Published: 7 Aug 2023

Alun was showering when the land line sounded. It soon goes to auto answering. It is a male voice who only spoke a number of words before the unit beeped and turned off. Coming from the shower with his towel across his shoulder he passed the full glass doors to the balcony. He smiled realizing his peeping-tom is back. Alun thinks of going to the balcony and giving a friendly wave; instead he pressed the replay button on the answering machine.

The caller was Alun’s agent, George Prentice.

“Alun I have your contract and retainer. I’m about to send them over by courier so please read carefully and if you are prepared to sign then make an appointment to see me. I think you will be well satisfied with the contract, as there will be full payment and bonuses if the film goes to screen or not.”

Alun finished drying and pulls on a pair of loose fitting pants then makes coffee. He can feel excitement building and thought of contacting Jillian with his news. Instead he decides it would be better to wait as Jillian had previously been issued contracts, and she would have a better understanding of its legal language.

A little more than an hour had past when the unit’s intercom sounded, “Deliveroo for a Mr. Hughes.” It is a young lad’s voice and appears full of his own importance.

“Don’t come up the lift is still out – I’ll come down,” Alun suggests while allowing his imagination to wander towards the name of the delivery service, picturing kangaroos, as the roo part of its name suggests, hopping along the street with packages in their pouches. He quickly shakes away its absurdity as he descended the stairs.

“You will need to sign for it,” the lad demands and holds back his delivery.

“Don’t you want to see identification?” Alun asks as he removes his wallet from his pocket.

“The boss can check if the docket is signed but he can’t know what my eyes see, besides these days can your really trust identification. For all I know, you could have stolen it.”

“You cheeky bugger.”

The kid grins.

“Fair enough but I’ll show you anyway.” Alun flashes his identification and signs for the envelope.”

“Didn’t I see you in that supermarket commercial?” the young lad asks as his features distort against the glair reflecting from the foyer’s window glass.

“Yes that was me,”

“Me’ sister reckons she would give you one.”

“Did she? Then tell her to watch out for me in Lucas Barrington’s next movie.”

“Didn’t he make some film about crossing the Blue Mountains a coupla’ years back?”

“That was him.”

“Me’ dad said Barrington must be a poofter if he is making those kinda’ films.”

“What’s your name kid?”

“Lenny.”

“What did you think about the film?”

“I don’t watch that kinda’ movie, I like action, you know cars smashing and bombs blowing – gotta’ go – have work to do.” The lad gives a cheeky nod and points his bicycle in the direction of Docklands and is soon weaving in and out of the line of traffic without obvious concern for his wellbeing.

Back in his apartment Alun begins to reflect on what would be the general public’s opinion of period movies, especially one with homosexual overtones, even if handled with a measure of subtlety. Before viewing the contract he is again having second thoughts about accepting the role. Firstly what would he family think, as for his friends since taking the unit in town most of his previous acquaintances had gone their separate ways, only seeing them at marriages and the occasional birth of a child – or when a shoulder was needed to cry on after a messy breakup or divorce.

Alun has a thought towards Barrington’s earlier production and if it was accepted. He fires up his laptop then Google’s the date1813; he smiles as a number of historic events are listed but not the film. He quickly changes the search to 1813- film and is surprised to find there had been reviews, even more surprised when the film was given some good critiques.

‘What of Jack Cowper performance?’

Alun quickly makes that search, finding little written about Cowper’s part in the film other than he handled it competently, while most of the information was about Cowper’s present television work in America, also an interview posted in Film and Films magazine questioning his sexuality which remained inconclusive.

Eventually Alun opens the envelope. Firstly he finds the retainer cheque, discovering it to be postdated until after the deadline for the returning of the signed contract. He understands the sentiment and smiles at its generosity. He then commences to read the contract, it appears to be standard and similar to the ones he had entered into for the television commercials. With a slight unconscious nod of appreciation he places the contract aside, ‘no hurry,’ he thinks and again is tempted to contact Jillian but realises she would be in rehearsal, instead he retrieves the script and searches through the pages for anything he may find distasteful. There are a number of scenes that could be considered so but he believes he could manage them in such a way they wouldn’t reflect on his persona, although in at least one scene there is a kiss.

‘Could I?’ he thinks.

Alun recollects a workshop during his time at the VCA which had been designed to advance beyond that of normal and step outside one’s comfort, becoming in total the character you are inspiring to be. There had been a same sex kissing scene and designed in such a way that it was repeated towards the end of the workshop, done so to evaluate the change in acceptance from the first to the second.

Alun remembers the first kiss; it was with a handsome young man and during the performance he was more concerned towards his breath than actually kissing. He remembers that during the first he gagged and stuttered the following lines but no one criticized. On the second he played the part without faltering. Even so that had been in-house and not for general exhibition. What would his mother think, or his father. Then again his father had already suggested only poofters worked in the film industry, so it wouldn’t change his view, beside David would never watch such films.

A deep breath, “I’ll take the role and bugger them all,” he confidently exhales softly into the warm midday air.

On arrival Jillian is quick to peruse Alun’s contract and immediately passes it back, “sign it,” she says, “you won’t get a better contract anywhere, not forgetting you are an unknown quality to the film industry.”

The pen hovers then with a quick action Alun signs. “There you go; it’s done.”

“So we have a budding new actor. Have you any reservations?”

“Only one but I think I’ve worked that through.”

“Are you referring to Logan’s sexual preference?”

“In the main – yes.”

“It didn’t do Heath Leger’s career any harm when he played Ennis in Brokeback Mountain.”

“As I said I believe I have worked through that problem, mostly it is what my old man would think.”

“We both know what David will say and none of it would be pleasant. So what happens next?”

“George said once I’ve returned the contract I will be given further instructions.”

“With my rehearsals and you on set, you do realise we won’t see much of each other once the filming commences.”

“I had thought of that but surely there will be down time.”

“From what I’ve witness of others the down time doesn’t often coincide. Do you know who has been offered the part of Chance Wilcox?”

“I don’t think the position has been decided yet.”

“I have some free time soon, how would you like to go away for a couple of days?” Jillian suggests.

“When?”

“It will be the week after next; midweek I should think.”

“Potentially I’ll say yes but firstly I’ll deliver the contract and see what’s planned.”

“We could ask Vivien and Tony along,” Jillian suggests.

“I prefer a quiet time with just the two of us and no Wayne.”

“Don’t you like Wayne?”

“It isn’t a matter of liking Wayne, only whenever we are out and about there is always Viv’ and others. I would be nice to be just us for a change.”

“If you like and we could take a cottage up at the Grampians.”

Alun becomes reserved and has the faraway look Jillian well knew when he was about to deliver something preposterous.

“What are you planning Alun? Jillian gently probes.

“Jillian will you marry me?”

Jillian being the eternal pragmatist simply laughs.”

Alun appears hurt by her obvious dismissal, “I’m trying to be serious,” he protests.

“Sorry for laughing Alun, only when I eventually hear that question, it should be from one knee while holding an expensive diamond ring.”

“Now I’m embarrassed.”

“Don’t be, for you it isn’t the right time, the last you need starting out in a new career is the baggage of marriage.”

“Should I ever ask again?”

“Do so when you are reading your first pile of fan mail and although I may not say yes, I promise I won’t laugh.”

“You say fan mail.”

“Yes from your following of gay fans.”

“Now you have me worried.”

“I was joking Alun, you will be fine.”

It had been more than a week since Alun submitted his signed contract and during the morning of the Wednesday, as he was preparing to ready a bag for his and Jillian’s time away when the landline rang. It was Lucas Barrington in person.

“Alun, I will be sending a car around to collect you in an hour or so.”

“Why is that Mr. Barrington?”

“We have had to bring filming forward; I’ll explain when you arrive and I would like you to meet Taylor Hardwick.”

“Who is Taylor Hardwick Mr. Barrington?”

“Young Taylor will be playing Chance Wilcox.”

“I don’t know Hardwick,”

“Then you are about to meet.”

“I was preparing to go away for a couple of days with my girlfriend Mr. Barrington.”

“Cancel it lad as time costs money. That is unless you don’t want the part.”

“No Mr. Barrington I am quite excited and looking forward to filming. I’ll be ready when the car arrives.”

Alun was left with no choice but to cancel his time away and Jillian’s prediction was already becoming apparent. In the future there would be many broken arrangements, many nights when a call would come with apology for cancellation. His time for the duration of the filming would not be his own and if successful as an actor, possible the time thereafter would also belong to the public. Alun quickly calls Jillian, who surprisingly appeared understanding simply saying, that’s show business, suggesting he call back after his meeting with Barrington.

Nervous disposition increases when the apartment’s intercom sounds. “Car for Alun Hughes,” is brightly announced.

“I’m on my way down.”

In the foyer Alun is met by a young man of his own age but by his attire defiantly not what would be expected of Barrington’s chauffeur. The young man approaches, his hand in offer while he is broadly smiling. His head covered with an Akubra hat that shades most of his handsome face, “Alun Hughes,” he confidently asks.

“Yes, that’s the fella’.”

“Richard,” the young man introduces and without further directs Alun to a Bentley parked close by the entrance, where a number of kids are admiring the vehicle, or more in truth looking for something to pilfer. One tries a door handle but they all scoot when the driver returns.

“Who owns the motor?”

“Not me that is for certain. It belongs to Mr. Barrington.”

“And he lets you drive it.”

“He does – obviously.”

“What’s with the hat?”

“It is a long story; it was left to me by a close friend.”

“You say left, did your friend die?”

“Yes, he was killed in a motorbike accident last year, when a drunk took his right of way and left him for dead.”

“Did they catch the driver?”

“Not yet.”

“I’m sorry. I should have been more concerning.”

“Forgiven, as I said it is a long story.”

“What was his name?”

“Danny – Danny Smith.”

Alun gives his driver a glance. It is obvious Richard wished to speak no further on the matter, “you were fortunate to find a park so close,” Alun says as he moves on from his lacking in sympathy.

“Fortunate is my second name Alun,” the young man laughs, “front or back?” he asks and reaches for the rear door.

“I’m no snob; I’ll sit up front with you.”

“That’s what I like to hear, there is too much snobbery in the industry as it is.”

“Are you an actor Richard?”

“We are all actors on the stage of life,” Richard quotes somewhat obviously as he opens the door for Alun and throws his hat onto the rear seat, “I have some aspirations,” he answers.

“Possibly everyone is an actor but I should think some are better than others.”

“Which one are you Alun?”

“I suppose you could call me an untapped quality with, as you say, aspiration and hope.”

“Is this to be your first big part?”

“Yes I’ve only done a couple of television commercials and one had a speaking part.”

“I saw them,” Richard admits.

“Did I cut butter?’

“It is hard to judge a couple of lines in a two minute television commercial but obviously Mr. Barrington saw something in you and that’s what counts.”

On reaching the King Street intersection there is road work and the car is held for some time. “So Alun I hear you are to play the part of Logan McGregor?”

“Yes.”

“Are you looking forward to playing the part?”

“What do you know about the film?”

“Actually I know quite a lot.”

Alun wished to question Richard further but considers it impolite to do so. “I should have warned you about the road works,” he says.

“Never mind there isn’t any urgency, what do you think of the role of Logan?” Richard asks as their delay lengthens and the rather large man with the stop sign and what could be determined a verandah of shirtless fat overhanging his toolbox, stares vacantly towards the road’s surface.

“Logan seems to have a strong character,” Alun cautiously admits.

“What about Logan’s sexual inclination?”

Alun believes Richard may be sounding him out for Barrington therefore he answers with caution, “At first I was concerned.”

“Why so?”

“Typecasting I suppose but my girlfriend managed to convince me otherwise.”

“Then you will be a straight man playing a gay part?”

“It seems so.”

“I wouldn’t concern Alun, these days typecasting doesn’t seem to happen as much and being gay is almost accepted.”

“Yes I knew Jack Cowper and it didn’t appear to damage his career,” Alun admits.

“You knew Jack?”

“I would say I was more acquainted with him, we did a couple of workshops together before he went to Los Angeles.”

“What is your opinion of Jack’s role in Mr. Barrington’s last period movie?”

Alun remains cautious, “I only viewed it recently and think he handled it well.”

“I personally think he was a little wooden but don’t tell Mr. Barrington I said that, as Jack was a personal favorite of his.”

“No I wouldn’t.”

“I believe it is your accent that held Mr. Barrington’s interest.”

“He did mention that.”

“Is it English?”

“No way; it’s Welsh. Although I should admit it was Welsh strained through an English sieve, then again through an Australian sock, as if to coin an adage.”

“I like that.”

Eventually the blockage cleared and the car is waved through. During their continuation the conversation becomes more general and by the time they reach the Bay Road Studios in Port Melbourne, they appeared quite comfortable with each other while joking as if long time acquaintances.

On arrival Richard directed Alun through a side door directly onto a stage where Barrington is busily with his costume designer, he appears unhappy with one of the costumes.

“That is later in the century, if you are doing a period production then get it right or don’t bother,” Barrington growls and seeing the two enter he breaks contact with the woman. “You took your time?” he demands of Richard.

“There was a road block on King Street,” the driver quietly excuses and remains close by.

“Never mind how did the two of you get along?”

“Just dandy the driver agrees while becoming animated as if he and Barrington were sharing some covert understanding, or joke at Alun’s expense.

“What,” Alun quizzically questions, while realizing he was obviously playing a partie-pour-trois when he had no knowledge of the script.

“Alun I would like you to meet Taylor Hardwick, he will be playing your confidante Chance Wilcox in the production.”

“I don’t understand?” Alun admits.

“I sent Taylor to collect you as Richard to ascertain if you are compatible and by what Taylor says it appears you are. Now Alun I have brought you in today for two reasons, the first of course is to be acquainted with Taylor, the second is you and Taylor will be going up to Ballarat for a workshop to study your roles and become assimilated as Logan and Chance and while at the property you are to use your role names when addressing each other. Those at the property will also address you as such,” Barrington pauses, “have you any questions Alun?”

“Only one Mr. Barrington, when will we be leaving?”

“You will depart tomorrow morning, I will have a car pick you up and another thing, while in public you can use your actual names but I don’t want you talking about the film, especially to the media.”

“What should we pack?” Alun asks.

“All you will need is toiletries and some clothes for entertainment in town. Other than that you will be in costume for most of the time. As for the location it is out of town and off any main road – one more thing, can either of you ride a horse?”

Alun is negative but Taylor had during his younger years.

“Then I will say by the end of the month you will both be experts.”

“I’m game,” Alun cautiously says overriding his fear of horses.

“Ditto,” Taylor concurs as the costume designer offers up a new set of period clothing.

“Later,” Barrington says and waves the woman away before returning to explain further what is expected during the workshop.

“You will be living on a property without mains power but there is a generator, which is mainly to run refrigeration and set lighting.

Both nod their approval.

“During the stay you will be mostly alone discovering each other’s character but now and then some others from the cast will arrive also the production manager who will direct you how to react as Logan and Chance and possible some of the incidental filming will be done. I believe you have both studied the script?”

Again both agree.

“One final request, you have copies of the original novel and will notice that the film scrip starts just before Logan and Chance leave New England area of New South Wales to travel to the Victorian gold fields. I expect you to read the original along with the script.” Barrington pauses and appears to disconnect from the lads presence. He takes a breath and makes a clicking with his tongue. “Right,” he says. “You got all that?”

“I think so,” Alun says.

“Good, then be ready for pickup early tomorrow and I will call by the property to see how you are fairing in a week or so. Then the real work will commence.”

Gary’s stories are about life for gay men in Australia’s past and present. Your emails to him are the only payment he receives. Email Gary to let him know you are reading: Conder 333 at Hotmail dot Com

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