Chapter 520: Samuel Goldwyn Films

[Chapter 585: Samuel Goldwyn Films]

Because Rosamund Kwan worked in the U.S. for a couple of months, she then had to promote Once Upon a Time in China and America before returning to Hong Kong after a week of rest in Las Vegas. Joey Wong, after returning to Los Angeles with Arthur, went back to Toronto, Canada.

With the arrival of 1997, the economy in Southeast Asia grew increasingly tense, particularly with instability in Indonesia exacerbating the financial crisis. However, when Arthur got back to Los Angeles, he found it to be a place of glamour and excess.

Award season was the liveliest time in Hollywood, and the glitzy stars were out and about at various balls, parties, and banquets. Meanwhile, right after the New Year, the Los Angeles Galaxy acquired rookie Jason Kidd from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Mark Jackson. Despite Jackson's decent performance over the past few years, Coach Popovich appeared to have a fondness for Kidd's defensive organizational skills.

"I feel like the championship is within reach," Arthur mused as he left the Galaxy Center, contemplating how the Galaxy could take the title. The Western Conference's Jazz posed a bit of a threat, along with the unpredictable SuperSonics, while the East needed to keep an eye on the Bulls.

...

That night, in a high-end club on Sunset Boulevard, Arthur and Madchen Amick sat on a couch sipping champagne.

"Is that Johnny Depp with his British model girlfriend Kate Moss?" Arthur glanced at a group nearby. Madchen nodded, "Depp wrote, directed, and starred in a drama last year, and it's set to release this year."

Arthur shook his head. "After Edward Scissorhands and Speed, Depp's recent work has been continuously subpar. His style has gotten weirder too."

Madchen chuckled, "Is there a script at Galaxy that fits him?"

"It's an action movie, but who knows if he can still pull it off?" Arthur was talking about the movie adaptation of The Bourne Identity, since he had performed quite well in Speed.

"Forget it, I won't overthink it," Arthur sighed, as the screenplay hadn't even been adapted yet.

"What about you? What have you been up to lately?" Arthur pulled Madchen closer and kissed her on the cheek.

"I just finished a thriller, crime mystery called L.A. Confidential, working alongside Kevin Spacey and Australians Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe," she replied. Madchen had to schedule her time well since she had to shoot for the series The X-Files every year.

"Kevin Spacey won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor last year for The Usual Suspects," Arthur was aware, considering The Usual Suspects had been acquired by Galaxy for $4 million at the San Dennis Film Festival, grossing over $23 million at the box office. He also knew about Russell Crowe -- he had starred in quite a few action films in recent years, the rugged Aussie.

"This year, I have to fly to England soon to shoot for a film," Madchen mentioned, as her popularity still held strong.

"Sounds good," Arthur responded, drawing her in for a kiss and running his hand over her thigh. Madchen wrapped her arms around him, returning the affection enthusiastically.

...

With the annual Grammy Awards being hosted at the newly built Galaxy Center, it was a grand celebration for the music industry. Nearby, the Galaxy Ritz-Carlton hotel was holding a charity gala. Arthur had brought Winona Ryder along to attend.

On the balcony outside the hotel, Arthur gazed down at the Los Angeles skyline. "James, are gang members becoming more active lately?" he inquired. "I've heard that many black rap artists refuse to go out alone these days?"

Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn nodded with a hint of resignation. "It mainly comes down to the rivalry between the Bloods and Crips, but in the end, it's all about the money. Those rappers are gang members; be it the East or West Coast, no one wants to back down."

"Notify both gangs -- they need to get their act together; this farce has to end!" Arthur had no desire to see Death Row Records lose its footing in the industry, especially if new music was on the line.

Mayor Hahn could rally the council members to pressure these people, or, many of these gang members were often connected to those very politicians. This chaos was only costing everyone, so why bother? Worrying about those guys not listening? Just send more police to crack down on their drug deals and gambling operations, and they would be more than occupied.

Even though New York's Diddy had passed away, JAY-Z had founded Roc-a-Fella Records last year, right?

"At the very least, they shouldn't cause trouble in Los Angeles!"

Hahn nodded; some things couldn't be further investigated. Besides, within the LAPD, many officers maintained a close relationship with gang members.

...

After chatting with Hahn, Arthur met John Krueger, chairman of the American MMT International Media Group.

"Oh, Arthur, is Galaxy interested in Samuel Goldwyn Entertainment?" John Krueger had been facing issues with his recent investments and was looking to sell off entertainment assets for cash.

Arthur nodded. "Samuel Goldwyn Entertainment -- Galaxy is offering $500 million!" The main assets of Samuel Goldwyn Entertainment included their film library and Landmark Theatres. Though most of their more than 1,500 films had been lesser-known works, there were still many classic films produced early on by Samuel Goldwyn.

"The Landmark Theatres aren't part of the assets for sale, and Samuel Goldwyn II needs to maintain substantial autonomy," John Krueger explained.

Arthur chuckled at how Samuel Goldwyn II clung tightly to his father's legacy. "MGM only wanted the film library assets; distribution channels and company branding can remain his."

Right now, Galaxy has enough with its brands, including Galaxy, MGM, United Artists, and Orion. They had even sealed off the newly acquired Carolco! Why would they need any more studios? Samuel Goldwyn II joining Galaxy wouldn't make much difference; through Tom Rothman, Arthur understood Samuel Goldwyn Entertainment well.

John Krueger nodded, "That's the best case; the film library for Samuel Goldwyn Entertainment is valued at $70 million."

[T/N: It was supposed to be 300 million but it seems in 1997, MGM acquired The Samuel Goldwyn Company for approximately $70 million. This deal included the film library and distribution rights for a number of films produced by The Samuel Goldwyn Company.]

"Tom Rothman, the former president of Samuel Goldwyn Entertainment, is now a co-chairman at MGM, so let's not waste more time," Arthur looked at John Krueger. "$70 million, in cash, and Galaxy can pay immediately..."

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