Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has announced the upcoming launch of a new digital broadcast network aimed at reaching the classic-film fan. GetTV will launch in the United States some time this Fall. The production company is a small screen distribution subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

   Sony Pictures Television was initially known as Screen Gems in 1948; the company reincorporated as Columbia Pictures Television in 1974; and merged with sister studio TriStar Television (formed in 1986 and relaunched in 1991) to form Columbia TriStar Television in 1994. The name was changed to reflect the Sony brand in 2002.

   The network will focus chiefly on content from Hollywood’s Golden Era, consisting of titles from the Sony Pictures’ archives. They own approximately 3,500 films, such as The Bridge On The River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia. SPT jointly owns rights with Fremantle Media to most of the post-1947 Bob Hope movie library, including My Favorite Brunette, The Lemon Drop Kid, The Seven Little Foys, and Son of Paleface. SPT also handles the Columbia TriStar Pictures theatrical library, The Three Stooges, and classic television titles, such as The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Route 66, Dennis the Menace, and Hazel.

   This could be a very interesting channel to compliment TCM.

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   Milton Berle’s jokes are set to go on sale today, just eleven years after he died in 2002. The comedian had four cabinets holding hundreds of 3×5 cards set to be sold in Los Angeles. Berle was best known as the host of the Texaco Star Theater on television, and this show was a breakthrough on the small screen. His index cards are set to sell between $10k and $15k.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot Documentary (Development) funding campaign online on INDIEGOGO will officially conclude on May 4th. The brochure campaign will continue until May 18th at Westminster Lanes with a day of bowling for cash and prizes. As for now, in our 17th week, we’ve made 69% of our goal. It’s not too late to make a contribution:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ LISA G. ($100) – Prefering to maintain a modicum of anonymity, Lisa has been my friend for almost 25 years. In addition to making a significant cash statement, she has also secured a neat prize for our Westminster Lanes fundraiser on May 18th: a Nikon Coolpix S4200, valued at $180. Lisa will allow me to publicly thank her in the end credits of our Forgotten Hollywood Pilot, with the rest of the contributors. I have already privately offered my heartfelt thanks.

~ CHRIS JOHNSON ($50) – Chris is a massive sports enthusiast who’s a loyal patron at Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos. He’s also part of the enthusiastic audience that enjoys karaoke entertainment each weekend. During the day, Chris is a longtime employee of Southern California Edison.

~ RUBEN “JAY” PENA ($40) – Ruben is energetic about carving a successful broadcasting career. A graduate of the Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting in Huntington Beach. he freelances as  a media consultant. Ruben also voiced interest in participating in any capacity as part of our Forgotten Hollywood production team. I’m seriously considering taking him up on his offer, since he’s a talented individual with a very mature outlook about what we are trying to accomplish. Here’s a link to his engaging website:

www.rubenjay.com

~ NANCY ELLIS ($25) – Nancy is a longtime radio broadcaster, whose credits include KSRF in Santa Monica. She keeps quite busy by working as a counselor at the Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting, and for a supermarket chain. Like Lisa and Chris, I’ve known Nancy for a good number of years.

* * * * *

   During this 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters to help us achieve our 120+ day (19-week) goal of $5000. 89 inidividual and business contributors want to support quality family-friendly television programs, intelligently presented.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

Again… here’s the INDIEGOGO link for the details (and you’re chance to contribute):

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   All participants will warmly receive screen thanks at the conclusion of the Documentary.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The child star who began her cinematic career appearing with Judy Garland in an MGM two-reeler has passed away. Deanna Durbin shared screen time with Garland in Every Sunday Afternoon, and it served to become a screen test for the two aspiring stars. Following a screening of the short for MGM executives, opinion was divided on whether Garland or Durbin would be retained. Louis B. Mayer, upon his return from a European trip, decreed both girls should be kept.

   Unfortunately for MGM, Durbin’s contract option had expired. She eventually signed with Universal Studios.  Her first movie, Three Smart Girls, was so successful, it saved Universal from bankruptcy. In 1938, Durbin earned an honorary Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – Juvenile Award. Her big break actually came two years earlier, when she sang operatic selections on The Eddie Cantor Radio Show. This collaboration lasted until 1938, when Universal asked Deanna Durbin to discontinue her weekly appearances on Cantor’s program.        DEANNA DURBIN

   Between 1936 and 1947, she recorded over fifty tunes for Decca Records. Re-creating her movie songs for commercial release, Durbin also covered top standards of the day. Her hair, makeup, and on-screen outfits set fashion trends worldwide, and were emulated by millions. Winston Churchill said the actress was his favorite star. Another of her fans was Anne Frank, who posted Deanna’s picture to her bedroom wall in the attic where the Frank family hid during World War II. The photo can still be seen there today.

   Her film credits include Christmas Holiday and Stranger on a Train, when she wasn’t cast in minor “B” musicals. She was actually famous for having her studio turn down famous roles. And, she also refused parts that she arguably would have been fabulous in. These productions include Oklahoma and My Fair Lady (on Broadway), A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, and the film versions of Kiss Me Kate and The Student Prince.

   Over the years, Durbin made it known she didn’t like the Hollywood studio system. She never identified herself with the public image the media created around her. She often spoke of the Deanna persona in the third person, and considered the Deanna Durbin cinematic character a by-product of her youth, and not her true self. She steadfastly asserted her right to privacy, which she maintained until the end of her life.

   Deanna Durbin was 91.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Walt Disney Family Museum is currently presenting an exhibition depicting modern  images of Lewis Carrolls’ Alice in Wonderland. The main focus of the exhibit is the recent  handiwork of Camille Rose Garcia. Adding historical perspective, Alice in Wonderland conceptual paintings by Disney artist Mary Blair from the Museum’s collection. This delight to the visual senses are on display through November 3rd.

   Walt Disney’s conceptual artistry for over three decades included the imaginative effort of Mary Blair. Her fine work  influenced Walt’s animated productions and the look and style of his theme parks. Historians have compared her post-modern genius to the iconic art by Lost Generation painters who lived in Paris during the 1920s.  MARY BLAIR ->

   Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, Blair won a scholarship to Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. After graduation in 1933, at the height of the Depression, she took a job in the animation unit at MGM, rather than pursue her dream of a fine arts career. Blair was hired by the Walt Disney Studios in 1940, and assigned a number of projects. In 1941, she joined an expedition that toured Mexico and South America. She painted with watercolors, inspiring Disney to name her art supervisor on The Three Caballeros and on Saludos Amigos. Blair influenced Disney’s postwar productions, such as Song of the South, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and Cinderella.

   In 1964, Walt asked Blair to assist in the design of the It’s a Small World attraction. Over the years, she contributed to the style of many exhibits at the theme parks in California and Florida, including fanciful murals in the Grand Canyon Concourse at Walt Disney World Resort.

   She was credited as the color designer on the 1968 cinematic version of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Mary Blair died in 1978.

   Though her art veers away from naturalism toward abstraction, Blair was one of Disney’s favorite artists. He personally responded to the use of color, naïve graphics, and a storytelling aspect in her pictures. Her bold and ground-breaking color design still inspires many of today’s contemporary designers and animators. She was recognized with a posthumous Disney Legend award in 1991.

   The vibrant exhibit transcends multiple visions of a legendary literary story, and each artist compliments the other. The Walt Disney Museum is at 104 Montgomery St. at  The Presidio in San Francisco.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   As anticipated as the Sport’s Illustrated Swimsuit Issue,  folks of a certain demographic are eagerly awaiting Vanity Fair’s tribute to the Golden Age of Cinema on their cover. Debuting in May, they will feature a colorized photo of the iconic Audrey Hepburn; and it promises to be a sought-after collectible.

   The publishers have selected a humdinger of a shot from the collection of Bud Fraker, the same photographer behind those iconic Breakfast at Tiffany‘s portraits. Fraker was the head of Columbia’s publicity department in the late 1930s, and the director of Paramount Studios’ still photography department from the 1940s. One of his favorite subjects was Grace Kelly. He also created postwar looks for Barbara Stanwyck, Montgomery Clift, Lizabeth Scott, Betty Hutton, William Holden, Sophia Loren, Jane Russell, Marlon Brando (among others).

   In a featured article, her son Luca Dotti talks personally about his mother, sharing seldom-told and insightful anecdotes ( also discussed in his new book set for release later this year). Among the topics… Hepburn’s frank views about her real appearance, her candid thoughts about aging gracefully, and the reasons why she had a vast scarf collection.

   After all these years, Audrey Hepburn still epitomizes elegance and class.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

  The FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot Documentary (Development) funding campaign is in its final month and 16th week on INDIEGOGO. We’ve approached 65% of our goal. Click on the link if you’re interested in making a contribution:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ JANNIE REBRASSIER ($100) – Jannie is a veteran hairstylist in Southern California. Her current workplace is Angelo’s Hair Salon in Huntington Beach. Located at the corner of Golden West and Garfield, this is my go-to place when I need my hair cut. In fact, Jannie has been styling my locks for over 25 years. Just recently, her son has entered military service, and he is preparing to travel abroad. Every day, I send a prayer to the ReBrassier family for his safe harbor. I hope you will do the same.

~ DEBORAH WHITMORE ($25) – Deborah is the latest person to visit my Indiegogo site to place a contribution for our documentary campaign. My message is resonating throughout Southern California, and beyond…

* * * * *

   During this 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters to help us achieve our 120+ day (19-week) goal of $5000. 86 contributors want to support quality family-friendly television programs, intelligently presented.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again… here’s the INDIEGOGO link for the details (and you’re chance to contribute):

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   All participants will warmly receive screen thanks at the conclusion of the Documentary.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m pleased to announce that Joe Lyons, the regional sales manager of KSPA AM 1510 will become the new co-host of the Forgotten Hollywood Radio Program, which airs on the Financial News and Talk network. With the passing of Gary Lycan, Joe has graciously accepted the assignment of providing the weekly On the Backlot report. He’ll provide current news and notes relating to Hollywood’s past. Lyons is a native of Ohio, and a longtime fan of the Golden Age of cinema. Joe Lyons (right) will be a welcome addition to our show.

   Forgotten Hollywood airs each Saturday at 3p (pst). Here’s a link if you would like to listen, and reside outside the broadcast area (which includes Inland Empire, Orange County, and North San Diego):

http://radio.securenetsystems.net/v4/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KFSD

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<—Allan Arbus was best known for his role as Dr. Sydney Freedman on the television adaptation of M*A*S*H, including his appearance in the series finale. Before becoming an actor, the New York-born Arbus had a successful career as a fashion photographer.

   Arbus became a shutterbug for the military during World War II. After the war, he started a studio with then-wife Diane Arbus. She became one of the most renowned art photojournalists of the 20th century. Later, he was primarily known for advertising photography that appeared in Glamour, Seventeen, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other magazines. Two years after their divorce, Diane Arbus committed suicide by ingesting barbiturates and slashing her wrists with a razor.

   Allan eventually appeared in over seventy television shows and motion pictures. His film credits include Cinderella Liberty, W.C. Fields and Me and Damien: Omen II. He also guest-starred on the small screen in Starsky and Hutch, Law & Order, L.A. Law, Matlock, and most recently, Curb Your Enthusiasm.

   Allan Arbus was 95. Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Several wonderful items to note.

~ The Hummingbird Review Spring 2013 (Volume 4) – The anthology of non-fiction, poetry, lyrics, and even a screenplay is available on Amazon. This latest volume, compiled by notable author  Charlie Redner, features Hollywood-themed essays by an esteemed cast of new and established authors, including an article I wrote entitled Evolution of the Screenwriter. I adapted this composition from a chapter about Arthur Kennedy in my initial paperback, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Portions of my literary analysis appeared on this site in a blog I wrote on January 9th.

   If you would like to purchase a copy of the latest edition of The Hummingbird Review, click on the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Hummingbird-Review-Spring-2013/dp/0985558334/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366271114&sr=1-3&keywords=charles+redner

   And on Amazon Kindle:

 http://www.amazon.com/Hummingbird-Review-Spring-2013-ebook/dp/B00CJZE9RY/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368086954&sr=1-1&keywords=hummingbird+review

~ League of Guardians Recognition Dinner – Moose Charities is hosting an annual gala at the Milwaukee Art Museum on May 27th for local chapters of Moose International Inc. who have made significant contributions. Because of my $2400 donation to MooseHeart Child City and School from each dollar collected from the purchase of first edition copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, I’ve been invited to attend this esteemed dinner. I’m planning also a visit to MooseHeart, just outside of Chicago, during my upcoming trip to the Midwest. For more information on Moose Charities: League of Guardians, click on the link below:

http://www.moosecharities.org/Recog/Guardian.asp

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve been all over Southern California this weekend for a variety of reasons. And, I really  enjoyed seeing old friends, making new friends, and chatting about the wonderful world of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

   On Friday, I spent a deferential time with broadcasters, journalists, and a number of dear friends of Gary Lycan, as we celebrated his life in a wonderful memorial. We shared a day of fellowship at the Orange County Register site. I spent treasured time with Mike Wagner, my former program director at KRLA; Lindy Thurrell, the co-owner of the Academy of Radio and Television Broadcasting; former radio co-hort Mickey Czegledy (who helped organize this wonderful event); current on-air broadcaster at the Financial News and Talk network, Bill Martinez; radio host at KOST, and friend to the Forgotten Hollywood franchise, Ted Ziegenbusch; and Scott Essman, Universal Studios Home Entertainment publicist, and an educator. I was also pleased to finally meet fellow radio announcers, Mike Sakellarides, KTWV; Chef Jamie Gwen at KFWB; Pat Haslam of KNX; among others.

   The OC Register wrote a moving column about our attendence; and Gary Lycan was additionally memorialized on KFWB. Here’s a link to these touching stories:

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/radio-504917-lycan-gary.html

http://kfwbam.com/2013/04/20/listen-broadcasters-remember-revered-radio-reporter/

   Saturday was a busy day for Laurie and me, as we made stops at the Frank & Sons Collectible Show in the City of Industry; and Sons of the Desert Early to Rise Tent in Temple City, part of an international group of Laurel and Hardy enthusiasts.

   The latter event featured a number of humorous opening rituals, a silent auction, a really engaging host, and four wonderful two-reelers made by Stan and Ollie. In between, I had the chance to chat about Hollywood’s Golden Age, and sign copies of my paperbacks for interested readers. This activity was lively and fun.We made some wonderful friends.

   On Sunday, Laurie and I were by LAX at the Hollywood Show, another collectible-related event. I started the day meeting the grandson of the legendary Jackie Coogan. Keith Coogan co-starred in one of my favorite coming-of-age movies, Adventures in Babysitting. He now also owns a copy of Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I feature his grandpa in a chapter about Children of the Depression.

A college friend stopped by. Barni Rothman and Laurie kept me apprised about the notable folks who made appearances at this event, since I was busy meeting interested readers of my work. Among the stars there: Loni Anderson, Angie Dickinson, Earl Holliman, Lou Ferrigno, child star Mark Lester, cast members of the Rocky Horror Show, and singer Chris Montez.

   All-in-all… a most reflective weekend in April.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A pair of comedy icons will be honored in the coming weeks. Here are the details:

   Mel Brooks has been in show business for more than sixty years, and blessed throughout his career with an abundance of accolades (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). However, he’s avoided a documentary profile being made, even issuing an informal gag order on his friends… until now. Prior to its broadcast premiere, the Paley Center For Media presents this special screening and onstage conversation celebrating the iconic comedy genius.

   Showcasing the Brooklyn native’s brilliant originality, American Masters Mel Brooks: Make a Noise travels through Brooks’s early years in live television—with Sid Caesar on Your Show of Shows—to the cinematic genres he so successfully satirized in Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, and Spaceballs—to the groundbreaking Broadway musical version of his first film, The Producers. The documentary also delves into his professional and personal ups and downs—his childhood, first wife, and his subsequent forty-one-year marriage to Anne Bancroft—capturing a never-before-heard sense of reflection and confession.

   The documentary features new interviews with Brooks, his friends and colleagues, including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Cloris Leachman, Joan Rivers, Tracey Ullman, and his close friend, with whom he created The 2000 Year Old Man more than fifty years ago… Carl Reiner.

   American Masters: Mel Brooks airs on PBS, Monday, May 20th, 9p (ET/PT; check local listings). Tickets are now on sale.

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   The Friars Club is honoring Don Rickles with a Lifetime Achievement award.The entertainers’ group just announced it will celebrate the career of 86-year-old comedian at its annual awards ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York on June 24th.                  DON RICKLES ——–>

   Tony Danza, Kathy Griffin, Bob Newhart, Regis Philbin, Bob Costas, and Joan Rivers are among those set to appear on June 24th. Don Rickles started his career in the 1950s, and has worked with generations of legends, including Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Lucille Ball. Because of his relationship with Johnny Carson, Rickles still visits the late-night programs of Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, David Letterman, and Craig Ferguson. His movie career has been diverse, with funny roles in Run Silent Run Deep, Kelly’s Heroes, Casino, the Beach Party films, and the Toy Story series of animated classics.

   His nickname is Mr. Warmth, derived from his comedic routine.

Until next time>                               “never forget“

Manny P. here…

   FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot Documentary (Development) funding campaign is up to its 15th week on INDIEGOGO. We have approached 62% of our goal. You can still click on the link if you’re interested in making a contribution:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ RUSS AND KELLEY SHADDOCK-DUKE ($200) – A very close couple, Russ and Kelley are virtually inseparable. Their latest venture is co-employment at SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation). In fact, Russ is the router shop supervisor at the company that launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX designs and manufactures its products. It’s the only private enterprise ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when one of its spacecraft attached to the International Space Station exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. SpaceX currently has contracts with NASA and private corporations.

   Russ and Kelley are also devoted to charitible causes. Notably, my close friends are involved with the People4Children annual benefit; a brainchild of karaoke host Donna Martin from the TomKat Lounge in Buena Park. Proceeds and toys go to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. They have now contributed to the Forgotten Hollywood Documentary campaign in memory of Gary Lycan, who has been instrumental in seeing this project succeed. I’m pleased to make accept their donation on behalf of my longtime friend. Intrestingly, Russ is related to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

~ JOHNNIE LEE RAY ($30) – A former trucker and owner of a bowling supply store, the Cypress resident has also hosted a karaoke show at Valley View Lanes in Garden Grove. Like Russ and Kelley, J.R. is quite enjoyable to watch when he performs a given tune. He and his significant other, Cheryl, are great supporters of all of my ventures, including my karaoke shows and my work as an author.

~ LARRY GERBER ($20) – Larry is one of my more recent friends I’ve made in my journey through Forgotten Hollywood. I met him at Westiminster Lanes, where he bowls with his family. He is also a retired post office employee. Larry has also supported my venture by purchasing a copy of my book.

* * * * *

   During this 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters to help us achieve our 120+ day (17-week) goal of $5000. 84 contributors want to support quality family-friendly television programs, intelligently presented.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Here’s the INDIEGOGO link for the details (and you’re chance to contribute):

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   All participants will receive screen credit at the conclusion of the Documentary Pilot.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   One of the last emails I received from Gary Lycan was a reminder to promote my multiple opportunities this weekend to meet-and-greet folks interested in a signed copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I just came across the email, and it made me smile. Gary was such a dear friend, so here is the info:

FRANK & SONS COLLECTIBLE SHOW

19649 E. San Jose Ave., City of Industry, CA

April 20th

Saturday 11a – 5p

http://www.frankandsonshow.net/

 ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

  HOLLYWOOD SHOW

Westin Los Angeles Airport

5400 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

April 21st

Sunday 11a – 4p

~ ~ ~

   Hope to see you sometime this weekend!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Overshadowed by the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, Major League Baseball went on with ceremonies for the fifth Jackie Robinson Day at stadiums all over the country and north of the border in Toronto. All the teams in action were asked to wear Robinson’s number. Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, is drawing special attention this year with the release of the movie 42, which went into wide release last weekend. The motion picture was the #1 watched flick over the weekend.

   Robinson’s children and widow Rachel were introduced before the Los Angeles Dodgers played the San Diego Padres. Harrison Ford bounced a ceremonial first pitch to Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. Ford plays ex-Brooklyn general manager Branch Rickey in 42. Rickey was the iconic executive that signed Robinson to a major league contract. The ballplayer was enjoying a Hall of Fame career in the Negro Leagues prior to his entry into the Major Leagues.

   On the Minnesota Twins big screen, stock footage of Robinson was shown to an appreciative crowd and team. The Tampa Bay Rays spent the day at a 42 screening. In Miami’s ballpark, the ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by Norman Berman, the ballboy for the Brooklyn Dodgers when Robinson was a rookie. #42 will be universally retired when Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees retires at the end of the season. It’s been his number for his entire career. Teams not playing on Monday are planning to pay tribute to  <——— Jackie Robinson on Tuesday.

   A Hollywood-and-Vine moment… when Hollywood meets Americana!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   To the participants of the Boston Marathon.. To the Boston community… To supporters attending this annual event… To our first responders on the scene… To the victims and their families… A nation grieves with you at such a vile disturbance.

   Terror caused by anarchists of an international, domestic, or of a random nature only serves to unite our country. Why can’t  opponents of freedom ever understand this singular premise?

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A tough week in the world of entertainment, you can add Jonathan Winters to the list who has passed on. He was a comedic improvisational genius, who influenced scores of comics, such as Robin Williams, Johnny Carson, Jim Carrey, and Billy Crystal. He’s best known for his role as the dim-witted Pike, the truck driver in It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, and the son of Williams on Mork and Mindy.

   A Marine Corps veteran, Winters spent two years in World War II in the Pacific Theater. After his service, he studied cartoon illustration at Dayton Art Institute. After a few stints as a radio disc jockey and television host in his native Ohio from 1950-1953, he left for New York, where he found initial work as a guest star on Dennis James’ Chance of a Lifetime on the Dumont Network; and for Alistair Cooke on the CBS Sunday show Omnibus. He made television history in 1956, when RCA broadcast the first public demonstration of color videotape on The Jonathan Winters Show.                                                        JONATHAN WINTERS

   Despite suffering a nervous breakdown in 1960, he used the painful experience in his comedy routines, most notably on his The Wonderful World of Jonathan Winters record album. He became a favorite of late night television, becoming a frequent guest of Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. In fact, Carson’s Aunt Blabby was inspired by Maude Frickert, a character created by Winters. His comedy worked to perfection when invited to sit on The Hollywood Squares, and as a panelist in the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts.

   Winters appeared in film, including The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming, Viva Max, The Flinstones, The Shadow, and The Surfs. He was memorable on an episode of The Twilight Zone. He won an Emmy playing Randy Quaid’s dad in Davis Rules in 1991. He was nominated again in 2003 as outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for an appearance on Life With Bonnie. He also won two Grammys: One for his work on The Little Prince LP in 1975, and another for his Crank Calls comedy album in 1996. He additionally won the Kennedy Center’s second Mark Twain Prize for Humor in 1999, a year after Richard Pryor.

   While show business kept Winters busy, the former art school student was also a painter and writer. Among his work is a collection of short stories called Winters’ Tales, published in 1987.  Content with overcoming the demons he battled decades ago, he died peacefully of natural causes.

   Jonathan Winters was 87.

Until next time>                               “never forget”