Bron-47

Continued from Chapter 46: Bron-46 | ABCtales

“Well, the situation is this,” said Chris. “Pyramid have decided to … downscale the production. No big star – no Brooke Malory…”

“Nothin’ but a little primped up hussy, that girl. Couldn’t have found someone less like me if you’d tried…” said Mary Hinds, kicking her zimmer-frame for emphasis.

“…No Brooke, so that leaves the way back in for Bron, if she’s willing. I mean, there’s going to be enough money to finish the film, they’ll pay for voice coaching, even send you to the States for a spell…”

“Is HE going to be involved?” said Bron, jutting her chin at Geoff, who squirmed in the battered green armchair, looking very much like a man who would have given anything to be anywhere but the West Two Productions lock-up.

“What’s the problem with Geoff, Bron?” said Chris.

“Let’s just say…we’ve had an artistic disagreement.”

Geoff nodded warily.

“Well, Geoff is our chief cameraman and director. We can’t really contemplate doing without him.”

“If he’s in, I’m out,” said Bron. “End of.”

“You sure, Bron?” said Grace. “I mean, artistic disagreement or not, it could be a big chance for you…”

“I said no. No means no. It’s either him or me. You choose.”

“Well, I’m sure we could resolve this disagreement, whatever it is.” Chris looked flustered, glancing from Bron, to Geoff, to Mary Hinds. 

“Missy…Grace aint it? Just flatten down your hair,” Mary Hinds broke in.

“Like this?”

“Try and talk like I do.”

“Wee-all, ah shore can try-ai. You me-un lyuk thee-us?”

“Yes. How would you like to be me in the fil-um, Gracie?”

“We’all! Ah’d be del-ayted, Miss Hinds …. I mean, that would be, really, really brill! But Bron, you sure want to give up the chance?”

“Shouldn’t casting decisions be for the directors?” said Chris. “At least put it to a vote…What do you think Geoff?”

“I’m fine with whatever the committee decides.”

“Well, I think Gracie here has got that certain somethin’. Spunk, y’know? She’s spunky, just like I was in my younger days. And she’s half a head taller than Bron. Be a bit more convincing. Leastways, you’ll be able to see her over the top of the cockpit.”

“I take it you haven’t had any … artistic disagreements with Geoff?”

“We’ve resolved them.”

“Yes, resolved. All fully resolved,” said Geoff quickly.

“You ever done any acting, Grace?”

“Oh yes! I was very keen in the Bracknell Players before I came to London. I was Hedda Gabler. Got a great review in  the Berkshire Times; the guy said my performance brought tears to his eyes…”

“Hope they were for the right reasons,” muttered Geoff.

“Sorry?” said Grace sharply.

“Well, that’s all right, then” he added more brightly before turning again to Chris, sotte voce . “Bit of accent coaching still wouldn’t go amiss.”

“Gracie isn’t as purty as Bron, but she’s purty enough. Fine for a B movie,” said Mary Hinds. “And way purtier than I ever was. I was a real Plain Jane, I can tell you.”

“Well, clearly you’ve improved with age,” said Geoff.

“Flattery will get you nowhere, young man! Absolutely nowhere.”

“You’ll need to lose the afro, Grace. You OK with that?” Chris intervened.

“That’s no problem. I had long flowing tresses, when I played Hedda Garbler.”

“Yes, hair was a bit of a sticking-point with our last leading lady.”

“Fraid the budget won’t run to designer flyin’ overalls neither. Leastways, I doubt it,” Mary Hinds put in.

“I’ll wear anything you like.”

“That’s the spirit, gal!”

 

“You absolutely sure about this, Bron?” said Grace as the no. 12 inched its way in the Bayswater Road traffic. “I feel like I’m …stealing something from you.”

“Quite sure, Grace. I’ve had enough of show business – and I think it’s had quite enough of me. Anyway, got other fish to fry.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“Got an interview at Willesden depot next week. And I got a call from Mam this morning. Petouche is pregnant.”

“Wow! That’s superb! We must go out to dinner this evening to celebrate.”

“Celebrate what. My interview or Petouche!”

“Both, of course! By the way, Geoff sidled up to me after the meeting. Says sales of Princess Abokimbo are tailing off. Wants to reduce the weekly payments.”

“Does he indeed? We should put in a quick call to Eversholt Street. Get a bit of inside dope from your friend.”

“Yeah, we will.”

To be continued in Chapter 48