Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Google, Inc. has set up an online virtual bookstore developed as a genial  alternative to Amazon. Unlike other web-friendly sources, Google is partnering with Independent book stores to help mom-and-pop shops keep up with the method of selling literary product. More than 100 book retailers in 36 states have teamed up with Google  including Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon; and the online-only merchant, Alibris.com.

   Of course, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is one of the books now available. Here’s the site link promoting my work (On Demand):

http://www.google.com/search?tbs=bks:1&tbo=p&q=+inauthor:%22Manny+Pacheco%22 

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   Shore Books in Long Beach is another retailer now carrying my paperback (On Demand). They’re located 3064 E. Broadway. Here’s a direct link to their website:

http://shorebooks.indiebound.com/book/9781935359166

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   I’d like to thank Robert Haro, a California resident who has positively reviewed Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History on Amazon. Giving it 4-Stars, he writes:

  Brief, but informative account of Hollywood history. Not for the serious scholar, but better for an informed layperson with an interest in some little known history of Hollywood.

   Robert’s remarks are right on the money, since I wanted to reach the average person who has a legitimate love for Americana and classic cinema. I appreciate the reviewer’s frank and unsolicited opinion.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Disney Studios has proudly distributed their 50th animated movie with the release of Tangled. Based on the Brothers Grimm 1812 fairy tale of Rapunzel, it’s a wonderful family-friendly motion picture that has Oscar written all over it. No one does it better in my estimation.

   Historically, Walt Disney took a chance in 1937 with his first animated Technicolor feature film release of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Studio chiefs throughout Hollywood, and Disney’s wife were convinced it would fail. The film became the #1 money-maker of 1938, and was second only to Gone With the Wind for the decade. Prior to Snow White, animation was  presented in a two-reel format. Disney tested the Technicolor process in his 1936 short – The Three Little Pigs.

   The tale of Rapunzel, part of a comprehensive assemblage, was originally created back in 1698, adapted from Persinette by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force. The Brothers Grimm included the story in a collection that included Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. In 2002, a Barbie doll resembling Rapunzel was created for a new generation of children to enjoy.

   Kudos to Mandy Moore and a fine cast for providing a stellar vocal track. This latest feature is filled with a usual blend of humor and pathos; all classic Disney. As usual, the music is predictabaly top-notch. And, Tangled is the most expensive film made in the history of  screen animation.

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is delighted to celebrate the pioneering work and legacy of Walt Disney in Cinema.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I discovered a new site that sells Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History (On Demand). Their link is:

http://www.booksinc.net/storeinfo

   This website promotes the sales of books at locations in Anaheim and Northern California.

   The Orange County shop is in the heart of Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort at the Compass Books & Cafe. Known as The West’s Oldest Independent Bookseller, their address is 1565 S. Disneyland Dr. #102. And, they’ve just added my book to be purchased at their store by tourists for the Holidays. This is my 98th nationwide location.

   There are 10 Northern Cali stores stretching from Palo Alto, Berkeley, and San Francisco.

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   As a self-published author, I’m thrilled to get recognition from other sites promoting my work as an Indie seller of books. Enter Mark’s Writer’s Bloc  (as they put it):

An Indie Book Blog; Free Book Promotion; Indie Books; Indie Authors

   According to their website:

Basic Listing: Free!  Are you an author looking for free book promotion? Send your name, book title, book cover, description of your book, author bio, Amazon link and excerpt of your book to:  markoneal66@gmail.com.

   Here is a link to their website:

http://www.markswriterbloc.com/

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  Finally, a big thank you to my friends at Hollywood History: The Golden Era page on Facebook for a promotional message sent to their followers. I appreciate the kind words, and a link to my blog site.

   Here’s a link to their fine webpage:

http://www.facebook.com/HollywoodHistory

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Ching’s Cafe & International Restaurant is the 97th location to carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Located at 10832 Katella in Garden Grove, and minutes from Disneyland, this fine eatery is going to create a Hollywood environment that should attract tourists and regular customers from their busy neighborhood.

   Owner Cherie Jones just purchased enough books to sell in her restaurant to put me at 1300 in book sales. I completely appreciate her faith in my work. She tells me that even though they primarily serve Chinese food (made to order) to accommodate customers, she is expanding her menu to include Mexican and Italian cuisine.

   My goal is to jump-start the Hollywood angle by placing Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History in her place of business. This is not a typical store to purchase my book. But I like Cherie’s out-of-the-box approach, and I’ll support Ching’s, wholeheartedly!

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   Congratulations to 85-year old Hal Holbrook for his latest performance (last night) as Mark Twain in honor of the writer on his 175th Birthday. The actor’s re-enactment as the famous  humorist at the (Samuel) Clemens Center in Elmira, New York drew a sellout crowd. Holbrook recited from memory a long passage from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and selected lectures from Twain’s celebrated turn-of-the-century world-wide tour.

HAL HOLBROOK                     MARK TWAIN

   Holbrook first appeared in Mark Twain Tonight in 1959. He would take his show on Broadway in 1966, and won a Tony Award the following year. He earned an Emmy nomination for the celebrated 1967 broadcast on CBS.

   Hal Holbrook has been a staple in cinema for 4 decades with roles in All The President’s Men, Magnum Force, Midway, Julia, Wall Street, and The Firm. He received an Oscar nomination in 2008 for his crusty performance in Into the Wild.

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History personally thanks Hal Holbrook for remembering Mark Twain, who died in 1910 (a century ago).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

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”