“Forgotten Hollywood”- Nimoy Lived Long and Prospered…

February 28th, 2015

Manny P. here…

   Leonard Nimoy was an actor, film director, poet, singer and photographer. He was best known for his iconic role as Mr. Spock in the original Star Trek series and related films; and as the narrator of  the television magazine program, In Search of…, which investigated paranormal or unexplained events or subjects.

   Nimoy began his career in his early twenties, teaching acting classes in Hollywood.  He ventured into performance, and appeared in more than fifty small parts in movies and on television. One of his first recognizable opportunities was in several scenes as an Army sergeant in the 1954 thriller, Them! This led to substantial work over the next decade on the small screen in Highway Patrol, Wagon Train, Bonanza, DragnetSea HuntGunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, Rawhide, Combat!, The Outer Limits, Perry Mason, Get SmartThe VirginianThe Man From U.N.C.L.E., and Daniel Boone.

Leonard_Nimoy_Mr__Spock_Star_Trek   In 1965, he made his first appearance in the rejected Star Trek pilot, The Cage, and went on to play Mr. Spock until 1969, followed by the feature films, and in the various spin-off series. Spock has had a significant cultural impact, and garnered LEONARD NIMOY—-> three Emmy nominations. TV Guide named Mr. Spock as one of the 50 greatest television characters. Playing the half-Vulcan, half-human chief science officer, Nimoy became a star. The press predicted he would have his choice of movies or television series. He formed a lasting friendship with William Shatner, who portrayed Captain Kirk, his commanding officer on the science fiction drama. Spock’s Vulcan salute became a recognized symbol of the show. During and following Star Trek, Nimoy used his new-found celebrity to release five albums of musical vocal recordings on Dot Records. He later became an integral part of the Star Trek cinematic series. In addition to playing Spock in six films, he directed and co-wrote the scripts of several of the productions.

   After Star Trek, Nimoy starred in Mission: Impossible for two seasons. He also appeared and/or directed episodes of Night Gallery, Columbo, and T.J. Hooker (again with Shatner). Leonard appeared in various made-for-television films, and had a memorable stint as a psychiatrist in Philip Kaufman’s remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Nimoy also won acclaim for a series of stage roles. He appeared in Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, The Man in the Glass Booth, Camelot, Oliver!One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Caligula, Twelfth Night, Sherlock Holmes, Equus, and My Fair Lady.

   Nimoy had long been active in the Jewish community. He proudly narrated the documentary A Life Apart: Hasidism in America, about the various sects of Hasidic Orthodox Jews. In 2003, Leonard announced his retirement to concentrate on photography, but subsequently, appeared in television commercials with Shatner for Priceline.com. Nimoy was given casting approval over who would play the young Spock in the 2009 Star Trek film. Later that year, he was interviewed by his life long pal on The Biography Channel’s Shatner’s Raw Nerve.

   The two biographies he wrote about his life were published twenties years apart. They tell conflicting stories about the man and the myth created by Hollywood. The first book was called I Am Not Spock; the latter work was entitled I Am Spock. At times, Leonard tried to run away from his decades-long relationship to the Vulcan; boldly going where few celluloid stars dared to tread. His attempts at re-invention rarely changed the public perception. That is the enduring legacy he came to embrace.

   After the versatile actor’s passing on Friday, William Shatner and George Takei (Sulu on Star Trek) took to social media sites to honor their ally in teleplay and cinematic space, as he traveled to the final frontier. They spoke of his extraordinary talent, personal decency, and profound friendship.

   SYFY is planning to air five hours of programming this Sunday to honor the actor.  Starting at 9a and running until 2p, the channel will feature Nimoy’s appearance in The Twilight Zone, his two-episode arc on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the final original cast film, Star Trek 6.

   Leonard Nimoy was 83.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood” – A Press Member at TCM Film Fest…

February 25th, 2015

Manny P. here…

   Exciting news!

   I’ve just been assigned press credentials representing the Forgotten Hollywood franchise to the 2015 Turner Classic Film Festival during the weekend of March 26th – 29th. This will be my first visit to this prestigious Spring event.

TCM Film Fest Logo

   Among the highlights: A-List expected to attend include Dustin Hoffman, Sophia Loren, Alec Baldwin, Norman Lloyd, Ann-Margret, director Spike Lee, and former astronaut James Lovell. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer will open the festival at a 50th anniversary screening of The Sound of Music. TCM will also honor Plummer during a handprint-footprint ceremony at the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on Friday, March 27th.

484px-Sophia_Loren_-_1959   8258   Ann-Margret_Publicity

SOPHIA LOREN           NORMAN LLOYD           ANN-MARGRET

   Classic cinema to be shown: The Cincinnati Kid, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Disney animated classic Pinocchio, Lawrence of Arabia, Apollo 13, Dr. Zhivago, 42nd Street, Calamity Jane, Gunga Din, Roman Holiday, The Wind and the Lion, Limelight, Lenny, Steamboat Bill Jr., Patton, Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1776, and a world premiere screening of a long lost Harry Houdini classic, The Grim Game.

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   Since I’ll be attending the festival, my hope is to watch on the big screen the first three listed motion pictures. Featured actors who have chapters in my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series that will co-star in the movie lineup include Thomas Mitchell, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy, and Frank McHugh. Victor McLaglen, the star of Gunga Din, has a chapter in my upcoming literary release due out later this year.

   The latest additions to the TCM Film Fest include Peter Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, Robert Morse, George Lazenby, and a special panel of folks portrayed in movies, such as Mark Schultz (Foxcatcher), Tony Mendez (Argo), and Aron Ralston (127 Hours). Just added films include The Apartment, The Children’s Hour, Young Mr. Lincoln, My Darling Clementine, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and The Loved Ones.

   Bulletins as they break!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Angelou Honored by Postal Service…

February 24th, 2015

Manny P. here…

   The United States Postal Service is set to release a Forever Stamp honoring writer Maya Angelou, the agency announced on Monday. Angelou, best known for her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, died last year at age 86.

Angeloupoem   In addition to being an author, Angelou was a professor, an official with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a calypso singer who danced with Alvin Ailey, a screenwriter, a Tony-nominated actress, and a film director. Angelou’s successful acting career included roles in numerous plays, films, and television programs, including an appearance in the television mini-series Roots in 1977. Her primary work was as a memoirist and poet; she recited a memorable poem at Bill Clinton’s 1993 presidential inauguration, a defining moment.     MAYA ANGELOU —->

   Angelou was honored by universities, literary organizations, government agencies, and special interest groups. She was asked to serve on two presidential committees, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2000, the Lincoln Medal in 2008, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. Maya was also awarded over fifty honorary degrees.

   The date of the Maya Angelou stamp’s release has not been announced. Its artwork has not yet been revealed.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- TCM is Ship Shape…

February 23rd, 2015

Manny P. here…

   The Turner Classic Movies Classic Cruise is setting sail in November, and you can join the TCM community of movie lovers for this year’s voyage! For five nights, November 1st – 6th, you’ll watch classic films on the big screen in Disney’s state-of-the-art theaters, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the actors and talent who made them, enjoy special presentations and activities, showcase your knowledge of classic cinema in team trivia, and bask in the night life—in elegant venues and beneath the stars—with other passionate film fans.

tcm cruise

   As usual, join TCM hosts Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz on this year’s voyage. The ports of call will be magical. Feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your shoulders as they sail from the Port of Miami with stops in Grand Cayman and Castaway Cay. The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman boasts incredible natural attractions and white sand beaches. Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island paradise, offering beautiful beaches and a wide array of tropical leisure activities.

   Voted the #1 Cruise Ship in the 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Readers Poll, the Disney Magic offers world-class dining, a luxurious spa and salon, and a concierge service to make your trip unforgettable. The newly reimagined ship features spectacular style and state-of-the-art theaters that provide excellent sight-lines, surround sound and theater seating.

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   The Forgotten Hollywood Radio Program has moved to Sundays at 7p (pst) on 90.1 FM KBPK. If you live outside the broadcast area, you can click below on the live stream:

   Check out the station with the best music… the best variety.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Just in Time for the Oscars…

February 21st, 2015

Manny P. here…

   Part 01 of my visit with Dr. Carlos Vazquez on his Circle of Insight program on the TherapyCable Channel is up and running. The program offered me the opportunity to chat about many of the character actors that appear in my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series, including Claude Rains, Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, and Lionel Barrymore.

   Click on the link below (or cut and paste) to enjoy the program:

Forgotten-Hollywood

http://www.therapycable.com/circle-of-insight-forgotten-hollywood-s-influence-on-society.html

~  ~  ~

   Carlos has just completed his doctoral dissertation research about the influence of religion on investment decisions. Dr. Vazquez has lectured to Fortune 500 companies, universities, law enforcement , and other successful organizations.

circle of insight

TCLogo   At TherapyCable.com, healthcare finally gets a facelift with dedicated broadcasting, video marketing, multimedia expression, utilization of mobile technology, and optimization of target markets. TherapyCable’s multimedia programs are available as a live stream, or on demand, under multiple categories linked to each specific provider’s profiles.

   Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- France’s Favorite Son Passes Away…

February 16th, 2015

Manny P. here…

3245ea70   An actor who followed in the footsteps of French movie stars Maurice Chevalier and Charles Boyer has died. Louis Jourdan (left) was known for his suave roles in The Paradine Case, Letter from an Unknown Woman, Madame Bovary, Three Coins in the FountainCan-Can, The V.I.P.s, and Octopussy. Gigi made him an international star.

   His striking good looks helped get him acting jobs, including his film debut, Le Corsaire, with Boyer in 1938. During the German occupation of France, he was forced into a labor gang, cutting wood and digging ditches. Assigned to make cinematic propaganda for the Nazis, he escaped and joined the French underground.

Gigi'58   Considered the last French actor from Hollywood’s Golden Age, he romanced Joan Fontaine, Jennifer Jones, Grace Kelly, and Shirley MacLaine in films during the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s. Jourdan also collaborated with motion picture icons, such  as David O. Selznick, Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Gregory Peck, Leslie Caron, Richard Burton, and Roger Moore.

   Jourdan’s career reached its peak in 1957 with the Alan Jay Lerner-Frederick Loewe musical, Gigi, which won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. At first, Jourdan protested that he couldn’t sing and wasn’t right for the role. Lerner and Loewe persisted, and they gave him the title song, which required little vocalizing.              LESLIE CARON / LOUIS JOURDAN ——->

   He received a Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur in 2010. The dashing Louis Jourdan was 93.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Two L. A. Media Pioneers Have Died…

February 13th, 2015

Manny P. here…

gary owens   Southern California has suffered the loss of two media giants. One was a giant in radio and television, while the other was best known for his work in news broadcasting:

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   Gary Owens hosted thousands of radio programs over his busy seven-decade career. He appeared in more than a dozen movies, and scores of television shows, including Lucille Ball and Bob Hope specials. Owens also voiced hundreds of animated characters, recorded a comedy album, and wrote two books. He is best remembered as the wacky announcer on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.

   Gary joined the staff of KMPC in 1962, replacing previous host Johnny Grant, where he remained for over the next two decades working the weekday Afternoon Drive shift. Owens was part of Armed Forces Radio for 10 years. He also hosted a national show on The Music of Your Life Network, the syndicated Soundtrack of the 60s. A gifted punster, the air personality became known for his surrealistic humor.

   National Lampoon’s European Vacation, The Green Hornet, and Neil Simon’s Prisoner of Second Avenue were among his film credits. During the late 1960s, when the films of 1930s comedians, such as The Marx Brothers, W.C. Fields, and Mae West, were finding a new audience, Owens narrated phonograph records containing sound clips from the flicks.

  During this period, Owens became widely known as the voice of the eponymous cartoon characters in Roger Ramjet and Space Ghost, and the excitable narrator/announcer from The Perils of Penelope Pitstop. He was a scriptwriter for Jay Ward Productions, and has done over 30,000 commercials. Gary was also a guest star on The Munsters and McHale’s Navy. In 1976, he hosted the first season of the nighttime version of The Gong Show. Most recently, Owens was the promotional announcing voice for Antenna TV, a network dedicated to classic television, including Three’s Company, The Monkees, Adam-12, and Gidget.

   The man who coined the phrase Beautiful Downtown Burbank, my dear friend Gary Owens was 80.

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   Stan Chambers was a television reporter who worked for KTLA-TV in Los Angeles from 1947 to 2010. His ongoing report on the Kathy Fiscus recovery effort was recognized as the first live coverage of breaking news in small screen history. Chambers was also involved in the initial telecast of an atomic bomb test at the Nevada Test Site in 1952. Stan logged over 20,000 stories in his 63-year career.

   Among other stories Chambers has covered:  The Sylmar and Northridge earthquakes, the kidnapping of Frank Sinatra Jr., the Watts Riots, the assassination of Robert Kennedy, the Tate-LaBianca murders by the Manson Family, and the Hillside Strangler. Stan broke the story about the beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police officers.

stan chambers   The Associated Press Television-Radio Association would re-name its Extraordinary Achievement award for Chambers following his retirement from KTLA. The annual award honors lifetime achievement by broadcast journalists in the Western United States.

   The prolific Stan Chambers (left) was ninety-one.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- 60 Minutes Suffers a Terrible Loss…

February 12th, 2015

Manny P. here…Bob-Simon

   Bob Simon (right), the longtime news anchor for 60 Minutes, has died from cardiac arrest after a car crash in Manhattan. At the time of his passing, he was the senior foreign correspondent for the popular television news magazine. One of his final stories involved the making of the motion picture, Selma.

   In 1962, Simon graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brandeis University with a degree in history. From 1964 to 1967, he served as an American Foreign Service officer, and was a Fulbright Scholar in France. From 1969 to 1971, he worked at the CBS News London bureau. From 1971 to 1977, he was based in the London and Saigon bureaus, where he worked as a Vietnam War correspondent. From 1977 to 1981, he was assigned to the Tel Aviv bureau.

   Over the years, Bob reported the withdrawal of American troops from Saigon, the Yom Kippur War in in 1973, and the student protests in China’s Tiananmen Square in 1989. During the Persian Gulf War in 1991, he and four of his TV crew were captured and imprisoned by Iraq for forty days. In subsequent years, he reported from war zones in Grenada, Somalia, and Haiti; and while Poland was under martial law. Simon spent time in Washington, D.C. as the CBS News State Department correspondent. In 1987, he was named the Chief Middle East correspondent

   Simon has received numerous accolades during his career, including recognition from the Overseas Press Club and 27 Emmys for journalism. He was also the winner of three George Foster Peabody Awards. The veteran reporter was considered among a handful of elite journalists working today.

   The venerable Bob Simon was 73.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Goodwin Visits Henry Ford Museum…

February 9th, 2015

Manny P. here…

   The Henry Ford Museum will mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination in April with a lecture by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln became the basis of an acclaimed Steven Spielberg movie.

740-doris-kearns-goodwin-civil-rights-act_imgcache_rev1400519554942_web_420_270   team-of-rivals

   Kearns Goodwin (above) , a former presidential advisor and author of six best-selling books, will talk about how the experiences faced by Lincoln continue to be relevant to Americans to this day. The lecture begins at 7p on April 13th in the Anderson Theater at the Henry Ford. Tickets begin at $50 for general balcony seating, and $75 for main floor. VIP tickets also are available — $150 each — and include a pre-reception with Kearns Goodwin and a copy of her book.

   To also commemorate the Lincoln anniversary, The Henry Ford will allow the public a closer look at the chair the president was sitting in on the night of the assassination at the Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. For the first time in decades, the museum will take the chair from its sealed glass case.

   Admission to the museum on the anniversary day of the assassination — April 15th — will be waived, courtesy of Target Stores. Is it just me, or is this the wrong company sponsoring the event, due to its name? It smacks of bad taste… Just sayin’.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Femme Fatale Meets Her Maker…

February 6th, 2015

Manny P. here…

   Lizabeth Scott was a screen beauty, known for her deep voice and sensual looks. She emerged  in such features as The Strange Love of Martha Ivers with Barbara Stanwyck and Van Heflin, Dead Reckoning with Humphrey Bogart, Desert Fury with John Hodiak, and Too Late for Tears with Don DeFore. No actress appeared in more film noir.

   An 18-year-old Scott auditioned for Hellzapoppin. From several hundred women, she was chosen by vaudevillians “Ole” Olsen and “Chic” Johnson, stars of the original Broadway production. She was assigned to one of three road companies. Scott’s film debut was the comedy You Came Along opposite Robert Cummings. During the shooting, Hal Wallis showed Scott’s screen test to Hollywood columnist Bob Thomas.

Publicity_still_for_Dead_Reckoning_(1947)   In The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, she was cast as the ingénue, given higher billing than Kirk Douglas, his motion picture debut. The casting of Scott caused total friction between Barbara Stanwyck and producer Hal Wallis. In June 1946, Lizabeth would gain the distinction of being the first Hollywood star to visit Britain after the end of World War II. She attended the London premiere of Ivers and she did a promotional tour throughout the country.   LIZABETH SCOTT —->

   Columbia Pictures originally wanted Rita Hayworth for the starring role in Dead Reckoning, who was busy with The Lady from Shanghai. Then attention turned to Lauren Bacall, who refused. As a result, Scott was borrowed from Hal Wallis. At the tender age of 24, Lizabeth Scott’s billing and portrait received equal compensation to Bogie on lobby cards, posters, and newspaper ads. Despite the publicity, the long-term effect of her performance was to typecast the former comedienne for her entire career as a femme fatale.

   Though the overall public response to Scott was generally favorable during the Paramount years, over time, the film critics were less so, repeating unfavorable comparisons with Bacall and Tallulah Bankhead. With the revival of interest in film noir, beginning in the 1980s, Scott’s acting reputation has increased among critics and cinematic historians. She appeared on stage at an American Film Institute tribute to Hal Wallis in 1987.

   The reclusive screen siren, Lizabeth Scott was 92.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Kodak Stays Alive with Filmmakers…

February 5th, 2015

Manny P. here…

   The Eastman Kodak Co. will continue to make motion picture film in the age of digital filmmaking after reaching new supply agreements with the major Hollywood studios. The Rochester-based photography and film pioneer had been in talks with the studios, as well as several filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino, Judd Apatow and Christopher Nolan, to keep movie film alive after seeing sales fall 96 % since 2006.

   The agreements announced late Wednesday call for Kodak to continue to supply motion picture film to Warner Bros. Entertainment, Walt Disney Co., 20th Century FoxNBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, and Sony Pictures. Without the pacts, production of motion picture film, which Kodak began in 1896, was in danger of being halted.

   Three of this year’s eight Best-Picture Oscar nominees — BoyhoodThe Imitation Game, and The Grand Budapest Hotel— were shot on Kodak film. Several movies due out this year, such as Mission: Impossible 5 and Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, are being produced on film.

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   Founded by George Eastman (above) in 1880, Kodak is credited with popularizing personal photography at the start of the 20th century. However, its revenues today are primarily from commercial imaging. Film now provides less than 10 % of company revenues.

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   Thank you to Al Rivers of Newport Beach, CA, who has sent me a friendly note regarding my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series. He writes:

We met at the Havurah meeting, where I purchased both your books from you. I have already read both and I thoroughly enjoyed them. You are a truly brilliant and gifted writer with an amazing ability to weave the history of our country with the intricate lives and careers of those Hollywood characters. I was especially impressed with your discussion of the Monroe Doctrine and our Good Neighbor Policy. I have always been an ardent moviegoer. I am 86 years old and my first movie was King Kong which I saw when I was 4 years old in 1933. ( I have been afraid of very large gorillas ever since!).

Forgotten Hollywood cover   FINALfrontcover-sonofforgottenhol

Also, I decided to list every movie you printed in bold that I either saw or recognized. This was over a 90% yield with 380 titles. I am compulsive that way!

 Good luck in your endeavors!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Mockingbird’s Scout Grows Up…

February 4th, 2015

Manny P. here…

   Harper Lee (below) and her publisher announced Tuesday that this summer they’ll release the 88-year-old author’s second novel, Go Set the Watchmen, a kind of sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird,with publisher HarperCollins planning a first printing of two million copies. Completed first in the mid-1950s,  the original manuscript for Go Set a Watchman had been considered lost until the author’s lawyer Tonja Carter rediscovered it and persuaded Lee to have it published. The shockwaves were felt almost as much in Hollywood as they were in the book world.

harper-lee   cover_tokill

   The movies love a sequel. And, the chance to follow up one of the finest American films half a century later would be most desired. If Lee agrees to sell the movie rights of her new work, it can be expected to be one of the most eagerly sought novels for optioning to the big screen. Particularly since Lee said Tuesday that Go Set the Watchman follows her young heroine, Scout, into adulthood, it’s sure to be feverishly pursued by producers. It’s likely to spark a bidding war well before it lands on book shelves on July 14th. Such an opportunity could draw in a host of high-profile producers. Oprah Winfrey, for one, has called To Kill a Mockingbird her favorite book.

   Starring Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, and featuring a young Robert Duvall as Boo Radley, To Kill a Mockingbird has regularly been ranked among the greatest American movies. It won three Oscars, including Best Actor for Peck and Best-Adapted Screenplay for Horton Foote. In 1995, it was added to the National Film Registry; and in 2003, the American Film Institute listed Peck’s Atticus Finch as the greatest movie hero of the twentieth century.

   Duvall expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of reading the sequel. He also showed his appreciation for the film as a pivotal point in his career. Mary Badham, who was received an Oscar nod at age ten for her performance as Scout, only acted in a handful of films after To Kill a Mockingbird. Almost forty years after her last film, she came out of retirement to appear in the 2005 Indie drama, Out Very Own. Badham didn’t respond to requests for comment over Lee’s announcement.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Rock Hudson’s Public Confession…

February 3rd, 2015

Manny P. here…

   Nine weeks before his death by complications from AIDS on October 2nd, 1985, Rock Hudson was in France trying to get treatment not available in the United States. But, Nancy Reagan refused his request for the White House to help.

   When Hudson collapsed on July 21, 1985, shortly after arriving in Paris, he was admitted to the American Hospital. He wanted to see Dr. Dominique Dormant, the French army doctor who had been working on experimental AIDS treatment HPA-23, and who had secretly treated the actor months after his diagnosis. Dormant, however, couldn’t get Hudson transferred to the military hospital. So, over the next 10 days—as the public first became aware that Hudson was gay and had AIDS—his team made a number of desperate attempts to get help, including sending a telegram to the White House.

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          ROCK HUDSON   NANCY REAGAN   PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN 

   Hudson was friendly with then-president Ronald Reagan from their acting days. The July 24th telegram pleaded with the White House to request that the commanding officer reconsider admitting the star to the military hospital. The Reagan staffer who received the telegram spoke with Nancy Reagan. However, he recommended she refer the issue to the US Embassy in France because the Reagans were very conscious of not making exceptions for people just because they were friends of theirs, or celebrities. She agreed, and though her husband called Hudson to wish him well, the official response was that Nancy Reagan did not feel this was something the White House should get into. Dormant was eventually able to treat Hudson, but his condition was too advanced.

   Today, the former First Lady simply does not recall the incident in question. It’s generally regarded that the publicity generated by Rock Hudson and Magic Johnson’s illness has led to medical advancements in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Rosa Parks to Have Her Own Exhibit…

February 2nd, 2015

Manny P. here…

   Just in time for Black History Month! Beginning Wednesday at the Library of Congress, researchers and the public will have full access to Rosa Parks’ archive of letters, writings, personal notes, and photographs for the first time. The collection will provide what experts call a more complex view of a woman long recalled in history for one iconic image — that of a nonviolent seamstress who inspired others to act at the dawning of the Civil Rights era. Philanthropist Howard Buffett bought the collection and placed it on long-term loan at the national library.

   Parks, who died in 2005 at 92, is beloved in American history for her civil disobedience on a Montgomery, Alabama bus. That defining moment in 1955 triggered a yearlong bus boycott that eventually helped dismantle a system of segregation.

   After her arrest, Parks lost her job as a tailor at Montgomery’s largest department store because of her activism. Her husband also struggled for employment, and the couple sank into deep poverty. They moved to Detroit but continued to struggle.

Rosaparks   Parks traveled with the NAACP, pressing for civil rights, and then, landed a job at the Hampton Institute in Virginia earning $3,700 a year — enough to send some money home to her husband and mother. It wasn’t until 1965 when she was hired at the district office of Michigan Representative John Conyers that she finally earned a steady, living wage.

   The collection may surprise people by revealing that Parks had an aggressive edge, and supported more radical actions seeking equality over the years, archivists said. She used her new-found status to support Malcolm X, Black Panther gatherings, and the Wilmington 10 in North Carolina.

   The library now holds about 7,500 manuscript items and 2,500 photos from Rosa, including a Bible she always kept, letters from admirers, and her cherished Presidential Medal of Freedom. A small exhibit is planned for March. All items will be digitized and posted online. They are in talks with Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, under construction on the National Mall, to house more of her items.                                                   ROSA PARKS

   What a heck of a bus ride for the iconic Rosa Parks!

Until next time>                               “never forget”