บท 173: Chapter 173: Value Multiplied Tenfold
Hardy had previously instructed Bill to send someone to San Francisco to monitor the Selton Mafia family's activities. With the FBI now investigating the Selton family patriarch, Hardy saw an opportunity. He called Bill and directed him to send more personnel to San Francisco to conduct a thorough investigation into the Selton family's businesses.
"Sometimes, in business, you don't need to engage in direct confrontation," Hardy explained. "We can leverage multiple resources, like newspapers, the police, patrols, and even the FBI."
"The Selton family's operations are entirely illegal. Find evidence of their crimes and pass it to the police. Use law enforcement to hit them where it hurts. Uncover their tax evasion and report it to the IRS. Gather evidence of their other crimes and hand it over to the FBI. They'll be tied up in legal battles for years," Hardy said with a smile.
Bill nodded in agreement but couldn't help thinking about their own operations. "Boss, what if someone tries to use these methods against us in Los Angeles?"
"That's why I've always stressed the importance of being cautious," Hardy replied. "Our operations in Los Angeles are compartmentalized. If we face intense scrutiny, we can sever ties with certain subordinates without exposing the higher levels. They won't be able to touch the core of our operations."
"In San Francisco, send more staff to keep a close eye on things and report back to Henry. The security company will handle the Selton family appropriately. Hit them a few times, and their power will be significantly weakened."
"Understood, boss. I'll send more people immediately."
---
After Bill left, Hardy received a call.
"Mr. Hardy, I'm back in Los Angeles," came Elizabeth Taylor's sweet voice over the phone.
"**The Killer Is Not Too Cold**" was set to be released soon. Taylor had been busy promoting the film, and it had been a while since she and Hardy had seen each other. Now that she was back, she couldn't wait to contact him.
"Are you tired?" Hardy asked with concern.
"I'm exhausted, but I feel excited and nervous thinking about the movie's release," Taylor admitted.
"The story I wrote won't fail. Don't worry," Hardy reassured her with a smile.
They chatted for a bit longer before Taylor said, "Mr. Hardy, the movie officially releases the day after tomorrow. Shall we go see it together?"
"Sure, let's go incognito," Hardy replied.
After an intense promotional campaign, "The Killer Is Not Too Cold" was finally ready for its release. On the day of the premiere, Hardy and Taylor discreetly entered a Los Angeles theater.
The lead actor of the movie was Gary Grant, and most of the audience had come to see him. However, Taylor had her own following, especially among young girls, thanks to MGM's promotion of her as "Princess Taylor."
The theater was packed, including many young girls. There wasn't a rating system for movies yet, so despite the violent scenes in "The Killer Is Not Too Cold," children under 13 could watch it with their parents.
As the movie played, the audience became engrossed in the story. Matilda's tragic life, the murder of her family, and her evolving relationship with the assassin Lyon captivated viewers. The dynamic between the young girl and the hardened killer brought a unique and touching element to the film.
The final showdown, filled with intense gunfire, brought the plot to a thrilling climax. Though the movie differed slightly from the version of "The Killer" Hardy had seen in the past, it was still an exceptional film. Taylor's acting was outstanding.
As the credits rolled, many people left the theater discussing the plot.
"I love Gary Grant's character. He's so handsome. I wish I could meet an uncle like that," said a young girl.
"Taylor was amazing. Her performance made me forget her previous roles. She became Matilda," remarked a man.
Taylor clung to Hardy's arm as they walked out, delighted by the positive feedback. Her hard work had paid off.
After the movie, Hardy offered to take Taylor home, but she gazed at him with her striking violet eyes. "Mr. Hardy, I want to visit your manor."
"Okay," Hardy agreed.
At eleven o'clock that night, Hardy dropped Taylor off at her home. As she stepped out of the car, her lips slightly swollen, she turned to wave goodbye before entering the house.
Sarah, Taylor's mother, greeted her daughter excitedly. "How was the movie release today?"
"The theater was packed, and many people praised my acting," Taylor replied, beaming.
"That's wonderful, Taylor. What did you do after the movie with Mr. Hardy?" Sarah asked, noting the late hour.
A hint of panic flashed in Taylor's eyes. "I went to Mr. Hardy's manor for dinner. He also told me that if I like the story of 'Beauty and the Beast,' he'll have his film company make a script."
"Another movie?!" Sarah exclaimed in surprise.
Actors often feared a lack of roles, but with Hardy as a benefactor, Taylor had no such worries. Sarah gently touched her daughter's face, feeling fortunate for her.
"Oh, and Mr. Hardy also mentioned that if I want, I can join ABC TV's children's show 'Sesame Street.' I could play a character there, but instead of wearing a costume, I could be 'Princess Taylor,'" Taylor added excitedly.
Sarah's happiness grew. Her daughter was set for a bright future.
---
The next day, several newspapers published film reviews.
"'**The Killer Is Not Too Cold**' is a novel title that puzzled me at first. But after watching the movie, I understood its meaning. The killer, once cold and detached, changes after meeting a young girl. He cares for her, helps her, and grows closer to her. The girl, in turn, develops a dependent love for the killer, almost like a daughter for a father.
The most memorable scene was when the girl, in mortal danger, begged the killer for help. Though he initially hesitated, he eventually opened the door. As the door swung open, a ray of sunlight illuminated the girl's face, symbolizing life and humanity. This film is a must-see, one that will stay with you for a lifetime."
Other critics echoed similar sentiments, praising Elizabeth Taylor's performance as reaching new heights, rivaling even Gary Grant's Oscar-worthy acting.
Of course, not all feedback was positive. Some critics found the relationship between a 14-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man ethically troubling and not worth promoting. Thankfully, the movie contained no intimate scenes, or these critics might have called for its outright ban.
Hardy soon received a report from MGM. The first day's box office numbers were in: the movie was shown in over 900 theaters nationwide and grossed an impressive $950,000 on opening day.
This was an extraordinary figure. MGM analysts predicted that the total box office might exceed $8 million, possibly even reaching $10 million.
Gary Grant's star power was a significant factor, but Taylor's influence, particularly as "Princess Taylor," was also undeniable.
MGM's boss, Meyer, personally called Hardy to congratulate him. Hardy chuckled, "This movie was a joint venture between our two companies. You'll make more money from it than I will."
Meyer paused before asking, "Hardy, your ABC broadcaster approached MGM to purchase our movies. Are you really that optimistic about the future of television?"
"Very optimistic," Hardy replied confidently.
Meyer thought for a moment. "Do you think television could ever pose a serious threat to the movie industry?"
Hardy smiled. "Let me put it this way, Mr. Meyer. I don't just see it as a threat—I believe television will eventually surpass the film industry and have a profound impact on its future."
Meyer found Hardy's prediction alarming. "The film industry generates over a billion dollars annually, with more than 30 million people going to theaters each year. We have box office revenue, copyright income, and theme parks. Television only has advertising revenue. How could it possibly surpass the film industry?"
"Television has several major advantages: it's free, convenient, family-oriented, and long-lasting," Hardy explained. "With a TV, you can watch endless programs without spending extra money. Going to the movies costs money every time."
"A TV is in your home, accessible at any time. You don't have to plan days in advance to watch a movie. You can enjoy TV whenever you want. After dinner, the whole family can gather in the living room and watch TV together, strengthening family bonds."
"A movie lasts two or three hours, but you can watch TV all day. Most stations currently only broadcast for five hours a day. Once ABC launches, we'll be broadcasting from 8 AM to midnight."
Meyer was taken aback. "Do you have enough content for that?"
"Heh, we'll have plenty," Hardy replied with a grin.
Meyer fell silent, realizing the potential impact of television. Other film companies had also noticed the trend—Paramount, for instance, had attempted to acquire ABC.
But Meyer hadn't fully grasped the extent of the threat until now. "Hardy, would you be willing to sell shares of ABC?"
Hardy recognized Meyer's interest. "Sure."
Meyer was thrilled. "How much are you asking?"
"$10 million for a 10% share, and I'll sell you up to 20%."
Meyer nearly choked. He had heard that Hardy had bought 100% of ABC for $12 million, and now Hardy was asking $10 million for just 10%. The value had multiplied tenfold.
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