Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   A member of a stage and screen dynasty has died. Larry Hagman, the son of Mary Martin, has passed away. Best known for playing J.R. Ewing on Dallas, and Major Tony Nelson on I Dream of Jeannie, the versatile actor performed in front of (and behind) the small screen.   LARRY HAGMAN ————–>

 <– Mary Martin, his famous mother, was a contract player with Paramount in 1938. She moved to Broadway and appeared in Annie Get Your Gun, Peter Pan, and The Sound of Music (among others). In 1951, Hagman appeared in the London production of South Pacific with his mom, and remained in the show for nearly a year.

   His subsequent big break came in the soap operas, Search for Tomorrow and The Edge of Night. He spent most of his career on television, but occasionally dabbled in cinema. Larry had notable roles in Fail Safe, Ensign Pulver, In Harm’s Way, Superman,  Harry and Tonto, Mother Jugs and Speed, JFK, and Nixon.

LARRY HAGMAN   BARBARA EDEN  

   NBC wanted a fantasy comedy to compete against My Favorite Martian and Bewitched. They developed the popular sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, running from 1965 – 1970. Hagman played the straight man to Barbara Eden, Bill Daly, and Hayden Rorke with great appeal.

   ORIGINAL CAST OF DALLAS

   Dallas was on the air for 14 years. Displaying versatility, Hagman became a villainous icon on television. Larry was the only actor to appear in all 357 episodes. A top rated program in the history of small screen was the Who Shot J.R. episode. Dallas is one of the longest lasting full-hour primetime dramas, behind Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Law & Order. When a reunion program was produced, Larry was the first to sign on, including a TNT production that aired this past summer. This was in tribute to Barbara Bel Geddes, who was the initial member approached and cast in the original series. Dallas the Rewind will return in January.

   For his role as J.R. Ewing, Hagman was nominated for two Emmys in 1980 and 1981, but he didn’t win. He also received four Golden Globe Awards nods, between 1981 and 1985. He was the chairman of the American Cancer Society’s annual Great American Smokeout for many years, and also worked on behalf of the National Kidney Foundation.

   His close friends, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray, were reportedly at his bedside when he died,  peacefully. Fans and locals flocked to Southfork, a tourist ranch home north of Dallas, bringing flowers to honor the actor’s memory.

   Larry Hagman was 81.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR…

    Avoid those crowded malls on Black Friday, and still purchase the perfect personal gifts. You can take advantage by visiting your favorite online locations for incredible savings. Why not get a jump on Cyber Monday. Here are the shopping links on the privacy of your puter:

 AMAZON

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BARNES & NOBLE

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WALMART

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TOWER BOOKS

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KOBO

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SONY READER STORE

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APPLE

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   Other premium stores and shops are listed to the left on the Navigation Bar. If you loved reading the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series, why not give the gift that keeps on giving to your favorite family member, friend, or work buddy. It’s the BEST stocking stuffer.

   Please have a joyous Holiday buying experience!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Turner Classic Movies has secured the rights to broadcast  about 50 vintage interviews from The Tonight Show. Starting in the Summer of 2013, TCM will air the footage in a series of ten one-hour episodes, primarily prior to, or after, a feature starring the subject of the conversation. Recently, the cable network followed a similar format with enormous success in conjunction with television programming hosted by Dick Cavett.

   The idea for Carson on TCM was the brainchild of Peter Jones, while  producing Johnny Carson: King of Late Night for PBS, which went on to earn two Emmy nods for Best Documentary. With the original project, Carson Entertainment Group president Jeff Sotzing gave the filmmaker unrestricted access to the Carson archives, including all existing episodes of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Jones obtained the rights to the material, and then he licensed the segments to TCM.

   Among the highlights: Interviews with over a dozen Oscar winners, such as James Stewart, William Holden, Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Jack Lemmon, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlton Heston, George C. Scott, and Henry Fonda; and classic moments with Lauren Bacall, Fred Astaire, Jack Benny, Truman Capote, Gene Kelly, Shelly Winters, George Burns, Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Ronald Reagan, Sean Connery, and Bob Hope.

   Many of these particular interviews have not been seen since they first premiered. My pristine suggestion, for optimal effect…  Tivo and watch them on any given weeknight at 11:30p.

   Just saying…

Until next time>                               “never forget”                            JOHNNY CARSON

Manny P. here…

   Let me personally congratulate my radio mentor Art Laboe on his induction  into the Radio Hall of Fame and Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. It’s a well-deserved accolade for an eight-decade legend in the field of radio broadcasting.

ART LABOE @ SCRIVNERS DRIVE IN with RICK NELSON  

   Let me provide a little insight on a personal friend. Art was born in Salt Lake City. He moved to Southern California after World War II, becoming a broadcaster while serving his nation. His early contemporaries include Alan Freed, Murray The K, Hunter Hancock, and Dick Hugg Huggy Boy. Laboe coined the phrase Oldies but Goodies, which led to a successful series of album compilations. He popularized the live radio remote when he broadcast his show from Scrivners Drive-In in Los Angeles. He developed the modern West Coast Urban Oldies format, featuring popular songs and listener dedications from the Southern California Latino community, and elsewhere. He personally arranged the deal, keeping 11-10 KRLA AM on the airwaves through  negotiations with co-owners Bob Hope and Art Linkletter.

   Laboe received a Star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame at Hollywood and Highland. I was proud to attend this wonderful ceremony in 1981. Art owns Original Sound Records.

   In a recent interview on our Forgotten Hollywood Radio Show, Art mentioned he was a  huge fan of Hollywood’s Golden Age. During his career, he has met Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Rick Nelson, among others. A personal favorite movie is Shane, the 1952 Western starring Alan Ladd, Van Heflin, and Jean Arthur. And, Art proudly owns the complete  Forgotten Hollywood Book Series in his personal library.

   In 2009, he was honored with Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Diamond Circle Award, given to members who have made an important contribution to the development of broadcasting during their 75+ years. Art Laboe memorabilia can be seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum’s interactive Rock and Radio exhibit in Cleveland.

                  ART LABOE with GERALDO RIVERA 

   His induction was star-studded, with Geraldo Rivera, base-ball-great Johnny Bench, and radio icon Dick Biondi in attendance. The next time I’m in the Windy City, I plan on stopping by the Radio Hall of Fame and Museum of Broadcast Communications to honor my dear friend… the legendary Art Laboe!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The son of the founder of The Hollywood Reporter has apologized for decisions exacted by his dad at the beginning of the Cold War. In a story circulated by the trade publication, Willie Wilkerson expressed remorse on the eve of the 65th anniversary of his father’s role in the 1947 Hollywood Blacklist that ruined the livelihood of writers, actors and directors accused of having communist ties.

   The elder William R. Wilkerson printed the official list of names targeted by the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) in their 1947 hearings. Among the notable careers disrupted or ravaged by this announcement: E. Y. Harburg, Howard Koch, Ring Lardner Jr., Edward Dmytryk, and Dalton Trumbo.

   Wilkerson initiated a Blacklist as a targeted  response against the moguls who presumably denied him the opportunity to establish a film studio in the late 1920s. He then created The Hollywood Reporter. Just after World War II, Wilkerson authorized negative editorial stories aimed at communist sympathizers with their influence on the motion picture industry. The publication ignited the issue by naming names.

   During his tenure as editor-in-chief of The Hollywood Reporter, Wilkerson was also known for opening nightclubs along the Sunset Strip; co-financing the construction of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas with Bugsy Siegel (below left); and discovering Lana Turner at the Top Hat Cafe, located on Sunset Blvd. Wilkerson brought the aspiring talent to Zeppo Marx, who was a theatrical agent after he retired from acting (Zeppo was one of the Marx Brothers). The Lana Turner-Schwabs Drug Store legend was fabricated by the MGM publicity department.

   The details of The Hollywood Reporter’s role in the Blacklist era was chronicled for the first time in a lengthy article published on Monday. The younger Wickerson surmised his dad might have apologized for curtailing so many careers had he lived long enough. He died in 1962, two years after the Blacklist was broken by Kirk Douglas, who hired Trumbo to supervise the script for Spartacus; and most importantly, received screen credit.

   William Wilkerson’s son released the following statement: On behalf of my family, and particularly my late father, I wish to convey my sincerest apologies and deepest regrets to those victimized by this unfortunate incident.  WILLIAM R. WILKERSON (courtesy of Wilkerson Archives)

   The Hollywood Reporter is basking in the afterglow of winning eight awards at Sunday’s National Entertainment Journalism Awards, sponsored by the Los Angeles Press Club.  This important article following an impressive evening of accolades speaks volumes for a fine organization. Kudos to The Hollywood Reporter!

 Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   My colleague Gary Lycan was a big WINNER this evening at the National Entertainment Journalist Awards, and sponsored by the Los Angeles Press Club. The 5th Annual gala took place at the Crystal Ballroom of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Here are the exciting details in print and pictures…

   PRINT – NEWSPAPERS OR MAGAZINES COLUMNIST  OF THE YEAR was announced with Gary Lycan, the radio columnist of the Orange County Register, taking home the trophy. His award-winning story: Sweet Dick Whittington: An Unpredictable Talent. Other nominees included Kathy Griffin, who writes for The Hollywood Reporter (she tied for 3rd place); and Gendy Alimurung, a columnist for the LA Weekly.                     GARY LYCAN

   This Forgotten Hollywood site was awarded 3rd Place in the ENTERTAINMENT BLOG BY AN INDIVIDUAL. Congratulations to Sharon Waxman for her blog Waxword on The Wrap who won the trophy. 2nd Place was awarded to noted actor / blogger James Franco, who writes for the Huffington Post Media Group. As a Freelance blogger, I’m thrilled to receive immense national recognition.

   A-List stars celebrated the career and charity work of the iconic Jane Fonda. Robert Redford and Jeff Daniels provided an entertaining narrative. Others on hand: Lily Tomlin, Melanie Griffith, and a co-star of Daniels and Fonda on HBO’s The Newsroom, Sam Waterston. The legendary actress received the inaugural Visionary Award for her professional and personal contributions to society.

    KATHY GRIFFIN – JEFF DANIELS – SAM WATERSTON – MELANIE GRIFFITH – JANE FONDA   with MANNY PACHECO 

   Also enjoying the festivities were my parents and my wife Laurie, who took most of these amazing photos to document a great time. Let me offer my personal thanks to Will Lewis and the entire staff of the Los Angeles Press Club for providing a wonderful evening.

                               JANE FONDA   ROBERT REDFORD      MANNY PACHECO

   CONGRATULATIONS to my dear friend Gary Lycan, and to all the award winners at tonight’s National Entertainment Journalism Awards gala! I echo the sentiments of the Los Angeles Press Club – Gary Lycan is one of the best Entertainment News Columnists in the nation! The judges observed: Gary Lycan, as he’s been doing for years, keeps Southland radio fans informed on what’s happening now and what’s happened to legends of the past.

   I was deeply honored to represent Gary at this prestigious event! Below is the link to the Orange County Register Headline News Story about this event:

http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/lycan-378180-radio-gary.html

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   It’s turning out to be the best week in the journey of the Forgotten Hollywood franchise:

~ MONDAY – Bill Airey, CEO of MOOSE Charities, Inc., called to thank me for the $2400 I donated to MOOSEHEART Child City and School. $1 of each 1st edition copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History sold was earmarked to my official charity. This friendly phone chat put a real smile on my face.

~ WEDNESDAY – I celebrated my 55th birthday!

~ THURSDAY – Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History went roaring past 500 in book sales; and then over 600 in sales (626)! Thanks to Danforth Distribution and their November report for this latest news.

~ FRIDAY – I received the official announcement in my email inbox from USA Book News that Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History replicated the success from my earlier work at the 2009 National Best Book Awards:

USA BOOK NEWS
10th ANNUAL NATIONAL BEST BOOK 2012 AWARDS

 History: Media/Entertainment 

WINNER

Son Of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History – Manny Pacheco 
Book Publishers Network

FINALIST

Put the Needle on the Record: 1980s at 45 Revolutions Per Minute – Matthew Chojnacki  Schiffer Publishing

~ SUNDAY – I’m attending the Los Angeles Press Club: 5th Annual National Entertainment Journalism Awards gala at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown, Los Angeles. My latest literary paperback and blog site are up for awards. A Finalist in two categories… I feel blessed as a  scribe and journalist.

   Like I said… (maybe) the finest week in the franchise history of Forgotten Hollywood…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Recently, my co-host Gary Lycan and I offered an hour-long retrospective on the life of Danny Kaye on our Forgotten Hollywood Program (which airs most Saturdays at 3p {PST} on the Financial News & Talk Radio Network). I’ve learned a year-long tribute will begin taking  shape throughout the nation to honor what would have been Kaye’s 100th birthday.

   Kaye’s immense talent as a comedian, singer, and actor, and his unyielding work on behalf of UNICEF warrants this attention. The first of these celebrations takes place in December at the Paley Center for Media. According to their press release:

   Tickets go on sale tomorrow. Danny Kaye is a personal favorite performer of mine. I hope you plan to re-visit his work in the near future.

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   Passes for the next TCM Classic Film Festival will go on sale to the public on Thursday at 12pm (EST). There are five levels of Festival Passes to choose from. The 2013 TCM Film Fest is set for April 25th-28th. Destination Hollywood is the theme. For more info, please visit:

http://filmfestival.tcm.com/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   This Sunday, the Los Angeles Press Club will host the National Entertainment Journalism Awards Gala. I’m attending as the author of Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, and this Forgotten Hollywood Blog; nominated in specific categories. Jane Fonda will be there to receive the first annual Visionary award. Also on hand: Robert Redford, Kathy Griffin, Jeff Daniels, and other A-List actors and journalist luminaries. The 5th Annual gala is taking place at the Millennium Bilmore Hotel in the Crystal Ballroom.

   Raising money for the year-round work of the LA Press Club, this organization is currently hosting a silent auction online; and it will continue on the day of the event.

   Several of these items capture the essence of Hollywood’s Golden Age. They are screenplays  personally signed by its director, and donated by the Stanley Kramer Library. Scripts from High Noon, On the Beach, Judgment at Nuremberg, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner are NOW available to claim. $80 is the opening number for each of these screenplays.

   For further information on the 5th Annual National Entertainment Journalism Awards, please read the November 10th story below.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Cinema Arts Centre commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Marilyn Monroe’s death with a rare in-person appearance by Don Murray, Monroe’s Academy Award-nominated co-star in Bus Stop. Joshua Logan’s classic 1956 comedy is based on a play by Pulitzer Prize winner William Inge. The live interview will be conducted by movie scholar Foster Hirsch.  MARILYN MONROE AND DON MURRAY ———->

   Don Murray grew up in the shadow of the Cinema Arts Centre in Long Island, NY. During his career, he worked with such Hollywood luminaries as Henry Fonda, Charles Laughton, Walter Pigeon, Hope Lange, Peter Lawford, Gene Tierney, and Burgess Meredith. His own screen credits include A Hatful of Rain, Advise and Consent, and Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. His pre-film personal life was notable; he was a conscientious objector during the Korean War. Murray’s appearance and interview is being filmed for inclusion in a new documentary in development about his career.

   The Don Murray interview will precede a screening of Bus Stop. The event is Wednesday,  November 14th at 7:30p. Tickets are available for members of the Center and the public. The Cinema Arts Center is located at 423 Park Avenue in Huntington, NY.

   This program is a gentle distraction for folks in the area affected by Superstorm Sandy.

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   Lucille Bliss, a voice actress who appeared in animated film classics, and a television pioneer in cartoons, has died. She began her career hosting a local children’s program in San Francisco. In 1949, she was selected to create the persona for Crusader Rabbit, the first animated series on television.

   Crusader Rabbit was the brainchild of Jay Ward, who pitched the animated character (as well as Dudley Do-Right) to NBC. Ward’s ultimate success led to his developing his greatest work, Rocky and Bullwinkle. Today, the legal rights for Crusader Rabbit now belong to FOX Networks.

   Bliss was asked to perform as Anastasia in Disney’s Cinderella in 1959. She was also well known in the industry for playing Smurfette in Hanna-Barbera’s The Smurfs, and enjoyed by a whole new generation of children. Her voice was also heard on episodes of The Flinstones.

   Lucille Bliss was 96. In her honor:  Bing…Bing…Bing!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Yesterday was Veterans Day. Today, we honor our men and women who have served our country so admirably in combat, and in times of peace. My good friend, Eve Rojas (who is a literary critic), posted this wonderful flyer. She asked her friends to pass this along:

   Veterans Day coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. (Major hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with Germans signing the Armistice)

   President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue a proclamation to observe November 11th with appropriate ceremonies. A Congressional Act was approved May 13, 1938 that the 11th of November in each year should become a legal holiday. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law the expansion to honor ALL vets on May 26, 1954.

   I’m happy to oblige and list the restaurants. It’s the least I can do to say THANK YOU for the previous service of our veterans.

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   Early this morning, I received a gracious phone call from Bill Airey, CEO of MOOSE Charities, to thank me for my recent donation to MOOSEHEART. His message was warm and heartfelt, and Bill expressed that in this economy, donations of $2400 are few and far between. I thanked him for his daily work, and I also mentioned the conspired efforts of Buena Park MOOSE #1945 to help make this happen.                                                 BILL AIREY ——>

   MOOSE Charities Inc. is a registered nonprofit, Illinois-based 501 (c)3 charity, with the primary goal of providing the necessary resources for the continued support and maintenance of MOOSEHEART  Child City & School and MOOSEHAVEN Retirement Community.

   It was a great way to start my day!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   My unions have a special message to impart, helping certain victims of Superstorm Sandy:

PLEASE DONATE TODAY

 The SAG Foundation, SAG Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund, and the AFTRA Foundation have come together to provide immediate support to active SAG-AFTRA members affected by Superstorm Sandy. Each has made a significant contribution to this fund; and with additional donations from members, a much greater impact can be made, and more members served.

   I’m thrilled to pass this plea for assistance along. I hope it helps my brethren in need.

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   Henry Colman was a television executive and producer, whose production credits include The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Peyton Place, The Many Lives of Dobie Gillis, Dr. Kildare, Hawaii 5-0, The Odd Couple, Mannix, Love American Style, Hotel, and notably, The Love Boat.

   In the 1950s, he started as an assistant to the director for Kraft Television Theatre, and later worked on Robert Montgomery Presents and the Colgate Comedy Hour. His early success led to his becoming an executive producer with CBS Television. In 1970, Henry was promoted to vice president of television programs at Paramount Studios.

   After Colman retired from network television, he began  conducting a series of video interviews for the Television Academy Foundation’s Archive of American Television. He spoke with such luminaries as Ernest Borgnine, George Carlin, and Aaron Spelling.                    HENRY COLMAN –>

   Henry Colman was 89.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Los Angeles Press Club has just announced the 2012 Finalists for the National Entertainment Journalism Awards. The event will take place on November 18th at the Millennium Bilmore Hotel in the Crystal Ballroom. It’s the 5th Annual gala.

   As I previously alluded to, the LA Press Club will honor two-time Oscar-winner Jane Fonda with its inaugural Visionary Award. Legendary actor / director Robert Redford will introduce Ms. Fonda. Jeff Daniels is also scheduled to make an appearance.

The Visionary Award pays homage to an individual within the Entertainment Industry who uses their high-profile status to make the world a better place and to spread information about issues of freedom and social importance.

          JANE FONDA           ROBERT REDFORD     JAMES FRANCO    KATHY GRIFFIN  

   Expected A-List attendees include Kathy Griffin, presenting a career achievement award to Janice Min, Executive Editor at the Hollywood Reporter; and James Franco, former co-host of the Academy Awards, and Oscar-nominee (Best Actor). Jane Fonda’s ex-husband Ted Turner, Michael Douglas, and Dolly Parton have expressed their desire to attend.

   The Forgotten Hollywood franchise is well represented. Here are the gracious announced accolades for my literary and journalistic work:

~ Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten Forgotten History is nominated for Best Book /  Orange County Register radio columnist Gary Lycan is also being recognized for writing the Introduction to my latest paperback (Best Book is a new category designation)

~ Forgotten Hollywood is a Finalist for Online Entertainment Blog by an Individual / I’m thrilled and in awe one of the nominees is James Franco, who writes a blog for the Huffington Post (the second time this year my website has been recognized by LA Press Club)

                         MANNY PACHECO                            GARY LYCAN 

   In addition:

~ Gary Lycan, Orange County Register, received a nod in the TOP competitive category: Entertainment Journalist of the Year – All Platforms (final award of the evening)

~ Gary Lycan is additionally a Finalist for Print – Newspapers or Magazines Columnist /Kathy Griffin also received a nomination, writing a column for the Hollywood Reporter 

   Congrats to my dear friend, and my talented Forgotten Hollywood radio show co-host, for this deserved recognition from NEJ…

   Here’s a link with the complete list of 2012 Finalists:

http://lapressclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Finalists_NEJ_2012.pdf

   Kudos to all the 2012 nominees for this prestigious award. Bulletins as they break!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Theatre-going audiences in the Pacific Northwest will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a thoughtfully planned double bill on November 14th. Part of the year-round Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) program, virtually join the Master of Suspense, and his seminal film back on the big screen. Ticket holders to Psycho receive priority seating for a special screening of Hitchcock from Fox Searchlight Pictures.

   It’s all happening at the SIFF Cinema Uptown, located at 511 Queen Anne Ave. North. Tickets are $15, but SIFF members will be given a discount and only have to pay $10. The double-bill screening begins promptly at 7p.

   SIFF’s mission is to create experiences bringing people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world. It’s through the art of cinema that they foster a community more informed, aware, and alive. Hitchcock opens in nationally in select theaters on November 23rd. It stars Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, and Toni Colette.

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   Ann Arbor’s non-profit center for fine film and the performing arts, the Michigan Theatre is hosting a FREE Holiday Classic Film series. Their schedule includes: Meet Me in St. Louis on Saturday, December 1st; the original Miracle on 34th Street on Sunday, December 16th; and It’s a Wonderful Life on Sunday December 23rd. All screenings begin at 1:30p.

   The Michigan Theatre is west of State St., in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 E. Liberty St. These timeless classics will put any Midwest family in the mood for the Holidays!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   It’s only fitting on the eve of Election Day, the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series will NOW be officially housed in a combined 100 libraries. And, these latest shelves are found at the  Motion Picture and Television Fund in Woodland Hills, CA. Overall, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is in 85 branches, and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History rests in 39 libraries.

   The Motion Picture and Television Fund is celebrating 90 years in existence. Right from the start, their mission statement has been We Take Care of Our Own.

   The organization has its origins from cinematic luminaries as Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith, who realized the need for reaching out to those in the  movie industry who fell upon hard times. The original Board of Trustees included many of the big names in Hollywood such as Harold Lloyd, William S. Hart, Jesse Lasky, Douglas Fairbanks, Cecil B. DeMille, Donald Crisp (an actor in my book series), Hal Roach, and Irving Thalberg. It was known then as the Motion Picture Relief Fund (MPRF).

   In 1932, Mary Pickford spearheaded the Payroll Pledge Program, a monetary deduction plan for those earning over $200 a week. Studio workers were encouraged to pledge one-half of one percent of their earnings to MPRF. In 1938, MPRF increased participation in the Payroll Pledge Program by including talent, unions, and producer representatives. SAG improved this effort by ruling for compulsory contributions by its Class A members.

   SAG Prez Jean Hersholt searched for an opportunity to supplement income produced by the Payroll Pledge. Jules Stein came up with the idea to have major movie stars appear on a new radio program, The Screen Guild Show, whereby they would donate their normal salaries to MPRF. Members of the Directors Guild and Writers Guild also contributed their services.

   Sponsored by Gulf Oil, The Screen Guild Show  made its premiere on over 61 CBS stations in 1939. The first program featured the iconic Jack Benny, Judy Garland and Joan Crawford. The Screen Guild Show quickly became one of the most popular programs on network radio, raising $5.3 million for MPRF during its 13-year run. Most major actor participated a number of times: Humphrey Bogart, Barbara Stanwyck, Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Natalie Wood, Carole Lombard, Bob Hope, Betty Grable, Clark Gable, Tyrone Power, and the list goes on.

   The Motion Picture Relief Fund broke ground on the existing facility in Woodland Hills in 1948 under the supervision of Jean Hersholt. The Motion Picture & Television Fund mission remains the same: preserve the health and quality of life of those who devote so much of their lives to a career in the entertainment industry. Donations are vital to MPTF’s ability to provide services to its retired industry members.

   Donations including literary books that share untold stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age… wink!

Until next time>                               “never forget”