Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide refers to antisemitic, antigay, and misogynistic language, which features in the source text. In addition, this section describes instances of graphic violence, alcohol and drug misuse, death by suicide, and discussions of statutory rape.

The novel begins in the office of talent agent Marvin Schwarz as he meets with Rick Dalton, a struggling actor, for the first time to discuss the future of Rick’s career. Rick was the star of the Western television show Bounty Law, where he played the main character, Jake Cahill.

Marvin tells Rick that as an agent his goal is to “put famous American talent in foreign films” (7). Marvin asks Rick if it’s true that network executives considered him for Steve McQueen’s role in The Great Escape. Rick tells Marvin that McQueen didn’t accept the offer for the role immediately, so the producers started to consider other actors for the role. Rick’s name was on a list along with four others in consideration. Nevertheless, McQueen took the role, which is why Rick hates the story. Marvin thinks this is great news because Italian directors want McQueen to star in their movies. Because McQueen always refuses, Marvin knows that the Italian directors will settle for Rick because he looks like McQueen.