Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Two more locations will now carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Both of these bookshops have historic ties to Hollywood, which makes these venues the perfect place to find my paperback.

   LARRY EDMUNDS BOOKSHOP – Located at 6644 Hollywood Blvd., Larry Edmunds is one of the finest Hollywood book stores on the planet! They specialize on Tinsel Town. According to their website:

Larry Edmunds Bookshop has been in business for over 70 years.
With an inventory of 500,000+ movie photographs, 6,000+ original movie posters and 20,000+ motion picture and theater books!

   ILIAD BOOKSHOP – Located at 5400 Cahuenga Blvd. in North Hollywood, The Iliad had been around for over two decades, and specializes in books about the arts. According to their website:

We’re not called ILIAD BOOKSHOP because we’re a Greek bookshop (the truth is our first location was next to Odyssey Video, and hence a literary joke).

   I am thrilled to include both of these prestigious locations to our Forgotten Hollywood family! They join Chevalier’s Books and William’s Book Store (in San Pedro) as fine independent literary shops in Southern California where you can purchase my work.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I was very pleased to have been part of the 2010 Latino Book and Family Festival this past weekend. I met with my colleagues, participated in spirited panels, and enjoyed chatting with friendly folks who decided to purchase Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   The added bonus to this fine weekend was a Book Drive on behalf of Wilson High School in Los Angeles (named for President Woodrow Wilson). According to Reyna Grande, the panel coordinator of the Festival, 175 authors donated their work on behalf of this charitable effort. The real winners of this drive are the children who study at Wilson High Library. I also provided one as part of this fine endeavor.

CONGRESSMAN ESTEBAN TORRES

   By the way, this Monday I’ll be visiting the newly dedicated Esteban Torres High School in L.A. (named in honor of the former eight-term U.S. Congressman). As part of the festivities,    I’ll also donate a book to their library. Sharing literary ideas to our optimistic children is a  premise I completely embrace.

   And finally, I’m close to attaining my goal of collecting $1 from the sale of every copy of my book in order to contribute $2500 to my official charity – Mooseheart Child City And School – located on the outskirts of Chicago. I hope to travel soon to the Midwest to personally deliver the money to Mooseheart, and of course, a copy of my paperback to their library.

Until next time>                               “never forget” 

Manny P. here…

   IT’S OFFICIAL … Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is slated for development as a theatrical documentary by Vision4Media, Inc. This mutual agreement will allow us to  share seldom told Hollywood Golden Age stories with a movie-going (and/or television) audience anticipating this most special of cinematic visits. I expect folks who purchase a copy of my book will support and appreciate the film when eventually completed.

   According to their official website:

a Conscious Filmmaker® company

Vision4Media Inc. creates powerful television and film productions designed to have a positive impact on society. Its principals have produced, directed, written, and edited hundreds of projects for major broadcast and cable networks, Fortune 500 companies, international non-profits, and educational institutions. Founded by filmmakers David C. Bojorquez and Keith G. Myers, Vision4Media’s tradition of production excellence has been recognized by over two dozen national awards. Driven by the Conscious Filmmaker (@) philosophy, the company focuses on producing high quality media that is both entertaining and meaningful. 

   The Vision4Media website offers a remarkable list of past and current projects on their roster (including Beyond The Moonwalk, which chronicles the linear rise of street dance –  and its relationship to Michael Jackson’s famous Billie Jean Appearance on the Motown 25th Anniversary special); and provides a definitive explanation of the Conscious Filmmaker (@)  approach. The short description:

 An artist with the aware intent to create films imbued with an enlightened purpose.

   Here is the link to their site:

http://www.vision4media.com/

   With Vision4Media at the helm, I believe Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History will emerge as a substantive film project. 

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

Manny P. here…

   This weekend is around the corner and the 13th annual Latino Book & Family Festival is set to begin on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles. We can expect over 120 award-winning authors, book readings, children’s activities, Ballet Folklorico, a variety of vendors (including a health-screening booth), traditional food, and over 50 panels. In fact, I’ll be involved with two informative discussions.

   The festivities will take place each day from 11a-6p. Saturday highlights include expected visits by L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and  former U.S. Congressman Esteban Torres; and  Dinner With The Authors with special guests: Maria Conchita Alonso and Erik Estrada.

<———– EDWARD JAMES OLMOS

   The largest gathering of Latino scribes ever assembled guarantees a special time for all visitors. I’ll be signing copies of my book Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, both days of this important event.

   Here’s a couple of links to the Latino Book Fest website that includes well-deserved publicity and a friendly welcome by actor and co-founder Edward James Olmos.  

http://www.lbff.us/

http://lbff.us/webpagephotos2010/media.php

http://lbff.us/webpagephotos2010/benefits.php

   Until next time>                            “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   BARNES & NOBLE is committed to the seasonal sale of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History in 41 California and Nevada locations (up from 4 stores). This is wonderful news for folks interested in making my paperback a keen present or stocking stuffer for the Holidays.

   In addition to already friendly Southern California locations at The Grove in Hollywood, Puente Hills, Aliso Viejo, and Thousand Oaks, you’ll be able to purchase my book at the following bookstores:

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Glendale – Glendora – Long Beach (2 Locations) – Manhattan Beach – Marina Del Rey  Pasadena –  Santa Monica – Torrance – Valencia – West Covina – Woodland Hills

ORANGE COUNTY

Fullerton – Irvine – Irvine Spectrum – Orange

INLAND EMPIRE

Chino Hills – Corona – Rancho Cucamonga

VENTURA COUNTY

 Santa Barbara

SAN DIEGO

Chula Vista – Del Mar – Encinitas – La Mesa – Mira Mesa – Oceanside – Rancho Bernardo  Santee

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Sacramento – San Jose (3 locations) – San Mateo

 NEVADA

Henderson – Las Vegas (3 locations)

   I’m thrilled about the BARNES & NOBLE strategy to offer my book as the perfect gift for family members of all ages. I urge you to support their stores.

   FYI – This ups the number of folks selling Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to 82. Let’s put it another way: my work is now available in major locations ranging from Sacramento to Las Vegas to the Mexican Border!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

  Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History will now be sold at the gift shop of at least two Southern California ArcLight Cinemas locations. Look for my paperback in Hollywood, site of the original Cinerama Dome, and their brand new location in El Segundo (opening soon). Now you will be able to catch the latest flicks, and purchase my book after a visit to the movies.

   The Cinerama Dome is a historic Hollywood location. According to their website:

Built (in only 16 weeks) in 1963, Pacific Theatres’ Cinerama Dome opened with the “single-strip Cinerama” production of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”, and has been host to over four decades of premieres and blockbusters since then. Still under the ownership of Pacific Theatres, the first and largest theater of its kind in the world was carefully refurbished and refreshed, reopening as part of ArcLight Hollywood in March, 2002. The signature marquee and portico on Sunset Boulevard and the 316 hexagons in the geodesic dome were restored to their original dramatic presence. The Dome still seats more than 800 guests per showing, and the historic loge seating which has been a favorite of moviegoers over the years has been maintained.

   This is the location where I personally saw the world premeire of Back to the Future. From time to time, they’ve also screened Lowell Thomas’ 1952 production of This is Cinerama, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. Basically a wide- screen travelogue, Thomas narrates the film, and appears before each segment. More recently, my wife Laurie and I visited ArcLight to see There Will Be Blood and Revolutionary Road.

   ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood is at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd. (between Vine and Ivar). For a complete listing of their latest movie attractions – visit their website at:

https://www.arclightcinemas.com/ArcLight/faces/NowPlaying.jsp

  Until next time>                             “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`I’m saddened by the recent passing of talented folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age:

TONY CURTIS

TONY CURTIS – A Hollywood legend! Tony Curtis appeared in big-budget films, and was an Academy Award-nominee for his work in The Defiant Ones. He starred in Operation Petticoat, Some Like It Hot, Spartacus, Sex and the Single Girl, The Great Race, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Boston Strangler. He cut his teeth in Winchester ’73, Sweet Smell of Success, and Trapeze. His idol was Cary Grant, and co-starred with such screen luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Jack Lemmon, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Natalie Wood, Jerry Lewis, Lauren Bacall, Peter Falk, Mia Farrow, and Sidney Poitier. TCM plans an all-day tribute on Saturday, 10/10. Tony Curtis was 85.

EDDIE FISHER – Most notably known for his high profile marriages with Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor. However, Fisher was the total package: singer, actor, personality. He had his own television show in the 1950’s, and starred with Taylor in Butterfield 8 in 1960.  She received an Oscar for her performance. Eddie Fisher was 82.

GLORIA STUART

GLORIA STUART – A career spanning seven decades,  Stuart is remembered for her role as Claude Rains’ girl in The Invisible Man in 1933, and her performance as the elder Rose Dawson Calvert in the Best Picture of 1997 – The Titanic (her younger counterpart was played by Kate Winslet). Other movies include Gold Diggers of 1935, Roman Scandals, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and My Favorite Year. Gloria Stuart was 100.

ARTHUR PENN – A top-notch director of fine work on stage and screen. His critical acclaim on Broadway with Two for the Seesaw, Wait until Dark, and The Miracle Worker led to controversial assignments in Hollywood. In fact, he was reunited with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in telling Helen Keller’s story on screen. He also helped changed the way motion pictures were presented in 1967 when he directed the adult-themed Bonnie and Clyde. Other iconic films he directed include Little Big Man and The Missouri Breaks. Arthur Penn died just one day after his 88th birthday.

ART GILMORE – One of the fine voiceover stars of movie trailers, Gilmore promoted such  important cinema as It’s A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Rear Window, and Vertigo. On television, Gilmore was the announcer for Red Skelton on CBS and NBC. He also lent his voice  (or appeared) on Highway Patrol, Dragnet, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Waltons. He got his start in radio on the Amos ‘n Andy program. Gilmore served as a National President of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists from 1961-1963; and was a co-founder of the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters (I proudly belong to both). A Hollywood parade by the LAPD will be held in his honor on 10/4. Art Gilmore was 98.

JOE MANTELL

JOE MANTELL – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the 1955 Oscar–winning picture – Marty. He also appeared in The Birds,  and Chinatown. He was memorable in several episodes of The Twilight Zone. Joe Mantell was 94.

Some of these folks may not be familiar to the average film-goer. But, they’re pioneers in their craft, and all should be remembered for the body of their work.

* * * *

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m happy to see Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History back in the Top 10 in the Local History / All Things Local area of Southern California BORDERS stores. I was at the BORDERS Long Beach at The Pike on Sunday when the last book went out the door. The patron recognized my photo from the back of the book and asked me to sign her newly-purchased copy, which I was happy to do. They also just sold out in the Westwood location.

    A quick reminder that if Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History sells out at your local store…get the management to order more copies. I’d appreciate your help in this matter.

   <—–   For a complete listing of all stores carrying my paperback, check the Navigation Bar to the left in theBook Purchase Locations area.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A number of former Oscar-nominees and screen legends are now proud owners of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. In the last 72 hours, a flurry of Hollywood’s elite have received an autographed copy of my book. What an exciting turn of events!

   On Thursday, during a press conference promoting October’s 13th annual Latino Book and Family Festival, EDWARD JAMES OLMOS accepted his paperback. Olmos was nominated for Best Actor for his role as teacher Jaime Escalante in the outstanding film Stand and Deliver in 1988. He also appeared in Zoot Suit, American Me, Mi Familia, and Selena. The distinguished actor had a starring role in television’s Miami Vice.

   On Saturday, Republic Pictures celebrated their 75th Anniversary at the CBS Media Center in Studio City. Among the famous attendees who now own a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History:

HUGH O’BRIAN – Well known for his title role on television’s The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. Discovered by Ida Lupino in 1946, O’Brian appeared in There’s No Business Like Show Business, In Harm’s Way, and The Shootist (John Wayne’s final picture). He has dedicated much of his life to the non-profit HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership). This venture is an innovative developmental program inspired in 1958 by a nine-day visit the actor had with famed humanitarian Albert Schweitzer in Africa. Dr. Schweitzer professed the importance of teaching young people to think for themselves. O’Brian was inducted into the Western Performer’s Hall of Fame in 1992.

JANE WITHERS – One of the cherished child stars of the 1930’s (along with Shirley Temple, Mickey Rooney, and Judy Garland), Withers was a darling at Fox Studios. She appeared in Bright Eyes and The Farmer Takes A Wife (with Henry Fonda). As an adult, Withers was cast in Giant and Captain Newman, M.D. Today’s television audience best remembers her in  classic Comet ads. She played Josephine the Plumber for two decades.

THEODORE BIKEL – A very special character actor who has appeared in a number of A-List motion pictures. Bikel had a memorable part in The African Queen, which starred Humphrey Bogart (in his Oscar-winning role) and Katharine Hepburn. He co-starred with Susan Hayward in I Want to Live (her Oscar-winning turn). Bikel appeared in theBest Picture of 1964 – My Fair Lady. In between, he was cast in Moulin Rouge, The Pride and the Passion (with Cary Grant, Sophia Loren, and Frank Sinatra), and The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.  In 1958, Bikel earned a well-deserved Academy Award nod for playing a fair minded Southern sheriff in the important Civil Rights-themed movie The Defiant Ones. This movie featured Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier. On stage, Bikel also starred opposite Vivian Leigh in A Streetcar Named Desire. Leigh repeated the role on screen and won her  second Oscar in 1951.

   I’m truly honored to have my work in the hands of these extraordinary individuals.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has just been purchased to be part of the library planned for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. The organizers of this project found my work to be worthy of inclusion. They related to me that many creative contributors from Hollywood have grown up and lived their private lives in the San Fernando Valley. Also, notable landmarks exist throughout the area.

   According to their website:

A museum that demonstrates how the San Fernando Valley and its people fit into the world has been long overdue…

The San Fernando Valley has probably been home to more celebrities from various fields than anywhere on Earth. Of course, from the motion picture industry, but also from the literary field, science, technology, sports, and business, to name a handful.

As an educational and cultural institution, we are here to acquire, display, and preserve the artifacts, documents and records of the San Fernando Valley. With the help of residents, businesses, organizations and societies we will build the Museum collections of historical items, the fine arts and the folk arts for the public to enjoy and for scholars to research.

   If you want to be a financial contributor, donate related artifacts, or learn more about this heritage-building idea in the making…visit their website:  http://www.themuseumsfv.org/.

   This is a personal request, since I too grew up in the San Fernando Valley. My parents had a home in Sherman Oaks from 1968 until the mid-1990’s. I’m also a proud alumnus of Van Nuys High School.

Until next time>                               “never forget” 

Manny P. here…

   Thanks to Gary Lycan of the Orange County Register for telling me about the 75th Anniversary celebration of Republic Pictures to be held this Saturday from 11a-5p at the CBS Studio Center at 4024 Radford Ave. in Studio City, CA. (its original site). This FREE day of fun is sponsored by The Cultural Affairs Committee of the Studio City Neighborhood Council and the Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Leonard Maltin will be the official emcee of some of the festivities.

   According to their website:

Festivities include screenings of Republic films, serials and trailers, live performances of swing and western music, entertainment by gun spinners, rope twirlers, trick horses, cowboy poets, and a diverse collection of memorabilia. In addition, a speakers forum with prominent industry experts and Republic celebrities will discuss a range of topics from creating sci-fi special effects to tales of working at Republic Pictures. A special Republic Pictures stamp cancellation ceremony of the U.S. Postal Service’s Cowboys of the Silver Screen postage stamps will take place and be available for purchase.

Republic Picture’s former stars Theodore Bikel, Adrian Booth, Michael Chapin, Ben Cooper, Robert Easton, Coleen Gray, Eilene Janssen, Anne Jeffreys, Dick Jones, Jane Kean, Joan Leslie, Marjorie Lord, Jimmy Lydon, Hugh O’Brian, Peggy Stewart, Jane Withers and others are slated to attend this very special event.

Founded in 1935 by Herbert J. Yates, Republic Pictures was an independent film production-distribution corporation with studio facilities. Republic exploded into national prominence with its focus in westerns, movie serials and B-films emphasizing mystery and action, the staples of Saturday afternoon matinees. The studio launched the careers of John Wayne, Gene Autry, Rex Allen, Roy Rogers, and rocketed serials like The Adventures of Captain Marvel and Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe into the public imagination. Notable Republic Pictures include Under Western Stars (1938), Flying Tigers (1942), Macbeth (1948), Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), The Red Pony (1949), The Quiet Man (1952) and Johnny Guitar (1954).

   I plan on visiting this FREE event, soaking in Republic Pictures rich history. I’ll also have Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to share with attendees. My paperback features some of the actors who worked their craft at Republic including Ward Bond and John Carradine. This should be a worthwhile experience.

————————————————

   I’m proud to announce the 39th copy of my book has been added to another library shelf. The city of Ontario is nestled in San Bernardino County, the largest county-by-area in the nation, and their public library has acquired Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. This marks the 4th official county in Southern California to add my work (joining Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties).

   According to their website:

 <————- (photo of Ontario – circa 1880’s)

On the afternoon of Sunday, November 15, 1885 a handful of settlers gathered in the parlor of the Ontario Hotel to discuss their need for a library. This informal meeting has been regarded as the founding of Ontario City Library.

Established as a City department in 1891, the Ontario City Library’s Main and Colony High Branch contain over 257,000 books, 545 magazine subscriptions, 12 newspaper subscriptions, 6,900 videocassettes, 7,500 compact discs, 12,400 DVDs,  a partial government document depository, and 12 online resource subscriptions.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Hollywood Heritage Museum is the newest location to carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Next to the Hollywood Bowl, this prestigious place is easily the most proper of all locales in the area to display my work, since this landmark drips in cinematic history. (photo by Richard Rownak)

   According to their website:

The Hollywood Heritage Museum is housed in the beautifully restored Lasky-DeMille Barn (c. 1895). The Museum features archival photographs from the silent movie days of motion picture production, movie props, historic documents and other movie related memorabilia. Also featured are historic photos and postcards of the streets, buildings and residences of Hollywood during its heyday.

In 1913, aspiring movie director, Cecil B. DeMille, came to this rented horse barn, with his partners – Jesse Lasky and Sam Goldwyn – and made what turned out to be Hollywood’s first importan feature length film The Squaw Man. The success of this film set off a stampede of movie makers to Hollywood, forever changing a sleepy farm town into the movie capital of the world.

On December 27, 1956 the Lasky-DeMille Barn was designated California State Historic Landmark No. 554 representing the birth of the Hollywood motion picture industry. Since 1985, Hollywood Heritage Inc. has funded the preservation, restoration and maintenance of this early Hollywood treasure.

   Their website link is:

 http://www.hollywoodheritage.org/

   Whether you decide to buy my paperback or not…you really should visit the Hollywood Heritage Museum for a taste of early Hollywood and its vital history!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Organizers of The Latino Book & Family Festival will spend the next three weeks aggressively promoting this National event. One of the Festival coordinators, Reyna Grande, did a radio interview on Univision that will air on September 26th. Edward James Olmos will also be doing a commercial airing on Telemundo.

   In fact, a press conference is scheduled this Thursday at 11a at Pan American Bank in LA with Olmos and elected officials. I have additionally been invited to discuss my involvement with The Latino Book & Family Festival.

   The publicity team is working on getting LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina to do a PSA on behalf of the Festival. Mayor Antonio Villarigosa has also been contacted about conducting a press conference to promote this wonderful event.

   I’m proud Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is part of this noteworthy Festival weekend designed to promote significant books written by important Latino authors from across the country.

   This is my personal invitation to invite Southern California readers of my blog to this fine weekend event on October 9th and 10th.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

 Manny P. here…

    I’m delighted to claim another major award for Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Premier Book Awards provides national recognition for published works to independent  publishers. Their website has just announced recent winners from the 2010 stable of eligible books.  My paperback was honored with a 2nd Place Award in the Non-Fiction / History category. My 3rd nationwide award is particularly appreciated since it honors successful non-traditional published works in the literary business.

   According to their website:

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2010 Premier Books Awards!

A warm thank you is due to all the authors and publishers who submitted entries into the Premier Book Awards. As we had suspected, there were many well-written, well-designed books in both the fiction and non-fiction categories. Obviously there are many talented authors being published by independent publishers and small presses. Because of the quality of the entries it was extremely difficult for the judges to make their final selections.

The primary goal of Premier Book Awards is to recognize authors and publishers for superior achievements in their chosen genre. The secondary goal is to assure readers that a book chosen to receive a Premier Book Award is truly of outstanding merit and well worth adding to their libraries. We believe we have achieved both goals.

Each entry submitted was read and evaluated by at least two judges. The final choices in each genre were extremely difficult. As with any contest, there can only be a limited number of winners. Unfortunately we were not able to give an award to some very worthwhile books. Whether or not an individual book was eventually judged a winner, each author can be justifiably proud of accomplishing the goal of seeing his or her creation in print.

The awards for the 2010 Premier Book Award winners have all been mailed. We highly recommend that you check out the titles on the list and read the books chosen for an award. They are all a wonderful reading experience.

   http://www.premierbookawards.com/2010%20Winners.htm

Until next time>                               “never forget”