Summary
The narrative of "The Last Tycoon" unfolds through the eyes of Cecilia Brady, a college student journeying to California, interwoven with the intricate lives of Hollywood players. As she navigates the tumultuous world of filmmaking, Cecilia becomes entwined with the enigmatic Monroe Stahr, the studio's creative force. Stahr’s pursuit of artistic integrity collides with commercial interests, all set against the backdrop of complex personal relationships.
A Flight of Fate
On a plane bound for California, Cecilia Brady encounters Wylie White, a screenwriter plagued by alcoholism, and Schwartz, a film producer whose career has crumbled. Monroe Stahr, the visionary partner of her father, Pat Brady, is also on board, but he travels incognito as Mr. Smith. During an unexpected stop in Nashville, Schwartz forewarns Stahr about Pat Brady through a discreet note. Schwartz then remains behind as the flight resumes, only to tragically end his own life.
A Luminous Past and Present
Once celebrated as the wunderkind of Hollywood, Monroe Stahr rose to prominence by taking the reins of a major studio in his twenties, only to be profoundly exhausted by thirty-five. His relentless drive is fueled by the memory of his deceased wife, Minna Davis, a luminary of the silver screen. Haunted by her loss, Stahr immerses himself in work with unparalleled intensity, while his business partner, Brady, lacks both the artistic sensibility and technical acumen, having secured his position through fortuitous circumstances.
The Impact of Nature and Love
An earthquake strikes during Cecilia's visit to the studio, bursting a water main and inundating the back lot. Amidst the chaos, Stahr and his troubleshooter, Robinson, work to remedy the situation when Stahr spots a mysterious woman, reminiscent of Minna, perched atop an idol set piece adrift in the torrent. This fleeting encounter stirs a profound emotional connection in Stahr, while Cecilia finds herself hopelessly smitten with him, despite recognizing the futility of her affection.
The Power and Pressure of Leadership
As a self-made man, Stahr exercises meticulous oversight over the studio's intricacies, committed to elevating the artistic caliber of films, even at potential financial loss. This dedication breeds distrust among the studio's stockholders, who prioritize profit. Nonetheless, they cannot deny their admiration for Stahr's prowess and the innovative energy he brings to the industry.
Union Tensions and Personal Intrigues
Stahr's management style faces further challenges with the looming threat of Communist-led unionization efforts among the studio's writers. Despite opposition, he strives to earn their trust, especially that of Wylie White, who harbors conflicting feelings of resentment and ambition, aiming to marry Cecilia for her father's clout. Stahr’s attentiveness to his staff is exemplified by his intervention in a rumor about cameraman Pete Zavras, whose career is imperiled by false whispers of impending blindness. Stahr swiftly dispels these through medical validation, reinstating Zavras’s reputation.
Love and Complications
Eventually, Stahr discovers the enigmatic woman from the flood, Kathleen Moore, and they share a fervent but brief romance. Kathleen's past with a dethroned monarch and her impending marriage to her savior pose barriers to their relationship. Stahr sees in her a potential life partner who could reignite his passion for living, yet hesitates as her fiancé arrives prematurely, prompting her to fulfill her prior commitment. Meanwhile, Cecilia, oblivious to these developments, continues to yearn for Stahr, her longing intensified after witnessing her father's indiscretions.
Confrontations and Consequences
The incomplete narrative leaves readers piecing together the outcome from Fitzgerald's notes. Financial strain engulfs the studio, prompting Brady to advocate for wage cuts, a move Stahr contests. During his recovery in Washington, D.C., Brady seizes the opportunity to undermine him, breaching agreements with the writers....
(This entire section contains 837 words.)
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Despite their fractured relationship, Stahr supports Brady's proposition for a company union, driven by a sense of duty toward his employees. Yet, tensions mount with Wylie White’s betrayal.
Intrigue and Betrayal
Stahr and Kathleen rekindle their affair, which Brady attempts to exploit by blackmailing Stahr using his knowledge of their liaison. Stahr retaliates with damaging information regarding Brady's wife's demise. While Fitzgerald toyed with the idea of Brady orchestrating Stahr's murder through Robinson, he leaned towards a scenario where Brady informs Kathleen's husband, a union-affiliated technician, of the affair, resulting in a lawsuit against Stahr. Unexpectedly, Zavras intervenes to save him.
The Unraveling
The aftermath sees Stahr estranged from Kathleen, losing his influence over the studio's hierarchy. Despite this, he remains steadfastly opposed to Brady. In a climactic twist, Stahr plots to eliminate Brady through hired assassins but reconsiders mid-flight, aiming to abort the plan at the next stop. Tragically, the plane crashes before he can act, leaving his fate sealed.
The Ironic Finale
Stahr’s funeral emerges as a satirical critique of Hollywood’s superficiality, highlighted by the mistaken invitation of a washed-up cowboy actor as a pallbearer, inadvertently reviving his career. Cecilia, coping with her tumultuous experiences, enters into a liaison, likely with Wylie White, only to succumb to a mental collapse. The novel's conclusion reveals Cecilia as the narrator, recounting these events from her recovery in a tuberculosis sanatorium.