章節 50: Chapter 50 – You Are the Most Talented Man I Have Ever Seen
Ava Gardner was engrossed in the script. The film, categorized as a Western adventure, featured a protagonist named Jon. The name made her smile, as it was clearly inspired by Hardy.
She was surprised to see that the heroine's name was Marisa, wondering if Hardy had deliberately chosen a name similar to hers for the character. The script had a compelling story, and Ava was impressed to learn that Hardy was the author. She had initially perceived him as a rough man but now saw him as someone with a remarkable talent for writing.
Ava admired Hardy even more, seeing him as not just a formidable leader but also a man of artistic talent. She reflected on how he had saved her from her previous troubles and realized how much he had influenced her life.
Just then, the door opened, and Hardy walked in with Director Nolan. Ava snapped out of her thoughts and stood up quickly.
Seeing Nolan, Ava felt a bit cautious. Nolan was struck by Ava's beauty. She was stunning, even among Hollywood's top actresses. Her well-proportioned figure, slender calves, and majestic beauty made it clear why Hardy was so attentive.
"Ava, let me introduce you. This is Jonathan Nolan, the director of 'Red Dead Redemption,'" Hardy said.
"Hello, Mr. Nolan," Ava greeted gently.
"Hello, Miss Gardner," Nolan replied, shaking her hand.
Hardy turned to Nolan and said, "This is the heroine I found for you. What do you think?"
Nolan studied Ava, then shook his head. Ava's heart sank. Did Nolan disapprove?
"She is exceptionally beautiful. Marisa was not meant to be this stunning in my imagination, but now I see she fits the role of someone who could captivate Romon," Nolan said.
Ava's spirits lifted slightly.
Nolan addressed Ava, "Miss Gardner, have you read the script?"
"Yes, I have," she replied.
"Could you perform a scene from the script? It doesn't matter which one," Nolan requested.
Ava, having studied acting for over a year, felt prepared. She took center stage, her eyes reflecting melancholy as she began:
"Romon, don't hurt my child. Please, don't."
She turned, clutching an imaginary figure, tears streaming down her face.
"Please, Romon, let him go. He is innocent. I will return with you willingly. I promise I won't run again."
Her performance was filled with sadness and despair.
"That's very good. Miss Gardner is perfect for this role. I think we can confirm her as the heroine," Nolan announced.
Ava was overwhelmed with joy and barely contained her excitement. This was her first significant role, and it meant everything to her.
The three of them sat down, and Nolan addressed Hardy, "Now, we need to find an actor who embodies Jon's character. There are several suitable actors in Hollywood. Henry Fonda would be ideal, but his fee is $350,000, which is too high. McCree or Cobain could also work, but their fees exceed $100,000."
Hardy shook his head. "We're not using big names to draw attention. We'll allocate the budget for the film itself. There are talented second-tier actors who can fit the role perfectly."
Nolan agreed with Hardy's approach. "Alright, I'll have someone from the actors' union find suitable candidates and present the list to you. I'm eager to start assembling the team."
Nolan left, and Ava, unable to contain her excitement, threw herself into Hardy's arms. "Hardy, I really got the role of the heroine! I'm so happy, it feels like a dream."
"Is it a sweet dream?" Hardy asked with a smile.
"Yes, a very beautiful dream," Ava replied, her eyes sparkling.
"Then keep dreaming, and don't wake up," Hardy said.
As Ava excitedly held the script, Hardy made himself a cup of tea and lit a cigar, contemplating the film's promotional strategy.
The reason film companies hire big stars isn't just their acting skills but their ability to draw audiences. Hardy considered how to promote his film effectively without relying on high-profile actors. He pondered innovative advertising strategies that could substitute for costly promotions.
Suddenly, Ava asked, "Hardy, does the movie have a theme song?"
"A theme song?"
"Yes, like 'My True Love' from 'Gone with the Wind.' Theme songs can become very popular and draw people in."
An idea sparked in Hardy's mind. If he could release a popular song and advertise it as part of the movie, it could generate curiosity and excitement even before the film's release.
Hardy began humming a tune he had adapted from a British folk song, "Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Please say hello to the one who lives there. He used to be my true love."
Ava was captivated by the melody. She had never heard such a beautiful tune.
Hardy stopped singing and looked at Ava, who was visibly moved. "This is a song I wrote, adapted from a folk tune. What do you think?"
Ava, wide-eyed with admiration, responded, "Hardy, you can compose music? It's stunningly beautiful. I was completely enchanted by it."
She took Hardy's face in her hands and whispered, "Hardy, you are the most talented man I have ever seen."
章節 51: Chapter 51 – Scarborough Fair
Ava Gardner had been studying singing for over a year. Writing music was a basic skill for her, but Hardy's request to record the song's numbered score and lyrics was new territory.
"Ava, try singing it again," Hardy encouraged.
Ava took the score and began singing:
"Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme..."
Though she stumbled slightly at first, Ava's voice and singing technique far surpassed Hardy's. Her rendition of the song quickly transformed into something ethereal and captivating. Hardy explained to Ava, "The essence of this song is meant to be distant and celestial, as if the voice is coming from the heavens, enchanting listeners."
Ava nodded, understanding the artistic vision. She stabilized her emotions and sang again, her voice now perfectly capturing the song's ethereal quality. Hardy was deeply moved by her performance, realizing he had never fully appreciated such a beautiful voice before.
After finishing, Ava looked at Hardy with excitement. "I really love this song. It feels like I'm drifting in a sea of colorful flowers. It's so comforting."
"Sing it again," Hardy asked.
Ava sang the song a third time, her enjoyment of the performance apparent. Hardy, clearly pleased, decided to take her to the film company's recording studio.
"Where are we going?" Ava asked.
"To record the song. The film company has a recording studio," Hardy explained.
"But there's no music yet," Ava pointed out.
"Don't worry. The company has arrangers. They'll handle that," Hardy reassured her.
In the studio, several staff members were busy working on soundtracks for independent films. The news of a new movie was already circulating the company. Director Jason, noticing Hardy's arrival, greeted him warmly.
"Assistant Hardy, what brings you to the arranger room?" Jason asked.
"I need help with a new song," Hardy replied with a smile.
"A new song?" Jason asked with interest.
Hardy handed Jason the musical notation. Jason, intrigued, moved to the piano to play it, humming along.
"This feels wonderful. I'll have someone try it out," Jason said.
"You don't need to find anyone. I have a singer right here," Hardy said, pushing Ava forward. "Ava, sing for everyone."
The staff stopped their work to listen as Ava sang. Her voice filled the room, mesmerizing everyone. The arranger, Jason, quickly began providing piano accompaniment, enhancing the song's beauty. The room was captivated.
As the song ended, the staff erupted in praise.
"Wow, this is the most beautiful music I've ever heard. It's like nature's sound."
"I felt like I was floating among the clouds."
"The tune reminds me of a Scottish folk song but with a unique and enchanting twist."
"I even sensed an anti-war message in the lyrics."
Jason, excited, asked Ava, "I haven't heard this song before. Did you compose it?"
Ava shook her head and looked at Hardy.
"No, Hardy wrote it," Ava said.
Jason and the other staff were astonished. To their surprise, Hardy was not only a talented assistant but also a gifted songwriter.
Some wondered if Hardy's remarkable abilities were why he had been hired at such a young age. They speculated that he might even be groomed for a more significant role in the company.
"Jason, can you help with the accompaniment? This song will be the theme for the new movie," Hardy requested.
"Of course," Jason agreed enthusiastically.
"I'll need you to help Ava record the song once the accompaniment is ready."
"Absolutely. By the way, what's the song's title?" Jason asked.
"Scarborough Fair," Hardy replied.
---
Driving home, Ava was brimming with excitement. She had secured the role of the heroine and the opportunity to sing the movie's theme song—dreams she had always cherished. It felt like magic.
As they drove, Ava hummed the song. After a moment, she turned to Hardy and asked, "Hadi, the parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme in the lyrics—do they symbolize something?"
"Yes, they represent the sweetness, strength, loyalty, and courage of love," Hardy explained.
Ava's eyes grew dreamy. "Now the lyrics feel even more beautiful."
"By the way, Hardy, someone mentioned hearing an anti-war message in the song. Is that intentional?" Ava asked.
Hardy knew that "Scarborough Fair" had anti-war connotations in its later history, but since World War II had just ended, it was timely.
"Ava, focus on perfecting the song. I'll arrange for it to be recorded," Hardy said.
"I will, Hardy. I'm so excited!" Ava replied.
---
The next day, Hardy took Ava to the company again, where she met with the arranger supervisor, Jason. Hardy then went to see Nolan.
"Hardy, come over and take a look. I've shortlisted some second- and third-tier actors. Let me know if any fit," Nolan said, presenting resumes and photos.
The actors' salaries were much lower than those of big stars, and many were seeking opportunities.
Jon, the protagonist, was a man in his thirties with a rugged appearance. Hardy and Nolan were searching for an actor with the right temperament for the role.
"This one doesn't have the right look."
"This one's jawline is too harsh."
When Hardy reached the photo of Clint Eastwood, he was taken aback. Eastwood, at 33, had appeared in minor roles, but Hardy recognized him from his own memories.
How could this be?
Given the differences in historical timelines, Hardy decided not to dwell on it.
"Nolan, bring this man in for an audition," Hardy said, pointing to Eastwood.
Nolan examined the photo.
"Do you think he's suitable for the lead role?"
Hardy smiled. "He might just be a hidden gem."
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