SHOW BIZ ROYALS - MGM, DE’ MEDICIS, EMPERORS, QUEENS & TSARS

PATHWAY OF THE MOGUL AS GRAND ACQUISITOR:
Storyline: The midas-touched merchant prince turns almost everything he fondles into gold, while acting as pocketbook patriarch for the generations of his own family who continually follow his unleaden lead.
David Geffen (1943) - American movie and record producer. Outer: Son of Russian immigrants, mother was an an entrepreneur, and basic breadwinner of the family, father was a pattern-maker, who preferred reading to working. Younger of 2 brothers. His mother’s entrepreneurial activities made him want to be a businessman. Slept in his parent’s bedroom until his older brother left home. Fascinated by movie moguls from a young age, particularly Louis B. Mayer (Master P). Began working after school at 14, when his mother cut off his allowance to make him enter the working world, then headed west the day he graduated high school. Denied admission to UCLA, he went to the Univ. of Texas for a semester, but flunked out, then did the same at Brooklyn College. Began his career working in the mailroom of the William Morris management agency, claiming he was a UCLA graduate and a cousin of record producer Phil Spector. Went to work an hour early for 4 months, before intercepting and steaming open a letter from UCLA, and then forging himself as a graduate of that university. Already signing artists as a mailroom clerk. Became an agent for various agencies, created and sold Tunafish Music, then formed Asylum Records, which he also sold, but continued working for them in their merged form as Elektra/Asylum. Briefly lived with singer Cher after her break-up with Sonny Bono. Worked for Warner Bros. for a year, then was misdiagnosed and thought he was dying of a cancerous tumor. Taught at UCLA and Yale, then 4 years later, discovered he was in good health and returned to the music industry. Formed Geffen Records in 1980, ultimately making it the largest music management company in the U.S, through his skill at knowing what the public wanted. Known as the ultimate schmoozer, on phone from morning til night. Extremely persuasive, built his own entertainment empire by expanding into Broadway productions as well as films, through the Geffen Film Company, and wound up one of the richest men in the entertainment industry, through manipulation and the willingness to sabotage any personal relationship in the way of his goals. Capable of both off-beat productions as well as commercial hits, and able to successfully balance the two. Almost married pop star Cher, then came out of the closet as a homophile in the 1990s, after becoming a billionaire, and contributed large amounts of money to the AIDS crisis. Bought the old Jack Warner mansion in Beverly Hills, as a further reconnection with moguls past. Joined longtime friends Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg in forming the first new Hollywood megastudio in many a decade, Dreamworks SKG, in his early 50s, while continuing to develop his own projects. Never particularly fond of the film industry, he let it go in 2005, when it was absorbed by Paramount. Prototype of the modern mogul, a combination of acute player skills, masterful manipulations, complete self-interest and an unerring ear and eye for public tastes. Interjected himself into the 2007 Democratic run for the presidential roses by laying his financial favors on Barack Obama, while badmouthing the Clintons for their dishonesty, despite having earlier backed them to the tune of $18 million. Butted heads with Paramount’s Sumner Redstone, and vowed to terminate SKG’s contract with the studio when its contract runs out in 2008. Inner: High-energy, highly ambitious, highly persuasive, with the ability to regain the confidence of people he has abused and betrayed. Magnetic, ruthless and totally solipsistic. Extremely social, as well as casual and down-to-Earth. Golden touch lifetime of actualizing his power fantasies in the cultural realm, unweighed down by family or throne as he has been in the past, to be his own kingdom unto himself. Lewis Selznick (Lewis Zeleznik) (1870-1933) - American movie mogul. Outer: One of 18 children of an impoverished Jewish forester. Walked out of Russia and emigrated to England at 12, then worked as a factory hand until he earned passage to America. Married Florence Sachs, the strong-willed daughter of a chicken-killer, 3 sons, including agent Myron (Jeffrey Katzenberg) and producer David O. Selznick (Brett Ratner). Taught his sons that they were heir to his kingdom and read them the classics. His youngest son was slightly brain-damaged and mostly ignored. After becoming a jeweler’s apprentice in Pittsburgh, he recreated himself as a successful self-made entrepreneur with a chain of stores by his mid-20s. Moved to NYC at 30, and took a chance on the fledgling motion picture business 2 years later. Slid around several companies, then stole an established star, Clara Kimball Young (Laura Dern), and created a motion picture company around her, before changing it in months to his own Selznick Pictures. Thrived for a while as one of the original Hollywood moguls, but made many enemies in the business. By the time he reached his early 50s, gambling, competitive rivalries, particularly with Louis B. Mayer, (Percy Miller) and sour real estate investments, forced him into bankruptcy over a small $3000 debt. Compelled to move from his 22-room Park Avenue apartment, to three furnished rooms, with his wife doing the cooking, and all their possessions, including the latter’s jewels, hocked. Failed to rally in the Florida land boom and retired, supported by his two successful sons. Died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Inner: Restless, inventive, self-destructive. Doting father with middle son, David, treating him like a child into his early 20s, and seeing his own immortality in him. Intensely competitive with a propensity for risk-taking, allowing him to open up his previously controlled autocratic Catholic character for a more expressive immigrant Jewish one. Bridge lifetime of overextending himself, while learning through both his failures and a forced retirement for late-life reflection on how to proceed in creating a far more successful go-round the next time up in the same industry. Joseph I (1678-1722) - Holy Roman Emperor. Outer: From the House of Hapsburg. Mother was a German duchess, father was HRE Leopold I (Leopold Stokowski). Oldest of 7 surviving children of his father’s 3rd marriage, including brother, Karl VI (Michael Eisner). With a restless, hectic nature, he took after his mother far more than his father, with whom he was often at odds, although he inherited his sire’s musical sensibilities. Became king of Hungary at 9, and was designated king of the Romans at 12. Not adverse to amorous romance, unlike his more staid sire. In1699, he married Wilhelmina Amalia, a German princess, 2 daughters from union and one son who did not survive. Succeeded to the imperial throne at the age of 26, and involved himself in continual wars, particularly over the kingship of Spain for his brother, which remained unresolved at his early death. Eager for reform and change. Reorganized Austria’s finances, creating a much more viable banking system to finance the empire’s military pursuits. As an accomplished musician, he greatly fostered the cultural life of Vienna, but his reign was too brief to leave a permanent imprint on his inherited empire. Died from smallpox in his mid-30s, and was succeeded by his brother. Inner: Cultured, energetic and highly competent. Modernizer, impatient with the old ways, particularly in the political arena. Foreshortened lifetime of giving cultural impetus to Vienna as the musical capital of Europe, while learning the exigencies of ruling a vast empire without being given the full scope of time to develop them. Philaret (Fyodor Romanov) (c1554-1633) - Russian Orthodox Patriarch. Outer: Related to the Muscovite royal family. 2nd son of a general and statesman, and although one of the favorites of tsar Ivan the Terrible (Joseph Stalin), was kind and generous. Tall and robust. Married Xenia Shestova, 5 sons from theunion, with the first 4 dying in infancy, and only the youngest, Michael (Michael Eisner), surviving. Like his sire, he pursued a successful worldly career as a statesman with close ties to the court, surpassing him in importance to the crown. Had his own eye on the throne, and when his cousin, Fyodor I (Lavrenti Beria) died in 1598, he found himself outmaneuvered by his more powerful rival, Boris Godunov (Sergei Kirov), who trumped up charges of treason, and had him and his entire extended family exiled to the arctic regions of Russia, after a manufactured trial. His wife was subsequently given the veil, and the two were separated, while he was made a tonsured monk, ending his direct dreams for the throne. On his archfoe’s sudden death in 1605, he was released in the dynastic confusion afterwards and made metropolitan or archbishop of Rostov. Carried off by the Poles in 1612, he was imprisoned in a castle dungeon, not to be finally released until 1619 after the ascension of his son, Michael, to the throne. Following a joyous reunion with his family, which had always been close, he was made Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. Overrode his lesser son, to become the dominating force of government, insisting on the title, “sovereign majesty,” which had heretofore solely been reserved for tsars. Proved to be a highly capable reformer in all domains. Made the church far more Russian, forcing all who entered it from its Roman counterpart to be rebaptised, while reaching back out across Europe, after Russia’s long isolation. Established both libraries and colleges in each of the country’s dioceses. Also reformed the tax structure, reorganized the military and gave more stability to peasant life, in an all-round run at totally reshaping society in preparation for unknown futures to come. Tsar in everything but title, he was able to cement a household that would ultimately house 18 tsars and last 300 years. Inner: Extremely ambitious, with an inordinate instinct for order, and the capacity to resurrect from all sorts of situations. Imprisoned lifetime of being forced to excessively contemplate himself and his ambitions, before embarking on a mature career of re-altering political and spiritual realities to a far more pragmatic level. Paul III (Alessandro Farnese) (1468-1549) - Italian pope. Outer: His family had been in the Papal service since the 12th century. On his mother’s side, Pope Boniface VIII was an ancestor. Father was a Roman noble, mother was an heiress. Born on a once every 4 year day, signaling the unusual life he would lead. Youngest of 3, including a sister, Giulia (Helena Rubinstein). Given a humanistic education by a school grounded in pagan mythos, then spent some years in the lively humanist circle around Lorenzo de’ Medici, unconsciously tapping into the descendants of his earlier go-round, while connecting up with the future Leo X (Brett Ratner), and going to the Univ. of Pisa. Of medium height, with an aquiline nose, and a ruddy complexion. Spent a short prison term because of a family quarrel, then Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia (Maxim Gorki) became his patron, after taking on Giulia as his mistress. Made a cardinal deacon by the latter, although gossipmongers whispered it was his sister’s intimacy with the latter that got him his position. Despite his position, he was not ordained a priest until 1519, at which point he took his clerical duties seriously. Up until then, he acted every inch the Renaissance nobleman, hunting, traveling, and collecting handsome revenues through his benefices. Exhibited acute artistic tastes, which were used exclusively for enhancing his family’s property, including the Palazzo Farnese, which he worked on from 1513 until his death. Kept an unnamed wellborn Roman mistress, and had four children by her, including his eldest son Pier Luigi (Leopold Stokowski), although he gave her up once he was ordained. Given various positions by the papacy, he used his diplomatic skills to elect 5 popes, before he became pontiff himself in 1534. Immediately enhanced his own family, making two teenage grandsons cardinals, and his son Pier Luigi head of the papal army. Despite his own nepotistic corruption, his predilection for splendor made him popular with his constituents, while his practice of naming those of worth as cardinals, rather than those who agreed with him, broke precedence. Worked hard to root out unethical practices in response to the rising threat of the German Reformation, which was seriously countermanding the authority of the papacy. Refounded the papal inquisition, oversaw new orders, such as the Jesuits, and reformed and reorganized the papal offices. Excommunicated the king of England, Henry VIII (Maxwell Beaverbrook), and asserted papal control over central Italy. Continued to enhance his own family, making his grandson Ottavio (Steven Spielberg), duke of Camerino, which was resisted, as were his heavy taxes. Had Michelangelo (Henri Matisse) paint the Last Judgment on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and was a noted patron of learning and public buildings. Convoked the Council of Trent in 1545, as a means of further reforming the church, and sponsored missions to the outlying world, while giving his son Pier Luigi the duchy of Parma and Piacenza, which did not sit well with his strongest Catholic ally, the HRE Charles V (Napoleon Bonaparte), who gave assent to the latter’s subsequent violent removal. Greatly weakened by the shock of his son’s assassination in 1547, and then began undone in anger when Ottavio brooked his will and refused to leave Parma. Died shortly afterwards, with one last word, “Parma.” Greatly mourned afterwards, with the populace lining up to kiss his feet. Inner: Seen as good-hearted, intelligent, and magnanimous, as a bridge figure from the decadent past chosen by the hand of his/story to try to lead a beleaguered church into the post-medieval world. Rarely made an important decision without consulting his astrologer. Managed to be well-loved while his son and grandson were hated, although had difficulty when his considerable will was challenged, particularly by family members. Actualized lifetime of achieving his aim to become a highly memorable pontiff, so as to complete his impressive medieval run, and prepare himself for his future role as patriarchal mogul in the entertaining world of modernity. Cosimo de’ Medici (1389-1464) - Italian banker and Renaissance prince. Outer: One of 2 sons of the gonfalonier of Venice. Learned about wealth and power from an early age from his prudent, cautious banker father, Giovanni de’ Medici, while serving as his right hand for many a year. Scholarly, he was given an excellent classical education, and a sense of duty to the family name. Lean, olive-skinned, over medium height, with a dignified, benign expression. As commonsensical as his sire, but less cautious, with far greater personal ambition. Managed the papacy’s finances and became the wealthiest man of his time. Founder of one of the main lines of the subsequent de’ Medici family. Married Contessina de’ Bardi, 2 sons from the union, including Piero (Steven Spielberg). After his father death in 1429, an anti-de’ Medici faction prevailed and he was arrested, jailed and narrowly avoided being beheaded before being exiled in 1433 to Padua for a ten year sentence. His brother and other family members were also scattered throughout Italy. Wound up in Venice, where he was treated like a prince and maintained his connections with his Florentine supporters. Overwhelmingly called back soon afterwards, he returned in his mid-40s to establish a 3 decade dominion over Florence, ruling with a sure hand, although his popular measures were never particularly well liked. Had a passion for building, and was a patron of culture, learning and antiquities, buying the largest extant library in existence in 1437. Chose good subordinates, and never displayed himself ostentatiously, following his father’s advice. Led a long and largely successful life, steering his state through complex difficulties, although the end saw the loss of his brother and favorite son. Established Florence as a learning and banking center of Renaissance Europe. Became an enthusiastic student of the Greek philosopher Plato (Anandmurti Gurumaa) at 50, going so far as to re-create his ancient academy at his own villa, and ultimate putting scholar Marsilio Ficino (Ram Dass) in charge of translating the manuscripts he had in his possession. The project would last decades longer than he did, but ultimately would be of extraordinary benefit to both medieval and Athenian scholarship. Afflicted with the family propensity for gout, and at the end of his long life, he felt his large gloomy house would not survive, although he was able to accept his oncoming death with good grace. Inner: Highly pragmatic, and relatively modest. Never used his fortune for his own physical enjoyment. Disliked violence, autocratic, imperturbable. Spoke little and was deliberately easy-going. Not particularly brave or eloquent, preferring to use finances as his primary source of aggression. Deep pocket lifetime of allowing his financial and cultural skills full flower in a perfect milieu for them, while establishing a base for his ongoing family of cultural moguls. Rudolph IV, duke of Austria (1339-1365) - Austrian noble. Known as “the Founder.” Outer: Oldest of 6 children of the duke of Austria, and a third generation member of the Hapsburg dukes of Austria. First in his line to be born in that polity, and seen as kingly as a young man. In 1357, he married Catherine de Luxembourg, a fellow teenager and the daughter of HRE Karl IV (Chaim Weizmann) of the House of Luxembourg, thereby linking those two powerful dynasties. No children from the union, with his wife outliving him by 30 years. Extremely ambitious, as well highly competitive with his father-in-law, who had made Prague a cultural and intellectual center. Wished to do the same with Vienna, and was more than willing to manipulate circumstances to effect that end. Created a Metropolitan chapter at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen in order to make Vienna a bishopric, since it had heretofore been part of a neighboring diocese. Also founded the Univ. of Vienna in 1365 to compete with Karl’s Univ. of Prague, and it would ultimately wind up as the oldest continuing German-language university, after WW II. Extremely active in Vienna’s economic growth, as well, including creating a stable currency. Forged a document, the “Privilegium Maius,” which made him an equal with the electors of the Holy Roman Empire, and also invented the title of Archduke for himself in 1358, at his sire’s death, which his Hapsburg descendants would employ for themselves. Wangled Tyrol under his rule in 1363 via his childless sister, and fashioned a contract of inheritance with his father-in-law, so that the Houses of Hapsburg and Luxembourg would enjoy mutual inheritances. Modernized his territories and his cities, so as to set the future central European cultural and economic superiority of Vienna, although his premature death found his brothers Albert III and Leopold III at one another, to found two different lineages. The House of Hapsburg, however, would become ruling custodians of the Holy Roman Empire through his great-grand-nephew the following century, for the rest of its 350+ year existence. Inner: Suffered from facial palsy. Highly energetic, and not above manipulating documents to achieve his ends, which were dedicated to creating a ruling house for the ages. Founder lifetime of cementing a house he would return to, while feeding into his ongoing paterfamilial education as primary architect of the fortunes of his descendants in medieval and then modern times. Gordianus I (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus) (c159-238) - Roman Emperor. Outer: Origins somewhat clouded. Claimed to be descended from Emperor Trajan (George C. Marshall) on his mother’s side, and the reforming Gracchi brothers on his father’s. His ancestors had thrice been consuls. Of ordinary height, and dignified, he carried himself well and sounded like an augustus. In his mid-30s, he married Fabia Orestilla, the great grand-daughter of the emperor Antoninus Pius (Bernard Kouchner) by whom he had Gordianus II (Brett Ratner), as well as a daughter, who would become mother of Gordianus III (Steven Spielberg). Impressive-looking, and strongly family-oriented. A wealthy landowner, he had far vaster provincial estates than any other private Roman citizen. Also held literary interests, and was noted for his huge library. Had a successful career as an aedile or judge, held various senatorial posts, and was governor of several provinces. Became consul at the relatively advanced age of 64. Accorded the title of emperor in 238, along with his son, while proconsul of Africa, as part of a rebellion not of his making. 80 years old at the time, and reluctant to take on the role, he eventually accepted acclamation as Augustus. Sent deputies to Rome and through their machinations, was given the imperial nod by the Senate. His son was soon killed in battle, and he hanged himself with his belt in grief, after only 22 days of wearing the purple. Inner: Moderate in all things he did, with an excessive love of slumber, even in social situations. Gentle and affectionate temper, extremely generous in his dealings with friends. Trifecta lifetime of trying to unite intellectuality with martiality, only to be eventually overcome by his own emotionality.

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PATHWAY OF THE MOGUL AS SENTIMENTAL VISIONARY:
Storyline: The crowd-pleasing crown prince moves from the uncertainty of the political realm into the magical kingdom of cinematic fantasies, and proves himself to be the absolute master of his domain, giving the public precisely what it wants, through a combination of sentiment, story-telling expertise and the desire to uplift and enlighten.
Steven Spielberg (1947) - American film executive. Outer: Of Russian descent. Mother was an extroverted concert pianist, who doted on him, and ultimately became a kosher dairy restauranteur. Father was an electrical engineer and computer expert, who was quite distant and wedded to his work, although he provided the knowledge and support to make his son a filmmaker. Oldest of 4, introverted as a child and extremely close to his mother. In adulthood, he was able to find common ground with his father. Had a suburban Jewish upbringing in Phoenix, and began his involvement in cinema as a child with home movies, churning out his first production with actors at 12. The following year, he won a contest with a 40 minute war film, Escape to Nowhere. His parents divorced when he was 19. Although he was a poor student, his film obsession carried him to California State College, where he made his professional debut with a short called Amblin’, a name he would later give his production company. Stepped into an empty office at Universal and pretended to work there, unconsciously tapping into the ghost of his earlier career start. Honed his skills initially on TV work. Made an impressive debut in his late 20s with Sugarland Express, and with his following film, Jaws, he established himself as a box office heavyweight, with the ability to bring craft and big financial numbers together. With his succeeding expertise at turning his fantasies into astonishing figures on the tally sheets, he helped redefine Hollywood as a magical well-monied kingdom. Reached his commercial apex in his mid-30s with E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, the most popular film up until its time. Able to form his own production company, Amblin, off of it, and go on to become one of the richest and most powerful people in Hollywood. The following year, he married actress Amy Irving, one child from union, divorced 4 years later, then married actress Kate Capshaw in his mid-40s, 5 more children. Brought many of his childhood fantasies to screen, while creating a huge entertainment empire through his ability to tap into the public’s dreamworld, and work successfully with other people. Elicited strong loyalty from those beneath him, and admiration from those who labored with him. Worked in animation, sci-fi and sheer terror, creating a number of the top 10 money-making films of all time. Continually snubbed by the Motion Picture Academy for his directorial efforts, he was finally rewarded with the Irving Thalberg Award in his late 30s, for Best Repeated Life. His saccharine sensibilities often marred his extraordinary story/telling abilities, as his wish to be loved for his work by a distant audience conflicted with the confident artist in him. Capped his creative career with Schindler’s List, a film on the Nazi Holocaust, a subject which has continued to fascinate him. Won the Academy’s nod as Best Director for it in 1993, and two years later, he was given the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Formed a megastudio, Dreamworks SKG, with close friends Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, although it took its time unfolding, while he has continued with his own projects, alternately playing off of fantasy and his own replays of his/story, including the highly successful WW II drama, Saving Private Ryan, and Munich, an attempt at a balanced look of the bloodlust of the Middle East. The producer of more than 40 films, excluding the ones he’s made, and worth some $2 billion by his early 50s. In 2005, Dreamworks SKG was sold to Paramount. Far more interested in directing than running a studio, and being the storyteller supreme of his generation of filmmakers, although chafed at Paramount’s Sumner Redstone refusal to acknowledge DKG’s contribution, and along with Geffen, began looking to terminate the deal in 2008. Inner: Unassuming, straightforward, workaholic sentimentalist. Strong sense of family, strong cultural identification with his Judaism, philanthropic. Sense of being an outsider, despite his successes, along with a fear of offending. Conservative financially, shrewd businessman, demanding a high percentage of the gross of most of his later endeavors. Dislikes the word ‘mogul,’ making him think of debauched mongrel. Midas-touched lifetime of playing the commercial visionary and giving ever more range and depth to his artistic imagination through the wholesale acceptance of his efforts on the part of the great mass mind. Irving Thalberg (1899-1936) - American film executive. Outer: Mother was extremely ambitious for him, father was an importer of lace, comfortable middle-class German-Jewish upbringing. The elder of 2, he had a sickly childhood, with a rheumatic heart condition, and was often bed-ridden, particularly in high school. Read continually from the stacks of books his mother carted home for him from the library, then brought many of his childhood literary fantasies to the screen. Wound up with an impressive breadth of knowledge, and the ability to discuss virtually everything, thanks to adding Spanish and German, his/story and philosophy to his self-taught curriculum. Told he might not live to 30, he skipped college, learned shorthand and began his movie career in his late teens, with old family friend, Carl Laemmle (Michael Eisner), the founder of Universal Studios. Showed excellent administrative abilities and keen judgment on story material, and by the time he was 20, he found himself head of production of the fledgling outlet. Became known as ‘the Boy Wonder’ around Hollywood for his uncanny ability to sate public appetites for entertainment. Had a great eye for flaws in films, and was a stickler for detail. Forced to leave 3 years later, when he turned down a proposition offered to him to marry Laemmle’s daughter. Joined Louis B. Mayer (Percy Miller) and his small company as head of production, right before it was absorbed into Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer or MGM, one of Hollywood’s longtime major houses. With Mayer as manager and himself as artistic director, the team made the studio Hollywood’s most prestigious, as he personally supervised the silver screening of many of the classics of 1920 and 1930 filmdom. Always shot quickly, then reworked his efforts, until they shone to his satisfaction. Spared no expense in bringing stories he loved to the screen, and was roundly supported by the public for his efforts. In his mid-20s, he married the studio’s leading actress, Norma Shearer, but then tried to control her career, 2 children from union. Never took credit on the 90+ films he produced, but was outraged over his writers attempting to unionize into a guild. Suffered a heart attack at 32, and left filmland to recuperate in Europe, but on his return, he found he was no longer relevant. Lost much of his power and authority, although he continued producing some exemplary films, such as Mutiny on the Bounty and Night at the Opera. In his last moments, he looked up at his wife and said, “Don’t let the children forget me,” and died of pneumonia at 37. Immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Last Tycoon.” Inner: Despite his frailty, he was a strong taskmaster, with great attention to detail and an uncanny knack for public taste. Self-effacing, but did not allow individuality in his directors, insisting they be company man to the core. Invented the role of the producer, with many managers beneath him to make sure the product was delivered on time and for cost. Foreshortened lifetime of acting the commercial visionary in a weak body, under threat of the strict time limitations of his frail mortality, motivating him to return in similar mode and bring his talents to full maturity. Alexander II (1818-1881) - Russian tsar. Outer: Eldest son of Nicholas I (Percy Miller). Spent his early years in the company of women, then at 6, began his training in the autocratic tradition of his father, who always felt he needed toughening up. Also tutored by a humanistic poet. The conflict of the two modes would make for a dual character, humanitarian and autocrat, with a preference for the former over the latter. Became the first of his family to receive a truly comprehensive education, learning how to balance the interests of his elites against one another as an instrument of change, rather than allowing one set to dominate the other. Despite being a dilatory student, he managed to absorb some of what he was taught, with a distinct preference for the spectacle of the parade ground over the drudge of the classroom. Toured Russia in his late teens, getting some sense of its vastness, then spent over a year abroad, visiting 40 major European cities. Fell in love with an illegitimate German princess, Marie of Hesse (Norma Shearer) after spending one day with her family, and insisted over his parents’ objections, that she would be his wife or he would renounce the throne. She adopted his religion and changed her name to Maria Alexandrovna, and the two were married in 1841, 6 children from the union including his successor, Alexander III (Johnny Weissmuller), after his eldest, Nikolai (David Hasselhoff) died at 20. Happy union for nearly a quarter of a century. Began acting as his father’s deputy, and served in the upper echelons of the government for 15 years before ascending the throne at the age of 36 on his sire’s death, relatively well-prepared for his role. Immediately greeted with Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War, a result of his father’s failed policies, which forced him into a reformist mode. In 1861, he freed the serfs, “better from below than above,” and subsequently won enmity from both left and right over whatever he did. Helped modernize Russia, more from necessity than visionary idealism, creating a whole new series of elective bodies to govern Russia’s hamlets and districts, while introducing trial by jury and making the country’s judges independent. Once he began, however, expectations far exceeded actualities, and his relative progressivism spurred revolutionary activity. Escaped an assassination attempt in 1866, which reinforced his autocratic conservatism, then took on an 18 year old mistress, Ekaterina Dolgorukia (Kate Capshaw), with whom he had 4 children, and she became the mainstay of his life, while he forced his wife to deal with her constant presence at court. Married her four months after the death of the empress in 1880, because he felt his life could end any moment. Many of his advisers as well as the public were shocked at his lack of protocol, but he innately knew the precariousness of his position. Despite his many accomplishments, revolutionary ardor reached a pyretic pitch towards the end of his reign, with numerous violent episodes directed towards him during his last decade of rule, culminating in his assassination through a tossed bomb at his carriage, tearing his legs to shreds. Died in agony several hours later, after his wife had warned him not to take that route. Inner: Neither overly strong nor overly talented, but assumed the throne at a time of great turmoil and instituted sufficient change to insure a high place in Russian his/story. Struggled with expressing his true self against his father-dominated sense of who he should be. Tenacious and stubborn beneath the surface, despite giving off a weaker facade. His death was symbolic of a disconnection from the planet and a tearing apart of his being, so as to reconstruct it in a completely different mode, from his previous lives of rule. Completion lifetime of being an instrument for metamorphosis, with an explosive ending rearranging his being to better suit it to touch on his own potential greatness within, as an emperor of the imagination. Alexis I (Aleksei Mikhailovitch) (1629-1676) - Russian tsar. Outer: Father was Michael Romanov (Michael Eisner), the patriarch of the Romanov line of tsars who would rule Russia for the next 3 centuries. Mother was the daughter of a rural squire and the former’s 2nd wife. 2nd of 6 children. Spent his first 5 years zealously watched over in the women’s quarters. Received a superficial education from his brother-in-law, although he developed a lifelong habit of gobbling down information. Ascended the throne at the age of 16, and immediately faced revolts and threats to his crown. Forced to exile his brother-in-law after a popular uprising, and allowed a new code of laws defining serfdom to be drawn up, which placed the peasantry in perennial servitude. Married Maria Miloslavskaya at 17, 13 children from union including two sickly sons, one suffering from Down’s Syndrome, Ivan V (Samuel Goldwyn), and Feodor III (Brett Ratner), who both became short-lived tsars. His wife was a deep traditionalist who argued against the modernization of Russia. Forced all westerners to retain their dress, thereby reinforcing the alien status of his country. Constantly dealing with unrest, as well as problems of state. Entered into war with Poland, and permitted the patriarch Nikon (Percy Miller) to rule in his absence. Conflicts with him over power abused led to the patriarch’s ultimate defrockment and exile, although he was able to improve relations with the volatile cleric later in life. A schism in the Russian Orthodox Church occurred through the machinations of the latter. His wife and 2 children died when he was 40, and he immediately began embracing more Western ways. Married a 2nd time less than 2 years after his first spouse’s death. His 2nd mate, Maria Miloslavskaya, was a year younger than his oldest daughter, and much more open to change, having been raised as an orphan in his closest adviser’s home amidst strong Western influence. The oldest son from this union became the legendary ruler, Peter I (Yukio Mishima). Opened up trade with the west, which caused more rebellions, and then died suddenly and unexpectedly in his prime. Inner: Deeply religious, extremely intelligent, but prone to outbursts of anger, as well as terrible retributions against dissenters. Basically kind, sensitive, gentle, warmhearted and impulsive, with a great interest in Western technology, architecture and theater. Favored the middle classes, and depended on favorites to advise him, showing no strong sense of leadership himself. Viewed as a weak ruler, despite his near 30 year reign of relative prosperity. Dualistic lifetime of showing no great affinity for rule, evincing instead far more of a proclivity for arts and culture, in an attempt to open up his female side and give eventual birth to his far greater talent as a ruler over the mythical land of Hollywood. Ottavio Farnese (1524-1586) - Italian duke. Outer: 2nd son of Pier Luigi Farnese (Leopold Stokowski) and Giraloma Orsini. Younger brother of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (Michael Eisner). As a 14 year old, he was married, for political purposes, to the natural daughter of HRE Charles V (Napoleon Bonaparte), Margaretha of Parma (Coco Chanel), who was already a widow and 2 years his senior. Twins from the union, with Alessandro Farnese (Lucien Bonaparte), the sole survivor. Lived apart from his wife for most of their married life, while she was far more attached to her son, than she was to him, while they both wound up dying exactly 8 months apart. Made lord of Camerino, although had to give it up, when his father became Duke of Parma, then tried to take possession of the latter, first by force, then by negotiation, after his sire’s assassination in 1547, which so angered his grandfather Pope Paul III (David Geffen), that it probably hastened his death, because the move directly challenged his considerable will. Following the pontiff’s departure, he was recognized as Duke of Parma by the next pope, Julius III in 1551. Able to negotiate with Charles’s successor, Felipe II (Adolf Hitler) of Spain for continued recognition, as his domains became virtually a Spanish protectorate, with Parma as the Farnese capital. Organized a better army, and founded a Jesuit College, in order to produce his own administrators, which would later become the Univ. of Parma. Established new industries and reorganized agriculture, while opening banks around his territory, in an all-around orderly show of competence and good business sense. In 1559, Felipe II made Margherita governess of Flanders, a position she held for a decade. Spent the latter part of his life quietly at home, tending to strengthening his duchy by building on the systems he had created. Succeeded by his son Alessandro, after his death. Inner: Extremely tenacious, albeit less the soldier than the negotiator, with an excellent sense of organization, and a determination to get his way. Like his other family members, evinced good taste and was an active patron of the arts. Continuer lifetime of solidifying systems he had inherited in his ongoing lessons in learning how to run and maintain and extended enterprise be it political or financial. Piero de’ Medici (Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici) (1416-1469) - Italian Florentine ruler. Known as ‘Piero the Gouty.’ Outer: Father was Cosimo de’ Medici (David Geffen), mother was an Italian contessina. One of 2 brothers. Scholarly, although more commonsensical than intellectual. Supported the arts and high minds of Florence, although was not presumptuous enough to join the circles he upheld. In 1443, he married Lucrezia Tornabuoni (Kate Capshaw), a highly intelligent woman from a powerful mercantile family, 4 surviving children, including Lorenzo (Abraham Lincoln) and Giuliano (Carl Sandburg), who was assassinated. Tight union twixt he and his wife, as she matched him in intelligence, as well as unprepossessing physicality, so that theirs was a connection of equals. Closely oversaw the education of his sons, allowing the former to become a figure for the ages. Afflicted so badly by hereditary gout, that he was often able to only move his tongue. His father never felt he was strong enough to continue in his tradition, despite adequately acquitting his duties as ambassador to other Italian city-states. Gonfalonier of Florence, the last of his family to hold that title. Believed in himself, even when others did not. Served as a patron for the Plato Academy, and supported many great artists, continuing the tradition of his father, and assuring his house would be a lasting testament to rule and patronage of learning. Assumed command of Florence the last 5 years of his life, and proved to be a fine political judge of character, steering his domain through its difficulties with tact and aplomb, while his wife worked as a close adviser. In 1466, on learning of a plot to overthrow him by the Duke of Ferrara, he had himself borne on a litter to outmaneuver his enemies, showing a courage he had heretofore kept hidden. Placed them in exile afterwards, rather than executing them, then later successfully stood off a seige. Ultimately fell victim to his disability, which caused him considerable depression during his final years, although did not mute his effectiveness. Inner: Tactful, innately humane, firm moral character. Avoided ostentation, well respected, and despite his afflictions, very much in control of his charge’s destiny. Debilitated body lifetime, once again, of trying to transcend his physical limitations and proving through the dint of sheer will, to be a powerful figure behind a weak exterior, an ongoing theme of his. Hugh Capet (c940-996) - French king. Outer: Began the Capetian line on the French throne. Grandfather, great-uncle and uncle had all been non-Carolingian kings. Eldest son of the Count of Paris, Hugh the Great (Percy Miller), and his 3rd wife. Inherited his father’s title, duke of the Franks in 956. Married in his mid-20s to Adelaide Aquitaine, the daughter of the duke of Aquitaine, 4 children, including his successor Robert II (Mikhail Gorbachev). Became a lay abbot, and derived his nickname from the cape (cappa) he wore. Like his father, he served the Carolingian monarchs, until the last of their line died in a riding accident. Also had good relations with the German kings, Otto II (Shah Massoud) and Otto III (Ayman al-Zawahiri). Appointed regent by the Archbishop of Reims, and elected by a council of nobles to fill the vacant throne in 987, based on his family, as well as his holding a position of power that made him ruler in all but name. Assured his succession by having his son Robert crowned the same year. Constantly had his throne threatened, although his enemies were never able to coordinate a successful coup. Very little known about him, other than his having a relatively pious and peaceful disposition. Ruled for 9 years and died of smallpox. Inner: Predicted seven generations would follow him. Somewhat of a blank page, probably had a fairly strong spiritual nature. Hidden lifetime of consolidating his family’s official hold on the throne of France and inaugurating their dynastic succession, while keeping his basic nature completely hidden from the prying pen of his/story. Gordianus III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (225-244) - Roman Emperor. Outer: Mother was the daughter of Gordianus I (David Geffen), while his sire was an unnamed Roman Senator who died when his son was in his teens. Nephew of Gordianus II (Brett Ratner). Father unknown, but was probably a senator, who died when his son was young. Showed himself to be a handsome youth with much promise. Raised to the rank of Caesar at 13 at the death of his same name forbears, and when his predecessors, Pupenius (Rupert Murdoch) and Balbinus (Maxwell Beaverbrook) were all murdered, he was made emperor later that same year by the Senate and the army. In 241, he married Furia Sabinia, the daughter of his cultured mentor, Timesitheus, whom he made praetorian prefect, and proved highly capable at the position. Timesitheus, however, was probably poisoned by his successor, M. Julius Philippus, known as Philip the Arab (Louis B. Mayer), 2 years later, and took his place. Philip then coveted the throne, and while on campaign, turned his soldiers against the boy-emperor, who was summarily killed, before he could bring his incipient talents to bear. Died in his teens. Inner: Light-hearted, handsome and merry, as well as well-loved by the people. Intelligent with a gift for communication. Foreshortened lifetime, once again, of being educated for both rule and the communication arts without being allowed to give mature expression to either, while dealing with the perfidy of his longtime father figure.

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PATHWAY OF THE MOGUL AS PATERNALISTIC PATRIARCH:
Storyline: The no-nonsense autocrat brings his ethic of absolute control to the entertainment realm, transforming a series of hard-knock upbringings into self-made success, after earlier showing the same focus, drive and martial aggression in all his lives of rule, whatever the timeframe and whatever the empire.
Master P (Percy Miller) (1970) - American rap artist and entrepreneur. Outer: Of African/American descent. Raised in the notorious Calliope housing projects in New Orleans by his grand/parents, as the oldest of 4 brothers. His younger brother Kevin was murdered by a drug addict when he was 18. Had his sibling’s name tattooed on himself, as a symbol of distrust of anyone but his immediate family. 2 other brothers became rap artists, C-Murder and Silkk, on his own label, and recorded with him under the name of TRU. 6’3”, bespectacled and athletic, he went to the Univ. of Houston on a basketball scholarship, but injured his knee, and returned to the street life of New Orleans, before moving to Northern California, where his father lived, to a safer environment, and attended Merrit Junior College in Oakland. Opened up his own record store in Richmond with $10,000 that his grandmother had received in a wrongful death suit involving her husband. Within 2 years, he went from selling records to making his own gangsta rap, which he peddled to record shops, and sold through word of mouth, as well as giving out free samples to neighborhood hotshots, who would blast them from their cars. Cut a distribution deal with Priority Records, and formed his own label, ‘No Limits,’ in his early 20s. Within 5 years, he had built it into a highly successful independent company, despite his derivative and unoriginal lyrics and music, which tried to retain their sense of the street. Diversified into film with a straight-to-video release in 1997, I’m ‘Bout It, then made his first theatrical release, a crude ghetto comedy, I Got the Hook-up, that starred himself and other members of his label. Ended his solo career in favor of producing and acting in films, while becoming, by the end of the 1990s, one of the most successful of all the self-made rap producers, creating a $400 million empire for himself, as CEO of No Limit Enterprises, thanks to his innovative marketing and his branching out into other business venues like real estate, clothing, sports management and fast food franchises, all the while creating a model for other hip-hop capital venturists. As an added fillip, he played in the Continental Basketball Association as a back-up guard, as part of his own lifelong dream of becoming an NBA star, then was cut by the Toronto Raptors, only to re-emerge in the IBL, showing the same determination for an athletic career as he has in all his endeavors. In 1991, he married Sonya Miller, 4 children from union including L’il Romeo, who became a rap star at 11. Also has a son from an earlier relationship. Continually expanded his empire until he hit a bankruptcy wall in 2004 with his record company, although started a new label the following year, New No Limit, while showing ‘no limits,’ to his thirst for accumulation and dominance within his niche market. Inner: Polite, but extremely businesslike, with no limit to his ambitions, which include acting, producing and being an entertainment mogul. Extremely innovative, putting his imagination into his marketing, rather than his product, and serving as an exemplar of self-made entrepreneurship. Ghetto gateway lifetime of coming up through the heaviest culture available, just like some of his other fellow moguls, in order to re-establish himself as a pre-eminent judge of popular tastes, while continuing on his pathway as a pivotal figure in America’s ongoing entertainment industry. Louis B. Mayer (Eliezar Lazar Meir) (1884-1957) - American movie executive. Outer: The Russian-born son of a laborer, he emigrated to the U.S. as a child. Youngest of 3, with two older sisters. His father was in the ship-salvaging business, while his mother was a simple peasant who sold chickens door-to-door. Despised the former, who abused him both physically and emotionally, and adored the latter. Later changed his birthdate and year to a more patriotic 7/4, and a more rounded 1885. His family moved to New Brunswick, Canada where he was a ragpicker as a child. Quit school at 12, and joined his father’s scrap metal business. By 15, he was conducting all its deals. In 1904, he moved to Boston, and later that year, he married Margaret Shenberg, the daughter of a butcher and part/time cantor, 2 daughters from union, over whom he exercised strict control. At 22, he bought a small derelict 600 seat burlesque house in Boston, renamed it the Orpheum, and showed a French film called The Passion Play, and soon expanded it into the largest theater chain in New England, operating under the premise that what he liked, everyone would like. 5’7”, bespectacled, with powerful shoulders, a barrel chest, and a fierce temper. Branched out into distribution by his late 20s, and by his early 30s, he had moved into production, beginning with Virtuous Wives, with his own company in Los Angeles. When a trio of studios merged in his late 30s, he became the Mayer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), which he ruled as general manager, both paternalistically and tyrannically, boasting “more stars than there are in the heavens,” while using tears, cajolery and bullying to keep his luminaries in financial line. Largely left all creative decisions to his producers, although he had the gift of nurturing and recognizing talent. Helped found the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1927, which would ultimately award yearly ‘bests’ for all aspects of moviemaking. Rarely read anything; stories had to be acted out for him. Heavily dependent on his young production chief, Irving Thalberg (Steven Spielberg), but he also had an excellent knack for popular taste. Hard worker and totally devoted to his role as taste-maker for mass America. Began to stray from his marriage in his late 40s, when his wife had a hysterectomy, and finally left her a decade later, giving tacit permission for his fellow moguls to do the same, although he suffered lasting guilt for doing so. In 1948, he married a much younger widow, Lorena Danker. As one of the original czars of Hollywood, he viewed his studio as one large family, demanding both loyalty and obedience with a preference for escapist, wholesome fare. Totally controlling with his own family as well, not letting either daughter go to college. Briefly replaced Thalberg with David O. Selznick (Brett Ratner), who went on to marry his daughter, Irene, much to his initial misgivings. Very active in Republican politics as a staunch conservative, serving for several years as chairman of the Republican Party of California. Averaged over a million a year in the 1930s and 1940s, and was the highest paid man in America in 1937, holding that honor for 9 years. His office at the time was mostly done in white, reflecting his sense of absolute economic power. Dethroned as MGM boss in his mid-60s, he spent his last few years fighting stockholders of the parent company. Died of leukemia shortly after the stockholders denied his last manipulative move, and ironically the company had its first losing year ever. Left a mean-spirited will, cutting out one daughter because of her husband’s liberal politics. Inner: Tyrannical, quick-tempered, ruthless, totally controlling. Cocky, boastful, anti-intellectual, sentimental and arrogant, with an acute instinct for public tastes. Felt a moral imperative to positively influence the viewing public. Liked Catholics; at one point, contemplated converting. Stars always came first with him, followed by producer, director and writer. Confounding father lifetime of shifting from the political to economic rule with the same sense of absolutism and control, although able to be a somewhat more integrated character through the competitive pressures of free enterprise. Nicholas I (1796-1855) - Czar of Russia. Outer: Son of a German princess and future Emperor Pavel I (Shah Pahlevi), who succeeded to the throne 3 months after his birth. 3rd of 3 brothers, including the future czar Alexander I (Mikhail Gorbachev), whom he succeeded. Also had a younger sister. His mother was extremely cold, while his father was off in his own militaristic fantasy world, although was kind to his children. His only close relationships were with his younger siblings. His sire died when he was 5, and his brother Alexander was made czar. Given strict military training which made him a lifelong reactionary. Introduced to the theater at an early age. Over 6’, noble, handsome, with a regal bearing. At 21, he married a Prussian princess, Charlotte, 7 children including his successor, Alexander II (Steven Spielberg). Had a bitter dislike of both Poles and Jews. Traveled and held secondary military posts until his brother’s sudden death. Ascended the throne at age 29, after some question as to the line of heredity. Rebels launched a failed revolt called the Decembrist Rebellion, and he came to rule over their fallen bodies, keeping him on the alert for revolts forever after, as an absolutist monarch who suspected any popular curtailment of his power. Ruled through militarism and bureaucracy, secretly going past ordinary governmental channels with his own staff to make sure his wishes were carried out. Admired by few and feared by all, although a very phobic figure himself under his starchy posturing. Champion of authority and the orthodoxy of the Russian church. Had a continual need for absolute control, discouraged initiative in others or threats to his own blind self-confidence. Pursued an anti-Jewish policy, and looked backwards for models in everything he did. The theater and opera flourished under him, but everything else stood still. Greatly frightened by the European revolutions of 1848, he isolated his country and blindly led it into the Crimean War, before dying of pneumonia after a 3 decade reign. Inner: Unsociable, cold, inflexible, severe and yet sentimental, his mother’s son. Evidenced extremes of timidity to occasional bravado. Great patriarchal need to be absolutely in unquestioned control. Hard-hearted lifetime of autocratic rule, with an inability to express himself emotionally, or brook opposition, requiring a more flexible environment the next time around to open him up to more possibilities within himself surrounding rule. Nikon (Nikita Minin) (1605-1681) - Russian patriarch. Outer: From peasant stock, his father’s side of the family was of Finnish origin. Grew up in a small village, before running away from his cruel stepmother. Briefly educated in a nearby monastery, married and entered the clergy, before settling in Moscow. After all 3 of his children died in his late 20s, he spent a dozen years in penitence and solitude, living as a hermit, before he became abbot of several northern monasteries. In his early 40s, he visited Moscow and impressed the young tsar Alexis I (Steven Spielberg), and within 6 years found himself patriarch of Moscow and all of Russia. Accepted the post on the condition of being able to exert complete authority on all matters of dogma and ritual, imposing his own rules on Russian church custom. Given sovereign powers by Alexis, when the tsar’s attention and presence had to address a foreign war, and found himself ruling Russia in his early 50s. Quickly alienated allies and enemies with his high-handed, autocratic ways, and was deeply resented by both the populace and clergy for changing the outer forms of the prayers and rituals, thereby creating a great schism in the Russian Orthodox church. On the tsar’s return to Moscow, tensions twixt the two were unspoken but virtually unbridgeable, and he was forced to ultimately announce his resignation and step into self-imposed exile. Formally charged by the tsar with excessive power-mongering, he was stripped of his vestigial powers and sent into exile into the frozen north. Relations between him and Alexis ultimately improved, and the tsar’s successor finally recalled him from exile, but he died on his way back to Moscow. Inner: Extremely autocratic, a power/tripper of the highest order, who was unable to deal with any opposition to his will. Conservative, violent/tempered, morose and combatative because of his oppressive childhood. Heavy-handed lifetime of extreme early loss before being given the opportunity of rule from a spiritual/secular perspective and falling into the same web of inflexible character he has had great difficulty in transcending. Giovanni de’ Medici (Ludovico de’ Medici) (1498-1526) - Italian soldier. Known as ‘Giovanni of the Black Bands,’ and ‘the Great Devil.’ Outer: Member of a cadet branch of the de’ Medici family, descending from the brother of the house’s founder, Cosimo (David Geffen). Christened Ludovico, he took on his father’s name Giovanni (Samuel Goldwyn), when the latter died soon after his birth. His mother was Caterina Sforza (Molly Yard), a force in her own right. Educated in the martial arts from the very beginning of his life, he became the foremost soldier in the family. Lean and athletic, he was already an imposing figure at 11, spending most of his time in the saddle, at full gallop. Swam rivers in the depth of winter, raided neighboring villages and robbed passing travelers, gaining a formidable reputation. Killed his first man at 12, and at 16, unhorsed 8 combatants serially in a tournament. Married to Maria Salvati in 1516, a cousin who was devoted to him, as he was to her, although he continued his compulsive carousing, one son from union. Fought for Pope Leo X (Brett Ratner) against Italian enemies and the French, but proved far too much of a brawler and wencher to be entrusted with anything more than a company of men. Disappointed in not becoming a Florentine leader, he switched sides in 1522, but returned to the HRE’s fold the following year, only to return to French service in 1525. The following year he once again changed loyalties, fighting against the emperor, only to be mortally wounded in battle, when a volley broke his leg and he fell from his horse, unconscious. His leg was amputated, and he died laughing and cursing that fate would render him such. Inner: Lusty, turbulent, preferred fighting to all other activity. Combatant lifetime of sheer martial and physical expression, while exploring the tandem of sex and violence to the hilt, under the guise of a powerful and feared name. Hugh the Great (?-956) - French nobleman. Outer: Son of a West Francian king, Robert I (Robert Downey, Jr.) and brother-in-law of another trinity of kings, including Athelstan of England (Duke of Wellington) and Otto I of Germany (Mohandes Gandhi). One of three children. Made duke of the Franks, as well as count of Paris. Married Eadhild, the daughter of Edward the Elder (JFK) of England. Following her death, he wed again, before becoming progenitor of the Capetian line of kings, via his 3rd wife, Hedwige, a Saxon princess, through his son Hugh Capet (Steven Spielberg). Excluded from the succession at his father’s death, and thereafter preferred to work behind the throne. Holder of vast estates, and the most powerful noble in France. The constant struggle with his father’s successor, Louis IV (Henry Miller), caused his excommunication, and eventually his submission, while it involved all the great magnates of France as well as Otto. Captured Louis in 945 and held him for a year, before public pressure caused him to release his royal prisoner. When Louis died in 954, he turned down the opportunity for the throne, but was, in essence, untitled ruler of France for the final 2 years of his life, before being succeeded by his son. Inner: Sobriquet ‘the Great,’ came more from his wealth than any outstanding deeds on his part. House-founding lifetime of learning to wield power without full title, and gaining strength from standing up to the holder of that elusive birthright. Philip I (M. Julius Philippus) (c204-249) - Roman emperor. Known as ‘the Arab.’ Outer: Father was an Arab chieftain who held a Roman knightly rank. Much of his early life is obscured. Pursued a military career within the Roman hierarchy. Married Marcia Otacilia Severa, at least one son from union, Philip II. Accompanied the young Roman emperor Gordianus III (Steven Spielberg) on his eastern Persian campaign as a deputy praetorian prefect, and managed to turn the soldiers against their leader by blaming him for a food shortage, which occasioned the latter’s death. Reported the demise as one of natural causes to the Senate and proposed his predecessor’s deification, before he in turn was raised to the purple. Became the first Semite to hold the imperial throne. Strongly nepotistic, he appointed various members of his family to governorships, while evincing a great desire to form a new dynasty. Made his wife Augusta and his son a Caesar, while deifying his late father. Abandoned the Persian campaign, and enjoyed success against the German tribes, with enough added prestige to make his son an Augustus. In 248, the two Philips became consuls together, and he celebrated Rome’s millennial birthday with lavish games and a bonus for the people of the city, who were encouraged to see his dynasty as a reflection of the eternal vibrancy of their powerful urb. A rash of usurpations, however, made him nervous, and he despairingly offered to step down from his throne. Made Roman general Decius (Joseph Stalin), his ultimate successor, but was militarily responsible for the weakening situation in the Danube area, while the latter was so successful that his troops wanted him to be emperor. Marched against him, but he was in poor health and not much of a general, and despite his superiority of numbers, fell in battle, after which his praetorian guard murdered his 7 year old son. Inner: Suspicious, with a tendency towards depression. Tolerant towards Christians, although rumor made him the first Christian emperor, which was probably untrue. Protector of civil rights, despised homophilia and passed laws against it, as well as the use of castration to curb it. Great provider of public works. Martial lifetime of being out of his depth on the battlefields, as well as a control freak in uncontrollable times, leading to his own premature ending as recompense for putting to death his longtime protege.

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PATHWAY OF THE MOGUL AS LAVISH SPECTACLE-MAKER:
Storyline: The grandiose crown prince continually overextends himself in his love of the luxurious and the spectacular, while complementing his longtime family as the most brazenly sumptuous and grandly extravagant of the entire crew.
Brett Ratner (1969) - American director. Outer: Of Jewish-Cuban descent. Born out of wedlock. Mother was a 16 year old Cuban, father was the son of wealth, who sold rat poison among other things, and disappeared from the scene before his son was born. Raised by his maternal grandparents and his mother, a socialite drug abuser who became a drug counsellor, when her son was a child, while also teaching him to be fearless in his pursuit of his goals. The latter proved to be more of a sister than a mom, giving him an undisciplined upbringing, while his basic father figure was a Miami lawyer, who was friends with his grandfather. Always saw himself as a movie director. Given a camera at the age of 10 by an R&B producer family friend, and began making mock ‘Miami Vice’ episodes, after watching the show being shot on set. Spent time in Israel in high school, and finally met his father at 16. His parents eventually married before his h.s. graduation in order to give him legitimacy. Never got involved with drugs or alcohol, thanks to a natural high and sense of enthusiasm. At 16, he interviewed for the NYU film school, despite terrible grades, and was able to talk his way into it. Hooked up with music impresario Russell Simmons a year later, who became his mentor and introduced him to NY’s hip-hop society. Began shooting hip-hop videos, ultimately doing over 100 of them. At the same time, he became involved with model and actress Rebecca Gayheart, who remained his steady girlfriend through this period. 5’8 1/2”, pudgy, hyper-energetic, with an infectious enthusiasm about movie-making. Able to channel his innate drive and aggressiveness into a successful early career, while mingling with Hollywood’s royalty. Made his feature debut with Money Talks, a modest hit, then scored his breakthrough film in his late 20s, with an action/comedy, Rush Hour, and quickly became one of Hollywood’s hot young directors, following it up with an uninspired but equally successful Rush Hour 2. Broke box office records in 2006 with the third installment of X-Men, although has yet to establish a distinctive style for himself, other than a good feel for entertaining action, while claiming to be the go-to guy for Part 3s of franchise movies, thanks to his gifts for sheer entertainment, in his ongoing role as excessive member of an elite cultural crypto-family. Has had a host of high profile lovers, including tennis star Serena Williams and ubermodel Naomi Campbell, while serving as a nonstop Hollywood host for the name set, in his complete embrace of all things Lotus Land. His first 7 blockbusters have put him in the billion dollar category, as he continues to live and breathe celluloid, in his ongoing desire to be a highly memorable figure in the annals of Hollywood. In that regard, he started Rat Press, a publishing house dedicated to people in the film industry, both old and new. Inner: Supersalesman, extremely driven, and known as good in a room. Characterized as a frat boy on a sugar high. Name oddly reflects Rhett Butler, the hero of his previous life’s consummate success, Gone With the Wind. Preference for old-school Hollywood and established stars, while constantly pushing his actors to their limits. Loves lunching at the Friar’s Club where he can mingle with comic icons from the past in an unconscious nod to his earlier days in Hollywood, while also filming in the same manner, eschewing special effects for clean action and unobtrusive camera work. Gives motivational speeches at colleges, and continually taps into excesses of yore, including running up a $5k per month cellphone tab, and owning 7 black cars. Repeat lifetime, like his confreres, of bringing his excessive personality into the seductive arena of filmdom, fame and fortune to see how he will fare in its bloviated blockbuster era. David O. Selznick (1902-1965) - American movie executive. Outer: Father was movie mogul Lewis Selznick (David Geffen), middle of 3 brothers, oldest sibling was super/agent Myron Selznick (Jeffrey Katzenberg). Taught by his progenitor that he was part of a royal family of Hollywood. Called him ‘Daddy’ well into maturity, a role the elder continued to play in his life, going so far as to tuck him into bed at night into his 20s. Attended private schools, and briefly went to Columbia, before pursuing his true interest, the film industry. 6’1”, 200 lbs. Started as a script reader for MGM, and quickly worked his way up to producer’s assistant, before switching to Paramount and doing the same, while winning a reputation for brashness and arrogance. After his father’s bankruptcy, and working as a v-p at RKO, where he began producing quality films, he was reluctantly hired by Louis B. Mayer (Percy Miller), his father’s former partner, who had earlier sworn never to work with a Selznick again. Went over his head to manipulate his hiring, and was roundly despised by his fellow executives, which hurt him deeply. Earlier, in 1930, he had married Mayer’s daughter, Irene, who later became a producer herself, duo had 2 children, including a film producer son. Left in 1935 to form his own production company when he felt his progress blocked, and bought the rights to the Civil War novel, “Gone With the Wind,” right before it became a bestseller. Brought back to MGM when Irving Thalberg (Steven Spielberg) got sick, in order to partially replace him. After a successful string of hits, he formed his own company in his mid-30s, Selznick International, and 3 years later produced his masterpiece, the aforementioned Gone With the Wind. It would be the most expensive -$4,250,000 - film produced up til that time, as well as one of the longest, some 3 hours and 45 minutes. Wound up using 15 writers and 3 directors, but wrote most of the script himself and even directed some scenes, while dictating some 1.5 million words worth of memos. A rapid talker, who spoke in quick staccato sentences, he was also a tireless worker, exhausting himself on every project, through his endless focus on the smallest minutiae of every film he made, while always preoccupying himself with both quality and getting his own way. Continued making conspicuous films, while exhibiting more and more uncontrolled behavior, drinking heavily, arguing with everyone, and gambling to distraction like his father did. Sold off his shares in GWTW, forcing him into financial difficulties later on. After divorcing in 1948, he married actress Jennifer Jones the following year, one daughter from the union, who ultimately killed herself by jumping from a building in 1976. Renamed his wife, remolded her, totally controlled her and tried to make her into a big star, by producing her early films, although her talents were limited, as was his vision of her abilities. His career faltered at the end, as he grew worn out and haggard, with his last film, a remake of A Farewell to Arms, in 1957, starring his wife, a failure. Died in a hospitalof a heart attack, suffered while talking to his lawyer in the latter’s office. Inner: Arrogant, self-confident, mercurial and indefatigable, with an extraordinary attention to detail. Loved to live well, and saw the well-enjoyed life as an art itself. Strong feminine side, although highly exploitative, seductive and obsessive. Crown prince lifetime of actualizing his gift for making art happen, after having been raised specifically to do so, while putting all his passion into his product, with far less of an interest in the people involved in it. Fyodor III (1661-1682) - Russian tsar. Outer: 3rd son of Tsar Alexis (Steven Spielberg), and 2nd to live beyond infancy, although he never expected to sit on the throne. Delicate from birth, he suffered an attack of scurvy as a child and never recovered from it. Gentle and somewhat bookish. Given a good education, with special tutoring by a learned monk in Polish and Latin. had a strong, active mind, but an extremely weak body, forcing him to be confined to his chambers. His physical and mental dynamics made him excessively pious, trying to find a medium between the imbalance of his attributes and deficiencies. Ascended the throne at the age of 14 on his father’s death, but because of his poor health, he was extremely limited in his role, and spent most of his time in his rooms or praying in his private chapel, with his thoughts geared to life after death. An uncle played the dominating role initially, then was replaced by two courtiers who reinforced his upbringing, promoting the spread of Polish customs, Roman Catholic religious doctrines and Latin books among the Russian aristocracy. In 1680, he married Agaphia Simeonovna Grushevskaya, a woman from an obscure noble family, one son from union who died several days after birth, with his wife following him soon afterwards. When Vasily Golitsyn became his administrative head, vast military reforms were undertaken, while the hierarchical system of noble rankings was rendered inutile. Died and was succeeded by his equally deficient brother Ivan V (Samuel Goldwyn) and half-brother, Peter I (Yukio Mishima), with his sister Sofia (Molly Yard) as usurping regent. Inner: Gentle, pious, but with a will of his own, that his body could not support. Contained lifetime of dealing with extreme physical limitations to see what his always active mind would do with them. Ranuccio Farnese (1530-1565) - Italian prelate. Outer: 3rd son of the future 1st Duke of Parma, Pier Luigi Farnese (Leopold Stokowski) and Giraloma Orsini. Youngest brother of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (Michael Eisner), and Ottavio Farnese (Steven Spielberg). At the age of 4, his grandfather, Alessandro Farnese (David Geffen) became Pope Paul III, which elevated his entire family, so that he was made prior of a Knights of Malta property in Venice at the age of 12, after entering the Order of St. John of Jerusalem as a child. Educated at the Univ. of Bologna and the Univ. of Padua. At 14, he was named administrator of the metropolitan see of Naples. Made cardinal at the age of 15, gaining the nickname cardinalino (little cardinal) for his youth. Given several bishoprics, as well as made administrator of the archdiocese of Naples, among his many posts. Put in charge of the troops that guaranteed the safety of the conciliar fathers during the Council of Trent in the mid-1540s. When his older brother Ottavio and Pope Julius III got into armed conflict in the early 1550s, he was forced to leave Rome and wound up exiled to Urbino and later Venice, although the pope restored his properties in 1553. Always had talented people under him, and participated in several conclaves, although did not last long enough to make a particular name for himself, in his family’s accomplished hierarchy. His last ecclesiastical position was as administrator of the metropolitan see of Bologna. Died of a fever in his mid-30s, after being called to Parma. Buried in his family tomb. Inner: Although not well-recorded, probably far more the secularist than the spiritualist, with the same family draw towards luxury, power and display. Abbreviated lifetime of doing his familial duty as a lesser member without being given the opportunity to strut his usual stuff, which probably hastened his exit to try it again from a more noteworthy position, only to receive yet another lesson in humility, genuine religiosity and limitations to counterbalance his stage center needs. Leo X (Giovanni de’ Medici) (1475-1521) - Italian Pope. Outer: Member of the illustrious de’’ Medici family, 2nd son of Lorenzo the Magnificent (Abraham Lincoln). Brother of Piero (Jeffrey Katzenberg) and Giuliano (Michael Eisner). His father ruled Florence, and he was given the finest education possible in preparation for a church career. Made a cardinal-deacon at the age 13, but showed far more interest in the cultural advancements of his office than his religious duties. Studied theology at the Univ. of Pisa, and was elected to the Sacred College of Cardinals while still in his teens. Returned to Florence at the death of his father, then was exiled with other members of his family 2 years later. Traveled all over Europe for 6 years, then became head of the family at the death of his older brother. Involved in Roman theological politics, and re-established his family as Florentine rulers by his mid-30s. A year later he was elected as Pope Leo X, succeeding Julius II (Peter Jackson). Known for his sentiment, “God has given us the papacy, let us enjoy it.” Proceeded to use its exhaustible treasury, as well as his own considerable coin, to further the cultural glory of Rome, through his generous patronage of artists and architects. A vast building program marked his reign, otherwise he was an ineffective pontiff, far better suited as a cultural czar. Had little flair for politics, but was a skilled negotiator. Held continual feasts and ceremonies, and was a lover of practical jokes. Pursued indulgences, and the selling of blessings, as a means to keep his treasury afloat, what with various wars, building projects and a projected crusade. Failed to see the importance of the growing Lutheran movement which rose, in part, in his indulgent wake and was born under his reign. Merely excommunicated its most vocal leader, Martin Luther (Martin Luther King) as a harmless heretic. Greatly mourned at his relatively early death, while leaving the papacy to face schism and turmoil in his lavish wake. Inner: Plump, studious, happy and virtuous. Generous and highly cultivated, with a devil-may-care attitude towards his role as supreme pontiff. Extravagant lifetime of deriving immense cultural and humanistic satisfaction out of his spiritual role, despite not being up to the political tasks of the times. Gordianus II (Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus) (c192-238) - Roman Emperor. Outer: Son of Gordianus I (David Geffen). At least one other sister. Had a literate and wealthy upbringing, with access to his father’s huge library. Showed himself to be a serious scholar while enjoying a sensual life, with some 22 formal mistresses, and some 60 children by them. Made praetor, judge, governor and consul, then accompanied his aging father to Africa as deputy when the former was made proconsul there. Killed in battle in Africa shortly after both he and his sire assumed the throne of Rome in 238. His father committed suicide in grief shortly afterwards. Inner: Kind-hearted, amiable, lusty. Respected and beloved, good-looking with an impressive memory. Loved the company of women, fancied himself as a writer, with an equal love of literature. Foundation lifetime of briefly enjoying power, and exhibiting interests that would later come to commercial fulfillment, in his ongoing association with his cultural imperial family.

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PATHWAY OF THE RULER AS HOLLYWOOD QUEEN:
Storyline: The winsome princess continually catches the eye of her prince charming, and through him rises to spectacular heights, only to falter when he expires, and fall back to the level of ordinary mortal when her fairy tale is finally over.
Norma Shearer (1900-1983) - American actress. Outer: Father was a wealthy businessman who indulged his daughter, mother was extremely ambitious for her 2 progeny. Given piano and dance lessons, and at 14 won a beauty contest. After her father’s business failed during WW I, her mother brought her and her sister to NYC, hoping to get them into show business. Failed an audition for producer Florenz Ziegfeld (Bob Evans), then went to work as a billboard model, before appearing in bit parts in NYC film productions, beginning with The Flapper. 5’1”. One of her films was seen by ‘boy wonder’ producer Irving Thalberg (Steven Spielberg), who spent several years tracking her down, then signed her to a longterm contract in 1925. The duo married in 1927, and from that point onward, she had her choice of vehicles and directors, 2 children from union. Had both poise and elegance, and understood the dynamics of a successful career, employing a style that was a cross between acting and pantomime. Avoided being typecast, playing both comedy and drama, while receiving 5 nominations for Academy Rewards. Billed as “The First Lady of the Screen,” by MGM, she was able to retain her queenly status after her husband’s early death in 1936, but without his guidance, she was unable to choose the proper vehicles for herself, and a series of poor choices doomed her career. After her final role in 1942, she retired from the screen and married Martin Arrouge, a ski instructor who was 2 decades younger, and removed herself for the Hollywood scene. Spent the last part of her life in depression and ill health, losing both her sight and memory. Died of bronchial pneumonia. Inner: Extremely ambitious, with the ability to transcend her limitations through sheer drive. Quasi-regal lifetime of achieving royal status in the mythical kingdom of Hollywood, before experiencing difficulties following the death of her king, in a repeat of her earlier life on the throne of Russia. Marie Alexandrovna (Princess Marie of Hesse) (1824-1880) - Russian tsarina. Outer: Illegitimate daughter of a German prince. Had a privileged upbringing in a provincial city. Met the future Alexander II (Steven Spielberg) in 1839, as a teenager, and he fell madly in love with her, insisting after only a day together, that she would be his wife and none other. His parents immediately opposed the choice, although he threatened to renounce the throne, and they relented. Took the name of Maria Alexandrovna and converted to the Russian Orthodox Church, before marrying him in 1841, 6 sons and 2 daughters from union, including successor Alexander III (Johnny Weismuller). The two spent a happy near quarter century together, until their idyllic union was irreparably broken, when her husband met Ekaterina Dolgorukia (Kate Capshaw) in 1865. The same year, she lost her eldest son, Nikolai (David Hasselhoff) to TB, and never really recovered from the loss. Earlier, her husband had made Ekaterina a lady-in-waiting, made her a lady-in-waiting, before the duo became lovers the following year, and four more pairs of little feet were eventually pattering around the palace, much to her shame and chagrin. For the last fourteen years of their marriage, their sacred union was virtually nonexistent. To add to her humiliation, she was forced to continually and directly deal with both his mistress and illegitimate children. On her deathbed, she could hear the sounds of the children of her rival upstairs and died alone, her husband already planning to remarry as soon as he could. Inner: See-saw lifetime of acceptance and rejection by a longtime mate, which probably made her a good deal more difficult to find and get the next time around, to insure his ongoing constancy. Adelaide (c945-1006) - French queen. Outer: Father was the duke of Aquitaine. Married around the age of 20 to Hugh Capet (Steven Spielberg), and with him, began the Capetian line of kings on the French throne, a dynasty that would last over three centuries. 4 children from union, including the successor, Robert II (Mikhail Gorbachev). Little is known of either her or her husband. Inner: Support lifetime of giving base to a dynasty, while remaining totally hidden to the larger eye of her/story.

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PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS CRYPTO-QUEEN:
Storyline: The highly competent helpmate hitches her star to her longtime partner, after establishing herself on her own, showing her usual high intelligence and easy grace as she finally gets to enjoy her husband as a healthy mogul in his prime.
Kate Capshaw (Kathleen Nail) (1953) - American actress. Outer: Moved to Missouri at 5, and grew up in a suburb of St. Louis. Received an MA degree in education from Missouri Univ., and worked as a teacher with children with learning disabilities. Decided to try her skills at performance, and went to NYC and worked as a Ford model. 5’7”. Landed on a soap, “The Edge of Night,” and her new career was underway. Married and divorced, daughter Jessica became an actress. Made her film debut in 1982, in A Little Sex. Beat out 120 other actresses for the lead in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in 1984, and caught the attention of producer Steven Spielberg. The two married in 1981, after she converted to Judaism, and the pair had 5 children. Her career would be curtailed by her marriage, although she would occasionally return to the screen, most notably in 1995 in How to Make an American Quilt. Her larger life would be fully centered around her family, and the privileged status and all that goes with it, that her position as equal helpmate to a genuine Hollywood emperor entails. Inner: Intelligent and congenial. Raising the bar lifetime of hooking up with a longtime mate with numerous health problems in the past, in order to finally enjoy not only a full life with him, but also a full life on her own of teaching, acting and having a full brood to care for. Ekaterina (E.M. Dolgorukia - Princess Iurievskaia) (1847-1922) - Russian tsarina. Outer: From an aristocratic background, father was Russian prince. Medium height, with an elegant figure, frightened gazelle eyes, and a sensuous mouth, according to a contemporary. Attended a finishing school for St. Petersburg’s creme de la creme, where she met the tsar Alexander II (Steven Spielberg) in 1865, who was much taken with her, and made her one of his wife’s ladies-in-waiting. The duo became lovers the following year, and he proclaimed her his “wife before God,” awaiting only the death of his spouse to make their union official, with nary a thought towards the Empress Maria’s (Norma Shearer) deeply hurt feelings. Despised by the tsar’s family and close circle, while his infatuation with her coincided with his inability to curb revolutionary sentiment. She remained at court over the next 14 years, and they would meet three or four times each week, which ultimately resulted in 4 children, and further ignominy for the empress. Originally just a sympathetic ear for the tsar, she became a rallying point for anti-conservative groups. Upon the empress’s death in 1880, she married Alexander forty days later, rather than waiting the protocol of a year of mourning, largely because he now feared for his life, and saw each day as his potential last. The marriage was initially kept secret because of this breach, until it was finally slowly leaked to family and leading advisers several months later, after he gave her the title of Princess Iurevskaia. The public, however, remained shocked at the union. A year later she begged him not to drive a certain route, but he did anyway, and was assassinated in his carriage by bomb-tossing terrorists, sending her back into the shadows of her/story. Turned her attention to writing and produced “Behind the Veil of the Russian Court,” as well as other works, under the pseudonym of Count Paul Wassili, and ultimately died in exile after the Russian Revolution. Inner: Glimpse of happiness lifetime of enjoying her company of karmic choice, before losing him to fate while still in her mid-30s, and retreating from the eyes of the record-keepers, to work out her grief and sense of self in private. Lucrezia de’ Medici (Lucrezia Maria Tournaboni) (?-1482) - Italian princely helpmate. Outer: From a powerful mercantile family who had always supported the Medici. Plain-looking but with a keen intelligence. Married Piero de’ Medici (Steven Spielberg) in 1443, when he was already an invalid. Although she stayed behind the scenes, as was the custom, she was an extremely important adjunct to his life, exercising her will for the good of the city. 4 surviving children from union, including eldest son Lorenzo de’ Medici (Abraham Lincoln), and Giuliano (Carl Sandburg), who was later assassinated. Showed excellent taste in the artists and writers she supported, and proved a shrewd judge of character and of inestimable help to her husband during his five year reign in Florence. Inspired the other women of the city to take a more active part in their larger world, although her modesty kept her in the shadows. Her husband died in 1470, and she remained an important adviser to her son Lorenzo, while doing battle with eczema and rheumatism, before eventually succumbing to ill health. Idealized in a painting by Sandro Botticelli (Brian Jones) as “the Madonna of the Magnificat,” with her sons kneeling as angels at her feet. Inner: Grave, pious, shrewd and insightful. Virtuous and extremely strait-laced, but with a warm heart. Combination lifetime of utilizing a sharp mind in a weak body, held together by a strong sense of probity, to make her a genuinely magnificent madonna in a legendary family during a rich, ripe era.

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PATHWAY OF THE MOGUL AS KEEPER OF MAGICAL KINGDOMS:
Storyline: The avuncular patriarch gradually learns to let loose of his stiff, autocratic character, ultimately sacrificing his ongoing financial acuity to allow his more eccentric nature to come forth, after many a go-round as an upright, uptight head of state.
Carl Laemmle (1867-1939) - German/American film producer. Outer: Father was a poor German-Jewish real estate manager. 10th of 13 children, 8 siblings died during childhood. Began working at 13 when his mother exited, as an apprentice to a stationary dealer. An experienced manager by the time he was 17, at which point he headed for America, working in New York and Chicago at low level jobs. 5’2”. Moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin and became a clothing store manager, marrying Recha Stern, the boss’s niece in his early 30s. 2 children, including Carl, Jr. who became a producer. A violent argument with a relative ended his employment with his in-laws. Opened a nickelodeon in Chicago in his late 30s, then another, and before long had set up his own film service, and quickly became one of the leading distributors in the fledgling film business. Stood up against the Motion Picture Patents Company, a trust that had muscled many of its competitors out of business, and formed his own production organization, the Independent Motion Picture Co., or IMP. Created the star system by announcing that his first noted player, Florence Lawrence (Kathleen Turner) had been killed and then resurrected her through a newspaper ad. Spent lavishly on publicity, saw the demise of the trust, and joined with several other small companies to create Universal Studios, a Hollywood mainstay ever since, naming it after seeing a truck with ‘Universal’ emblazoned on its side. Oversaw the opening of Universal City, a 230 acre studio, replete with bungalows, sets and viewing stands, in 1915, seeing that he could make as much showing people how movies were made, as making the films themselves. Created public offices for his ‘city,’ as well as held elections, despite it being initially unpopulated. The first police chief was a former opera diva. Provided the training/ground for numerous future executives, including Harry Cohn (Suge Knight), the ultimate head of Paramount Pictures. Known as “Uncle Carl,” he made his 21 year old son chief of production, and hired some 70 relatives all told to partake of his payroll. All-in-all he helped some 200 German refugees settle in Los Angeles. Pro-German prior to WW I, and after the war, he conducted a one-man campaign to relieve war-destroyed Germany. Despite the studio’s success in the silent era, he could not amend his financial habits to the Depression and spent the studio into financial difficulty, until he was forced to sell it in 1936, and retire. Built a beautiful home for himself called ‘Dios Dorados.’ Died of a heart attack just as his studio was rebounding. Inner: Highly competitive, innovative, avuncular. Extremely strong sense of family, albeit highly eccentric. Easy-going, genial, often impractical and sentimental. Impish lifetime of giving play to the lighter side of his character, while getting in on the ground floor of a magic realm, and never quite fully adjusting to its intricate demands, despite already having experienced its future. Michael Eisner (1942) - American media executive. Outer: Father was a lawyer and investor. Mother was the daughter of the co-founder of the American Safety Razor Company. Had a well-to-do upbringing on Park Ave. in NYC. Attended prep school, then graduated Denison Univ., where he majored in English and theater. Began his career in 1964 with a logging clerk’s job at NBC as well as doing radio traffic reports on weekends, then moved to CBS television in 1965, where he was the children’s programming liaison. Came to ABC in his mid-20s, and rose rapidly to the executive level, as a protege of Barry Diller. Married Margot Freedman, a computer programmer the year following his move, 3 children, including Breck Eisner, who became a film director, and Eric, who became a producer. In charge of ABC’s Saturday morning programming, successfully showing he had a knack for reflecting mass tastes. Hired by his former mentor as studio president of Paramount Pictures in his early 30s, and the duo were able to turn the studio around during the 1970s. Eventually became president and chief operating officer there, while employing the frenetic skills of Jeffrey Katzenberg. Tapped in his early 40s to become chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Co., he made Katzenberg his studio chief. The duo were able to revive the studio with a string of comedy hits, using faded stars and TV actors in inexpensive, high return vehicles. Resuscitated the studio’s animated division, while continually cutting costs, as well as expanding on its theme parks and moving into professional baseball and hockey. Lost his second-in-command in a helicopter crash in 1994, then suffered a heart attack and underwent quadruple by-pass surgery, before blocking Katzenberg’s further promotions, losing him and a huge lawsuit while winning his eternal enmity. Hired superagent Michael Ovitz in what proved a disastrously expensive move, although he also bought his old network, ABC, and continued to keep a firm hand on his corporate wheel, to mixed results, despite being determined to lead his magical kingdom into the 21st century, without an heir-designate, which caused an exit of much high profile talent beneath him. Highest paid CEO in the world, and much in evidence in the media as a seemingly benign faux ‘Uncle Walt,’ despite his autocratic underpinnings. Suffered the embarrassment of Roy Disney quitting the Disney board in 2003, while lambasting him as having lost the company’s heritage and focus. In 2004, he lost his chairmanship, although remained CEO, under shaky circumstances, despite his arrogant declarations to the contrary, and later in the year announced he would step down in 2006. A subsequent courtroom battle brought on by shareholders over his hiring and firing of Ovitz further reddened his Mickey Mouse ears, and his carefully wrought image and legacy. Finally agreed to step down in the fall of 2005, with Robert Iger as his successor, thereby assuring the continuity of his rule, in one last gasp of control. In 2006, he launched an every-other-month talk show on cable TV, working for Disney’s biggest rival, NBC Universal, the studio he would found his next life in this series, although the show generated little interest. Began a new business the same year, Tornante Co., in his ongoing desire to remain a player, even a highly peripheral one, in the larger kingdom of Hollywood, and subsequently scored a success with an original internet program, “Prom Queen,” a murder-mystery series distributed on MySpace, showing he still had the ability to explore and exploit new markets. Following the financial meltdown of late 2008, he decided to give up hosting "Conversations with Michael Eisner" on CNBC to concentrate full-time on his investing activities with Tornante. Inner: Secretive, competitive, autocratic, solo strategist. Also supporter of family values and wedded to his work, albeit unable to deal with criticism. Lesson-learning lifetime of dealing with a magical kingdom from a much more conventional standpoint, while trying to exercise total control over his own domain, sacrificing originality for cost-cutting and putting great strain on his heart, which will inspire him to spin back in time to give freer reign to an underlying more eccentric character not yet in evidence. Karl VI (1685-1740) - Holy Roman Emperor. Outer: 2nd son of Leopold I (Leopold Stokowski) from his 3rd marriage to a German duchess. Had a royal upbringing, and was educated to rule. Unsuccessful in imposing his will on Spain, which he claimed by crown in his mid-teens. Instead, a long war broke out, and he had to wait another decade before succeeding his brother Joseph I (David Geffen), in order to lower himself onto a real throne. Medium height but slightly built with a protuberant Hapsburg lower lip. At 18, he married Elisabeth Christine, a German princess, 4 children, with his only son dying as an infant. As the last of the Hapsburg line, he lost the Spanish throne to a rival when his allies felt his empire would be too large, although he retained his hispanic advisers, and modeled his own court after the Spanish one. An enthusiastic builder, while extending his own territories and improving finances as a dedicated and talented mercantilist. The Empire, however, would decline during his later years through wars, as his destructive instincts superseded his creative ones. Became obsessed with his own succession, since he had no male heirs, authoring the Pragmatic Sanction, which legitimatized female royal heirs. Although he had manipulated to have it accepted by his fellow European powers, his daughter, Maria Theresa (Queen Victoria), had to fight her way onto the throne to succeed him after his death from a stomach ailment. Important patron of the arts and learning, continued to extend his family’s ongoing beneficence over the cultural life of Vienna. Inner: Abrupt, impatient, kingly. Pious, deep sense of tradition. Autocratic lifetime of political and cultural rule, with far more success in the latter arena, which probably motivated him to enter into it full throttle, as soon as he learned modern finances in his later series of go-rounds. Mikhail Romanov (1596-1645) Outer: From a noble political family, father had been a confidant and close adviser of the tsar, and had ambitions for the throne himself. 5th and last son of Fyodor Romanov (David Geffen), later known as Filaret, 4 older brothers had all died in infancy. Lavished with love and affection by his parents on account of their previous losses. Because of his political ambitions, his high profile father was banished to a monastery, and his mother was forced to take the veil by Boris Godunov (Sergei Kirov), while he went to live with an aunt 50 miles from Moscow. Short, slight, pallid and not particularly robust. The family was finally released on Godunov’s death in 1605, after which Filaret was made archbishop of Rostov, although because of his church position, he had to live separately from his wife. His sire was captured by the forces of a pretender for the throne in 1612, and imprisoned by the Poles for another 7 years, while he and his mother spent 4 years wandering. Elected to the throne in 1616 as a compromise, since he lacked connection to the most powerful boyars, or nobles, and his royal ancestors were well-remembered and well-liked. Had no close ruling family ties, nor had he been educated to rule, so his mother was his initial close adviser, although her major concern was for privileges for her family. Forced to cede land for peace to the Swedes, since he did not have the resources for fighting them. Named his father patriarch of the Russian Church when they were reunited in 1619, and his sire became the most powerful force in his government, sponsoring both ecclesiastical and political legislation to stabilize the peasant farmers, and reorganizing the military and reforming the tax structure. His first choice for a wife was cruelly undone by a rival family who hid an emetic potion in her food during a state dinner to embarrassing consequences. Exacted the revenge of banishment and confiscation on them, in a rare show of rage, then married Maria Dolgorukova, a Russian princess in 1624 who died within the year. In 1625, he wed Eudoxia Streshneva, the daughter of a rural nobleman, 6 children from the union. Able to keep his kingdom from being torn apart by forces both within and without, while letting his father carry the burdens of state, until 1633, when the latter died. Concluded a successful treaty with Poland afterwards, and then reigned over a relative era of stability, although not without its problems. Suffered from a leg injury that came from falling off a horse early in life, so that he was virtually crippled towards the end, when he internalized a failure of his own will, and exited via his frustration over it. Succeeded by his eldest and only surviving son, Alexis (Steven Spielberg). Inner: Quiet, unassuming, but able when the circumstances called for it. Strong sense of domesticity and great desire for stability, after a dismembered childhood that had begun under loving circumstances. Unmagical kingdom lifetime of serving as the patriarch for a long-ruling house, and providing just the right touch of integrated stability to give foundation to a family that would remain on the Russian throne for the next 300 years. Alessandro Farnese (1520-1589) - Italian cardinal and diplomat. Outer: From a family that had long survived the papacy, and held a former pope among its illustrious ancestors. Oldest son of the future 1st Duke of Parma, Pier Luigi Farnese (Leopold Stokowski) and Giraloma Orsini. One of 4 children, older brother of Ottavio Farnese (Steven Spielberg), and Ranuccio (Brett Ratner). Also had an illegitimate half-brother, Orazio (Jeffrey Katzenberg). Studied at the Univ. of Bologna, and became a cardinal at the election of his grandfather of the same name (David Geffen) to the papacy as Paul III in 1534. Became overladen with bishoprics, honors and titles afterwards, including Governor of Tivoli, from 1535 to 1538, administrator of the see of Jaen, Spain, and vice-chancellor of the Holy Roman Church for the last 54 years of his life. Administered several sees, and in 1539, travelled as a papal legate to Avignon and Germany, negotiating peace between the HRE and the king of France, a process which took numerous trips and several years. Present at the Council of Trent, which his grandfather had called in 1545, and supportive of their counter-Reformation reforms. Also played an important role in the election of successive popes, following his grandfather’s death in 1549, although was denied the office himself in 1580. When his father was assassinated in 1547, he was able to help his brother Ottavio hold Parma, despite pressures from powerful outside sources, although he was forced to go into temporary exile in Florence, when a war erupted between the pope of the time and his sibling in the early 1550s. Served as papal legate over the traditional Farnese territory, and throughout his life, he was very protective of the poor and orphans, as well as being an enthusiastic patron of literature, science and ecclesiastical art. As a builder, he completed the Palazzo Farnese in Rome, a multi-generational familial affair, and restored and constructed numerous churches as well. Wanted a second Farnese pontificate, as a career topper, but his enemies were far too strong to allow him to follow his grandfather in office. Had a love affair with one of the noted beauties of the time, with one daughter from the union. Despite higher ambitions, he still wound up as a key figure behind the scenes for the Church for a half century. Died of the aftereffects of an apoplectic attack. Buried in a Roman church built for the Jesuits under his patronage. Inner: Like his fellow family members, evinced good taste, and a sure instinct for power, as well as keen diplomatic skills. Legate lifetime of having his larger ambitions thwarted by the past, rather than the present, while still managing to make his competent presence felt from a behind-the-scenes, rather than a stage center vantagepoint, thanks to the role created fro him by his longtime power-mongering family. Giuliano de’ Medici (1479-1516) - Italian cardinal and ruler. Outer: Son of Lorenzo de’ Medici (Abraham Lincoln), younger brother of Pope Leo X (Brett Ratner). Older brother was Piero (Jeffrey Katzenberg). Given a spectacular education, since his household was a cultural center of Europe. Exiled from Florence in his mid-teens, when the family was unceremoniously given the heave-ho, and made a cardinal, then returned to briefly rule the city when the Medici were returned to power there in his early 30s. A moderate ruler, although he employed harsh measures to suppress dissidents during his short reign. Great lover of the arts. Made gonfalonier of the Church when his brother was appointed pope, then joined him in Rome, although his peaceful disposition put him at odds with the military role that was bestowed upon him with the office. Married Filiberta of Savoy, the sister of the king of France, Francois I (David Lloyd George) of France, in a move by his brother, the pope, to make him king of Naples, although it was thwarted. Died of tuberculosis there. Inner: Generous, gentle, courteous, well-loved and tactful. Part of his dualistic avuncular/autocratic character, in which he switches back and forth to try to find some sort of happy medium twixt the two. Foreshortened lifetime of association with longtime power-mongering family, but his experience of rule was circumvented by precarious health, necessitating a more complete life on a throne later on.

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PATHWAY OF THE MOGUL AS OEDIPAL CHARACTER:
Storyline: The lesser crown prince is forced to do continue battle with his karmic family make-up as the less-loved son, motivating him to alternately self-destruct and double his efforts at making his unprepossessing presence felt and respected.
Jeffrey Katzenberg (1950) - American movie executive. Outer: Father was a Park Avenue stockbroker, privileged upbringing. Became involved in local politics as a teenager, working for Mayor John Lindsay on his first campaign. After high school, he decided on practical experience rather than college and labored for Lindsay fulltime, evincing the energetic thoroughness that would mark his working life. Compact and wiry, with a take-charge attitude. Married Marilyn Siegel in his mid-20s, twins from theunion, a symbol of his feeling he has to do twice as much to remain at even keel. Became a talent agent, then producer’s assistant, before opening the mail for Paramount Studio head Barry Diller. Eventually rose through the ranks to become president of production there, under Michael Eisner, as the two significantly changed their company’s fortunes for the better. In his mid-30s, he followed Eisner to Disney Studios, which the team also revived in spectacular manner, as he recharged their animation division to the cultural power level it had once enjoyed. After a decade, however, he was stifled by Eisner in his bid to become chief operating officer. In a highly publicized move, he left Disney, and formed the first new major studio in decades in 1994, Dreamworks SKG, with longtime friends, Steven Spielberg and David Geffen, although the studio took several years before finding itself. Won a well-publicized $280 million from Disney on a breach-of contract lawsuit, and remains a compulsive, driven, competitive figure, continually needing to prove himself against both real and imagined rivals. Boasted of besting Disney in animation, before finally producing a string of successes, after an initial mixed record in reanimating Dreamworks. When it was sold in 2005 to Paramount, he retained DreamWorks Animation, allowing him his final fantasy of finally running a studio. Inner: Fast-talking, hyper-ambitious, workaholic. Domestic, traditional values, eager to succeed. Payback lifetime of struggling with a symbolic father figure, before resolving longtime ambitions to create and to control a dreamworks with his longtime dream/brothers. Myron Selznick (1898-1944) - American movie executive and talent agent. Outer: Oldest of 3 sons of Lewis Selznick (David Geffen), brother of David O. Selznick (Brett Ratner). In thrall to his movie mogul father, who favored his younger brother, although his sire convinced both they were Hollywood royalty. Dropped out of Columbia Univ. after only 2 months to work for his sire, as his mode of education. 5’6” and shaggy. Quickly learned the film business from the bottom up, and became one of Hollywood’s youngest producers while still in his teens, before serving at 21 as chief of production for his father’s short-lived company, Selznick Pictures. When the latter went bankrupt 4 years later, he failed on his own as an independent producer. At 30, he became a talent agent, instead, and soon wielded enormous power, through his skills at negotiating, and his ability to corral top names as his clients. Wanted revenge on the moguls who had mocked his father, and drove especially hard bargains with them. Relentless in his negotiations, even with his brother David. Married actress Marjorie Daw in his early 30s, duo separated a decade later and divorced several years after that. Worked from a telephone at home once he had established his agency, always taking 10%. Heavy socializing and drinking, however, took their toll on him physically and he died of an abdominal hemorrhage shortly after divorcing. Inner: Shy, with a need to act tough. Smart, cynical, intense and unfulfilled, despite great abilities. Obsessive and irregular, loved drinking and gambling, like father, like son. Had a boisterous, loving relationship with his brother, although the pair also fought. Experienced many lessons of the unfavored son, and how to harden himself against rejection. Reverse oedipal lifetime of acting out a sense of self-worth with his longtime family as the rejected son, a repetitive theme that he would continue to pursue in yet another guise the next time around in this series. Karl VII (Karl Albert) (1697-1745) - Holy Roman Emperor. Outer: From the House of Wittelsbach. Son of the king of Bavaria, the elector Maximilian Emanuel and his second wife, the daughter of the king of Poland. When Bavaria was occupied, he was taken prisoner, along with his brother, Clement, who eventually became archbishop of Cologne, to Vienna and was educated by the Jesuits there. Released when his father was restored to the electorate, and in 1717 led the Bavarian contingent of the imperial army, against the Turks, distinguishing himself in battle. Succeeded his father to the Bavarian throne when he was in his late 20s, then renounced his claim to the Austrian succession, but married Marie Amalie, the daughter of HRE Joseph I (David Geffen), and coveted the crown of the Holy Roman Empire, which was held by Maria Theresa (Queen Victoria), daughter of HRE Karl VI (Michael Eisner). Despite a muted desire to improve the lot of his subjects, he also wished to have a court that rivaled France’s in its splendor, and spent most of his finances towards that aim, while intriguing with the latter nation around the HRE crown. On Maria Theresa’s death, he joined an alliance against her, and was crowned HRE in his mid-40s, only to see his base overrun by Austrian troops, thanks to his neglect of his own army. Ill with both stone and gout, he bemoaned his landless and impecunious fate, comparing himself to the Biblical Job. Became a pawn of the anti-Austrian coalition, and was restored to his Bavarian lands, but died shortly afterwards, totally worn out from his failed endeavors. Inner: Ambitious and competitive, but without the base to actualize his power fantasies, or the skill to do it, thanks to a taste for form over substance, and a lack of both foresight and insight. Failed lifetime of dealing with his longtime family from the standpoint of rejection and powerlessness, beginning a cycle of go-rounds of trying to prove his self-worth over and over in far more powerful company. Orazio Farnese (?-1553) - Italian noble. Outer: Illegitimate son of the soon-to-be 1st Duke of Parma, Pier Luigi Farnese (Leopold Stokowski). Younger half-brother to Alessandro (Michael Eisner), Ottavio (Stephen Spielberg), and Ranuccio (Brett Ratner). Despite his young age, he was made prefect of Rome by his grandfather in 1538, Pope Paul III (David Geffen), although he played far less of a role than his half-siblings in the family division of power, in keeping with his ongoing status as a lesser member of the same longtime family, trying to make his presence known. In 1553, he married Diane de France (Frances Marion), daughter of Henri II (Robert Downey, Jr.) of France, in a political union although he was killed in battle at the seige of Hesdin in northern France later on that year, fighting for the forces of HRE Charles V (Napoleon Bonaparte). Inner: Half-sibling lifetime of enjoying the privilege of a powerful family, as a semi-legitimate member, only to burn out relatively early in his ongoing need to prove his valor and worth, no matter the price. Piero di L. de’ Medici (Piero di Lorenzo de’ Medici) (1472-1503) - Italian Renaissance prince. Known as ‘Piero the Unfortunate’. Outer: Eldest son of Lorenzo the Magnificent (Abraham Lincoln). Because his home was a European cultural center, he was given an excellent education, and was able to write light verse and speak well in public. Preferred the company of grooms and acrobats, however, to artists and scholars. Tall, handsome, strong, and a good athlete. In 1488, he married Alfonsina Orsina, a haughty daughter of the powerful Orsini family, but was a homophile at heart. Son and daughter from the union. Apolitical, took little interest in affairs of state, at one point advocated a theocracy with Jesus Christ as primate. Ruled Florence for 2 years, made a disastrous alliance with Naples and was invaded by the French under Charles VIII (Hermann Goering). Foolishly made an agreement with Charles and was forced to flee when the populace revolted. Lived the rest of his life in exile, designing abortive plots to retake his seat. Died by drowning during a military campaign. Inner: Impulsive, easily offended, prideful, with a volatile temper, and little gift for rule. Expected to be instantly obeyed. Privileged lifetime largely lived for the spectacular education of its early years, and the stimulating company of artisans and writers, with an unfortunate maturity that saw his failings as a leader readily exposed, and his own emotional excesses symbolized by his death.

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PATHWAY OF THE PERFORMER AS METEORIC STAR:
Storyline: The ethereal exotic enjoys a short spectacular run in the Hollywood firmament, before her foreignness relegates her to silent memory, in a distinct desire to be domestic, after an earlier go-round where her public life far superseded her private one, to mixed emotional results.
Vilma Banky (Vilma Konsics) (1898-1991) - Hungarian/American actress. Outer: Some question as to her original name. Either Vilma Konsics Banky or Vilma Lonchit. Began her career on the Hungarian screen in 1919, and also worked in France and Austria. 5’4”, violet-eyed and blonde-haired. While on a trip to Budapest, Samuel Goldwyn discovered and signed her, and then brought her to Hollywood in the mid-1920s, where her career immediately took off, despite speaking no English at the time. Nicknamed “the Hungarian Rhapsody,” she projected a graceful, ethereal beauty that made her a star in several of the most successful silent films of the 1920s, opposite such handsome leading men as Ronald Colman (Orlando Bloom), Gary Cooper (Brad Pitt) and Rudolph Valentino (John Travolta) in Son of the Sheik, the last film he ever made. In 1927, she married film star Rod La Rocque in a wedding extravaganza that Goldwyn footed for publicity purposes. Unlike other high profile Hollywood couples, their union would last until his death in 1969. Had a heavy accent, and was difficult to understand, so that when the sound era began in the late 1920s, her career was over. Made one final talkie in 1930, and then two more films in Germany in the early 1930s, before retiring from the screen. Her husband also called it a career, and went on to become a successful real estate dealer, a venture in which she also participated. Had no offspring, but along with her mate, she created an educational fund for children, called The Banky-La Roque Foundation. After her spouse’s death, she became somewhat reclusive, although continued playing golf, a sport that became a passion with her well into her 80s. Deeply disturbed that she received no publicity or mention or interest from the public when she became quite ill in her late 80s. Died from cardiorespiratory arrest, although her death was not announced publicly until the following year, as recompense per her instruction of her earlier ignoral. Inner: Meteoric lifetime of enjoying a brief, but spectacular run as a star, before settling into a much desired private life with a well-loved spouse, after earlier having done the opposite, and allowing the public domain to overwhelm her private sphere. Dorothea von Lieven (Dorothea Benckendorff) (1785-1857) - Baltic/French princess and diplomat. Outer: Mother was a former lady-in-waiting and close friend of the empress at the Russian imperial court. Father was a general and a military governor of the Baltic provinces. Younger sister of Alexander von Benckendorff (Samuel Goldwyn), a future head of Russia’s secret police. One other brother became a general as well. When her mother died in 1797, the empress adopted her, and after finishing her education at an exclusive St. Petersburg institute, she became maid of honor to the latter. At 14, she married Count Christopher Lieven, and a decade later, he was appointed minister to Berlin. Two sons from the union. In 1812, her husband was made ambassador to Great Britain, a post he held for over two decades. It was there that her social skills blossomed, and she became a leader of London society, as a gifted salonist, greatly enhancing her spouse’s position. Had several high profile paramours, including Prince Klemens von Metternich (Henry Kissinger) and Viscount Palmerston (Maxwell Beaverbrook), that had tongues clucking, thanks to an attraction to powerful men, a loose marriage and a skill at diplomacy very much equal to her mate’s. As a social lioness, she threw the parties where invites were most coveted, while becoming the first foreigner to be elected a patroness of the exclusive Almack’s club, where she introduced the waltz to England. Through her diplomacy, she helped modern Greece come into being, and also made contributions to the creation of Belgium, while serving as an element in one form or another in most of the major European diplomatic decisions of the first half of the 19th century, thanks to her ubiquitous linkage to some of the continent’s most powerful men. Corresponded with many of them, and held a unique position for women of her time. After being appointed senior lady-in-waiting to the tsar Nicholas I’s (Master P) tsarina in 1829, her husband was made governor to the young tsarevitch. Soon after being called back to Russia, both their young sons died, and the tragedy caused her to leave her husband and settle in Paris in declining health, where she once again was a popular salonist. Involved with conservative French political figure and his/storian Francois Guizot the latter part of her life, while maintaining her role as an independent stateswoman. Died peacefully at home, and was buried on the family estate in the Baltics, next to her sons. Her correspondence, in which she caustically limned life among the British aristocracy, was later published. Inner: Charismatic, intelligent, seductive and attracted to power. Illustrious liaisons lifetime of sacrificing home and hearth for the heady arena of power politics, only to ultimately lose her children along the way, making for a readjustment of priorities the next time around in this series.

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PATHWAY OF THE RULER AS ALLURING ALIEN:
Storyline: The exotic expatriate continually runs into roadblocks in her adopted countries, whether she is royalty of the bloodline or footlight variety, and winds up profoundly disconnected from the realities around her.
Pola Negri (Barbara Appollonia Chalupec) (1894-1987) - Polish/American actress. Outer: Father was a dealer in fabrics, who was arrested by the Russians and sent to a Siberian labor camp, where he died in 1905, leaving the family in financial straits. After a middle-class upbringing, she suddenly wound up in dire poverty. Nevertheless, her mother was able to send her to a private school in Warsaw, where it was decided she would be an actress, thanks to her striking beauty. Took her name from the Italian poetess Ada Negri, whose works she adored, and contracted her own middle name down to marquee size. Originally wanted to be a dancer, and was accepted by the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet, but TB curtailed that dream. Went to the Imperial Academy of Dramatic Arts in Warsaw, instead, where she did the three year course in one annum, and made her professional debut there in “Sodom’s End.” 5’. Became a fixture of Warsaw’s stage until shortly before Germany occupied the country in 1916, and both she and her mother were suddenly plunged back into poverty. Acted in a pantomime play, which showed her natural ability without sound, and decided to explore motion pictures, writing, directing and acting in Love and Passion, which proved she could transliterate herself to the new medium. Moved to Berlin in 1917, where she teamed with the country’s top directors, and in 1919, made Madame Du Barry which had a sensational success in Europe, and the United States, as well, where it was released as Passion. Married a Polish noble at the same time, but found herself ill-suited to domestic life and divorced him after a year. Hollywood beckoned in 1922 and she went on to become one of the early sultry sirens of the silent screen, combining an exotic beauty with an excessive emotional flair. Lived like royalty, in a palace-like abode in Los Angeles, and was involved with both Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino (John Travolta), claiming after the latter’s premature death that they had been engaged to be married. Played the grieving fiancee to the hilt via a much photographed train/ride across country to attend his funeral, where she gave the public performance of a lifetime. Her extracurricular histrionics did not sit that well with American fans, who preferred their stars emotional excess strictly up on the silver screen. Ran into censorship problems around her vamp roles, as well, and when sound came in at the end of the decade, her Hollywood career was doomed, because of her heavy accent. In 1927, she married playboy Prince Serge Mdivani, making her the sister-in-law of actress Mae Murray (Miley Cyrus). After she lost her considerable fortune in the stock market crash of 1929, the duo were divorced two years later. No children from either of her unions. Also had numerous involvements with women, while showing a predilection for drugs and drink. Returned to Europe, although her hedonistic lifestyle had dimmed her beauty, so that she was permanently no longer ready for a close-up. Adolf Hitler was a fan of hers, and she traveled to Germany to continue her career, only to ultimately find herself banned because of a rumor that she had Jewish ancestry, which Hitler himself rescinded, before it was reinstated. Left Germany in 1938 and went to France, then returned to the U.S. virtually penniless in 1941, but got little filmwork. Supposedly turned down the plum role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, refusing to play a has-been, despite being one. In 1951, she became an American citizen. Her last film was in 1964, and the same year, she received an honorary award from the German film industry for her early contributions to it. Spent the latter part of her life with a Texas heiress and composer, Margaret West, and published her ghost-written autobiography “Memoirs of a Star,” in 1970. Given to both alcoholism and depression, she eventually died of pneumonia, after suffering a brain tumor. Maintained to the end that Rudolph Valentino was the great love of her life. Inner: Poetaster and overly dramatic, with an unerring instinct for self-destruction. Stranger in a strange land lifetime of continuing as royalty of sorts, under far more aggressive circumstances, only to be once more rejected by her realm, despite its completely imaginary boundaries. Elizabeth (Princess Louise Maria Auguste of Baden) (1779-1826) - German Empress consort of Russia. Outer: From the House of Zahringen. Mother was the daughter of the Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt. Father was the Prince of Baden. 3rd of 7 children. Enjoyed a close, warm family, with a strong attachment to her mother, with whom she would correspond her entire life, and who would ultimately outlive her. Came to St. Petersburg in 1792 with her younger sister at the behest of the empress Catherine II (Indira Gandhi) who was looking for a wife for her grandson Alexander I (Mikhail Gorbachev). The following year, the duo were engaged, although she was initially put off by his undemonstrativeness. Ash blonde and blue-eyed, with an angelic face, a melodious speaking voice, a shy, sweet, generous nature and an obvious intelligence. Her beauty, elegance and regal charm soon opened him up, and they came to love one another. Learned Russian, converted to the Russian Orthodox Church, while being renamed Elizabeth Alexeievna. In 1793, when she was 14 and he 15, they were married, and she became Grand Duchess of Russia. Withdrawn and repressed, she found the court far too licentious for her tastes, particularly after the empress’s young lover tried to seduce her, while its Byzantine intrigues were far beyond her naive sense of propriety. Felt lost after her sister returned home to Baden, and was both miserable and profoundly alienated, with only her spouse as a saving grace in her life. The latter, however, failed to give her the romantic sustenance she craved, while she was unable to provide a male heir, much to Catherine’s disappointment. Following the empress’s death, her son Pavel (Shah Pahlevi) proved to be intolerable to her, and she completely eschewed his court, despising his militaristic character. Eventually began looking to others for fulfillment, and wound up in the arms of her husband’s best friend, a dashing Polish prince, in a three year liaison. In 1799, she finally gave birth to a daughter, who bore a suspicious resemblance to her lover. The child died soon afterwards, while the prince was permanently sent off on a diplomatic mission, once again isolating her. Learned to live in solitude, and though she loved her husband, the two continued to look outside their official union for emotional succor. Unpopular at court, as well as with her husband’s family, she took solace in reading and solitude. Gave her husband support in overthrowing his father, who was assassinated in 1801, and then as empress consort, returned to court life, although played a secondary role to her mother-in-law. Upon becoming emperor, Alexander took on a Polish princess, Maria Naryshkina as his lover, and the latter flaunted her position over the next decade and a half. When her Polish prince returned to court, she went back to him, and then moved onto a staff-captain, who may have been killed in 1807 on orders of the czar. The previous year she gave birth to a second daughter, who rumor had it, was the child of the staff-captain. Her second daughter also died as an infant, which made her totally bereft, although it briefly brought her closer to her husband again. Remained a strong support of his, through his early attempts at reform, and all during the Napoleonic Wars. When Napoleon finally fell, she joined Alexander at the Congress of Vienna, where she briefly entwined with her Polish prince. By this time her beauty was a thing of the past, and after her husband underwent a mysterious religious conversion to mysticism, and finally broke off his long liaison with his Polish princess, the two began enjoying each other’s company again. Her health however was susceptible to a lung condition, and both tsar and tsarina traveled south in 1825, where they lived together in simple lodgings. He, however, developed typhus, and died later that year in her arms, which devastated her. On her return to the capital, she, too, joined him in eternity, through heart failure. Inner: Love hungry, profoundly alienated and focused largely on singular others to get her emotional fulfillment. Sad-eyed lifetime of once again being a stranger in a strange land, while continually suffering love and loss as a means of testing her heart and her own wounded sense of self. Maria Leszczynska (Maria Karolina Zofia Felicja Leszczynska) (1703-1768) - Polish Queen consort of France. Outer: The year after her birth, her father became king of Poland, only to soon be forced into exile. Became lost when the family fled Warsaw, and was eventually found in a stable. Also hidden in an oven on another occasion for her own safety. Her father consoled himself via her education. Through French political intrigue, she was proposed as the wife of Louis XV (Mikhail Gorbachev), who was 7 years her junior, since the betrothal carried with it no complicated alliance because of her father’s deposition. Though it was viewed as a complete misalliance by the French pundits of the day, the marriage took place in 1725, and was initially happy. A devout Roman Catholic, she instituted weekly Polish Choral Concerts at Versailles. Together the two had 8 daughters, including Louise-Elizabeth (Diane Keaton) and two sons, although neither of the latter two outlived their father, so that he was ultimately succeeded by his grandson, Louis XVI (Lex Barker). All the children were close with their mother. Accepted her husband’s compulsive seductiveness, since he seemed more interested in exploring his sensuality than affairs of state, and eventually alienated herself from her spouse with her singular act of political interference, trying to prevent the disgrace of the the Duke of Bourbon. After the birth of their last child, she discontinued their sex life, because of the threat to her health of any further childbirths. Her husband went on to take on a series of high profile mistresses, ending with a former prostitute, Madame du Barry (Xaviera Hollander), just before her death. Consoled herself with her close association with her exiled father, who was established in Lorraine, and save for one brief period of reconciliation, when Louis was sick in 1844, she remained apart from him, contenting herself with her intimate circle of friends. Inner: Simple, maternal, and accepting of the role thrust upon her. Act One lifetime of serving as a political pawn, while learning, although not quite accepting, the ways of a foreign court, before trying it again a second time to see if she could do it better, only to have things come out even worse.

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PATHWAY OF THE MOGUL AS MASTER PACKAGER:
Storyline: The wily wheeler-dealer operates on the premise that perception is everything, while redefining the power structure of Hollywood, only to out-manipulate himself, into the difficult position of trying to reclaim his earlier preeminence.
Michael Ovitz (1946) - American talent agent. Outer: Father was a liquor wholesaler. Older of 2 brothers. Grew up in a tract house in a working-class neighborhood, and used to sneak onto the RKO lot to watch movies being made. 5’9”. President of the student body in high school. His parents wanted him to be a doctor, and he went to UCLA as a pre-med, and worked as a tour guide at Universal and 20th Century-Fox to help defray the expenses. Married Judy Reich in 1969, 3 children from the union. Went to work for the William Morris Agency in his early 20s, and then left after a year to go to law school, but dropped out and returned to William Morris, and proved himself an adept talent agent, through diligence and extremely hard and thorough work. Felt his higher ambitions stifled there after 7 years, and with 4 others decided to form a new agency. All were summarily fired for their presumption, but they were able to create Creative Artists Alliance in 1975, initially with clients solely from TV. Despite precarious beginnings, he built CAA into the most powerful agency in Hollywood within a decade as its chairman, representing the top money talent in the film industry, from stars to directors to writers. Became one of the primary players in Tinseltown, a super-broker and movie packager, able to put together the teams that would produce the top-grossing films, and eventually negotiated the transfer of studio heads, as well as consulting on studio takeovers. In the process, he redefined what an agent could be, while shifting the power from the studios to the stars. In actuality, he resented the details of agenting, much preferred being a wheeler-dealer. In 1991, he took on Coca Cola as an advertising client, expanding into that realm as well. Amassed a huge art collection, although he was far more interested in impressing others than displaying a genuine love of aesthetics. Ultimately grew tired of his limited, albeit extraordinarily successful, role as a seller rather than a buyer of talent, and joined Michael Eisner at Disney Studios in 1995 to become president of that vast entertainment complex. Left voluntarily a year and a half later over differences with a huge separation package, despite spending a relatively fruitless time there. Later got his day in court to vent his displeasure at the entire proceedings, while listening to his former friend call him a psychopath, in what could be his valedictory in show business. Switched his metier to production, and in the late 1990s, formed Artists Management Group, focusing on management, rather than being an agent, while raiding his previous agency for talent, much to the resentment of his former underlings, despite an earlier agreement to the contrary with them. Foundered badly after the millennium, and made his exit blaming Hollywood’s “gay mafia” for his ills, in an early retirement package of his own resentful making. Inner: Excellent negotiator, shrewd packager, supersalesman, with the skill to find the niche that would make him a pre-eminent power player in Los Angeles. Made many enemies, and has few friends in the industry, thanks to his obsessive need for control and disregard for the truth. Each summer planned his life in 1 year, 3 year and 5 year blocks. Great attention to detail, and boundless determination, as well as competitive zeal. As always displays an ‘O’ prominently in his name, ofttimes along with a ‘V’. Supersalesman lifetime of expanding on the skills he developed directly beforehand, although his boundless ambition ultimately pushed him into the realm of well-rewarded failure, in order to try to recreate himself anew as a mover and shaker of entertainment mountains. Marcus Loew (1879-1927) - American movie entrepreneur. Outer: Parents were Viennese immigrants. Had a poverty-stricken childhood, and dropped out of school at the age of 10. Had a rocky start in a variety of jobs and enterprises, looking for his niche, but was eventually successful in real estate, after learning the intricacies of the business world through failure before he discovered his innate gift for salesmanship and the product he could most profitably sell. Short, bulbous and comical-looking. Recognized the emerging film industry as a potentially lucrative business for himself, and went into penny arcades in NYC and Cincinnati in his mid-30s in partnership with Adolph Zukor. In his mid-20s he married Carrie Rosenheim, and had twin sons who both became involved in the motion picture business as an executive and a producer. Quickly owned about 40 arcades all over the country, then began acquiring theaters, so that by his early 40s he owned some 400 of them in his Loew’s Theatrical Enterprises. Bought Metro Pictures when he was 50 in order to supply product for his growing chain, and 4 years later he acquired controlling interest in two other companies and consolidated them into Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer or MGM, with Loew’s, Inc. as its parent company. Eventually took over the William Morris Agency and created a joint booking office with it. One of the founding fathers of corporate Hollywood in the silent era, he died in his sleep of heart failure just before sound came in. Inner: Genial, supersalesman, with good taste and an extremely sure business sense, once he got the hang of American capitalism. Self-inventing lifetime of learning how to put financial packages together to best serve a foundling industry, before returning to continue his ongoing education in how to best exploit and manage the creative talents of others. Aleksey Orlov (1786-1862) - Russian military officer and statesman. Outer: From the princely Orlov family. Illegitimate son of Count Fyodor Orlov, who had helped his brother Grigory (Sanjay Gandhi) put Catherine the Great (Indira Gandhi) on Russia’s throne in 1762, winning the eternal favor of the empress for his family. Brother of Mikhail Orlov (Ben Stiller), who became a general. Educated under Catherine’s general supervision, and in 1804, entered the army’s officer corps. From 1805, through the next decade, he took part in the Napoleonic Wars, right up to the capture of Paris, but was opposed to the progressive ideas of his fellow officers, including his brother, Mikhail. Became the commander of a cavalry regiment, and in 1825, helped suppress the Decembrist revolt, which wanted to establish a constitutional regime instead of allow Nicholas I (Master P) to succeed his brother Alexander I (Mikhail Gorbachev) to the throne. As a reward, he was made a count by the new czar. Managed to save his brother’s neck in the process, winning him bail and release on his arrest, then felt he had to doubly prove his loyalty because of his sibling’s perfidy. Fought in the Russo-Turkish War at the end of the 1820s, and rose to lieutenant-general, while leading the delegation that concluded the peace treaty afterwards. Married, and the father of general, writer and diplomat, Nikolay Orlov (Budd Schulberg). Helped put down the Polish uprising in 1830, then became commander-in-chief of the Russia’s Black Sea fleet as well as ambassador to Turkey, strengthening Russia’s ties to the latter. Became one of Nicholas’s most trusted advisers, accompanying him on a foreign tour. In 1844, he succeeded Alexander Benckendroff (Samuel Goldwyn) as head of the czar’s Third Chancellery, which served as his security and secret police force. Wound up spending a great deal of time with the emperor, influencing him greatly on his policy-making decisions, since he shared the same controlling, conservative overview. In 1854, he unsuccessfully petitioned Austria to remain neutral during the Crimean War, then afterwards, helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris. Nicholas’s successor, Alexander II (Steven Spielberg) made him a knyaz or prince in 1856, and appointed him president of the state council and the council of ministers. Unable to prevent the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, despite his conservative opposition to it, he died soon afterwards. Inner: Strong conservative traditionalist very much into the power of the throne. Well-rewarded lifetime of dutifully acting in the best interests of the Russian monarchy over a long career, as a highly competent functionary who closely reflected the repressive polity he so willingly served. Gaspar de Olivares (Gaspar de Guzman y Pimental, Conde de Olivares y Duc de San Lucar) (1585-1645) - Spanish prime minister. Outer: Father was the Spanish ambassador to Rome, where he was born, while his mother was of the Castilian nobility. 2nd son. Studied for the priesthood, gaining a degree from the Univ. of Salamanca in law, theology and the arts in 1604. Following the death of his older brother, he was able to renounce his position as canon in Seville, and join his father at the royal court. By 1607, he was orphaned and became heir to one of Spain’s largest fortunes, as well as his sire’s titles. The same year he married his cousin and niece, Ines de Zuniga y Velasco, to whom he was related on both sides. She, in turn, had been lady-in-waiting to the queen, and he became one of Prince Felipe’s (Walt Disney) personal attendants in 1615. By the time the latter was crowned as Felipe IV in 1621, he had wormed his way into the teenager’s affections as irreplaceable. Given the coveted grade of grandee, as well as Duque de San Lucar, while greedily holding onto his inherited title, going against precedence, so that he would be known as El conde-duque. From 1623 until 1643, he held the position as prime minister of Spain, showing great loyalty to the king, and an unquestioned patriotism. Effected numerous economic reforms, to ameliorate the country’s longtime dependence on precious metals from the New World, and make it more competitive with the shipping interests of the rest of western Europe, but was met with bitter resistance from his fellow Castilian nobles, who looked down on mercantilism as unworthy of their aristocratic interests. Tried to centralize power in the hands of the king and his main ministers, only to inspire revolts towards the end of his run by both the Catalans and the Portuguese, as well as an abortive conspiracy by the southern Andalusian states to create their own kingdom. Involved Spain in the 30 Years’ War, in hopes of linking the interests of Spain with the Austrian Hapsburgs, only to find France eclipsing Spanish power through his efforts. A certain inevitability accompanied his various failures, thanks to a country petrified by a rigid caste system, and unwilling to meet the demands of the rapidly changing world around it. In declining health, he fell prey to a court intrigue spearheaded by the queen, and was removed from office in 1643, while court factions made sure the reluctant king stuck to his decision. Wrote a letter of apology, and was exiled along with his wife to the city of Toro, and became active in the city’s affairs, before dying of natural causes, 6 months after the Inquisition began investigating him. Inner: Moody, with an instinct for power and a genuine gift for seeing some of the larger patterns of the world around him, despite pursuing policies that would help him retain the king’s favor, rather than help the country-at-large. Collected a vast array of state papers, both ancient and modern, and had a huge aviary. Largely thwarted lifetime of being hampered by an ossified aristocracy in much of what he wished to accomplish, perhaps as reflection of unintegrated parts of his own character, necessitating an ultimate change to the business world, like many of his fellow future Hollywoodians of the Spanish royal house, where he would be allowed far freer reign in pursuing his various visions. Giovanni de’ Medici (Giovanni di Averardo III) (1360-1429) - Italian merchant prince. Known as ‘Bicci.’ Outer: Father was an obscure member of a banking family, mother had been his second wife. One of 5 sons, Began his career working in a bank owned by his cousin, then became a merchant in the traditional Florentine trade of refining and dying wool, before becoming one of the wealthiest bankers in Italy. Married, 2 sons, including his successor, Cosimo I (David Geffen). Used his close connection with Baldassare Cosse, later Pope John XXIII, to become a papal banker, with a monopoly on the position. Although the bank had branches in numerous other cities, over half its profits came from Rome when the latter was pope. When John XXIII was deposed and imprisoned, he remained loyal to him and helped secure his release. Continued doing business with the Vatican afterwards, although without the virtual monopoly. Used his wealth wisely, financing loans and helping the people of Florence to pay their taxes. Avoided public office, but used his money to political advantage, helping to create a new power with his own family, after a rival house had dominated Florence for generations. Elected gonfalonier of Florence in 1421, although refused to take sole charge of the government, knowing he would place himself in great danger from competing families. Died from natural causes. Inner: Honest, reserved, calm, courteous and pragmatic. Always thought in terms of stability, and taught his sons the value of humility and prudence. Foundation-building lifetime of creating a merchant prince’s house through his highly commercialized view of the world, and though a grand acquisitor himself, always thought in terms of balance and stability rather than sheer overarching greed.

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PATHWAY OF THE PRODUCER AS HIGHLY INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT:
Storyline: The malaprop-spouting mogul follows a similar crypto-career arc as his fellow secret Medicis, but always seems to retain a blank space between the ears somewhere along the way in memory of a power go-round when he wasn’t completely present.
Samuel Goldwyn (Shmuel Gelbfisz) (1882-1974) - Polish/American producer. Outer: Eldest of 6 children of a struggling Jewish used-furniture dealer. Orphaned early, at 11, he went to England by himself, showing an independence of spirit that would continue throughout his life. Learned English and worked as a blacksmith’s helper, while staying with relatives, who Anglicized his name to Goldfish. Tall and broad-shouldered. In 1898, after begging or stealing steerage passage, he came to America via Canada, once more by himself, and became an apprentice glove-maker in upstate NY, for $3 a week, while going to night school. By 15, he was an expert glove-cutter, and by 18, he was a high-powered glove salesman, as well as partner in his company. In his late 20s, after moving his operation to NYC, he married Beatrice Laskey (Betsy Brooks), the sister of musician and theatrical producer Jesse Lasky (Garth Brooks), divorced in 1919, one child from union. When tariffs cut into his business, he joined Lasky as treasurer and sales manager for his eponymous Feature Players Company, an early entry into the fledgling film industry. Their first effort, The Squaw Man, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, was a resounding success, and by 1916 they had merged with Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players to ultimately become Paramount Pictures. Made Chairman of the Board of the revamped company, although the strong egos involved led him to be included out, and he was bought out for $900,000. Formed a new company with the Selwyn Bros., called Goldwyn, and in 1918, he liked the sound of it so much, he changed his own name to reflect it. Struggled with the second company, and was once more included out, when he proved more and more difficult to deal with. When the Goldwyn company merged with Metro and Louis B. Mayer Productions, to become Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a subsequent mainstay of Hollywood, he was completely out of the picture and their pictures, although he contributed their Leo the lion logo. Rather than join up with anyone else, he vowed to work, as he always did, by himself, and formed Samuel Goldwyn Productions. Immediately showed himself to be a master showman, taking complete charge of all aspects of his product, save for distribution, which he did through United Artists until 1940, and then RKO. Hired the best talent available, with a particular emphasis on good screenwriters, and focused on high quality productions, with a great intuitive feel for putting together winning teams. Often looked to the stage and successful books for suitable material. Always sensitive about his coreligionists and their unflattering portrayal on screen, almost not hiring Danny Kaye because he projected too Jewish an image, which he equated with ‘funny-looking.’ Nevertheless, he proved to be a tireless president of the United Jewish Appeal, raising millions for Israel and Jewish charities, when he headed that organization in the late 1940s. Married Broadway actress Frances Howard, some 20 years his junior, and a non-Jew in 1925, and she became his close partner, particularly after bringing up their son, Samuel Goldwyn, Jr., who also became a producer. Served as a launcher for a number of notable careers, and was particularly effective with director William Wyler, who won an Academy Reward with him in 1946, for The Best Years of Our Lives. The same year, he won the Irving Thalberg Memorial Award. A philanthropist, as well as a noted malapropist, he added numerous funny phrases, or as they came to be known, Goldwynisms, to the language, thanks to his fractured English, including the aforementioned ‘include me out,’ as well as, “in two words, im-possible,” and “I’ll give you a definite maybe.” Eventually retired from producing at the end of the 1950s, after two of his most memorable features, both musicals, Guys and Dolls in 1955 and Porgy and Bess in 1959. Suffered a severe stroke in 1969, and spent his last five years bedridden in his home, turning hugely obese, partly paralyzed and incontinent. Most of the time he just stared off into space, only able to speak on occasion, as he clung to a spent body, while reflecting in unconscious manner his go-round as an equally emptied-out tsar. Died of a heart ailment in his sleep at 91, virtually the last of his breed. Inner: Active, aggressive and temperamental with a genius for publicity, and a facility for turning off his partners. Although uncreative himself, a natural salesman of superior products, with a great gut feeling for quality, and an excellent instinct for talent. Usually went into a highly agitated state everytime a project neared completion. Almost never carried cash on him, as reflection of his own sense of power. Exclude me in lifetime of distancing himself from all save his familial intimates in order to totally control both his life and product, only to ultimately be forced to face the emptiness that still lies within him. Alexander Beckendorff (Alexander, Graf Beckendorff) (1783-1944) - Russian general and police commandant. Outer: Of Baltic-German noble descent. Father was a general and served as a military governor of Russia’s Baltic provinces, while his mother, Anna Julianne, was a lady-in-waiting and close friend of the Russian tsarina. His brother became both a general and a diplomat, while his sister, Dorothea von Lieven (Vilma Banky), was a socialite and politically active in London and Paris. Joined the Russian military, and was one of the officers who assassinated Pavel I (Reza Shah Pahlevi) in 1801, per imperial instruction. Fought with distinction in the Napoleonic wars, capturing three French generals, and was made commandant of the Moscow garrison, after the city was liberated. Later fought against the fading French army in Germany and the Low Countries to equally good success. Served as aide-de-camp to Alexander I (Mikhail Gorbachev) in the early 1820s, trying to warn him of political unrest among the upper classes, but was largely ignored. A conservative traditionalist, he actively worked to suppress the result of that unrest, the Decembrist uprising, in 1825, which tried to prevent the ascension of Nicholas I (Master P) to the throne. Later proved to be a pivotal figure in their prosecution. Along with his fellow generals of German extraction, he relentlessly ran down the aristocratic family members connected with the revolt, leading some to believe he and his minions were all operating on a strong anti-Slav bias. Became one of Nicholas’s closest and most trusted companions afterwards, and one of the few people in his inner circle outside his immediate family, because of a shared belief in the absolute power of the throne. Made head of the Imperial Gendarmerie, a security police force, which Nicholas created in 1826, to root out any other revolutionary fervor, and within a decade had over 1600 men and women under surveillance, most for political reasons, thanks to the growing paranoia of his primary employer. Also oversaw a strict censorship of both literature and plays, as Nicholas clamped down on any and all expression that did not venerate his high position. Despite being the tsar’s chief political policeman, he was viewed positively by society-at-large, since he did not use his offices for petty gains or self-interest. Never owned a home in St. Petersburg, preferring his own longtime family manor in Talinn for his base, in his strong identification with his family. Had an odd affliction where he could not remember his name, and had to check his own visiting card to remember it, an unconscious throwback, to his earlier blank life in this series. Held his post until his death, and then was succeeded in it by Alexsey Orlov (Michael Ovitz). Inner: Conservative, traditional, aggressive and ultimately an information-gatherer, proving over and over his competence in accomplishing whatever task was assigned him through his strong belief in the system he was loyally serving. String-around-the-finger lifetime of continually doing his duty as he saw fit, even when forgetting who he was, as a throwback to the time when he felt he wasn’t anybody. Ivan V (1666-1696) - Russian tsar. Outer: Younger son of Tsar Alexis I (Steven Spielberg) and his first wife. Probably suffered from Down’s Syndrome. Chronic invalid, half-blind, mentally and physically deficient, and later in life was partially paralyzed. When his older brother, Tsar Feodor III (Brett Ratner) died in 1682, his half-brother, Peter I (Yukio Mishima) was named tsar, but his sister Sofia (Molly Yard) instigated the palace guard to riot, and they killed several members of his stepfamily, before the royal council proclaimed him co-ruler with Peter, and Sofia as regent. Crowned along with Peter, who left Moscow, the first time ever that Russian had two rulers. Married a Russian noblewoman in 1684, 5 daughters from union, including the future empress, Anna (Leonid Brezhnev). Always maintained a conciliatory attitude towards Peter, so when Sofia was deposed in 1689, he was allowed to live. Never participated in the government, and spent most of his time praying, fasting and going on pilgrimages. Inner: Childish mind, never fully grasped his role, deeply religious. Retarded lifetime of retreating backwards into a childlike state in order to re-establish his sense of love, a common theme of those suffering from Down’s Syndrome, who need to recreate their heart base from the simple perspective of unadulterated devotion, in order to try to be more loving people afterwards. Giovanni de’ Medici (Giovanni de’ Pierfrancesco Medici Il Popolano) (1467-1498) - Italian noble. Outer: From a cadet branch of the powerful de’ Medici family. His father had been the son of the brother of Cosimo de’ Medici (David Geffen), whose direct line created the main branch. Younger of two brothers. Handsome and physical. Lived a largely luxurious life as a country squire, thanks to his family wealth, while evincing a quiet arrogance. Charged with treason by his cousin Piero (Jeffrey Katzenberg) after a contretemps over a woman, and arrested, although he was not viewed as a threat to the authorities and was released. Like the other members of his family, he was an active patron of artists. Sent to Rome in 1496 as Florentine ambassador to the city, where he was nabbed by the redoubtable Caterina Sforza (Molly Yard), as her third husband, after her first two had been unceremoniously murdered, in a charged physical attraction on her part. One son from union, Giovanni della Bande Nere (Master P), who would go on to a memorably violent career of his own. Faded out when his son was barely out of infancy, perhaps from exhaustion in trying to satisfy his lusty wife, or so contemporary chroniclers surmised. Inner: Secondary lifetime of being a minor member of a major family, with only his physicality as evidence of being out-of-the-ordinary, in a largely unmemorable go-round, save as a seed-spreader.

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PATHWAY OF THE MOGUL TURNED ALL-AROUND PERFORMER:
Storyline: The multi-hyphenated Hollywood hybrid expands into all arenas of show business from performance to production after earlier being there at the founding, only to ultimately founder in his pursuit of the external trappings of success.
Ben Stiller (1965) - American actor, writer, director & producer. Outer: Both parents were comedians - Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara - who sometimes worked in partnership, but were rarely home for their children. Older sister. Began performing as a youngster, appearing on his mother’s TV series, “Kate McShane,” as well as “The Mike Douglas Show.” At 10, his father gave him a camera, and he began shooting films with his sibling, about getting revenge on neighborhood bullies. Felt geekish as a teen. 5’8”. Dropped out of UCLA film school after 9 months, and worked at the Actor’s Studio in NYC, sweeping floors and stage-managing. Made his Broadway debut in John Guare’s “House of Blue Leaves,” in 1986, thanks to his mother’s connections. Joined ‘Saturday Night Live,’ in 1987 as a writer/actor, but left after only 5 weeks, because they wouldn’t allow him to make shorts, and he moved back to L.A. Made his film debut in 1987 in Empire of the Sun. In 1990, he began producing and acting in an eponymous sketch-comedy series on MTV. The show ended 2 years later, although it won an Emmy after it closed. Directed Reality Bites in 1994, and became identified with the newest group of young Hollywood stars, the Gen-Xers. Directed Jim Carrey’s first relative flop, The Cable Guy, before becoming a ubiquitous Hollywood presence by the end of the 1990s, directing and appearing in a host of movies, showing a talent for both comedy and drama, while steadily rising as one of screendom’s most popular comedians. Founded Red Hour Films in 1997. Revived the longtime moribund Hollywood tale, "What Makes Sammy Run," by his past-life son, trying to bring that classic to the screen after over 50 years in turn-around. Restless and constantly working, while expanding his own screen sensibilities, although his choice of films after century’s turn was mixed at best, and downright embarrassing at worst, often playing men who are perpetually humiliated. Nevertheless, he had several hits, and was able to attract high profile stars to his vehicles, so that by 2005, he was once again on top of his game and commanding $15 million a picture, while forming a loose comedy coterie, along with Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughan and Owen Wilson, that insures their own comedic output will continue to be made. Married actress Christine Taylor in 2000, with whom he has costarred, two children from union. Added editor to his resume in 2005 with the pictorial coffee table tome, “Looking at Los Angeles.” Inner: Intense, driven, workaholic, with an actor’s, rather than a comic’s sensibility, making him a perfect foil for scene-stealers. Low-key, thoughtful and courteous. Suffers from bipolar disorder, and a duality of character, alternately easy-going and paranoid. Empire-of-the-son lifetime of making himself run in all creative directions, by amplifying the innate abilities and disabilities that made him one of the early titans of Tinseltown. B. P. Schulberg (Benjamin Percival Schulberg) (1892-1957) - American producer and writer. Outer: Son of Jewish immigrants. His father never had a regular job, working occasionally as a sandwich board carrier, and earning enough to make it to the nearest saloon, where he enjoyed getting into fights at the drop of an anti-Semitic remark. Won a $100 prize for a schoolboy short story. Entered CCNY, but had no money and had to drop out. Began working as a copyboy for legendary columnist Franklin Pierce Adams (Conan O'Brien), then became a cub reporter, reviewing one-reel films. Became editor at 22 of a film trade journal, and shortened his name to its initials to make himself sound older. Entered films in 1911 as a photo-playwright, cranking out hundreds of mini-scripts and working as publicity director for Rex Films. The following year, he joined Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players. In 1914, he married Adeline Jaffe, the sister of producer Sam Jaffe, and the daughter of immigrants, whom he had known since childhood. His emotionally remote wife had a fascination for literature, 3 children from union including Budd Schulberg, a noted writer and screenwriter, who limned the classic Hollywood novel, “What Makes Sammy Run?” and Stuart Schulberg, a minor producer. Discovered Clara Bow (Courtney Love), and was instrumental in her success as the ‘It’ girl. Joined Paramount in 1925 as a producer, and 3 years later he became general manager of the company’s West Coast productions. Acknowledged as one of the brightest men in Hollywood, he became an independent producer in 1932. An affair with actress Sylvia Sidney effectively terminated his marriage, and his wife, who was extremely undemonstrative, became a writer’s agent. Married a second time to Helen McHale Keebler. In 1935, he ended his run with Paramount and went to work for Columbia, but chafed under its head, Harry Cohn (Suge Knight). Lived in sumptuous style, with several homes, before being a staff producer for several Hollywood companies, although he did not like working for other powerful men, despite his inability to produce hits without them. Left Columbia in 1943, and spent his last 14 years desperately looking for a new position of power, winding up in reduced circumstances, giving him much time for introspection. Inner: Impetuous, self-justifying and charming, a major Hollywood player who out-lived his usefulness. Compulsively promiscuous, with a pathological drive towards ultimate failure. Exploratory lifetime of being there at the beginning of the burgeoning motion picture industry, and enjoying both its heights and its rejections, necessitating a return as a more fully-rounded talent in order to insure continuity and longevity in an industry that has little inhibition about eating its successes alive. Mikhail Orlov (1788-1842) - Russian general. Outer: Son of Count Fyodor Orlov, the brother of Grigori (Sanjay Gandhi), who was pivotal in putting Catherine the Great (Indira Gandhi) on the throne, winning a special place for his family. Younger brother of Alexsey Orlov (Michael Ovitz). Pursed a military career, and was active during the Napoleonic wars, rising in rank from captain to lieutenant general for his prowess on the battlefield in various theaters. Following the conclusion of Napoleon’s last run at power, he was raised to the rank of general-major on his return to Russia. Unlike his brother, who was a strong traditionalist, he was imbued with some of the more positive aspects of the French Revolution, including an end to the absolute monarchy and a desire for a more republican form of government. A friend of Alexander Pushkin (Tupac Shakur), he was sensitive to the huge imbalance in Russian society, and wished, along with numerous other aristocrats and military officers, to see Russia’s serfs freed, and a government that was more responsive to the will of the great Russian mass. Joined what would be called the Decembrist movement, and became one of its leaders, although, when it failed in 1825, following the death of the tsar Alexander I (Mikhail Gorbachev), he was arrested. Unlike the others in his position, who were summarily tried and executed, he was released on bail, thanks to his powerful brother’s intervention, who probably strongly forbade him from sullying the family name again. Settled in Moscow, where he focused on finance, and wound up publishing a pioneering study of the state credit system, while largely staying out of both politics and trouble. Inner: Humanitarian and idealist at heart, despite serving the government at its highest levels. Sobering lifetime of going for change and being saved from the consequences, leading to a far less adventurous spirit afterwards.

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PATHWAY OF THE POET AS CRYPTO-ARISTOCRATIC CHRONICLER:
Storyline: The tinsel town prince retains his sense of justice and fair play, despite numerous cries of betrayal, as he turns to fiction to salve his social conscience, after earlier doing the same from a similar anointed position of birth.
Budd Schulberg (1914-2009) - American writer. Outer: Father was early film mogul B. P. Schulberg (Ben Stiller). Mother, Arline, was the sister of producer Sam Jaffe, and had a strong interest in literature, which she passed on to her son, so that he grew up as Hollywood Jewish pseudo-royalty in the early days of the film industry, while she eventually became a literary agent. The family had moved there from NYC when he was 5. Oldest of 3 children, including younger brother Stuart Schulberg, who also became involved in the film industry as a minor producer. Suffered from fainting fits and a speech impediment as a child, which turned him into a good listener, as well as a precocious writer. At 17, he went to work for his father’s studio, Paramount, as a publicist, before becoming a screenwriter at 19, while at the same time attending private school, then Dartmouth Univ., where he was involved with the humor magazine and graduated cum laude. Sensitive to labor issues, he became involved with the Communist Party during the latter part of the Depression, going to the Soviet Union in 1934. Soured on communism because of its dictates on how and what he should write, and after three years, quit the party in 1939. Married actress Virginia Ray in 1936, divorced in 1942, one daughter from the union. Served on the original council of the Writer’s Guild of America, then was fired in 1939 after an unhappy collaboration with a fading F. Scott Fitzgerald (Bret Eason Ellis), which he later novelized in The Disenchanted. Moved back east, where he wrote his first novel, "What Makes Sammy Run?", published in 1941, about a Jewish hustler who becomes a huge lotus land success by steamrolling over people. The book was a bestseller, but also won the wrath of Hebraic Hollywood, particularly its moguls, making him persona non grata there. The book ultimately becoming the most extended project in turnaround in that fabled city’s his/story, having sat in the pipeline for so long, over 60 years, that the reincarnation of his own father, Ben Stiller, bought the rights to do it while he was in his late 80s. A very unpopular figure around Hollywood for years afterwards, particularly among the town’s powerbrokers and right-wingers. Married actress Virginia Anderson in 1943, divorced in 1964, 2 sons from the union. Served in the Navy as an officer both during and after WW II, spending time with John Ford’s (David Fincher) documentary film unit, and was commended for collecting visual evidence of Nazi war crimes. A huge fan of the sweet science, he covered boxing for the press, and in 1947, wrote his second bestseller, "The Harder They Come", about corruption in the industry, which made it to the big screen. In 1951, he willingly named 17 names to the House Committee on Un-American Activities when he was called before it to testify on his association with the Communist Party, causing much friction between himself and his former leftist friends, many of whom wound up blacklisted from his testimony, despite his rationalization he only gave them names they knew, despite offering one they didn’t. Won an Academy Reward in 1954 for Best Screenplay for On the Waterfront, which was a paean to testifying, and later in the decade, he penned the equally affecting demagogue-drama, A Face in the Crowd. In the mid-1960s, he founded a writer’s workshop in Watts following the devastating riots there, and in the 1970s, he launched the Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center in NYC to help inner city youth. In 1964, he married a third time to actress Geraldine Brooks, who died in 1977. The following year, he wed a 4th and final time, to Betsy Langman, with a daughter and son from the last union. In addition to other well-received novels, journalism, short stories and screenplays, he wrote a biography of boxer Muhammed Ali, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. Penned a memoir of his Hollywood upbringing in 1981, "Moving Pictures: Memories of a Hollywood Prince". Still actively engaged in projects, when he died at home of natural causes. Inner: Liberal and highly conscious socially, with a soft spot for the underdog, and a great desire to right social wrongs. An extreme prude in reaction to his sire’s philandering, he had ambivalent feelings towards the latter, while his emotionally remote mother made him distant in that regard as well. Continually used the elements of his life and experience in his work, reexamining issues and himself via his creations, while also winning much enmity along the way for his insensitivity to the larger repercussions of his actions. Literary lifetime of following his longtime family into the royal realm of Hollywood, as a prince with a commoner’s desire to right society’s wrongs, in his ongoing need to root out social ills, no matter the cost to himself or his confreres. Nikolay Orlov (1827-1885) - Russian general, diplomat and writer. Outer: Father was Count Aleksey Orlov (Michael Ovitz), who later became a prince. His uncle was General Mikhail Orlov (Ben Stiller). Educated at home, then was made a page at court. Passed an officer candidate exam, was made a cornet and assigned to the Life-Guards Horse regiment. In 1846, he was made aide-de-cap to the tsar Nicholas I (Master P). Accompanied the latter’s brother Constantine in his European travels, then fought in Hungary in 1849, while steadily rising in rank. Traveled with the tsar, then lost an eye as well as received 9 serious wounds in the seige of Silestria in 1854, during the Crimean War. Given honors for his efforts, he spent a half-year in Italy recovering, where he began writing, penning a noteworthy account of the Franco-Prussian Napoleonic war of 1806. On his return he was made a major general and assigned to the tsar’s suite, where he took up his pen in the service of abolishing corporal punishment, which effected some changes in the Russian penal system. Brought into the diplomatic service and spent the 1860s as ambassador to Belgium. Spent diplomatic time in Vienna and London, before being appointed ambassador to Paris in 1871, during the delicate aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, which saw the last of the House of Bonaparte toppled, and the French Republic reinstated. In 1878, he was made general of cavalry, and after being recalled in 1882, he finished his official career as plenipotentiary ambassador in Berlin. During his active time of office in the later stages of his career, he was a political writer, as well as a minor his/storian. Showed a strong humanitarian bent in his writings, from a moralistic Christian perspective, evincing tolerance for religious dissenters, as well as Russia’s Jewish population. With his health failing, he spent the very last part of his life in Fontainebleau, France, where he died. Inner: Very socially conscious, following his uncle, rather than his father, in his larger concerns, despite his direct connection with the royal household of Russia. Privileged lifetime of serving the highest and most staid levels of his government, while trying to use his basic decency and humanitarian overview to affect changes around the edges of the larger polity he served.

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