Chapter 8: Evelyn Hugo Meets Don Adler
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Evelyn reflects on landing the role in Little Women as a carrot, as the studio immediately cast her in Father and Daughter (1956). While filming, Harry pushes her into a staged date with egotistical star Brick Thomas at Chasen’s. Evelyn endures his arrogance and the fake paparazzi shots. Harry later tells her the studio and fans would prefer if she actually liked someone, so she begrudgingly goes on dates with Pete Greer and Bobby Donovan. Then Harry arranges a date with Don Adler. Don picks her up with lilies, takes her to the Mocambo, and treats her as a person rather than an object to own. They dance all night, he cancels a date with another actress to see her again, and she admits it was one of the best nights of her life. The next day a photo of them appears in Sub Rosa magazine.
Key Events
- Evelyn stars in Father and Daughter opposite Ed Baker.
- Harry orchestrates a PR date with Brick Thomas, who is self-absorbed and vain.
- Evelyn fakes chemistry with Brick for photographers at Chasen’s.
- Harry advises Evelyn to develop genuine romances for the sake of her career.
- Evelyn goes on dutiful dates with Pete Greer and Bobby Donovan.
- Don Adler, a rising star from a famous family, invites Evelyn to Mocambo.
- Don brings lilies, treats her with respect, and they share a deep connection.
- Don admits he saw an early cut of Father and Daughter and told the producer she was “the girl for me.”
- Evelyn and Don dance until late, and Don cancels a date with Natalie Ember to see Evelyn again.
- A photo of them is published in Sub Rosa magazine.
Character Development
Evelyn Hugo: Evelyn begins to understand the transactional nature of Hollywood romance but struggles to suppress her genuine emotions. She plays the role of the happy starlet on fake dates, yet when she meets Don, she loses control of her feelings, revealing her desire for authentic connection.
Harry Cameron: Harry acts as a pragmatic manager, pushing Evelyn into relationships that benefit her career. He views romance as a business tool, indifferent to her personal comfort.
Brick Thomas: A former child star who exudes narcissism. He assumes Evelyn adores him and treats their date as a favor to her, highlighting the arrogance that often accompanies fame.
Don Adler: Don stands out from other suitors by showing genuine interest in Evelyn as a person. He is attentive, respectful, and willing to prioritize her over other commitments, creating the illusion of a sincere suitor.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Performance vs. Authenticity: The entire date with Brick is a staged performance for the cameras. In contrast, Evelyn’s date with Don feels genuine, yet it too will become public spectacle the next day. The line between real romance and movie promotion blurs.
The Flower as a Symbol: Evelyn observes that most men want to “pick” a beautiful flower and own it, while Don initially just wants to “appreciate” it. The lilies Don brings represent his respectful approach, but the narrative foreshadows that once he “possesses” Evelyn through marriage, his behavior may change.
Hollywood as a Stage: Every date becomes a photo opportunity. The Mocambo is a “celebrity playground” with birds in aviaries, reinforcing the idea that stars are constantly on display.
Fate and Chemistry: Evelyn attributes her attraction to Don to “pheromones” and irrational feelings. This suggests that love in the story often defies logic—a motif that will recur with future husbands.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 8 introduces Don Adler, who will become Evelyn’s first husband. The chapter establishes the contrast between Evelyn’s fake dates (Brick, Pete, Bobby) and her genuine connection with Don. It also deepens the theme of performed romance vs. authentic emotion, setting up the central tension of Evelyn’s marriages. Harry’s advice reveals how the studio system coerced stars into romantic entanglements for publicity.
Study Questions
1. How does the date with Brick Thomas illustrate the difference between real and staged romance in 1950s Hollywood? The date is entirely orchestrated: Harry and Gwendolyn dress both actors, they travel in a borrowed Cadillac, and photographers capture arranged poses. Brick’s self-absorption and Evelyn’s forced politeness show that the “romance” is a marketing tactic with no genuine feeling.
2. Why does Evelyn react so strongly to Don Adler after disliking the other men she has dated? Evelyn reacts because Don treats her as a person rather than a possession. He does not pressure her, cancels another date to be with her, and compliments her talent, not just her looks. She admits she has no rational explanation, blaming “pheromones,” which underscores how emotional connection can feel arbitrary.
3. What does Evelyn’s observation about the flower metaphor suggest about her future with Don? Evelyn says Don initially appreciates the flower rather than wanting to own it, but she notes that marriage can turn appreciation into possession. This insight foreshadows that once she marries Don, his respectful attitude may transform into control—a pattern that will play out tragically.