Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   The Alex Film Society presents (at the Alex Theatre of Glendale, CA) classic features, cartoons, newsreels, and short subjects; together with guest appearances by notable personalities. Their mission is to entertain and educate the audience, while demonstrating to film owners the market for classic movies. The short-term goal of the society is to offer the best possible prints, so patrons can enjoy the experience. Plus, they continue to promote the  importance of film preservation.

   Every year, the Alex Film Society sponsors The Three Stooges Big Screen Event during the Thanksgiving weekend; and The Greatest Cartoons Ever (A Hall of Fame Big Screen Event) between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Now, they have added a special afternoon to celebrate Halloween.

   On Saturday, October 27th, two screenings of Frankensten Meets the Wolfman will take place at 2p and 8p. This 1943 classic co-stars Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill, Patric Knowles, Maria Ouspenskaya, and Ilona Massey. A couple of costumed monsters will greet audiences.

   And, a 1995 cartoon will precede the main feature. Runaway Brain is the only movie pitting the Frankenstein Monster with Mickey Mouse. The animated short stars the vocal talents of Kelsey Grammer. This was the first Mickey Mouse two-reeler created by Disney Studios in four decades.

   The Alex Theatre was designed in 1925, a Vaudeville and motion picture house with Greek and Egyptian motifs. It stands today as a surviving example of cinematic palaces during the early 20th Century, and one of a few extant theatres with an open forecourt. The 1,450 seat Alex Theatre is a historic, cultural, and artistic treasure for not only the people of Glendale, but the entire Los Angeles Basin.

   In addition to the lavish architecture, a huge Wurlitzer pipe organ was brought in. A regular organist supplied improvised accompaniment during the Silent Picture era. Several movies had their preview screening at The Alex, inviting celebrities such as Alice Faye, Don Ameche, and Elizabeth Taylor for National Velvet; and Bing Crosby for Going My Way (both in 1944). A wide aspect ratio screen was installed in 1954, along with surround sound to accommodate the new Cinemascope pictures. They premiered blockbuster epics, including Ben-Hur; and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

   Backstage tours covering their history are available through the Alex Theatre website:

http://alextheatre.org/about/backstagetour.php

   Enjoy the Holidays at the Alex Theatre, from by the fine folks at the Alex Film Society.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Sir Roger Moore, who played the title role in the James Bond film series from 1973 to 1985, is expected to make a special appearance in Manhattan next month to meet with fans and sign copies of Bond On Bond: Reflections on 50 years of James Bond Movies. The official release of this book is due on November 16th, 2012.

   The Bond movies remain the longest continually running film series in movie history, and 2012 marks its fiftieth anniversary. While there have been other actors that have taken on the coveted role of spy, James Bond, one of the most renowned and beloved 007 performers is the charming and charismatic British actor.

   To celebrate these films, Roger Moore has penned this book featuring all the Bond movies, along with a wonderfully witty account of his own involvement. From the girls to the villains, the cars to the cocktails (shaken not stirred), the gadgets, locations, etc., his work is vividly illustrated with hundreds of iconic images from all the films, plus many previously unseen photos from the Bond archive. This is the ultimate James Bond primer, written by the ultimate insider, with all of the affection and good humor he brought to the role. It’s the perfect gift for all fans of these much loved cinematic gems.

   If you’re unable to attend the autograph party at Barnes & Noble on November 9th in New York, but still want a copy, several first editions (personally signed by Sir Roger Moore) will be available from the online store at veryfinebooks.com. If you’re interested in purchasing one, and would like to be notified when it’s in literary shops, go to their website at:

http://www.booksigningcentral.com/2012/10/08/book-signing-roger-moore-bond-on-bond/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

     The Discovery Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating minds, assisting teachers, and increasing public understanding of science, math, and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. Located in Santa Ana, CA, this learning center has a special presentation opening today, and it’s unabashadly tied to Hollywood cinema.

   According to their website:

Indiana Jones™ and the Adventure of Archaeology, presented by the National Geographic Society, immerses you in the science and history of field archaeology. Walk in the footsteps of beloved film hero Indiana Jones as you embark on this interactive museum adventure. The exhibit runs from October 12th, 2012 – April 21. 2013.

This Unique Exhibition Features :

• A vast and exclusive collection of Indiana Jones™ film props, models, concept art, and set designs from the Lucasfilm backlot
• An interactive tour of legendary sites that sheds light on historical myths such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail
• A chance to see some of the world’s most impressive material remains and real-world artifacts  from ancient societies from the collections of the world-renowned Penn Museum and the National Geographic Society archives
• A hand-held multimedia guide lets you personalize your exhibit experience
• An interactive quest game that lets children of all ages test their skills and explore the exhibit content in a fun, innovative way

   Tickets are available on the Discovery Science Center website:

http://www.discoverycube.org/indianajones/

   This is a Hollywood-themed archeological treasure, fully wrapped in a visually family-friendly experience. I suggest you visit this one-of-a-kind spectacle while visiting Southern California!

© 2012 Lucasfilm LTD. & TM. All Rights Reserved

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   On the heels of the release of his new film, Lincoln, Steven Spielberg has been invited to deliver the keynote address at an observance commemorating the 149th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. The Oscar-winning director will speak at about 10a on November 19th at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg; the site of the pivotal battle during the Civil War, where Northern troops defeated the Confederate army under General Robert E. Lee.

                       STEVEN SPIELBERG  /  DANIEL DAY LEWIS (on the set of LINCOLN) 

   Spielberg’s visit coincides with the overall 150th remembrance of the Civil War. Ceremonies have been taking place at historical sites where Yankee and Confederate soldiers collided. Abraham Lincoln’s original remarks at the dedication of the military cemetery are generally considered one of the best presidential speeches in American history.

   The legendary director’s appearance will be what I refer to as a real Hollywood-and-Vine moment, when Americana is expected to cross paths with Hollywood history.

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   Mel Brooks has been tapped by the American Film Institute,  presenting him with their highest honor: The Life Achievement Award. The AFI ceremony will air in late June on Turner Classic Movies and TNT.

   His screen credits include The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, and Silent Movie. He co-wrote many episodes of Your Show of Shows and Get Smart on television. Brooks is one of only 14 entertainment individuals to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award. Mel also enjoyed a four-decade marriage to Anne Bancroft, who inspired much of his work.

   He’s the 41st recipient of the honor, which has gone to Hollywood legends, such as Orson Welles, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep and Morgan Freeman. In 2013, it’s going to be a great Springtime for the iconic Mel Brooks!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   One of the popular exotic actors from Hollywood’s Studio Era has died. Turhan Bey was the prodigal son of a Turkish diplomat and Jewish mother. Born in Vienna, after the annexation of Austria to Nazi Germany, his family emigrated to the US in 1940. He was discovered by talent scouts from Warner Brothers. Bey was immediately cast in several of The Falcon series of motion pictures.                                               TURHAN BEY —>

   Often cast as suave and sometimes dubious types, he worked opposite Katharine Hepburn, Errol Flynn, John Wayne, and Peter Lorre. He became an ideal co-star in Technicolor foreign  films, many times alongside Maria Montez. They appeared together in Raiders of the Desert, Arabian Nights, White Savage, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Bowery to Broadway, Follow the Boys, and Sudan. Bey was also fine in horror genre and film noir flicks, including The Mummy’s Tomb, The Mad Ghoul, Footsteps in the Dark, and The Amazing Mr. X.   He’s best remembered for co-starring in The Dragon Seed (below left with Kate Hepburn).

   In 1953, Bey returned to Europe, and pursued careers as a photographer and stage director. Though retired from cinema, his adoring fans dubbed him The Turkish Delight for his dark good looks. He had a brief renaissance in the 1990s, appearing in episodes of the science fiction  television series Babylon 5, and a guest starring role in Murder She Wrote. He received his one-and-only accolade, receiving an Emmy nomination when he worked on the small screen.

   Turhan Bey was 90.

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   Our Forgotten Hollywood thoughts and prayers go out to Debbie Reynolds, who was hospitalized for a bad reaction to medication. She was admitted for observation, and is set to be released later today. Doctors will advise her further, which may affect future concerts and appearances over the next three months.

   Debbie Reynolds is 80.  GET WELL SOON !!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Kicking off next year’s 90th anniversary, Warner Brothers Home Entertainment Group debuted a new look and logo for their 2013 celebration, and a series of disc collections commemorating its iconic history. DVD and Blu-ray motion pictures will be on store shelves over this year-long celebration.

   The Best of Warner Brothers 100 Film DVD Collection features Warner Brothers’ Best Picture Academy Award winners, from 1931’s Cimarron to 2006’s The Departed. The 55-disc  set includes two documentaries: Tales from the Warner Brothers Lot andThe Warner Brothers Lot Tour. This is the first chance for classics such as  Grand Hotel, Mrs. Miniver, and Driving Miss Daisy to be yours for home viewing, beginning  January 29th.

   The movie studio plans other surprises. Notably,  genre specific Best of Warner Brothers 20 Film DVD Collections will be released, beginning with Musicals  in February, Romance in April, Comedy in  July, and Thrillers in September. A Clint Eastwood Collection arrives in the spring.

   The Best of Warner Brothers Animation Collections will additionally be distributed; Hanna Barbera in May, Looney Tunes in June, and DC Comics in August. And, The Best of Warner Brothers Superman TV Collection is set for May.

   The celebration will compliment Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios centennial birthdays going on in 2012.

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   Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is NOW on four International online sites. Here are the details:

~ AMERICAN BOOK CENTER – The Netherland’s premiere book store

http://www.abc.nl/search/detailed.php?isbn=9781937454142&valuta=$

~ JPC – Music global site promoting literature from Germany

http://www.abc.nl/search/detailed.php?isbn=9781937454142&valuta=$

~ KALAHARI – An oasis of literary delight found in South Africa

http://www.kalahari.com/books/Son-of-Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History/632/43936747.aspx

 ~ BOOMERANG BOOKS – An Aussie-friendly online site from the folks down under

http://www.boomerangbooks.com.au/Son-of-Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History/Manny-Pacheco/book_9781937454142.htm

   All four locations also carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   If you lived in Southern California in the 1960s, you and / or your children might remember Sheriff John. He appeared on KTTV, from 1952 to 1970, in two series: Sheriff John’s Lunch Brigade and Sheriff John’s Cartoon Time. He was played by the wonderful John Rovick.

   Sheriff John began each program entering his office, singing Laugh and Be Happy; a polka themed melody. He then said the Pledge of Allegiance, read a safety bulletin, and showed cartoons. He also offered life lessons about public decorum, traffic rules, and good health habits. The show’s highlight was the birthday celebration. Each day, Sheriff John announced lots of viewers names, and then brought out dessert while crooning Birthday Party Polka (Put Another Candle on My Birthday Cake).

   Rovick served as a radio operator-gunner in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, surviving 50 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations. Following the war, he became a radio announcer, moving to television in its early days. He won an Emmy Award in 1952. In 1979, Rovick reprised his role as Sheriff John on KTTV, briefly hosting a Sunday morning version of the television series. He retired in 1981.

   John Rovick was 93. Children of all ages in Southern California mourn his loss, while fondly remembering a gentler time eating lunch and watching Sheriff John.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Sales figures for Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History are now officially at 3000 combined units sold. This is a landmark number; since I’ve began selling paperbacks as part of the Forgotten Hollywood franchise, just over  three years ago, beginning in 2009.

   Individually, my initial book is about ten paperbacks shy of 2600 sold; and my latest work has just past 400 in sales. I recently wrote a blog about the latter accomplishment. And, the best part of this news… both books are still selling all over the globe!

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IT’S OFFICIAL!!

   Cue the Bond music…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ll be spending the next two Saturdays at Southern California premier Book Festivals. Here are the details:

 10TH ANNUAL DUARTE FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS

Westminster Gardens / Flintridge Bookstore Booth

1420 Santo Domingo Ave., Duarte, CA

  October 6th

 Saturday  12p – 4p

Panel – A MOMENT IN HISTORY (2:15p – 3:15p)

 http://friendsoftheduartelibrary.com/festival-of-authors/foa-2012/2012-authors/

   According to their press release:

Author/TV-radio personality Manny Pacheco highlights character actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age and films telling America’s story in Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History; while Hollywood movie historian, Mark Thomas McGee takes readers behind-the-scenes in the making of the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers; and Gerald Schiller, details true tales from Tinseltown’s past in It Happened in Hollywood: Remarkable Events that Shaped History. Dennis Sanchez offers a humorous The Wizard of Oz parody from Toto’s point of view in Toto’s Adventures with Dorothy.

~ ~ ~

 LOS ANGELES LATINO BOOK AND FAMILY FESTIVAL

California State University, Dominguez Hills

1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson

October 13th

Saturday  11a – 4p

Panel Moderator – MAKING LATINO BOOKS INTO FILMS  (12p – 1p)

Panel – HOW TO GET PUBLISHED  (1p – 2p)

~ ~ ~

   These outdoor events are family-friendly, and they will feature top local authors, readings, panel discussions, and activities for children of all ages.

   I’ll be autographing lots of copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I hope to see you in Duarte or Dominguez Hills.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Last weekend, Laurie and I went on a date. Joining us were my folks and several friends. We visited the historic Cinerama Dome to enjoy watching  It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World and This is Cinerama! The evening was part of a weeklong celebration of the 60-year anniversary of the creation of Cinerama as a visual medium. My wife had her trusty camera to document the fun.

                   SPENCER TRACY              MILTON BERLE                SID CAESAR  

   The autograph on the script was of Director Stanley Kramer. The grainy photos were taken by actress Edie Adams on the set of It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. She was Sid Caesar’s wife in the epic 1963 comedy. They are part of a personal collection shown prior to the 4:30p screening.

   Both shows were sponsored by Turner Classic Movies. Each screening was a sellout!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

I’m thrilled over recent accolades by a family member and a personal friend in the fields of cinema and literature. Here are the details:

~ Maxime Brulein is my brother-in-law. His contributions in the world of short films through his company Two M Films bode well for his Hollywood career!

Second Annual McMinnville Short Film Festival
Gallery Theater, McMinnville, Oregon

Category: Fiction (Drama)

WINNER

“GONE”
Maxime Brulein (left)

(TWO M FILMS, LLC, Sherman Oaks, CA)

McMinnville Short Film Festival Mission Statement:

• To provide a venue for aspiring filmmakers to be seen and heard
• To expose them to technological and artistic aspects of the occupation
• To encourage innovation and excellence in the Arts

~ ~ ~

~ Reyna Grande is the acclaimed author for her recent work, The Distance Between Us. She has been conducting nationwide book-readings, plus television and radio interviews. I’m proud to call her my friend, and my peer.

   A heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to both really talented individuals in my inner circle!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   President Obama will be on hand to designate the home of labor leader Cesar Chávez as a national monument. The White House has announced plans to establish the Cesar E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, CA. The property is nicknamed Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, or Our Lady Queen of Peace. The site served as the headquarters for the United Farm Workers union from the early 1970s until his death in 1993. Chavez is buried there, and his gravesite will be part of the monument.

   As head of the UFW, Chávez staged boycotts to raise awareness of the plight of the predominantly Latino farm workers. His efforts were credited with inspiring millions of other Latinos in their fight for educational opportunities, better housing, and more political power. Chávez became the best known Latino American civil rights activist, and was strongly promoted by the American labor movement.              CESAR E. CHAVEZ

   After his passing, he became a major historical icon for the Latino community. His birthday, March 31st, has become César Chávez Day, a state holiday in three US states. Many parks, libraries, schools, cultural centers, and streets have been named in his honor in cities across the US. On September 8, 1994, Chávez was posthumously presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Bill Clinton. His portrait hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

   As a Latin television and radio personality, and an award-winning author, I’ve always felt César Estrada Chávez was a personal hero in my educational journey. His slogan: Sí se puede remains the personal call to action by Latin Americans all over the nation in our quest for a better life for our families.

   Expected to attend the October 8th ceremony: Helen Chavez and son Paul Chavez; Dolores Huerta, co-founder with Chavez of the UFW; and current Union President Arturo S. Rodriguez;  and Interior Secretary Ken Salazars.

   A reminder… I’ll be signing copies of my work in the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series at the Los Angeles Latino Book and Family Festival at California State University, Dominguez Hills on Saturday, October 13th.

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   Universal Studios (the amusement park) promotes their month-long Halloween celebration by honoring its famous monsters:

   This is absolutely priceless! Congratulations to Scott Essman, Creative Director of Visionary Media. He created the above collage as part of his eBook – Universal Pictures: 100 Years of Classic Monsters.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   KCET is a public television outlet in Southern California. The station provides a unique brand of educational programming. Every Saturday at 9p (PST), Classic Cool Theater is your home invitation to the movie-going experience as it happened during the Studio Era. They will expand the cinematic listing during the week leading up to Halloween, which makes this worth noting.

   According to their website:

KCET is recreating the moviegoing experience from the Golden Age of Hollywood and invites viewers to meet the original artists from the silver screen! Classic Cool Theater is a weekly 120-minute series, which will include a classic cartoon, a feature film, a newsreel, and a musical short.

   Here’s their October lineup:

~ October 6th – Strange Love of Martha Ivers (Barbara Stanwyck, Kirk Douglas, Van Heflin)

~ October 13th – A Star is Born (Janet Gaynor, Fredric March)

~ October 21st – The Last Time I Saw Paris (Elizabeth Taylor, Van Johnson)

~ October 27th – Bride of the Gorilla (Lon Chaney Jr., Raymond Burr)

~ October 28th – Night of the Living Dead (1968)

~ October 29th – House on the Haunted Hill (Vincent Price, Elisha Cook, Richard Long)

~ October 31st – The Last Man on Earth (Vincent Price)

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    The original Dark Shadows cinema: House of Dark Shadows (1970) and Night of Dark Shadows (1971) will be available on Blu-ray and DVD in time for Halloween (10/30).

   House of Dark Shadows featured the original soap opera stars: Joan Bennett (Elizabeth Collins Stoddard), Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans), Grayson Hall (Dr. Julia Hoffman), Nancy Barrett (Carolyn Stoddard), Louis Edmonds (Roger Collins), John Karlen (Willie Loomis), Thayer David (Prof. Stokes), Roger Davis (Jeff), and David Henesy (David Collins). Night of Dark Shadows cast included David Selby (Quentin Collins), Kate Jackson  (Daphne), and Lara Parker (Angelique).

   The Blu-rays will individually sell for $20; the DVDs for $15.

Until next time.                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

    Herbert Lom, the fabulous co-star in the Pink Panther motion picture-series, has died. He played the long-suffering Police Chief Charles Dreyfus in seven movies, beginning in 1964 with A Shot in the Dark.

HERBERT LOM             PETER SELLERS  

   As a young adult, Lom became a serious dramatic actor.  He escaped to England in January, 1939 because of an impending Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. His first role was in 1942 in The Young Mr. Pitt. He worked for the next six decades.

   Lom’s early movie career included British faire, and a couple of stints at Hammer Studios. Notable parts were assigned in The Seventh Veil, Night and the City, Whispering Smith Hits London, War and Peace, and The Ladykillers. When Hollywood finally beckoned, Lom  already settled into playing richly villainous character roles. Lom appeared in Fire Down Below (starring Robert Mitchum, Rita Hayworth, and Jack Lemmon), Mysterious Island, El Cid, and Spartacus. Herbert worked opposite Christopher Lee as vampire hunter Van Helsing in Count Dracula.

   Herbert Lom starred as the King of Siam in the original London production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical The King and I. His singing voice is heard on the cast recording.

   He spent his last years crediting the late Peter Sellers for prolonging his career. The Dreyfus character was so durable, Herbert continued after the troubled English actor’s death in 1980. Herbert’s final  appearance was in the seventh Pink Panther film in 1993.

   Herbert Lom died peacefully in his sleep, with his legacy firmly in tact. He was 95.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   On the eve of its nationwide release on November 9th, Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln will close the LA: The AFI Film Fest. Starring Daniel Day Lewis as our 16th President, this will give the festival audience a jump on the Oscar season.  For the 4th consecutive year, AFI FEST will continue to screen its program to audiences for FREE. And, no other major film festival has landed this likely cinematic classic.

   The motion picture, adapted by Tony Kushner from Doris Kearns Goodwin’s bestseller Team of Rivals, co-stars Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, John Hawkes, Jackie Earle Haley, Hal Holbrook, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader and Jared Harris. This is the 26th Spielberg film scored by John Williams. DreamWorks is marketing and promoting this historic drama; an old-fashioned Hollywood biopic targeted for adults and Academy voters.

   The trailer was released to the press this week, and it has made the rounds among news circles. A real Hollywood-and-Vine moment, historical biopics have a longstanding legacy in cinema, making this year’s anticipated release of Lincoln the must-see movie of the year!

   Spielberg received a AFI Life Achievement Award in 1995. Five of his flicks rate among the greatest films of all time on AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies list: Schindler’s List, Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Saving Private Ryan. Last year, the director completed a one-hour special at the AFI Conservatory with Williams exploring their four-decade relationship.This candid conversation aired on Turner Classic Movies. Spielberg and co-producer Kathleen Kennedy serve on the American Film Institute’s Board of Trustees.

   I’m thrilled Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History proudly rests in the prestigious shelves of the Louis B. Mayer Library of the American Film Institute!

Until next time>                               “never forget”