The Fountainhead Page #2

Thank you.

Mr. Roark, the commission is yours.

The Board of Directors...

...of the Security Bank of Manhattan has

chosen you as the architect for our building.

My congratulations.

You've done a beautiful job.

The board was quite impressed

by the project.

It's a tremendous assignment,

an unusual opportunity for an architect.

You're unknown but you'll be famous

when this is erected.

It's a chance you've wanted for years.

- Yes.

- It's yours.

On one minor condition.

Oh, it's just a small compromise...

...and when you agree to it,

we can sign the contract.

- What is it?

- Well, of course...

...we wouldn't alter

your plans in any way.

It's the ingenuity of your plans

that sold us on the building.

But its appearance is not

of any known style.

The public wouldn't like it.

It'd shock people.

It's too different, too original.

Originality is fine, but why go to extremes?

There's always the middle course.

So we want to preserve

your beautiful design...

...but just soften it

with a touch of classical dignity.

Here.

We've had this made to show you

our general idea.

It's very simple. All you do is copy it.

We want you to adapt

your building like this.

Now there's a touch of the new

and a touch of the old...

...so it's sure to please everybody.

The middle of the road.

Why take chances when you

can stay in the middle?

You see? It doesn't

spoil anything, does it?

And we must always compromise with the

general taste. You understand that.

No.

If you want my work,

you take it as it is...

...or not at all.

- But why?

A building has integrity,

just like a man.

And just as seldom.

It must be true to its own idea, have

its own form and serve its own purpose.

But we can't depart from

the popular forms of architecture.

Why not?

- Because everybody's accepted them.

- I haven't.

Do you wish to defy

our common standards?

I set my own standards.

- Do you intend to fight against the world?

- lf necessary.

But after all, we are your clients,

and it's your job to serve us.

I don't build in order to have clients.

I have clients in order to build.

Mr. Roark, we can't argue about this.

The decision of our board was final.

We want these changes.

Will you accept the commission

on our terms, or not?

You realize, of course,

your whole future is at stake.

This may be your last chance.

Well?

Yes or no, Mr. Roark?

No.

You realize what you're doing?

Quite.

Roark, this is sheer insanity.

Can't you give in just once?

After all, you have to live.

- Not that way.

- How else?

Don't you have to work?

I'd rather work as a day laborer,

if necessary.

- Well, can you beat that?

- No.

It was you who recommended

Roark in the first place.

You chose him.

You said he would be good.

- Wasn't he?

- You suggested those changes.

You said he'd accept them.

Oh, yes, so I did.

I told you, Mr. Gail Wynand wants buildings

that show a classical influence.

- Then why did you pick this man?

- An experiment, gentlemen.

A very interesting experiment.

But what are we going to do?

Pick another

architect, of course.

Yes, Mr. Toohey.

I'm sure you know that I seek nothing

for myself, Mr. Wynand.

My only motive is a selfless concern

for my fellow men.

The new building of the Security Bank

is such an important undertaking...

...and you hold

the controlling interest, Mr. Wynand.

The board of directors has attempted

to pick an architect quite unsuccessfully.

They will accept anyone you choose.

And I felt it my duty

to offer you my advice.

- Whom do you recommend?

- The rising star of the profession...

...Peter Keating.

No other architect can equal his ability.

That, Mr. Wynand, is my sincere opinion.

I quite believe you.

- You do?

- Of course, but, Mr. Toohey...

...why should I consider your opinion?

Well, after all, I am

the architectural critic of the Banner.

My dear Toohey,

don't confuse me with my readers.

l... I took the liberty of bringing you

some samples of Peter Keating's best work.

You may judge for yourself.

- lf you have seen any of these buildings...

- I have.

They were excellent 2000 years ago

when they were built for the first time.

But surely you're not in favor

of so-called modern architecture?

It's worthless because it's merely the work

of a few unbridled individualists.

Artistic value is achieved collectively...

...by each man subordinating himself

to the standards of the majority.

- I read that in your column yesterday.

- You did?

Thank you.

The greatness in Peter Keating's personality

lies in the fact that there's no personality...

...stamped upon his buildings.

- Quite true.

Thus he represents not himself

but the multitude of all men together.

And produces great big

marble bromides.

I believe I am failing

to sell you Peter Keating.

Why, no.

You're succeeding.

Your Keating is worthless...

...so he's probably

the right choice for that building.

He's sure to be popular.

You wouldn't expect me

to pick a man of merit, would you?

I've never hired a good architect

for any of the banks, hotels...

...or other commercial

structures I've built.

I give the public what it wants,

including your column, Mr. Toohey.

Am I to understand

you will choose Peter Keating?

I really don't care. One of those fashionable

architects is just as inept as another.

I think you have a good idea, however.

I think I will decide according to the advice

of the Banner's "Architectural Experts."

Yes, indeed, Mr. Wynand.

But you're not my only expert,

Mr. Toohey. You have a rival.

I should consult Dominique Francon,

as well.

- Yes, sir?

- Ask Miss Francon to come in.

- Miss Francon and I do not always agree.

- I'm sure of it.

- Yes?

- Mr. Wynand, I know it's inexcusable...

... but Miss Francon is not in the building.

Shall I telephone her home

and ask her to come here at once?

No.

You're not going in person...

You know, Toohey?

One of these days, you'll bore me.

I shall endeavor not to do so

until the right time.

How did you come in?

Your maid let me in.

Without an announcement?

You can't expect her

to share your attitude.

You're the only person in New York

who'd refuse me admittance.

Why did you come here?

I needed you at the office.

I found you absent.

Isn't it unprecedented for you to come

in person after one of your employees?

I hoped you'd take note of that.

I wanted to ask your advice...

...about a matter which

will be of great interest to you.

I must pick an architect for the Security

Bank building. Whom would you recommend?

No one.

I don't know a single architect of ability.

And you're not looking

for ability, Mr. Wynand.

And if I left the choice up to you?

- I wouldn't care to make it.

- No?

Ellsworth Toohey is very anxious

to get the commission for Peter Keating.

Peter Keating is

a third-rate architect.

- Is he? He's your father's partner.

- Oh, yes.

- Aren't you engaged to Peter Keating?

- Yes.

If you found it amusing to tempt me

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