James: Very eloquent and perfect for a theatrical
production -- but is there more to Fred than skill at pulling off a
taped cameo or two in a movie production dominated by
players much more skilled and of much greater artistic depth? No
wonder he can't bring himself to announce. He knows his strength,
and you yourself testifiy to its illusory power. He does command
"sudden alertness and abiding interest" (the latter presumably only
so long as he's not being overexposed). But how long can the effect
last? Less is more in his brief movie scenes. But now he's being
asked to be the leading man, a role he's never been asked to play
nor shown any appetite for. Again, no wonder he's experiencing
stage fright. He's being asked to walk a tightrope with no net
below and everyone else primed to push him off.