As Steven Spielberg was seated at his desk working on his next production a flash of light streaked across the skies above and came to rest beside him.

Was it Greece’s debt soaring out of control or a heavenly red light district? No it was Palinpower.

‘Hi Steve’ said Palinpower ‘hope you don’t mind me dropping in like this but I need your advice’

‘Great to meet you Palinpower’ said Steven ‘This is a close encounter of a kind I’ve never experienced before’

‘Here’s my dilemma’ said Palinpower ‘ I can either become the US president or a major movie star and I can’t make up my mind between the two’

‘Well I’m not sure how I can help’ said Steve ‘I know a bit about converting movie stars into presidential candidates but I ’m afraid presidential candidates would only make one dimensional actors even in 3D’

‘Then you obviously haven’t seen my hit movie ‘The Undefeated’ said Palinpower

‘What part do you play?’ asked Steven

‘Myself’ said Palinpower ‘and everyone agrees I give a flawless performance’

‘But if it’s a film about you’ asked Steven ‘how come it’s called ‘The Undefeated’ because you were on the losing team at the last presidential election’

‘John McCain took the loss’ said Palinpower ‘I just came on in relief. But I thought you would be one of the best people to tell me whether I should exploit my talents in the White House or Hollywood’

‘There’s no doubt Palinpower’ said Steven ‘that you have a unique set of talents. You’d be an absolute star in a circus as the world’s leading aerial acrobat performing without a safety net or even a trapeze’

‘I’ve always thought my destiny lies in lower things’ said Palinpower

‘Well let’s see then’ said Steven ‘to be absolutely frank I don’t think you’re a talented enough actor to become US President, but you could possibly have a career in movies’

‘What starring roles would you consider me for?’ asked Palinpower

‘I was thinking about a flying dinosaur in Jurassic Park’ said Steven ‘and I would certainly consider you for the title role in Jaws if we ever do an out-of-water remake’

‘I was thinking more of the great romantic roles’ said Palinpower ‘like in Casablanca or Gone with the Wind’

‘Well I could be wrong’ said Steven ‘but I see you more in action roles like the stunt double in Wonder Woman’

‘Well thank you Steve’ said Palinpower ‘based on your advice I think I’ll go for the presidency’

‘In that case’ said Steve ‘take my advice and get some really serious acting tuition’

With that Palinpower was gone in a flash leaving Steven to rationalise that if The Undefeated won an Oscar he’d give up and go into politics as well.