Forgotten Hollywood

(#4 in a 12-part series to be printed at the beginning of each month)

Manny P. here…

   THEM! – Critics regard this science fiction drama the best of its genre during the 1950’s, along with Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing. Remarkably, it may be the least mentioned. This flick pioneered the Cold War monster genre, later emulated by a countless number of “B” movies.

Back Story

   The producers of this motion picture decided to cast this film with a talented group of character actors. The screenplay allowed the ensemble cast to shine in tense scenes. Warner Brothers wanted to create horror with few black comedic elements (the approach initially developed decades earlier by Universal Studios).

   The movie studio also wanted audiences to believe they were going to see a film noir mystery, and they waited to shock viewers a full 1/3 into the flick. However, this is no gangster film. The villain in this piece are overgrown ants… THEM!

Positives

   Sandy Descher is not a household name as an actress. Yet, this child star was key to the opening of THEM!  Her catatonic look, followed by her screaming the title, set the iconic tone for the film.

  The casting of James Whitmore as a local New Mexico police officer, Edmund Gwenn as an entomologist, and James Arness as an FBI agent was so inspired. Whitmore is overwhelmed by the concept of nuclear testing causing an unusual growth of insects. Gwenn is so credible as an entomologist, as a youngster, I believed he was an expert in the field. Arness is a reliable love interest to the professor’s daughter. This science fiction picture has something for everyone.

JAMES WHITMORE

Negatives

   The demise of one its the stars is very unsettling, considering how heroic he was throughout the movie. I don’t want to give away who dies, but I can tell you, it’s unbelievably tragic. This is fantasy, but his death was so unnecessary. BOO HOO!

   The other negative came as a result of the influence of THEM! Copycat filmmakers never lived up to the hype in mimicking this fine plot, casting, and the general production values. The genre, though currently popular with filmgoers, has been consistently compromised by creative folks in the industry.

Supporting Actor Spotlight

   Edmund Gwenn began his career before the Silent Era. He was originally discovered by George Bernard Shaw in 1895, and the legendary playwright cast him in shows on the London stage.

   During Hollywood’s Golden Age, he provided memorable performances in Sylvia Scarlett, Anthony Adverse, A Yank at Oxford, The Devil and Miss Jones, Pride and Prejudice, Foreign Correspondent, Lassie Come Home, Of Human Bondage, Green Dolphin Street, Life With Father, and The Trouble With Harry. He received an Academy Award for his role as Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street.

   A cousin to noted character actor Cecil Kellaway, I believe Gwenn’s finest hour might have  been describing how ants create their own insect society to a government agency in THEM!  He’s also credited for uttering the following before he succumbed to pneumonia after suffering a stroke in 1959:  Dying is easy… Comedy is hard! Peter O’Toole amusingly quoted Gwenn’s final words in My Favorite Year in 1982.

Epilogue

   Representatives of Disney Studios caught this picture and decided to hire Fess Parker to play Davy Crockett on television after watching his small role in this film. John Wayne also went to check out THEM!  The Duke later recommended James Arness to play Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, crediting his cinematic performance. Leonard Nimoy, William Schallert, Dub Taylor, and Richard Deacon all had small roles in this classic.

   And, members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were  impressed. They honored the movie with an Oscar nomination for Best Special Effects. Not bad for a bunch of giant mean-spirited bugs with an attitude…

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   After a wonderful Thursday with the members of the La Habra Rotary Club, I’m off to the state of Washington to participate in the 2011 Northwest BookFest.

   Before I take my long-awaited trip, I want to personally thank the local Rotarians for being such a gracious audience:

* I spent a memorable afternoon with long-time friends Dyan Hobday and her father Garry (Thank you Dyan for providing photos on my Facebook page)

* I had a great lunch at El Cholo Mexican Restaurant

* The group was so attentive as I shared stories from my book Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History

* The members discussed their active involvement about past and upcoming nonprofit events. Rotary International is a service group who puts Sevice Above Self, and these folks displayed their sincere commitment to our community

~   ~  ~

   This weekend promises to be tremendous as I moderate a panel and conduct a couple of workshops at the BookFest on Sunday in Kirkland, just outside of Seattle. If you are in the Pacific Northwest area, stop by at the Book Publishers Network or the Danforth Book Distribution booths at Peter Kirk Park, just outside the Community Center. I’ll be signing copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Of course, I’ll also be reporting during the the three days I’m up in Washington. This should be a great trip!

Until next time>                                  “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m thrilled to be attending my 3rd Rotary Club meeting in 2011. On the heels of speaking to members of the Los Alamitos and Van Nuys chapters, I’ve been invited to today’s La Habra luncheon. I intend to share many wonderful stories from my paperback, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Rotary International is committed to serving their individual communities, and specifically, to promote world peace. Its members include many local businessmen and professionals. This prestigious organization was created in 1905.

   I’d like to personally thank Garry Hobday and Jason E. Cecil for this special opportunity to share tales from Hollywood’s Golden Age to their local membership.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

Why is Andy Rooney the oldest weekly television pundit at 92? Did he forget to negotiate a retirement clause in his contract?

   This fact will change on Sunday when he delivers his last broadcast on 60 Minutes, according to CBS News officials. Rooney has been offering his unique brand of satire since 1978 on the iconic news magazine. Morley Safer will appropriately profile his friend in a segment preceding the final essay conducted by Rooney. Andy has shared points-of-view about Americana almost 1,100 times during his closing segments on 60 Minutes.

   Why has Andy Rooney become the televised version of our grandpas, who shares old war stories repeatedly? And, why aren’t you fascinated by his compelling stories? Does familiarity really breed contempt?

   Andy Rooney began his newspaper career in newspapers while in the Army. During World War II, he began writing for Stars and Stripes in London. While traveling with the Eighth Air Force, he was one of six correspondents who flew on initial American bombing raids over Germany. He was one of the first American journalists to chronicle Nazi attrocities.

   After the war, Rooney joined CBS as a staff writer for Arthur Godfrey and Garry Moore. The news division hired him for work on The 20th Century. Beginning in the 1960’s, Andy starred in a series of prime-time specials that showcased his humor. Emmys and a Peabody Award followed.

   Do the American people truly find his humor funny? When Jerry Seinfeld makes similar observations, some folks feel he’s clearly cranky…or worse, just plain silly…

   Andy Rooney is a precious treasure. His trademark self depracating approach has allowed viewers of 60 Minutes to accept these fabulous essays with water-cooler enthusiasm that  captured the pulse of what the United States uniquely stands for, politically and otherwise.

   As he joins the ranks of the unemployed, Andy Rooney can spend his retirement rooting for his beloved New York Giants. He’s a season ticket holder.

   I hope his team wins one for their #1 fan. What a nice present for a guy who has provided commentary with a great big bow on a weekly basis for a long time. We’d all like that…don’t you think?

   …tick…tick…tick…

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   October is expected to be one of my busiest months with regards to Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. In addition to a trip this weekend to the 2011 Northwest BookFest in Kirkland, WA, and my appearance at the Niguel Shores Women’s Club Luncheon on October 13th, I’ve been invited to appear at the 9th Annual Duarte Festival of Authors on Saturday, October 8th from 10a – 5p.

   This event is brought to you by the Friends of the Duarte Library. Expected to attend are over fifty authors, who will be particpating in panel discussions and book signings. Featured speakers are also a highlight (including a Pulitzer Prize winner). There will also be a children’s area with games and face-painting. The day-long festival is FREE to the public.

   The festival will take place at the park at Westminster Gardens, 1420 Santo Domingo Ave.  along Huntington Drive, in Duarte (where the 605 and 210 fwys. meet). Sponsorship is partially provided by Southern California Edison and the Pasadena Star News.

   The goal of the Friends of the Duarte Library is to promote community support for the library, and to provide funds to supplement the purchase of books, special programs and material to better serve all residents. Donations go directly to help continue these activities, and are greatly appreciated.

   Here’s a link to the Duarte Festival of Authorswebsite:

http://friendsoftheduartelibrary.com/participate/festival-of-authors/

   Stop by and pick up a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   One of the most honored films in screen history will be released on Blu-ray. This Wednesday, BEN-HUR: Ultimate Collector’s Edition is expected in stores.

   Directed by William Wyler, and the winner of eleven Oscars (including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture), the epic movie stars Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Sam Jaffe, and Leslie Nielsen. And, the unbelievable Chariot Race will now completely roar into the privacy of your home.

   The Blu-ray collection is actually a limited edition of 125,000 copies, and they’re all numbered on the cover. Included in the package:

* Warner Brothers frame-by-frame high definition re-mastering of the 1959 motion picture

* Commentary by film historian T. Gene Hatcher and Charlton Heston

* A music-only track that showcases Miklos Rozsa’s award-winning score

* A new feature-length documentary – Charlton Heston and Ben-Hur: A Personal Journey

* Additional vintage Ben-Hur documentaries previously released

* The 1925 silent version restored with a stereophonic orchestral score by Carl Davis

* Highlights from the 1960 Oscar telecast (John Wayne presented the Best Picture statuette)

* Newsreels, screen tests, and theatrical trailers

* Collectibles including a reproduction of a diary kept by Heston, and a photo-book with rare prints and production art

   Movie critics are calling this 50th anniversary set of BEN-HUR, the finest definitive cinematic presentation on Blu-ray (so far) in the history of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Due to eBook sales on AMAZON Kindle, and a heartfelt purchase by Martin Beijer from the L.A. Mambo Combo Latin Jazz Ensemble, I’ve reached the magic number of 2100 sold copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Actually, 43 eBooks sold almost meets eProfit solvency. Earlier this year, I turned my work into a product available for any eReader. By Christmas, expected sales in this medium should be tremendous.

   L.A. Mambo Combo is a bi-lingual music experience that has opened for R&B artists as Jeffrey Osborne. Martin is an extraordinary Conga player. He also visits my Karaoke Shows at Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos. I offer a personal thank you to my new friend…

   The next thirty days promises to be quite enterprising with scheduled visits to a La Habra Rotary Club meeting, the 2011 Northwest BookFest in Kirkland, WA, and a Niguel Shores Women’s Club luncheon.

———————————————————-

   I’ve added a 56th library now housing my paperback. The State Library of Victoria is in Melbourne, Australia. They hold over two million books, including  diaries of the city’s founders, and folios of Captain James Cook. The first reading room was the Queen’s Hall, which opened in 1859.

   The Arts Library maintains an extensive, world-class collection of books, periodicals, and other materials pertaining to art, music and the performing arts. The library’s electronic databases are available from home to any Victorian registered as a State Library User.

   To quote a noted Australian I know… Pass the sugar!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Dolores Hope, the wife of the iconic comedian, died on Monday. Her resume included stints as a model, Ziegfeld showgirl, and the unofficial first lady of the USO. She leaves a huge legacy of philanthropy unparalleled in entertainment.

 DOLORES & BOB HOPE

   Her early career soared as a singer in 1933, delivering sultry performances as It’s Only a Paper Moon at the Vogue Club in Manhattan. Actor George Murphy was impressed by her show, and introduced Dolores to his friend Bob Hope, a radio and Broadway star. They fell in love and married in early 1934.

   She gave up her career in the supper club circuit, and later in vaudeville, to raise a family. However, she would be part of Bob Hope’s USO Tour, and they provided entertainment to our troops. Dolores is the only female entertainer to appear in Saudi Arabia, which she did during Operation Desert Storm. She was a popular guest in eighteen of her husband’s NBC television specials. Rosemary Clooney is credited for getting  Dolores to continue to work. She released albums during a semi-retirement lasting over five decades.

   Dolores has received numerous accolades for her charitable causes including a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a street in the Bronx named in her honor. From 1969 to 1976, she served as president of the Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Desert. She was also an honorary board member of Wings of Hope, which received a recent 2011 nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize. According to their website, Wings of Hope is a non-racial, non-political, non-sectarian 501(c)3 humanitarian organization.

   Dolores Hope was 102.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   One of my closest friends in broadcasting is a true legend. Art Laboe has been providing Southern California audiences with his brand of radio for eight decades. He brought rhythm ‘n blues, and later, rock ‘n roll to the West Coast in 1951. Art coined the term Oldies but Goodies after deciding to feature rock ‘n roll that was at least four years old in 1959 successsfully on the air, and on vinyl. Art has a permanent display of his fine contributions residing at The Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. And, he’s currently heard on a daily program with portions of his show syndicated throughout parts of our nation. What a resume!                ART LABOE

   Art Laboe has agreed to appear on my Forgotten Hollywood Program on THE SPA RADIO NETWORK next month to chat about his love of Hollywood’s Golden Age. He will share personal stories about his former relationships with folks who have transcended both music and cinema including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and others.

  ELVIS PRESLEY     FRANK SINATRA

   You’ll be enchanted to hear which movies and actors give Art a thrill. Gary Lycan and I cannot wait for this hour long chat with my longtime mentor in the entertainment business…

   The interview will air on Forgotten Hollywood on Saturday, October 8th at 3pm. If you live outside the signal area in Southern California, I invite you to click on the link below:

http://tuner1.dc1.sonixtream.com/playlists/am1510kspa/am1510kspaKSPAAM.asx

   I know the many legions of fans of Art Laboe will enjoy this rare opportunity to hear his personal feelings about the era of classic motion pictures.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve received another 5-star Review on Amazon! Thank you to Wendy Grose of California for her kind words. She writes:

What a nice change

I have been having a terrific time reading this book. What a nice look at how history and hollywood influenced each other. I highly recommend reading this book.

   Keep the reviews coming!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here..

   Cliff Robertson, who was an Academy Award winner in 1968 for the movie Charly, died yesterday. He was an actor comfortable starring in films, and in character parts, throughout his career. He also enjoyed performing on the big screen and on television.

   He appeared in iconic cinema including Picnic, Autumn Leaves, Gidget, The Best Man, The Devil’s Brigade, Three Days of the Condor, Midway, and the Spiderman series of films. He’s best remembered for playing Lt. John F. Kennedy in the World War II drama PT-109. In fact, JFK personally suggested he be cast in the picture.

   Charly was based on a short story Flowers For Algernon that was later developed into a novel. A screenplay was written directly for television called The Two Worlds of Charlie Gordon. Robertson was chosen as the lead in the small-screen adaptation. After its critical success, he decided to campaign for his selection to play Charly in the cinematic version.

   He helped champion live television during the 1950’s, when he was given acting opportunities in segments written for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, Playhouse 90 and Alcoa Theatre. He guest-starred in episodic programs on The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Batman. Robertson also had a recurring role on Falcon Crest.

   In addition to an Oscar, he would garner an Emmy (in 1965), and various Lifetime Achievement awards at a number of film festivals. And for many years, he was a spokesperson in commercials for AT&T. 

   Cliff Robertson died on Saturday, the day after his 88th birthday. His funeral is set for September 16 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Long Island, New York.  Memorial services are also planned in New York City and Los Angeles.

Until next time>                       “never forget 9/11/2001″

Manny P. here…

   This is the final week of store closures at BORDERS. An official end of an era…

   They say a picture paints a 1000 words. Go out and save!

Until next time>                                 “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy is due out next week. The work is based on a series of interviews made by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. in 1964, and strictly sealed after they were conducted. Here’s what literary critics are saying… Our modern dayCamelot continues to capture our imagination.

   Among recent revelations:

* John Kennedy and Attorney General  (brother Robert F. Kennedy) openly shared their  contempt over the  premise of Johnson’s succession as our next Chief Executive in 1968.  A game plan was presumably in the works by the siblings as early as 1962 to nix this  strategy that was set forth by the Democratic National Committee.

* Jackie initially believed the 1963 assassination of JFK was orchestrated by LBJ. She changed her  opinion after Johnson wrote a series of notes to her expressing his own personal sorrow and his concern for the former First Lady.

* Jackie and Bobby had a fling that would lead to an alleged affair, initiated by their mutual grief  caused by the tragic events,  which occurred on  November 22, 1963. It continued until his death in 1968. By a number of accounts, RFK’s spouse (Ethel) was sadly aware of the situation.

   The new book is set to be published by Hyperion Books on September 14. An Introduction  has been written by daughter Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, who gave permission to release these candid interviews for use in this book and on a subsequent special to air on television. The availablity of the iconic Q&A coincides with the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s Inauguration.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Personal belongings of John Wayne are going up for auction next month on October 6th and 7th. This public sale is taking place at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

   Among the many items to be auctioned include wardrobe, cowboy hats, saddles, and other western gear. His passport will be available. The most talked about piece is the eye-patch The Duke wore during his Oscar-winning performance in True Grit. His Golden Globe for this role will also be sold. Over 700 artifacts will be on display for purchase.

   The John Wayne-memorabilia will first go on tour later this month with planned stops in Dallas and New York. The exhibit will be open for viewing at the Fletcher Sinclair Mansion on 79th St. in Manhattan on September 23rd-25th.

   All proceeds from each sale will go to John Wayne Enterprises, which supports and funds the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. And bids on certain items will start as low as $100. The October event will be conducted by Heritage Auctions. Here’s a link for more info:

http://www.johnwayne.us.com/2011/09/john-wayne-items-up-for-auction%e2%80%a6-forgotten-hollywood/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   In addition to scheduled Rotary luncheons and a visit to the 2011 Northwest BookFest just outside Seattle, WA (in Kirkland), I’ve been invited to speak at a monthly meeting of the Niguel Shores Women’s Club luncheon. Part of my Fall Tour, I will share seldom told stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age. I’m also working out the details for a few other events, which I will share in a future blog.

   The Niguel Shores Women’s Club is part of the Niguel Shores Community Association, and next to beautiful Dana Point, CA (in Orange County). This planned community consists of the perfect audience who I’m convinced will find my tales fascinating and nostalgic.

   The meeting is set for Thursday, October 13th. I’m truly looking forward to meeting these  active and interesting folks.

Until next time>                              “never forget”