Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Andy Williams was a classic vocalist of Standards for seven decades. He was also a likeable personality on television, while having a tumultuous personal life.

   Andy was part of a sibling quartet called The Williams Brothers in the 1940s. They appeared in films, and songs that were part of a movie score. Most notably, they backed Bing Crosby on Swinging on a Star, which won an Oscar for Best Song in 1944. The tune was featured in the Best Picture of the Year, Going My Way.

   After he went solo in 1953, Andy was compared to Standards luminaries,  Perry Como and Frank Sinatra. Though he had a popular singing career, he’s best known for adapting movie music to his songbook. Notable examples include Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, Love is a Many-Splendored Thing, Charade, Three Coins in a Fountain, Exodus, Born Free, and More (from Mondo Cane).

   Andy Williams often added Broadway showtunes from Rodgers and Hammerstein to his live performances. He also showed his affection for cinema by crooning his versions of As Time Goes By, A Summer Place, The Second Time Around, Tonight, Maria, Never on Sunday, The Sweetheart Tree (from The Great Race), Where Do I Begin (theme from Love Story), and It Might as Well Be Spring.

   For a decade, Andy was a mainstay on television. He had a two year stint on Steve Allen’s Tonight Show. Over the years, The Andy Williams Show won three primetime Emmys. Regulars included the Osmond Brothers and Tony Orlando. After he left his television program, he hosted a number of Christmas specials.  ANDY WILLIAMS –>

   Andy Williams married a former dancer for the Folies Bergère. Claudine Longet was a popular guest on his television show. However, after their public divorce in 1975, Longet was charged with fatally shooting her boyfriend, alpine ski racer Spider Sabich, in Aspen. Andy played a role in the subsequent events, escorting his ex-wife to the courtroom, testifying to her character at the trial, and providing legal assistance.

   On a lighter note, his 1967 recording of Music to Watch Girls By was recently used by Diet Pepsi in a popular commercial in the United Kingdom. The singer hosted an annual PGA golf tournament in San Diego at Torrey Pines, beginning in 1968. Then known as the Andy Williams Open, the tourney continues as the Farmers Insurance Open, usually played in February.

   In 1992, he opened the Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri. On stage, Williams was often joined by Glen Campbell, Ann-Margret, Petula Clark, Pat Boone, The Osmond Family (of course), Phyllis Diller, Robert Goulet, Charo, Rich Little, David Copperfield, Pat Benatar, Shari Lewis, and Broadway on Ice skaters Nancy Kerrigan, Tara Lipinski, and Rudy Galindo. Every November and December, he presented his annual Andy Williams Christmas Show. He wrote his memoirs in 2009, fittingly entitled, Moon River and Me.

   Andy Williams, the artist of timeless tunes as It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Can’t Get Used to Losing You, was 84. Goodbye, my huckleberry friend…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Today is the day! All 22 James Bond films are available on Blu-ray. Since it’s a limited edition, I suggest you don’t wait to grab this unique box set. Amazon is carrying the collection.

   Everything Or Nothing: The Untold Story Of 007 feature documentary premieres on October 1st, with the official release on October 5th in the United Kingdom at participating Odeon Cinemas. This is the quintessential story of the James Bond cinematic achievement, now 50 years old! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will pay homage to  memorable title songs and indelible scores that have become as celebrated as the character’s many exploits. A retrospective is also scheduled on October 5th at their Wilshire location.

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   Fans of Hal Roach Studios will have a chance to enjoy rare two-reelers at The Barn. Hollywood Heritage is co-sponsoring the event, sure to tickle your funny bone. This enchanted evening takes place October 11th.

   The Sons of the Desert is an international  Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society. The silent film revue is a traveling road show with a planned stop  to entertain its Hollywood Chapter, and the public is also invited to attend. 16mm prints will be screened from seven movie archives.

   The doors will open at 6:30p, with their official meeting and film fest to begin at 7:15p. A nominal $10 admission fee is the cost for your night of nostalgia.

   While visiting The Barn, might I suggest you pick up both copies of the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series. They can be found at the front of the building in their gift shop.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   On October 7th, Made in Hollywood: Photographs from the John Kobal Foundation travels to the Toledo Museum of Art, showcasing more than 90 prints by the most important photographers working in Hollywood from 1920–1960. The iconic presentation celebrates the finest portraits and still photography lent from the London-based archive of late author and collector John Kobal. The program highlights the importance of photography through classic images of idols such as Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, and Cary Grant.

   Master photographers George Hurrell, Clarence Sinclair Bull and Ruth Harriet Louise shot these leading stars through their iconic imagery, utilizing dramatic lighting, unique camera angles, and deft retouching. They captured the magic Hollywood symbolized by immortalizing the actors, the scenes, and the sets that the movie studios created.

   The traveling exhibition was organized in 2008 by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Also shown at the National Portrait Gallery in London (they garnered a record-setting amount of visitors), Made in Hollywood makes its final stop in Toldedo through January 2013.

   Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. On Halloween, visit the museum dressed as one of the icons from the Made in Hollywood exhibition, and admission is FREE! Walk the red carpet, wave to the paparazzi and rub elbows with other celebrities.

   The exhibit is supported in part by a grant program provided by the Ohio Arts Council, and funded by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. A companion book Glamour of the Gods features more than 200 images drawn from the Kobal archive, and is available in the Museum Store.

   While in Ohio, check out this one-of-a-kind visual attraction at the Toledo Museum of Art if you’re searching for Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Please join the American Cinematheque in honoring the legacy of the Egyptian Theatre, home of the first Hollywood movie premiere.

   The Egyptian Theatre along Hollywood Boulevard has been debuting cinema on the big screen since 1922, when films were silent, and Howard C. Carter was hot on the trail of King Tut’s tomb in Egypt. Developer Charles E. Toberman tapped theater owner Sid Gauman to open a grand movie palace on Prospect Avenue (now Hollywood Boulevard) in a part of the city not yet particularly known for night life. The theater opened to great fanfare on October 18, 1922 with silent film royalty in attendance, including Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Charlie Chaplin – and the rest is history.

   Enjoy a memorable evening of 1922 style entertainment featuring silent short films (including some Egyptian themed novelty two-reelers), vaudeville acts, a Hollywood Screen Test booth, 1920s libations, a buffet fit for King Tut, gaming in their speakeasy gambling den, dancing, tours of the Egyptian’s private spaces, and more exotic entertainment than anyone can fathom!

   It’s suggested patrons arrive in costume to complete the evening’s festivities. The Egyptian Theatre’s 90th Anniversary Masquerade Ball is on Saturday, October 20th at 6:30p. Here’s a link to purchase tickets:

http://www.fandango.com/egyptiantheatre_aaofx/theaterpage?date=10/20/2012

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Two-time Academy Award-winning actress Jane Fonda has been tapped to be awarded the inaugural Visionary Award at the first National Entertainment Journalism Awards Gala on Sunday, November 18th at the Biltmore Hotel. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Press Club, this evening’s festivities plan on including a one-on-one chat with the Hollywood icon, Broadway starlet, fitness guru, and best-selling author.

   According to the LA Press Club press release:

The Visionary Award is being instituted to pay 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.

The mission of the Jane Fonda Center is to advance scientific knowledge about adolescence with an emphasis on reproductive health. It seeks to disseminate information and strategies for risk reduction and healthy transitions to adulthood. Her other endeavors include the Women’s Media Center, which is dedicated to amplifying Women’s Voices; and V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls.

   Fonda’s cinematic career includes memorable performances in Walk on the Wild Side, Cat Ballou, Barbarella, Barefoot in the Park, They Shoot Horses Don’t They, Fun with Dick and Jane, Julia, Comes a Horseman, The China Syndrome, 9 to 5, and On Golden Pond. She won Oscars for her roles in Klute and Coming Home.

   Part of Hollywood royalty, her father is the legendary Henry Fonda, and her brother is Peter Fonda. Jane has been married to director Roger Vadim, political activist Tom Hayden, and cable television tycoon and CNN founder Ted Turner.

   In a few weeks, I’ll report whether Orange County Register Radio Columnist, and co-host of our Forgotten Hollywood Radio Program, Gary Lycan, and/or I will be chosen as Finalists in a number of categories at this year’s 2012 National Entertainment Journalism Awards.

   Bulletins as they break…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Once again, Danforth Distribution has provided outstanding news! Latest monthly statements confirm Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has sold over 400 copies. My work is reaching library branches and literary stores, such as Barnes & Noble, giving me a sustained nationwide presence.

   Actually, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Over the last three months, copies were purchased by the Southern California Karaoke community; and through a series of book-signing events. These autograph parties were primarily luncheons held by neighborhood Rotary Clubs. The Chapters I recently visited included stops in Buena Park, Fullerton, Santa Fe Springs, Huntington Beach, Westwood, Santa Ana, and City of Commerce.

   I also like to thank my partners at the Cypress Chamber of Commerce,  the Buena Park Lions Club, and the Long Beach Chapter of the California Writer’s Association. My annual visit at Cinecon 48 additionally elicited a large buy from the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, located in Fillmore.

   Next up – 500 for Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History…

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   After spending three years of distributing copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, I sold out the First Edition of the book at the end of July, 2012. Based on our sales numbers, we collected $2400 in revenue earmarked for our official charity.

   Last Saturday, we held a ceremony at the Buena Park Chapter of the Loyal Order of Moose. I presented a check to our local Governors, which will be sent to MooseHeart Child City and School, the educational arm of Moose Charities, based outside of Chicago, Illinois. Below are the photographs capturing this worthy celebration…

                  MATTHEW BRYDEN                                              MANNY PACHECO  

   As they say, a picture provides a thousand words. I’m thrilled over the culmination of the donation process benefiting nationwide children-in-need in their young efforts to receive an education on their road to a university, college or trade school.

   Additional donations can be made to Moose Charities – 155 South International Drive, Mooseheart, Illinois 60539-1100. Email inquiries about Moose Charities Inc. should be sent to request@moosecharities.org. My sense of pride is immense for the effort made by all involved in this worthy endeavor…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The most ambitious Classic Film Festival will begin today in Upstate New York. Over the next two years, Proctors on State Street in Schenectady is proud to present FILM 100: The American Film Institute Essentials, a thorough countdown from the AFI lists of the TOP 100 films. Each Monday screenings will appear on the classic Mainstage, and the giant screen GE Theatre. For the ultimate classic movie buff, one can purchase the FILM 100 Pass. This individual collectible pass is your passport to the entire two year series. That’s over 100 years of film for just $100!

   Here’s the first portion of the complete schedule through June, 2013 (subject to change):

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)~ Sept 17, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

Ben-Hur (1959) ~ Sept 17, 2012 • 2:30 & 7:00 

Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (1967) ~ Sept 24, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

The Unforgiven (1992) ~ Oct 8, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

The Apartment (1960) ~ Oct 15, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

Do The Right Thing (1989) ~ Oct 15, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

Bringing Up Baby (1938) ~ Oct 29, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

The Searchers (1956) ~ Oct 29, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

The Last Picture Show (1971) ~ Nov 5, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

Goodfellas (1990) ~ Nov 19, 2012 • 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30

A Place In The Sun (1951) ~ Dec 3, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

My Fair Lady (1964) ~ December 17, 2012 • 3:30 & 7:30

Swing Time (1936) ~ December 31, 2012 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

Sophie’s Choice (1982) ~ Jan 7, 2013 • 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30

Easy Rider (1969) ~ Jan 14, 2013 • 3:00, 5:15 & 7:30

Patton (1970) ~ Jan 21, 2013 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

12 Angry Men (1957) ~ March 4, 2013 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

Spartacus (1960) ~ March 4, 2013 • 3:00 & 7:00

Sunrise (1927) ~ March 11, 2013 • 3:30 & 7:00 (live organ)

The Deer Hunter (1978) ~ March 25, 2013 • 3:30 & 7:30

American Graffiti (1973) ~ April 15, 2013 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

In The Heat Of The Night (1967) ~ April 22, 2013 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

Wuthering Heights (1939) ~ June 3, 2013 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

Rocky (1976) ~ June 17, 2013 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

The Manchurian Candidate (1962) ~ June 17, 2013 • 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) ~ June 24, 2013 • 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30

Network (1976) ~ June 24, 2013 • 2:30, 5:00 & 7:30

   Since 1926, Proctors, a beautifully restored historic theatre, has presented the very best in entertainment for New York’s Capital Region. During the 1930s and 40s ~ the Golden Age of Hollywood ~ Proctors flourished. First-run motion pictures like King Kong, The Wizard of Oz, and Gone With the Wind drew crowds numbering in the thousands. In 1980, Proctors was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

   This is one film festival that should be taken on an Nationwide tour!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   With Halloween a little over a month away, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre will soon be available together on Blu-ray. Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts October 2nd through Universal Studios Home Entertainment. For almost a century, Universal Pictures is described as the Hollywood home of ghouls, fiends, and creatures.

   Capturing performances by screen legends of the horror genre, including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains, and Elsa Lanchester, these classics also feature groundbreaking special effects and innovative makeup. Sure to become a Halloween favorite for years to come, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection is the ideal gift for classic movie buffs and horror aficionados alike. This collection includes Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera, and Creature From the Black Lagoon. Extra background goodies are part of this latest historic DVD series.

   On a personal note, I’m particularly thrilled chapters on Claude Rains and Lon Chaney Jr. in the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series chronicles the importance of Universal Pictures with regards to the lingering popularity of the horror genre at your local theater, or on cable. It’s another reason to pick up copies of my literary works complimenting this new DVD collection; which is a must-buy for anyone with a bowl of wrapped candy, waiting for costumed children  hollering trick-or-treat outside their ghoulishly decorated home…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Kirk and Anne Douglas has doubled their Los Angeles Skid Row pledge for homeless women to $10 million. Named to honor his wife, the Anne Douglas Center for Women at the Los Angeles Mission opened two decades ago on Valentine’s Day.

   The 95-year-old actor also gave his wife an award on Wednesday for her work at the shelter, and a five decade effort to help homeless women. The total amount donated to this Southern California shelter by Kirk Douglas this year has reached $15 million.                         ANNE & KIRK DOUGLAS

   The Anne Douglas Center provides a year-long rehabilitation program for homeless and otherwise destitute women. Rehabilitation is followed by a transition program that gives the women the support they need to return to life outside the Mission.

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   The Juilliard School plans a star-filled private musical tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, headlined by Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin and Liza Minnelli. Also slated to perform include Itzhak Perlman, Michael Feinstein, former stars of A Chorus Line, and the current cast of The Nutty Professor.

   The A-list memorial will be held this coming Tuesday evening at the school’s Peter Jay Sharp Theater.  The storied composer’s songbook is expected to be part of the featured program.                      MARVIN HAMLISCH (at Julliard) —->

   The composer became the youngest person accepted by Juilliard. At the time, Marvin was seven years of age. His wife of 26 years, Terre, is expected to open the evening.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is proud to be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Universal Studios, with October devoted to their best known film genre… HORROR. Here are the complete details:

~ Universal’s Legacy of Horror: A Centennial Exhibition is a free exhibit (open to the public) in their Grand Lobby of their Beverly Hills office. Beginning October 1st, the month-long display will feature rare posters, stills, and artifacts celebrating Universal’s contributions.

~ Every Tuesday at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills will be Terrifying Tuesdays. The lineup includes newly restored versions of The Bride of Frankenstein and Dracula (10/2); The Wolfman and American Werewolf in London (10/9); the 3-D version of Creature From the Black Lagoon and The Invisible Man (10/16); The Birds (10/23); and the 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera (10/30). The screenings begin at 7:30p.

~ On Saturday, October 27th, a full slate of films in two venues begins with a 2p double feature of Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966) at the Linwood Dunn Theater. Science fiction is on tap at Oscars Outdoors, the Academy’s open-air theater, with The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) and Tarantula (1955). The evening program begins at 6:30p.

   Passes and tickets to the screenings may be purchased online at www.oscars.org, by mail, in person at the Academy box office at 8949 Wilshire Blvd. during regular business hours, or depending on availability, on the night of each screening. Doors open one hour prior to each day or evening’s event.

   BOO!!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here –

   Key Largo, Florida will be the sight of the 1st Annual Humphrey Bogart Film Festival. It’s the brainchild of the actor’s estate and the city’s Chamber of Commerce. The annual event is expected to take place to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the release of Key Largo.

   Each year, the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival will screen a rotating selection of Bogie classics, and a group of movies centered around the given year’s theme. Set for May, 2013, there will be a formal Bogart Ball; an outside screening of Casablanca; a complete display of Bogart memorabilia; Q&A sessions with son, Stephen Bogart; and daily tours on the restored African Queen.

  

Manny P. here…

   Arclight Cinemas is hosting an anniversary party for the Cinerama Dome with a film fest.  The weeklong event is taking place September 28th – October 4th.

   You can enjoy twelve classic Cinerama productions. Select titles will be presented in the original 3 strip Cinerama process; with others digitally projected, re-mastered from the original negatives. All of the films will be presented in the Dome, one of only three theatres in the world capable of projecting in 3-strip Cinerama. Specially designed to project Cinerama, the Dome features a giant, 126-degree curved screen that immerses audiences into the picture. Made of 316 hexagons and pentagons, it’s the only concrete geodesic dome in the world.

   Among the movies to be presented over the week: This is Cinerama (presented by Lowell Thomas), It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, How the West Was Won, 2001 A Space Odyssey; The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm; Seven Wonders of the World, and Cinerama Holiday.

   For complete listings of this once-in-a-lifetime trip down memory lane:

https://www.arclightcinemas.com/news/promotion-cinerama

   On a personal note, I enjoyed the cinematic Dome experience over the years. I visited the locale to watch the re-releases of This is Cinerama and Around the World in Eighty Days; and the Hollywood premieres of 2001 A Space Odyssey and Back to the Future.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Carl Rollyson is Professor of Journalism at Baruch College, The City University of New York. He reviews biographies regularly for the Wall Street Journal, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and other newspapers and periodicals.

   Professor Rollyson was kind enough to write a fitting review in one of his columns, which appeared on the BiblioBuffet about my first work Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Here’s a link to the review, dated 06/19/2011:

http://www.bibliobuffet.com/biographology/archive-index-biographology/1541-biography-and-the-backstory-061911

The one intangible impression made by Rollyson is his love for the work of actor Dana Andrews. I’d like to think I helped motivate the reviewer to finish an uncompleted manuscript on the life and times of this mostly underrated actor. Of course, this is conjecture on my part.

   Hollywood Enigma: Dana Andrews is  available in bookstores, on Amazon, and is being well-promoted on Turner Classic Movies. According to the cable promo, the new book talks about the dubious relationship the star had with Hollywood studios; his fall from grace into alcoholism; and his redemptive later career. There is little doubt Andrews had lots of talent. His work in Laura, The Ox-Bow Incident, and The Best Years of Our Lives proves as much. What’s also clear, executives had trouble casting the actor in important cinema.

   Click on the Wall Street Journal link featuring a compelling review:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444914904577619771741289822.html

   FYI… The George Bush Presidential Library Foundation  and Museum is presenting Laura as part of their free monthly Classic Film Series at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center on the campus of Texas A&M University on Thursday, September 13th. In conjunction with Sam Houston State University, Carl Rollyson will have a book sale and signing of his latest book following the screening.

   I’m thrilled to promote my esteemed peer’s new work. I intend to place it on my to-read list, since the enigmatic Dana Andrews is clearly part of Forgotten Hollywood lore… You should also consider adding the book to your literary collection!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Old Town Musical Hall is presenting their annual Laurel and Hardy Comedy Festival this weekend. Located at 140 Richmond St. in El Segundo, this is the perfect venue to enjoy a collection of silent and sound films that were created by the comic duo.

  Old Town Music Hall is an exceptional gem, where silent films and movies of yesteryear comes alive. Performances of Wurlitzer theater organ concerts, silent film presentations, ragtime concerts, jazz piano concertos, and turn-of-the-century orchestras are regularly presented. It celebrates 42 years in Southern California!

   Here’s a link to their fabulous upcoming 2012 cinematic weekend presentations:

http://oldtownmusichall.wordpress.com/

   The L&H Festival begins Friday evening at 8:15p; on Saturday at 2:30p and 8:15p; and it concludes on Sunday at a 2:30p matinee. General admission is $8.

Until next time>                                “never forget”