Challenge #01761-D300: Who You Choose to Be
Sometimes an actor takes on a role that leads to consequences. In remembrance of someone most of you have never heard of: William Boyd aka Hopalong Cassidy. Children's hero of the 1930's/40's. He refused to be other than a hero to them. -- Knitnan
Albert Dennis was a rogue. Everyone who knew him knew that. He was a renowned philanderer, frequent drunkard, and all-around party boy. He would lie, cheat, and steal his way into whatever he wanted with no regard to the consequences. And he would frequently use his good looks to charm -and sleep- his way out of them.
Until they cast him as Superman.
It was no shock that they did it. He was a well-built and telegenic fellow who looked like he stepped right out of a comic panel. In the suit, he definitely looked the part. Out of the suit... he certainly wasn't expected to act the part. And that's what surprised everyone.
He was on a subway station when it happened. Minding his own business on the way from A to B by way of a few station changes. Fumbling for a smoke that was definitely not your standard tobacco. And this little kid was staring at him. Wide-eyed. Slack-jawed. Amazed.
The kid tugged on their guardian's sleeve. "Rennie. Rennie. It's Superman."
Oh shit. He took out his fake frames and put them on. Did the voice. "You must be mistaken," he said. "I'm Clark Kent."
The kid was ecstatic. Zero to hyper in five seconds. "Yeah! 'S right. You're really Clark Kent. I can keep a secret!"
The guardian was embarrassed, but Albert took it in stride. Signed an autograph. Stated that he really should get used to this happening. And told the kid that he sometimes went undercover as Albert Dennis, movie star. Ssh. Big secret, don't tell.
I really should get used to this happening. He left the reefer in his pocket untouched. And thought things over.
That subway ride changed his life. Saved his life. Little kids, who his movie deal was aimed at, could not easily tell the difference between their hero and Albert Dennis, renowned Hollywood bad boy. They'd be heartbroken if they saw 'Superman' up to Albert Dennis' regular shenanigans.
So, after this particular tour was over, he quit that noise. Went to a detox spa to clean up. Did sensitivity training. Worked his arse off to be a decent human being. Stopped womanising. Changed everything.
Because he wasn't just Albert Dennis any more. He was Superman. The clean-cut eternal boy scout who always did the right thing. And a million kids dragged their parents in to see him be that.
And he wore the frames for public appearances where he was expected to interact with kids. It's what they expected. 'Clark Kent' fumbling an undercover op as Albert Dennis. Hollywood bad boy turned good.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / Paha_L]
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