Starbright

by Richland, Alexandra

  “Excuse me, Mr. Evans?” A blond-haired woman approached him, smiling in a friendly manner that seemed genuine.

  He grabbed a towel hanging over the ropes and wiped his face. “Do me a favor—call me Aidan.”

  “Aidan, my name is Trudy.” They shook hands. “I’ll be your makeup artist today. If you don’t mind, I’d like to apply your foundation now.”

  Kazan told Aidan about Trudy several days ago. She was a veteran in the industry, specializing in blood and trauma, so he hired her for all the fight scenes. In the scenes today, Joe won the fight, but he took a few good hits along the way. With the picture filmed in Technicolor, it was imperative that he looked as though his opponent actually clocked him.

  “Foundation?” Aidan crinkled his nose. “I understand the black and blue marks later on, but that stuff for my face doesn’t make any sense. It’s just gonna melt off during the fight.”

  Trudy laughed. “This type is waterproof. And if it does need touching up, I’ll be standing nearby to assist you.”

  “There’s no getting out of it, huh?” Aidan flashed his most charming grin.

  She shook her head. “Sorry, no can do.”

  Aidan tossed the towel over the ropes and followed Trudy to his dressing room. She instructed him to stand in front of the mirror and began applying the foundation.

  “You’re lucky you have such great muscle definition,” she said while adding the final touches. “Or else I’d have to draw lines on your stomach to give you that rippled abdominal effect.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been working out pretty hard.” Aidan eyed his reflection in the mirror, satisfied with his physical transformation over the last few weeks. His assessment didn’t come from arrogance or ego, but pride over his ability to quit smoking, stick to a regular exercise regime, and do his character justice.

  “I watched you for a few minutes in the ring with Mr. Marcello.” Trudy packed up her supplies. “You looked very realistic.”

  “Thanks.” Aidan gave her a sincere grin. “I hope it looks the same when we’re filming.”

  “I can tell you’re more of a fighter than a lover.” She snapped her makeup case closed. “I have no doubt you’ll pull off the scenes perfectly.”

  A year ago, Aidan would’ve agreed with Trudy. Now that he had Beth in his life, her observation couldn’t have been further from the truth.

  Trudy collected the rest of her things. “I’ll be visiting you several times today as the scene progresses to add blood and bruises, but it should be a more tolerable process for you.”

  Aidan ran his hand through his hair. “Good. I’m not exactly a makeup kind of guy.”

  “I picked up on that already.” She smiled. “I’ll see you again before the scene starts to make sure everything is in order. Good luck out there. Oh, and I’ll have the spray machine handy, if needed.”

  “Spray machine?” Aidan said on his way to the door.

  “To give you a boxer’s glow.”

  “Fake sweat? Man, is anything allowed to be real in Mertz’s films?” With a shake of his head, Aidan left the room.

  As he walked down the corridor, he heard a loud commotion coming from the arena, which told him that the extras had entered the building. Maybe Beth had arrived, too. He picked up his pace and collided with Kazan around the corner.

  The director greeted him with a raffish grin. “Aidan, there you are. You’re looking pale, so Trudy must’ve gotten a hold of you.”

  “Is Beth here?” Aidan glanced over Kazan’s shoulder.

  “Yeah, she just arrived from hair and makeup. She’s with Wade now, at her designated seat.”

  Aidan made a move to dart around him.

  Kazan grabbed his arm. “Watch it today. There are six hundred extra people you gotta worry about spreading rumors, got it?”

  Aidan shrugged him off. “I’ll be cool.”

  As he entered the crowded arena, an excited hum ignited in the air. He zeroed in on Beth sitting next to Wade on one of the collapsible chairs in the front row. Her hair was curled, her makeup looked natural, and she wore a cream-colored cotton dress and pumps.

  At the sight of her, longing sparked in Aidan’s heart. She stayed at her house last night due to his early wakeup call and he missed falling asleep with her. They had spent several romantic nights together and he didn’t feel complete unless he could hold her in his arms. To top it all off, he hadn’t had a nightmare in weeks.

  A rosy hue graced Beth’s cheeks as he stopped before her. “Hi, Aidan.”

  “Hey.” Miraculously, he reined in his desire to give her a hug and kiss, heeding Kazan’s warning.

  “How are you?” Wade asked.

  Aidan looked Wade’s way and cringed at his tweed pageboy hat, matching vest, and Pomade-slicked hair. Thankfully, their characters’ styles weren’t similar.

  “I’m good. You?”

  “Excited.” Wade grinned. “Some turnout today, huh? They must’ve called every struggling actor in town to come in and fill these seats. I actually saw some of my acting classmates who haven’t had a bit part in months, if ever. Mr. Mertz is usually against hiring non-union extras for his films.”

  “Gadg prefers working with novice extras,” Aidan explained. “His rationale is they’re hungrier for a role and more passionate about the business of movie-making than veteran extras who are members of the Screen Actors Guild, which means they’ll show more realistic excitement during filming.”

  Wade rubbed his hands together eagerly. “Man, I love this business.”

  “Enjoy the Golden Gloves shoot while it lasts,” Beth said. “I’ve heard Mr. Kazan’s films are some of the best to work on. You never know where Mr. Mertz will assign you next, if he decides to offer you a contract.”

  “If Mr. Mertz offers me a contract, I’m going to decline it.” Wade tugged on the lapels of his jacket. “I want to be in charge of what projects I work on, not have someone control me. Aidan, I really think your approach to the entertainment business is the way of the future. No contracts, just actors signing up for films that interest them. You’re an inspiration.”

  Aidan shrugged, uncomfortable with the idea of being the poster boy for industry rebellion. “You gotta do what’s right for you.”

  “Attention!”

  Everyone focused on the ring, where Kazan stood holding a bullhorn. The arena quieted down for the most part, but with the large number of extras present, it was difficult to get every person under control.

  “I’m the director of this picture, Elia Kazan. Those of you in the crowd who know in advance you have close-ups, I want you to show great enthusiasm at all times. Usually directors prefer to film individual close-ups afterward, but that’s not how I do it. I believe your reactions will look more authentic if they occur while the bout is actually going on.

  “As for the rest of you—I need you to look interested and cheer for your assigned boxer whenever he makes a move that excites you. I’ll be filming the match in short sections, with various camera angles, so there will be many opportunities for the first assistant director, Keith, otherwise known as the AD, to guide you.

  “My focus will be on the actors in the ring. Aidan Evans, who plays Joe Oliver; Clive Geary, who plays Joe’s trainer, George Kearney; Claude Farkas, who plays Joe’s opponent, Tony List; Odem Bond, who plays Tony’s trainer, Gene Wells; and Ernest Autumn, who plays the unnamed referee.

  “Keith will also be working with the actors playing Joe’s best friend, Sal Lucci, and his wife, Mary Oliver—Wade Henley and Elizabeth Sutton—who are seated in the front row. Remember, just because the camera isn’t on you at a particular moment, does not mean you can fall out of character. From now on, you are all spectators at a boxing match.”

  Kazan handed his bullhorn to a member of the crew. As additional chatter broke out amongst the crowd, he ducked under the ropes and headed for Beth.

  “Are you excited to film today?”

  Beth tucked her hair behind her ears. “Yes, very much s
o. I’ve never been part of such a grand scene before.”

  Kazan regarded Aidan next. “How about you? Are you ready, champ?”

  Aidan flashed a pompous grin. “Damn right I am.”

  Kazan nodded. “Good. Claude is just finishing with makeup, and then we’ll begin.”

  As Kazan walked away, Aidan turned his full attention to Beth. “Are you gonna cheer the loudest?”

  “Absolutely, and I hope my support helps you win.” She gave a teasing smile. They were both well aware that Joe knocked out Tony in the fourth round.

  Back in the ring, Trudy powdered Aidan’s face again, and Kazan conversed with the lighting technicians regarding some last minute changes. After Rocky taped Aidan’s hands and helped him put on his gloves, he worked out the key blocks and punches required in the first scene with Claude. Their grand entrances would be filmed later in the day.

  As Aidan and Claude sat on stools in opposite corners of the ring, Clive Geary entered the arena, looking older than his true age and dressed in his trainer’s costume.

  He offered Aidan a friendly grin upon his approach. “I’m glad I’m not you today. All I have to do is stand outside the ring and shout while you do all the work. Keep in mind, though, if this was 1934 instead of 1954, I’d be pretty tough competition for you.”

  “You could fight me today easily. You don’t look a day over thirty.” Aidan accompanied his remark with a grin. Clive’s makeup made him look like he was in his late sixties.

  Kazan closed in on them. “So you’re both okay with the first scene?”

  Aidan leaned back against the corner post. “I’m ready.”

  “I’m all set as well, Gadg,” Clive replied.

  Kazan scanned the arena in full-fledged director mode.

  “Hey, Hal,” he called to a crewmember monitoring the extras. “Tell that woman in the third row to remove her crazy hat. She’s blocking the view of the person behind her!”

  Aidan laughed. Only Kazan would pay attention to a small detail like that in a crowd of hundreds.

  The director climbed the stairs to an elevated platform situated over the ring and took his seat beside the first unit camera. As Aidan inserted his mouth guard with Clive’s assistance, he stole a glance at Beth. The smile she gave in response invigorated him for the upcoming fight.

  Kazan raised his bullhorn. “Places, everyone!”

  Aidan focused on Claude across the ring and morphed his expression to reflect Joe’s determination to win the fight. Although they were only simulating their punches, the goal was to make the bout look as realistic as possible.

  The sound of the clapperboard echoed throughout the arena.

  “Action!”

  Aidan drew excitement from the cheering crowd. His pulse quickened and sweat beaded on his skin. In character as Joe, he glowered at his opponent, Tony, as they met in the middle of the ring, gloves raised, feet bouncing in one spot.

  The bell sounded, signaling the start of Round One.

  Joe fielded Tony’s first punch and gave a mean left hook in return that connected with his stomach.

  And from that moment on, Aidan knew what it felt like to be both a lover and a fighter.

  As the script required, Beth stood from her seat in the front row and watched the match between Joe and Tony with an expression that conveyed excitement and fear. The second unit camera rolled on its dolly past her and Wade, and a boom microphone hung over their heads to capture their reactions, which the editors would add during postproduction.

  Round One lasted several takes and consisted of many good punches and intense moments, with Tony showing the most impressive moves.

  After the final bell sounded, Kazan yelled “Cut!” with help from his bullhorn, and Aidan and Claude stopped fighting.

  “Excellent, everyone,” Kazan announced. “We’re filming again in five minutes, so please refrain from using the restrooms until we take a longer break. If you need to take a quick walk to stretch your legs, make sure you return to the same seat when we resume. We’re looking for consistency here!”

  Beth admired Aidan as a makeup artist attended to his face. After Wade vacated his seat to talk to one of his friends from his acting class, Beth’s makeup personnel, Polly, approached.

  “Miss Sutton, I must powder your nose.”

  “Yes, of course.” Beth closed her eyes and focused on the chatter of the crowd as Polly ensured she remained shine free in every frame. The most amusing conversations came from the women in the audience who gushed about how handsome Aidan looked.

  Beth was unsurprised by their comments. Aidan’s physical appearance had dazzled her from the moment she’d laid eyes on him, but since he began putting in long hours at the gym, the term breathtakingly beautiful had taken on a completely new meaning.

  The perfect way his boxing shorts hung from his lean frame, and how powerfully his muscles engaged during the fight, left her warm and tingly. The only thing the women in the crowd were not aware of was that he was as wonderful on the inside as he was on the outside.

  With Valentine’s Day approaching, Beth entertained the thought that perhaps February Fourteenth would be the night for her and Aidan to make love for the first time. Connie mentioned that Romanoff’s held an invitation-only, romantic soiree every year. Even if Beth attended with Aidan—under the casual pretense they were just costars who had become friends, of course—that still left the night wide open. She would talk to Olivia and Connie before making a final decision, however, since she was still nervous about losing her virginity, even though she loved Aidan with all of her heart.

  “Places, please!” Kazan called.

  Polly surveyed Beth’s face. “All right, you’re good for the next scene. Although, under these lights, I’m sure I’ll be visiting you again soon. The large crowds don’t help, considering all the body heat generated.” She jutted out her chin at Aidan. He sat on a stool in the corner of the ring, taking a drink of water. “And what’s up there doesn’t help keep body heat to a minimum, either, if you catch my drift.”

  Beth smothered a smile. “Yes, I think I do.”

  “That is one gorgeous man.” Polly shook her head. “And you get paid to kiss him. I’m telling you, Miss Sutton, you’re going to be the envy of every woman in America when this film is released.” She quieted her voice. “If you two weren’t so different, I’d expect real life couple rumors to circulate. I wouldn’t mind being linked to him, even if it was just in the papers to create publicity for the film.”

  With wistful sigh, Polly fled the set, leaving an amused Beth behind.

  “All right, next scene!” Kazan climbed to his perch above the ring and stood beside the camera operator again.

  The crew disbanded around Aidan and Rocky approached to give him some last minute tips. Although Beth was aware of what the overall outcome was for each round, the punches, footwork, and dynamic between the two boxers were unknown to her. As she studied Aidan’s imitation of Rocky’s maneuvers, she was excited to resume filming but also nervous because the match was about to get rougher.

  Wade returned to his seat and the AD encouraged the crowd to cheer as Aidan and Claude gathered in the center of the ring with their gloves raised. In true Method acting style, Beth channeled her true concern over Aidan to immerse in the scene as Mary.

  “Action!”

  “Come on, Joe!” Wade shouted in character as Sal, as his friend threw the first punch.

  Tony recovered quickly from Joe’s jab and tried to retaliate, but he hit nothing but air. Joe came at Tony fast and furiously, sending an uppercut to his stomach. Tony stumbled into the ropes. After regaining his footing, he took a swing, which threw Joe off balance.

  “Oh, Sal, I’m so afraid!” Mary exclaimed.

  “It’s okay,” Sal replied. “Our boy is gonna win. He has what it takes to get back on top!”

  The cheering escalated as Tony, the fan favorite, punched Joe in the jaw. Joe’s face tightened with the need for revenge, and he regained the
upper hand by connecting a few solid punches to Tony’s torso. The trainers shouted commands and encouragement as tensions grew, along with the enthusiasm of the spectators.

  The two boxers circled each other for the next best opportunity to make a move. Tony acted first. He brought his fist back and launched it forward, hitting Joe right in the mouth.

  Joe’s arms flailed and he flew backward.

  With a gasp, Beth snapped out of the scene. To her horror, blood spurted from Aidan’s mouth like a fountain, along with his mouth guard, and rained down on him as he hit the mat.

  Wade froze. “Oh no.”

  The crowd cheered while the primary cast and crew gaped at Aidan’s unmoving form, confirming Beth’s worst fear: Claude had actually punched him in the face.

  Kazan hurried down from the elevated camera to the ring and crewmembers followed. Finally, Aidan stirred. He rolled side to side on his back with his knees bent to his chest, agony and blood distorting his features.

  “Somebody get a doctor!” Beth rushed the ring, tears streaming down her cheeks. Using her forearms, she crawled on her stomach under the ropes and slid along the mat, overcome with the need to reach Aidan as quickly as possible. She staggered to her feet, nearly tripping over the bottom of her dress, and pushed her way through the cast and crew.

  “Aidan!” She trembled under the weight of her panic and fear. “Aidan!”

  He sat up and turned in her direction.

  She came to a dead stop.

  He was laughing.

  Beth looked at Kazan. He was laughing now, too.

  “All right, everyone, nothing to see here,” the director said to the small crowd gathered in the ring. “You can go back to where you were before this schmuck messed up the scene.”

  The crew disbanded. Beth, Kazan, Clive, Claude, and Rocky remained with Aidan.

  Beth approached her beau hesitantly, surveying his swollen lip.