“Forgotten Hollywood”- Rebel Jacket Up For Bid…

February 27th, 2018

Manny P. here… 

“`James Dean’s cherry-red jacket from Rebel Without a Cause is expected to bring up to $600,000, when it goes up for auction this week in Florida. This offers fans a rare chance to own something linked to the star. The bomber-style garment is at Palm Beach Modern Auctions, and was displayed recently on a mannequin, wearing a white shirt and blue denim; similar to Dean’s signature style in the movie. This jacket was bought off the rack; however, it is not known how many were on set. JAMES DEAN ->

“`Because he died so young, and starred in only three films, collectibles tied to Dean are very scarce. It is as influential in pop culture as an Elvis Presley rhinestone jumpsuit; a dress that belonged to Marilyn Monroe; or sequin gloves worn by Michael Jackson. There is a Bud Berma tag sewn in its inner lining, a cigarette burn on outer left sleeve, and stitching around its waist.

“`Michael Scott of Hobe Sound has had the jacket since the 1980s. A friend, whose uncle got the jacket from men’s wardrobe supervisor Leon Roberts at the conclusion of production, left it to Scott in his will. The actor had been a hero to Scott and his friends, who were in high school when the film premiered.

“`Scott’s documentation includes a 1962 letter from Roberts asking his pal’s uncle to:  Donate the red jacket worn by late actor James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause to Hollywood Museum. Hopefully, the wishes of Roberts will be fulfilled for fans to enjoy in years to come.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Movie Night with Ron and Nancy…

February 26th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`As two former actors transitioned to a new career, they never forgot their roots in cinema. Such is the story of former President and First Lady, Ronald and Nancy Reagan. A new book chronicles film nights at Camp David, where the bill-of-faire was celluloid of the 1980s.  The author is Mark Weinberg, a former aide to the president. It is published through Simon and Schuster.

“`Movie Nights with the Reagans:  A Memoir is a fascinating, yet, seldom told tale of the Aspen Movie Club, the most exclusive gathering of its kind. Many weekend evenings, during the Reagan Administration, its members appeared at 8p at  Aspen Lodge, the presidential residence at  Camp David, Maryland, to watch a flick. An evening included toothpicked meatballs and weanies, popcorn, and a private screening room. The guests were staff and personal friends.

“`Surprisingly, the movies selected were the popular productions of an era that was foreign to the type that featured the president or first lady, years before. But, the topicality of each film allowed the audience an opportunity to discuss personal and professional issues of the day. Some of the flicks selected include Red DawnFerris Bueller’s Day OffRaiders of the Lost Ark, 9 to 5On Golden PondThe Untouchables;  plus, their singular favorite, Chariots of Fire.

“`In all, the executive couple screened over 360 films in their eight years in Washington. And none featured a simian named Bonzo. In the final analysis, movies at Camp David offered the former actors the same kind of respite most people seek in a dark theater.

“`And, so it goes…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Slash, Cut, and Run…

February 24th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`If you are a die-hard  Friday the 13th fan, this may be a potential dream come true for you. Camp-No-Be-Bo-Sco, an active Boy Scouts camp located in New Jersey,  is the actual camp used in the original Friday the 13th as Camp Crystal Lake. On occasion, this camp offers fans the chance to take tours. This April, they are allowing fans the chance to sleep at a real-life Camp Crystal Lake for the first time.

“`There is a great demand for this experience. To make this more appealing, Adrienne King (a co-star of the flick) will be on hand. How do you get an opportunity to live overnight at the location where Jason Voorhees took out countless teens with a machete? Bid on it.

“`On Friday, April 13th, there is a morning tour from 9a to 1p for $135. On both Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th, there will be an afternoon tour from 3p to 10p for $175; plus, the VIP experience, which goes from 3p to 11a, the next day, and includes dinner and breakfast.

“`The regular tours will be awarded to interested fans via a lottery, given the huge popularity. Hockey masks are optional.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- No No Nanette…

February 23rd, 2018

Manny P. here… 

“`Nanette Fabray was a vivacious actress, singer and dancer who became a star in Broadway musicals, and in showstoppers as The Band Wagon. The Comden and Green musical satirized show business, with such classic tunes as That’s Entertainment and Triplets, in which Nanette, Fred Astaire and Jack Buchanan dressed up as tots. It’s famously showcased in the montage musical, That’s Entertainment Pt. II.

“`Fabray was just three when she launched her career as Vaudeville singer-dancer,  Baby Nanette. After launching her career, she studied drama and voice for several years before winning the role of lady-in-waiting to Bette Davis’ Queen Elizabeth I in her initial film The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex in 1939.

“`She went on to star on Broadway. Love Life, a 1948 show with songs by Alan Jay Lerner and Kurt Weill, and it won her a Tony in 1949 as Best Actress in a Musical.  Mr. President brought her a second nomination. High Button Shoes was Fabray’s best-known Broadway show, and a New York Times review made her well known from coast-to-coast.

“`She found her biggest audience as a co-star in the pioneering television show Caesar’s Hour, which brought her three Emmy Awards. Nanette appeared in such popular 1950s small screen anthologies as Playhouse 90 and The Alcoa Hour. Other programs include guest-starring roles in  Burke’s Law, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., Love American Style, MaudeOne Day at a Time, The Love Boat, Murder She Wrote, and Coach (in three episodes, she appeared with her niece Shelly Fabares). Mary Tyler Moore credited Fabray, inspiring her trademark comedic crying technique.

“`During Television’s Golden Age, Fabray was invited to appear on variety and game shows, including  The Carol Burnett Show, The Hollywood Palace, The Andy Williams ShowThe Dean Martin Show, Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall; as a mystery guest on What’s My Line, and 230 episodes of Hollywood Squares.

“`Nanette overcame a significant hearing impairment, and was a long-time advocate for the rights of the deaf and hard of hearing. Her honors representing the handicapped include the President’s Distinguished Service Award and the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award.

“`Nanette Fabray was 97.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Five Oscar Sure-Bets That Lost…

February 22nd, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`Each year, there is plenty of discussion over Academy Awards snubs and surprises. In the history of this prestigious event,  there are easy discussions about how Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell (for Mourning Becomes Electra), and Claude Rains (for Notorious) famously lost. My Top-5 should be obvious. Let me explain.

~ Edward G. Robinson – Double Indemnity.  A strong supporting role that may have been the best in the 1940s. He was an assured conscience (and brilliant claims adjuster), Barton Keyes; a confidante and sincere pal for Fred MacMurray. Particularly galling is that in Robinson’s entire career, he never received an Oscar nomination. What a shame!

The sappy winner:  Barry Fitzgerald / Going My Way

~ Myrna Loy – The Best Years of Our Lives.  It’s easy to select Loy’s performance in The Thin Man. However, her nuanced role in this drama not only matched the work of Fredric March, Myrna was more subtle and human; and infinitely more believable. Dana Andrews was also snubbed. Again, Loy was ignored in the totality of her career.

The forgettable winner:  Olivia de Havilland / To Each His Own

~ Judy Garland – A Star is Born.  Garland’s hot performance in The Man That Got Away  scene should have been enough to take home a statuette. But, this particular loss lays at the feet of the motion picture’s producer and editor that cut this work to shreds. This loss added salt in the career wound of Garland’s relationship with movie studios.  Today, portions of the film are lost to nitrate. The irony is not ambiguous.

The regal winner:  Grace Kelly / The Country Girl

~ Deborah Kerr – The King and I.  Kerr, like Thelma Ritter, was nominated six times for an Oscar over a dozen-year period. No statuette for either. The King and I  role was Kerr’s best chance. Yul Brynner won. Kerr lost. Like the others, a career achievement accolade was in her future.

The redemptive winner:  Ingrid Bergman / Anastasia

~ Peter O’Toole – The Lion in Winter.  His best, if not his most satisfying role. He received more attention for Lawrence of Arabia; more flamboyant in My Favorite Year.  As a child, I rooted for Cliff Robertson, knowing Peter would end up with a box-full of great performances. A competitive Oscar on his mantle was not to be, in the final analysis.

The showy winner:  Cliff Robertson / Charly

“`The Academy Awards are next weekend.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Son of the South…

February 21st, 2018

Manny P. here… 

“`Reverend Billy Graham, labeled America’s Pastor and a Protestant Pope, achieved a level of influence and reach, no other evangelist is likely ever to match. At his height, he was bringing the word of God into people’s homes around the globe via television, and dispensing spiritual counsel (and cultural guidance) to United States presidents. More than anyone else, the magnetic Hollywood-handsome Graham built evangelicalism into a major force, rivaling liberal Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.             REVEREND BILLY GRAHAM —>

“`William Franklin Graham Jr. was born on a rural dairy farm near Charlotte. His path began taking shape at age 16, when the Presbyterian-reared teenager committed himself to Christ during a tent revival. After high school, he enrolled at fundamentalist,  Bob Jones College, then transferred to Florida Bible Institute in Tampa.

“`A 1949 Los Angeles revival meeting in a tent dubbed Canvas Cathedral turned Graham into evangelism’s rising star. Legendary publisher William Randolph Hearst had ordered his papers to hype Graham. In the 1950s, he created a syndicated newspaper column, My Answer. At its height, he reached tens of millions of readers.

“`Graham ended racially segregated seating at his Southern crusades in 1953, a year before the Supreme Court’s school integration ruling, and long refused to visit South Africa while its white regime insisted on separating the races at meetings. He later traveled on expectation-defying crusades in London and New York, and soon becoming a global voice for Christianity. Queen Elizabeth II became an ardent supporter throughout her reign.

“`He had especially strong influence on religion and spirituality of 12 American presidents, beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower, whom he urged to run for office and baptized at the White House. His presidential ties proved problematic, when his close friend Richard Nixon resigned in the Watergate scandal in 1974, leaving Graham devastated, embarrassed, and baffled. Billy urged Gerald Ford to pardon Nixon; plus, stood by Jimmy Carter on the SALT  Disarmament Treaty; and was in the Oval Office with George H. W. Bush on the eve of the initial Persian Gulf War. He delivered a poignant speech about the country’s wounds in the aftermath of September 11th, during his sermon from Washington National Cathedral, three days after the attacks. George W. Bush credited Billy with helping him find his born-again Christian values.

“`He successfully reached millions on the radio, and later, on television. Hour of Decision was a weekly radio program, broadcast around the world for over five decades.  Mission television specials broadcast in almost every market in the United States and Canada. However, his live crusades proved most enduring.  Since 1955, Graham was recognized by Gallup a record 55 times (49 consecutive times); more than any other person in last half of the 20th Century, as one of the most admired people in the world. When the Billy Graham Museum and Library was dedicated in 2007 in Charlotte, the elder Bush, Carter, and Bill Clinton attended.

“`Throughout his life, Reverend Graham has received hundreds of accolades from presidents, royalty, and even various entertainment academies. All told, he was the most widely followed and revered Christian evangelist in modern history.

“` Billy Graham’s body will lie in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda next week, the first time a private citizen has been accorded such recognition, since Civil Rights hero, Rosa Parks, in 2005. The two-day viewing in Washington on February 28th and March 1st is part during nine days of mourning for postwar America’s most famous preacher.

“`Reverend Billy Graham was 99; a blessed and prolific journey that is well traveled.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway…

February 20th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`To Kill a Mockingbird  will be directed by Tony-winner Bartlett Sher. Jeff Daniels has been cast as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin’s Broadway-bound adaptation; Harper Lee’s most famous work. The casting reunites The Newsroom’s Emmy-winning actor with its creator, along with Scott Rudin, who will produce the new play with Lincoln Center Theater.

“`The play has been in the works for two years, and the casting of Daniels was planned from the earliest talks. Jeff steps into a role closely associated with actor Gregory Peck. Casting of the Boo Radley character has not been announced. The reclusive Boo was played by a young Robert Duvall in the 1962 film adaptation.  The kid’s parts, including Scout, will be portrayed by adults.

“`Rudin’s production of Sorkin’s new play has been in the works for a number of years,  with Rudin telling the New York Times that this play’s Atticus is the character from Mockingbird, and not the perceived racist of Lee’s posthumously published prequel, Go Set a Watchman

“`To Kill a Mockingbird is expected to preview on November 1st, with its official opening on December 13th at a theater to be announced.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Palm Springs Palm Springs…

February 17th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`Sinatra in Palm Springs – The Place He Called Home explores Frank’s deep attachment to the resort city, where he lived for almost 50 years. This new documentary is a film about all the myths surrounding Francis Albert in the desert.

                                        FRANK SINATRA

“`The documentary features more than 65 clips from movies and television appearances. It includes interviews with some of Sinatra’s desert friends, family, and people who knew him, including Sinatra’s last wife Barbara; Tom Dreesen; Trini Lopez; and restaurateur Mel Haber. Both, Barbara Sinatra and Haber have died since the interviews.

“`The documentary pays tribute to the unique lifestyle Sinatra led in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, and takes viewers to a bygone era when the Chairman of the Board ruled the desert; his refuge from all the craziness of Hollywood. It was also a playground for his Rat Pack buddies, who visited, and wound up living there as well. Frank would run a flag between two palms to signal pals the bar was open and to head over for happy hour.  FRANK SINATRA / AVA GARDNER –>

“`The Twin Palms estate is where Sinatra resided with the love of his life, actress Ava Gardner,  with whom he got into many an argument. One night, Frank got so mad at Ava, he threw a bottle of champagne that hit the bathroom sink and caused a crack that is still there. After his divorce from Gardner, Sinatra moved to Rancho Mirage in 1954 to Tamarisk Country Club, which was organized by The Marx Brothers.

“`Along with the architecture, the documentary shows Sinatra’s kindred love for the people of Palm Springs. After reading the Desert Sun, a local newspaper, he would often anonymously donate money to folks-in-need.

“`The documentary celebrates its world premiere at a sold-out screening on February 20th in Palm Springs during Modernism Week. The desert residents delights in all things mid-century modern, including a series of home tours, lectures, films, and educational programming. The production shall screen again on February 25th, as part of Modernism Week’s — Architecture Design Art Film Festival, which features movies, documentaries, and shorts, over three days.

“`Start spreading the news… 

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Kim Novak’s Dizzy Visit to Frisco…

February 16th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`Kim Novak, best known for her performance in Alfred Hitchock’s Vertigo, will be honored at a 60th anniversary screening of the movie on Sunday, May 20th, at the Castro Theatre. This announcement was made as Novak (below) celebrated her birthday earlier this week.

“`Among Novak’s other film credits are The Man With the Golden Arm, Picnic, Phffft, The Eddy Duchin StoryThe Notorious Landlady, Pal Joey, and Bell Book and Candle. However, Kim’s role as the mysterious Madeleine Elster / Judy Barton,  opposite James Stewart, in the Hitchcock thriller set in San Francisco that is most remembered. Novak enjoyed box office popularity and starred with a number of top leading men of the era, including William Holden, Frank Sinatra, Tyrone Power, Kirk Douglas, Fred MacMurray, and Laurence Harvey. Novak mostly retired from acting in the 1960s.

“`The 85-year old actress will be interviewed onstage by Eddie Muller, the producer and host of Noir City: The San Francisco Film Noir Festival. The gala, produced by Marc Huestis Events, also will feature video clips, and a meet-and-greet with Novak.

“`This is a fabulous event, with a rare opportunity to join one of the stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Actor and Golfer Involved in a Wreck

February 15th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`Actor Luke Wilson is being hailed as a hero in the aftermath of a Los Angeles multi-car crash on Tuesday evening that also involved golfer Bill Haas. Luke, whose own vehicle was clipped in the accident, pulled a 50-year-old woman from the smoking wreckage of her BMW. Police were investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash.

LUKE WILSON             BILL HAAS

“`The driver of a Ferrari accelerated and appeared to lose control with the back end swinging into oncoming traffic. The Ferrari’s driver, who died at the scene, was Mark William Gibello of Pacific Palisades. Haas was in the passenger seat, and complained of pain and swelling in his legs, but no broken bones. He is returning home to South Carolina to recuperate.

“`Bill Harmon, the swing coach for Haas and a close friend of Gibello, said the two only met last Thursday. Harmon said Gibello was a member at Los Angeles Country Club, and was instrumental in the private club getting the Walker Cup last year, and U.S. Open in 2023.

“`Haas is a six-time winner on the PGA Tour, whose most prominent victory was at the Tour Championship in 2011, which enabled him to win the FedEx Cup and a $10 million bonus. He comes from a prominent golfing family. His father Jay won nine times on the PGA Tour, and 18 times on the PGA Tour Champions. His uncle Jerry briefly played on the PGA Tour, and is the golf coach at Wake Forest.

“`Wilson helped the woman trapped in the car, which flipped onto the passenger’s side. Owen feared smoke coming from her BMW meant it could go up in flames and he rushed to her aid.  The woman is hospitalized with serious injuries. The Dallas-native starred in Legally Blonde, Idiocracy, and The Royal Tenenbaums. His brother is Owen Wilson.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Mandy’s Moment in Hollywood…

February 14th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honoring Emmy and Tony-winning thespian Mandy Patinkin was unveiled on Monday, a day after the seventh-season premiere of his Showtime series, Homeland. The star is the 2,629th since the completion of the Walk of Fame in 1961 with the first 1,558 stars.

“`Patinkin’s cinematic career include Inigo Montoya in The Princess BrideAlien Nation, YentlRagtimeand Dick Tracy.  Television performances include award-winning roles in Chicago Hope, The Larry Sanders Show, Criminal Minds and Dead Like Me. Patinkin portrayed Che in Evita on Broadway.

“`As Inigo might say:

Hello. My name is Mandy Patinkin. You gave me a Star in Hollywood. Prepare to celebrate!

“`The ceremony was live-streamed on walkoffame.com.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Hello Dere…

February 13th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`Marty Allen was an entertainer, best known as one-half of the Allen and Rossi comedy team. He made hundreds of television appearances, and was a regular on Hollywood Squares. The duo appeared regularly on The Tonight Show and The Merv Griffin Show. His catch-phrase was Hello Dere.

“`Born in Pittsburgh, Allen served in the United States Army Air Corps. Stationed in Italy, he attained the rank of sergeant. He earned a Soldier’s Medal for his bravery during a fire which happened while a plane was being refueled. His heroism earned him a full-dress parade.

“`In the 1950s,  Marty appeared as the opening act for Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, and Eydie Gorme. After becoming part of the comedy duo with Steve Rossi, which resulted in a string of hit comedy albums, and 44 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show (including the famous show with The Beatles in February 1964),  they worked together from 1957 to 1968, parted ways amicably, and occasionally reunited.

“`As a solo performer, Allen performed on Broadway and in Las Vegas. Starting in the 1980s he and his wife, singer-songwriter Karon Kate Blackwell, teamed up to perform their musical comedy act to audiences around the country.

“`In 1968, he made a Hello Dere tour of military hospitals in the United States. He repeated the tour annually until 1972. Allen entertained wounded soldiers returning from Vietnam. He was also active in a number of charities, such as the American Cancer Society, The March of DimesFight for SightThe Heart Fund, Cerebral Palsy and was on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation.

“`Marty Allen (above) was 95.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Radio’s Golden Age…

February 12th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`Thank you to 90.1 FM KBPK’s Tracy Thackrah for the heads up on this upcoming event in Long Beach:

=============================================

“`Vic Damone  was one of the final surviving crooners of popular music’s golden era.  Famously described as having the best pipes in the business by Frank Sinatra, his performing career lasted five decades and spawned dozens of hits, thanks to his smooth, mellow baritone style. Vic was best known for his version of  On the Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady. Wed five times, his wives included Pier Angeli and Diahann Carroll. Vic was also rumored to have ties to the mob.             VIC DAMONE –>

“`Damone’s career was launched in 1947, when he garnered first place in Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts show, which led to regular radio gigs; and a chance encounter with comedian Milton Berle, who helped the 19 year-old performer get gigs at prominent nightclubs. This led to his recording contract with Mercury Records. With matinee idol good looks, Damone also signed a contract with MGM in 1951. He sang on the soundtrack in An Affair to Remember. He was a frequent guest star on 1960s television, and a mainstay in Las Vegas with his stage presentation.

“`Vic Damone was 89.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Monkey Business…

February 10th, 2018

Manny P. here…

“`The USC School of Cinematic Arts has partnered with 20th Century Fox Film to host an exclusive exhibit and retrospective celebrating the 50th anniversary of  Planet of the Apes  franchise. A vast collection of props, costumes, photos, posters, and art will be on display in the Hugh Hefner Exhibition Hall  this spring. The exhibit is open until May 13th.

“`The exhibition is in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the 1968 release of the initial  Planet of the Apes, the original installment of a still expanding franchise that now includes four sequels, television series, animated series, comic books, merchandise, and a successful prequel movie series – Rise of the Planet of the ApesDawn of the Planet of the Apes, and War for the Planet of the Apes (the latter of which I’ll be viewing at a SAG screening at the Directors Guild Theatre in Hollywood on Monday). Screenings will pepper the entire exhibition.

 

“`50 Years of Planet of the Apes is funded by USC Visions & Voices:  Arts and Humanities Initiative, and is free and open to the public. The Hugh Hefner Exhibition Hall is located in the lobby of the George Lucas Building at  USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex in Los Angeles; and will be open Monday through Friday from 8a – 10p; and weekends from 12p – 8p.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Gavin is Gone…

February 9th, 2018

Manny P. here… 

“`John Gavin was a strikingly handsome actor who appeared in Psycho,   Spartacus, and other hit films of the 1960s; before forsaking acting to become President Ronald Reagan’s Mexico Ambassador. John was also a past president of the  Screen Actors Guild, a position that Reagan had previously held.

“`After attending Stanford University, and serving in the Navy, the future actor was unsure what career path to take until a family friend, producer Bryan Foy, suggested John try acting. Although, he had studied drama at Stanford, and made a few appearances on television and in theater, he played it down during a screen test with Universal Pictures.

“`Other movies included Imitation of Life,  Thoroughly Modern Millie, and History of the World Part 1On television, he guest-starred in The Alfred Hitchcock HourThe Virginian,  Mannix, Medical Center, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Hart to Hart.         JOHN GAVIN —>

“`While in the Navy in the 1950s, Gavin served in Panama as Pan-American affairs officer to a Navy commandant; and, during a lull in his acting career, he was appointed a special adviser to the Secretary-General of Organization of American States. Gavin’s assignment was to help promote President John Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress to help Latin American nations improve their economies.

“`When Reagan appointed John, the president cited the political turbulence in Latin America. Gavin arrived in Mexico in 1981, well equipped for the job. His father invested in the nation’s mines, and ancestors of his Mexican-born mother were among California’s first settlers. John often visited Mexico in his youth and he was fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. The nationals were initially dubious about having a former movie star as the United States ambassador. He soon won over the people. He and his statuesque blonde wife, Constance Towers (an actress and singer in Broadway musicals and Hollywood cinema), made a striking couple. Both were admired by the locals. He remained on the job until 1986.

“`After his ambassadorship ended, Gavin invested in various enterprises in Mexico, and served on boards of corporations and charities. Gavin was approached in 1991 by officials in President George H.W. Bush’s administration about running for a senate seat being vacated by Democrat Alan Cranston of California. He declined, citing business and family matters.

“`John Gavin was 86.

Until next time>                               “never forget”