A Banquet for the Old Folks

Was Catherine Hepburn fond of social events?

No, this woman was quite private in her youth and had no interest in boring and superficial social occasions. She rarely appeared in public and didn't even go to ordinary restaurants.

But this woman did not live a reclusive life; she enjoyed her fame. Moreover, as she got older, her protectiveness of her private life gradually weakened.

Take, for example, Henry's 1992 years as a junior assistant to another Hepburn, traveling all over the world. This Hepburn even went on to star in a television movie, participating in the production of "The Man Upstairs".

This TV movie earned Catherine Hepburn a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie at the 50th Golden Globe Awards. The story revolves around an older woman and a fugitive who develop a May-December romance.

Even in her eighties, this elderly woman, who was once rumored to be a lesbian, still has a heart that longs to enjoy the feeling of being in love.

However, veteran filmmakers like them, whose commercial value is not as high as that of younger filmmakers, still become the object of Hollywood's adoration during this period every year. After all, they hold the votes of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Sciences, which determine the direction of the Oscars.

Therefore, during this awards season, there are often banquets for these veteran filmmakers. Most of the young men and women who attend are Hollywood people who have had works in the previous year and hope to win Oscars.

Henry was invited to such a banquet, which was held at a villa in Los Angeles. Although it wasn't on par with Beverly Hills mansion, it had a swimming pool and courtyard, and was designed by a famous designer, making it a rather nice location.

When Henry arrived, there were already quite a few cars parked nearby. Unlike the glitz and glamour of Hollywood that he had imagined, where rows of luxury cars worth a house would be commonplace at parties, the cars here were much more "modest".

Nevertheless, Henry's old Cadillac was still quite eye-catching among the cars here. However, adhering to the principle that as long as he wasn't embarrassed, it was others who would be, Henry drove into the parking lot of the villa area.

The car had barely stopped when a receptionist approached. Although it was a semi-public event, open to those without invitations, it wasn't just anyone who could get in. It was, after all, a Hollywood insider.

If paparazzi or crazed fans are let in and cause trouble, the event company will be in deep trouble. Even if no actual compensation is needed, their reputation will be ruined, and they won't be able to do business in the future.

That's why Catherine sent Henry an invitation. He wasn't some Hollywood old hand, nor was he a well-known rising star; he could easily have been turned away.

However, the invitation was quite distinctive, so there was no need for the recipient to confirm it. The receptionist immediately adopted a welcoming demeanor and politely said, "Welcome, sir. The banquet has just begun. Please enjoy your meal in the lobby."

"Thank you." There's no need to tip in this kind of situation. After all, the reception staff interact with the guests frequently. If every action required a tip, some small-time celebrities with limited funds would go bankrupt after just one visit, and how could Hollywood survive?

Tipping is only expected for some extra services. People like Henry, who parked their own cars, can simply follow the signs to the banquet venue.

As expected, the majority of attendees at the banquet were elderly men and women. A few young men and women occasionally stood out and easily became the center of attention.

When Henry, an ordinary-looking man with little distinguishable features, entered the arena, not only the older people were asking, but even the younger ones were wondering, "Who is this opponent?"

"Henry, over here!" called out the 87-year-old Grandma Catherine with a strong voice.

Because the event was mainly for elderly people, everyone's attire and the atmosphere were quite subdued. Everyone was focused on their own tasks, there was no Deadman music, and no scantily clad girls.

Catherine Hepburn wore a navy blue and white polka-dot stand-up collar casual dress, paired with a red vest. More than looking good, she prioritized staying warm in the California winter. Her hair was a naturally uneven gray-white, without any deliberate dyeing.

Henry wore his 101 navy blue Armani suit with a striped tie, looking much like the older men present, unlike the actors vying for awards.

An elderly gentleman with equally white hair next to her asked, "Catherine, who is this young man?"

"Oh, Anton, are you jealous? You're just playing my lover in the movie. This kid is my nephew, a young man. I brought him here to broaden his horizons." Catherine said, linking arms with Henry as she spoke to the old gentleman.

Henry extended his hand first, introducing himself. "Henry Brown, a nobody, sir."

"Anton Quinn. It's a pleasure to meet you, young man. Someone standing next to Catherine can't be just some nobody." The old gentleman politely returned the greeting and shook hands.

"Hey, Catherine, I think I've seen your little nephew before?" An old lady walked over.

Catherine Hepburn gave a strange smile and said, "Oh, Betty, that's such an old-fashioned way to start a conversation."

"Come on, I really do remember. In New York, right?"

Henry replied, "Ms. Lauren Bacall, we met at a charity gala in New York. At that time, I was working as Ms. Audrey Hepburn's assistant."

"Ah, right, I remember now. The little assistant next to Audrey." Lauren Bacall said meaningfully, "Our era has lost another iconic figure. I wonder who will be next?"

Catherine retorted, "Who else will remember you besides us old folks? So enjoy it while you can. Once we're all dead, you'll be forgotten too."

Henry was about to speak when he said, "How could that be, Lauren White..."

The old lady's pinching wasn't particularly strong, but she always found the right spot; even Kryptonian's skin would feel it. Catherine said sharply, "Shut up, kid. I don't want to hear you nagging about Betty's old movies in front of me."

Having been pinched like that, Henry didn't want to embarrass Catherine, so he kept quiet. But he still mouthed the classic film "The Big Sleep" starring Lauren Bacall, and winked, secretly giving a thumbs up.

Lauren Bacall, whose Betty is Betty Joan Perske, smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons, and said, "Ha, I like this child."

With lightning speed, Catherine slapped the thumb that had been secretly sticking out, leaving a wronged Henry with nothing but a finger-sucking expression, which made the elderly people present burst into laughter.

In fact, there was no conflict between Catherine and Lauren; they were actually good friends. It's just that as actresses of the same golden age, some competition was inevitable in that era.

But at their age now, there's hardly any competition left. It's just a way for them to reminisce about the past through these interactions.

So Henry chose a way to please no one, which not only made the two old people happy, but also made the other audience members laugh heartily.

Catherine may seem to have suffered the injustice of being betrayed, but in reality, it was the veteran actors present who were also playing along in the performance.