He is Already a Tycoon at a Young Age! - Chapter 14



Only Krnovel

Episode 14

Episode 14 – Filming in progress

“Mr. Disney draws pictures?”

“Oh, yes! I, I… I was very inspired by the movie Mr. Chaplin was in.”

Disney said, sweating profusely.

‘I didn’t know you’d be so flustered.’

Since coming to Hollywood, I’ve been half-drawn to Disney.

From the land where the studio will be built to the new staff to be hired.

Disney wanted to call every cartoonist or animator who was even slightly famous.

I adjusted his demands realistically and found a distributor.

Then contact UA.

United ArtistsUA.

A film company founded by famous actors including Charlie Chaplin.

‘I never thought I’d end up having a meal with Chaplin like this.’

That’s when Iwerks stood up and took Disney with him.

“Sorry, my friend is too excited. Let’s go out and have a cigarette together.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Chaplin answered with a smile.

There’s only Chaplin and I left at the table.

He said, wiping his mouth.

“Your colleague is really passionate.”

“Walt will soon create a new industry. He has the ambition and the ability to do so.”

I answered.

Chaplin also helped Disney a lot throughout history.

I hope it happens like that this time too.

By the way…

‘It’s a calmer image than I thought.’

The Charlie Chaplin I knew was the funny guy with the moustache, the little bowler hat, and the physical gags.

A character named Tramp.

But his appearance in a suit was the complete opposite.

It’s like a British gentleman atmosphere.

Of course he is British.

“Mr. Hitler, you seem to be more interested in technology. Do you really think that sound films will become popular?”

Chaplin said.

“Sound films are still possible, but the quality is poor. What good is sound if the audience can’t understand what’s being said?”

“That’s true now, but recording technology will advance quickly.”

I said.

There are only a few years left.

Talkies, or talking pictures, quickly overtook silent films and became the Hollywood norm.

Established actors, including Charlie Chaplin, had great difficulty adapting.

“If there is sound, there is no need to read subtitles. More people will come to the theater.”

“Sound. It sure sounds fun. I made a movie about trench warfare a while ago…”

Chaplin mumbled.

“There was no sound, so there was no sense of urgency. Did Mr. Hitler fight in the last war?”

“Although they were part of the Bavarian army, they were in fact German soldiers.”

“It was a war fought for such a stupid reason. The people here were crazy and did all sorts of things. They asked me why I didn’t join the British Army…”

He continued speaking.

Chaplin was also one of the famous pacifists.

The great dictator.

Chaplin was embroiled in controversy over this film’s overt criticism of Hitler.

During the McCarthy period, he was accused of being a communist and was driven out of the United States.

“I also saw soldiers suffering from shell shock when I came to America on an immigration ship.”

I said.

It feels like a distant memory now.

“American sailors also ignored them and avoided them. Some even openly laughed at them.”

“It’s always like that. Life is a comedy when seen in the long run…”

“It’s a tragedy when you see it up close.”

Chaplin smiled after hearing my answer.

“It seems that Mr. Hitler and I have a lot in common. I will positively consider the investment proposal you have proposed.”

“Well, that’s good.”

Chaplin was currently experiencing a slump. UA, which he had founded with his fellow actors, was also in financial jeopardy.

But he soon made a comeback with the film Kid, followed by Modern Times and The Great Dictator.

It was well worth the investment.

“Excuse me, Mr. Hitler. I’m sorry to ask you this when we’re just meeting, but…”

Chaplin looked at me hesitantly.

what?

Surely you’re not asking me to lend you money.

“Would you be interested in appearing in my movie?”

“yes?”

My heart stopped for a moment.

I looked at Chaplin with a blank look.

“yes?”

“It’s not a difficult role. I had a hard time finding a double who looked exactly like me… but Mr. Hitler happens to look a lot like me.”

Chaplin smiled.

“You just need to come to the filming set for a little while. You don’t need any separate training or practice. Of course, we will pay you your appearance fee.”

“Yes? Oh, yes…”

“Then you agree! Just come to the studio by 7 a.m. tomorrow. I’ll send a car to the hotel.”

I screamed inwardly as I looked at Chaplin smiling.

I feel like I’ve been tricked into something.

“Let’s go out and have a drink together. I’ll just give you the basics.”

＊＊＊

I participated as an extra in a play when I was in middle school.

A role that ends with just standing on stage and saying one word.

But when I stood in front of people, my mind went blank.

Hundreds of eyes looking at me.

That image still appears in my nightmares from time to time.

But why am I telling you such a depressing story?

That’s exactly the situation right now.

“Cut! Good work, everyone!”

Applause filled the studio.

Chaplin and I got out of the carriage, drenched in sweat.

“Charlie. Didn’t you say it would be over in a few minutes? It feels like we’ve been running around for three hours.”

“I couldn’t help it because you’re better than I thought. How about we become actors together?”

Chaplin said with a laugh.

We quickly became close friends as we spent the whole night drinking together.

Being the same age is one of the reasons we became close.

Of course, the real me is younger.

The camera crew came over and asked.

“How can I get my name on the credits?”

“Hitler. Just say Adolf Hitler.”

I said, wiping the sweat off my face.

Making a movie with Charlie Chaplin.

There’s even praise there.

It’s like I’m dreaming.

“I’ll contact you again before the opening. Let’s have a drink.”

After exchanging greetings, Chaplin left for the staff.

As I left the studio, Disney greeted me.

A face as excited as mine.

“Making a movie with Mr. Chaplin! I wish I had grown a moustache.”

“I don’t think it would look odd if you grew a mustache there, Walt.”

I said with a smile.

By the way, it’s a mustache.

Hitler and Charlie Chaplin of the original history had the same mustache.

Who copied whom?

I think Chaplin became famous before Hitler.

“The studio is almost ready. Now all that’s left is to plan the project…”

Disney said, looking at me.

“I kept thinking about the business card Mr. Hitler asked me for a while ago.”

“If it’s a business card…?”

I asked in a calm tone.

As expected, you’re biting the bait.

A few days ago, when I asked him to design a business card, I subtly hinted at Mickey Mouse.

Round ears and a cute nose.

‘Of course I didn’t ask you to do it out loud…’

People hate ideas that have been forced upon them by others.

Especially if you’re someone with a big ego like Walt Disney.

So I got Disney to come up with Mickey Mouse himself.

‘Is this also a type of gaslighting?’

I told you what Disney made in the history of the original.

So who first created Mickey Mouse?

It’s like some kind of time travel paradox.

There’s no use thinking about a problem that has no answer.

‘The important thing is that Disney thought of Mickey Mouse.’

Disney’s success could come that much sooner.

“I think the character drawn on the business card would be good. It has many similarities to Felix Cat.”

“I agree with you, Walt.”

I tapped Disney on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry about the distributor, just make the work you want. If you need more funding, just contact me.”

“Mr. Hitler.”

Disney muttered with a puzzled look on his face.

“Why do you trust me so much? Of course I should be happy, but if by any chance I fall short of your expectations…”

“I had confidence that Walt would succeed. Otherwise, why would I have invested in him?”

I guaranteed Disney control in exchange for owning 80% of the studio’s stock.

The right to choose one’s successor for life, unless one resigns voluntarily.

Plus, you get a huge bonus based on your sales.

“Then I guess I should go and negotiate with the Warner Brothers.”

“If it were Warner Brothers…”

“They promised to distribute it on friendly terms. Of course, it is on the condition that they invest as well.”

Warner Brothers.

WB.

Even people who aren’t interested in movies know the name Warner Brothers.

A film production company and distributor at the same time.

Although it was one of the biggest film studios in the 21st century, it did not even have proper studio facilities.

‘Warner Brothers created the trend of sound films in the 1920s.’

What if Disney animation combined with Warner’s sound?

Money will start rolling in like a mountain.

Mickey Mouse really started to gain popularity with the sound-based ‘Steamboat Wally’.

The Mickey Mouse Club is founded.

Dolls, bags, and all kinds of goods.

This also needs to be prepared in advance.

I guess I should acquire at least one toy company.

“Anyway, I’ll take care of all the little things.”

Then someone came running towards us. Ub Iwerks, a colleague of Disney’s.

He stopped in front of me, panting.

“Hey, Mr. Hitler. I think you should go to the hotel right away.”

“Is there any problem?”

hotel?

“An urgent telegram has arrived for Herr Hitler. He said that no one but himself can confirm it.”

“Is this an emergency telegram?”

Did Richter send you this?

He did tell me to contact him if there was any problem.

The three of us hurried back to the hotel. The desk clerk, seeing my face, took out a piece of paper.

“Mr. Hitler? An urgent telegram has arrived from New York. I think you’d better check it right away.”

The writing on the paper was short.

[※Urgent※ E and T visit the company. The atmosphere is tense. It seems like the reporters noticed. Need instructions on what to do.]

E and T.

You’re talking about Edison and Tesla.

‘They both came at the same time?’

Then it’s not surprising that reporters sniffed around.

Richter had a passive side.

‘Simple management may be okay, but improvisation is not.’

I need to get back to New York before chaos breaks out.

Edison and Tesla came together.

Are you accepting my offer?

That’s not certain yet.

The problem is the influx of reporters.

If I wasn’t careful, my plan could have been ruined before it even started.

If fake news or rumors start pouring in…

no.

‘It could actually be an opportunity.’

I couldn’t hide in the shadows any longer.

Things were different when he was nicknamed “Kaiser” on Wall Street.

When the name Hitler was made known to America, and indeed to the entire world.

‘I have to somehow create an impressive and positive image.’

The most important thing in self-marketing is first impressions. I need to come up with a strategy when I get back to New York.

‘The reporters gathered here of their own accord, so I can’t waste this opportunity.’

There was still some writing underneath the telegram.

What else is there?

[P.S. The Levine kids are secretly looking forward to the souvenirs]

A snicker came out.

Yeah, I should get those guys some presents too.

I asked the desk clerk to call Chaplin’s quarters.

“Oh, Charlie. I forgot to tell you something.”

I said.

“Can I go over there now and get a few autographs?”

On set for the movie Sunnyside – Public Domain