Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

“`The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Theatre opened within Bowling Green State University, Ohio, on June 11, 1976. It was shut down on May 3rd. The Black Students Union complained that because Lillian Gish was a star of D. W. Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation,  the use of her name in a university facility contributed to an intimidating, hostile educational environment.

“`Lillian Gish was very much a part of Ohio history. She was born in Springfield and made her stage debut as a child at the Rising Sun Opera House, twenty miles from Bowling Green. It was Lillian who insisted the theatre also honor her sister and fellow Ohio native, Dorothy, who co-starred with her in two D. W. Griffith features, Hearts of the World and Orphans of the Storm.

LILLIAN GISH

“`The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Theatre was originally designated at the University’s Hanna Hall.  When scheduled for demolition in 2018, the theatre disappeared, except for the building signage and a small exhibit that were moved to a classroom in the Student Union.  The forces of outrage began to gather. I applaud the notion if not the eventual decision, which was made at the expense of a person that is a victim of her era.

“`It mattered not that Gish had neither directed nor written The Birth of a Nation. Lillian’s performances in Griffith films, such as Intolerance or Broken Blossoms, with their strong liberal leanings, were irrelevant. Her career as one of the greatest silent screen stars, whose later performances continue to be highly regarded, counts for zero.

“`Bowling Green University also had theaters named after two celebrities. The Eva Marie Saint Theatre, honoring one of the University’s most famous alumnae, was downsized a few years back. The Joe E. Brown Theatre was named after the Ohio native, who starred in the production of Harvey at Bowling Green in 1959; it closed in December 2011, and is currently used for storage.

“`For now, Lillian Gish, an iconic actress of the twentieth century, is persona non grata in her hometown, an unfortunate notion.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Sports creates a path for developing prose that offers thrilling drama; with careers defined by a single storyline. Let us consider…

~ Bart Starr was an average quarterback, who by fate, rose to the ranks of football Shangri-la. When teaming with Vince Lombardi on the powerhouse  Green Bay Packers teams that ruled the 1960s, the collaboration ushered in the NFL as America’s most popular sport. Until Brett Favre came along, Starr was known as the best Packer ever.

“`After losing the 1960 NFL title game in his first playoff appearance,  the Packers never lost another playoff game under Starr, going 9-0, including wins over the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders in the first two Super Bowls. He was named the MVP of both contests. Starr has an NFL award named after him, given annually to a player of outstanding character.

“`The mighty Bart Starr was eighty-five.

~ Bill Buckner was a Major League Baseball All-Star and a batting champion, a savvy gamer who was welcome on any team; and a reliable fielder, as well. He played for the  Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Anaheim Angels and Boston Red Sox.

“`Bill made his major league debut as a teen, played until he was forty, and amassed  2,715 hits in between. Yet, he is remembered for letting a ground ball go between his legs during a 1986 World Series game between his Red Sox and the New York Mets. Eventually, Boston lost the series, and had to wait another two decades to finally take the Fall Classic.

“`At Fenway Park on Monday, video clips of Buckner’s twenty-two-year career were shown on the scoreboard before the Red Sox played the Cleveland Indians. His headshot was posted, and there was a moment of silence, followed by applause from the crowd. He was no longer a goat in Boston.

“`The gritty Bill Buckner was sixty-nine.

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“`On Wide World of Sports, announcer Jim McKay would sum up the nature of sports this way:  The thrill of victory… The agony of defeat. Great drama was never better defined.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`I am thrilled to announce that  Road to Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History was named a Finalist in the 13th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards in the Performing Arts category.

“`The overall winner in this particular section was The Risk Theatre Model of Tragedy by Edwin Wong. Congratulations to this fine literary work!

“`This is the second award of merit I have received from this prestigious literary repository. In 2012, Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History was named a Winner in the Arts and Entertainment category.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The cinematic event of 2019 is due in September. This will be a global event. And expect Oscars for the lavish production next Spring.

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“`I wanna personally thank Hollywood historians, Mary Mallory and Jordan R. Young, who are also my literary pals, for joining me at LitFest this past weekend. We conducted an engaging panel discussion on how Hollywood and Americana intersect since the dawn of movie making.

                   JORDAN R. YOUNG   MANNY PACHECO   MARY MALLORY

“`After our lively conversation, the three of us took a moment to take a selfie. I hope we get to do this again, real soon.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Herman Wouk was the Pulitzer Prize winning author of such million-selling novels as The Caine Mutiny and The Winds of War. He was part of a small group of scribes that included C. S. Lewis, Chaim Potok, and Flannery O’Connor who were steadfast in maintaining traditional religious beliefs in their writings.

“`The son of Russian Jews, Wouk was born in New York in 1915. The household was religious. His mother was a rabbi’s daughter and devoted to books. His father was a great devotee of Sholem Aleichem, the great Yiddish writer. A traveling salesman sold his family the complete works of Mark Twain and he became Wouk’s favorite writer.

“`Wouk majored in comparative literature and philosophy at Columbia University and edited the college’s humor magazine. After graduation, he headed for California, where he worked for five years on Fred Allen’s radio show.  If war had not intruded, he might have stuck to comedy sketches. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Navy and served as an officer in the Pacific.

“`In 1951, Wouk released his most celebrated novel, The Caine Mutiny. It eventually topped best-seller lists and won a Pulitzer. It was one of the initial times that a writer questioned the motives of military officers in modern conflicts. A highly popular movie followed, which starred Humphrey Bogart, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray, and Jose Ferrer. Herman was compared with other World War II novelists:  Norman Mailer, Irwin Shaw, James Jones.

“`His next work, Marjorie Morningstar, was a tale of Jewish assimilation. It was also made into a film that starred Natalie Wood and Gene Kelly. The novel sold millions and Wouk ended up on the cover of Time Magazine.

“`The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, both of which Wouk adapted for a 1983 Emmy Award-winning television mini-series starring Robert Mitchum. The former production received some of the highest ratings in small screen history, and Wouk’s involvement covered everything from the script to commercial sponsors.

“`He eventually gave speeches and sermons around the country and received several prizes, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Jewish Book Council. During his years in Washington, the Georgetown synagogue he attended was called Herman Wouk’s synagogue.

“`Historians, novelists, publishers, and critics gathered at the Library of Congress in 1995 to celebrate the spiritual-leaning author on his eightieth birthday. He was America’s Tolstoy.

“`The reverent Herman Wouk (above) was 103, ten days before his birthday.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Something for the readers of Forgotten Hollywood Blog Site. A chance to be on classic television game shows… On a personal note, I have appeared on six game shows, including twice on The Dating Game.

“`Auditions are going on right now!

Until next time>                              “never forget”  

Manny P. here…

“`Tim Conway was a longtime staple on television, with memorable stints on McHale’s Navy and The Carol Burnett Show. His deadpan delivery and a child-like approach to comedy belied his savvy talent.

“`After serving in the military, Conway got his career start on local television in Cleveland in the 1950s, where his duties included comedic spots on a late-night movie show. He was discovered by Rose Marie of The Dick Van Dyke Show, who got him an audition for  The Steve Allen Show. Tim became a regular on the show in the early 1960s.

“`Conway gained attention as the incompetent Ensign Charles Parker on the Ernest Borgnine sitcom McHale’s Navy. When Carol Burnett persuaded him to join her troupe, his fame was assured. His pairing in skits with Harvey Korman was pure magic. He garnered four Emmys on the variety program. Two more would follow, as he guest-starred on Coach and 30 Rock. Tim became a video sensation with his Dorf character. He also lent his voice to  Spongebob Squarepants. In 2002, Conway was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.

“`Tim co-starred in motion pictures, with performances in The World’s Greatest Athlete, The Apple Dumpling Gang, The Shaggy D. A., Cannonball Run II, and Dear God. His comedic hero was Don Knotts, and was in awe as they collaborated in several films.

“`Tim Conway was eighty-five.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`A major star in cinema, Doris Day was a once-in-a-generation vocalist and THE advocate for four-legged creatures. Her multi-faceted career is comparable to the work of Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, Debbie Reynolds, Marilyn Monroe, and Dean Martin. Plus, Doris had a wholesome image her entire life. The running joke attributed to Groucho Marx and actor-composer Oscar Levant was that they had known Day before she was a virgin.

“`At a young age, Day began singing along with Ella Fitzgerald, studying the crooner and the subtleties of her voice. She had performed at a Cincinnati radio station, then a nightclub, and then, in New York. A bandleader changed her name to Day (from Kappelhoff) after she had a smash with Day after Day. Doris became the featured vocalist with Les Brown’s band.

“`Jack Carson discovered Doris, and championed her effort to begin a film career. Day initially worked at Warner Brothers. What followed was a litany of box office success, that included leading men, such as Kirk Douglas, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, James Cagney, James Stewart, Clark Gable, James Garner and of course, Rock Hudson. Her roles included: Romance on the High Seas, April in Paris, Calamity Jane, Young at Heart, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Love Me or Leave Me, On Moonlight Bay,  That Touch of Mink,  Teacher’s Pet, The Pajama Game,  Pillow Talk,  Move Over Darling, Tea For Two, With Six You Get Eggroll,  The Glass Bottom Boat, and Please Don’t Eat the Daisies.

“`An accomplished singer, Day recorded two tunes that earned an Academy Award for Best Song… Whatever Will Be Will Be (Que Sera Sera) and Secret Love.  Other hits included It’s Magic, Sentimental Journey,  Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered, Everybody Loves a Lover and Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps. When her screen career ended, she turned to television with her wildly popular sitcom, The Doris Day Show, which ran for five years.

“`Her personal life was marred with some controversy. Her son, Terry Melcher became a songwriter and record producer, working with such stars as The Beach Boys. He was also famous for an aspiring musician he turned down, Charles Manson. When Manson and his followers embarked on their murderous rampage in 1969, they headed for a house once owned by Melcher, and instead killed actress Sharon Tate and her guests. Day also stood together with longtime pal, Rock Hudson, as it became public he was dying from AIDS.

“`The Humane Society of the United States, of which,  the Doris Day Animal League is an affiliate, praised Day as a pioneer in animal protection. This became the badge of honor she proudly carried. Day received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004.  And in 2011, she was given a lifetime achievement honor from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.                                            DORIS DAY –>

“`Turner Classic Movies will offer a thirteen-movie tribute to the iconic actress on June 9th. The retrospective will include a Johnny Carson interview of Day on The Tonight Show that took place in 1976.

“`From 1951-1966, motion picture exhibitors picked her one of the most popular stars in the nation in their annual poll. A monumental entertainer of the twentieth century, Doris Day was ninety-seven.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Peggy Lipton (right) was a groundbreaking co-star of The Mod Squad and Twin Peaks. For a time, she was also married to Quincy Jones.

“`The Mod Squad  was one of the initial efforts to seriously address our society’s counterculture,  and one of the first small screen productions to feature an interracial cast. The show addressed issues such as drugs, the Vietnam War and domestic violence. She was nominated for four Emmys and won a Golden Globe in 1971 for her performance. Her role on Twin Peaks cemented her reputation as an actress who was forward-thinking.

“`Peggy guest-starred on several television programs, including  The John Forsythe Show, Bewitched, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, The Virginian, The Invaders, The F. B. I., and Mr. Novak. Early in her career, she modeled in New York. Lipton additionally was a singer-songwriter. Her biggest hit was a composition she co-wrote for Frank Sinatra, L. A. is My Lady.

“`A self-defined hippie, Peggy Lipton was seventy-two.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`I am happy to be spending treasured time in Long Beach on Saturday. I am a guest speaker at the California Writer’s Club of Long Beach. The event takes place at the Ruth Bach Library at 2:30p.

“`CWC members have written novels, short stories, screenplays, poetry, non-fiction articles, and books. More than 50% of their members are published. This organization is celebrating over one-hundred years of literary history.

“`After my oral presentation, I will be autographing copies of my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series. Three times the charm! This should be a fun time.

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“`Jim Fowler (right) was the longtime host of the popular television wildlife series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Jim started as a co-host with Marlon Perkins,  then took over as sole host when Perkins retired in 1985. Fowler did the physical work on the program, such as hanging in crocodile infested water.

“`He was a wildlife correspondent for the Today show and was a frequent guest on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show and Conan.  Fowler was a leading figure for wildlife conservation, designing Chehaw Park, an animal sanctuary in his hometown of Albany, Georgia.

“`Jim Fowler was eight-seven.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Actor Sam Elliott (right) has been tapped to narrate the four-part docu-series Honor Guard, the follow-up to  Time To Kill Productions 2016 documentary The Unknowns.

“`Honor Guard follows Army soldiers who volunteer for the grueling training required to serve at the 3rd Infantry Regiment, aka The Old Guard, the oldest active infantry regiment. Those who pass earn a spot at The Regiment, in the Honor Guard Caisson Platoon, on the Army Drill Team, or participate in a full-honors funeral ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

MANNY PACHECO      ETHAN MORSE

“`Creators Neal Schrodetzki (also writing and directing) and Ethan Morse (my personal friend) will film never-before-documented training cycles. Neal and Ethan met while serving together in the Army as guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose training was spotlighted in The Unknowns. It would later allow them exclusive access to film Honor Guard.

“`For his part, Elliott is thrilled to be part of such a worthy exercise.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Here is a gift idea for folks in your life that have everything. If a loved one in your life were born under the sign of Libra, Virgo or Taurus, you might consider purchasing a Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall, or Audrey Hepburn prayer candle. They are available through Etsy.

“`In each instance, the candles include artist’s rendition of the iconic actresses and a familiar quote. Hayworth was glamorous, charming, and fascinating. Bacall was humble, considerate, intelligent, and a perfectionist. Hepburn was witty, sensual, and a noted humanitarian.

“`The candle wax is available in differing colors. Get ready to genuflect.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`There are few names in the history of comedy which have stood the test of time; acts transcending age and bringing smiles to generations. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were pinnacles of comedic genius for their time. They have been recognized as a template for modern humor and celebrated by today’s most popular comedians.

“`Laurel and Hardy were best remembered during the early classic Hollywood era of American cinema. Stan Laurel was English and Oliver Hardy was American. The duo appeared as a team in over a hundred movies, between 1927 and 1950. The official Laurel and Hardy appreciation society is called The Sons of the Desert, named after the fictional fraternal society in the 1933 film of the same name.

“`Laurel and Hardy are back with brand new nostalgic adventures based on their fan-favorite comedy. They were recently reintroduced through the Stan and Ollie movie, starring John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan!

“`American Mythology Comics is bringing Laurel and Hardy’s beloved slapstick shenanigans back to their legion of fans with the release of a new comic book.  The publisher will bring new stories to fans with the upcoming series, and also reprints some of their skits from years past. Stories will center on honoring the tone and feel of the original skits made famous by the comedians.

“`Jorge Pacheco returns to Laurel and Hardy for the first time in thirty years, and he delivers beautiful interior and cover art! Laurel and Hardy #1 comes in two covers:  Main and Limited Edition (by Pacheco).

“`Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve a copy with local comics retailers.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The legendary Musso and Frank Grill along Hollywood Boulevard opened before there was a Hollywood Sign. For one-hundred years, actors, studio heads, and writers have made it their late night and noontime place for a meal.

“`Generations of stars and filmmakers have been Musso regulars — John Travolta, Quentin Tarantino, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt eat here, and decades earlier, you might have run into folks like Mickey Rooney and Ernest Borgnine. Every piece of furniture has a history, whether it’s a bar stool frequented by Humphry Bogart, or the table reserved for Frank Sinatra. There is also the famous Charlie Chaplin booth, the only seating in the restaurant with a window. For a time, Chaplin would ride his horse from his studio at La Brea and Sunset, often traveling to Musso and Frank.

“`At one time, the Screen Writers Guild across the street. Back in the 1920s and 1930s, film studio moguls were hiring novelists to write screenplays.  Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Dorothy Parker, Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner visited the SAG offices, and then walk across the street and get drunk at Musso’s.

“`For a century, through drought, downpours, mudslides, fires, and earthquakes, there has been Musso and Frank Grill. It remains a way to travel back to Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Until next time>                              “never forget”