Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Inter-Disciplinary.net is sponsoring an international conference in February, 2013. Called Hollywood and the World, this research confab seeks to explore issues of cinema and its global influence across historical periods, and within cultural, political and social contexts; both in the US and abroad. The project will critically engage a number of core themes:

• Hollywood history
• American ideologies in Hollywood cinema
• Gender issues
• Representations of minorities and ethnicities
• Hollywood’s visions of the world vs. the world’s visions of Hollywood
• Hollywood and nostalgia (i.e. recollections and representation)

  Related themes will also be identified for development and exploration. Out of deliberations, it’s anticipated a series of related cross-context research projects will develop, including:

~ Silent cinema
~ The major and minor studios
~  The Golden Era of Hollywood from 1930 to 1960
~ Hollywood / International remakes and adaptations
~  Star studies
~ Wartime cinema and propaganda
~ Genre studies
~ The rise of independent cinema
~ Production histories
~ Advertising, media representations and product licensure
~ The 1940s ‘Red Scare’, HUAC, and the blacklist – Hollywood and politics

   The February conference is part of the Inter-Disciplinary.net Diversity and Recognition programme of research projects. It will be held at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney, Australia.

   Based on my literary approach regarding all things Hollywood and American History, (in my humble opinion) this is the place to be for the serious scholar of what we admirably call the Humanities.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I have great enthusiasm as I look for ongoing examples of our nation’s abiding love with Hollywood’s Golden Age. Here’s another great place to visit, nestled in Raleigh.

   The North Carolina Museum of History unveiled Real to Reel: The Making of Gone with the Wind this past Summer, and it runs through January 13th, 2013. Step behind the scenes of one of the most famous films in Hollywood history. Admission is FREE for this exhibit, showcasing authentic memorabilia – costumes, a script, screen tests, scene props, Vivien Leigh’s Best Actress  Oscar, and more.

   Discover the story of how Margaret Mitchell’s best-selling novel became a record-breaking movie that earned 10 Academy Awards in 1939. Real to Reel features over 120 items, such as costumes worn by Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard and others. Backstory artifacts include a chair from the Smoker’s Room at the Twelve Oaks lunch; Max Steiner’s original score; Walter Plunkett’s costume sketches; the original typewriter used by  screenwriter Sidney Howard; a letter of appreciation written by Hattie McDaniel to a fan; and production paintings depicting the Burning of Atlanta scene.

   Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see more than 120 items from James Tumblin’s collection. The former head of the Universal Studios makeup and hair department, he owns the largest private collection of Gone with the Wind artifacts. To compliment Tumblin’s fine collection, Real to Reel features several dolls created by artist Pete Ballard, based on each character.

   David O. Selznick oversaw the production of Gone with the Wind, with a cast and crew of 4,000, and insisted on approving every detail. Real to Reel spotlights the roles of individuals; both on-screen and behind-the-scenes, who helped create this epic motion picture.

   Visit the North Carolina Museum of History to learn more about Gone with the Wind, ranked as one of the Top 10 greatest movies of all time by the American Film Institute. The museum is located at 5 East Edenton Street. It’s open seven days a week 9a -5p; except on Sunday, when they open at noon. The exhibit is sponsored by the North Carolina Museum of History Foundation and the North Carolina Museum of History Associates.

   Frankly my dear… I do give a… Well, though I paraphrase; you get the idea!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   My friends at Barnes & Noble Manhattan Beach have invited me to attend a festive charity event. It benefits El Segundo High School’s Marching Band.

   Avoid the crowded malls and pick up a autographed copy of both, of my paperbacks. I’ll be there between 3p-7p signing my work in the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.

   It’s for a good cause and this South Bay fundraiser will put you in the Holiday spirit. 🙂

Until next time>                               “never forget”