Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

“`The American Film Institute is honoring Julie Andrews with its Life Achievement Award. The organization said that Andrews will receive the award at the Gala Tribute on April 25th in Los Angeles. It will be broadcast on TNT.

“`Andrews acting career has spanned several decades, winning an Oscar in 1965 for her starring role in Mary Poppins. She also starred in The Sound of Music, Victor/Victoria, 10, and The Princess Diaries.

“`Andrews received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. She also collected two Grammys for Mary Poppins and Julie Andrews Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies.

“`The eighty-three-year-old actress will be the 48th recipient of this prestigious honor from the AFI, joining Mel Brooks, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and George Clooney. This year’s honoree was Denzel Washington. Andrews shall become one of the oldest recipients of this accolade. Only Brooks and Lillian Gish were older.

Until next time>                             “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`I am not sure you would call this escapism; however, here goes…

“`Throughout the year, On Pins and Needles hosts terrifying F13: Survive Jason nights. This event requires you to solve puzzles to try and find a way to escape the nightmare that is Jason Voorhees.

“`One can expect twenty five-minute sessions throughout the evening. In each game, eight players that can team up against Jason, or individuals can try surviving solo. Tickets are $25 per person and it includes a pre-game campfire cookout.

“`The upcoming events are on September 28th, October 5th and October 19th, from 6p -11p. The campground site is usually located around the Flagstaff and Prescott area. You have to be eighteen years or older to participate in the game. Machetes will provided… to Jason!

“`What could possibly go wrong?

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It’s finally here! Downton Abbey made its New York movie premiere this evening; it is on tap to make its West Coast appearance on Friday. After six seasons on PBS, global fans have been waiting for a big screen adaptation with wonder and enthusiasm. The British red carpet was met with adoring fans and great critical acclaim.

“`I have my tickets for a Monday matinee. My sister Virginia will join me after binge-watching the entire six seasons to be up to speed, and prepared for the cinematic experience.

“`The entire Crawley family, the Dowager Countess, Mr. Branson, and their servants, including Mr. Carson, Mrs. Patmore, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Bates, and Daisy await. Let us not disappoint them.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`A 1936 Academy Award is among the items going up for auction next month from the collection of the late Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne. His vast movie memorabilia collection will be auctioned on October 10th.                     ROBERT OSBORNE –>

“`This collection of the TCM host and movie historian,  who died in 2017, includes a 1936 Oscar statuette given to art director Richard Day for work on the movie, The Dark Angel, which starred Fredric March and Merle Oberon. It should sell for up to $100,000.

“`The Osborne collection also includes a copy of 50 Golden Years of Oscar, a 1979 book he wrote that was signed by over three hundred movie stars, including Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Laurence Olivier, and James Stewart.  This work is expected to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000. The auction will also include thousands of Osborne’s signed photos, posters and letters from early Hollywood.

“`Owning a piece of Osborne’s collection will tie each recipient to Hollywood’s Golden Age and the legacy of Turner Classic Movies.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Over twenty-three relatives of Sidney Poitier are missing after Hurricane Dorian slammed the Bahamas last week. Around five hundred Bahamians belong to the extended family of the iconic Hollywood actor, who also grew up on the Caribbean island.

“`Poitier was born in Miami to Bahamian parents, but he moved to Nassau, Bahamas as a young child. His nephew has gone public in hopes to find the missing relatives.            SIDNEY POITIER —>

“`The acclaimed actor has not been available for comment.

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“`Please join me on Wednesday for my visit to the Hawthorne Public Library. I will be providing my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series to the patrons of the repository. The program starts at 6p.

“`The library is located at 12700 Grevillea Ave. in Hawthorne. I hope to see you there!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Carol Lynley was a child model and screen star. She is best known for co-starring in Bunny Lake is Missing and The Poseidon Adventure. Lynley began acting after appearing on the cover of LIFE Magazine in 1957. She posed for Playboy Magazine in 1965.  CAROL LYNLEY –>

“`Lynley distinguished herself on the Broadway stage and Hollywood film versions of the controversial Blue Denim. For her performance, she was nominated for a Golden Globe.

“`Her screen roles included The Cardinal, Return to Peyton Place, Under the Yum Yum Tree and Harlow. On the small screen, she guest-starred in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., It Takes a Thief, The Big Valley, Night Gallery, The Invaders, Charlie’s Angels, Kojak, Hawaii 5-0, Mannix, Hart to Hart and Fantasy Island. Carol appears to be singing The Morning After in a scene from The Poseidon Adventure. The tune won an Oscar.

“`Lynley had an eighteen year affair with noted broadcaster and writer, David Frost. He was his frequent guest at many of the galas he attended.

“`Carol Lynley was seventy-seven.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Here is a recent interview I did at the studios of Proud Digital Media in Upland. I had a chance to talk about my career as a broadcaster and author of the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Marge Champion is a dancer, choreographer, and actress. With her husband and partner, Gower, they formed a dynamic dance team. On Monday, she will reach her 100th birthday.

“`While in her teens, Marge was hired as a dance model at  Walt Disney Studios for their long-form animated films. Her movements were copied to enhance realism of the animated title character in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She would model for characters in other animated movies: the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio, and the Dancing Hippo in Fantasia.

 SNOW WHITE                   MARGE CHAMPION

“`After marrying Gower Champion, they co-starred in a number of MGM musicals, including Showboat. In the summer of 1957, they starred in their own television series, The Marge and Gower Champion Show. Buddy Rich played a drummer named Cozy. In 1982, Marge made an appearance in the small screen adaptation of Fame.

“`Marge appeared in several stage musicals on Broadway as a performer. She also worked as a choreographer in a number of productions, including the initial run of Hello Dolly.

“`On Tuesday, she will reach the century mark. Many happy returns to Marge Champion.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Valerie Harper became a breakout star on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, then the lead of her own series, Rhoda. More recently, her courageous struggle against cancer, and defying medical predictions of a quick demise,  was an inspiration for anyone with the disease.

“`In high school, Harper was taking dance lessons in Manhattan several times a week. By age fifteen, she was dancing at Radio City Music Hall. Three years later, she was in the chorus of the Broadway musical Li’l Abner. She followed by appearing in the film adaptation. Valerie also danced in the musicals — Take Me Along starring Jackie Gleason and Wildcat starring Lucille Ball. She began working with a group of Chicago Second City players when they moved to Greenwich Village. VALERIE HARPER –>

“`In 1970, Valerie auditioned for the part of a Bronx-born Jewish girl who would be a neighbor and pal of Minneapolis news gal Mary Richards on a new sitcom for CBS. It was a long shot for the unknown thespian. She eventually won three consecutive Emmys as a Supporting Actress on The Mary Tyler Moore Show,  and another one for Outstanding Lead Actress for Rhoda, which ran from 1974-78.

“`On the big screen, Valerie co-starred in  Freebie and the Bean, Blame It on Rio, and an adaptation of Neil Simon’s Chapter Two. On television, she guest-starred on Melrose Place, Sex and the City, and Desperate Housewives. She continued working despite her illness.

“`On a personal note, I met Valerie Harper in 1989 while traveling on a plane with A-List stars to Washington D. C. for a walk in support of eradicating the homeless crises in the nation. She was committed to providing accurate information regarding the protest march. And I offered a report on FM 92 The Beat where I worked in Los Angeles. Val and I developed a bond due to our candid conversation.

“`Valerie Harper was eighty.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`There is absolutely no debate. MGM provided decades of movie music that was memorable. Its cinema soundtrack is their lasting legacy.

“`Michael Feinstein will open the vault of MGM film magic for a Pasadena POPS symphony season finale. This live concert takes place at the Los Angeles Arboretum in Arcadia on September 14th. Your invited to attend at 5:30p for picnicking. The event starts at 7:30p.

“`Celebrate the eightieth anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz with the original arrangements from the classic soundtrack, including If I Only Had a Brain, Over the Rainbow and The Cyclone. Plus, enjoy classic scores, such as That’s Entertainment, Singing in the Rain, The Trolley Song, and so much more!

“`In 2007, Feinstein founded the Great American Songbook Foundation, which celebrates and preserves the art form through educational programs and their annual High School Songbook Academy.  Michael also serves on the Library of Congress’ National Recording Preservation Board, an organization dedicated to ensuring the survival, conservation, and increased public availability of America’s sound recording heritage.

“`What a great way to celebrate the end of summer.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It is back!! The 55th annual Cinecon Classic Film Festival and memorabilia show in Hollywood over Labor Day weekend, August 29th through September 2nd. This is the oldest and the grandest of all movie related fan festivals, and Cinecon 55 promises to offer an outstanding five day package of program of obscure movies, celebrity guests, and one of the premiere movie memorabilia marts in the nation.

“`This year, it will be held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Ave., next to the Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex. As in recent years, all movies will be presented in the Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre at the restored Grauman’s Egyptian on Hollywood Blvd.

“`This will be sixth visit to Cinecon, and I will offer my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series, autographed for readers who love Hollywood’s Golden Age. You can visit with me on Friday, August 30th from 10:30p to 2:30p.

“`Come by and say hi!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The prestigious Midwest Book Review has offered its critique on my latest work, Road To Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I am pleased by their worthy analysis. Here is an excerpt of what they wrote:

In Road to Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, Pacheco has compiled and presents a wealth of fascinating and often obscure facts and history-making moments about a roster of character actors that were key to establishing the Golden Era of American studio movie making. 

Focusing on the men and women who made their film careers as character actors, Road to Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is an impressively informative and exceptionally well organized presentation — and one that will prove to be a core and essential addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library American Film History collections and supplemental studies reading lists.

“`The Midwest Book Review previously offered their praiseworthy rundown of my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series on July 2011 and May 2012.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Peter Fonda was part of a solid Hollywood dynasty; his father was Henry Fonda; his sister, Jane Fonda. His children are also actors. He carved a rebellious career creatively different from his father during a tumultuous time in society.                            PETER FONDA –>

“`Peter acted while attending the  University of Nebraska, Omaha, and like his dad and Marlon Brando, he joined the local community playhouse in Omaha.  He started his career on Broadway in 1961. Fonda then moved to television and movies, and found success.

“`On the small screen, he guest-starred in Naked City, Wagon Train, The Defenders, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. In cinema, Peter co-starred in Tammy and the Doctor, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, The Cannonball Run and Ulee’s Gold (the latter earning him a number of accolades including a Best Actor nod). He is best remembered in his starring turn, and co-writing the screenplay for Easy Rider. This is the movie that solidified his rebel image.

“`By the mid-1960s, Fonda was not considered a conventional leading man in Hollywood. He had become outwardly nonconformist, grew his hair longer, and took LSD regularly. In 1966, Fonda was arrested in the Sunset Strip Riot, which the police had ended forcefully. The band Buffalo Springfield protested the department’s handling of the incident in their protest song, For What Its Worth.  Other friends included Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Dennis Hopper, and Warren Oates. He also hung out with the rock groups, The Byrds and The Beatles.

“`His passing comes as we reflect on the fiftieth anniversary of Woodstock, a celebration of the counter-culture movement. A free spirit, Peter Fonda was seventy-nine.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Once upon a time…

“`There was a beautifully photogenic and talented actress. She was married to an acclaimed director, and she was about to have a baby. Her future in Hollywood was insanely bright. Her name was Sharon Tate.

“`On August 8, 1969, several members of the Charles Manson Family (including Tex Watson, Susan Atkins, Linda Kasabian, and Patricia Krenwinkel) snuck into 10050 Cielo Drive, the Los Angeles rental property where Sharon and her husband, Roman Polanski, were living. Roman was in Europe working on a motion picture. Sharon tragically was home.

“`Along with Tate, hairstylist Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski, coffee heiress Abigail Folger, and Steven Parent, were slain. It was brutal and horrific.

“`These heinous murders were likely perpetuated by Manson  as he became insanely mad that producer Terry Melcher (the previous occupant at 10050 Cielo Drive) had not shown interest in making a record with him. Manson was fixated on Melcher’s rejection and sent his Family in for payback. Plus, the killings were apparently part of Manson’s grand plan to ignite an apocalyptic race war that he called Helter Skelter, which he mistakenly thought was conceptualized on The Beatles White Album.

“`The latest Quentin Tarantino production, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is not a Sharon Tate biography. Instead, it is a cinematic fable that concludes with a typical tinsel town ending. I will leave it there, since I am not in the habit of providing a spoiler alert.

“`In truth, Sharon Tate died fifty years ago. She was twenty-six, and her story remains part of the disturbing underbelly of the tumultuous 1960s.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Elizabeth Taylor’s marriage to Eddie Fisher did not last, but she kept the Rolls-Royce that she bought soon after they wed. As of last week, it has a new owner; an anonymous buyer paid $520,000 for the car at a Guernsey’s Auction at The Pierre in New York City.

                  EDDIE FISHER    ELIZABETH TAYLOR

“`The 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II H. J. Mulliner Drophead Coupe became known as the Green Goddess because of its custom green color, which matched the dress that Taylor wore for her wedding to Fisher in Las Vegas in 1959. Only twenty were built.

“`When Fisher and Taylor traveled to Rome in 1962 for the filming of Cleopatra, they took the convertible along. While on location, Liz began an affair with her co-star, Richard Burton. Upon hearing the gossip, Fisher damaged the car’s fender while he was rushing to the set.

“`The Green Goddess returned to the United States in 1963. The following year, Liz divorced Fisher and married Burton. Liz kept the Rolls-Royce until the late 1970s, when she offered it for sale in the Wall Street Journal after owning the car for nearly two decades.

“`Today, the Rolls-Royce belongs to an anonymous buyer.

Until next time>                               “never forget”