Hagen came directly to the point. That he was an emissary from a friend of

Johnny Fontane. That this friend was a very powerful man who would pledge his

Gratitude and undying friendship to Mr. Woltz if Mr. Woltz would grant a small

Favor. The small favor would be the casting of Johnny Fontane in the new war

Movie the studio planned to start next week.

2 The seamed face was impassive, polite. "What favors can your friend do me?"

Woltz asked. There was just a trace of condescension in his voice.

3 Hagen ignored the condescension. He explained. "You've got some labor

Trouble coming up. My friend can absolutely guarantee to make that trouble

Disappear. You have a top male star who makes a lot of money for your studio but

He just graduated from marijuana to heroin. My friend will guarantee that your

male star won't be able to get any more heroin. And if some other little things

come up over the years a phone call to me can solve your problems."

Jack Woltz listened to this as if he were hearing the boasting of a child. Then

he said harshly, his voice deliberately all East Side, "You trying to put muscle on

me?"

5 Hagen said coolly, "Absolutely not. I've come to ask a service for a friend. I've

tried to explain that you won't lose anything by it."

Almost as if he willed it, Woltz made his face a mask of anger. The mouth