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It was his first big picture for Lumsky Studios. The lot was buzzing with films being shot quickly, in rapid succession, even side by side. Ruby Rice, Crowne's regular leading lady, would throw fits on the set, unable to remember her lines because her scenes were shot out of sequence in all this madness. Her difficulties with Crowne were known throughout the company. Barely a shot would go by before they'd find themselves at cross purposes. Meanwhile, Lumsky confronted Chandler about his latest work. What kind of movie is this "Redemption" anyway? Filled with enthusiasm, the young director recites the story for him: "A young girl, searching for her father, running into evil everywhere at every turn. She meets this mysterious woman, who helps her to understand the meaning of life." Lumsky tells him to leave the meaning of life to D.W. Griffith, and stick to the car crashes. And find a new "mysterious woman", too. The previous one's fired for having an affair on the set: not allowed at Lumsky Studios. Lumsky spots a red-headed gal trying to avoid attention, and picks her to be the new "mysterious woman". Of course, it's Monica, working on her assignment (the first time around). In the present, Crowne is reluctant to continue. Stevie's desperate for any kind of new insight on his first work, but he refuses: "If you've seen my movies, you know, the things we want most are the things we can never have." As Crowne leaves the room, Stevie sees her car is being towed away. Looking around furtively, she sees an old pocket watch on the table, and steals it. |
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The next day, Stevie returns with Tess, finding Crowne in an uproar. He accuses her of stealing the watch, which Andrew confirms (he was in the room at the time). "He told me!" Crowne roars, pointing to what looks like an empty chair. |
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Crowne: "Hypocrite!! Yesterday you said you believed he was there!" Stevie: "Oh, no-o-o! I just said I thought he was cool! I don't believe in Angels--or in God!" Andrew tells Crowne (without Stevie hearing) that she only pawned it to get her car out of impoundment. Crowne threatens to call the police. |
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Stevie: "You call the police, and I will eat this pawn ticket! And you will never see your precious watch again!" Crowne: "That is blackmail!" Stevie: "Yes!! 'Deep Fountain'--1932! Your hero was a blackmailer." |
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"But until then, I've got one day to shoot this . . . 'Desperation justifies the actions'--'Shadow of a Stranger', 1933." |
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