Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   The last piece of the puzzle has been set for the Forgotten Hollywood radio program on THE SPA – AM 1510 / AM 1450. Gary Lycan, the newspaper and online columnist for the Orange County Register, will provide his Andy Rooney-esque, On The Backlot report. The segment shall be featured near the conclusion of each episode.

   On The Backlot features current NEWS stories relating to Cinema’s Golden Age. Lycan would also contribute to interview portions in given episodes. His journalistic professionalism should guarantee a quality approach to our weekly look at movie music and Standards from Hollywood’s Studio Era.

   Forgotten Hollywood is tentatively scheduled to begin on January 9th at 3p, and air every Sunday on KSPA’s network of stations. A podcast will also be available for listeners outside the broadcast range, or who missed the original presentation.

KEYSTONE STUDIOS BACKLOT    Here is a link to THE SPA:

    http://tuner1.dc1.sonixtream.com/ playlists/am1510kspa/am1510kspaKSPAAM.asx

   Gary wrote the wonderful Foreword to Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. He’s also been tapped to pen the Introduction of my next work; a companion to my highly-regarded paperback.

   Welcome aboard… Mr. Gary Lycan!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   New Year’s Day will be really special if you love classic television. The Western’s Channel will present a Wagon Train all-day marathon. The show’s early years gave Ward Bond his initial chance at top billing during his long screen career.

   Beginning in 1957, this fine show ran for eight years, and was based on the 1950 John Ford-film The Wagonmaster. Bond played Maj. Seth Adams, who led a caravan from Missouri to California. Fine scripts from Borden Chase and Sam Peckinpah, and guest stars as Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, Lou Costello, and Jane Wyman gave the program its luster. The pioneering spirit, coupled with hardships associated with  19th Century travel, provided much of the adventure in each week’s stories.

   In 1960, Ward Bond suddenly died of a heart attack in a Texas hotel, while preparing to attend a college football game. He was only 57. John McIntyre replaced the burly character actor after his death during the fourth season of the show.

   Ward Bond’s real life account, which features gallant cinematic roles, questionable personal decisions, his untimely demise, and his legacy is  chronicled in Chapter Four of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Check local listings for The Western’s Channel to enjoy this piece of televised Americana.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   During the year, I’ve highlighted the passing of notable character actors who made significant contributions to Hollywood’s Golden Age including Patricia Neal, Meinhardt Raabe, Joe Mantell, Johnny Sheffield, and Kevin McCarthy (among others). Let me take a moment to pay homage to familiar names I previously failed to mention.

JEAN SIMMONS – Not content in playing a simple girls, the British-born Jean Simmons challenged her ability (and the audience) by exploring a variety of complex characters.

   Her resume includes Great Expectations, Hamlet (Oscar nominated), The Actress with Spencer Tracy, The Robe, Guys and Dolls (Golden Globe winner), Young Bess, The Big Country, Spartacus with Kirk Douglas, Elmer Gantry, and The Happy Ending (Oscar-nominated).

   She was also great on television in The Thorn Birds (an Emmy winner), North & South, and in an interesting re-make of Dark Shadows. Interestingly, her part was first played by Joan Bennett in the original daytime soap opera. On stage, Simmons received wonderful press for her role in A Little Night Music.

FESS PARKER – Best known as Davy Crockett on screen, Fess Parker also played home-spun types in Harvey with James Stewart, Island in the Sky, Them!, and Old Yeller.

   In the 1960’s, Parker returned to television as Daniel Boone. For his work with Disney, Parker was honored in December, 2004 with his own tribute window  in Frontierland at Disneyland.

CAMMIE KING CONLON – A child actress, Cammie King only appeared in three movies. But, she is well-remembered as Bonnie Blue Butler, the daughter of Rhett and Scarlett, in Gone with the Wind. She was cast in Blondie Meets the Boss. Her voice was also memorable in Bambi.

   The actress never worked in another motion picture. Upon reflecting on her cinematic career, Conlon often joked, “I peaked at five years of age.”

   Her father-in-law Judd Conlon was the musical arranger for many Disney animated classics including Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan.

 JOHN FORSYTHE – His authoritative voice in Charlie’s Angels, and starring roles in Bachelor Father and Dynasty, solidified John Forsythe as a television icon.

   He also had a modest screen career. Forsythe was featured in Destination Tokyo starring Cary Grant, Northern Pursuit with Errol Flynn, The Trouble with Harry (an Alfred Hitchcock rare comedy), In Cold Blood, Topaz (also directed by Hitchcock), and in… And Justice For All.

   John Forsythe was nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe numerous times. He won two well-deserved awards for  fine performances on television.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Your greatest gift of the day is the time spent with friends and family… Have a joyous day!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is at a variety of book stores, gift shops, and even restaurants, mostly located in Southern California. Here’s are links to my paperback’s purchase sites. I’ve provided each address and (in some cases) additional links to directly pick up a copy. Gratefully, the book can be purchased from anywhere on the globe.

https://www.forgottenhollywood.com/purchase-locations

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

   Obviously, AMAZON, as well as, BARNES&NOBLE and BORDERS stores are well-stocked; and I’d be thrilled to see you help sell-out my books at the various locations.

   I’ll be happy to sign any copy after the Holidays to make the gift really special for your loved one or friend. Let’s make Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History a top selling, self-published work. Give the gift of literacy this Christmas.

   Thanks so much…and blessings to you and your family.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve discovered 2 Northern California chains of 12 bookstores, where you can buy Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History (On Demand).

* COPPERFIELD’S BOOKS – With locations in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa, and Calistoga. Based on their photo, they look like a friendly bunch…

   Here’s a link to their website:

http://copperfieldsbooks.com/prod_9781935359166

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* PEGASUS BOOKS – A top Independent retailer with locations in Berkeley and Oakland. As they say: Forty years in the business, and we are cautiously optomistic. And, your pet dog is welcome to visit too!

   This is the link to their most unusual website:

http://www.pegasusbookstore.com/book/9781935359166

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   In addition, I see we’ve added 4 more retailers with 6 bookshops in North Carolina. Again, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History can be purchased (On Demand).

* THE ISLAND BOOKSTORE – With 3 locations in Kitty Hawk, Corolla, and Duck, they are a full-service chain for the Northern Beaches.

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* MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE & CAFE – Around since 1982, this Asheville shop is committed to combining the reader and the book on an amazing adventure.

   You can find my paperback by clicking on the link below.

http://www.malaprops.com/book/9781935359166

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* BUXTON VILLAGE BOOKS – Located on Hatteras Island in the community of Buxton, this retailer resides in a true fishing community. Books make a great companion while traveling on the Outer Banks of the Atlantic Ocean.

   So does a laptop…Here’s a link to their site:

http://www.buxtonvillagebooks.com/book/9781935359166

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* PARK ROAD BOOKS – Charlotte’s oldest continuously operated independent bookstore. You can use their website to have books delivered directly to you, or you may pick up your purchase from their shop.

   Here’s the link:

http://www.parkroadbooks.com/book/9781935359166

   I’m glad North Carolina get’s it Wright (as in the famous brothers). Well, I’m allowed one really bad pun…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Here’s your personal invitation to join me on Tuesday, December 21st (our first day of Winter) at the Village Book Shop in Glendora for your chance to pick up an autographed copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. The paperback will make a unique gift to put under the Christmas tree, or as a unique stocking stuffer.

   The Glendora Village Shopping District includes unique shops and quality restaurants. This is a quaint and friendly area at the foothills of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains. What a great place to find that last-minute item, while taking full advantage of avoiding those crowded malls.

   The Village Book Shop has become a cultural center for Glendora Village with its varied activities that include book-signings, theater presentations, workshops, and more. Their address is 123 Glendora Ave., just off Foothill Blvd. Our journey through Hollywood’s Golden Age will begin at 7:30p.

   I hope my friends in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas will stop by and say hi. And, don’t let a little water keep you from finishing your Holiday shopping at the Village Book Shop!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   In addition to the development of a theatrical documentary in the works for my paperback, Southern Californians will now have the opportunity to enjoy Forgotten Hollywood – The Radio Program. The show is scheduled to debut on THE SPA RADIO – AM 1510 / AM 1450, heard throughout the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Northern San Diego County areas.

   Program Director Jeff Gehringer is looking to insert the program into their Weekend Lineup,  tentatively scheduled for Sunday, January 9th at 3p. Moreover, a companion podcast will give folks from around the country a chance to enjoy the hour-long show if they miss, or out of radio-range of, Sunday’s weekly airing.

   Forgotten Hollywood will focus on movie music from Hollywood’s Golden Age, air occasional interviews with movie legends and cinema-related individuals, and conclude with an On The Backlot segment with current news relating to the Studio Era. We intend to incorporate a few snippets of sound from your favorite classic films, which I hope will take you back in time.

   I’m thrilled at the prospect of returning to radio after a short hiatus, and to share whimsical and nostalgic stories that will compliment Standards from a bygone era.

   Currently, the two stations are featuring Holiday tunes. For more info on THE SPA RADIO  programming, visit their website:

http://www.thesparadio.com/

   And, thanks to one of my pupils at The Academy of Radio & Television Broadcasting,  Remzi Gokmen, for producing a Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History commercial. It will play on my show, and throughout the week on KSPA.

   Remzi can place the effort on his resume as an initial radio credit. CONGRATULATIONS, my friend.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   There was a time:  When the sun never set on the British Empire. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History can now be purchased by the Queen’s loyal subjects in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. And, my book is also available in France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, and Taiwan. Cue the travelogue music…

 * ANGUS & ROBERTSON – With 180 locations Down Under, my paperback has found a home within Australia’s largest bookseller.

   According to their website, the Angus & Robertson story began in February 1882, when a young Scotsman named George Robertson started work at a Sydney bookshop just four days after arriving in Australia. Eleven months later, fellow Scot, David Angus joined the team. But after two years, Angus decided to branch out on his own. In 1884, he opened a store in a tiny place at 110 Market Street, Sydney. From a humble start, Angus established an enterprise that was to grow in size and influence far beyond his conservative expectations. Robertson  joined in partnership with Angus in 1886.

Angus & Robertson is committed to continuing its long heritage of excellence in Australian bookselling. Here’s a link to their website.

http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/book/forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history-starring-the-great-character-actors-of-hollywoods-golden-age/7847441/

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* McNALLY  ROBINSON BOOKSELLERS – An independent group of shops committed to the interests of Canadians. As they put it:  We’re family oriented, and determined to present an alternative to corporate-chain bookstores.

   They’re located in Winnipeg and Saskatoon, and recently, a store opened in a former colony… Manhattan, NY, USA. My work is available (On Demand) by visiting their site.

http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/product/isbn/9781935359166/bkm/true/manny-pacheco-forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history

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* WHITCOULLS – This chain is a New Zealand national retail company that dominates the country’s book selling market. There are 62 stores on the island. Here’s a link to their site.

http://www.whitcoulls.co.nz/book/forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history-starring-the-great-character-actors-of-hollywoods-golden-age/7847441/

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* QUEENSLAND BOOK DEPOT – My paperback is available (On Demand) at any of their 40 locations throughout Australia, or on their website. Here’s the link.

http://www.qbd.com.au/product/9781935359166-Forgotten_Hollywood_Forgotten_History_by_Pacheco_Manny.htm

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*FNAC – The motherlode of entertainment chains, this retailer has 78 stores (with book sections) in France, and 65 others in 8 countries over 3 continents. According to their website, Forgotten Hollwood Forgotten History is:  (On Demand) through Awesome Books!

   This is their link:

http://www4.fnac.com/mp7415331/Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History

Until next time>                               “never forget” 

Manny P. here…

   I’m extraordinarily excited to discover that TARGET STORES online now carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. To be associated with this chain of stores is grandiose news indeed. Obviously, getting them into individual locations will be the next goal.

   If you’re interested in a perfect Holiday gift, and TARGET is your store, then I suggest you pick up my paperback (On Demand) with one click of your mouse.

  I just received a wonderful Christmas gift with this valuable piece of information.

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   Other bookstore chains nationally have added Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History online. Here are the details:

 * HASTINGS ENTERTAINMENT – Founded back in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is a leading multimedia entertainment retailer with 153 superstores, primarily in medium-sized markets throughout the U.S. They also operate www.gohastings.com, an internet web site that make available to customers entertainment products and contemporary gifts.

   Here’s a link to purchase my book (On Demand):

http://www.gohastings.com/product/BOOK/Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History-Starring-the-Great-Character-Actors-of-Hollywoods-Golden-Age/sku/279665198.uts

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* JOSEPH BETH BOOKSELLERS – A major chain throughout Middle America, with shops in Cleveland, Cincinnatti, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Nashville, Lexington,  Jackson, Charlotte, and a new location in Fredericksburg. The Joseph Beth Group is one of the nation’s most successful chain of independent booksellers (by their own admission).

   Here’s the direct link to purchase my work (On Demand):

http://www.josephbeth.com/Products/58598-forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history-starring-the-great-character-actors-of-hollywoods-golden-age.aspx

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 * SCHULER BOOKS & MUSIC – Another On Demand chain of stores with 5 independent shops throughout Michigan. A warm and friendly cafe can also be found at each location.

   Here’s the on line link to purchase my paperback:

http://www.schulerbooks.com/book/9781935359166

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* POSMAN BOOKS – Two New York independent shops located at Grand Central Terminal and Chelsea Market. They are proud to have served over two million customers. As they say: Their selection is unbiased.

   Here is their online link:

http://www.posmanbooks.com/book/9781935359166

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I have obtained a number of photographs taken while promoting Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I decided to look back at these nice memories…

   Thank you to Scott Stewart for providing this wonderful snap shot while he interviewed me during a segment of What’s Up Orange County in August.

   When in Seattle during my Pacific Northwest Book Tour in October, a number fun photos were snapped by my wife, which were quite unusual. They have an edgy European quality to them.

   This week, at my work-related Christmas party, I captured valuable screen-time with the great John Wayne.

   Like they say…a picture paints a thousand words. Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   My wife Laurie and I attended the 2010 Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting Christmas Party aboard a yacht formerly owned by the iconic John Wayne. Our gracious hosts, Tom and Lindy, invited the folks who train tomorrow’s broadcasters on a dinner cruise, which traveled along the Newport Beach Harbor area. What started as a friendly get-together, turned into an informative walking-tour retrospective, which captured a portion of The Duke’s private life.

   The Wild Goose, a 136-foot yacht, was a second home for the actor and his family during the last 16-years that he lived. The sailing vessel was a former U.S. Navy Minesweeper. Wayne was intent on maintaining its naval heritage, and left many of her original military elements intact; like the old-fashioned swivel wall fans, the bell, and the brass wheel in the wheelhouse. However, A wood-burning fireplace, poker table, and built-in wet bar were added to make the vessel a comfortable, family-friendly cruiser.

   Wayne’s last trip aboard The Wild Goose was a cruise to Catalina Island on Easter weekend in 1979. Before he died of complications from stomach cancer, he sold The Wild Goose to a Santa Monica attorney. Today, the yacht is still docked in Newport Beach, and is chartered for events through Hornblower Cruises.

   John Wayne is buried on a hill above Newport Beach, overlooking his beloved harbor.

   I suggest you visit this vital piece of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. You’ll enjoy the experience!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   At the time It’s a Wonderful Life was made in 1946, more than a few folks speculated that Director Frank Capra based his mythical community of Bedford Falls on the New York mill-town of Seneca Falls in Upstate New York. Well, the community has embraced this urban legend, and has just opened The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum. The museum is free to the public during the week, and  displays several exhibitions that include movie posters, photographs, magazine covers, and memorabilia.   DIRECTOR FRANK CAPRA  —>

   Seneca Falls annually decorates its Main Street with holiday lights and wreaths, and resembles the town in the film. And, even though Capra never acknowledged the societal homage, he did often visit an aunt in nearby Auburn. He had a unique familiarity of the town. Also, characters in the movie refer to cities close to Seneca Falls (Elmira and Rochester).

   On hand for Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu, the youngest daughter of George and Mary Bailey in this heartwarming motion picture. At the end of the film, she tells James Stewart and Donna Reed:

“Teacher says – Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is proud to include special stories about many of the actors from this timeless classic including Beulah Bondi, Thomas Mitchell, Lionel Barrymore,  Ward Bond, and Gloria Grahame. And I believe, winter is the perfect season to open this most Wonderful museum.

“Atta boy, Clarence…”

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  For me, personally, the Holidays always begin when I get to celebrate my father’s birthday. Happy birthday POP !!  I love you…       ————————>

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ll be visiting Las Vegas, January 9th-13th, to compete in the 2nd Annual  MOOSE INTERNATIONAL 2011 TEXAS HOLD ‘EM Poker Tourney. And, several members from my (Buena Park) Lodge are participating in the tourney. This is great news for a number of reasons…

* I get to help raise money for my official Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History charity:  MOOSEHEART Child City & School. A portion of my entrance fee will go to this fine educational facility.

* I’ll have access to MOOSE members from all over the country. I intend to introduce Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to these fine folks. My fraternal family will have a unique opportunity to purchase my book, and donate an additional $1 to MOOSEHEART.

* While visiting, I’ll get a chance to visit Barnes & Noble Book Sellers  that carry my paperback. I’m also planning an autograph party at one of these locations.

   Of course, this is Las Vegas! So I’m gambling this will be a fortuitous trip. All I can say is Shuffle Up & Deal…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m pleased to confirm over 100 book stores and shops carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. This is a very satisfying acheivement. Three Independent locations put me over the magic number:

* STORIES BOOKS * GIFTS * CAFE – Located in Echo Park at 1716 W. Sunset Blvd., just outside of Hollywood, an elegant place with wine tasting and a comfortable atmosphere. Here’s a link to their blog page:

http://www.storiesla.com/

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* APOSTROPHE BOOKS – Another Long Beach Indie bookstore has signed on to carry my paperback (complimenting Gatsby Books, and the Barnes & Noble / Borders chain of stores in the area). This is a quaint location in Belmont Shore at 4712 E. 2nd St. Here’s their link:

http://www.apostrophebooks.net/index.html

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* LIDO VILLAGE BOOKS – This is another location near the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach (on the Balboa Peninsula). Actually, the shop has been carrying my book for a while now (as I discovered speaking with the owner). Their address is 3424 Via Oporto #101.

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   101 bookstores, gift shops, museums, and restaurants now carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History throughout the nation. Of course, this figure continues to expand…

Until next time>                               “never forget”