Hollywood Boulevard

A nice-looking kid, that Fred MacMurray.

So was my boy, Pete. He can't even get registered at central casting.

It is kind of funny, ain't it. Down with the old and up with the new.

Well, why not. Blakeford had his chance at the gravy.

Yeah, maybe. But when they put the skids under you in this man's town you're out.

Well, what's it to you?

Nothing. Only he ain't been in lately. I wonder what he's doing.

Well, that's easy.

Like all the old-timers.

He's either out looking for a job or walking on Hollywood Boulevard.

Modern Productions Incorporated. Casting office.

Who is calling, please?

I'm sorry. Mr Strauss is busy.

Modern Productions Incorporated. Casting office.

I'm sorry, sir. I'm sorry. Mr Strauss is busy.

I'm sorry, Mr Blakeford. Mr Strauss is tied up. Do you mind trying tomorrow?

Oh sure.

And now for you listeners, history is again being made.

At this beautiful, glorious Roman & Chinese center here in Hollywood.

Miss Eleanor Whitley, that petite and vivacious starlet.

Is having her handprints and footprints implanted in this world-famous spot.

And now, my dear.

You have left your immortal mark in Hollywood.

I wonder.

Mama, what does that mean ..

" Immortal mark in Hollywood ".

It means that .. Hollywood has new star.

Whose name will be known forever.

Hmm .. just like these others, see.

Prints of their hands and feet. Written in that cement will remain there always.

Mama.

Who is "John Blakeford 1929"?

Oh .. he used to be a big star.

He must have been awful big to go with his feet.

That is John Blakeford over there now, honey.

Look.

Now you can tell Papa about it.

Oh Mama, he's kinda old, isn't he?

Hey, extra! Paper! Read all about it.

They're all dead.

Paper? - Not today.

Your picture's in it, Mr Blakeford. - Oh, alright.

Thanks.

She killed him because she loved him! Extra! Paper!

Hello, Steve. - Good afternoon, gentlemen.

Nice afternoon, Steve. - Oh, hello.

Moran and Moran. Artists representatives.

Oh yes, Mr Blakeford.

No, Mr Blakeford. Mr Moran is not in.

And you will ask Pete to keep after that part out at Superior?

Yes, Mr Blakeford.

No, Mr Blakeford.

Just one moment, Mr Blakeford. Mr Moran just came in the door.

Oh hello, Moran.

Twenty-five hundred a week?

Why certainly, I'll consider it.

Uhuh. Top billing of course.

Say, what are you talking about?

Twenty-five hundred a week?

Keep after that part out at Superior, please.

Oh. Oh sure. Sure, you know me.

You haven't got a thing to worry about. Not a thing.

I wish that old has-been would get a new agent.

Hello, Frank. - Hello, John.

I hear you're remaking 'The Loves Of An Outlaw'.

And since I was the star of the silent film ..

That was twelve years ago.

Oh I know, I know. But with you directing ..

I would consider playing the part of the heavy. Which is more interesting anyway.

I'm sorry John, but I believe the boss has someone in mind for that part.

Oh.

Definitely? - Well, no, but ..

I'll mention your name. Keep in touch with me.

Frank .. when can I phone you?

Oh say .. a week or ten days.

Goodbye, John. - Goodbye.

Hello. How are you. - Hi, John.

Hello, boys. - Hello, Blakeford.

Ready to wrap a little drink? - Hmm.

How are you doing, John? - Magnificently, Jack.

Magnificently.

I'm practically all set for hat thing over at Superior.

Well ..

I looked up Frank Stepney.

He wants me to play the part of the heavy in Lovers Of An Outlaw.

I don't know if I can fit it in.

Hello Gus, my usual please. Champagne cocktail.

Yes, Mr Blakeford. - Don't forget now.

Just two drops of angostura bitters and a very small piece of lemon.

I know. A Clicquot.

I'll have to get a bottle out of the cooler. Excuse me.

You know Jack, champagne is the only thing that really sets me off.

Okay. Send him to my office. - Yes, sir.

Excuse me.

Well, boss .. there is one of our Hollywood sights for you.

John Blakeford. Down to his last drink.

He can't complain thought.

He had plenty before he reached the last one.

I'll say he's had plenty. Plenty of everything.

Fame, fortune, romance.

All the razzle-dazzle.

Gus.

Some olives, please.

Olives?

Yeah, you know the kind I like. The ripe ones.

By the way, Mr Sanford would like to see you in his office.

That is when you get a minute.

Well, I always say there is no time like the present.

That's right.

Gee, what a great story that guy could write.

From riches to rags in six reels.

And a fade out.

Hey, Martin.

Sometimes you surprise me. Not always, but sometimes.

Is that so, boss. How?

When you have an idea.

Why, hello Jerry. - Hello John. How goes it?

Oh, magnificently.

Magnificently.

Well, so long. - Good luck.

Thank you.

Hello, John. - Hello, Bill.

Gus said you wanted to see me. - Yes. Have a seat.

Thank you.

We've been friends a long time, John.

A long time.

You practically put this place on the map when it was opened.

You gave the first big party here.

Remember?

We turned this place into a battleship that night.

I think I came as Admiral Dewey.

I confess I don't know how I left.

Yes, we owe you a debt of gratitude.

But ..

Alright Bill, I'll make it easier for you.

You owe me a debt of gratitude.

But I owe you a debt of something much more substantial, don't I.

I'm sorry, John. - How much is it?

Two hundred and twenty-one dollars.

Well, will a check in tomorrow's mail do?

But that is what you told me a week ago.

This bill is paid, John.

But I am going to ask you as my friend.

To let it go at this.

You mean, this closes my account here?

I am afraid you are right.

I am sorry.

John. I would like to make a suggestion. If you don't mind.

A lot of actors have had to take salary cuts.

Smaller parts. Good bits .. character.

Smaller parts, good bits, character?

Very well. My account here is closed. But I still owe you over 200 dollars.

I ..

I haven't the money with me at the moment.

I have this though. It's worth a good deal more.

Stuck. Soap will get it off.

I'll go into the washroom.

I beg your pardon. Are you John Blakeford the picture actor?

I should like to be known as John Blakeford - the actor.

I'm glad to know you, Blakeford. My name is Winslow. Publishing business.

The Modern Truth magazine. Ever heard of it?

Of course.

The "The Ingrate Truth" I believe they call it.

Whatever you may call it, it is the fastest growing magazine in New York.

Success is a pleasant thing.

You should know, Blakeford.

Yes.

Yes, I should know, shouldn't I.

I'd like to talk to you about that.

About ..?

About my success? - Exactly.

Your success. The story of your career.

Have you considered writing your memoirs, Blakeford?

Oh yes. Of course, of course.

But that is an occupation I had planned for my .. later years.

No. That's where you're wrong.

Now is the time, when the public is interested in you.

When your name is a byword in every home.

When you are an idol to every woman in the audience.

Now is the time they want to read about you.

And I want to be your publisher.

Oh, you don't have to worry about the actual writing.

I have the best ghost-writers in the business.

I am quite sure I shall be capable of he writing.

Of course. Of course.

All you have to do is open your mouth and let the past flow out.

All your successes.

Your struggles.

The beautiful women you've known.

No, that last ..

No, I don't know.

Well, I'll give you say ..

Twenty-five thousand for the series.

Twenty-five thousand dollars?

Five thousand at once, to bind the deal.

I think we can do business, Mister ..? - Winslow.

Now, shall we settle the details over a little drink?

Yes, yes.

Excuse me.

My ring.