The next section of my blog may be a bit controversial but remember, my Blog is supposed to make us think before we condemn.
Did David O. Selznick grope Olivia de Havilland? I don't know but it wouldn't have surprised me. Producers and studio executives in Hollywood have behaved like primates since the industry was created. It was a big factor in the reason Florida's Bible Belt kicked industry types to Hollywoodland, California. Funny how Florida has been trying to get them back to Florida ever since. Just not as aggressively as Georgia, Lou
There's a documentary out there entitled "Moguls," it's about the creation of the Hollywood as we know it (or remember it). Studio heads like, Jack Warner and Louis B. Mayer, actually had a hidden bedroom in their offices to bed young starlets. Predators? Ya think? You feared coming forward for the possibility you'd be outcast from the industry that you'd do "anything" to get into. Don't tell me that Jane Russell's audition at the soda shoppe where she was discovered had anything to do with how she ate ice cream or drank soda. It was how she fit into that sweater that enhanced her talents and the rest is history.
If you saw the made for TV mini-series "Feud" it showed what both Joan Crawford and Betty Davis went through to stay on top. If they wanted to remain stars they had to either manipulate or surrender to the men in charge. Betty Davis had the stronger personality than Joan Crawford but they both hung on reinventing themselves as they got older. By definition "Sexual Harassment" means creating a hostile environment in the workplace. Which by that same definition means it does not limit a hostile environment to sexual advances but racial and sexual preference prejudices as well.
Why are so many people coming out of the woodwork to accuse celebrities of harassment? I understand current attacks but attacks from thirty and even forty years ago? Some are coming forward after signing a nondisclosure agreement and cashing a check. I missed the part in the articles where it was reported the victims gave back the money to clear their guilt of not reporting the incident when it happened? Is it rape when a guy bounces a check on a hooker? Or is it implied consensual sex when she took the check in the first place? Some are even coming forward to report an incident where the person in question already received and accepted an apology.
The casting room couch has been an industry joke for generations but now it's taboo. A lot of people knew about Harvey Weinstein's sick behavior and no one said a thing. Why? Peer pressure? I understand victims coming forward against Bill Cosby. They have accused him of drugging and raping them and like the Penn State Football coach, justice needs to be served. Sickening to think about but I am sure "The Cos" will get his day in court and the day to meet his maker and explain.
I've been in the industry a long time and have seen all types. Predators included. I've even been to restaurants for a meal and to pick up a script. However, my own choice would be when told a producer is waiting for me in his hotel room to give me script that the script was the last thing he was giving me. Red Flag - no matter what sex you are. How bad do you want this job? Would it have been better for Weinstein to have a hidden bedroom in his office at TWC and Miramax like Sam Goldwyn? I presume by today's standards that would have been worse, right? I guess I just wasn't groped by anyone important enough to come forward. But as an actor that came up as "the all American boy" I had my share of harassment but I said "no" and the predator listened and went on to the next victim. Saying "no" and meaning it helps. No NDA's and checks to buy my silence just a plain ole "no." Jerry Seinfeld says, "Political correctness is ruining comedy....." Here's another controversial topic that I will probably receive nasty comments but isn't that what this column is all about. Is it okay for a handsome leading man to give a neck rub to his costar but harassment when a fat character actor does the same?
I remember Kelly Ross, one of the first women producers at Paramount. Kelly opened her own studio (CineTrust) in the late 80's. I met her in an elevator at AFM and pitched her my film "Blood, Sweat & Bullets." She pushed it through with me at the helm as director. During the casting of this female "Dirty Dozen" I had nine actresses remaining for seven roles. The females all had to do a shower scene in the film. "Tasteful" I explained. I only had males in the casting room when Kelly arrived and asked if I was done. In those days, especially on VHS, sex, and violence and good packaging sold films. Kelly wanted to make sure my selections were okay with the nudity. I told her "they said they were." She immediately went into the room where the nine actresses were seated and yelled at them to get undressed. Seven were as naked as Clark Kent in a phone booth forgetting his Superman Costume. They other two walked out. Kelly said, "now these are okay with the nudity." To her credit it was easier to eliminate the two that way. That was thirty years ago. I am guessing that process isn't acceptable in today's world.
I guess what I am saying is, "the times they are a changin'". Make sure you have at least one assistant or at least one female in attendance when casting your film. It makes for a safer environment for not only the performer but for you as well. Now at least there is a witness. Follow SAG/AFTRA rules for casting even if you aren't shooting a union film. There's a reason the union requests a certain process and if you are going to be successful in the business, as well as respected, it's good to learn to do things correctly and according to the new industry standards. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Someone NOT in the entertainment business came up with that one and it works.
My intention wasn't to offend but to offer a different opinion. Read everyone's and come up with your own. Until next week.......
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