Who can play Holden Caulfield?
John dismissed the story. It was about an upcoming filmmaker in Hollywood, wanting to adapt J. D. Salinger's short story to the big screen. It didn't make it passed the first base. Otherwise, it would be one of the biggest news of the 20th century. No one in the room doubted it, as Salinger built a cult following after the publication of "Catcher in the Rye". Some saw an eccentric while others were jealous of the recognition. Salinger didn't want any of it, as he preferred to correspond with teenage girls. Many honored Salinger's privacy while some letters were divulged to the public.
I don't think that Salinger was an overrated writer. (Those who thought otherwise don't have a clue about writing.) It was likely that he couldn't handle success, which would be an irony. After all, may upcoming writers have social media at their disposal. Holden Caulfield captured the public imagination, as the angry teenager shattered the good image of an American boy. Salinger might have perceived the tumultuous events that changed American society. The author could have trusted Hollywood, which was operating under the studio system back then. The bigwigs have a pool of talented screenwriters, and actors who have star power and acting chops. Perhaps he sensed that there would be a precedence if he gave the green signal (to adopt "Catcher in the Rye" to the big screen). He wouldn't live long to see how the next generations of filmmakers, and possibly TV directors, handle his other stories.
If Salinger gave his nod, then the first task was to select the actor who would play Holden Caulfield. John thought that James Dean would pass the screen test, his brooding image would make the author noticed him. But he died at an early age. Ken believed that it should be Dennis Hopper. (The director/screenwriter/star of "Easy Rider" had a boy-next-door features, but there would be a rebellious streak beneath it.) I was thinking of Warren Beatty, which surprised my coursemates. His image wouldn't fit Caulfield's description. (And the reason wasn't an open secret in Hollywood.) No one thought about the current generation of actors, as not one of Salinger's works made it to pre-production stage. Besides, our interest shifted to Salinger's other image.
J. D. Salinger as Lewis Carroll
“For Esmé - With Love and Squalor”, which was published in 1950, was about a lonely man writing a story for a clever girl. It was a terrible tale, which doesn't mean that this short story wasn't as brilliant as "Catcher in the Rye". Many saw Salinger as Lewis Carroll and Esmé as Alice. The titular character could be any of the countless teenage girls that the author corresponded during his latter years.
Peter Tewksbury, well-known TV director, was keen in adapting this short to the small screen. And Salinger trusted him. It was a huge achievement, even if pre-production didn't start yet. Hollywood loved an older actor pairing off with a much-younger actress, a practice that would be continue up to now. John suspected that it this would be one of Tewksbury's reasons (for wanting to film this short), which amused Ken. John had a point, as Hollywood could be faulted for superficiality. Tewksbury met Salinger, and their collaboration almost reached production stage. Some things happened for a reason; Teksbury's marriage broke down. It happened when one of his films fell below expectations. And Salinger had a change of heart. It could be fame, it might be fickleness.
Salinger's works remain in a bunker, where he lived during his old age. Many writers would be green with envy.
