The Last Will and Testament of Hollywood


In the twilight of my once golden life, I deem it necessary to divide up my estate among my heirs. But with these gifts I leave to each of you come responsibilities -- heavy ones which, if not fulfilled, could lead to the destruction of my estate. These past years, I have grown more and more wary of passing them on to you, but you are the ones in power. You are the ones in charge. And only you can use these gifts to their full potential.

To the producers, who have tended to my business and funds for all these years, I heave the discerning public. They have been in the palms of your hands for many years, but now I ask you to take a closer look. Look at the films you create and manage. This is what the public thinks of me, and they look to me for example. What was the last film you made? What was it rated? And think, what does the film say about me? I wanted to show the world a happier life; it is your job, as the businessmen, to carry it out.

To the writers, my voice, I leave the screenplays that have long since become classics. Read them carefully. Do you laugh? Do you cry? Do you think? Now read them again. How many people curse? How many people get in bed with someone? And yet, were they any less effective? These classics aren't to work on, but rather to work with. These came from the day when nothing was done halfway; there is nothing for you to improve upon, only to learn from.

To the directors, I leave the visions of your predecessors: Alfred Hitchcock, Vincente Minnelli, to name a few. They were able to bring out the true meaning of a movie; they didn't tamper with a masterpiece of a screenplay, they brought it to life. Make your films come alive. Films are to entertain, not to indoctrinate. If you have an agenda, don't use the film to spread it. I have no agendas, only a desire to make people happy.

And finally, to the actors. You have the hardest tasks of all. But I am also leaving the most to you. Danny Kaye, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart ... the list goes on. Watch these people. Learn from them. They were the ones who brought me into being and made me what I once was. You are my very own children. You wanted to come to me at an early age. Why? Not for politics, not for drugs, not for money. Because you love to act. Find that love, the love that these others had, too. Work from your heart, not from your pocketbook, and don't be afraid to swim against the current. Do what you know is right.

I say th same to all of you. I am nonpartisan. I have no "hidden agendas." My whole life and being is to entertain, to provide a happy escape from the modern world. You are my eyes, my voice, and my hands. Please, represent me well.


This article is (c)1997 by Kara Husson, and is not available for reprint, retransmitting, etc., without written permission. For permission, please e-mail karad@visi.net


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