Cap Mandrake
Posts: 23184
Joined: 11/15/2002 From: Southern California Status: offline
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*********MGM Studios, Office of Mr. Louis B. Mayer, Burbank, Calif., August 22, 1942********** I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: <reaches solicitously across a gigantic ancient walnut desk to greet Mr. Mayer who does not get up> Thank you for your time sir. It is such an honor to be able to meet with you and present this fantastic filmmaking opportunity on behalf of M&M Productions. I am sure your time must be very valuable.... Mr. Mayer:STOP! It is valuable. You had two minutes worth. You now have 1 1/2 minutes. Get to the God Damned point! I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.:Yes sir! The point is this. <he spreads a protoype ad poster on his desk> It's a war film. Mr. Mayer:You don't say? Why, how original. How ever did you think of that? I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: Well, sir. It's about China..about a big battle we jsut won. Mr. Mayer: I'm listening. I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: Sir, it's called "Seven Days to Yenen". Mr. Mayer: Interesting. I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: We already have letters of intent from the talent. Mr. Mayer: And they are? I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.:Alec Guiness as the headstrong RAF officer, William Holden as the insouciant USAAF fighter pilot and love interest. Mr. Mayer: Bill Holden in love with an RAF officer? Honestly, I don't think that is going to "fly". <makes air quotes> I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: Oh...oh, no sir. We were thinking a Chinese girl, possibly pregnant, or not, that's up to you. Mr. Mayer: I'll have someone do the rewrite. And this guy in thy poster> Who is this? I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: Oh, that is Ben Kingsley. He plays Gen. Chang or Chung. I forget which. Mr. Mayer: But he looks green. Is that a printing error? I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: Oh no sir, they all look like that. The Chinese generals, I mean. Mr. Mayer: I'll be damned. Is it a camouflage thing? I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: I don't believe so sir. Dietary perhaps? Mr. Mayer: Hmmmph. Well, I like it. I'll have legal draw up the standard contract. I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: Well, if you don't mind sir, Mr. Minderbinder had me draw up a contract according to his specifications. Mr. Mayer: <sits upright in surprise> Quite a confident fellow this Minderbinder/ I. Dunn Cheatham, Esq.: You have no idea sir.....
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