Chasing Stars in Hollywood

On December 27th, three new films premiered in North American theaters: Universal's "Fried Green Tomatoes," Fox's "For the Boys," and Warner Brothers' "The Prince of Tides."

Despite these new releases, none posed a significant threat to "The Flash."

Following its $72.86 million first-week box office, "The Flash" earned another $36.01 million over the second weekend, representing only a 27% drop from its debut weekend.

In ten days, this superhero blockbuster surpassed the $100 million mark, reaching a total of $108.87 million.

Trailing "The Flash," "The Prince of Tides" ranked second with a $10.03 million opening weekend. Despite not matching "The Flash," this drama met Warner's expectations with its $30 million budget.

However, the film received a mediocre average score of 6.8. Even with Danelys Entertainment stepping back, Warner Bros. faced a tough battle for the Oscars, especially considering Gaomen Pictures' "The Piano Affair," which received a 9.2 media score.

Fox's "For the Boys," a classic musical starring James Caan and directed by Mark Rydell, who was nominated for Best Director for "On Golden Pond," had a budget of $40 million. 

As a CAA-packaged project, the film opened on 1,308 screens but proved to be a disaster for Fox, earning just $4.53 million in its opening weekend.

The film, which aimed for Oscar recognition, received a dismal media score of 4.3. With such poor reviews and box office performance, "For the Boys" was unlikely to gross more than $20 million in North America, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for Fox.

The final new release, "Fried Green Tomatoes," starred Kathy Bates and Mary-Louise Parker, and told the story of two girls growing up and forming a deep friendship in early 20th-century Alabama.

The film's theme was very similar to Danelys Entertainment's "Steel Magnolias" from two years ago, both set in conservative Southern towns and centered around women, conveying warm messages of family, friendship, and love.

With the lowest budget of the three new releases at $11 million, Universal originally planned to market "Fried Green Tomatoes" as an award contender. However, since Danelys Entertainment already had enough award contenders this year and didn't intend to pursue the Oscars, and knowing from Simon's memory that the film's box office was excellent, it was released directly as a commercial film on 1,021 screens.

In its first three days, "Fried Green Tomatoes" received a stronger 7.4 media score compared to "The Prince of Tides" and earned $9.63 million, ranking third in the weekend box office.

"Toy Story" saw a 17% drop from the previous weekend, earning $9.15 million, placing fourth behind "The Flash," "The Prince of Tides," and "Fried Green Tomatoes."

At the same time, "Toy Story" reached a cumulative box office of $154.51 million, steadily aiming for the $200 million mark.

"Hook" continued to struggle in its third weekend, earning $7.87 million, a 19% drop from the previous weekend, ranking fifth with a total of $40.05 million.

Oliver Stone's "JFK" slightly outperformed Fox's new release "For the Boys" with a $4.69 million third weekend, but its unfortunate timing and stiff competition left it with a cumulative box office of only $23.68 million after three weekends.

Given its 13% and 19% drop rates in previous weeks, "JFK" still had a chance to reach $50 million with a long run. However, with a $40 million budget, Paramount faced significant pressure to break even.

Moreover, with Danelys Entertainment stepping back from the Oscars this year, "JFK" would be "The Prince of Tides'" strongest competitor.

Another noteworthy film on this week's chart was Gaomen Pictures' "The Piano Affair."

This critically acclaimed art film, following a small-scale, long-term release strategy, had not been prominently visible on the charts since its December 6th release. However, with increased screens to 335, it grossed $5.69 million from December 20th to 26th, with a per-screen average of $17,000. Including earlier limited releases, it had a cumulative box office of $9.10 million.

With the new week starting on December 27th, "The Piano Affair" expanded to 556 screens, earning another $4.76 million over the weekend, reaching a cumulative box office of $13.86 million.

Furthermore, on December 23rd, the latest Golden Globe nominations were announced, and "The Piano Affair" garnered six nominations, including Best Drama, Best Director, and Best Actress in a Drama.

With a $7 million production budget, this niche art film was expected to bring higher profits to Danelys Entertainment than many year-end blockbusters.

As the last weekend of 1991 ended and 1992 approached, external disruptions, including significant changes in Eastern Europe, did not affect Simon's family enjoying a warm and festive Christmas.

On December 31st, the last day of 1991, a Tuesday, Claire Gaines arrived at Dume Cape Manor around 10:30 AM.

No longer a maid for the Westeros family, the security had to verify her appointment before allowing her to drive into the estate.

This detail made Claire feel a bit melancholic.

Driving through the estate's pathways, she saw the grounds still immersed in a festive atmosphere, decorated like a vibrant fairy tale world, distinctly different from the previous Christmas.

She understood it was due to the birth of a certain little one.

Parking in front of the Shell Villa and stepping out, Claire noticed two maids changing the colorful decorations on the pathway's lamp posts. Although Christmas had passed, the festivities seemed set to continue.

These were housekeeper Alice Ferguson's team members, Zoe Parks and Isabel Dunn. Claire knew them well. Zoe, with her large eyes and doll-like face, reportedly had a close relationship with Alice. Isabel was known for her strikingly voluptuous figure, enough to make even women envious.

Claire realized that Janet deliberately kept a group of beautiful and exquisite women around Simon.

The more one is surrounded by something, the more one builds resistance to it.

Reflecting on Hollywood stars caught in scandals with unattractive housemaids despite having beautiful wives, Claire thought Janet was quite clever.

Of course, this required Simon's self-control.

Even Claire had to admit it.

Despite rumors of Simon's dalliances, the reality was far from it.

The maids knew that, despite their availability and willingness, Simon had never engaged with any of them, even during Janet's pregnancy.

It seemed he kept them around purely for aesthetic pleasure.

Really, it seemed to be that way.

After greeting Zoe and Isabel, Claire entered the villa, where other maids were busy.

Approaching Alice, who was directing the decoration of a giant Christmas tree, Claire greeted her. Alice gestured towards the west side of the hall, saying, "Madam is in the gym."

Nodding to the other maids, Claire smiled and headed to the gym, feeling a bit sympathetic towards Alice, who still had to manage her responsibilities as the housekeeper despite her significant role at Ystore and the upcoming Amazon Online Mall.

This decision was made by Simon, and his thoughts were often hard to fathom.

However, upon entering the household, one's loyalty lay with the mistress.

Lightly knocking on the doorframe of the gym, Claire greeted Janet, who was practicing yoga under the guidance of an Indian woman. Janet glanced at her and motioned for her to enter.

Sitting on a mat nearby, Claire observed the Indian woman guiding Janet.

Despite her obvious Indian features, the woman had a fair complexion and wore a two-piece, flesh-colored workout outfit, revealing a lithe and seductive figure that could easily captivate men. Claire surmised that the woman likely belonged to a high caste.

Recalling Simon's recent elevation of an Asian model, Yasmeen Ghauri, to prominence with a casual "waist sprite" tattoo, Claire realized that this Indian woman seemed even more fitting for the "waist sprite" title.

Janet was very focused on her yoga practice, and Claire waited quietly until Janet finished at 11:00 AM. Claire deftly handed her a towel as she finished.

Wiping her forehead, Janet introduced the Indian woman, saying, "C, this is Alia."

Alia introduced herself in heavily accented English, "Hello, I am Alia Mukherjee."

"Claire Gaines."

Claire shook Alia's hand, but couldn't spell Mukherjee. However, she knew Simon liked women with accents.

Janet, standing up, said, "Alia is from India. She's very skilled in yoga."

Claire and Alia naturally followed Janet to the east side of the villa. Janet said, "I'm going upstairs to shower. Simon is with the baby. Alia, show Claire the way."

Claire offered, "Madam, do you need help?"

Janet, smiling, shook her head, "No, everything is ready upstairs."

As Janet disappeared upstairs, Claire and Alia exchanged glances. Alia seemed to reassess Claire, asking, "You are C?"

Claire detected a hint of disdain in Alia's tone, quickly understanding why. Alia probably thought of her as just a maid, given that A, B, and D were still in the household.

Well, that was true.

Having admired Alia's serene beauty during the yoga session, Claire now realized Janet never chose true "vases" to be around her.

At least, Alia had the necessary cunning.

Obviously.

Considering Alia's revealing outfit

, it was clear she wasn't trying to seduce Janet.

Ignoring Alia's challenging tone, Claire asked, "Where is the boss? Lead the way."

Alia frowned slightly but led the way down the hallway.

Walking beside her, Claire couldn't resist asking, "Mukherjee, what caste is that in India?"

"It's Mukherjee," Alia corrected, raising her chin slightly, "Brahmin."

Claire didn't know much about Indian castes but understood from Alia's tone that it was high. She continued, "Oh, I've heard Indians love curry. Do you like it?"

Alia glanced at Claire, guessing her intent. Many people unfamiliar with India thought those who loved curry smelled like it.

Frowning slightly, Alia replied, "I am a strict vegetarian and don't eat strong-flavored food."

Claire could smell the pleasant scent of Alia, knowing she was just provoking her. "What if the boss asked you to eat meat?"

"Mr. Westeros is a good man and wouldn't force me."

"I mean, if…"

Alia raised her chin again, "You have no right to speak for Mr. Westeros."

"…"

Defeated in the verbal spar, Claire followed Alia to a sitting room.

Inside, Simon was bottle-feeding a baby, with Deborah and MGM CEO Sherry Lansing nearby.

Alia, now without her previous haughtiness, respectfully said, "Sir, Madam asked me to bring this lady."

Simon put down the bottle, handed the baby to Deborah, wiped the baby's mouth, and greeted Claire, "C, just in time for lunch."

Claire smiled and nodded, glancing at Alia.

When Janet was present, maids didn't dine with the family.

She wasn't a maid anymore.

After exchanging pleasantries with Sherry and Deborah and complimenting the baby, Claire sat beside Simon.

Alia, seeing Simon didn't invite her to stay, left the room.

After some brief conversation, Simon returned to his discussion with Sherry Lansing, "For now, that's it. The 007 series must be rebooted. Tell the Broccoli family this is non-negotiable. Additionally, MGM needs more control over the series. If they don't agree, we'll put the project on hold."

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