Before The New Centurions, I was always cast in "nice girl" television roles. In the 70's, being in a movie was the Hollywood "in" thing. Although no matter how I read at auditions, I couldn't get a movie.

Finally, my agent telephoned me about The New Centurions at Columbia Studios. He told me Rosalind Cash had the black female lead. However, perhaps I could play one of the hookers.

Determined to get the job, I squeezed into a short black imitation fur skirt and vest. Along with some shiny black patent leather boots, I wiggled into the Executive Producer's office. Sitting on his desk, facing the director and casting people, I crossed my legs and read my lines. At first, everyone looked astonished. After I finished, the Executive Producer laughed, "Anyone with that much nerve should be in my movie." The role of "Martha" was mine, blond wig and all.

Carol Speed, July 2001