Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here… 

“`Robert De Niro is among 6 performers scheduled to receive an honorary degree at  Brown University’s commencement exercises. The Ivy League school announced that the Oscar-winning actor is being celebrated for an intensity he brings to each performance.  De Niro will receive a  Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the school’s May 28th ceremonies.

“`De Niro has been nominated seven times for an  Academy Award, and won twice, in 1975 for The Godfather: Part II; and in 1981 for Raging Bull. He’s also the annual host of the Tribeca Film Festival in Manhattan.  ROBERT DE NIRO –>

“`Brown University doesn’t extend invitations to traditional keynote speaker to Spring commencement exercises, instead reserving the honor for members of the graduating class.

“`Congratulations to the intense actor!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`When Star Wars Land opens at Disney World in 2019, it promises to be a total immersive experience.  Disney has expressed additional interest in building a hotel resort inside Disney World,  likely located in Star Wars Land, which would be designed to look like you’re staying on a Starship.

“`Concept art includes a lobby, guest rooms, and other areas of a resort that definitely has the feel of familiar ships seen in Star Wars’ films. The two-night, all-inclusive package would cost $900 to $1,000 per person, including a two-day story set in the Star Wars universe; personal interaction with characters; live performers throughout the Starship; and, an ability to engage in the tale by going through extensive flight training, ship exploration, lightsaber training, and secret assignments (on the Starship and throughout Star Wars Land).

“`Your stay would also include buffet breakfasts, lunches, and evening dining, exclusive park admission to Star Wars Land, and Starship amenities, such as a pool area and water garden, fitness area, onboard Cantina, and — wait for it — robotic droid butlers.

“`This looks like it’s in the idea phase, but, it’s just another example of how ambitious Disney World is being in its execution of Star Wars Land.

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“`My Forgotten Hollywood cable podcast that visually streams each episode on TherapyCable is available in audio form. PlayerFM is the site that carries the audio podcast version. Here is the link to the site:

https://player.fm/series/forgotten-hollywood#

“`Click on the link and enjoy:

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Clifton James had a knack for playing sheriffs on screen, with memorable performances in Silver Streak; and, in two James Bond movies: The Man with the Golden Gun and Live and Let Die.  He also had a notable role, playing Charles Comiskey, in the baseball flick, Eight Men Out.

“`In the 1930s, James got work with the Civilian Conservation Corps, and then entered World War II in 1942 as a soldier with the Army in the South Pacific, receiving two Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, and a Silver Star.

“`A graduate of the Actor’s Studio,  James was cast in popular films, including Will Penny, Experiment in Terror, David and Lisa, Cool Hand Luke, The Reivers, The Last Detail, The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training, Superman II, The Untouchables, and The Bonfire of the Vanities  (OK…. the latter film was not popular). On television, Clifton had a recurring part on Lewis & Clark.  He also guest-starred in a few episodes of  The A-Team, appeared on Gunsmoke, and the daytime soap opera, All My Children.

“`A wonderful character actor, Clifton James (above) was 96.

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“`Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make the trek up to the Hollywood Sign. But, one of its most popular access routes is about to be closed to the public.

“`The most-traversed street to the Hollywood Sign was up a road in Beachwood;  much to the chagrin of neighboring residents. After years of strife between residents, tourists, and City Hall,  the Beachwood path will be shut down, this month. That decision comes as the result of a court battle between the city and commercial stable that leases land.

“`Now, there’s a $100,000 plan to evaluate a different trail to the Hollywood Sign; one that goes through Griffith Park. So, what’s next for the fate of the Hollywood Sign, and the people that travel to Los Angeles to see it?

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. hee… 

“`Hundreds of Charlie Chaplin fans,  dressed as his Tramp character,  gathered at the silent film star’s former home in Switzerland,  marking his 128th birthday. Chaplin’s World Museum, which opened a year ago,  featured 662 folks sporting the star’s distinctive bowler hat and cane at the Manoir de Ban in Corsier-sur-Vevey, above Lake Geneva. This is considered a world record.

“`In its initial year, Chaplin’s World By Grévin has hosted visitors from all over the world. Folks from 75 nations have visited Chaplin’s final home,  and the Hollywood-style studio located in the grounds of the estate. The Museum has already welcomed close to 300,000 guests. And, the word-of-mouth of the experience has been universally positive.

“`The Manoir de Ban is where Chaplin lived his last 25 years; raised his children, wrote music, movie scripts, and contemplated his legacy, far from the glare of the Hollywood spotlight.

“`Charlie Chaplin died in 1977.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Two new attractions opening this month in Nashville  will give fans a chance to get closer to favorite country music icons. The legendary vocalist Patsy Cline gets an overdue honor with a museum a few blocks from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  Plus, Madame Tussauds opens a new music-focused attraction near the Grand Ole Opry House, featuring lifelike figurines of  Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and many more.

“`The Patsy Cline Museum unveils details about the singer, whose life and career was cut short, when she perished in a plane crash in 1963.  It is a vast collection of items related to Cline, who was one of the first country artists to crossover to become an iconic torch singer. The public has not seen letters written by Cline, or photos and other artifacts in 50 years.

“`Just in time for Spring and Summer, another attraction brings a new tourist draw to the city that has been featured in lists of top United States destinations for travelers. The attraction is the 7th Madame Tussauds in the nation; the only one entirely focused on musicians. It isn’t just limited to country; but, includes figures from pop, jazz, folk, rock, and soul music.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`He was the first black man to play in baseball’s Major Leagues, ending six decades of racial segregation, and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.  Fittingly, Jackie Robinson will be the first player to be honored with a statue at Dodger Stadium.  It will be unveiled later today, on the 70th anniversary of his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

“`Two years ago, on  Jackie Robinson Day, owner and chairman Mark Walter suggested that a sculpture belonged at Dodger Stadium of the six-time All-Star second baseman, who starred when the team was in Brooklyn.

“`The 77-inch tall bronze statue depicts Robinson as a rookie, in 1947, sliding into home plate,  a nod to aggressive base running. It weighs 700 pounds,  and it is secured with a steel rod.  On the statue’s granite base are three quotes, chosen by Jackie’s family, including his wife Rachel’s favorite:  A life isn’t important, except in the impact it has on other lives. Placed in the left field reserve plaza,  the statue has sweeping views of Downtown, Los Angeles in one direction, and Elysian Park in the other.

“`Now 94, Rachel Robinson is traveling from the East Coast to attend the unveiling, along with her daughter Sharon and son David.  Also invited, are members of Jackie’s extended family, many from his late brother Mack’s side,  who reside in nearby Pasadena. That’s where the Georgia-born Jackie grew up, and became a four-sport star in football, basketball, baseball, and track at John Muir High.  He also played at  Pasadena City College, before heading to UCLA.

“`Iconic names in Dodgers’ history will be on hand:  Pitching greats, Sandy Koufax and Don Newcombe, who were Robinson’s teammates when the Dodgers won the 1955 World Series; retired broadcaster Vin Scully; and Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda. Also, Frank Robinson, a Hall of Fame player, and the first black to manage in the Majors;  Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson; and team president and CEO Stan Kasten. The first 40,000 fans at Saturday’s game against Arizona receive a replica of the statue.

“`Robinson’s statue at the ballpark is his eighth, most of any American athlete.  Since 2004, baseball has honored Robinson’s barrier-breaking career every April; the one day players on every team wears his retired No. 42 jersey.

“`What a great day to be a fan of the Dodgers!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has put on display a rarely-seen photograph of iconic jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald; fondly nicknamed First Lady of Song.  This portrait is currently on view, ahead of the 100th anniversary of her birth. Ella died in 1996, and would have marked her 100th birthday on April 25th.

“`Representatives of the gallery chose the photograph of Fitzgerald in performance flanked by Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, and Milt Jackson (right). It was taken in 1947 by William Gottlieb, who learned to shoot a camera to take pictures to accompany his  weekly music column for the Washington Post.  Ella was actually in the audience to hear her boyfriend, Ray Brown,  perform with his group. But, as expected,  everybody wanted to hear Ella croon. Once she held the mic, Gottlieb got into position to take  his pic. His photos of musicians of the 1930s and 1940s are generally considered vibrant visual records of jazz’s Golden Age.

“`Fitzgerald topped DownBeat Magazine’s annual readers’ poll as the Best Female Vocalist for 17 consecutive years (1953–1970). She was a teen when she won an amateur contest at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater. This led to a chance to sing with Chick Webb’s orchestra in 1935. Fitzgerald soon secured her standing as the leading swing-era performer, and scored a hit with A-Tisket, A-Tasket in 1938. After Webb’s passing in 1939, she led his orchestra for three years, before moving to a successful solo career.  With a voice spanning three octaves, and a great knack for improvisational scat singing,  she developed a wide-ranging repertoire encompassing multi genres of music.  Ella’s long and fruitful association with jazz impresario Norman Granz resulted in a legendary series of songbook recordings that marked Fitzgerald: One of the great interpreters of American popular music.

“`The striking photo  was given to the museum as a gift from Lisa Ruthel and Anup Mahurkar; and Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation has helped make it possible for this portrait to be on view in honor of Ella at 100: The Centennial Celebration. It’s the first time the photograph has been displayed at the museum.

“`It will be on view through May 14th in the Celebrate exhibit of the first-floor north gallery.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Michael Ballhaus was an award-winning cinematographer.  Part of Hollywood royalty, he was the nephew of the German stage and film  actor Carl Balhaus, who co-starred in The Blue Angel and M.

“`Ballhaus was influenced by director Max Ophüls, and he appeared as an extra in Ophüls last film Lola Montes. He came to prominence with his performances in 16 films for Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

“`After settling in the United States, Ballhaus worked on great motion pictures, including The Color of Money, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Age of Innocence, Gangs of New York, Goodfellas and The Departed for Martin Scorsese; Sleepers for Barry Levinson; and Dracula for Francis Ford Coppola. Other films include Postcards from the Edge, Outbreak, The Glass Menagerie, Quiz Show, What About Bob, The Mambo Kings, Air Force One, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Working Girl, and The Legend of Bagger Vance.

“`Ballhaus was nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, for Broadcast News, The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Gangs of New York. But, he never won. He did earn a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Cinematography for his work on Goodfellas.

“`His son, Florian, is also a cinematographer, who worked on The Devil Wears Prada, and Flightplan.

“`Michael Ballhaus was 81.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and  Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History  are part of my award-winning literary series  that shares America’s story through the eyes of character actors of Hollywood’s Studio Era. There are 36 supporting players who make up the various chapters in my books. I’ve just finished penning a third paperback in the series that includes 21 more players who lend their support to major cinematic stars. It is due out in the near future.

“`In April, Turner Classic Movies pays tribute to the fine folks who appear below the title of great cinema. I would like to think my literary work has influenced this long overdue homage. A few of my subjects are featured throughout the month, such as S. Z. Sakall, Frank Morgan, Beulah Bondi, Charles Coburn, William Bendix, Thomas Mitchell, Marjorie Main, Thelma Ritter, Ward Bond, and Walter Brennan. TCM also showcases actors in my upcoming work, including Edward Everett Horton, Charles Bickford, and Edward Arnold.

“`Each Tuesday and Thursday in April, watch and enjoy 32 of the best comedians, dramatists, and scene stealers, TCM has had the pleasure of bringing you in a particular month.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`A New York City museum is reaching out to fans of Jim Henson’s Muppets to help finance an exhibition featuring original puppets of beloved characters as Elmo, Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog. The Museum of the Moving Image launched a Kickstarter campaign seeking $40,000 to help preserve the puppets for posterity.

“`The museum owns hundreds of Jim Henson puppets and other objects, including costumes and props. Museum staff members are working to conserve the artifacts. The strategy to use crowdfunding makes sense because the Muppet fan community is so active.

“`The restoration of this important collection is an ongoing collaboration between the Museum and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, with input from fine art conservators. The Museum will work with designers and builders at the legendary Creature Shop to restore and preserve the items for future generations.

“`The exhibit will feature over  40 original puppets, as well as prototypes, original character sketches, rare behind-the-scenes footage and photographs, and interactive puppetry design and performance experiences.

“`Sections of the exhibition will be devoted to: 

• Henson’s early work on television and cinema in the 1950s and 1960s, in which Jim’s imagination, wit, and capacity for creative innovation were clearly established
• Sesame Street, where his remarkably expressive puppets have delighted children for generations
• The Muppet Show and Muppet feature films, which have had an indelible impact on popular culture
• The imaginary worlds of Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth

“`The museum in the Astoria section of Queens is hoping to open the Jim Henson Exhibition this summer. A traveling exhibition, using objects from the collection, will open May 20th at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Film fans had a chance this weekend at the TCM Classic Film Festival to see cinema the way they were originally projected:  On old-style nitrate film stock. The process has been universally praised for its visual beauty, and for allowing cinematographers to paint with image light  —  whites jump off the screen, blacks are deep and rich, and grey tones shimmer. Color nitrate has been described as equally breathtaking.

“`It’s also unstable, combustible, and contains a substance used in explosives. In other words, nitrate is extremely flammable. Kodak stopped making this in the early 1950s, when replaced by more stable film stock.

“`TCM wanted to screen nitrate prints that exist in archives at its fest. They collaborated with Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation. In conjunction with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Academy Film Archive, and the American Cinematheque, they brought the projection booth of the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood up to fire code.  They also modified a couple of vintage 35mm projectors.

                                                    PORTRAIT OF JENNIE

“`Personally,  I believe Portrait of Jennie may have been the finest example in the use of nitrate celluloid. Over the weekend, TCM screened Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much; the film noir classic, Laura; Lady in the Dark; and Black Narcissus. With its projection booth up to code, the Egyptian Theatre will continue to screen nitrate movies.

“`Plus, all precautions have been taken, so patrons never have to yell fire in the theater.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Google’s latest Google Doodle is celebrating what would be actress, director, and producer Mary Pickford’s 125th birthday. The search engine’s homepage features art depicting Pickford, known as Queen of the Movies, operating a camera with a kitty perched on her shoulder, and the word Google written in the style of text from a silent film.

“`Mary Pickford was born in Toronto, Canada on April 8th, 1892, and she died in Santa Monica on May 29th, 1979 at the age of 87, after a prolific career in the motion picture industry. Early in her cinematic career, she was known as the girl with the curls; a beloved star who appeared in as many as 50 films a year in the silent film era.

“`Mary was able to use her stardom to negotiate  wages equaling half of her films profits, and demanded full creative and financial control of her films along with Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, and D.W. Griffith. Pickford also helped revolutionize the movie industry by developing the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which helped provide independent filmmakers an avenue to distribute their films outside of the studios system.

“`She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1929 film Coquette, and was recognized for contributions to the film industry with an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 1976.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Don Rickles, whose verbal assaults endeared him to audiences and peers, and made him the acknowledged master of insult comedy. He was a mainstay on late-night television, and he was quite memorable in a few films.  Above all, Don was a madcap pioneer of political incorrectness.

“`Rickles perfected this confrontational schtick, stand-up performers still emulate. He managed to shock audiences, without social commentary. He operated under a code as old as the Borscht Belt: Go far – ethnic jokes, sex jokes; however, make sure everyone knows it’s just for fun.  He emerged in the late 1950s, a time when comics such as Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl were taking greater political risks. Ironically, one of his best pals was the milquetoast Bob Newhart.

“`For over a half a century, Rickles (above)  headlined casinos and nightclubs from Las Vegas to Atlantic City, and he livened up late-night talk shows. No one was exempt from his barrage of insults, including fellow celebs as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Johnny Carson.  In spite of jokes that might have inspired boycotts, Rickles was one of the most beloved folks in show business;  idolized by peers, such as Joan Rivers, Louis CK, Chris Rock, and Sarah Silverman. Rickles appeared everywhere from strip clubs to the 1985 inaugural gala for President Ronald Reagan, and remained popular well after his ethnic and racial humor had become outdated.

“`Don set out to be a serious actor, enrolling in New York’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where one of his classmates was Jason Robards. Originally having no luck finding acting jobs, he initially supported himself by selling automobiles, life insurance, and even, cosmetics. Rickles’ movies ranged from comedies to dramas, and included  Run Silent Run Deep, which starred Clark Gable; The Rat Race with Tony Curtis; Kelly’s Heroes starring Clint Eastwood; and Martin Scorsese’s Casino with Robert De Niro. Rickles also appeared in four Beach Party flicks in the 1960s, and Don provided the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the animated Toy Story films. The latter character was additionally featured in a potato chip television ad.

“`He was never able to transfer his success to a televised weekly situation comedy. The Don Rickles Show lasted just one season.  C.P.O. Sharkey, in which he played an acid-tongued Navy chief petty officer, fared slightly better, airing from 1976 to 1978. The tireless comedian left behind a 10-episode series, Dinner with Don, which De Niro, Billy Crystal, Amy Poehler, Jimmy Kimmel, and others joined him to eat and chat. Distribution and a release date for the AARP Studios production have yet to be announced.

“`Rickles became an unofficial court jester of Sinatra’s Rat Pack, ridiculing his singing, his love life, and alleged ties to organized crime. He won the Emmy for Best Individual Performance in a Variety Show for the John Landis film Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project. He received the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence, a fitting tribute for a comic whose big break came on The Tonight Show. Carson was a favorite target; and maybe, his biggest fan.

“`God rest the hockey puck… Don Rickles was 90.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Rona Barrett’s fine effort to build the Golden Inn & Village housing project for low-income seniors in Santa Ynez has inspired California Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson to introduced a bill that would encourage the construction of similar affordable senior housing projects, statewide. The Golden Inn & Village opened its doors last year.

                                                                   RONA BARRETT

“`Senate Bill 62,  Affordable Senior Housing Act of 2017, would create an Affordable Senior Housing Program within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. The program would guide housing projects from conception to completion; it would provide assistance in obtaining permits;  it would help find private and public funding sources;  and would search for suitable locations. It works with local, state, and federal agencies to move projects forward.

“`SB 62 would also require annual reports to the Legislature on the number and location of senior housing units developed through the program, as well as, challenges encountered. A hearing for the bill has not yet been scheduled.

“`Spearheaded by Barrett, an entrepreneur and former gossip columnist, the Golden Inn & Village was built with a combination of public and private funds, and provides housing units for low-income seniors, along with services that meet their needs as they age.  They include affordable staff housing, community center and gardens, and will eventually include assisted living, memory care, adult day care, and hospice care.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Downton Abbey may not be producing any new episodes;  but, the British series is offering all fans with a really neat activity that could meet with the Dowager Countess’ discerning approval: An official coloring book! Produced by Sizzle Press, the item  gives fans;  who miss the Crawleys, and their high society drama, a chance to return to the program,  as they color in different scenes.

“`In particular, viewers of the series will recognize key characters of Downton, including Mr. Carson, Lady Edith, Branson, and Mrs. Patmore. This entry is the latest in a line of television program-themed coloring books fans of popular series can purchase.

“`The official Downton Abbey Coloring Book will soon be available for purchase on May 2nd.

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                       ARNOLD PALMER      ROBERT OSBORNE

“` This weekend, we will remember two legends:  Arnold Palmer, during the ceremonial First Tee Shot at The Masters; and Robert Osborne, all weekend long at the TCM Film Festival. For four days, they are linked together in death.

Until next time>                               “never forget”