Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is committed to the education of children. As you know, $1 for every sale of the 1st edition of my work will go to MOOSEHEART Child and City School, outside of Chicago; and part of MOOSE International, Inc.

   And now, BORDERS is doing something extraordinarily special on a nationwide level. Any  customer making an in-store purchase on Dec. 4th – 5th (whether a book or food item), will receive a $15 Gift Card to donate to a public school of their choice through the internet-based charity, DonorsChoose.org. Anyone purchasing the book – Waiting for Superman: How We Can Save America’s Failing Public Schools (published by PublicAffairs, part of the Perseus Books Group) – will receive an additional $15 Gift Card. DonorsChoose.org and BORDERS announced this national campaign on Sunday.

   The bottom line – if anyone decides to buy Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History on December 4th – 5th, not only will you aid my official MOOSE charity, you’ll obtain a Gift Card that automatically goes to your favorite local public school. I urge you to visit any one of my 27 BORDERS locations in Southern California, and do some charitable Christmas shopping. For a complete list of book stores, visit the Navigation Bar to the left, and click on the Book Purchase Locations link. Then click on the BORDERS Location link for the shop nearest you.

   DonorsChoose.org is underwritten by CNN, Hewlett Packard, Chevron, Chase, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR.

   Tis the season to help the needy and less fortunate…

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   Happy birthday to my wife – Laurie.  YOU ARE MY LOVE !!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Most younger folks remember Leslie Nielsen as a great comedian. Over the last 3 decades,  he co-starred in Airplane!, The Naked Gun series, and in a couple of Scary Movies. However, this fine character actor toiled in variety of genres that spanned over 100 movie credits, and 1,500 television appearances. Most media experts will discuss in the coming days about his large comedic ability, most notably in the Police Squad! series, which led to The Naked Gun films. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History chooses to remember his entire stellar career…

   The Canadian-born actor was inspired to perform by his famous uncle – Jean Hersholt. Nielsen began his long career during The Golden Age of Television, and was cast in several episodes of  Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The New Breed, and The Virginian. He also had recurring roles on The Bold Ones, Hawaii 5-0, Columbo, The Streets of San Francisco, Kung Fu, and Murder She Wrote.

LESLIE NIELSEN & ANNE FRANCIS IN FORBIDDEN PLANET

   In his early motion pictures, Nielsen usually played villains, or persons-of-authority. His most notable pre-comedic screen roles were in Forbidden Planet, Tammy and the Bachelor, Ransom!, and The Poseidon Adventure. He also auditioned for Ben-Hur, though he was not selected. When not on television, he spent most of the 1960s in “B” Westerns.

   In 1993, he wrote what he called a Fictional Autobiography called The Naked Truth. The tagline to the book: At Last! The Hero of The Naked Gun Tells His Incredible Life Story — Uncensored, Uninhibited, and Totally Made Up!  There is no question, this versatile actor completely embraced the Comedy genre.

   Between appearing in those popular comedies, he often toured with his one-man show on the life of the great defense lawyer, Clarence Darrow.

   Leslie Nielsen died on Sunday from complications with pneumonia. He was 84.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Another book store this week with VILLAGE as part of its name has added Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. To compliment Village Books in Pacific Palisades…The Village Book Shop in Glendora will now carry my work. Located in the heart of this quaint community in the San Gabriel Valley, I’m proud to announce I’ll also be signing books at this location on Tuesday, December 21st from 7p-9p. The Village Book Shop is at 123 North Glendora Ave.  DEBORAH GOULD / THE VILLAGE BOOK SHOP —–>

   The owner is Deborah Gould, daughter of the Emmy-nominated character actor Harold Gould. Her father appeared in The Sting as Kid Twist (Best Picture of 1973); the 1974 version of The Front Page,  starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau; Two For The Seesaw; Inside Daisy Clover; and Silent Movie. He also appeared as the father of Richie Cunningham in the pilot for Happy Days, which aired on an episode of Love American Style; and he had recurring roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, and The Golden Girls.

<–Harold Gould’s fine performances compliment the subjects of my work, and I’m absolutely thrilled to visit his daughter’s book shop for the Holidays.

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   Three new BARNES & NOBLE stores have added my paperback to their shelves. You will find it in Washington D.C.; Baltimore, Maryland; Oak Brook and Orland Park, Illinois; and this also means we are in 48 B&N book shops. We’ve now reached our 96th nationwide location.

   How fitting to find Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History in our nation’s capital. We’ve come full circle, it seems, when you consider our esteemed Secretary of State (and former First Lady), Hilary Clinton, once wrote a book entitled It Takes a Village.

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   Finally, here are the links to the recent press releases about the GOLD recipients (including Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History) from the year’s 2010 WORLD BOOK AWARDS:

http://www.prlog.org/11087121-world-book-awards-2010-winners-announced.html

http://www.worldbookawards.com/html

Until next time>                               “never forget”

 Manny P. here…

   The Thanksgiving holiday has a rich tradition dating back the earliest days of our nation.

   Here’s wishing you a happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends. God Bless you all…

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Several more Independent book stores have decided to stock Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History as the Holidays approach. A couple of other shops will also carry my book (on demand) for you to order as that special gift. These stores are in a variety of California locations. Depending on where you live, I urge you to check them out…

* VILLAGE BOOKS – This neighborhood store is at 1049 Swathmore Ave. in Pacific Palisades. According to their website:

On July 4th, 1997, amidst fireworks and parades, Katie O’Laughlin opened the doors of Village Books to Pacific Palisades. Located at the end of a shop-lined street in the heart of town, Village Books is a small store that offers a wide selection of books, weekly events with authors, and an inviting refuge for readers.

The concrete floor of the store is peppered with quotes from enduring heavyweights like Einstein and Thoreau, to quips by Mae West and James Thurber. A trompe l’oeil mural on the floor remembers Irish writers, including James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, who are painted in deep discussion around a table with Maya Angelou and Katie’s late father.

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* FLINTRIDGE BOOK STORE & COFFEEHOUSE – This is a full-service independent book store in La Canada. They are located at 1010 Foothill Blvd. On their Facebook page:

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* RUSSO’S MARKETPLACE BOOKS – I’m particularly happy to find this gem in Central California. Their address is 900 Ming Ave., #1-4 in Bakersfield. Recently, they have organized prestigious booksignings with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and Olympic medalist Apolo Ohno. According to their website:

The Russo Family (Kathleen & Tony, and their children, Michael, Anna-Marie, Patricia, and John) has owned and operated Russo’s Books since 1989. The company has grown and flourished to become Bakersfield’s premier Independent bookstore.

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   In addition to these new locations, two other book shops can order my book from their warehouse (upon demand)…

* THE BOOK WORKS – Located in Del Mar (San Diego), The Book Works is located east of the I-5 at the Via De La Valle exit. They are in the Flower Hill Promenade on the second level.

* METROPOLIS BOOKS – This Independent book store is in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at 440 South Main Street. Edwards Air Force Base, radio station KCRW, and SCIBA are top organizations supporting this fine venue.

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   This brings the number of stores carrying Forgotten Hollywood  Forgotten History to 91 (in addition to 6 confirmed mom-and-pop  locales with my work available on demand). Click Book Purchase section of the Navigation Bar, you’ll see I have realigned all of the Independent shops. They are now the 3rd largest category of  locations (behind Barnes & Noble and  Borders).

https://www.forgottenhollywood.com/independent-book-store-locations

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I have found two Independent book stores where you can purchase Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History (on demand). They deserve your patronage:

* SKYLIGHT BOOKS –  According to their website:

We’re a general bookstore serving such historic L.A. neighborhoods as Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Echo Park; located in the shadow of Griffith Park and its iconic Observatory, and surrounded by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, R.M. Schindler, and Richard Neutra. Our eclectic clientele, including many local artists, musicians, writers, and scholars, challenges us to provide the cutting edge of culture including the best in literary fiction, books on music, art, film and theatre, Los Angeles regional culture and history, graphic literature, children’s books, political theory, and more.

We opened November 1, 1996. Located at 1818 N. Vermont Ave., 3 1/2 blocks north of the Sunset/Vermont Metro Station, just next to the Los Feliz 3 Cinemas.

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* ST. HELEN’S BOOK SHOP – Located at the site of one of the most famous active volcanos on the West Coast, this store sells items that actually celebrate Hollywood’s story. According to their website:

Lots of books.  And what we don’t have on hand, we’re more than happy to order.  We can get pretty much any book that’s still in print. From time to time, we end up with rare and/or unusual books in the store, and we’ll list them here for you.

We’re located at 2149 Columbia Blvd in St. Helens, OR, next to Houlton Bakery across from Sunshine Pizza.

   Royal Navy Commander George Vancouver of the HMS Discovery made the Europeans’ first recorded sighting of Mount St. Helens on May 19, 1792. Vancouver named the mountain for British diplomat Alleyne Fitzherbert, 1st Baron St Helens on October 20, 1792, as it came into view when the Discovery passed into the mouth of the Columbia River.

   In 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted, and became the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the U.S. 57 people were killed; 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railways, and 185 miles of highway were destroyed. The Eruption of Mount St. Helens was a popular documentary that chronicled the destructive event.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   There’s a new place to buy my paperback. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History can now be found with The Bookman in Orange County, CA. According toindependent owner David (The Bookman):

We specialize in used, out-of-print, and unique books! Our online inventory is updated daily for exactly what you want. We have safe and secure ordering at your fingertips. And, visit our HUGE paperback room.

   I invite you visit our new friend:  The Bookman at 840 N. Tustin St. in Orange. This is my 88th location.

   Here’s the link to their website: www.ebookman.com

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   The Southern California Library (The People’s Library) has also accepted a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History for their shelves. According to their website:

The Southern California Library is a people’s library dedicated to documenting and preserving the histories of communities in struggle for justice and using our collections to address the challenges of the present so that all people have the ability, resources, and freedom to make their own histories. Because of the support of people like you, the Library’s resources on creating change in Los Angeles are available to everyone. We are an independent organization.

   The Southern California Library (my 48th library)  is located at 6120 S. Vermont Ave. in Los Angeles. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.socallib.org/support/index.html

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   If you live in the Southern California, treat yourself this weekend, or during Thanksgiving holiday to Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, playing at the Village Theatre in Orange County. The Broadway-style show is produced by Party By Number Entertainment, Inc. And, I must say, this is great production!

   Dr. Henry Jekyll & Edward Hyde is played by accomplished actor Sergio Candido, who doubles as Executive Director. Kelly Lynne Harris is also a fine singer and actress, and she debuts as Assistant Director. This combination of magnificent talent has brought out the best in their cast including:  Darren C. Buckels, Vanessa Cedeno, Abby Bolin, Bradley Miller, Jeremy Krasovic, and Mark Torres. The performances were crisp, the songs – inspired, the choreography – disciplined, and the presentation captures the dark, moody tale, originally written in 1886 by noted author Robert Louis Stevenson.

   What a rich cinematic history the tale has had. The novella has been adapted thirteen times on screen. Early silent productions were filmed on six different occasions. Fredric March won an Oscar in 1931 for a memorable performance. In 1941, Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, Lana Turner, and Donald Crisp starred in a lush MGM version. Incidentally, Crisp is one of the noted actors in my book.

   I want to personally thank the cast and crew of Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical for allowing me to promote Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History in their program. The Village Theatre is at 1140 North Tustin Street in Orange.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m happy to report that MOOSEHEART has been sent a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to be placed in their school library. Coordinating the exchange was my good friend Matthew Bryden, President of District 19 (California, Nevada), local chapters of the Moose Association. Scott Hart, Director of MOOSEHEART, responded with this following cordial message:

 I would love a copy of the book – it can definitely be placed in the MOOSEHEART Library for our students to enjoy once I have given the pages a few turns. Thank you again for remembering us!

   Now that we’re over 50% in sales of the first edition of my paperback, I need to start planning a visit to MOOSEHEART(just outside of Chicago) in 2011 to present them with a donation check. Our goal is to provide $2500 to this fine educational facility. For more info  about this fine institution, please refer to the MOOSEHEART Charity section on the Navigation Bar to the left.

Until next time>                                            “never forget“

Manny P. here…

   I’ve obtained a number of recent photographs which capture the recent success Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has received. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that’s the case…here’s the longest blog I’ll submit this year!

* Thank you to Mark Thomas (my brother-in-law) for this photo taken at BARNES & NOBLE at The Grove in Hollywood:

* What a fine collage of photos capturing my wife, my father, and me during our journey at the recent 2010 EDMONDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL:

LIMO ARRIVAL AT EDMONDS FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING 

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Congratulations to Eli Wallach, who shall receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in a private ceremony tonight. The 94-year old character actor has previously won Emmys and Tonys for his stellar work on television and stage. He was also one of the major contributors to the development of the Spaghetti Western genre of the 1960’s.

   Among the more well-known roles he has appeared:  The Misfits, The Magnificent Seven, How the West Was Won, The Good The Bad and The Ugly, Godfather Pt. III, and The Two Jakes. And, legend has it – Wallach was originally cast in From Here To Eternity. However, Frank Sinatra replaced him with the reported influence by his Underworld connections. Sinatra went on to win an Oscar for his role (as Maggio) in the film. Wallach would wait two years before his motion picture debut in Baby Doll.

   On television, he was a staple during its Golden Age, and was cast in numerous programs including:  Philco Television Playhouse, Studio One, Playhouse 90, Naked City, and Batman (as the villain Mr. Freeze). On Broadway, he co-starred in iconic dramas including:  Mr. Roberts, The Rose Tattoo, and The Teahouse of the August Moon.

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History salutes the consistently fine performances of Eli Wallach, and his monumental accolade tonight!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A new independent bookstore has just added Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Gatsby Books in Long Beach, CA is the newest home for my paperback. According to their website and Facebook page:

   The owner of the store is Sean Richard Moor, a remarkably friendly person, who has decided to go all out in the promotion of my paperback. On Saturday, February 26th, 2011, Sean is planning an Academy Award’s® Party and booksigning at Gatsby. I’ll be providing history behind this storied ceremony, autographing my book, and we’ll also test your knowledge with an Oscar® quiz, with a prize going to the winner.

   Let me take a moment to personally thank my friend Doreen Matsumoto for arranging the relationship between Gatsby and Forgotten Hollywood. She’s been following the progress of my book since I first put pen to paper. I truly appreciate her support.

   Incidentally, the location’s name reminds me of the novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which was first published in April of 1925. The Great Gatsby is ranked #2 in the Modern Library’s lists of the 100 Best Novels of the 20th Century. The work has been made into a motion picture four seperate times, most notably in 1974, and this version starred Robert Redford and Mia Farrow.

   Gatsby Books is located at 5535 E. Spring St., right by Bellflower Blvd. If you’re in the neighborhood, you might want to check out this really charming book shop.

Until next time>                               “never forget”                         F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

Manny P. here… 

   ArcLight Cinemas / Hollywood has officially put NATIONAL sales of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History at over 50%. The motion picture theatre chain is a fitting location for my paperback to reach this confirmed major milestone.

   One reason the book is selling at a brisk pace has to do (in part) with anticipated Holiday purchases. ArcLight Cinemas is stocking their Gift Shop, as have Barnes & Noble, The Hollywoodland Experience, and others in the Forgotten Hollywood family. I invite you to visit the Book Purchase Location link on the Navigation Bar (to the left) for a complete list of U.S. locations (now at 86 retailers).

   With the recent Vision4Media theatrical-development agreement making news in the press; our successful Pacific Northwest Book Tour; and the World Book (Gold) Award my work has just received; Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is rapidly becoming a safe bet in the sales arena.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

  Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has been busy this week. Four new Barnes & Noble Bookseller locations have added the book to their stores in two states. And, a new library branch around my Orange County home has also included the paperback to their shelves. Here are the details:

   * BARNES & NOBLE – 3 locations in Washington now carry my book. These stores are in Woodinville, Olympia, and Lakewood. This ups the number of stores in the state to 7. In addition, Escondido is now the 8th locale in the San Diego County area of California to sell my work.

    * ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES– The Aliso Viejo Branch has just added my book to their shelves. This compliments Irvine Heritage Park and San Clemente, which also house the paperback. The national figure currently stands at 47.

    * Soon I’ll be reporting on VISION4MEDIA‘s recent networking appearance at the AMERICAN FILM MARKET in Santa Monica. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has been a focus of the production company at this influential national tradeshow.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has just been awarded an inaugural GOLD MEDAL by the 2010 World Book Awards – Selection Committee. Based in London, this is my work’s first International recognition. Acccording to their press release:

Your work has been deemed to be of exceptional literary and artistic merit and worthy of the highest accolade the World Book Awards can bestow. The World Book Awards provides not just recognition of your efforts, but immortality in the records of the world’s foremost repositories of culture and knowledge including the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and in the British Library in London. We congratulate you on your tremendous literary accomplishment!

The World Book Awards is proud to provide such extraordinary publicity coverage for books in anticipation of the busy 2010 holiday season. All award winners and nominees will be listed in the 2010 World Book Awards Registry, which will also include biographies of the Gold Award-winning authors in each category. In addition, The World Book Awards will provide instant coverage of results from our online network of media outlets and industry contacts for a combined, immediate exposure to over 1,000,000+ readers. And, our International media promotional campaign will commence this fall to promote awareness of our award winners. 

   This prestigious accomplishment (arm of The Century Company)  marks the 5th major award for my paperback. More details on this special award to come…

 Until next time>                              “never forget”