After the movie, Hardy planned to take Taylor home. Taylor, with her violet eyes, looked at Hardy and said, "Mr. Hardy, I want to visit your estate."
At eleven o’clock at night, Hardy took Taylor home. When she got out, her lips were a bit swollen. At the door, she waved vigorously to Hardy before entering the house.
Sarah was delighted to see her daughter back. "How did the movie premiere go today?"
"The cinema was packed, and many people praised my acting," Taylor said happily.
"That’s great. What did you do after watching the movie with Mr. Hardy?" Sarah asked.
Hardy picked Taylor up in the afternoon and brought her back at eleven, long after the movie had ended.
Taylor’s eyes showed a hint of panic.
"I went to Mr. Hardy’s estate, had dinner there, and he told me that if I liked the ’Beauty and the Beast’ story, he would have the movie company prepare a script," Taylor said.
"Ah, another new movie?!" Sarah exclaimed with joy.
Actors fear not having roles. Knowing Hardy, a major benefactor, Taylor had no such worries. Sarah caressed her daughter’s face, feeling her daughter’s fortune.
"Mr. Hardy also told me that if I wanted, I could do a show on ABC TV. There’s a children’s puppet show called ’Sesame Street,’ and I can play a character there. The others wear puppet costumes, but I don’t have to. I play Princess Taylor."
Sarah was even more delighted. Her daughter no longer had to worry about not having roles.
The next day, several newspapers published movie reviews.
"He was originally a cold blooded hit man, but after meeting the adorable girl, he cared for her, helped her, and accompanied her growth. The girl gradually fell in love with the hit man, a dependent kind of love, almost like a daughter loving her father.
"In one scene, when the girl was in mortal danger and sought the hit man’s help, he initially didn’t want to get involved. But after an intense inner struggle, he finally opened the door. As the door opened, a ray of sunlight shone on the girl’s face, symbolizing the light of life and humanity."
Many praised Elizabeth Taylor’s performance, saying she reached a new height in this film, not losing to Oscar winner Cary Grant.
Of course, there were dissenting voices.
Some critics said that letting a young girl and a 40 year old man fall in love was morally wrong and should not be encouraged.
Fortunately, the film had no intimate scenes. Otherwise, these critics would have called for its ban.
Hardy received a report from MGM. The first day’s box office data was in: over 900 cinemas nationwide showed the movie, earning an impressive $950,000.
This was a very high number.
According to MGM’s analysis, the total box office could reach over $8 million, possibly even $10 million.
Such success was inseparable from Cary Grant, but some believed Taylor’s influence was now comparable to Grant’s, especially due to the Barbie Princess promotion.
MGM boss Mayer personally called Hardy to congratulate him. Hardy smiled, "We co-produced this movie. Mr. Mayer, you made more than I did."
Mayer paused and said, "Hardy, your ABC Broadcasting Company approached MGM to buy our old films. Do you believe in the future of television broadcasting?"
"I believe in it very much," Hardy said firmly.
"How far do you think broadcasting will develop? Will it threaten the film industry?" Mayer asked again.
"Mr. Mayer, I think it’s more serious than a threat. It will fully surpass and significantly impact the future of the film industry," Hardy said.
Mayer felt Hardy’s words were a bit alarmist.
"The entire film industry is worth billions of dollars annually, with over 30 million people going to the cinema every year. We have box office revenue, copyright revenue, and theme parks. The television industry only has advertising revenue. How can it surpass the film industry?"
"Free, convenient, home based, long duration. These are the biggest advantages of television," Hardy said.
"Buy a TV and you can watch endless programs. Watching movies requires spending money each time."
"A TV at home can be watched anytime without planning days in advance to see a movie."
"People can enjoy TV at any time. After dinner, the whole family can gather in the living room and watch TV, fostering family bonds. ABC will broadcast from 8 AM to midnight. Programs will be endless."
He wasn’t blind to television’s advantages and its impact on movies. Other studios noticed it too, like Paramount considering acquiring ABC.
But he didn’t think it was as dire as Hardy said. He didn’t believe TV could replace movies.
Now, hearing Hardy’s words, Mayer was swayed. "Hardy, would you sell ABC shares?"
Hardy knew Mayer was interested.
"10% for $10 million. I can sell you 20%."
Mayer was really furious.
He had heard Hardy bought 100% of ABC for $12 million. Now, he was selling 10% for $10 million, valuing it ten times higher. Read full story at novel_fіre.net
MGM is the most powerful of the eight major Hollywood film companies, with the most movie stars and the largest film library.
Mayer is also the chairman of the Oscar committee, holding a high position in the film industry. If ABC could ally with MGM, it would greatly benefit ABC.
However, Hardy would not sell ABC broadcasting shares cheaply. If MGM joins, it would be the icing on the cake, if not Hardy is still confident that he can make ABC the best broadcasting company in the United States.
"Hardy, are you robbing me? Do you think ABC is worth hundreds of millions of dollars?!" Mayer said it very angrily.
Hardy smiled. "Mr. Mayer, I guarantee that this year you can buy 20% of ABC for $20 million, but next year you definitely won’t be able to get it at that price."
"I could invest in other broadcasting companies such as NBC and CBS. I can even set up a television station myself, what makes you think ABC is worth that much?"