Starbright (58 page)

Mr. Mertz’s star.

Beth’s skin crawled. Mr. Mertz cast her in
Sparkling Meadow,
but she firmly believed he wasn’t responsible for her win. It was her abilities as an actress, as well as the talents of cast mates and her director, which were truly responsible.

“Yes, of course.” Using her gloves, she dried her face as best as she could, grateful that Olivia encouraged her to wear waterproof makeup this evening.

The coordinator led her to a tense-looking man identified as the floor director. He gestured for Beth to keep quiet as he parted the curtain slightly and looked out at the audience.

“Irene Dunne has just taken her place at the podium to announce the nominees for Best Director,” he said, letting the curtain fall closed. “I’m afraid you cannot go back to your seat until after she and the winner have left the stage. We already had a crisis when Aidan Evans disregarded the rules by returning to his seat during the reading of the nominations for your category. I do not want that to happen again. It looks sloppy to the viewers at home if there are people walking the main floor while someone is speaking on stage—definitely not the image of the Academy we want to portray to the world.”

Beth was beyond flattered that Aidan broke the rules for her. “I understand. I’ll wait here.”

Preston Adams won Best Director for
Spike Rollins
. If it wasn’t Alistair for
Sparkling Meadow
, then Beth was glad it was Preston. As Aidan mentioned during his speech, the seasoned director really did a remarkable job with the motion picture.

Backstage, Preston received the same speech Beth did about being on the floor for the Best Picture announcement.

“Congratulations, Mr. Adams,” she said as they awaited their next instructions.

Preston smiled. “And you as well, Miss Sutton.”

“All right, you two.” The floor director pulled back the curtain. “There’s a commercial spot for Oldsmobile airing right now. It’s safe for you to take your seats.”

Another crewmember met Beth and Preston and rushed them along a hallway parallel to the side of the stage. As they descended a small staircase, a door opened for them at the bottom and someone else waved them through. The passageway brought them to the main floor of the theater.

Scattered applause broke out as they made their way to their seats. Aidan stood to greet them, luring Beth in with his smoky green eyes and dazzling smile.

Preston leaned into her ear. “I’ve never seen Aidan so happy. You’re good for him, you know.”

Beth looked at Preston in surprise. “You know about us?”

He nodded. “It’s hard not to when he looks at you like you’re the only one in the world.”

Beth’s cheeks flushed.

“I understand why you have to keep your relationship a secret.” Preston frowned. “But it sure is a shame. Hopefully one day you won’t have to hide anymore.”

Since the cameras weren’t rolling, Beth wanted to cease the opportunity to speak to Aidan. When Preston stopped at his seat, she did, too.

Smiling, she stuck out her hand to her beau. “I’m so proud of you, Aidan. Congratulations.”

Aidan followed her formality, taking her hand and shaking it gently. “I’m proud of you, too.”

A crewmember interrupted their moment, reminding them that the broadcast would resume shortly.

Aidan grinned and gestured across the front row. “Allow me to escort you back to your seat, Miss Best Actress.”

“I would love that, Mr. Best Actor.”

Beth’s smile faltered. Mr. Mertz glared at her from his private box.

As Aidan walked her to her seat, several audience members clapped, but her boss’s antagonism paralyzed her ability to appreciate their kindness.

Alistair and Ingrid’s chairs were unoccupied, and Will was hunched in his seat with his head in his hands. His trip to the bar didn’t seem to have done him any good.

Upon Beth’s approach, he looked up. His glossy eyes reflected a drunken stupor.

When he noticed Aidan, the pain and resentment he felt over his loss intensified across his face. With a sigh, he rose to his feet and extended his hand.

“Congratulations.” His voice held no enthusiasm whatsoever.

Aidan accepted the handshake. “Thanks.”

Frowning, Will sank back down in his chair and resumed wallowing in self-pity.

Alistair and Ingrid showed up after Aidan returned to his seat. Beth received her purse back from Ingrid, and Donald O’Connor resumed the broadcast.

“Ladies and gentlemen in the audience, and the lovely people watching the ceremony from home, I’m afraid our evening is coming to an end.”

Restlessness disturbed the gay atmosphere of the theater, indicating its occupants were ready to leave, Beth included. Where was she going to find the energy to conduct more press interviews and attend the after party?

Mr. O’Connor’s grin widened. “Please welcome Mr. Cecil B. DeMille to the stage for the announcement of the nominees and winner for our final category tonight, Best Picture.”

Mr. DeMille received a standing ovation as he walked to the podium, envelope in hand. As usual, cameramen positioned their cameras near the individuals involved in the nominated motion pictures.

“A princess trapped in her duties takes on the role of a commoner to escape; a rags to riches love story set in the eastern United States countryside; a moving account of the tragedy at Pearl Harbor; a heart-warming drama about a kid from the wrong side of the tracks trying to raise money for his brother’s heart operation; the tale of a great Roman Emperor; a film about a tribune during the time of Christ; and a story about a weary gunslinger who cannot seem to stay out of trouble—all these motion pictures are well deserving of the highest accolades tonight. But only one can be singled out by the Academy as the Best Picture of 1953.”

Brief applause flooded the theater.

“The nominees are
Roman Holiday
,
Sparkling Meadow
,
From Here to Eternity
,
Spike Rollins
,
Julius Caesar
,
The Robe
, and
Shane
.”

Mr. DeMille opened the envelope.

Beth gripped the armrests on either side of her in anticipation.

“And the winner of Best Picture for the year 1953 is
Spike Rollins
!”

As the orchestra commenced the honored film’s theme song, the crowd cheered and the
Spike Rollins
company stood, congratulating each other with handshakes. Preston gestured for Aidan to walk to the stage first.

Aidan shook his head, grinning. After some persistence from Preston, however, he led the
Spike Rollins
group—which included the director, Richard Rooney, and a few other supporting cast members—across the floor and up the stairs to the podium.

The ensemble stood in a line, facing the audience. Mr. DeMille handed Preston the Oscar and stepped back, allowing him to make a speech.

Preston raised the statue above his head. “This motion picture means so much to everyone up here tonight,” he said into the microphone. “We tackled our vision for our project with everything we had and we are all extremely pleased with the final product. This award proves if you fight for what you believe in, anything is possible.”

Preston draped his arm over Aidan’s shoulders and jostled him from side to side. “I saw this young man performing on Broadway with a restless spirit and raw energy that reflected Spike Rollins so perfectly, and resultantly, cast him in the film, even though he was unknown in Hollywood at the time. Aidan Evans is unquestionably one of the most talented actors in the business, as well as an all-around great guy. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be standing up here tonight accepting this award.”

Aidan gave Preston an appreciative pat on the back and moved aside for his young costar.

Preston regarded the boy fondly. “Richard Rooney, you are a man far beyond your ten years. Your professionalism is extraordinary and you did a remarkable job in this film.” The director looked at the other people onstage. “Anyone else have something to add?”

When nobody came forward, Preston leaned into the microphone again. “Okay, that’s it, then. Thank you to the Academy for this wonderful honor, and to Luther Mertz for funding the picture.”

The crowd erupted in applause.

After the
Spike Rollins
group disappeared behind the curtain and the orchestra commenced their next tune, Mr. O’Connor emerged from backstage, thanked the viewers at home, and announced the end of the ceremony.

When the broadcast concluded, the audience rose from their seats and crewmembers gathered the winners, whisking them backstage for the press event scheduled prior to the after party.

Amidst the commotion, Beth lost sight of Aidan. With her award in hand and her purse tucked under her arm, she was led to the press area, where about five dozen reporters and photographers gathered around a makeshift stage erected in front of an Oscar-themed backdrop.

Beth fanned her face with her clutch purse to combat the blazing spotlights as she searched the crowded room for her beau. She found Mr. Mertz first, standing at the side of the platform with his wife, having his face powdered. Next, she spotted Nathan weaving through the crowd in her direction.

“Where are the others?” she asked upon his approach.

“They decided to head over to the after party while we finish up here,” he replied. “Luther wants me to moderate this event, so I couldn’t go with them. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. I’ll see you in a bit.”

After Nathan left, Beth continued her search for Aidan or anyone involved with
Spike Rollins
who could tell her where he was. Eventually, organizers instructed the winners to line up alphabetically by film. The arrangement meant she and Aidan would stand beside each other in line, which gave her hope she would see him soon.

A flurry of excitement captured the crowd as the
Spike Rollins
group entered the room. Aidan ignored those offering him congratulations and arrived at Beth’s side quickly.

“Sorry. We got backed up at the door.” A frown played upon his lips. “It’s so crazy in here. I wish we could just leave.”

Beth caught Mr. Mertz’s glare from across the room. The color drained from her face.

Aidan’s frown intensified into a scowl. “Mertz is watching us, isn’t he?”

She nodded.

Aidan cast a dirty look Mr. Mertz’s way. “Don’t worry, we’ll be outta here soon.”

Preston arrived in line carrying the two statues he won, accompanied by Richard and the boy’s surly parents. Beth watched the winners ahead of her take the stage and answer questions from the journalists.

Each winner also took an official Academy Awards portrait with Mr. Mertz, which would be printed in publications worldwide. Organizers forbid photographs during the ceremony due to conflicts with the live NBC broadcast and distractions posed by camera flashes.

Nathan stood at the side of the stage, stepping in as an official studio representative when needed. Mr. Mertz shook the hands of the winners before they left the platform, which the photographers also captured. His stern expression never faltered.

Finally, it was Beth’s turn. She climbed the stairs and stopped in the center of the platform to face the reporters, smiling widely, stuffing her purse under her arm and struggling with the heavy statue in her hand.

Her eyes watered from the camera flashes as she offered various poses for the photographers. The reporters’ questions were similar to those asked on the red carpet, and she gave similar responses. Although the entire experience was exhausting, she maintained a cheerful expression, most forcibly when she and Mr. Mertz took their official picture together.

“Mr. Mertz,” a reporter called. “This year’s Best Actor and Best Actress are costarring in
Golden Gloves
. You must be predicting a big win with that motion picture.”

A sinister grin spread across Mr. Mertz’s face. “Yes, I expect great things from the film, indeed.”

“May we have a picture of Mr. Evans and Miss Sutton holding their Oscars, and you, sir, standing with them?” a photographer requested. “The caption can read, Luther Mertz’s golden stars celebrate their golden statues while on a break from filming their highly anticipated, dramatic Starlight Studios motion picture,
Golden Gloves
.”

Mr. Mertz’s expression flickered with approval. “That is an excellent idea. Mr. Evans, would you please join us on the platform?” His glacial look at Aidan masked the politeness in his words.

Aidan climbed the stairs and stood on Mr. Mertz’s other side, looking stiff and reluctant.

“Hold your statues up, you two,” Mr. Mertz said, making no effort to smile for the cameras.

Beth raised her Oscar as flashbulbs exploded before them. Aidan kept his dangling at his side. When they were finished, Mr. Mertz glowered at him. They stood in a tense standoff until Nathan stepped between them, reminding his boss of the reporters’ presence.

Mr. Mertz stalked off the platform, leaving a trembling Beth behind.

When the announcer declared
Spike Rollins
over the loudspeaker, Nathan guided her down the stairs, and Preston and Richard took her place. She emerged from the pressroom after agreeing to meet Nathan at the post-show party.

Beth listened from the hallway as reporters fired questions at Aidan and Preston regarding their respective Best Actor and Best Director wins, as well as
Spike Rollins
’ Best Picture prize. Aidan only spoke when asked a direct question. Even then, he sounded impatient and kept his answers brief.

The real showstopper was Richard Rooney. He responded eloquently and professionally to every question, winning over the press quickly—a well-trained Starlight Studios contract player.

When Beth heard the sound of popping flashbulbs, she knew the group was almost finished. Richard was the first to emerge with his parents, who praised his
performance
in front of the reporters. Aidan and Preston followed. Mr. and Mrs. Rooney didn’t even say good-bye to their son’s former costar and director before whisking Richard down the hallway toward the exit.

The steel door at the end of the corridor slammed shut, leaving Beth, Aidan, and Preston alone in the corridor while questions began for the next group in the pressroom.