Chapter 229: The Premiere of Schindler's List

Arthur stayed in New York for two days before heading to Washington, D.C., specifically to attend the premiere of Schindler's List.

In the suite at the Sofitel Hotel in Lafayette Square, Washington, Arthur was sitting on the sofa when Winona Ryder came over to remind him, "We should head to the National Theatre, Arthur."

Arthur nodded and kissed Winona Ryder. "You look beautiful tonight. Let's go!"

The National Theatre in Washington is located near Freedom Plaza, just east of President's Park in front of the White House. The premiere of Schindler's List was being held there. Lafayette Square is behind the White House, just a few blocks away.

Tonight, the National Theatre was bustling. The premiere of Schindler's List felt different from a typical movie premiere due to its significance. Director Steven Spielberg, along with the main actors Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes, and the author of the original novel, Thomas Keneally, were all present.

When Arthur and Winona Ryder arrived, they sensed the unique atmosphere, which was understandable.

"Arthur, Winona," Steven Spielberg, accompanied by his wife Kate Capshaw, hugged them both.

"Good evening," Arthur nodded and patted Steven Spielberg on the shoulder. "Tonight is different; you have to show your strength!"

Next to him, his wife Kate Capshaw agreed. "That's right, dear. Arthur is right. Tonight is important, and you have to perform your best."

Steven Spielberg nodded and smiled. "Indeed, this movie has been my dream for many years, and now it has come true. In fact, the best place for the premiere of Schindler's List would have been the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, but it's not finished yet."

"Oh, is it the Holocaust Museum being built near the National Mall?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, construction started in 1985, and it won't open until next April," Steven Spielberg said with a hint of regret.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington was planned by the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.

It is the official American institution dedicated to commemorating the Holocaust. Earlier, Congress, under President Jimmy Carter, established the Holocaust Memorial Council and provided 1.9 acres (about 7,689 square meters) of land near the National Mall for the museum's construction.

Construction began, and later, former President Ronald Reagan attended the groundbreaking ceremony and gave a speech.

The museum's entrance on 15th Street was officially renamed Raoul Wallenberg Place to commemorate the Swedish diplomat who organized the largest rescue operation during the Holocaust by issuing protective Swedish passports to save tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from being deported to Auschwitz.

"There will be opportunities in the future," Arthur said. While the Holocaust Memorial Museum was indeed a more suitable location, the National Theatre was also significant, being one of the oldest theatres in the United States with strong political and historical significance.

As the premiere progressed, more and more prominent Jewish figures arrived at the theatre. Among them were Alan Greenspan, Chairman of the Federal Reserve; Harvey Meyerhoff, current Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council; and Elie Wiesel, the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Jewish-American writer, political activist, and former Chairman of the Holocaust Memorial Council. Many prominent figures from American politics and finance attended the premiere.

Arthur didn't recognize many of them, but he knew Alan Greenspan, who had been Chairman of the Federal Reserve since 1987. Greenspan, now 66 years old, was one of the leaders of the American Jewish community.

"Arthur, Steven told me that the success of this film is largely thanks to you. We all owe you our gratitude!" said Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and a close partner of Warren Buffett, the richest man in America.

Arthur shook his head. "This is just something I had to do. The success of the film is due to the efforts of everyone involved."

Charlie Munger, 68 years old this year, had known Buffett since the 1960s. In the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans this April, Warren Buffett ranked first.

Charlie Munger smiled and patted Arthur on the shoulder. "Perhaps we'll have opportunities to collaborate in the future!"

As Charlie Munger left, Arthur thought of something. Capital Cities/ABC, in which Arthur owned a small stake through 20% shares of ESPN, was 25% owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Warren Buffett had brokered the deal when Capital Cities acquired ABC. 

"Damn, could Charlie Munger be interested in Galaxy?" Arthur wondered, considering Berkshire Hathaway's extensive investments in newspapers, telecommunications, and entertainment.

Arthur then chatted with Alan Greenspan for a while, realizing that his support for Schindler's List had indeed earned him considerable goodwill among Jewish leaders. Before the film began, Steven Spielberg took the stage to specifically thank Arthur.

"Arthur, you did the right thing this time!" said the frail Audrey Hepburn, lightly patting Arthur's hand as he supported her.

Arthur sighed. "Madam, you look worse than when I last saw you. I heard you're going to Africa soon?"

Audrey Hepburn smiled. "Don't worry, I'm aware of my health. When God calls me, I will accept it."

She then glanced at Winona Ryder, standing not far from Arthur. "Winona is even more beautiful than I was at her age. You have good taste!"

After her role in Edward Scissorhands, Winona Ryder was often referred to as the "next Hepburn."

Arthur smiled. "If she hears that, she might be too excited to sleep tonight!"

"Sigh, seeing you two reminds me of the past," Audrey Hepburn said, checking her watch. "The movie is about to start!"

"Let me help you to your seat," Arthur said, admiring Audrey Hepburn's dedication to charity over the years.

*****

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