Reagan, was intrigued. Reagan, who would later become the governor of California and then president, was a second-rate actor at this time.
Hardy noted Reagan's resume: He had entered Hollywood in 1937, played many roles, and served in the Air Force during World War II, though not on the battlefield. Reagan had returned to Hollywood after the war but had not achieved significant fame.
Hardy decided to call in Reagan and Kelly for auditions. He handed Heidi the files and said, "Invite these two to the film company tomorrow. I'll be there."
Heidi was surprised by Hardy's choice of Reagan but respected his decision. "I'll inform them."
With the matter settled, Hardy and Heidi enjoyed the luxurious swimming pool at the manor.
The next day, at the HD Film Industry casting room, Hardy, Director Nolan, and Heidi were present. Gene Kelly performed first, showcasing his stage experience. Hardy felt Kelly's performance was somewhat overdone, a common issue with stage actors.
When Ronald Reagan entered the room, he greeted them all with a smile. Hardy was impressed by Reagan's recognition of him and his sincere performance.
"Mr. Reagan, are you interested in playing the role of Sam?" Hardy asked.
Reagan was visibly excited. "Yes, Mr. Hardy. Thank you for the opportunity. I'll give it my all."
"Very well, it's decided then."
Hardy was confident in his choice. He believed in the luck and potential of individuals, even if they seemed unlikely to succeed. Reagan's future accomplishments in politics were testament to this belief.
"Mr. Reagan, I see from your resume that you had a contract with Warner Bros. for seven years. Afterward, you didn't renew it and have been without an agent since returning from military service. Consider signing with HD Economic Company. We offer terms that will exceed what you're earning now," Hardy proposed.
Reagan was taken aback. "Can I think about it?"
"Of course."
Reagan considered Hardy's sincerity and felt positively about the offer. Hardy's approach was genuine, and he was keen to reflect on it.
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