Simpson is a character in the 1980 feature film Xanadu.
He was played by James Sloyan.
About Simpson[]
Simpson is the hard-nosed, overbearing manager of AirFlow Records. He demanded punctuality and obedience from the overworked artists in his employ.
- Sonny: (re. Simpson's stubbornness) I'll say it's Tuesday, he'll say it's Wednesday.
Helen: Big deal. Tell him it's Wednesday. What does it cost?
Sonny; Oh, nothin'. Maybe just the truth.
At one time, Simpson tried to be an artist, creating a small sculpture that he had displayed in his office. However, as he stated, he `smartened up' and gave up art, focusing on business.
- Simpson: I want you to smarten up, too. Start doing things the company way. Not the way you want to do 'em. If you start making changes, then other people start making changes. Before you know it, you got people running around doing what they want to do. That's not a company. That's chaos!
After Sonny and Danny collaborated on the construction of the Xanadu club, Sonny charged into AirFlow Records and demanded to see Simpson immediately. When Simpson arrived, miffed at Sonny's interruption of daily business, Sonny reminded him of an earlier conversation in which Simpson threatened to fire him.
- Sonny Malone: You told me if I didn't do things right, I'd be fired. Well, you were right. I'm FIRED!! `Malone, I want you out of here in five minutes. That's five minutes, Malone, and if it's six, just keep walking. Got it?' (Dashes out of the room) I'm doin' it. I'm doin' it. I'm doin' it! (to the others) You know that dream of mine to get out of here? It's happening, and you're all invited! Opening night, whatever you want, it's on the house!! (Turns... turns back, laughs) You know, I always wanted to say that line! (Leaves)
Baffled by Sonny's behavior, Simpson leaned against the work desk and placed his hand... right onto a still-wet paint palette.