Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

“`Frank Buxton was an actor, teleplay writer, television director, and author. He’s best known for his collaboration with Gary Marshall on programs, including Happy Days and Mork and Mindy. He also received critical acclaim for his penned work on The Odd Couple.

“`In the 1960s, Buxton rose to fame as the host and producer of the ABC documentary show  Discovery, teaching tots about the world, often with his trusty bloodhound, Corpuscle, at his side. In 1966, Buxton teamed up with Hal Seeger in the animated cartoon series Batfink. For much of the 1970s, Buxton worked as a writer and director at Paramount Television. Frank served as a story editor for the comedy anthology series Love American Style. He earned a Peabody Award for directing and writing Hot Dog for NBC, which starred Jonathan Winters, Woody Allen, Tom Smothers, and Joanne Worley. 

“`As an actor, he appeared in movies, such as What’s Up Tiger Lily, Frankie and Johnny,  Beaches, and Overboard. Buxton remained active in local theater and improv groups in his hometown Bainbridge Island, Washington.

“`Frank Buxton was 87.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`UCLA Film and Television Archive  and the  Hugh M. Hefner Classic American Film Program presents Michael Curtiz:  A Life in Film. This retrospective features many iconic motion pictures; and, a series of oral presentations that covers the life and career of the acclaimed director. This airs from tonight to March 17th at the Billy Wilder Theater.

“`The Archive is pleased to celebrate the career of Michael Curtiz with a retrospective of some of the director’s most renowned and seldom shown titles,  including a pair of rare silent movies, and a couple of movies from his production company that were created at Warner Brothers. Each screening includes Four Daughters,  Casablanca,  The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Sea Wolf,  Romance on the High Seas, 20,000 Years in Sing Sing, Kid Galahad,  The Kennel Murder Case, Yankee Doodle Dandy,  or Mildred Pierce.

“`In-person will be author Alan K. Rode, who will sign copies of his book, Michael Curtiz:  A Life in Film, before each screening (except February 3rd). Curtiz directed over 180 films; 94 of them during more than a quarter-century at Warner Brothers. He was in many ways the anti-auteur, directing tearjerkers, swashbucklers, musicals, melodramas, war epics, historical dramas, westerns, horror flicks, and film noir.

“`For a complete list of screenings, please visit:

https://www.cinema.ucla.edu/events/2018/michael-curtiz-life-in-film

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`News sources are reporting that  Paul Sorvino has made threatening comments against former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who allegedly sexually harassed his daughter Mira Sorvino. The GoodFellas actor initially made his wise guy-style comments to TMZ.

“`Sir Peter Jackson claimed last month that  Weinstein actively blocked Mira Sorvino from getting work in Hollywood, which she cited as confirmation of him derailing her career. Sir Peter’s allegation about the black-listing of Sorvino was echoed in a similar claim made by  Bad Santa director Terry Zwigoff. Her father has responded to the claims and he’s pulling  zero punches. In response, Mira tweeted much love over her dad’s support.

“`Mr. Sorvino did not know about Weinstein’s alleged sexual harassment of his daughter, nor the subsequent alleged career black-listing when Mira fought back. Sorvino’s tough response included putting the embattled movie producer in a wheelchair or leaving him on the ground. Sorvino also noted Weinstein should go to prison; plus, could be a target while incarcerated. He peppered his comments with a bit of profanity.

“`Mira previously said Weinstein had given her an unwanted massage in the 1990s and attempted to get more physical. He then allegedly started telling  filmmakers not to cast her. For his part, Weinstein has denied the allegations.                                           PAUL and MIRA SORVINO –>

“`Later in the interview, Mr. Sorvino mellowed his outlook, saying that he would just slap him around instead of doing anything too terrible.

“`Bulletins as they break.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`The  Upcountry History Museum brings Hollywood chic to the Upstate as it hosts their Katharine Hepburn-Dressed for Stage and Screen exhibit. With a stage and film career spanning six decades, Hepburn is an American icon who dazzled all silver screen, theater, and television audiences with her extraordinary talent, keen sense of contemporary fashion, and fiercely independent spirit.

“`The exclusive exhibition of Hepburn’s private collection will make its Southeastern United States debut in Greenville, South Carolina. Featuring over 35 free-standing costumes, worn in 21 films and six stage productions,  spanning Hepburn’s illustrious career, the 2500 square foot project will be the first major costume exhibition in the Upstate South Carolina region.

“`Hepburn’s sixty-year career is further highlighted through the display of costumes worn for publicity shots and in private life; including Hepburn’s signature look, an ensemble of tailored beige trousers and linen jackets. Also on exhibit are film stills, photographs, posters, playbills and related objects.

“`In addition to introducing visitors to the renowned actress, role model, and fashion icon, the project also showcases some of the best costume designers of the time. Cecil Beaton, Howard Greer, Valentina, and Jane Greenwood, who designed stage costume for Hepburn; Edith Head, Walter Plunkett, Irene, Muriel King, and Margaret Furse, who designed her film costumes.

“`Katharine Hepburn is the most honored actress in the history of American cinema,  with four Academy Awards for Best Actress, and eight other Oscar nominations. Hepburn’s star power appeal, the allure of fashion,  her mystique of Hollywood, and their exhibit’s proven success in drawing large audiences both nationally and internationally ensures both local and out-of-town attendance.

“`On loan from Kent State University Museum, the project will include an extensive list of related programming. The exhibition runs through January 14th.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Peggy Cummins was a Welsh-born stage and screen actress who worked just a few years in Hollywood; but, left behind an indelible performance as the lethal, beret-wearing  femme-fatale in the film noir classic Gun Crazy.

“`A child actor in England, Cummins was not yet 20 when brought to the United States in 1945 by studio boss Darryl F. Zanuck to play the title character in  an adaptation of one of the decade’s raciest novels, Forever Amber. The petite blonde was passed over in favor of Linda Darnell, allegedly, because she was too young. PEGGY CUMMINS ->

“`Secretly co-written by the blacklisted Dalton Trumbo,  who devised a tale of sex, violence, and love, destroyed by greed. Her co-star was John Dall. The production’s erotic energy and documentary approach eventually made it a cult classic. Admirers included French new wave directors Francois Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard.

“`David Newman and Robert Benton were trying to sell a synopsis for what became Bonnie and Clyde. Truffaut arranged a screening of Gun Crazy, and suggested it as inspiration. In 1998, the Library of Congress selected the production for preservation for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

“`She briefly dated then-aspiring politician John F. Kennedy; and, was asked out by Howard Hughes, only to have the wealthy aviator crash his plane and cancel their dinner plans. She would retire after making just a handful of movies.

“`In recent years, Cummins appeared at numerous retrospectives for Gun Crazy, calling this her favorite production, even though she insisted she was nothing like her character. Her only regret was to never play roles that resembled her Hollywood inspiration — Bette Davis.

“`Peggy Cummins was 92.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It’s becoming an annual tradition. The entire Thin Man series of movies, with William Powell and Myrna Loy, will air on Turner Classic Movies beginning at 5p. All six flicks will screen in order, and as always, commercial free.

WILLIAM POWELL   MYRNA LOY

“`Expect witty banter, crimes to be solved, and Asta the terrier. For folks of a certain age, this is a sensible way to bring in the new year. Join Nick and Nora Charles on TCM.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Hollywood’s Golden Age has a language all its own. I find myself using that unique form of communication in everyday life. Often, I get looks of confusion; but, at the end of the day, it serves my purpose. And, it beats the insane notion of texting.

“`Writer Damon Runyon was taken by the romance of real-life gangsterism in popular culture. The crimes of John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, Al Capone, among others, fascinated common folks in the throes of the Great Depression. The criminal plots in cinema made stars of James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, and Paul Muni; plus, Warner Brothers was  THE studio that squarely tackled societal ills.

“`Runyon-esque was born from the pen of Damon Runyon, which forged a polite society of gangsters with a language that was peculiar and kind. Lady For a Day and  Guys and Dolls were among celluloid adaptations contritely utilizing this basis of conversation to advance a narrative.  The productions humanized the criminal, if not the crimes. Runyon, who died in 1946, would never live long enough to experience the phenomenon of The Godfather trilogy; the modern glamorization of a crime family. It is the Runyon in me; I am courteous to a fault, even while directly dressing down an individual. There is little reason to curse in my lexiconic sphere.

“`But I digress. I find that using the language of cinema helps get me through a day filled with success and setback; wonder and banality; laughter and tears. Here are quotes I often use:

~ Another banner day at the Bailey Building and Loan –  It is urban legend that James Stewart uttered this beauty while contemplating suicide, after an unexplained disappearance of cash. A potential accusation of embezzlement is the last straw for George Bailey in  It’s a Wonderful Life. I often make the comment when things are not going my way; or if caught in an embarrassing act. The actual quote:  Another red-letter day for the Baileys!

~ I’m shocked, shocked, to find that gambling is going on in here – Everybody has friends who predictably let you down. When they do, it is not shocking; it is annoying. The Claude Rains’ quote feigns contempt. In reality, it is simple sarcasm; in a movie filled with quotable sarcasm — Casablanca.

~ Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers at night, may become a wolf when the wolf bane blooms, and the autumn moon is full and bright – A human being is fallible. This theme is articulated a number of times by characters played by Evelyn Ankers, Maria Ouspenskaya, and again, by Claude Rains in The Wolfman. Consider it a worthy aside to mutter to yourself during an inevitable moment of weakness.

“`I leave you here with this reminder:  What we do not have here is a failure to communicate. Thank you, Strother Martin, for this paraphrase of a comment made in Cool Hand Luke.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Starting on January 14th, if you live in the Inland Empire, you can ride an express bus route that starts in San Bernardino, goes through Riverside, and winds up at Disneyland, directly in front of the park. And, it only costs $3 each way. A 30-day pass costs $75, and prices are even cheaper for children 46 inches tall and under, seniors, and the disabled.

“`Buses will run to Disneyland, seven days a week, with schedules that vary by weekday or weekend.  Routes will start in San Bernardino at 3:42a weekdays; and 6a on weekends. The last bus from the park will leave Anaheim at 9:29p on weekdays; 9:09p on weekends. Travel time on the Commuterlink Express Bus 200 should take 90 – 110 minutes, depending on the boarding location. These commuter link buses have wi-fi, charging ports, and comfy seats.

“`The pickup and drop off locations:

San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center

Downtown Riverside at Lemon and University

Downtown Riverside Metrolink Station

Riverside Galleria at Tyler

La Sierra Metrolink Station

The Village at Orange

Disneyland (Harbor Blvd at East Shuttle Way)

~  ~  ~

“`Why brave crowded and expensive parking lots, and then take a tram?

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Rose Marie was a veteran of vaudeville, who is best remembered for her role on The Dick Van Dyke Show, and as a panelist on The Hollywood Squares. Her career includes radio, film, records, stage, night clubs, and television; spanning nine decades. She was nominated three times for Emmys, and Marie had yet to turn 40 when she joined the Van Dyke cast.

“`At the age of three, she began performing under the name Baby Rose Marie. At five, she became a radio star on NBC, which led to a number of flicks and two-reelers distributed by Paramount Pictures.  As a vocalist, Marie recorded songs that were arranged by Fletcher Henderson. She was assisted in her career by members of organized crime, such as Bugsy Siegel and Al Capone. Marie was a co-headliner when The Flamingo Hotel opened in Las Vegas (with Jimmy Durante and Xavier Cugat).

“`On television, she guest-starred on My Sister Eileen, The Bob Cummings Show, The Virginian, My Three Sons, Gunsmoke, The Hollywood Palace, The Doris Day Show, The Monkees, The Dean Martin Show, The Love Boat, S.W.A.T., Remington Steele, Wings, Suddenly Susan and Murphy Brown. Close pals included Morey Amsterdam and Richard Deacon, her co-stars on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

“`In 1951, Rose appeared opposite Phil Silvers in the Broadway show Top Banana. She would reprise her role in a cinematic adaptation. From 1977 to 1985, Marie co-starred with Rosemary Clooney, Helen O’Connell, and Margaret Whiting in a national musical revue. Rose was married to Kay Kyser trumpeter Bobby Guy from 1946 until his passing in 1964.

“`One of the last surviving members from the Studio Era of Hollywood, Rose Marie was 94.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`During a busy midweek, electricity went out at portions of Disneyland. A power outage at the California theme park forced some guests to be escorted from stalled rides, which took a number of hours. A transformer problem caused the late morning outage in Fantasyland and ToonTown.

“`About 12 rides were affected. During the outage, no new patrons were allowed to enter the park.  Power was restored in Toontown and much of Fantasyland within a few hours, and was expected to be fully restored later in the day.

“`The outage was isolated to portions of the Anaheim theme park. All of New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Main Street USA were not affected. Some of their patrons quickly took to social media to show the park halted during a busy holiday week. Others wondered if they would get refunds.

“`All or part of the park may close without any notice, and tickets are nonrefundable in such cases.

“`OUCH!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Jerry Greenberg was a film editor who created one of the most legendary car chase scenes in history. He was best-known for his Oscar and BAFTA-winning work on The French Connection. In 1979, his assignment on Apocalypse Now earned him a second Academy Award nod as well as BAFTA and ACE Eddie Award recognition, along with his co-editors. He earned a second Oscar nomination in the same year for his job on Kramer vs. Kramer.

“`Jerry’s career began as an assistant to pioneering editor Dede Allen on America America in 1963; and he went on to assist her on  Bonnie and Clyde, which received notable acclaim for their climatic ambush scene. He collaborated with director Brian De Palma on Dressed to Kill, which kicked off a relationship that would go on to produce five additional films, including The Untouchables. The American Cinema Editors, of which Greenberg was a member, honored him with its Career Achievement Award in 2015.

“`His other noteworthy credits include Scarface, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Reds, The Missouri Breaks, Alice’s Restaurant, The Boys in the Band, The Accused,  Body Double, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,  Get Carter, Dressed To Kill, Heaven’s Gate, Awakenings, American History X, and Point Break.

“`Jerry Greenberg (above) was 81.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Dominic Frontiere had a long career. A lot of his music was rooted in his first love, jazz.  But, he also had a keen orchestral sensibility. And, on occasion, his movies allowed him to showcase his talent for writing music with a rich, symphonic sound.

“`At the age of 12, he played solo at Carnegie Hall. After a stint with a big band in the late 1940s, Dominic moved to Los Angeles, enrolling at UCLA. He eventually became the musical director at 20th Century Fox. He scored several movies under the tutelage of Alfred and Lionel Newman, while also recording jazz music. DOMINIC FRONTIERE ->

“`He was the head of Paramount Pictures music department during the 1970s; won a Golden Globe for his work on The Stunt Man in 1980; and he wrote the music in such successful and popular films as Hang ‘Em High, Chisum, On Any Sunday (earlier this month, director Bruce Brown passed on), The Gumball Rally, Freebie and the Bean, Brannigan, and Color of Night.

“`Frontiere’s television music would dominate.  He wrote the themes for The Outer Limits, Branded, The F.B.I., That Girl, The Rat Patrol, The Flying Nun, The Fugitive, Vega$,  The Invaders, and Matt Houston.

“`In 1986, Frontiere was incarcerated for nine months in a federal penitentiary for his scalping tickets to the 1980 Super Bowl, which he obtained through his wife Georgia, the owner of the Los Angeles Rams. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to a year in prison; plus, three years probation.

“`Dominic Frontiere was 86.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Bob Givens was the animator who helped design Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. He brought his skills to television advertising, animating cartoon insects for Raid bug-killer commercials.

“`He started working for Walt Disney Studios right out of high school.  After joining Disney, he worked as an animation checker on several of their short subjects mostly involving Donald Duck before working on their first feature-length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

                                    BOB GIVENS

“`Later, he joined Warner Brothers. His version of Bugs Bunny debuted in 1940. Givens was drafted during World War II, where part of his service was to create animated military training films. Other characters he illustrated over his six-decade career included Tom and Jerry, Daffy Duck, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Popeye.

“`Givens also worked at Hanna-Barbera and Filmation. He also did layout on early-1990s childhood favorites like Garfield and Friends and Bobby’s World. Bob largely retired from active animation work, although he continued to teach and give animation talks well into his nineties.

“`Bob Givens was 99.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Dick Enberg was an iconic sportscaster who got his big break with UCLA Bruins basketball; and went on to call Super Bowls, Final Fours, The Olympics; and Anaheim Angels and San Diego Padres baseball games on NBC, CBS, and ESPN. He was well-known for his baseball catchphrases: Touch em all and Oh my!

“`Enberg’s first job was as a radio station custodian, when he was a junior at Central Michigan. He made $1 an hour. Dick later did weekend sports and disc jockey gigs. He then began doing high school and college football contests. In the 1960s, Dick announced boxing matches at the Olympic Auditorium.

“`During his nine years of broadcasting UCLA basketball, The Bruins won eight NCAA titles. Enberg broadcast nine no-hitters, including two by San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum versus The Padres in 2013 and 2014. Dick called San Diego games for seven seasons and went into the broadcasters wing of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

“`Enberg often noted the most historically significant sporting event that he covered was The Game of the Century:  Houston’s victory over  UCLA in 1968 that ended The Bruins 47-game win streak. Enberg’s many former broadcast partners included Merlin Olsen, Al McGuire, Billy Packer, Don Drysdale, and Tony Gwynn. He even worked a few games with Wooden.

“`In addition to his career in sports broadcasting,  Enberg hosted several game shows. He played himself in Rollerball, Heaven Can Wait, Two Minute Morning, and The Naked Gun. On television, he guest-starred in The King of Queens and CSI: NY. Enberg was a spokesman in a series of commercials for GTE during the 1980s and 1990s. Annually, Dick announced or hosted the New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade for many years.

“`Enberg won 13 sports Emmy Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Emmy. He received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And, earlier this year, UCLA named its Media Center in Pauley Pavilion after Enberg. Part of the Mount Rushmore of Los Angeles sports announcers, Dick Enberg is often compared with Chick Hearn, Vin Scully, and Bob Miller.

“`The first time I heard this legendary announcer was during Los Angeles Rams games on KMPC in the late 1960s. He was an influence on my chosen career. Dick Enberg was 82.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`The opening scene in La La Land is an absolute showstopper in the tradition of cinematic musicals. This made me ponder about the finest showstopping ensemble moments during iconic productions. Here are personal favorites:

~ WHO WILL BUY / OLIVER – What starts as a simple moment involving a woman selling flowers, becomes a massive piece that includes hundreds of singers, dancers and extras. All are performing at the pleasure of the title character, played by Mark Lester. A quintessential showstopping scene.

~ TRADITION / FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – The finest opening number until La La Land, which introduces the entire troupe, including Tevye portrayed by Topol. It concludes with an intimate violin solo by the great Isaac Stern. The premise unfolds in the first five minutes.

~ TONIGHT / WEST SIDE STORY – The entire cast needs no choreography for this number. All of the main characters simply sing variations on the theme, and it blends like a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. America and Gee Officer Krupke are fine honorable mentions.

~ LUCK BE A LADY / GUYS AND DOLLS –  Frank Sinatra had the recorded hit tune; but, Marlon Brando anchors a memorable moment in the movie that takes place in a sewer. The backdrop is sensational. It’s amazing what one pair of dice can spark.

~ SHIPOOPI / THE MUSIC MAN – The only number that primarily features Buddy Hackett. The choreography replicates work done by Busby Berkeley. To be fair, this is one musical that has several showstoppers, such as Ya Got Trouble pt. 2 – 76 Trombones.

~ I’M GETTING MARRIED IN THE MORNING / MY FAIR LADY – Stanley Holloway as Alfred P. Doolittle is the one big number late in the production. Showstoppers traditionally showcase a co-star, and this guilty pleasure is no exception.

~ CELL BLOCK TANGO / CHICAGO –  This recent entry pays homage to the choreography inspired by Bob Fosse. The scene is told in episodic moments that simply begins with a leaky faucet. It actually first appeared in the 1975 Broadway show, which featured Chita Rivera.

Until next time>                               “never forget”