_Chapter XXIV_ "KINGS OF THE AIR"
The next morning Janet found an interesting paragraph in one of themorning papers, which had been written by a reporter who had attended thescreening of "Broad Valley."
"One of the pleasant surprises about this latest Billy Fenstow westernwas the work of Helen Thorne and Janet Hardy, two newcomers. Miss Thorneis the daughter of the famous director and Miss Hardy is a friend of hersfrom the middle west. Although playing minor roles, both girls handledtheir parts well with Miss Hardy providing several of the best comedytouches seen in a western by this reviewer in some months. It is reportedthat both will be in the next western which the prolific Fenstow willproduce."
Janet read the brief comment three times, then clipped it out of thepaper, wrote a brief note home, and sent the clipping to her folks.
Later in the day they received their final vouchers from the studio forwork on "Broad Valley." Altogether the two weeks work on the picture hadnetted them $100 apiece, more money than either of them had ever earnedin a similar length of time.
"No wonder girls come to Hollywood," said Helen as she looked at thecheck.
"Yes, but remember that we're lucky. We didn't have to break down anybarriers; we didn't have to make introductions. The way was all smoothedout for us. Look at those poor kids over at the casting office."
Helen turned in the direction Janet pointed. Half a hundred young men andwomen were waiting patiently in a line before the window of the castingoffice. Most of them were rejected; only one or two were allowed inside.
"That's what happens to the average seeker of fame in the films," saidJanet. "So many, with some beauty and high hopes, come out here expectingto make a success, and then almost starve. Of course they get a bit oncein a while, but it's hardly enough to buy their food much less theirclothes and all of the other necessary things."
"You're right, of course," admitted Helen. "If it hadn't been for Dadwe'd never have had a look-in."
They were having lunch that noon at the studio restaurant with Helen'sfather. They were waiting when he arrived. Accompanying him was astranger.
"Girls, I want you to meet Mr. Rexler, general manager of the company."
The general manager, tall, thin and exceedingly nervous, greeted themcordially, then seemed to forget that they even existed for he talkedbusiness from the moment they reached their table until lunch was over.But in spite of that Janet and Helen enjoyed the hour. Some of the mostfamous stars on the Ace lot were lunching there that noon and Janet andHelen enjoyed watching them come in.
The general manager, a man of quick thought and action, suddenly turnedtoward them.
"I saw 'Broad Valley' the other night. Congratulations on a nice bit ofwork."
The hour passed quickly, with Helen's father and the general managercontinuing their conference in the executive's private office in theadministration building.
"Dad and Rexler are having trouble over the story for the new airpicture," said Helen. "I heard him talking with mother just last night.They can't agree on the final version. Dad was going over it last night."
"I'd like to read it," said Janet.
"I'll get it for you if he brings it home tonight."
That night Janet had her chance to scan the script of Henry Thorne's nextpicture. The tentative title was "Kings of the Air." The action wasfast and stirring, the panorama of the story covering the entiretranscontinental route of one air mail system and Janet could understandthat there was material here for a really great picture. But there wassomething lacking--a crashing climax that would make the spectators griptheir seats.
Henry Thorne, watching Janet as she laid the script aside, spoke quietly.
"If you can suggest a suitable climax you can just about name your ownticket on our lot," he said.
"How about a race for a contract?" suggested Helen.
"Too old; it's worn out."
"Then why not have the plane going through with valuable papers which areneeded for say," Janet paused, "a naval conference at Washington, on theoutcome of which may hinge the fate of the world."
Henry Thorne started to reject the idea, but halted. "Where did you getthat idea?"
"Something I read in a paper several months ago suggested it," admittedJanet. "Navy planes were racing across country with a naval envoy andthey got held up somewhere in Wyoming on account of bad weather. Youcould have your mail plane take over there after the navy ship wasgrounded."
"That would give the navy a black eye."
"Some other solution could be worked out then," said Janet.
"You know, that's not a bad idea. It would require some rewriting of thescript, but we've got to have a terrific air race against time and theelements in this thing for a conclusion. I'll talk it over with Rexler inthe morning."
Then Helen's father changed his mind. "No, I'll talk it over with himtonight if he's home."
He phoned the general manager's home, found Rexler there, and informedhim he was coming over.
"We'll see what he thinks of your suggestion," he flung at Janet as hehurried out the door.
"Shall we wait up and learn the outcome of the conference?" asked Helen."Just think if they should decide to work out a climax along the line yousuggested."
"I'm all for waiting up, but I'm afraid my suggestion is pretty weak,"said Janet.
At eleven o'clock Mrs. Thorne decided to retire and urged the girls to dolikewise, but they insisted upon awaiting the return of Helen's father.
Midnight passed and finally the clock struck one A. M.
"I'm too sleepy to stay up any longer," admitted Helen.
"Oh, wait half an hour more," urged Janet, and Helen agreed.
It was 1:20 when Director Thorne reached home. There were hollows underhis eyes and he looked unusually tired, but in his eyes burned a spiritof elation that fatigue could not beat down. Mrs. Thorne, in a dressinggown, joined them.
"What's the decision?" asked Helen.
"We're going to work out the climax along the line suggested by Janet,"replied her father. "Rexler called two of the writers down and they'reworking right on through the night on a new treatment for the wholescript. It must be done tomorrow noon. We're to start shooting next week.It means another bouquet for you, Janet."
Janet blushed. "It was just luck."
"No, it wasn't luck. It was good, clear thinking and the ability torecall a worthwhile incident. Incidentally, both of you are going intothe cast of 'Kings of the Air'."
"But, Dad, you can't mean that!" exclaimed Helen.
"I mean just that," retorted her father, "and I wasn't the one whosuggested it. Rexler insists that you be included. It's his way of tryingto repay Janet for her suggestion."
"Then that means we'll get another chance in a picture," said Janet, andshe felt her heart beating like mad.
"Indeed it does and you'll be in the biggest feature the Ace company isproducing this year," Helen's father assured them.
Janet Hardy in Hollywood Page 24