Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has done it again! The American Film Institute is the latest iconic place to accept the paperback in their Louis B. Mayer Library. They now join The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Writers Guild Foundation, and The Paley Center for Media as prestigious locations where you can find my award-winning paperback.

   According to their website:

Louis B. Mayer Library

Founded in 1969, the Louis B. Mayer Library is designed and devoted to serve the research needs of the staff of the American Film Institute, and the faculty and students of the AFI’s Center for Advanced Film and Television Studies. The library is also available on a non-circulating basis to visiting scholars, researchers, and advanced graduate students, as well as members of the entertainment industry.

The library holds books and periodicals and other special collections covering various aspects of cinema and television. You can find motion picture scripts, oral history transcripts, and noted collections from directors such as Martin Scorsese, Fritz Lang, and Sergei M. Eisenstein. 

AFI is a national institute providing leadership in screen education, and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

   Louis B. Mayer was the greatest film producer of the studio era, and chief at MGM. He created the “star-system” during Hollywood’s Golden Age. His stable of actors included Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Spencer Tracy, William Powell, Myrna Loy, Wallace Beery, Joan Crawford, Mickey Rooney, Jean Harlow, and “more stars than there are in the heavens.”

   Among the actors featured in Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, Lionel Barrymore, Donald Crisp, and Lassie made great films while at Metro Goldwyn Mayer. It’s a complete honor to learn my paperback has found a new home at The American Film Insititute.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A most unusual library has added my book Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History in the heart of the Midwest. By looking at the photo (below), you can see the beauty and serenity of Elgin, Illinois. The library’s website explains the origins of this unique site.

   Rather than put this in my own words (which I just couldn’t do as well), here is their story:

“Gail Borden was not a woman despite the spelling of his first name. He never lived in Elgin, and he never donated funds for the library which bears his name. How his name became attached to our library is as fascinating and complex as the man himself. 

Born in New York in 1801, Borden found his way to Texas as a young man where he farmed and published a newspaper. His publication supported the Texas independence movement, and he became associated with such historic figures as Stephen Austin and Sam Houston.

After struggling with various other enterprises in Texas and New York, Borden suffered the death of his wife and was near financial ruin. At the age of 55, after years of experimentation, Borden was awarded a patent for condensed milk.

Although the patent was awarded in 1856, it wasn’t until 1861 financing was secured, and the first plant became operational. Condensed milk, sold from handcarts in New York City, became an immediate success in urban areas where fresh milk was difficult to distribute and store.

As the company began to prosper, Borden’s life took another turn; he met and married Eunice Church, a widow with two sons. The Church family had once lived in Elgin, Illinois, prior to the death of Hiram Church, an early settler in this area.

When his new wife described the Fox Valley area to Borden, it seemed the ideal location for expansion of his company to the West, and in 1865 the Elgin Milk Condensing Company was established. Borden visited often but never lived in Elgin. He bought a home there in 1873, but failing health led him back to Texas, where he died in 1874.

By 1892, the citizens of Elgin were desperately seeking a building for the library, which had barely survived for years in rented rooms in the downtown area. Samuel and Alfred Church, residents of Elgin (and stepsons of Gail Borden), offered to purchase and donate the Scofield Mansion for this purpose. All they asked was that the library be forever known as the Gail Borden Public Library.

With great pride, we still bear this name, which has become synonymous with our local library…”

 (This article first appeared in the Fall, 1991 Library newsletter)

   I’d like to thank the Gail Borden Public Library District  – Rakow Branch for being the newest location to house Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   If you recently missed my live interview last month on the Lunchtime With Ira program which orgininated in Las Vegas over KUNV-FM (91.5), you now have the chance to hear the show by clicking on the link below.

Manny Radio Interview

   Ira David Sternberg let me discuss my new book Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History in depth, bringing my paperback to life.

   Kick back and enjoy…

Until next time…                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Cypress Chamber of Commerce is having their Breakfast Mixer this Tuesday. I’ve been asked to be their guest speaker to talk about my new book, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet with local businesses, many of whom helped me develop my work. According to their website:

Monthly Networking Breakfast features a dynamic guest speaker and great networking opportunities. Cost is $20 for reservations in advance, $25 at the door. Reservations are required (714-827-2430). Bring business cards, a friend, and perhaps a door prize to promote your product or service. This month’s speaker is award-winning author, noted DJ, and Cypress resident Manny Pacheco. He’ll be talking his book Forgotton Hollywood, Forgotten History, highlighting the best supprting actors and actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Era and their films that tell America’s story.

   I can’t wait to visit with my neighbors and friends who have been so supportive of my paperback (especially Tim and Linda Keenan of Creative Media). The mixer is at 7:30a at the Courtyard By Marriott Hotel at 5865 Katella Ave.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   As we approach this weekend’s 2010 Oscar Ceremony, here is this humble writer’s opinion of the Top 5 Academy Award acting snubs in history (in no particular order)…

1) Richard Burton – Seven times nominated for an Oscar; zero wins.

   Unfortunately, this lion of cinema died before he could even be given a Lifetime Achievement award. He ruled in The Robe, Becket, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (among others). He was “king” to Elizabeth Taylor’s “queen” of Hollywood for almost two decades.

2) Edward G. Robinson – NEVER nominated for an Oscar.

   Double Indemnity, Key Largo, Little Caesar, Brother Orchid, The Cincinnati Kid, The Sea Wolf… Shall I go on? He was awarded an Honorary Oscar on his deathbed; he died two months before the actual ceremony.

3) Myrna Loy – NEVER nominated for an Oscar.

   Her work with William Powell (also snubbed) was essential in The Thin Man series. She was a bedrock in The Best Years Of Our Lives. What a shame she made acting look so easy.

4) Errol Flynn – NEVER nominated for an Oscar.

   A giant of Hollywood, he was never taken seriously by critics or by his peers. The Adventures Of Robin Hood is top-notch entertainment. Who could have played the character as good as Errol Flynn. Spencer Tracy deserved the Oscar for Boys Town, but Flynn should have received at least a nomination.

5) Deborah Kerr – Six times nominated for an Oscar; zero wins.

   She played the same type of roles in the 1950’s designed for Greer Garson in the 1940’s. Her work was meticulous in The King And I, An Affair To Remember, From Here To Eternity, Separate Tables, etc.

   Honorable Mentions: Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Kirk Douglas, Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Mitchum, Lauren Bacall

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History showcases actors who were nominated a total of 19 times with Oscar proving elusive: Claude Rains (4), Arthur Kennedy (5), Thelma Ritter (6), William Bendix (1), Beulah Bondi (2), Basil Rathbone (1)

   Enjoy this year’s ceremonies…

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Libraries all over the country are jumping on the bandwagon, and adding Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to their book shelves. As previously noted in earlier blogs, the paperback was added to:

• Writers Guild Foundation – Shavelson Webb Library (Los Angeles)
• Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences – Margaret Herrick Library (BH)
• Mid-Continent Public Library (Independence, MO)

   According to the World Cat / Library Search website, you can now find my book at:

• The Onondaga County Pulic Library Chain – Manlius Library (Syracuse, NY)
• Reed College Library (Portland, OR)
• Saint Louis Public Library (St. Louis, MO)
• Whittier Public Library (Whittier)
• The Orange County Public Library Chain – San Clemente Library (San Clemente); and Irvine Heritage Park Regional Library (Irvine)

   Like this great USA, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has reached the libraries from sea to shining sea.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

    I am happy to report that book sales are up online and at local store locations.  So much so, in certain categories, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is in the Top 100 (and even in the Top 10) on website indicators.

   This week:

• Tower Books – “Forgotten Hollywood” is currently in the Top 10 in the Social History category (#9 in all books; #4 in paperbacks)

• Borders – My paperback recently reached #8 in the Local Interest / California History category. It’s currently #50 (very respectable)

• Amazon – My book dabbled in the Top 100 (peaking at #63) in the Movies / History & Criticism category. They have also gone through their entire stock over the last two weeks…twice!

  

Social History Bestsellers

   The word is out… Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is a bonafide hit!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve been chosen to become the newest member of The Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters.  According to their website:

“Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters was founded in 1966 by announcer Art Gilmore and a group of 178 original members. Edgar Bergen (Charlie McCarthy) was the founding Chairman of the Board. Jim Jordan (Fibber McGee) was the second Chairman, followed by Ralph Edwards…Current membership stands at 550.

P.P.B. hosts five celebrity luncheons a year at the Sportsmen’s Lodge (in Studio City, California), where men and women with at least 20 years of professional employment in Radio and Television Broadcasting (or allied fields) join together to renew old friendships, meet new members, and honor fellow pioneer broadcasters for their achievements. “

   Some of the well-known members of this prestigious organization currently include Betty White, Robert Wagner, and Tommy Lasorda. My good friends – Art Laboe, Gary Lycan, Roger Carroll, Casey Kasem, and Michael Horn also belong to this notable group.

                                           ART LABOE                 GARY LYCAN

   I want to personally thank Art and Gary for support and endorsement towards my selection into this fine organization.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has made the TOP 10 at Southern California Borders Stores in the Local Interest / Southwest / California / History category out of  559 books available in the section. I’m really proud to say my book is ranked #8 as of today.  The paperback is obviously selling at the 31 area locations. What a high for me to see the book take on a life of its own.

   Next weekend, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History will be a featured work for sale at the Northwest Women’s Show at Q-West Field in Seattle. The site is the Baseball home of The Mariners. Thousands of ladies are expected to attend this fine event. Although I won’t be there, my book will be well represented by Media Rep – Barbara Kindness, and members of the Book Publishers Network on Friday through Sunday (March 5th-7th).  Below is the link to the event…

http://www.nwwomenshow.com/NWWS%20Exhibitors.html

Book Publishers Network
“Changing the World One Book at a Time“

Until next time>                               “never forget” 

Manny P. here –

   As of today, folks living in Los Angeles County can buy Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History by using their Costco membership. The paperback is officially at the two large stores mentioned in an earlier blog.

    San Fernando Valley address of Costco is 1051 Burbank Blvd. The Hollywood locale address is 2901 Los Feliz Blvd. Of course, I’ll be working with the warehouse stores for the opportunity to do a book signing at one or both locations.

   I invite Costco members in the surrounding areas to take advantage of these convenient locales when searching for my book. Of course, a complete list of places to buy Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is in the Book Purchase Location’s section of my Navigation Bar to the left.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Another important library in the heart of Hollywood is adding Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to their collection! The Shavelson Webb Library of The Writers Guild Foundation has accepted the submission of my award-winning book.

   Library Director Karen Pederson writes: “We will be honored to include your book.” Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History can now be read at two landmark locations in Los Angeles.  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – Margaret Herrick Library also recently  purchased my paperback for their prestigious shelves. 

   Finding a copy of my paperback in two historic Hollywood library locales is exciting. I feel honored for their acceptance of my work. Here is a link to the Writers Guild Foundation website:

www.wgfoundation.org

Until next time>                                             “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The success of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is mounting! Tonight, I made my confirmed 400th sale for the paperback. The number is obviously higher; but in the publishing business…there is a certain amount of lag time in confirmation from the actual book retailers – to wholesaler – and finally to the author.

   Thanks to my good friend, Tom Terrific, a karaoke host in Southern California who made the memorable purchase. Tom works in Huntington Beach / Westminster on Tuesdays at Michael’s Sports Bar; and in Long Beach on Saturdays at Clancys. Tom is also a noted lover of classic movies, so I know he will enjoy my book.

   Next stop:  Borders – Yorba Linda on Saturday from 1p-3p for my book signing. A reminder, this particular store is in the Savi Ranch Shopping Center, off the 91 freeway (the Weir Canyon exit). I can’t wait to meet you and talk classic films!

   Karaoke Host Tom Terrific  

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Chevalier’s Book’s is one the premier Southern California independent sellers of literature. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History can now be found at Chevalier’s.

   In addition to now selling my paperback, I will be doing a pre-Turner Classic Movies, 2010 Film Festival book signing at this special location. The date of this event is April 18th, Sunday, from 1p-3p. Go to the Chevalier’s Book link at the navigation bar to the left for more info.

   The topic of my book compliments the nature of the upcoming Festival.

   I hope you will stop by and visit the eclectic and uniformly revered Chevalier’s Books, located at 126 N. Larchmont Blvd., right by Hollywood. The store recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. I offer my heartfelt congratulations!

   One more item, while at my navigation bar, visit the new sites including, Good Reads, the Amazon Author page, Creative Media, LA Radio.com, Twitter, and the new locations on my Book Tour Schedule page.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Look for my radio appearance on the Lunchtime With Ira program, a radio/internet show that promotes Las Vegas and features Ira David Sternberg talking with the celebrities, entertainers, writers and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world.

   Some of the guests who have appeared on Ira’s program:

Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Michael Bublé, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Andy Williams, Paul Anka, Vince Gill,  Bill Cosby, Don Rickles, Jon Lovitz, Chazz Palminteri, Jamie Farr, Joe Piscopo, Adam West, David Copperfield, Rich Little, Emeril Lagasse, Don King, Bob Eubanks, and Robin Leach

   Lunchtime With Ira can be heard on KUNV-FM (91.5) at 6 p.m. (PST) on Thursdays, as well as online at http://kunv.unlv.edu/ .  Of course, we will be discussing my new book – Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   If you don’t live in the Vegas area, make sure you stream it online, Thursday, February 11th at 6pm (PST) at http://kunv.unlv.edu/.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“Puppy Bowl” contender – ENO

   Jeff Bordner lives in Utah, and he is the most successful voice-over guy outside of Southern California. We’ve been  buddies for almost thirty years. And, he just ordered a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History through Amazon.

   If you don’t know about Puppy Bowl VI, just ask your children. It’s very popular with the younger set. And, the Kitty Half Time Show is funny and entertaining. Last year, I watched Puppy Bowl V! Check your local cable listings for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl VI starring my pal, Jeff Bordner! Here’s a link leading to a promotion of the event…

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/puppy-bowl/about.html

Until next time>                               “never forget”