Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   I have received another accolade from the Loyal Order of Moose for my $2400 contribution to MOOSEHEART from sales of First Edition copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. On Thursday, I became eligible for membership in the Moose Legion. My official sponsor was Buena Park Moose Lodge #1945 Governor Matthew Bryden. As explained in the bylaws:

Dedicated members of the Loyal Order of Moose continually look for ways to provide even greater service to our children at Mooseheart, and our senior members at Moosehaven. The Moose Legion provides a venue for these enthusiastic members to direct and lead special programs that accomplish this fraternal mission.

Membership in the Moose Legion is the stepping stone to the Honorary Degrees of Order – the Fellowship Degree of Honor and the Pilgrim Degree of Merit. Being called to receive these Honorary Degrees within the Loyal Order of Moose is only possible through recognized achievements in the Lodge and Moose Legion.

   Eleven new members into the Moose Legion were inducted from California Lodges in Garden Grove, Norwalk, and Buena Park. It was a Hollywood-and-Vine moment, since actor Erik Estrada was among the folks inducted to the Moose Legion. He accepted a copy of Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, and the star became my latest notable reader.

ERIC ESTRADA

   Best known for his familiar role on ChiPs, Erik Estrada appeared many times on the small screen, guest starring on Medical Center, Hawaii 5-O, The Love Boat,Barnaby Jones, Kojak, Mannix, Baretta, Baywatch, and The Six Million Dollar Man. Eric’s movie resume includes Airport ’75 and Midway.

   Today’s event was held at my home Lodge at Buena Park #1945.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Beginning this week, early and iconic cinema directed by Alfred Hitchcock will tour the nation at wonderful locales. Here are the details:

~ THE HITCHCOCK 9 – Hitchcock’s nine earliest surviving works, all newly restored by the British Film Institute, will roll out with screenings presented by the San Francisco Silent Film Festival at the Castro Theatre (June 14th-16th); the Academy of Motion Picture Arts  and Sciences (begins June 18th) at the Academy’s Goldwyn Theater, and continues at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and BAM cinématek in Brooklyn (June 29th – July 5th) at the Academy of Music’s Steinberg Screen in the Harvey Theater.

   The nine early Hitchcocks are also set to play in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Seattle, Houston, Boston, Berkeley, Columbus, and other American cities. Both the Brooklyn and San Francisco events will feature live music performed by British composer and pianist Stephen Horne, the Colorado-based Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, and other artists. The touring festival is a joint venture of Park Circus / ITV Studios, Rialto Pictures / Studiocanal, and BFI.

   While Hitchcock remains one of the most famous directors of all time, his first ten movies – nine of which survive – are little known compared to his later works. From 1925 to 1929, his silents are among the greatest achievements of early British cinema, though most of the nine have been seldom-seen in the United States, if at all. The BFI restorations include Hitch’s first film, The Pleasure Garden, and such rarities as Champagne, Easy Virtue, Downhill, and  The Farmer’s Wife. The familiar director’s style begins to emerge in four productions: Blackmail, The Ring, The Manxman, and The Lodger (with his first cameo role).

   The Hitchcock 9 is the largest restoration project undertaken by BFI, which holds the earliest surviving copies of silent motion pictures by the master filmmaker. The restoration includes additional celluloid sourced from other international archives. One early Hitchcock production, The Mountain Eagle, is lost. A collection of stills went up for auction last fall, confirming its existence.

~ BLACKMAIL – Though Blackmail is commonly regarded as the first British talkie, Hitchcock also shot a silent version distributed to the many theatres that could not screen movies with sound. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will offer Blackmail Times Two!; a double feature of the silent and sound versions, featuring musical accompaniment, on Tuesday, June 18th (as we noted above).

~ DIAL M FOR MURDER – A  screening of the 3D digital projection of Dial M for Murder, and hosted by Oscar-winning visual effects artist Rob Legato, is presented Wednesday, June 19th. This event will also be held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre.

   Other Los Angeles-area Hitchcock screenings include Vertigo, presented at the Los Angeles Film Festival, and a costume design-event at Oscars Outdoors; and Cinefamily’s and the Academy’s co-presentation of Hitchcock Home Movies and Other Rarities, featuring rarely seen work from the Alfred Hitchcock-collection.

“HITCH”

   What a Summer for Hitchcock enthusiasts; and a Good Evening at each event!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Universal Studios may owe over $1 million in back royalties for Lon Chaney Jr. merchandizing, according to Chaney Entertainment, the owner of the rights to such monster classics as The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and Frankenstein. As representatives of Lon Chaney Jr.’s estate, the company says it signed in 2003 a licensing agreement with Universal, but the studio has not renewed the agreement since it ended in 2008. Universal is currently marketing and merchandising the actor’s likeness without permission, according to previous Monday’s complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court. Further, the agreement gave Universal exclusive rights to use Lon Chaney Jr.’s image (right) and voice.

   When it ended, Chaney Entertainment says the decision to continue using the rights was approved by one or more un-named senior managers at Universal. Meanwhile, the studio has made an undisclosed amount through the marketing of such brands as Universal Monsters, Universal Movie Monsters, and Official Universal Studios Movie Monsters. Chaney also claims Universal used the Lon Chaney Jr. rights to bait-and-switch other license holders into signing with them, before dropping the Chaney rights at the last minute. And, Universal Home Video, the successor to Universal City Studios, should inherit the debt from an agreement their predecessor signed in 1994 over film clips of the actor.

   Joseph F. Hart of Beverly Hills, Calif. is representing Chaney Entertainment in its lawsuit against Universal Studios Licensing and Universal Studios Home Video for a breach of contract, and fraudulent concealment money had and received. The legal teamdemands a full accounting of Universal’s profits from the rights, as well as $1 million in punitive damages and fees. Universal Studios is not commenting about the lawsuit, ignoring all calls from the media.

   Lon Chaney Jr. is one of the most iconic actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age. He starred in dozens of movies in the 1930s, 1940s, and beyond, including Of Mice and Men, The Wolf Man, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, High Noon, The Defiant Ones, and countless others. The actor is a featured subject in Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Bulletins as they break!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   To honor its 75th anniversary, The Wizard of Oz is being presented in an updated version, using the latest 3D technology and in the IMAX format. Warner Bros. will debut the digitally remastered classic film in IMAX 3D theaters the week of September 20th across the nation.

                                                                      MANNY PACHECO     SCOTT ESSMAN

   It’s the intent of Warner Bros. and IMAX to reach a new generation of theatre-goers. Of course, there is critical analysis by folks who consider themselves purists who appreciate the films orginal format. My colleague, Scott Essman (who appears in the Forgotten Hollywood Documentary), has lamented in the Los Angeles Times that it compromises the intent of the orginal vision of the filmmakers involved. Essman compared the process to the colorization of black-and-white movies, commonly done almost three decades ago. Thankfully, the public expressed their discontent over the gimmick. Iconic members of Hollywood, such as Martin Scorsese, also complained about the pan-and-scan process in the presentation of widescreen motion pictures. This was often done to cinematic productions when aired on television. I applaud Scott Essman, and others, for their candor and intelligent assessment of the dramatic revision of classic cinema.

   The one-week showing will compliment the October 1st release of a limited number of The Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary Edition from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. The package includes a five-disc set of Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD and UltraViolet versions; a Making of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz documentary; bonus features; and collectibles like a journal, ruby slippers, pin set, Land of Oz map, and a 48-page hardcover book. Less expensive collector’s editions will eventually be available — all include the documentary.

   After the extreme weather in the past experienced in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Orleans, and along the Eastern Seaboard, I’m not sure a 3D version of L. Frank Baum’s tornado is what the public actually wants!  Just sayin’…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Mel Brooks is the latest recipient of AFI’s Life Achievement Award. Last night, Billy Crystal, Amy Poehler, Sarah Silverman, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Cloris Leachman, David Lynch, Larry David, and Carl Reiner also honored the 86-year-old filmmaker at a private dinner at the Dolby Theatre.     MEL BROOKS ———>

   Among the luminaries who also honored the iconic director were folks who never worked him, including Morgan Freeman, Robert DeNiro, and Martin Scorsese, who presented Brooks with his award. The evening had the feel of a roast, with good natured ribbing from Jimmy Kimmel, and on video… Gene Wilder. Others who offered their kudos on screen: Woody Allen, George Lucas, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, and Whoopi Goldberg. Scorsese put the Oscar and Tony winning talent in the same category as the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, and Abbott and Costello.

   Brooks was honored for his body of work, such as The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs, High Anxiety, and Silent Movie. However, most folks are unaware that his parent production company, Brooksfilms Limited, also produced critically acclaimed films: The Elephant Man, The Fly, My Favorite Year, 84 Charring Cross Road, and Frances.

   When AFI was founded in 1967, one of its purposes was to ensure great accomplishments of the past are recognized to the end that the masters of film may take their deserved place in history beside leaders in other arts. This objective was clearly achieved through the AFI Life Achievement Award, which was established by the Board of Trustees in 1973. It honors an individual whose career in movies or television has greatly contributed to the enrichment of American culture. Other filmmakers honored have included Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, John Ford, Orson Welles, William Wyler, John Huston, Billy Wilder, Frank Capra,  Mike Nichols, David Lean, Robert Wise, Clint Eastwood, George Lucas, and Martin Scorsese.

   Martin Short opened the program with a song-and-dance routine set to a medley of melodies from Brooks’ films. The 41st AFI Life Achievement Award tribute special will premiere on TNT on June 15th, with encores on its sister network, Turner Classic Movies.

Until next time>                               “never forget”   

Manny P. here…

   The actress and swimmer known for her poolside manner in MGM musicals has passed on. Esther Williams’ star also rose in beautiful Technicolor, while working with Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban and Howard Keel. In a bathing suit, she became a popular pinup girl of GI’s during World War II.     ESTHER WILLIAMS ——>

   Born in Inglewood, CA, Esther was taught by her older sister to swim. In her teens, the Los Angeles Athletic Club offered to train her four hours a day, aiming for the 1940 Olympic Games at Helsinki. In 1939, she won the Women’s Outdoor Nationals title in the 100-meter freestyle, set a record in the 100-meter breaststroke, and was a part of several winning relay teams. But the outbreak of war in Europe that year canceled the 1940 Olympics, and Esther dropped out of competition to earn a living.

   She was selling clothes in a Wilshire Boulevard department store when showman Billy Rose tapped her for a bathing beauty job at the World’s Fair in San Francisco. While appearing, she spent five months swimming alongside an Olympic gold medal winner, and the star of Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller. At the fair, she was spotted by an MGM producer. She laughed at the idea of doing movies popularizing swimming, as Sonja Henie had done with ice skating. At the urging of her mother, Esther finally met Louis B. Mayer and signed a contract.

   As with Judy Garland, Donna Reed and other stars, Williams was introduced in one of Mickey Rooney’s Andy Hardy films, Andy Hardy’s Double Life in 1942. She also played a small role in A Guy Named Joe before Bathing Beauty in 1944 began the string of immensely popular musical spectaculars. Among them: Thrill of a Romance, Take Me out to the Ballgame, Skirts Ahoy, Duchess of Idaho, This Time for Keeps, Fiesta, On an Island with You, Dangerous When Wet, Jupiter’s Darling, Pagan Love Song, Texas Carnival, Million Dollar Mermaid, and Easy to Love. Her brand of cinema was promoted as Aquamusicals.

   After her 1962 marriage to Fernando Lamas, a previous co-star, Esther retired from public life. After his death in 1982, she regained the spotlight. Having popularized synchronized swimming in her movies, she became a co-host of the event on NBC at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. She issued a video teaching children how to swim, and sponsored her own line of swimsuits.

   Upon induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1966, a spokesperson was quoted as saying: Her movie career played a major role in the promotion of swimming, making it attractive to the public, contributing to the growth of the sport as a public recreation for health, exercise, water safety — and just plain fun. She published her autobiography in 1999,  calling it The Million Dollar Mermaid. In her final years, she rarely appeared in public; briefly coming out of retirement only at the request of Turner Classic Movies.

   Always self-deprecating, she recited Fanny Brice, who once commented: Esther Williams? Wet, she’s a star. Dry, she ain’t.

   TCM will be airing a 24-hour movie marathon of many of her most famous films from the 1940s and 1950s beginning June 13th at 8pm. Thirteen films will be  included in the cinematic marathon.

    The breezy and affable Esther Williams was 91.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   After four months of fundraising through Indiegogo, we have begun principal production of our Forgotten Hollywood Documentary, with Lionel Barrymore as our primary subject. Nervousa Films was on hand to capture first person interviews of Academy Award winning actress Margaret O’Brien; and Scott Essman, the creative director of Visionary Media, and public relations for Universal Studios and their 100-year celebration. He will be our go-to historian with issues related to Hollywood’s Silent Era and Golden Age. Miss O’Brien worked on two MGM productions with Barrymore; and she was a poster child and advocate for the March of Dimes effort.             LIONEL BARRYMORE

       MANNY PACHECO    MARGARET O’BRIEN                             SCOTT ESSMAN

   Essman and O’Brien were engaging and informative. I’m confident their contributions were original and uniquely fresh in the cinematic storytelling process. Each guest provided a valuable first-person narrative and personal assessment relating to Lionel Barrymore’s quest to continue working despite a degenerative disability due to arthritis; the relationship between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Hollywood during the origins of the March of Dimes; and the movie studio maturation process in the illustration of disease and disability to interested audiences.

   Actors Lon Chaney, Dwight Frye, John Barrymore, and Lon Chaney Jr. were all part of the conversation. Plus, the Hays Code, which defined how censorship was applied as a motion picture code; and the Coogan Act, which protected children working on a movie set, were additionally discussed.

   Michelle Merker is a co-producer of the documentary project, and together, we conducted the day-long interviews. Dan Donley was our director of photography.  This first day of production took place at the Granada Pavilion, a multi-purpose facility in the San Fernando Valley. Virginia Vandewouwer was in charge of craft services.

   The next step is to catalogue the interview footage, collect the appropriate still photos to help us tell the story, and create narration. The finished Trailer will be used in conjunction with a Pitch Package to garner potential major investment opportunities.

   This overall process is quite exciting!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   FYI… According to their press release:

   Join Turner CLassic Movies hosts Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz for the third annual TCM Classic Cruise! This year, they will sail aboard the Disney Magic for five nights — watching films, visiting with the actors and talent who made them, hearing stories from behind the scenes, enjoying special panels, and sharing it all with other passionate movie fans.  With multiple TCM-themed daily events and activities, you’re bound to make new friends as you savor this unique vacation experience. It’s classic movie paradise at sea.

   They will sail from Miami aboard the Disney Magic, December 8th – 13th, with stops in Nassau and Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. Voted the #1 Cruise Ship in the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers Poll, the Disney Magic offers world-class dining, a luxurious spa & salon, and concierge service to make your trip unforgettable. The ship’s spectacular style and grace bring you back to the golden age of travel, and the state-of-the-art theaters take you back to Hollywood’s Golden Age through unparalleled projection, surround sound, and excellent theater seating.

   Ship ahoy!

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   The Golden Age Cinema and Bar is looking for talented, charming, and dependable employees to bring a location with an amazing cocktail lounge, a cinematic  program and incredible service to life. Housed in the hidden theatrette of a former Paramount Pictures building, Golden Age brings together old-and-new to become one of the most exciting venues in Sydney, Australia.  Each and all positions are open in early July, and include operations manager, bartenders, hosts, and door persons. Email your resume and cover letter to goldenagecinema@gmail.com.

    Aussie’s have the unique opportunity to bring back the nightlife of Hollywood’s Golden Age!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The woman best known as Edith Bunker in All in the Family is part of the passing parade. Jean Stapleton was part of modern Hollywood royalty. Her sis Maureen was an Oscar-winning actress. Her brother, Jack Stapleton, was a stage actor.

   JEAN STAPLETON  

   At age 18, Jean began her career in 1941 in summer stock and she made her New York debut in American Gothic, an Off-Broadway play. She was featred on Broadway in several hit musicals, such as Damn Yankees, Funny Girl, and Bells Are Ringing. She would reprise her role in Damn Yankees in the motion picture production.

   Her early work on television included roles in Starlight Theater, Lux Video Theater, Robert Montgomery Presents, The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse, Car 54 Where Are You, Dr. Kildare, The Patty Duke Show, Dennis the Menace, and Naked City. On an episode of The Defenders broadcast in 1962, Jean Stapleton guest-starred with her future on-screen husband Carroll O’Connor. After her success in All in the Family, she sometimes returned to the small screen with noted roles in Touched By an Angel,  Murphy Brown, Scarecrow and Mrs King, and Everybody Loves Raymond. For her efforts as Edith Bunker, she received three Emmys and two Golden Globes. She reprised the role for one season on the spinoff, Archie Bunker’s Place.

   Other works in cinema include appearances Klute, You’ve Got Mail, and Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World. She was offered a chance to appear in the feature, Willy Wonka  and the Chocolate Factory, but declined because it coincided with the production of the All in the Family pilot. In 1982, Stapleton portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt in a television production of the First Lady’s later life. In 1998, and for a few years afterward, Stapleton took her Eleanor characterization to live theaters, now adapted as a one-woman show.

   Jean Stapleton was 90.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…   (reporting from Hoffman Estates, Illinois)

   As my wife (and personal photographer) Laurie and I are ready to return from ten days of golden memories during our trip to the Midwest, I’m reminded that my last seven blog posts haven’t included some really fun activities. I failed to note these little gems:

~ Los Angeles Dodgers vs Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park – This is a rad stadium! And, my team… Dem Bums.. did something they rarely does against a fine Brewers squad… THEY WON!! The final score was 9-2. Plus, thanks to Peggy and Tony Christina for outfitting Laurie and me in Dodgers‘ gear…

~ Safe House in Milwaukee – A restaurant decked out in spy motif. It’s a covert way to enjoy a steak or burger. While you’re waiting for dinner, you can explore the facilities… which we did! Among the treats: Tributes to James Bond; and Cold War memorabilia. One more thing… you better know the password to enter the premises; and I ain’t saying what it is…

~ Museum of Scence and Industry in Chicago – Maybe, the finest interactive museum in the country. We got to venture down a coal mine shaft; Laurie got to ride a John Deere; and we learned about a litany of other technical items in the field of science. With respect to my wife, the photos below can’t capture the majesty of this amazing location. This isn’t your dad’s museum.

~ Milwaukee Art Museum – I wrote about our League of Guardians Dinner held at this iconic location. And, this museum is top-notch traditional in its presentation. The works of art rival any collection found in Europe.

~ Shedd Aquarium – A collection of sea creatures in displays from their geographic habitat. A true learning experience for young and old. Laurie and I had a ball. It’s located just north of Soldier Field, where the Chicago Bears play football, right in the heart of Grant Park.

~ The “L” Train / The Loop – Taken for granted by the natives, it was a blast to ride around The Loop to get from Point A to Point B. At selected stops, we also enjoyed eating deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. And, you would be surprised what  clever items we found along our travels on The “L”… Cinema-related tributes though the Windy City.

   We also traveled past the personal home of President and Michelle Obama; we visited the Adler Planetarium; and we walked down Navy Pier. And, you cannot beat the Chicago skyline. Laurie and I had a great vacation. Now, we’re ready to head back home to California.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…   (reporting from Hoffman Estates, Illinois)

   Today was the culmination in a four year-effort to generate charity funds for MOOSEHEART Child City and School. The League of Guardians Dinner was held at the #1 cultural spot in Wisconsin: Milwaukee Art Museum overlooking Lake Michigan. Laurie and I spent the afternoon walking the grounds of a most special museum, investigating the traditional and post-modern artifacts. This was truly delightful.

   After 5p, the 2012-2013 donors who represent the League of Guardians arrived for a special dinner, and a chance at fellowship with folks committed in keeping MOOSEHEART and MOOSEHAVEN (a senior-friendly facility in Florida) running . To our surprise, we sat with the outgoing Loyal Order of Moose Supreme Governor James Henderson Sr., and the Executive Director of Moose Charities International Inc., Jan Fregulia. At the next table was Shawn Baile, the Moose Director of Activities. I’ve participated in his annual Texas Hold-Em Poker Tourneys in Las Vegas. Sitting with these unselfish top officials who have spent decades in devotion to the Loyal Order of Moose and Women of the Moose was a welcome surprise.

JAMES HENDERSON SR.       JAN FREGULIA          MANNY PACHECO     SHAWN BAILE

   During the ceremonies, Fregulia asked me to speak for the 600+ League of Guardians and share what I accomplished through the sale of first edition copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History paperbacks over the last four years. I thanked my local Governor of the Buena Park Moose – Matthew Bryden – for giving me the idea to start a charity campaign; and I also offered the appropriate accolades to our local chapter for all of their efforts. Our contribution of $2400 was modest in comparison to other members in the audience, but my personal message was met with enthusiastic applause of appreciation. I also donated Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to the MOOSEHEART Library, to sit side-by-side with my original work.

   The League of Guardians was entertained by a string quartet, and the Milwaukee Art Museum provided a stunning setting. The incoming board of Moose Charities thanked God for the charity provided by the folks in the room, and I realized my efforts were well worth the journey into Forgotten Hollywood…

   To be sure, it was a blessed experience!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…   (reporting from Hoffman Estates, Illinois)

   The city of Chicago has spent the entire weekend saluting our military during their many campaigns to protect our country. Among the locales  paying homage to our veterans in service include the Navy Pier, the Museum of Science and Industry, and a parade that took place on Saturday along State Street. Here are photos from the Windy City as Laurie and I honored our fallen heroes…

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   Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has been added to it’s 41st library. It’s  housed just outside of Cook County in Park Forest, Illinois. This is the 102nd overall branch to carry one of my works in the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.

   Park Forest was designed in the tradition of planned communities around the nation that provided housing for veterans returning from World War II. Notable residents have included David Mamet, the author, playwright, screenwriter, film director and a winner of the Pulitzer Prize; actor Tom Berenger; and Berry Oakley of The Allman Brothers Band.

   In 2003, a meteor exploded over the Midwest, showering the area with dozens of fragments. These meteorites are currently on display at the Field Museum in Chicago; one of the historic landmarks Laurie and I visited last week.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…   (reporting from Hoffman Estates, Illinois)

   Crime and punishment in Chicagoland is today’s topic. Thanks to the Hop On-and-Hop Off Tour and the Untouchables Tour, Laurie and I took today, we were able to enjoy cinematic and very real historical sites with gangster-themes. As usual, my wife was the expert photographer providing vivid reminders of our trip.

   We drove down the shopping area known as the Magnificent Mile in the afternoon, when we passed by a marquee used in the Academy Award-winning musical, Chicago. We were informed the production that starred Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere, John C. Reilly, Queen Latifah, and Catherine Zeta-Jones was actually filmed on location in Toronto. The film is based on the 1975 Kander and Ebb Broadway musical. It was to have been the next project for legendary stage and film choreographer and director Bob Fosse, who developed the original play. Though he died before this motion picture was made, his distinctive jazz choreography style is evident. He’s thanked in the End Credits. The screenplay explores the themes of celebrity, scandal, murder, and corruption in Jazz Age Chicago. It was critically lauded, and was the first musical to win Best Picture since Oliver!

   The Untouchables Tour was a lively look at Chi-Town during Prohibition, and centered on locales where gangsters were snuffed out. The names that popped up most frequently were, of course, Al Capone and John Dillinger. The bus traveled through the West Side and the South Side of Chicago, famous for Chinatown, Little Italy, and curiously, Harpo Productions. We stopped by historic locations as the garage where the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took place, and the Biograph Theatre, where Dillinger was killed in 1934 by G-Man Melvin Purvis, after the famed bank robber enjoyed Manhattan Melodrama, the MGM classic starring William Powell, Clark Gable, and Myrna Loy. The guides were giddy in their presentation, which made the two hours very entertaining. I endorse this particular tour if you decide to visit the area.

   Here’s a link to their website:

http://www.gangstertour.com

   Now, will someone please bail me out… I had nuttin’ to do with da crime… I was framed!

Until next time>                               “never forget”  

Manny P. here…   (reporting from Hoffman Estates, Illinois)

   Laurie and I enjoyed a super evening at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, one of the Burbs of Chicago. A production of Oliver! was the bill-of-faire and it was really good. The facility opened in 1984, and named after the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, originally built in London’s Covent Garden in the 17th century. Part of a chain of locales built by Tony DeSantis, an American entrepreneur who was opposed to Mafia involvement in Chicago show business.In 1958, he was involved in an FBI sting against the Chicago mob.

   Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist to draw attention to the grotesque inequities between the classes, and as a protest of England’s Poor Laws during Victorian England. Lionel Bart adapted a musical, premiering in London’s West End in 1960. A motion picture was produced eight years later, starring Ron Moody as Fagin, Shani Wallis as Nancy, Oliver Reed as Bill Sikes, Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger, and Mark Lester as Oliver. The Academy Award-winning movie was directed by the iconic Carol Reed. It won six Oscars, including Best Picture.

   The local production was magnificent; with crisp direction, intriguing renditions of the musical numbers, and imaginative choreography. The children in the ensemble were really great, as was Heidi Kettenring who played Nancy, and John Reeger as Fagin. The standout was Brady Tutton as Oliver. He’s a Wisconsin native, who had a strong resemblance to Mark Lester when he was a tot. Oliver! is playing through June 2nd.

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   Earlier in the day, we spent lunch with the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare. FYI – Rotary International has its roots in the Windy City, when it was formed just after the turn-of-the-century. My 30th opportunity to chat with Rotarians had a special feel, due to the amazing  historic nature of the origins of this charitable organization. (Above: Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare President Chuck Henschel, Laurie Pacheco, Manny Pacheco)

   Here’s a link to the website for info on this wonderful event:

http://www.rotarychicagoohare.org/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…   (reporting from Hoffman Estates, Illinois) 

   On Tuesday, Laurie and I visited Chicago-proper, mostly traveling by train. The Metra is an outlying railway that gets you to downtown’s Union Station; while The Loop helps you make your way to Millennium Park, Grant Park, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), and other tour stops along Michigan Lake.

   The trip along the tracks reminded me of iconic movies featuring this mode of transportation into the Windy City. Four films come to mind: Recently, While You Were Sleeping, starring Sandra Bullock; and North By Northwest has a steamy love scene between Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint (below) in a bed cabin on a train. Since Grant’s character was on the run, he ends up masquerading as a Red Cap in Union Station.

   The Silver Streak crashed into the historic location, through the walls, and the train finally rests within the depot. Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, Jill Clayburgh, and Scatman Crothers survive the impact. Crothers boldly proclaims: Hello Chicago… indeed!

   The Sting features a chase through The Loop. The actors involved are Robert Redford and Charles Durning. This was the singular motion picture in which Redford received an Oscar-nod for Best Actor; while the film received seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture of 1973…

   Hollywood-and-Vine moments even exist throughout the Midwest!

Until next time>                               “never forget”