Star-dust in Hollywood (1930)

The Absorption of < Talk ' royalty and the railway and hotel expenses the profits were not large. In fact, on one occasion we found ourselves £2 out of pocket. A curious fact was impressed upon us. The lecturer was expected to take his money, deliver the goods, and go. Delivering the goods usually included, beside the lecture, a shaking-hands ceremony, to which any member of the club had a right, sometimes a banquet, and often a motor-car tour of the remarkable sights of the town. It was held as treachery on the part of the lecturer should he, returning home, make any criticisms of the country. He must have neither likes nor dislikes, nor travel with his eyes open. The highest indignation was always expressed at those who " come here to get our money and then go back and knock us." America may and does criticize England or Europe to its heart's content. Europe must not criticize America. American criticism of Europe comes from superiority; European criticism of America rises in 'jealousy,' a very different matter. And if a lecturer were sufficiently notorious the women's clubs would be willing to submit to almost any impertinence. The massed clubs of Los Angeles were eager to hear Count Keyserling ; delegates wrote to his secretary for terms and received the following answer : Count Keyserling's fee for a lecture is £200, but before acceptance on his part he insists on the following conditions : He must be met at the railway-station by a nice young girl, no old women on any account, and he must be conducted forthwith to a quiet private house (not an hotel). He must be given dinner at least an hour and a half before the lecture, and at the dinner must be served with a good bottle of wine of a recognized European brand, not champagne. He must not be expected to shake hands with old women on any account. [S3]