The Tyrant Billionaire

Chapter 208: Chapter 208 Ghost Actors Selection

HD Pictures made a total of six ads, each about three minutes long. In the films, Ava Gardner and Hedy Lamarr were the casino's image ambassadors, showing people the casino's charm.

Hedy Lamarr is known as the most charming woman in Hollywood, and Ava Gardner is now called the new generation of Hollywood's queens. These two stars in the ads are definitely attractive enough.

Hardy spent $500,000 on these ads alone.

But he thought it was necessary. A movie needs extensive publicity before it's released, let alone a casino invested with millions.

Based on feedback from recent surveys, the results were indeed good. Many people in cities on the East Coast knew about the opening of the Hardy Grand Hotel casino. Especially in Los Angeles, with free bus rides, many people expressed that they could go and play on weekends as a form of relaxation.

With things settled, Hardy welcomed his leisure time.

Unfortunately, the women were not around.

Ava Gardner was filming currently in New York, and would even go to the UK for some scenes.

Little Elizabeth Taylor was also away. "Leon: The Professional" had been completed and was being distributed by MGM. She was now promoting the film across the United States with the main creative team and wouldn't be back until next month when the movie officially premieres.

At this moment, the phone rang.

Hardy picked it up.

It was Hedy Lamarr.

"Hardy, Director Nolan and I have selected a group of male actors and compiled a list. Do you have time to look at it?" Hedy asked.

"I have time. Come to my manor," Hardy said.

After the script for "Ghost" was completed, Hardy handed it over to Nolan and Hedy Lamarr. Preparing for the crew was a troublesome task, especially since the male lead, Sam, had not yet been selected.

Hedy Lamarr came to the estate with a folder of actor profiles, each with a photo for easy selection, detailing the actors' lives and previous works.

Hedy handed over the first one and introduced:

"Laurence Olivier, nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor, has had excellent performances in both stage plays and films. He's also Vivien Leigh's husband."

Hardy looked at Laurence Olivier's resume. He was already 40 years old, but with some makeup, it wouldn't be a problem.

"Have you invited him?" Hardy asked.

Hedy spread her hands, somewhat helpless, "We invited him, but there was a hitch. When Laurence Olivier received our story summary, Vivien Leigh took a liking to the role of Molly. Laurence Olivier replied that if Vivien Leigh played Molly, he would agree to play Sam."

Vivien Leigh is undoubtedly a big star. "Gone with the Wind" and later "Waterloo Bridge" made her incredibly popular.

If she played Molly, it would definitely attract countless audiences to the theater, ensuring at least the box office.

However, this movie was Hedy's hard work, and she couldn't bear to hand it over to someone else. But Hardy was the investor, and Vivien Leigh guaranteed box office success, so she didn't know how Hardy would choose.

Hardy glanced at Laurence Olivier's photo and put the file aside, "Who's next?"

Hedy was slightly stunned.

"Aren't you going to reconsider?"

Hardy smiled and looked at her, "Do you really want me to select him?"

Hedy was at a loss for words.

Hardy touched her face and said, "I've always believed that a man can be suave but not sleazy, can be unrefined but not shameless."

"Do you think I would give up my previous commitment for box office revenue? You are mistaken, my dear."

Hedy eyes lit up, and she rubbed her face against the man's hand, "I'm sorry, Hardy, I was wrong."

The two continued to choose.

"What about Gene Kelly?" Hardy looked at Gene Kelly's profile. He was 34 years old, and his starring role in "Anchors Aweigh" in 1945 earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

As he studied the picture, Hardy sensed something familiar. He realized, after giving it some thought, that this was the male protagonist from "Singin in the Rain" in his past life,

He had brought "Singin in the Rain" forward, giving the role to Johnny Fontaine, which had taken away Gene Kelly's chance at becoming famous.

It seemed that Gene Kelly was a good fit for Sam's image. Hardy considered whether he could use this film to compensate him.

But he didn't decide immediately. There were still several files to review.

Next were a few actors with some fame in Hollywood, including Lee Bowman, Cornel Wilde, and Glenn Ford. Hardy thought their conditions were good since they had already been selected by Nolan and Hedy.

Finally, there was one last file. Hardy glanced at it casually but was stunned when he saw the name.

Ronald Wilson Reagan.

Hardy carefully reviewed the resume and photo, finally confirming that this was the man who would become Governor of California in twenty years and President in thirty years.

Reagan entered Hollywood in 1937, playing many roles, usually as a supporting or second rate actor. When World War II broke out, Reagan enlisted in the Air Force but didn't see combat, instead making training films for the military.

After the war, Reagan returned to Hollywood and had some roles, but didn't become popular. Hardy remembered that Reagan was an actor until the 1960s, then joined a political party. Within a few years, he ran for Governor of California and won, officially starting his political career, serving two terms as governor.

Reagan had the title of orator, linked to his Hollywood and radio host experience.

At 36 years old, Reagan was only a second rate actor in Hollywood.

But this second rate actor would become the President of the United States in a few decades. Who could have predicted such changes?

Hardy pondered and handed two files to Hedy.

"Hedy, call these two to the film company tomorrow. I'll interview them," Hardy said.

Hedy looked at the files.

Gene Kelly didn't surprise her.

Ronald Reagan did. She felt Reagan wasn't outstanding among the male actors.

But since the big boss chose them, he must have his reasons.

"I'll notify them tomorrow," Hedy said.

Setting the files aside, Hardy took Hedy's hand, "It's really hot in Los Angeles this year. Come, swim with me."

The manor had a large swimming pool, where two figures played, splashing water vigorously.