Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

Elizabeth Taylor’s personal collection of art, jewelry, and wardrrobe are going on the road. For over three months, these artifacts will be on display with stops in Moscow, London, Dubai, Geneva, Paris, Hong Kong, and L.A. The tour will conclude at Christie’s Auction House in New York, where they will be sold in December.

Some of the top names in fashion – Gianni Versace, Valentino, and Gianfranco Ferre – designed the star’s  wardrobe including clothing, shoes, handbags, luggage, and accessories. Film memorabilia from Taylor’s Bel Air home, and some of her furniture will also be offered.

A followup auction of her own personal collection of impressionist and modern art takes place in February. Liz inherited works from her father, Francis Taylor, who was a professional art dealer. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibitions, admission, and any sales-related publications will be donated to Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (presumably decreed in her will).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I graduated from UCLA (1980), Bachelor of Arts, Political Science. I’m thrilled to find that Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has just been ordered by Diana L. King, Librarian for Film, Television, & Theatre, UCLA Arts Library. Located at 1400 Public Affairs Building on campus, this is the ideal branch for current and future students to find my work. It will be the 55th library to house my book.

   According to their website:

The Arts Library has more than 270,000 books in the fields of architecture, architectural history, art, art history, design, film, television, photography as art, theater, and allied disciplines.

   This is a personal victory in efforts to see my paperback read by the Bruin community.

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   Seattle is the place to find Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History on demand. Here’s a few online sites:

* THIRD PLACE BOOKS – Two locations just outside the Seattle area including Lake Forest Park and Ravenna. Here’s their link:

http://www.thirdplacebooks.com/book/9781935359166

* UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE– The University of Washington student store. The Pac 10 is now well represented. They offer free shipping for book-only orders. Go Huskies! Here’s their link:

http://www4.bookstore.washington.edu/_trade/ShowTitleUBS.taf?ActionArg=Title&ISBN=9781935359166&SKU=&sdb2=ing&sdb=ALL

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Mogul Carl Laemmle created the Movie Backlot tour around 1915 at Universal Studios. Back in the day, you would start out at the commissary and get the seldom-told stories about the pictures of Hollywood’s Golden Age. You might actually stroll around the sets of motion pictures as Psycho. Today, the tram ride that evolved in 1964 feels like an amusement park excursion.

   GOOD NEWS! Warner Brothers offers the kind of adventure that was popular during the Studio Era. Located at 4000 Warner Blvd. in Burbank, a VIP Tour will give you a complete feel of what it was like to mingle with their stars of yesteryear. Their tram is more like a golf cart and it moves at a casual pace. You can also ask substantive questions from your friendly guide about the history of this iconic film studio and get the appropriate answers. Among the tour highlights:

* A 15-minute visual retrospective taking you back to the historic The Jazz Singer

* The forest where Errol Flynn scampered during The Adventures of Robin Hood

* A French street where Rick first told Ilsa: Here’s looking at you, kid in Casablanca

* The jungle used during the 1932 version of Tarzan with Johnny Weismuller

* The actual street that Robert Preston sang Ya Got Trouble from The Music Man

* High Sierra, Yankee Doodle Dandy, King’s Row, Damn Yankees, My Fair Lady sets

* Location sets from The Waltons, Bonanza, Fantasy Island, and The Dukes of Hazzard

   They also have a Museum with artifacts like the actual Maltese Falcon, and Sam’s Piano from Casablanca. And Spanish-speaking tours are available (Se Habla Espanol).

   Recent cinematic releases and television programs are also discussed. The tour is very affordable… just $49 per person (10 years of age or older). You can visit Warner Brothers, Monday-Friday, 8:20am-4pm. The VIP Tours run continuously. And now, they have limited Saturday times for the Summer. Pamper yourself with this two hour jaunt.

   For the classic movie buff, this is the exact nostalgic thrill ride you’ll want to experience!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It’s official! A Bonnie and Clyde musical is scheduled for the Fall season on Broadway. And, heavyweights are writting the score and lyrics.

“`Frank Wildhorn is known for providing the music for Jekyll and Hyde and The Scarlet Pimpernel. He also penned Where Do Broken Hearts Go, a #1 song for Whitney Houston. He was married for a time to Linda Eder. Don Black will write the lyrics as he did for Sunset Boulevard.

“`The legend of these Depression-era gangsters lives on. In 1967, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway offered lively performances in the Arthur Penn-directed motion picture. Georgie Fame had a Top-10 hit singing about the duo in 1968. And, you can find their bullet-riddled  vehicle on display at a casino near Stateline, Nevada.

“`For the record, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed by a posse of four Texas Rangers on a road in Bienville Parish, Louisiana on May 23rd, 1934. The life insurance policy for both were paid in full to their families by The American National of Galveston. This practice was soon changed by companies nationwide if you were killed due to a criminal act.

“`I’m so looking forward to the eventual West Coast debut of this expected rousing theatre production.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Most folks remember Peter Falk as Columbo, the street smart detective in the rumpled trench coat. However, before his starring role on the revolving NBC Mystery Movie series, the diminuitive actor had a prolific screen career as a talented supporting player.

   Falk received two Oscar nominations for swell performances in Murder Inc. and A Pocketful of Miracles, Frank Capra’s very last production. He was also great in It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, Robin and the Seven Hoods, The Great Race, Murder by Death, A Woman Under the Influence, and The Princess Bride.

   He also had guest spots in Decoy (starring Beverly Garland), Have Gun Will Travel, The Twilight Zone, The Untouchables, Wagon Train, and Ben Casey. He eventually won an Emmy in 1962 for his work in The Price of Tomatoes, a Dick Powell television drama.

   By all accounts, Falk was a total joy to work with. Frank Capra felt he was the one good thing to come out of his swan song. Johnny Cash was also candid about how the star of Columbo took time to coach the singer-turned-actor. And, Falk guided the producer of the first Grammy Awards show in 1971 by offering valued advice.

   Ah…One more thing… The detective, Columbo, has a rich history. His character was based  on the writings by Dostoyesky in his novel, Crime and Punishment. The part was created on Broadway, and played by Thomas Mitchell. After Bing Crosby turned down the television role, Falk decided to accept it, bringing a trenchcoat from his own closet. Four more Emmy awards followed. And, one of the earliest directors to work on the eventual series… Steven Spielberg.

   Peter Falk was 83.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   BiblioBuffet is a literary blog for and about authors. I love the food metaphor describing this online site. According to their LinkedIn social network page:

Manny P. here…

   Beverly Garland was a fine actress of movies and television for five decades. She began her career opposite Edmond O’Brien in the film noir classic D.O.A. She also pioneered the female cop-genre on television, starring in Decoy during the 1958-59 season. Garland is best known for her co-starring role as Fred MacMurray’s wife on the long-running My Three Sons.

   In between, the actress worked in a number of movies for Roger Corman, and guest starred in television shows as Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theatre, The Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke,  Wonderful World of Disney, Rawhide, Wild Wild West, Mannix, Marcus Welby M.D., Mary Hartman Mary Hartman, Medical Center, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, 7th Heaven, Remington Steele, and most notably, Scarecrow & Mrs. King.

   Garland juggled her thriving career to become the owner and operator of a hotel complex, situated on property once owned by Gene Autry. Originally a Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge, the Spanish-mission style complex was renamed THE BEVERLY GARLAND HOLIDAY INN. Lending her name to the 255-room facility is part of its charm.

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History can now be purchased at BEV’s BOUTIQUE, the quaint souvenir shop on site. It’s located at 4222 Vineland Ave. in the heart of North Hollywood, near Universal Studios.

   On a personal note, I worked with Beverly’s daughter, Carrington Garland, on the NBC daytime soap opera Santa Barbara in 1990. She assumed the role of Kelly Capwell, a part originated by actress Robin Wright. I found the younger Garland to be quite amiable and  incredibly talented.

   Beverly Garland passed away on December 5th, 2008 at the age of 82. A memorial service and reception was attended by over two hundred friends and members of her family on December 13th at Garland’s beloved inn.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Numbers are still being tabulated. But, final bids from the Debbie Reynolds 12-hour auction at the Paley Center for Media this past Saturday are quite  impressive. Some of the highlights from the 600 items sold include:

* Marilyn Monroe’s subway dress from The Seven Year Itch:  $4.6 million

* Audrey Hepburn’s Ascot outfit from My Fair Lady:  $3.7 million

* Judy Garland’s screen test dress & slippers from The Wizard of Oz:  $1.7 million

* Marilyn Monroe’s sequined gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes:  $1.4 million

* Grace Kelly’s clothes from To Catch a Thief:  $540 thousand

* Rudolph Valentino’s matador outfit from Blood and Sand:  $258 thousand

*Julie Andrews’ guitar from The Sound of Music:  $140 thousand

*Charlie Chaplin’s bowler from the Little Tramp films:  $135 thousand

* Elizabeth Taylor’s head dress from Cleopatra:  $100 thousand

* Elizabeth Taylor’s riding outfit from National Velvet:  $73.8 thousand

* Gary Cooper’s uniform from Sergeant York:  $67.6 thousand

   Profiles in History is the offical auction house calculating the final tally of sales (estimated at $22.8 million). Nancy Seltzer & Associates handled the publicity, which was immense. Debbie Reynolds has already scheduled a sister auction for December.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The 2011 International Moose Convention is held this year around my neighborhood of Anaheim, CA. This weeklong annual event is open only to Moose members nationwide.

   The Buena Park Moose (my local chapter) will have a variety of activities for our visiting brethren including an opportunity to pick up an autographed copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. $1 of every 1st Edition book sold goes to Mooseheart, the educational arm of Moose International, located outside of Chicago, Illinois. I’ll be there signing copies of my paperback on Sunday, July 3rd at 5p. I invite members of the Loyal Order of Moose from across the nation to stop by and pick up a copy of my work.

   There will be a lot going on during the weekend including bands, karaoke, darts, meals, drink specials, and a shuttle to and from the local hotels in the area. And, a raffle will be held with a chance to take home a new car!

   The Buena Park chapter of Moose is located at 8651 Knott Ave.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

    Sales of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History have now surpassed 1900. I’m getting very close to placing 2000 (out of 2500) first edition copies in the hands of readers. Add another 20 eBooks books just sold, and my career as a self-published author is generating a brisk business. This is indeed good news!

   Moreover, the Santa Clara City Library is the 54th branch to carry my award-winning paperback (22 in California). The Central Park Library is the largest literary facility in the area. Santa Clara is in the center of Silicon Valley, and home to Intel, Sun Microsystems,  Oracle, and many other high-tech companies. Additionally, the San Francisco 49ers pro  football headquarters and training camp also houses their squad in the Santa Clara area.

   GO TEAM!

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Kudos to J.P. Myers of Diamond Bar for mounting a campaign to establish a gravesite for everyone’s favorite dog. The Orange County Register reports that today a burial marker will be unveiled for Toto at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery at 11a. With the help of Steve Goldstein, author of L.A. Gravesite Companion, Myers successfully networked on Facebook, acquiring donations towards the project.

   A $100,000 plot near the remains of Rudolph Valentino and Jayne Mansfield was provided by the curator of the cemetery. Expected to attend: Carl Spitz, who owned and trained the dog; an offspring of L. Frank Baum, who penned The Wizard of Oz; Mercedes Michalowski, director of the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas; and one of the remaining Munchkins. By the way, the real name of the iconic terrier…Terry.

   J.P. Myers started a similar campaign in 2010 for Jack Norworth, the man who wrote Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Because of his efforts, a fan built and donated a 2,000-pound granite monument to Norworth. Another fan covered burial costs. Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers appeared at the July 11th ceremony.

   What’s next for J.P. Myers? The plot thickens…

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Jeremy Krasovic, a karaoke-friend, has an insightful look at Hollywood’s past. It’s In a Place Called Hollywood:  A Stroll Through the First 100 Years of Tinseltown Walking Tour. The popular attraction is provided by the Felix in Hollywood Tour Company.

   The nostalgic walk begins at 1500 N. Vine St., right by the fountain in front of Chase Bank. The tour takes place at 1:30p on Wednesdays; and 4p on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  According to their website:

The glamour and excitement of Old Hollywood comes alive for residents and tourists alike on this fascinating and fun 90-minute walking tour of Tinseltown. Hollywood historian Philip Mershon points out areas of interest from all aspects of the entertainment industry including radio, television, film and pop music — from Mary Pickford to Miley Cyrus — and everything in between.

http://felixinhollywoodtours.com/

   The Felix in Hollywood Tour Company belongs to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Hollywood Heritage (and their iconic museum on Highland Ave. proudly carry copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has been officially added to the catalogue at CINEMATEK. This prestigious site is located in the heart of Brussels. According to a press  release from the Belgian Tourist Office:

CINEMATEK is a completely rebuilt film museum; a permanent exhibition space for the Royal Film Archive’s collections. It holds one of the richest film collections in the world. CINEMATEK is more than just a film museum… We screen several films daily, usually surrounding a theme or director, and you are guaranteed at least one silent film projection each day with live piano accompaniment.

     Here’s a link to their official website:

http://www.cinematek.be/?node=54&page=detail_book&id=51486&searchtype=book&lng=fr

   In an email I received from Maxime Brulein, a co-owner of Two M Films (and a Belgian-born director and producer):

CINEMATEK is one of the most respected movie-restoration institutes in the world. Their biggest fan is none other than Martin Scorcese. 

   The Brussels version of the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, CINEMATEK can be found at Rue Baron Horta 9. When taking a European vacation, why not stop by and visit!

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has been added at its first library of higher learning. The University of Michigan will now carry my paperback. It’s the 53rd branch where you can find my book.

   The Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library residing within the Big 10 school will house my work. This location is known for its research collection for the Humanities and Social Sciences. It’s located at the heart of central campus in Ann Arbor, and they are open to everyone, including all students, faculty, staff and members of the public.

   It’s nice to see my book is now a member of the Wolverine family. I wonder what my alma mater (UCLA) will think about this?

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   Thank you to publicist Barbara Kindness for her kind endorsement of my work (as an author and speaker). She writes:

Manny is a fun and engaging speaker on his favorite topic — the movies — and I would recommend him and his best-selling book Forgotten Hollywood-Forgotten History to any group that shares this enthusiasm for cinema. Film festivals, book clubs, Oscar parties — the list is endless where Manny would be a great addition.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’d like to warmly thank Sheryn Hara of the Book Publisher’s Networkfor letting me on Monday accompany her to the home of Hugh and Virginia O’Brian. The longtime actor has decided to self publish his memoirs in a yet-untitled book. I came along to explain how I prepared Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History through BPN. I left feeling more than welcome at their home in Benedict Canyon, CA.

Laurie and I met the couple at last year’s 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures party. So, today’s reunion was quite congenial. He personally autographed a photo. You might just recognize the other gentlemen in the snapshot below.

His cinematic appearances include roles in There’s No Business Like Show Business, In Harm’s Way, and The Shootist; and starred from 1955-1961 in ABC’s televison production of The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp.

Hugh shared wonderful anecdotes about his personal relationships he developed while working in Hollywood. He told amusing stories that may appear in his book about John Wayne, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, Richard Boone, James Stewart, Virginia Mayo, Ruth Roman, Spike Jones, Buddy Hackett, John Mills, director Otto Preminger, and the Goldwyn Girls. He also showed us a number of press photographs taken throughout his career while working for Universal Studios. He’s maintained a lasting friendship with Debbie Reynolds, as well as, the iconic Hugh Hefner (and others in show business).

Revealing these intimate narratives is not my intention, since I encourage you to purchase Hugh O’Brian’s work. It’s due out in the Fall. Hugh and Virginia promised me he would be a guest on our Forgotten Hollywood radio program after his literary release.

   Hugh O’Brian recently celebrated his 86th birthday, is in good health, and has a warm home filled with a lifetime of memories, which happily includes a copy of my paperback in his library.

Until next time>                                “never forget”