The Richard Jackson Saga: Book: 9 Cold War

Mary? And is Mary ready for larger parts?
Other than that it was all Mary. I must say she came across as a professional young actress. Butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She was calm, cool, and collected.
“I did enjoy working with Ricky. He knows how to bring out the best in me. Other than I had to stand on a box in one scene to talk to him, he does well with the camera.”
Sororicide, I didn’t think I would be convicted.
I love the little brat but I can’t wait till she grows up and I can get revenge. Now it just would look like I was picking on her. Now that is a good idea. I could always fall back on tickling her until she pees.
The second set of interviews went better, at least from my point of view. They actually had some questions for me. It is a shame I couldn’t give a straight answer. The word was out on the street that the movie had a twist.
My honest answer was yes it might be perceived as a twist, buy a ticket, and find out.
On a more serious note, I explained that we had tried to show all sides of the story rather than stereotypes. That in itself was a twist to most modern storytelling, especially when it involved American Indians.
I was asked if it was true that I owned a major portion of the movie. I sidestepped that a little, saying yes I was invested but not how it had come about. I had contributed the basic plot and screenplay as my contribution. Fortunately, they didn’t follow up.
Mary was less self-centered in her replies this time. I think she and Mum had a conversation. I also noted that she had no gloss on her lips.  I really pity her first real boyfriends.

Chapter 5
Sunday
After breakfast, a reporter for ‘Variety’ showed up. This interview was different from yesterday. First of all, Mary was not present. The reporter had been at an advanced screening of the movie and had questions specifically for me.
Sharon Wallace was going to be there but had a family matter to address so I told her not to worry. I could handle it. I had done dozens of these.
The first one was simple, “Is your song going to be released?”
“Yes, it is it will go out on Monday. The movie should give it a boost.” I didn’t mention the opposite, if we had released it first and it bombed, it might have hurt the movie. Someday people will realize that I can’t sing.
“Rick, how did you feel about playing a character that proves to be a psychopathic killer?”
“Just remember it is a role, not me. We did it this way to show how history can change the way events are viewed. Most of the literature out today makes Lew Wetzel out to be a hero. Both sides of the story needed to be told. We tried to keep that theme throughout the movie, at the government, tribal and individual levels. There were a great many wrongs committed by all involved. Yet few were bad people.”
“Many of them were ignorant of the effects of their decisions or had no idea of the possible ramifications. Somehow I don’t think the British would have chosen the path they did if they realized they would lose all the colonies.”
“The only part that was inevitable was the Indians losing their territories and ultimately their way of life. It was the clash of the farmer verse the hunter-gatherer. The farmer always wins.”
“Rick I understand you had a major role in creating the storyline.”
“I did, it was based on my Ohio history courses in Bellefontaine plus my reading of the newspapers of the day. That and conversations with Chief Redfoot of the Shawnee tribe. It gave me a better perspective on what occurred. I thought it worth telling rather than the Cowboy and Indian stereotypes we see today. It certainly makes a more powerful story to tell.”
“That it did, it is amazing that the budget for a B-movie can result in a possible Oscar contender.”
“Let’s don’t go there. This movie was made to make money. The audience will judge that, while my peers in the industry will judge the artistic merit. Too often the two are confused. Frankly, I would rather have the money.”
“Rick, you do realize that statement is the kiss of death for an Oscar contention.”
“I don’t see why.  The movie should stand on its own merits.”
“You don’t act your true age very often, but I’m afraid you are a bit naïve on the way the artistic community works.”
“That is probably true, so I won’t be considered to be one of them, their loss, not mine.”
I realized at that moment I had forgotten the rule of the hole. When you realize you are in one, stop digging.
“I know I just came off sounding aggressively stupid, but want I really want to say is that I realize two different standards are being used to judge the movie. As you pointed out a B-movie’s main goal is to entertain and through that entertainment make money. It never occurred to me that anyone would consider it a work of art.
“May I quote you on the last?”
“Please do.”
Oh Lord, please do.
After that a few questions were asked about working on the set and how was it appearing with my little sister.
“It was fun.”
At this point, I wanted nothing more in the world than to finish with this almost disaster of an interview. Of course, I wasn’t out of the woods yet.
As he was wrapping up I thanked the reporter for the interview.
“Rick, I was young once and stuck my foot in my mouth. A kind gentleman didn’t punish me for it. I’m passing that kindness along.