Minute 036: What a Closed Set Means

Guest Host: Billy Campbell

Best known for his television roles as Rick Sammler on Once and Again, as Det. Joey Indelli on Crime Story, as Jordan Collier on The 4400, and as Dr. Jon Fielding on the Tales of the City miniseries. He is also known for his recurring role as Luke Fuller in Dynasty which was his first prominent role. His most notable films include Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Enough. He portrayed Darren Richmond on the AMC television series The Killing, and played Dr. Alan Farragut in the SyFy series Helix.

And he was the title character in a little film called The Rocketeer.

Summary

Jenny leads Cliff off the set.

“I want you to be the first to know,” says Cliff. Meanwhile, Neville Sinclair sits down in his chair on the other side of the scenery flat from Cliff and Jenny.

“I’m listening,” says Jenny.

“Alright,” says Cliff. “Me and Peevy found something that’s gonna get us right back on our feet.”

Jenny looks questioninly at Cliff. “What do you mean, you’ve found something?” she asks.

“It’s an engine – – okay? But you strap it to your back and it makes you fly — without wings!” says Cliff. As he says this, Sinclair perks up and cocks an ear toward Cliff’s conversation on the other side of the scenery flat.

“You knocked down — half the castle — to tell me about an engine?” asks Jenny.

“You’re always saying you’re the last to know,” says Cliff.

“Cliff,” says Jenny, “I meant the important things.”

“This IS important!” says Cliff.

“And so is this acting job,” replies Jenny.

“Acting?” asks Cliff.

“Yes,” says Jenny, “acting.”

“Honey,” says Cliff, “honey, you’re walking through the scenery!”

“That’s not fair,” says Jenny. “This is a good job – – the director thinks I’m talented!”

Just then, John, the assistant director, walks up behind Cliff with a piece of paper.

“What’s this?” asks Jenny.

“Pay voucher,” replies the assistant director. “Director wants you off the picture. You know this is a closed set!”

Jenny looks at the voucher. “I have to go,” she says, and walks off. Cliff goes to follow her but is blocked by the assistant director.

“Come on, come on, come on!” says the assistant director to Cliff. “Do you know what a ‘closed set’ means, pal?” Jenny continues to walk away as Cliff is led back to the stage entrance by the assistant director.

Neville peers around the side of a scenery flat, and tries to follow Cliff as he’s exiting.

In This Minute
Bill Campbell as Cliff Secord
Timothy Dalton as Neville Sinclair / Sir Reginald
Charles Stavola as Assistant Director John
Jennifer Connelly as Jenny