Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Wow! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is premiering a new digital restoration and screening a Digital Cinema presentation with a newly restored 4-channel stereo soundtrack of Bye Bye Birdie. Adapted from the Tony Award-winning 1960 Broadway production, which was directed by George Sidney. The 1963 film adaptation starred Dick Van Dyke,  and co-starred Janet Leigh, Paul Lynde, Bobby Rydell, Maureen Stapleton, and Ann-Margret. Host Ed Sullivan appears as himself, host of the popular, long-running CBS television variety show. Van Dyke and Lynde also reprised their stage roles. The story was inspired by the phenomenon of Elvis Presley and his being drafted into the US Army in 1957.

   The movie was a two-time Oscar nominee for Music Score – Adaptation (John Green); and Sound (Charles Rice, Columbia Studio Sound Department). Tunes that became popular due to the theatrical soundtrack include the title track, Put On a Happy Face, and Kids. The musical is credited with making Ann-Margret a true superstar during the mid-1960s, leading to her co-starring with the real Elvis in Viva Las Vegas (1964).

   The screening is scheduled for April 27th, Wednesday at 7:30p at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre, 8949 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. Ann-Margaret will join Bobby Rydell and film critic Stephen Farber for the conversation prior to this cinematic event.  Guests are always subject to availability.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Pittsburgh Filmmakers exhibits a wide variety of first-run foreign and independent American films, as well as, classics and documentaries at its three theaters: Regent Square Theater in the East End; Harris Theater in the downtown cultural district; and Melwood Screening Room in the main facility in North Oakland. All three theaters are equipped to project 16mm, 35mm, and digital. The Pittsburgh Filmmakers Galleries in North Oakland exhibits local and national artists with a focus in film, photography, and digital media.

   This month at the Regent Square Theater, a single-screen neighborhood theater in the region, and featuring a Sunday night classic film series, they are honoring the iconic work of Alfred Hitchcock. Each month is organized by era, genre, director, actor, or other connected themes, with a screening usually at 8p. Here’s the March lineup:

~ THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (March 10th) – This version starring Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day is a remake – in widescreen and Technicolor – of Hitch’s original 1934 film.

~ VERTIGO (March 17th) – One of Hitch’s most debated films, this psychological mystery has actually gained more acclaim over the years. Overall, it’s a beautifuly stunning piece of cinema.

~ NORTH BY NORTHWEST (March 24th) – It’s not just the cleverly written script about mistaken identity, a suspenseful climb over Mt. Rushmore, or the thrilling Bernard Herrmann score that helps make this a favorite Hitchcock motion picture.

~ MARNIE (March 31st) – In this psychological thriller, this minor classic is buoyed by the driving musical score of Bernard Herrmann – his last for Hitchcock.

   Each evening, a documentary entitled Hitchcock’s Ladies, is presented in crisp DCP.

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   At the Tiny Harris Gallery through April 8th, original prints from carved woodcuts & linocuts inspired by classic flicks. Loren Kantor is a Los Angeles-based woodcut artist and writer. He’s worked in feature films and television for two decades. He channels his passion for classic films through his original woodcut prints.

   Pittsburgh really understands it’s dwellers continuing love for classic cinema.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   We’re now into the second half of our ongoing Indiegogo FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot  Documentary (Development) funding campaign; and we are pleased at reaching just about 40% of our goal after nine weeks. To participate, click the Indiegogo link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ DAVE & CONNIE RUPERT ($40) – Related to Bernadine Greenberg (last month, she contributed to the project), Dave & Connie are bowling friends of mine from Westminster Lanes. Dave is a successful landscaper; and Connie is a domestic engineer. Together, they are a wonderful and friendly couple from Santa Ana.

~ SALLY PULIDO ($30) – A book keeper, who is a longtime resident of La Palma, Sally’s family are the owners of the Starting Gate in Los Alamitos. She’s expressed genuine enthusiasm in our cinematic venture; and wishes us the best of luck. Her fine contribution speaks volumes towards the sincerity in her praise.

~ LUZ C. GADDI ($25) – Luz is a nurse, and  lives in Anaheim. Along with her friend Larry, they spend their quality time at karaoke shows throughout Orange County. Places they visit include Harvey’s Steakhouse in Huntington Beach, and the Starting Gate and Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos.

~ LES HUBNER ($20) – Now retired, Les spends his time bowling at Westminster Lanes. He also likes to ride horses and cook. Les has a home in Huntington Beach. His photograph is my fav in our campaign effort. What a risk-taker!

~ CHERYLE RAMOS ($10) – A South Gate resident, Cheryle is retired and  disabled. However, she is active, spending weekend afternoons singing karaoke. Cheryle embodies the nature of how folks with a handicap can lead very normal lives. This is the topic of the Forgotten Hollywood Documentary Pilot on how Lionel Barrymore influenced the way Americans embraced people with disabilities.

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach our 120-day (17-week) goal of $5000. 60 individual contributions… and the list is moving in a  positive direction.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for your chance to participate:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I’m basking in the afterglow of our latest round of contributors.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Red Skelton was an entertainer best known for being a national radio and television comedian between 1937 and 1971. He also had a solid career in cinema at RKO and MGM, appearing in such memorable films as DuBarry was a Lady, The Fuller Brush Man, Around the World in Eighty Days, and Ocean’s 11.

   Beginning on March 13th in Branson, MO, you can enjoy Red – Tom Mullica’s Red Skelton Tribute. This year-long one-man performance will take place each Tuesday – Saturday at the Hamner-Barber Variety Theatre at 10a. According to their press release:

2013 marks the 17th year that the talented impressionist, comedian, and magician Tom Mullica has been paying homage to Red Skelton. Tom has been featured on many national television shows and in theater venues around the world. His Red Skelton show has been described by critics as “the funniest and most successful tribute show in America.” His amazing transformation into America’s favorite clown takes audiences on a hilarious journey back to a simpler time when families would gather around their television sets and share in the laughter of Red’s famous comedic characters, such as Clem Kadiddlehopper, the Mean Widdle Kid, and Freddie the Freeloader, to name a few.

    By the way, this is the only Red Skelton Tribute show in America authorized by the Red Skelton Estate and Lothian Skelton.

   Good night and may God bleth…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Due to the untimely passing of Marvin Hamlisch, Michael Feinstein will assume his 2013 post as Principal Conductor of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops on June 1st. With an unyielding commitment to the Great American Songbook, he has planned wonderful events for Southern California folks to enjoy. Just announced for the Summer of 2013, Feinstein explores Hollywood’s most storied production company with the Pasadena Pops performing rare, original orchestrations from Metro Goldwyn Mayer.

   MGM ushered in the Golden Age of Hollywood with epic titles:  Gone with the Wind, The Philadelphia Story, Ben-Hur, The Wizard of Oz, An American in Paris, Singin’ in the Rain, Gigi, Victor Victoria, Guys and Dolls and more! Guest stars include Christine Ebersole (a two-time Tony Award winner for roles in 42nd Street and Grey Gardens); and Ron Raines (who recently starred in Broadway’s Follies and Newsies) join the orchestra to recreate legendary moments from artists such as Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, and Fred Astaire.

   MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

   Experience this wonderful evenings on July 13th at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia. The festivities begin at 7:30p. Other fine shows featuring Feinstein at the helm: The Great American Songbook on June 1st; and The Gershwin’s and Me on September 7th. Here’s a link for complete information:

http://www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org/concerts-and-tickets/pops-summer-series-2013/

   Michael Feinstein will be honored by the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters on May 10th at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City. As a member, I plan on being in attendance to witness this well-deserved accolade.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   It’s the most wonderful time of the year for folks who own a Kindle, Nook, Kobo eReader, Android Tablets, Diesel iPad, Apple iPad, Sony eBook, etc.

   The online home of my eBook – Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History – is offering for one week: 25% off the purchase of my work. Smashwords is promoting Read an eBook Week, and their website is the origin of this marvelous discount. This is their fifth year sponsoring the event. Over the last couple years, as it’s grown, the Smashwords Read an eBook Week catalog has become the epicenter of much of the action.

   Visit one of the websites below, and after purchasing a copy of my eBook, type in the PROMO CODE: REW25. You will get a 25% savings. This is a great week-long deal!

   Here are the website links:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53041

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/forgottenhollywood

   March is the perfect time to add Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to your favorite eReader!

*** This sale is going on NOW through March 9th.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Rona Barrett has been a noted columnist since 1957. She began her career with the Bell-McClure newspaper syndicate. In 1966, she broadcast Hollywood gossip daily on KABC-TV in Los Angeles. She later moved to ABC’s nationwide network of five owned and operated stations. Rona appeared on Good Morning America, and eventually paved the way for Barbara Walters and a number of entertainment reporters.

   In 2000, she created The Rona Barrett Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting senior citizens in need. The foundation only takes direct donations, and currently is working on building The Golden Inn and Villages for seniors in need of housing and care facilities. This is a pilot program under development at this time.

   According to their brand new website:

Nearly all of us have an elder loved one. Many know of a senior with no one left to look out for or care for them. Our elders have changing needs, many have fixed incomes and will outlive their savings and investments. Today in the California Tri-Counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo, more than 5,000 people over the age of 75 are living on Social Security alone. Even for those who have lived here for a lifetime, housing is becoming unaffordable.

Friendship House, a Santa Ynez Valley non-profit serving Alzheimer’s and dementia patients through memory care units, recently expanded the number of units available – but still has a waiting list. Santa Barbara also suffers a shortage of memory care units with long waiting lists.

Nothing like The Golden Inn & Village exists in Santa Barbara County or the state; it’s the first of its kind. The Golden Inn & Village is a mixed use development in a neighborhood setting that will provide approximately 150 affordable units for low-income seniors to reside in a comfortable, supportive environment that meets their needs as they age. Services will range from independent to assisted living and memory care to hospice, with staff residing on premises and available 24 hours a day. The programs and services provided will be coordinated in collaboration with multiple community partners.

   While focused exclusively on The Golden Inn & Village, The Rona Barrett Foundation has supported 25 programs serving low-income seniors. To contact or contribute:

By Phone: 805.688.8887
By Mail: P.O. Box 1559, Santa Ynez CA 93460
By Email:  info@ronabarrettfoundation.org; http://ronabarrettfoundation.org/

   Construction on this worthy project begins in 2014; with a projected opening in 2016.

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   Dale Robertson was a television star, best known for his roles on Tales of Wells Fargo, Iron Horse, Death Valley Days, and Harts of the West. He also guest-starred on Dynasty and Dallas. The actor, who died on Tuesday, was also a World War II wounded combat veteran. He was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars and the Purple Heart.

   An early influence was Will Rogers Jr. Appearing in a number of movie Westerns in the 1950s and 1960s, Robertson was a recipient of the Golden Boot Award in 1985. He was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.

   An Oklahoma native, Dale Robertson was 89.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Eight weeks have just passed on our ongoing Indiegogo FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot  Documentary (Development) funding campaign; and we’re extremely pleased at reaching 37% of our goal. To participate, I urge you to click on the Indiegogo link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ ERIC AND SHERE TEGGERS ($100) – This is a very talented couple, who has a real appreciation with the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series. Her stage name is Shere Thu Tuy, and was born and raised in Saigon. Her real love is for crafting a song, she has also been active in movies, and in television shows, such as All My Children, One Life To Live, M*A*S*H, Too Close For Comfort, Divorce Court, and Rambo First Blood. Shere’s tunes can be currently purchased on Itunes, Amazon, and CDbaby.com.

   Eric’s early years were spent at Chester-Cheshire in England; a graduate of the University of  Oxford. Using the pen name – Robin Walker, he owns EQ Recordings in Long Beach. He’s promoting his 2008  Flowers For Beth, a stage production in the format of an Audio Book, and created for a young mature audience. Visit Flowersforbeth.com for more info. It’s available on CD and Kindle.

~ JIM AND HELEN GRICE ($50) – Jim and Helen are my longtime friends, and they share a great affinity for karaoke. Beloved by the Southern California singing community, for their unabashed support, you can fine this really adorable couple at Harvey’s Steakhouse in Huntington Beach, Westminster Lanes, Mr. B’s and Starting Gatein Los Alamitos, and many other locales, when the mood strikes.

   Despite a bout with glaucoma leaving Helen without sight, Jim stands by her side providing the words for her to show off her talent. The Forgotten Hollywood Pilot dealing with the issue of disability, and how everyday folks with physical challenges can lead productive and active lives, is in part, my personal tribute to the wonderful Helen Grice. They live in Westminster.

~ MARGARET LUCAS ($50) – Margaret is a very active, who is busily performs in the Long Beach / Los Alamitos area in senior-related events. She is a big advocate for the Humanities, and supports community theatre, karaoke, and, my ongoing Forgotten Hollywood project.

~ LORILYN CRAIG ($35) – I’ve known Lorilyn since 1982. Currently residing in Corona, she spent much of her career as an ER coordinator in the Long Beach area. She is a real spitfire, with a real soft core. Without nary a word, Lorilyn has supported my entire career as a radio announcer, author, karaoke host, and now, producer of a documentary concept.

~ ANTHONY AND DAYLE RIVERA ($10) – Tony and Dayle are another loving couple who live in Fullerton. He has dabbled as a musician in evenings, while holding a more conventional day job. She, like Helen, is a productive homemaker. Together, they love to sing karaoke as a mutual hobby.

~ WENDY BROWN ($10) – Rossmoor, California is a really special quiet community in the heart of Los Alamitos. Wendy is one of those suburbanites who enjoys the Humanities, which include reading, live offerings, and other types of entertainment. Wendy sees all of her hobbies as an opportunity to expand her horizons, which she does often.

~ CECIL BOLES ($10) – As you may have guessed, Cecil is from Fort Worth, Texas. A member of the Buena Park Moose, and a karaoke enthusiast at the TomKat Lounge, Cecil is a witty individual who loves to read, including the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series. Now retired, he supports the total concept;  doing so since its inception in 2009.

PROMOTIONS / LINKS

   Helping me share the FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Documentary on their social network sites:

   JULIE TURNBAUGH is quite familiar with Indiegogo, and finds it to be an ideal way to reach personal goals. She is very candid in helping our team with the Forgotten Hollywood campaign on Facebook. Julie has collaborated with me on a couple of karaoke ventures. ERIC TEGGERS is also actively promoting the project on his Facebook page. Plus, thanks to RICH BOKIDES for Tweeting the link info on his GO FOR LOCATION page

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach our 120-day (17-week) goal of $5000. 55 important contributions… and the list continues to grow.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for your chance to participate:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I’m immersed over the flow of your official future consideration… And thrilled, of course, by our latest round of contributors.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   With another Academy Award’s ceremony in the books, I thought it would be fun to feature past winners and acting luminaries in photos:

                 AUDREY HEPBURN   CARY GRANT  JEAN SIMMONS   WALT DISNEY

                 CLARK GABLE            JOAN CRAWFORD                     DAVID NIVEN

                 RONALD COLMAN         EDMUND GWENN                 MARIE DRESSLER

                 RAY MILLAND   LIONEL BARRYMORE  GRACE KELLY   SIDNEY POITIER   

   Since I’m working on developing a documentary project on Lionel Barrymore, I had to include his Oscar-evening photo. I believe for some of a certain type…  it’s our Super Bowl evening!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is the awarding organization of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. According to their latest press release:

RICHARD BURTON TO BE HONORED POSTHUMOUSLY WITH
STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME 

Burton’s Star Will Be Placed Next To The Star Of Elizabeth Taylor

 WHO:  The late Richard Burton
                 Emcee:  Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Leron Gubler

                 Accepting the award:  Daughters Kate and Maria Burton
                 Guest speakers:  Lord Rowe Beddoe and actor Michael Sheen

WHAT:  2,491st Star on the Walk of Fame in the Category of Motion Pictures

WHERE:  6336 Hollywood Boulevard  

WHEN:  March 1, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.

The event will be streamed LIVE at www.walkoffame.com

The ceremony is part of celebrations to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Cleopatra, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and starring Burton and Taylor in their first on-screen feature. The Academy Award-winning film was released by 20^th Century Fox in 1963; and will be available on Blu-ray Disc for the first time in 2013 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. 

Richard Burton CBE was a Welshman, who was widely accepted as one of the greatest actors of his generation. In 1952, his Hollywood career began after he signed a five-year contract with director/producer Alexander Korda, which earned him £ 100 a week. 20th Century Fox then signed Burton for three films at $50,000 each — the first was My Cousin Rachel, for which he was given the lead role. The film was a critical and commercial success, establishing Burton as a Hollywood leading man, and gaining him an Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe award. During his lifetime, he was nominated seven times for an Oscar, six of which were for Best Actor in a Leading Role (without ever winning); and was also a recipient of BAFTA and Tony Awards for Best Actor.

On the set of Cleopatra, Burton and Elizabeth Taylor fell in love. Although they were both married to others at the time, their relationship was endlessly scrutinized and celebrated by the media. The couple married on the March 15,  1964 in Montreal, Canada, and a succession of film roles followed, including The V.I.P.’s (1963), The Sandpiper (1965), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf! (1966), and The Taming of the Shrew (1967). The couple divorced in 1974, but remarried on October 10, 1975. The second union lasted less than a year. His final appearance with his ex-wife was in a stage production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives in 1983.

On August 5, 1984, Burton died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Geneva, Switzerland at the age of 58. At his funeral, four days later in Celigny, he was buried with a copy of the Collected Poems of Dylan Thomas.  

Many would attest to Richard Burton’s generosity, which extended beyond his family, to charities and friends. For example, his early contracts with the BBC, whether television or radio, often contained clauses that waived his fee in favor of a local charity. During his lifetime, Richard Burton contributed to many good causes across the world, ranging from the Playhouse Theatre in Oxford to charitable contributions to the town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In 2011, in the presence of the Burton and Taylor families,  and Burton’s daughter, Kate, opened the Richard Burton Theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, in Cardiff, Wales, helping to extend his legacy to a new generation of actors and theatre practitioners.  The resident theatre company of  young actors was also renamed the Richard Burton Company in his honor.

The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept, and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction. The Walk of Fame is open to the public. There is no paid admission or assigned seating at star ceremonies. It’s understood that the cost of installing a star on the Walk of Fame upon approval is $30,000, and the sponsor of the nominee accepts the responsibility for arranging for payment to the Hollywood Historic Trust, a 501(c)3 charitable foundation. The funds are used to pay for the creation/installation of the star and ceremony, as well as maintenance of the Walk of Fame.

(The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce)

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Recently, I ran across Jordan Young, the Arts & Entertainment critic at Examiner.com. He attended my book-signing event at the Orange County Branch of the California Writer’s Club at the Orange Public Library & History Center. We originally met at a previous Cinecon Film Festival.

   Jordan initially offered a friendly review of my first paperback. He has a new critique of my latest work. He writes:

And speaking of The Wizard of Oz, the actor who played the title role in the beloved 1939 MGM film version, Frank Morgan, has a chapter all to himself in Manny Pacheco’s Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History (available in paperback from redroom.com).

Though the author neglects to mention the role of the Wizard was originally slated for W.C. Fields, he’s a writer who consistently thinks out of the box—an approach likely to have you saying to yourself, “I didn’t know that,” as you read this collection of pieces on such actors as Jack Carson, Andy Devine, Margaret Dumont and S.Z. Sakall (the head waiter in Casablanca). Did you know the Dashiell Hammett characters played by Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre in The Maltese Falcon lent their nicknames, Fat Man and Little Boy, to the atomic bombs dropped on Japan at the end of World War II? I didn’t.

   As usual, I appreciate Jordan Young’s honest and analytic assessment. Here’s a link to the complete story:

http://www.examiner.com/article/disney-s-peter-pan-on-blu-ray-oz-here-there-and-everywhere

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The end of our seventh week of our ongoing Indiegogo FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD  Documentary Pilot  (Development) funding campaign finds us at an astounding 32% of our goal. To participate, I urge you to click on the Indiegogo link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ GARY LYCAN ($50) – No one has been more active in the Forgotten Hollywood franchise of books, blog, radio program, and documentary development (short of myself) than Gary. His support has led to writing a Foreword and Introduction in the Book Series; co-hosting our weekly show on the Financial News and Talk radio network; penning stories in his column in the Orange County Register; and being exceedingly helpful in the direction we should take. Now, he’s made a monetary contribution.

~ ACADEMY OF RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING ($50) – Tom and Lindy are co-owners of a premiere school for career-minded persons interested in entering in the field of audio / visual production. This top Huntington Beach institute attracts broadcasters from Southern California, the #2 market in the nation, to mentor and train individuals to become  working announcers. It’s a six-month rigorous course. I have been part of this fine organization for over twenty years.

   This marks the third company supporting our budding project. Here’s a link for more information about the exceptional ARB:

http://www.arbradio.com/

~ KARLA & LARRY MILLIGAN ($50) – Karla is a computer billing systems / medical insurance billing specialist; Larry is the owner of Milligan’s Air Conditioning. His company has been providing major appliance repair and installation for over thirty years throughout Southern California. Both have been major contributors to Casa Youth Shelter, a major local charity helping local underprivileged kids in Los Alamitos. The couples generosity now includes their support of the Forgotten Hollywood project.

~ RENEE TURCOTTE ($25) – Renee is a gregarious karaoke host at the Kopa Room located within Linbrook Bowl in Anaheim. Currently, she works each Sunday, Thursday, and every other Thursday evening. Recently, Renee was a Finalist at the Creme de la Creme singing contest in 2012. I can attest that she is a really wonderful local performer.

~ BILL & CINDY POOLE ($20) – Cindy and Bill met at a karaoke show I run at the Starting Gate in Los Alamitos. After a proper courtship, they wed… And, they are happily married.  I appreciate their contribution to my project.

~ RANDY DEAN ($10) – Randy is a Southern California radio disc jockey, and a counselor at the Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting. A great guy, Randy also helps coordinate the seasonal Creme de la Creme contest in his spare time. He lives with his wife Candy in Garden Grove.

PROMOTIONS / LINKS

   Helping me share the FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Documentary on their social network sites:

   TIM KEENAN of Creative Media is promoting our project on Twitter. Creative Media will  be doing much of the audio post-production of the Forgotten Hollywood Documentary Pilot. SpaceX router shop supervisor RUSS DUKE has retweeted our campaign info on Twitter. In the forseeable future, SpaceX is planning to bring space travel to the public.

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach our 120-day (17-week) goal of $5000. 48 selfless contributions has convinced me that folks are still nostalgic for classic cinema.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for your chance to participate:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I’m really thankful for your official future consideration… And, I’m captivated by our latest round of contributors.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Better World Books has just made it easier to promote literacy as a global goal. And, drop boxes are  currently available… EVERYWHERE! As part of a tireless commitment, this online book location is  innovative in their unyielding efforts.

   They donate to Books for Africa, one of their longtime non-profit literacy partners, and Feed the Children, who champion finding homes for donations. All literature collected as of November 27, 2012: over 6.4 Million.  Literacy and Education Action Program (LEAP) sponsors libraries and  educational non-profits for specific projects;  front lines in a fine effort to reduce global poverty through education. And, as part of a commitment to environmental sustainability, they never throw away a book. Any book  they cannot find a proper home for is recycled.

   Doing good is written into their business model. Better World Books is a global bookstore that harnesses the power of capitalism to bring literacy and opportunity to people around the world. Yesterday, they celebrated President’s Day by quoting the Father of our Country:

   I absolutely love continuing to promote this innovative online literary business (which also carries copies in the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series).

——————————————————————-

   Congratulations to my friend, Beatriz Sarmiento, on her recent promotion to Director of Library Services at the City of Commerce Public Library. She has been very involved in working on expanding literacy in this bilingual community in Southern California. And, she is a wonderful individual.  BEATRIZ SARMIENTO

   Beatriz just emailed me to show support for my work by adding the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series to their catalog. This makes 101 library branches carrying my paperbacks; with 86 locations holding Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History on 40 shelves.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’d like to thank Scott in North Dakota for providing Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History its third 5-Star review on AMAZON.

   He writes:

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Manny P. here…

   I have secured a wonderful lineup of Forgotten Hollywood Book Series TOUR STOPS over the the next 90 days. I’ll be visiting wonderful locations throughout Southern California.

   In addition to six local Rotary meetings, including scheduled visits in  Fullerton, La Crescenta,  Monrovia, Torrance, Woodland Hills, and City of Industry, I plan on making appearances at Hollywood-related events. Here are the exciting details:

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~ FRANK & SONS COLLECTIBLE SHOW (City of Industry) – The weekend of April 20th is going to be busy with THREE opportunities to meet fans of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The first of these events is at the bi-weekly collectible showon Saturday, noon to 5p. Patrons have the opportunity to find highly sought-after playing cards, toys, photographs, and memorabilia popular in the sports, comic book, and Hollywood genre.

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~ SONS OF THE DESERT / EARLY TO BED TENT (Temple City) – A local chapter of international membership of Laurel & Hardy fans, this group meets six times a year. I plan on visiting this genial meeting later on Saturday, April 20th, 6p to 10p. In addition to viewing classic two-reelers by the iconic comedic duo, I intend to share wonderful stories about the studio era. The film program will include The Finishing Touch (1928); Any Old Port (1932); Twice Two (1933); and Me And My Pal (1933). —>

   The meeting will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 9642 E. Live Oak Ave., also in the San Gabriel Valley. Click on the link if you are interested in joning this unique fan club.

http://www.earlytobedtent.com/id19.html

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~ THE HOLLYWOOD SHOW (LAX) – This is the premier cinema-related collectible event, with guest appearances. I’ll have an autograph table on Sunday, April 21st, 11a to 4p. Among the 42 celebrities attending over the weekend include June Lockhart, Angie Dickenson, Earl Holliman, Tippi Hedren, Mamie Van Doren, Micky Dolenz, Stella Stevens, Carol Lynley, Barry Bostwick, Shani Wallis, Johnny Crawford, and Mark Lester.

   The seasonal collectible show will be held at Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 W. Century  Blvd. Here’s a link for more info:

http://hollywoodshow.com/main.php

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   Also, during the Labor Day weekend, I’ll be spending three afternoons at CINECON 49, the longest-running classic film festival in Hollywood. Each day, I’ll be sitting at one of their author’s table at the Loew’s Hollywood Hotel. I’m proud to be making my fourth visit to this festival.

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   I hope to meet you at one of these upcoming events. Of course, more stops will be added throughout the year.

Until next time>                               “never forget”