Taylor found her mother, Sarah. Sarah saw her daughter and took the plate from her hands.
"Taylor, I'm taking you to meet a director, Ronald Nim. He's currently preparing to shoot a Western film, and there's a role in his movie that might be suitable for you."
At the dining table, Sarah set down the plate and led Taylor over to a group of people. In the center stood a man in his forties—Ronald Nim, the director Sarah had mentioned.
Ronald Nim wasn't a top Hollywood director, but he was within the second tier. He was getting ready to film a movie about the Western expansion, focusing on the hardships this family encountered while settling in the West.
The family consisted of seven members: a father, mother, eldest son, second daughter, younger son, youngest daughter, and a dog.
Sarah thought of Taylor when she heard about the role of the second daughter, who was around fifteen or sixteen. Taylor had acted in two movies before and had gained some recognition.
Ronald Nim recognized Taylor and considered her appearance but ultimately declined, stating, "I need someone a bit more mature for the role of the second daughter. She has romantic scenes with the second son of another family also settling in the West, and their bond ultimately forms a strong alliance between the two families."
Sarah persisted, "Taylor can handle a more mature role. She's here at the party. Let me bring her over to perform a scene for you?"
Ronald Nim hesitated to refuse outright, considering the setting. "Alright, have Miss Taylor perform a scene then," he said reluctantly.
Sarah hurried off to find her daughter.
Ronald Nim observed Elizabeth Taylor. He acknowledged that Taylor was very beautiful and well developed, despite her petite stature of around five feet. Taylor had a well maintained figure, and her ballet training since childhood had perfected her physique.
Moreover, Elizabeth Taylor possessed a refined beauty with an innate elegance.
Ronald Nim was looking for a pretty girl with a rustic charm and simplicity—traits that would suit the story line.
After Sarah made Taylor perform a short scene from a film, Ronald Nim smiled and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Taylor, but I don't think this role in my film would be suitable for you."
Taylor felt disappointed.
This rejection wasn't new to her in the past two years.
Undeterred, Sarah continued to network and seek opportunities with other directors and stars at the party.
Taylor followed her mother, greeting people with a fake smile and introducing herself as an actress.
Meanwhile, Hardy returned to the main hall and picked up a glass of champagne from a waiter's tray.
As he surveyed the room, he spotted a chubby man in his fifties surrounded by people. This man had typical English features—a balding head, high nose bridge, and large chin—appearing stout like a barrel but with significant attention around him.
Hardy recalled his memories and realized that this chubby man was none other than the famous Hollywood director, Alfred Hitchcock.
Alfred Hitchcock was a true maestro of Hollywood, acclaimed as the master of suspense. His first Hollywood film in 1940, "Rebecca," won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
However, his true mastery was recognized in the 1950s with influential films like "North by Northwest," earning him the title of a cinematic master.
Hardy approached Hitchcock with his glass of champagne. "Mr. Hitchcock, I'm Jon Hardy, the assistant chairman of Noah's Ark Films."
"Hello, Mr. Hardy," Hitchcock responded in his thick British accent.
"Mr. Hitchcock, our film company is planning a new project. Do you have any commitments currently?" Hardy inquired.
As the two talked, Hitchcock's interest was piqued by Hardy's description of a story about a hitman and a young girl. Initially dismissive, Hitchcock's curiosity grew as Hardy narrated the scene where the young girl pleaded with the hitman to open the door.
As Hardy elaborated on the story, Hitchcock became increasingly intrigued, especially by the taboo nature of the relationship between the fourteen year old girl and the forty year old Hit-man.
After hearing the entire story, Hitchcock pondered for a moment and then said to Hardy, "It's a good story, and it has caught my interest. Do you have a script?"
"Not yet," Hardy shrugged.
"Then get a script written, and let's discuss further once I've read it," Hitchcock suggested.
"Alright, I'll have the screenwriter draft the script as soon as possible. We'll be in touch when it's ready," Hardy replied with a smile.
Hitchcock handed Hardy his business card. "Here's my contact information. Remember to reach out once you have the script."
After bidding farewell to Hitchcock, Hardy considered his next move and approached Mayer, the head of MGM Studios.
"Mr. Mayer, I'm planning to invest in a film project. I just spoke with director Hitchcock, and he's interested in the script. Would MGM be interested in investing?" Hardy explained.
Upon hearing about Hitchcock's interest, Mayer became intrigued. "Collaborating on a film sounds good. Tell me more about the story."
Hardy recounted the story to Mayer, who found the tale of the hitman and young girl appealing. It was a contemporary urban drama with manageable production costs.
Moreover, Hardy also said that he plans to use MGM's filming team for the filming of the movie. Now Noah's Ark Films people are filming "The Wild Bunch," and Hardy's Film Company is an empty shell. Making MGM's resources and actors the most suitable choice.
Mayer's interest heightened. "Once you have the script, let's meet again with Hitchcock."
While Hardy and Mayer discussed the film, Sarah monitored the events of the party closely. She interacted with directors and stars, hoping to find an opportunity for Taylor. Not finding success yet, Sarah remained determined to seek opportunities.
In this gathering, Mayer, the head of MGM, naturally garnered the most attention.
As one of Hollywood's top eight studios, Mayer held sway over countless people, including prominent stars and directors.
As Hardy and Mayer conversed about the new film, Sarah observed from a distance. She noticed a young man she didn't recognize but who seemed important enough to chat with Mayer for so long.