Chapter 76: Phoebe Cates

The stage play A Few Good Men was written by 29-year-old Aaron Sorkin. He wrote the play Hidden in This Picture the year before and last year created the stage script for A Few Good Men.

Arthur Smith was on the phone with his agent, Tracy Jacobs, "Aaron Sorkin, he's a newcomer, right? Just tell him Galaxy wants to buy A Few Good Men and adapt it into a movie."

"I also want him to adapt A Few Good Men into a movie script, no rush on the timing," Arthur said.

Tracy Jacobs, on the other end of the line, reminded him, "He hasn't adapted any movie scripts before."

"Everyone has a first time. Just let him adapt A Few Good Men. I'll meet Aaron Sorkin then," Arthur said. He always aimed to get good scripts first and worry about development later.

After hanging up the phone, Arthur sat on the sofa in his hotel room and picked up a newspaper. Days of Thunder opened in 2300 theaters with a weekend total of $15 million.

It didn't do as well as the Schwarzenegger action film Total Recall released in early June, which Arthur remembered opened with $25 million and had already grossed over $90 million.

In terms of reviews, Days of Thunder also fell short of Total Recall. The overseas market was no contest either, as Schwarzenegger and Stallone were the biggest names in action films.

"Arthur, did you settle the matter?" Jennifer Connelly asked, seeing Arthur comfortably sitting and reading the newspaper, implying that A Few Good Men had been sorted out.

"It's just a script from a newcomer, no big deal," Arthur said, standing up and giving Jennifer Connelly a kiss.

"Let's go, weren't you going to introduce me to your friends? Perfect, let's have dinner together."

In the evening, Arthur met Jennifer Connelly's friend Phoebe Cates at a restaurant near the Hudson River.

This year, 27-year-old Phoebe Cates made her debut in the early 1980s with Paradise. She later rose to fame with the teen movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High and succeeded with the horror-comedy Gremlins.

Jennifer Connelly, Diane Lane, Brooke Shields, and Phoebe Cates were the four major teen icons of the '80s, but in recent years, they hadn't seen much success.

Phoebe Cates' Gremlins 2: The New Batch released this year didn't meet expectations in terms of reviews and box office.

"Phoebe, good evening," Arthur said, introduced by Jennifer Connelly to Phoebe Cates.

"Nice to meet you, Arthur. I've heard a lot about you from Jennifer. You are so cool!"

Phoebe Cates had a unique mixed heritage that gave her exceptional beauty and demeanor. 

Arthur smiled, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a pioneer in teen movies. I used references from it when writing the script for American Pie."

Phoebe Cates looked stunning in the scene where she emerged from the pool wearing a red bikini in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

"Okay, let's order first," said Jennifer Connelly, the youngest, but a friend of Phoebe Cates, who was the oldest among the four.

"Arthur, are you planning to become a movie producer now?" Phoebe Cates asked as the food arrived.

"Something like that. I have the thought," Arthur replied.

"That's awesome."

Arthur smiled, "I'm still new to this, gaining experience now."

"The screenplay for Sleepless in Seattle was written by Arthur. He was involved in the production process from start to finish..." Jennifer Connelly boasted, holding Arthur's hand.

In the evening, after parting ways with Phoebe Cates post-dinner, Jennifer Connelly linked arms with Arthur and strolled by the Hudson River. "Phoebe Cates is beautiful, isn't she?"

"No, she's not as beautiful as you!" Arthur said, pulling Jennifer Connelly closer and kissing her.

After the kiss, Jennifer Connelly leaned into Arthur's embrace. "You missed your chance. Phoebe got married last year."

Arthur laughed, "I only met her for the first time today, what are you thinking?"

"Hey, who's filming?" Jennifer Connelly pointed to a nearby film set.

Arthur glanced over, "It's normal to see a film crew in New York. With so many spectators, it must be a big star!"

Jennifer Connelly looked closer, "It's Stallone!"

"Stallone? Rocky V has already finished filming and will be released in a few months. He must be shooting Oscar, a Disney Touchstone gangster comedy," Arthur analyzed and then put his arm around her shoulders.

"Let's go. It's boring. Stallone's stiff expressions and lack of humor don't fit in comedy!"

Jennifer Connelly nodded, hugging Arthur's waist. "How do you know that?"

Arthur smiled calmly, "Now Stallone and Schwarzenegger are fiercely competing. With Rambo and Rocky series, even though Schwarzenegger has put out several good action films in recent years, he's still one step behind.

Two years ago, Schwarzenegger succeeded in the comedy Twins. This year he also has a comedy called Kindergarten Cop releasing. Plus, the much-anticipated sequel Terminator 2: Judgment Day is coming out.

Stallone must be anxious. Since Schwarzenegger has ventured into comedy and succeeded, he can't afford to fall behind!"

Additionally, Rambo III received poor reviews, halting further sequels, and the Rocky series was already on its fifth movie this year.

Jennifer Connelly nodded, "Schwarzenegger is indeed more humorous than Stallone. Their rivalry is quite intense!"

"Stallone's second ex-wife, Brigitte Nielsen, was Schwarzenegger's lover first. She was introduced to Stallone on purpose, causing a mess," Arthur said, laughing.

Brigitte Nielsen had already been married in Europe and had a son. After hooking up with Schwarzenegger, she didn't want to leave. But Schwarzenegger's girlfriend was Maria Shriver, niece of the 35th US President John F. Kennedy, so how could he stay with Brigitte Nielsen?

To get rid of Brigitte Nielsen, Schwarzenegger introduced her to the recently divorced Stallone. Sure enough, they quickly clicked. Stallone stole Schwarzenegger's woman, which was quite a bragging right.

Who knew Brigitte Nielsen's true nature would surface, making Stallone a laughingstock cucking him. They married in 1985 and divorced in 1987!

*****

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