Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

“`Picture This… Film Festival is an International disability film festival. Now in its 18th year, this annual event takes place in Calgary, Alberta. This year, I have been invited to participate, and I will be traveling to Canada on Tuesday.

“`On April 12th,  I will host a morning session that includes my oral presentation, screening of my Forgotten Hollywood Documentary Trailer, and book-signing after the event. Autographed copies of the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series will be available.

“`The festival features films that are about disability and/or films on any subject that were produced, directed and/or written by people with disabilities. Films are entered into one of five genres: animation, documentary, drama, education and performance. Film submission grows every year, and to date, there have been over 1900 projects entered.  Picture This…  Film Festival is an initiative of Calgary SCOPE Society, a registered non-profit.

“`This will be my first Forgotten Hollywood event outside of the United States. I am thrilled that my book series has become an International phenomenon.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`On this day in 1923, Warner Brothers Pictures was formally created by the four founders of the company:  Jack, Harry, Albert, and Sam Warner. With help from money loaned to Harry by his banker Motley Flint, they formally became Warner Bros. Pictures, Incorporated.

“`Born Wonskolaser, Harry, Albert and Sam emigrated as young children with their parents to Canada from Krasnosielc, Poland. Jack, the youngest brother, was born in London, Ontario.

“`The three elder brothers began in the movie theater business, having acquired a projector. They showed films in the mining towns of Pennsylvania and Ohio. In the beginning. Sam and Albert Warner invested $150 to screen Life of an American Fireman and The Great Train Robbery, both released in 1903. Later that year, the brothers opened their first theater, The Cascade, in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Manny P. here…

“`Alessandro Michele has fostered a fascination with Hollywood and celebrity culture since he took the creative lead at Gucci back in 2015. It should come as no surprise that Michele uses this cinematic approach of Tinsel Town and turned it into a dazzling advertising campaign for Gucci’s Spring 2019 collection.

“`The imagery and corresponding video take inspiration from classic Hollywood productions from the 1940s and 1950s, including An American in Paris, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Cover Girl, and Singin in the Rain. Expect glitz, glitter and glamour. A choreographed clip set to the Irving Berlin classic There’s No Business Like Show Business features Gucci-clad characters crooning, dancing, directing, and working behind the scenes; a re-imagined Technicolor musical extravaganza.

“`In the past year, Gucci has collaborated with Major League Baseball, and held a party for the new faces of its Guilty fragrances inside the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Plus, Michele has surrounded himself with attractive muses, such as Jared Leto and Harry Styles, in print ad campaigns. His recent collections have included nods to iconic Los Angeles landmarks, like the Chateau Marmont and Paramount Studios.

“`This retro homage is stunning.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The summer’s most sought after movie event returns for the fifth year in a row. Jaws on the Water returns to The Volente Beach Resort and Beachside Billy’s in Leander, Texas on the shores of Lake Travis.  Expect sixteen screenings from June to August in a three month run of weekend dive-in shows.

“`Tickets to On the Water shows include full access to Volente Beach attractions, a keepsake shark inner tube, a fireworks display, and the thrilling, one-of-a-kind experience of watching cinema’s most famous great white with your feet dangling dangerously and deliciously in the water. You can add dinner (for an extra $12), and take home an illustrated Jaws pint glass!

Manny P. here…

“`Golden Girls fans can embark on a special Golden Girls at Sea cruise, the first trip in 2020, where they can indulge in their favorite classic 1980’s television programming, created around the sassiest ladies to grace the small screen.

“`It’s a five-day cruise organized by Flip Phone Events and will take place on the luxurious Celebrity Infinity cruise ship. This trip is packed with a number of themed activities. The ship travels from Miami, Florida (of course) beginning February 24th, 2020 and docks in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.

“`Activities include Dorothy’s Bingo Night, costume contests, a One Night in St. Olaf Dance Party, karaoke, trivia, bar crawls, and arts and crafts, as well as the usual cruise perks like fine dining, pools, Broadway-style theater, live comedy, circus performances, magic shows, and live music.

“`Booking prices starts at a $1,000 per person for a standard cabin to around $1,200 for the deluxe cabin with a balcony, and each ticket includes unlimited drinks. It is important to note that prices are based on double occupancy.

GOLDEN GIRLS

“`I believe Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia would approve… Well maybe not Sophia!

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`LEGO is set to release a collectible build for the Disney Mickey Mouse cartoon Steamboat Willie. Void of color, the complete build has over 700 pieces, and features Mickey and Minnie Mouse from the short film.

“`This limited edition LEGO release includes moving steam pipes and paddle wheels that activate when pushing the boat, working crane, brick bell, life buoy, Minnie’s guitar and a commemorative 1928 podium with room for Mickey and Minnie.

“`Set for an April 1st release, the package will also come with a booklet that is loaded with historic facts on the 1928 animated Disney short. Those interested in this piece of Disney memorabilia can find it over at the LEGO web store for a price of $89.99.

“`What a fitting tribute to Walt Disney and the origins of his spectacular career.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The Walt Disney Co.’s $71.3 billion acquisition of 20th Century Fox is about to become a reality, reminding us that the Studio Era actually ended in the late 1960s. The demise of 20th Century Fox as a standalone studio is an epochal event in Hollywood, and it casts doubt over a movie industry grappling with new digital competitors from Silicon Valley.

“`The history of Hollywood has always included the revolving door of studio ownership; even Fox Film Corporation founder William Fox, during the Depression, lost control of the studio that still carries his name. This backlot, built in 1926 on a Century City ranch in Los Angeles, was enormous. Fox has often taken chances on longshots and technological experiments. It was the first studio built for sound.

“`Early on, this was the studio of Spencer Tracy and Loretta Young. Shirley Temple insured Fox’s solvency. Marilyn Monroe solidified her on-screen persona in big budget productions. The careers of Tyrone Power, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, Dana Andrews, Linda Darnell, Alice Faye, Gene Tierney, and composer Alfred Newman flourished. And Fox was known for CinemaScope, Laura, All About Eve, Cleopatra, The Sound of Music, the franchises of Planet of the Apes and Alien, and a couple versions of Titanic.

“`Fox Searchlight is expected to stay largely intact. They are the regular Oscars contender behind 12 Years a Slave, The Shape of Water and The Favourite, and could give Disney something it’s never had before: a Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards.

“`With consolidation, Disney will have more influence on the movies Americans and the rest of the world see than any company ever has. Plus,  less studios could potentially mean fewer films. And a piece of Hollywood history is about to disappear. Another consideration, with the sale, Disney is about to own all of Fox’s cinematic library.

“`The Magic Kingdom will add 20th Century Fox alongside labels like Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm. A major downside… Due to duplication with Disney staff, layoffs will be in the thousands. So much for the happiest place on earth.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Working in broadcasting has afforded me the opportunity to cross paths with successful individuals in our industry. This weekend, we lost two of the nicest…

“`Tom Hatten was a fixture on television and a thespian. He was best known for his hosting chores on The Family Film Festival on KTLA, and for his Hollywood reports on KNX 1070. His Southern California career began in the 1950s.

“`Hatten served in the Navy before attending Pasadena Playhouse on the G. I. Bill.  He was hired as an announcer at KTLA in 1952. An accomplished cartoonist, Tom delighted children as the genial host of Popeye and His Friends show from 1976 to 1988, and on  KTLA’s The Family Film Festival from 1978 to 1992.  He was always ready to hand youngsters his sketches of Popeye, that was completely met with appreciation.

“`On television, Hatten guest-starred in Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., Wings, Hogan’s Heroes, Get Smart, and Hawaii 5-0. On the big screen, he had a role in Sweet Charity. He also toured in a live theater production of Annie.

“`Tom Hatten (above) was ninety-two.

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“`Dick Dale was dubbed The King of the Surf Guitar. His biggest hit was Miserlou,  recorded in 1962, and it was showcased in Quentin Tarantino’s iconic flick,  Pulp Fiction. Legendary guitar builder Leo Fender customized many of the performer’s instruments.

“`Dale’s raucous guitar style replicated the crashing sound of ocean waves, and his work influenced The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Dick appeared in a couple of beach movies, including Beach Party and Back to the Beach. The latter movie elicited a famous record album that was distributed by 1110 KRLA. I was personally on hand when this iconic photo was shot.

“`A frequent performer at Newport Beach’s old Rendezvous Ballroom, Dale owned his own club in Orange County. He also loved wild animals, and his personal collection included lions, tigers, and jaguars.

“`Dick Dale (above) was eighty-one.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`He was a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographer, she was the greatest Broadway dancer of her generation.  Together, both re-imagined the nature of American entertainment.

“`Fosse/Verdon, the highly anticipated mini series from FX Networks and Fox21 Television Studios,  is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th at 10p on FX. Get an exclusive sneak peek into the fascinating careers of Bob Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams)  in an exhibition of clothing from the show, designed by Costume Designers Guild Award nominated designer Melissa Toth,  and rare archival video of performances by the artists from the Paley Archive.  Only at Paley Center for Media.  BOB FOSSE / GWEN VERDON –>

“`It runs through April 28th. The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles is located at
465 N. Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. The exhibition is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Jan Michael Vincent was a boyish looking actor, who co-starred with Hollywood’s top stars of the 1970s. For a time, he traveled the globe as a surfer. He is best known for his starring turn on television’s Airwolf.

“`After his tour of duty in California’s Army National Guard, Vincent turned to acting. He found early success in television, guest-starring on Dragnet, Bonanza, and Lassie. Though enjoying a stable film career, Jan revisited the small screen, appearing in Dan August, Gunsmoke, Marcus Welby M.D., Police Story, Hotel and Nash Bridges. He was also memorable in Herman Wouk’s adapted mini-series, The Winds of War, which also starred Robert Mitchum and Ali MacGraw. He received Golden Globes attention for his role.     JAN MICHAEL VINCENT –>

“`In cinema, Vincent co-starred in The Undefeated, The Mechanic, Going Home (another Golden Globes nomination), The World’s Greatest Athlete, Bite the Bullet, White Line Fever, Baby Blue Marine, Big Wednesday, and Baby Blue Marine. He shared the screen with John Wayne, Rock Hudson, Charles Bronson,  Tim Conway, Gary Busey, Gene Hackman, James Coburn, Candice Bergen, Burt Reynolds, and Sally Field.

“`Throughout his career, Vincent suffered from substance-abuse issues. In 2014, his right leg was amputated due to a blood infection.

“`Jan Michael Vincent was seventy-three.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`This year celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Shawshank Redemption, which movie buffs have adored since its 1994 release. It was filmed on location around Mansfield, Ohio. On August 16th – 18th, fans are invited to join cast members and other Shawshank diehards in Mansfield to immerse themselves with the film’s iconic characters, sets, and history.

“`Many actors from the movie will be in attendance, offering visitors the chance to meet their favorite Shawshank characters in person, including Bob Gunton, William Sadler, and Mark Rolston. Additional guests, events and features are being added as details are finalized.

“`The Shawshank Redemption anniversary will be commemorated with hosting tours and events at over a dozen original film sites throughout Mansfield. First on everyone’s list is the Ohio State Reformatory, which was featured in the movie as Shawshank State Prison. On the Hollywood Prison Tour, guests will go everywhere, from inside Warden Norton’s office to Andy Dufresne’s escape tunnel. Visitors are also invited to travel the self-guided Shawshank Trail driving tour as they visit even more related filming sites.

“`On Friday night, the flick will be screened at the historic  Renaissance Theatre, where the movie premiered in 1994. Saturday afternoon, actors are available for autographs at the Ohio State Reformatory, followed by  The Exclusive Shawshank Reception cocktail party. The fifth annual Shawshank Hustle 7k family fun race also takes place on Saturday. The race features a route with filming sites, T-shirt, custom medal, food, music, and more.

“`Mansfield is home to a wealth of unusual travel adventures and experiences, such as visiting the working farm where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Because of chants to alter the name of John Wayne Airport in Southern California, the late actor’s son has rejected the intent of statements published in a Playboy Magazine interview from the 1970s. Ethan surmised on  CNN’s Smerconish that people should never let comments made almost fifty years ago define us. Ethan added the remarks were taken out of context. JOHN WAYNE ->

“`The younger Wayne was clearly frustrated by adverse publicity this resurfaced interview has caused. But, he did appreciate host Michael Smerconish’s  approach in presenting the interview in its entirety,  as opposed to a mere clip of it.

“`The newly resurfaced interview created an uproar on Twitter. The quote causing the most consternation:

We can’t all of a sudden get down on our knees and turn everything over to the leadership of the blacks. I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don’t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people.

“`The Duke clearly put himself in harms way. Oh, how the high and the mighty have fallen…

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Andre Previn was a pianist, composer and conductor whose broad reach took in the worlds of Hollywood, jazz and classical music. He won Oscars for work on Gigi, Porgy and Bess, My Fair Lady, and Irma La Douce. And one of his ex-wives was Mia Farrow.                  ANDRE PREVIN –>

“`Previn was a music prodigy, and whose family escaped Nazi Germany. As a teenager, he found work as a composer and arranger in Hollywood, mostly at MGM. Andre earned his first movie credit as music director in She’s for Me in 1943.  Many of his scoring assignments were spent on lesser films. During this formative time, he continued to explore jazz.

“`After gaining notoriety in Hollywood (he received thirteen  Academy Award nominations), Previn abandoned tinsel town for a career as a classical conductor. Andre was named musical director of the Houston Symphony in 1967, and went on to lead such renowned orchestras as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and London’s Royal Philharmonic. Previn also turned away from jazz, because he feared it would diminish his credibility with classical musicians.

“`In 1958, Andre earned his first Grammys for the soundtrack for Gigi. Two years later, he received a Grammy for Best Jazz Performance for selections from West Side Story. Other noted films he scored, included Pepe, Elmer Gantry, and Two For the Seesaw.

“`In 1977 he became an Honorary Member of Royal Academy of Music. He was appointed KBE, an honorary knighthood, by Queen Elizabeth II in 1996. Previn also received Kennedy Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award with Farrow reading a tribute at the televised show.

“`Andre Previn was 89.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Samuel French Film and Theatre Bookshop on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood will shut down on March 31st. The Samuel French collection of acting edition play scripts and musical libretti will continue to be available online. Upon closure of the shop, the company will donate scripts and materials from the bookstore to local libraries and theater and educational institutions.

“`The store’s sales have steadily declined in the last decade, and currently, eighty percent of Samuel French’s retail sales are made online. The initial California bookstore opened in Los Angeles in 1929; its current location opened in 1947. A smaller bookshop in Studio City also operated from 1986 to 2012.

“`Throughout its history, Samuel French has had bookstores in New York City, London, Boston (Baker’s Plays) and Toronto. The bookshop in London’s  Royal Court Theatre will stay open and celebrate its first anniversary next month.

“`This is the end of an era…

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Join me this Wednesday at 7p for my popular Forgotten Hollywood oral presentation at the Makara Center for the Arts in Santa Ana. I will also sign copies of my award-winning book series.

“`Makara Center for the Arts opened in January, 2016, the brainchild of Marytza K. Rubio, a writer raised in Santa Ana. After working at art school libraries and traveling throughout South America, Marytza envisioned creating an inclusive space for readers, writers, artists, and other unconventional thinkers.

“`This library and art center is a creative hub for  workshops, performances, discussions, and other programs that encompass a global perspective of arts and culture. Makara provides its neighbors with opportunities to explore their curiosity and expand their imagination.

“`Makara Center for the Arts is located at 811 Main St. in Santa Ana. For more information, cut-and-paste the link below:

https://www.makaracenterarts.org/calendar1

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“`The Public Media Group of Southern California, formed by the merger of KCET and PBS SoCal, announced that KCET Originals series are now accessible for streaming on the free PBS Video app, expanding the availability of these diverse, award-winning programs regionally and nationally.

“`Viewers can stream the KCET Originals lineup from multiple devices in accordance with their commitment to bring viewers more of what you love and showcase the best in acclaimed, local content together with beloved programs from PBS. Folks can personalize their PBS experience by getting access to their favorite KCET Originals shows, a watchlist, and their viewing history.

“`The latest KCET Originals shows are now available to stream on mobile or tablet devices by downloading the free PBS Video app from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. While at home, fans can download the app straight to ROKU, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV. Viewers can also stream their favorite KCET Originals programs directly on their desktop at KCET.org and pbssocal.org.

Until next time>                               “never forget”