Citizen Hughes - Michael Drosnin [159]
“This is one most important question, Bob. If you ask too many people who are good friends of mine, then you must consider how many of these may be disappointed if I do not see them. Also, you must consider how many others may unavoidably be forgotten and who will be deeply hurt for this reason.
“When you boil it down, Bob, I think, for a number of reasons, it would be a mistake to invite anybody just because he is a friend of mine,” he concluded, relieved to have headed off the clamoring hordes he pictured pounding at his door.
“I think you should divide the list into categories,” he reiterated, “and try to be consistant in inviting all people in each category who are equally qualified.”
What could be more reasonable? Maheu, however, recoiled from the task. Afraid to challenge the theoretical construct Hughes had so passionately presented, he was also wary of trying to apply it to the billionaire’s satisfaction. He suggested that Hughes himself compose the new guest list.
“Bob, I do not have the facilities to compile a list,” the master host replied. “You will have to make the list.”
Clearly that was Maheu’s job. Hughes’s job was to approve it, a task he attacked with relish as soon as the new completely categorized and carefully calibrated list arrived at the penthouse.
“I am starting on the businessmen,” reported Hughes, plunging right in. “I dont expect it to take long.
“Your first name is an automobile dealer,” he noted. And got stuck right there. At the first name.
“I know there are a number of prominent car dealers in this area,” he mused. “I recognize that, if you attempt to include all the businessmen in the area, it would be a completely impractical number of people. I only want to know what ground rules and formula was used in selecting these names.
“In other words, if some auto dealer should complain that he was not invited, I would like to know what satisfactory explanation could be given.
“I am not suggesting that it is likely Fletcher Jones or Pete Finley, etc., are likely to give anybody an opportunity to explain,” continued Hughes, conjuring up the image of sullen car salesmen to impress upon Maheu the need for rigorous analysis of the invitations. “I am just thinking that, in the event you should hear a rumor that one of these dealers is unhappy, then it would be helpful for you and for me to feel that there was a sound valid reason for such dealer not being included, based upon the list being prepared in compliance with some clearly understood formula or set of ground rules which you and I fully approve.
“So, Bob, if you will just explain the basis of the establishment of this list, I will give you immediate action in clearing it.”
Obviously there was no point in reviewing the rest of the businessmen until the question of the auto dealers was resolved, and that would require a great deal more information. Awaiting Maheu’s annotations, Hughes moved on to the next category. Actors and actresses. Again, there were problems.
“I am well aware of the time element on the invitations and do not need to be reminded,” Hughes began impatiently, annoyed by Maheu’s hurried approach to this complex undertaking.
“Bob, re your list, you have really left out a lot of people who will be awfully offended—for example, you have included Rita Hayworth, Sidney Poitier and Connie Stevens, but omitted Darryl Zanuck and the heads of all the major studios, plus many other important stars. Susan Hayward for example. Dont you remember my comments on this?”
Clearly Maheu had failed to consult either the Central Casting directory or the Academy rolls, had made no real effort to include all equally qualified candidates. And what was Connie Stevens doing on this list, anyway? Hughes decided to check that out personally, secretly contacting his Hollywood lawyer Greg Bautzer for solid intelligence.
Meanwhile, he plowed