Arthur Smith's Hollywood Odyssey

[Chapter 541: Cate Blanchett]

At the Sydney Opera House, a performance of The Tempest was taking place. Arthur and Graham Burke, the chairman of Village Roadshow Entertainment, sat in a private box enjoying the show.

"They're doing quite well, especially the actress playing Miranda," Arthur chatted with Graham Burke beside him.

Graham looked over, admiring the tall actress who had successfully blended into her role!

"The actors at the Sydney Theatre Company never disappoint," Graham chuckled,

"Did anything leave a deep impression on you at the Gold Coast?"

Arthur nodded, "The Warner Bros. Movie World is pretty good. It's the only movie-themed park in the Southern Hemisphere. Is it turning a profit yet?"

Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast in Australia opened in 1991, established by an investment company led by Village Roadshow. Its fame, of course, couldn't compete with Disneyland or Universal Studios, but it was still one of the notable large movie-themed parks in the world.

"They're just breaking even, but they can't compare to Disney and Universal in the U.S. Hey, Arthur, is MGM also planning to get into the movie-themed resort business?"

Graham certainly had his doubts. Disney and Universal were one thing, but Warner Bros. Movie World, Paramount Kingdom, 20th Century Fox, MGM, and Columbia likely had ideas of their own going forward.

"The timing isn't right yet," Arthur had his thoughts, but wanted to wait until Pixar's reputation grew!

...

After the performance ended, Arthur attended the post-show party and specifically sought out the actress who played Miranda.

"Good evening, I'm Arthur. Your performance tonight was fantastic. You're Cate Blanchett, can I call you Cate?"

The 27-year-old Cate Blanchett had been developing her career in stage and television over the past few years and had only recently stepped into the film world!

"Of course, you can. Good evening," Cate, with her blonde hair and bright blue eyes, hadn't yet developed the sharp features she would in the future, but still had a strong look compared to the typical softness of most women.

She extended her hand for a shake and smiled, "Thank you for enjoying my performance, Arthur. Are you in the theater industry as well?"

"I'm in the film industry; I'm American," Arthur and Cate struck up a conversation.

"Arthur Smith?" Cate peered closely at him, "I've read some Hollywood news. Are you that guy?"

Arthur shrugged, "That's right, I'm the Hollywood Arthur Smith!"

Last year, Galaxy's acquisition of MGM was big news, and Cate, having been in the Australian entertainment scene for a few years, surely knew about Arthur.

"So, you..." Though Cate had some reputation in theater, she was still a newcomer in the film industry. Standing before her was the infamous head of Galaxy, and she could hardly believe it!

"Nothing much -- I have high hopes for you. Your theater career has surely deepened your foundation. You'll find your place in Hollywood, eventually."

Listening to Arthur, Cate felt a flutter of surprise, even though she wasn't just a fresh graduate anymore.

"I had a fairly significant role in a recent Australian low-budget romance movie," Cate seemed a bit dazed, "Do I really have a chance in Hollywood?"

Arthur looked at Cate and simply smiled...

...

Later that evening, at a bar in Sydney, Arthur held Cate as they swayed on the dance floor, planting a kiss on her cheek, "So, how'd you end up on this acting path?"

Cate leaned into Arthur and kissed him, laughing, "I was originally studying arts and economics at the University of Melbourne, but after just a year, I got bored and chose to take a break to travel abroad. While in Egypt, I happened upon a Scottish director recruiting English-speaking actors for a boxing film set in Egypt, so I auditioned and landed a role as a cheerleader. It was this experience that made me fall in love with acting, and when I returned home, I enrolled in the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney!"

Arthur kissed her earlobe, "So, after graduating, you joined the Sydney Theater Company?"

"Yeah," Cate rested her hand on Arthur's. "My years on stage gave me the chance to appear in various TV dramas on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Last year in the second half, my TV mini series Bordertown was released in Australia!"

"Hmm," as soon as Cate finished, Arthur silenced her with a kiss, their lips entangled, radiating intense chemistry.

After leaving the bar, Arthur and Cate walked along Rose Bay Beach, enjoying the night breeze!

"Head to Hollywood. There are more opportunities there than here," Arthur suggested, wrapping his arm around Cate as they strolled on the sand.

Cate smiled, "Recently, Australian director Bruce Beresford contacted me about a script for a drama called Paradise Road. He invited me to play an Australian nurse mistreated by Japanese soldiers, and the lead is Glenn Close!"

"You want to finish this movie first?" Arthur didn't think it was unusual, "This film is produced by Village Roadshow, right?"

"Yes, it's a co-produced art film between Village Roadshow and Fox Searchlight," Cate glanced at Arthur, "Honestly, I'm still a newcomer. I'm not like Nicole Kidman when she headed to Hollywood -- she had several projects under her belt. I would have no opportunities if I went now."

Arthur threw up his hands, "You seem to forget my position; even as a newcomer, Galaxy can create opportunities for you!"

Cate wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and kissed him a few times, "Are you staying in Australia for a few days?"

"Yeah, about a week!"

"Arthur, you're a Hollywood mogul -- there are bound to be beautiful women all around you, and you're young and handsome. It's easy to attract women. For these few days, I'll just be your woman," Cate whispered into Arthur's ear, "After this week, you'll be back to your own world!"

Arthur felt a bit helpless, "I genuinely think your acting is great. If you go to Hollywood, your future accomplishments won't be low. Not to mention Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts is practically an Australian -- she didn't have any notable work before going to Hollywood and has also firmly established herself now!"

"Well, Arthur, it's pretty late; shouldn't we head back to the hotel?" Cate teased.

"Let's go..."

*****

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