The Greatest Showman #1483 - Enjoy the Sunset

Dr. Horror Phoebe is a classic horror film from the 1970s, released in 1971. While it doesn't boast the loud fame of Moonlight Panic, Night of the Living Dead, or The Exorcist, it maintains a devoted following among horror enthusiasts. More niche, more low-key, and certainly more eccentric, it's a film known best by diehard horror fans or lovers of cult classics.

The film follows a doctor who fakes his death in a car accident and then seeks revenge on those he believes killed his wife, dispatching them in ten operatic and increasingly bizarre ways. The atmosphere of terror is masterfully crafted, and the ten methods of murder are cleverly aligned with the ten plagues of Egypt, evoking themes of religion and fate.

Vincent Price, often hailed as the king of horror movies during this era, faced a career slump when he starred in this film. However, Dr. Horror Phoebe reignited his career, showcasing his unmatched acting skills and earning widespread praise. This role also caught the attention of Michael Jackson, who later invited Price to narrate the iconic 1981 music video for Thriller.

When the film resurfaced in the 21st century, it sparked renewed interest among horror fans. Many elements from the Chainsaw series can be traced back to this cult classic.

Rooney was taken aback when Renly mentioned the film's title. She had never heard of it, and her expression shifted into one of skepticism. However, she quickly second-guessed herself.

"So, you deliberately picked something this niche? Just because I chose something popular?" Rooney asked, her voice hesitant.

Renly raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I'm the kind of person who would do that?"

"If this was the first time I met you, I wouldn't have guessed it," Rooney replied. She paused for a moment, thinking it over. "But... now that we've known each other for a while, I can't deny the possibility."

Renly chuckled, though his face remained serious. "I thought I had a good reputation."

"Well, it depends on what part you're talking about," Rooney said with a meaningful glance. If we're talking about acting, it's undeniable, but for other parts...

Renly smiled faintly but didn't comment. "Fair enough." He then added, "But seriously, I've always wanted to try something different. Comedy, horror, or whatever. Not long ago, I even joked with Andy about taking a 'vase' role. It didn't sound half bad."

"A vase?" Rooney raised an eyebrow and examined Renly. After a brief pause, she nodded, seemingly satisfied. "It may not be the best choice, but I'm sure someone would be willing to buy it."

Renly didn't show his amusement but replied with mock seriousness, "Seems we're on the same page."

"Why, though? Why Dr. Horror Phoebe?" Rooney asked, genuinely curious now.

Renly narrowed his eyes slightly, giving her a thoughtful look before answering, "In 1969, MGM was struggling after a series of failures. They decided to pin their hopes on their highest-grossing actor at the time, Vincent Price."

Rooney tilted her head slightly, her confusion only deepening. "Is this a compatibility test? Like asking a friend if they know Kurt Vonnegut or Philip Guston?"

Kurt Vonnegut, known for his dark humor and satirical novels, and Philip Guston, a prominent figure in Abstract Expressionism, both represented complex, niche tastes in culture.

Renly smirked, "So, this is what men are from Mars, women are from Venus looks like? I thought we were talking about which role we'd choose randomly. Now we're off the rails."

Rooney raised an eyebrow, looking at Renly with an expression of realization. She quickly shifted the conversation. "How many times have you discussed this movie with others?"

Renly shrugged lightly. "How many people do you think would know about Dr. Horror Phoebe? Or even want to listen to me talk about it?"

"There must be a lot," Rooney replied confidently.

Renly gazed at her, his light brown eyes reflecting the fiery sunset above them, his voice low and inviting. "Does this include you?"

Rooney's heartbeat quickened, her chest tightening. She felt her cheeks flush and a wave of panic set in. She quickly diverted her gaze to the sunset, stammering, "I've never seen the sunset in New York."

Renly didn't respond immediately, just watched her in silence.

Rooney's face grew hot, her body stiffening with awkwardness. She immediately regretted turning away and changing the subject. Her mind raced, trying to figure out what to do next.

After a moment, Renly slowly shifted his gaze to the horizon, the orange-red sunset casting a warm glow over the city. The sky turned to shades of amber, and the Hudson River shimmered with the reflected light, illuminating the skyline, blending the water and sky into one seamless hue.

It was a breathtakingly quiet scene.

"The beauty of New York is hidden behind the concrete jungle. No one comes here to watch the sunset," Renly mused softly. After a brief pause, he added with a wry smile, "Unless, of course, we're talking about two idle lunatics like us."

"I'm sure the tourists on the cruise ship would protest. They're probably here for the sunset too," Rooney teased, leaning into the banter.

Renly shrugged nonchalantly. "You know, what I'm picturing now is Spider-Man or the Joker swinging through the air. Hollywood brainwashing, I suppose?"

"No," Rooney replied thoughtfully, "It's the result of the homogenization of imagination. What I'm seeing is a Nutcracker ballet dancing above the water. See, nature's light is the most beautiful in the world, and this is the perfect stage for it."

Renly shook his head gently, eyes narrowing with a hint of amusement.

Rooney caught his movement out of the corner of her eye and turned to look at him.

Renly met her gaze with a small smile in his eyes. "Whether it's the Nutcracker or Spider-Man, both are confined by our imagination. But imagine if we could see the world like Don Quixote—what if those windmills were giants? That's where the real magic lies."

"That's not surprising," Rooney replied with a chuckle. "We became actors, not directors. We stand on the stage, not behind it."

Renly raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I always thought we became actors to seek fame, to be in the spotlight."

His voice held the sarcastic tone of a reporter.

Rooney laughed openly. "God, the reporters must be grinding their teeth at you."

Renly smiled sincerely. "How could I possibly provoke the Uncrowned King?"

Rooney's laughter grew louder, the sound of it filling the air.

The sunset continued to burn brilliantly, casting golden light that outlined their features and made the world feel as if it were shrinking into just the two of them, their hearts beating in perfect synchrony.