On the ride to Beverly Hills I asked Hobby about Harry Serosian, our host for the evening. I knew him as one of Hollywood's premier producers; Hobby had a family connection. My modest buddy never ceases to amaze me. His father, now deceased, was a wealthy financier, but Hobby says little about him. I asked about Harry.
"Harry? Yeah, we're related- cousins. My father was his uncle."
"That's strange. Serosian's a lot older than you, isn't he?"
"Sure, but my father was old when they had me- almost sixty."
"Quite a stud, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess. My mother was thirty years younger." "I've got another question for you. Isn't Serosian an Armenian name?"
"Yep, I'm half Armenian and half Irish."
"Well, I'll be darned. You never told me that."
"You never asked, Joe."
I give Hobby a lot of space and time. He's an extremely private person and doesn't process information like most people. He told me he had once been diagnosed as mildly autistic. After a few minutes pause in our conversation I said, "Let's get back to what's going on tonight. Tell me again what Serosian said when he called."
"He asked how I've been, that kind of stuff, and said he heard I was into poker. We talked about the Third Eye team you and I put together. He knew you were a writer and he asked what kind of guy you really are." "So what did you tell him?"
"I told him you were a jerk. No, just kidding. I told him you were my numerouno buddy and the most creative guy I know. So, he said I should bring you along too. That's it. All I know is we're going to have dinner and talk about poker. Maybe he's going to make a movie about it."
"Yeah, you're probably right."
At Serosian's mansion that crested a multi-acre estate, apropos of the setting, we drove up in Hobby's Silver Cloud Rolls. Our host was at the portico with an attractive older woman; his wife Hobby said. They greeted my friend warmly, exchanging kisses. Serosian took both my hands in his and said, "I understand you are a good buddy of Hobby's. That makes you family to us." He pulled me close and kissed me on the cheek. I wasn't ready for that; I think I blushed.
The dining room was spectacular-no crystal chandelier here-the entire ceiling was a canopy of dangling crystals. We met the other guests, five men and two women. I recognized a couple of them. There was a smattering of inanities during dinner as the host and hostess guided the conversation without getting to the heart of the matter. The dinner was as superb as anything served at L.A.'s finest restaurants. During the dessert course Mrs. Serosian excused herself; I figured our banter was about to get serious.
Hank (as he insisted we call him) began, "Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming tonight. I've selected each of you because of your skills and knowledge of the game of poker. I hope you'll not be disappointed when I tell you I do not have a movie in mind. This will be a new venture for me. I plan to produce a spectacular poker tournament."
As he scanned our faces I did the same and noted a range of reactions from surprise to incredulity. Hank continued, "I can see this is not what you expected. You may be wondering if I am loosing it. Well, it's been said before, yet I have always produced a winner- even though at times I go totally against the grain. I believe I know what I am doing; however, I need a top-notch team to make it work. After tonight I want you to think about it. I'll be in touch with you later. If you're interested I'll meet with you separately. For now I'll ask if anyone, for whatever reason, would like to pass. I'll certainly not hold it against you. Anyone?" He beckoned toward the door, but no one budged.
Kerry Melton, who until recently had been the gaming G.M. for one of the largest Las Vegas casinos broke the silence. "Hank, you have my respect for what you've done in movies, but a poker tournament? I'll hope you'll forgive me if I'm skeptical."
"Fair enough, Kerry. I don't suppose you're alone in your thinking. Let me try to convince you that what I propose has merit. I've been successful because I have a good sense of what appeals to people. Whether comedy, romance, or drama-my movies have the big E factor- entertainment. That's what Hollywood's all about. Despite some stupid message movies, Hollywood creates the best entertainment in the world.
"Who would have thought that a card game could become a great TV spectator sport? Poker has a fast growing following of players and fans who are hungry for more. I'm going to bring Hollywood's glamour, excitement, and drama to a poker tournament."
"Sounds good," Ed Chance, an old poker industry pro said, "But do you have anything specific in mind? There are all kinds of tournaments already, Hank." "I know that and I do have something special in mind, but it needs to be fleshed out. That's what I expect my team to help me with. Before I say more however, I'd like all of you to agree to keep this confidential. Can you do that?" As he looked around the room everyone nodded in the affirmative.
"All right. The idea is to make it the International Poker Competition. In many ways it will be modeled after the sports Olympics with delegations of players from as many countries around the globe that wish to participate. The various kinds of poker games will provide the variety of events. Winners, besides getting big cash awards, will get gold, silver, and bronze medals. The TV coverage and award presentations will wow audiences around the globe. The venue is something we'll have to work out. Wherever it's held, we'll build on the theme of international brotherhood and set a new standard for poker tournament entertainment." There was a respectful silence as we caught on and embraced Hank's vision. One after another expressed their approval. Hank beamed, with satisfaction. "Why not just call it the Poker Olympics," Hobby asked.
"Good idea, Hobby, but the name is protected and restricted to the Olympics sports competitions." Hank concluded saying, "That's it in a nutshell. Give it some thought and call me next week. Thank you all for coming."
And that was it. Hobby and I had just gotten into his car when I remembered I had to call my lady friend. I clicked on my cell phone and instead of the usual dial tone I heard static and a voice. It happens sometimes in the jumbled airways that one picks up cross talk. I was about to hang off when I heard the words, "poker tournament." Whoa! I listened intently to the choppy voice. "Yeah, he's going to...poker tournament...an Olympics theme. It's a better idea than...we've got to beat him to the punch..." It abruptly ended.
"Hobby, you won't believe what I just heard." I repeated it, just about verbatim. "Dammit, Joe. Someone's going to rip off Hank! We can't let that happen." (To be continued in the next issue).
