Chapter 50: 1930s Gangsters

In Hollywood these days, there were only a few stars whose salaries could exceed ten million dollars. Even Tom Cruise received a ten-million-dollar paycheck for this year's release, Days of Thunder.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's $15 million paycheck for Terminator 2 was only second to Sylvester Stallone's $16 million in Rambo III.

As the two highest-paid action stars in the world, the $15 million level was the peak.

No wonder Nicole Kidman had a look of envy. The glory of flashing cameras and the feeling of being the center of attention was indeed every star's pursuit.

After sending Nicole Kidman back to Long Beach, Winona Ryder needed to borrow the bathroom at Nicole's home upon arrival.

"Arthur, would you like something to drink?" Nicole asked Arthur, who was sitting on the sofa, after directing Winona to the bathroom.

Arthur shook his head, "No, I had a great dinner and drinks tonight!"

"By the way, Touchstone Pictures, part of Disney, is casting for a movie about 1930s gangsters. I've read the script. They need a young supporting role, it's a small part," Nicole Kidman glanced at Arthur. "You could try. Dustin Hoffman is the lead actor, and that young role is probably the third male lead!"

Arthur understood immediately; Nicole Kidman must have gotten the female role in it. In gangster films, women were just accessories and not the focus.

Arthur also knew this was exclusive information from Nicole Kidman. "The movie I'm in, Sleepless in Seattle, will be released next month. Right now, I don't have any films out yet. Would Disney choose me? Dustin Hoffman is an Oscar-winning actor. I think it's tough. My agent doesn't have strong connections."

Although Arthur was set to shoot Sleeping with the Enemy next month, it was only a fourth male lead role with a few scenes.

As for the producer role, Arthur didn't need to stay on set all the time. Orion Pictures had a manager specifically to handle the crew; Arthur was responsible for the overall project.

Moreover, with Jonathan Demme and Jodie Foster on The Silence of the Lambs, Arthur's main concern was funding.

It was only March. If Arthur had the chance to join a few more production crews for minor roles this year, he could make tens of thousands of dollars again!

"Give it a shot and see if there's a chance to audition," Nicole Kidman suggested.

Arthur nodded, "I'll ask my agent to find out. Thanks!"

"No need, no need," Nicole Kidman waved her hand, "In the future, I might need your support, Mr. Smith!"

Arthur looked at the tall Nicole Kidman sitting on the sofa. "Hollywood loves its unwritten rules. For someone like you, they'd definitely take full advantage!"

Nicole struck an S-pose, "If you're capable, come take advantage of me," she said, intentionally glancing at Arthur.

Nicole Kidman actually had been dating Tom Cruise, but with his recent divorce and Oscar campaign for Best Actor, they hadn't seen each other in a long time.

Now, Nicole Kidman didn't know if Tom Cruise would continue dating her or if the divorce was for her. After all, Tom Cruise wasn't lacking in attractive girls around him.

Arthur leaned closer to Nicole Kidman, "You're playing with fire, Nicole. Otherwise, I won't consider Tom Cruise's feelings!"

Nicole's eyes glanced towards the bathroom, smiled, "Don't do anything rash. Winona is inside."

She then placed her hands on Arthur's chest, pushing him away, "Nice body, great face," she touched Arthur's face, "No wonder Winona likes you!"

"Mmm..." Arthur immediately kissed Nicole Kidman.

Nicole's face showed surprise, her eyes widened, then she responded by wrapping her arms around Arthur's neck!

Arthur quickly heard the water running in the bathroom, knowing that Winona was coming out. He tried to get up, but Nicole Kidman held him tightly by the neck, not letting go; Her teasing expression and laughter were blatant!

Not until they heard the door open did she release him and revert to a calm demeanor. After standing up, Arthur gave Nicole Kidman a stern look.

Nicole, who remained on the sofa, provocatively looked at Arthur.

"Winona, let's go. Nicole probably needs some rest," Arthur said to Winona Ryder as she walked over.

"Okay," Winona Ryder then looked at Nicole, "Thanks for hosting tonight. I should treat you to a meal sometime!"

Nicole Kidman stood up and hugged Winona Ryder, "We're friends, after all. Let's go shopping sometime."

"Sure, nice to know you!"

Soon, Arthur returned to West Hollywood with Winona Ryder.

"Arthur, did Tom Cruise get divorced because of Nicole?" Winona Ryder lay in Arthur's arms in the bedroom, full of gossip.

Arthur smiled, "It's quite possible!"

Nicole Kidman wasn't an ordinary actress. She would later become Hollywood's leading foreign actress, and even the "box office poison" label after her divorce from Tom Cruise didn't shake her status.

Who was Tom Cruise? The man who revolutionized Hollywood's traditional revenue-sharing model - both were highly shrewd figures!

"Tom Cruise is too famous and just got divorced. If he shows up with Nicole, it's going to be huge news," Winona Ryder said, pecking Arthur on the face.

"Absolutely. When Tom Cruise married Mimi Rogers, newspapers reported thousands of young girls wearing black armbands with tear-stained eyes at a grand scene," Arthur recalled, coincidentally the same year Top Gun was released, Tom Cruise, the national idol, got married!

Winona Ryder raised her head, "Last year, Cher, who filmed Mermaids with me, had a brief relationship with Tom Cruise six or seven years ago."

"Cher?" Arthur touched Winona's fragrant shoulder, surprised, "She's 16 years older than Tom Cruise. Six or seven years ago, Tom Cruise was around 22, and Cher was almost 40, famous for her bold and avant-garde style!"

Tom Cruise's taste seemed rather heavy?

Mimi Rogers was older too. Maybe since Nicole Kidman, he began to prefer younger women?

"Age isn't the key," Winona Ryder patted Arthur, "Let's sleep."

*****

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