About halfway through a lunch at Musso and Frank during the early 2000’s, William Fraker, ASC expressed his conviction that there was no more romance in Hollywood. He wasn’t referring to relationships between significant others. Instead, he was observing the industry at large and its present lack of genuine caring among its members. One of his supporting examples was especially memorable.
During his time in the 1950’s as an assistant cameraman on the popular ABC series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, union rules dictated that no one but department heads were guaranteed to return to the same show should it be renewed for the following season. This presented an untenable situation for Nelson, the program’s star and executive producer. According to Fraker, he was a loyal, friendly guy, who preferred working with people who shared his disposition. His remedy was simple – and ingenious. By keeping the entire crew on payroll throughout the hiatus, he ensured there was no break in employment. This satisfied the union requirements and made Nelson’s favored collaborators happy until production re-started several months later.
Of course, this’s something of an extreme example, but that’s what makes it so remarkable. Could you imagine anything remotely like it happening today? Absolutely not!
Apparently, this sort of behavior wasn’t uncommon way back when; Fraker had many more anecdotes that proved his point. And he was right. At one time, Hollywood was romantic. On a certain level, that’s why many of us got into this business to begin with.
It’s been a completely opposite environment for a very long time. Is it screaming into the abyss to think we can bring it back to the Nelson\Fraker ideal in some small way?
I wish we could go back to those days I didn’t experience. I think that the more life is a struggle, our jobs are in jeopardy and the society is divided… the more the concept of camaraderie is getting replaced by the Latin motto “mors tua, vita mea.” Which is quite sad. MADA! Make America Decent Again.
From Fraker’s lips to God’s ears
I think we as individuals should try and keep the romantic/caring
times of Hollywood going. There are so many in need at this time.
I volunteer with The Motion Picture and Television Fund. It’s a great
organization that helps the aging who were at one time in the motion picture and television industry and those currently that need some form
of support. A little kindness as shown by Ozzie Nelson goes a long way in
helping people. Richard, thanks for telling that story!