Forgotten Hollywood

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”

Manny P. here…

   The Forgotten Hollywood Fall Book Tour takes me to familiar locations, as I present Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Here are the details:

~ SEPTEMBER 11th – TUGNET is a 35+ computer tech group that meets at the Granada Pavilion in Granada Hills. These tech-savvy members are also avid readers.

~ SEPTEMBER 14th – The LAGUNA WOODS VILLAGE WRITER’S CLUB has an active mature membership, who not only meet to discuss literary issues, but also run a weekly cable television show to discuss literature. I was a guest in January.

~ SEPTEMBER 15th – The LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE / BUENA PARK CHAPTER 1945 will be the place for my official Donation Cermony, three years in the making.

*** I’m donating $1 for every 1st edition of my first paperback for a total of $2400. My most important event of the year will take place at 7:30p. Regional MOOSE Governors are invited. All proceeds go to MOOSE CHARITIES, INC., and funds are targeted for the MOOSEHEART CHILD CITY & SCHOOL, located just outside Chicago, ILL.

~ SEPTEMBER 16th – BARNES & NOBLE / Manhattan Beach booksigning at 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Unit B, Manhattan Beach, CA, from 12p – 4p. Targeted money goes to MOOSEHEART charity campaign.

~ OCTOBER 6th – 10th ANNUAL DUARTE FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS will be hosting authors, panel discussions and family-friendly activities. I’ll be sponsored by the Flintridge Book Store and Coffee Shop. It’s located at 1420 Santo Domingo Ave., and I’ll be there from 12p – 4p.

~ OCTOBER 13th – THE LOS ANGELES LATINO BOOK AND FAMILY FESTIVAL is an annual event featuring the latest literary work of top Latino Authors. The face of this event is actor Edward James Olmos. This year’s event will take place at Cal State Dominguez Hills. I’m scheduled to be on two panels that discuss the topics of Making Latino Books into Films and How to Get Published.

~ NOVEMBER 3rd – My second appearance this year with the CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB. I’m visiting the San Fernando Valley Chapter at the historic Motion Picture and Television Fund Facility.

   I’m looking forward to the opportunity in attending these wonderful appearances throughout Southern California; and making available my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series to a whole new group of eager readers.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   While you visit your local theater to check out the latest Blockbuster, or a classic flick… Remember one thing:

   Just sayin’…

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   CINECON 48 was fabulous! Check out the photo collage below. I’m next to Hollywood icon and child star… Jane Withers!

   HAPPY LABOR DAY!!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   GREAT NEWS!

   During my third Labor Day visit to CINECON, I made a deal for the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series to be sold at the NILES ESSANAY Silent Film Museum store. This cinematic establishment is located at 37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont, CA.

   In a blog on 9/5/11, I posted the Historic Story about this Northern California tourist center:

In 1907, George Spoor, a Chicago film distributor, and Gilbert M. Anderson, an actor and director, formed the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company.

Based in Chicago, on April 1, 1912, Anderson moved the film crew to Northern California. Over the next three years, the Niles Studio produced over 350 films including Broncho Billy Westerns, Snakeville comedies, and contemporary dramas. The equation changed in December, 1914, when Charlie Chaplin was signed by Essanay.

When Chaplin’s contract came up for renewal in December, 1915, Spoor rejected Chaplin’s salary demands – $10, 000 a week plus $150,000 to sign his name on the contract. Chaplin went elsewhere and Anderson was also ready to move on. On February 16, 1916, the Niles Essanay studio shut down. The doors were closed and locked. It was the end of an era.

Although not well known today, the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company was one of the major studios of its day. This museum keeps the spirit of Charlie Chaplin and Broncho Billy Anderson silent films alive.

   The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed in 2001 in the Niles District of Fremont, California. We welcome new members and volunteers who wish to support our mission and/or participate in any way. Membership benefits include a quarterly newsletter, discounts at the museum store and discounts for special events.

The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum is a resource center for the history of Niles, for the Essanay Film Company, for pioneering film companies of the San Francisco Bay Area and for silent films in general. Reference materials collected through our preservation efforts range from historical data on the houses, commercial buildings and people of Niles to biographical material, documents, memorabilia, photographs and movies made by the Essanay Film Company and other early film producers.

The museum takes an active role in teaching and promoting silent film history in our 1913 nickelodeon-era theater with displays of photographs, posters, cameras and projectors, and by presenting seminars and movies, including the annual Broncho Billy Silent Film Festival in June and our weekly Saturday night programs throughout the year. The museum also works collaboratively with other historical organizations and archives to serve our mutual interests.

   For monthly information, please visit their website at:

http://www.nilesfilmmuseum.org/

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

I am thrilled to be part of the Movie Book Fair at CINECON 48. It is part of the Memorabilia Show located on the third floor meeting area of the Loews Hollywood Hotel (formerly the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel), at 1755 N. Highland Ave., and it’s going on all weekend.

   I will be autographing copies of my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series TODAY from 11:30a to 3p. Patrons can purchase special autographed copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and  Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

Here’s a link to their website, which will direct you to all the fabulous activities:

 http://www.cinecon.org/cinecon_memorabilia.html

   I hope to see you at CINECON 48!!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A series of events around the world are set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of James Bond films. According to the official SkyFall website:

It has been announced that October 5th, 2012 will be Global James Bond Day, a day-long series of events for 007 fans around the world.

Worldwide events celebrating Bond’s golden anniversary include a global online and live charity auction event organized by Christie’s in London, a global survey to discover the favourite Bond film country-by-country, a film retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, a Music of Bond night in Los Angeles hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Designing 007: 50 Years of James Bond Style opens at TIFF in Toronto. Leading up to Global James Bond Day, for the first time ever fans can own all 22 films in the franchise on Blu-ray in one comprehensive collection with BOND 50, releasing worldwide beginning September 24th.

A new feature documentary from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Passion Pictures, and Red Box Films, Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007, will also be unveiled (with country-specific release details to follow). Directed by Stevan Riley, Everything Or Nothing focuses on three men with a shared dream – Bond producers Albert R. Broccoli, Harry Saltzman, and author Ian Fleming. It’s the thrilling and inspiring narrative behind the longest running film franchise in cinema history. With unprecedented access both to the key players involved and to EON Productions’ extensive archive, this is the first time the inside story of the franchise has ever been told on screen in this way. Director Stevan Riley follows a story that begins with a groundbreaking spy thriller and continues six Bonds and five decades later. While Bond was saving the world from chaos and catastrophe on screen, this compelling documentary draws back the curtain to reveal the battles, threats and real stakes unfolding behind the camera.

   Bond and beyond…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   SOME EXCITING NEWS!

   According to their Facebook page:

THE BIG PICTURE: PARAMOUNT’S 100^TH ANNIVERSARY

The Hollywood Bowl

September 2^nd at 7:30p

   A nostalgia-filled night of unforgettable scores and clips from Paramount studio’s rich history, including Wings (the first Academy Award Best Picture winner), The Godfather  trilogy, the epic romance Titanic, and this year’s action blockbuster Mission: Impossible  Ghost Protocol, among many other favorites.

   Hosted by film, television, and Broadway star Jason Alexander, the evening will feature special appearances by composers Michael Giacchino (Super 8, Star Trek), Lalo Schifrin (the Mission: Impossible series), and Alan Silvestri (Forrest Gump).

   Presented by the LA Philharmonic and produced in cooperation with Paramount Pictures.  For tickets and info, visit HollywoodBowl.com.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The passing of the first man on the moon caused me to think about how important Neil Armstrong was to motion pictures. The origins of cinema’s relationship to human space travel dates back to 1902, when Georges Melies created The Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune). The movie was loosely based on two popular novels of the time:  From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verneand H. G. Wells’ The First Men in the Moon. It was named as one of the hundred greatest films of the 20th century byThe Village Voice.

   A Korean War veteran, Neil Armstrong was one of the initial test pilots tapped to become an astronaut. The exploits of these space pioneers are chronicled in the 1983 movie The Right Stuff. Though Neil was not personally featured, the story of his comrades called the Mercury Seven were chronicled. They included Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Alan Shepard, Wally Schirra, Gus Grissom, and Deke Slayton. 

   The Apollo 11 mission was the famous goal set by President Kennedy’s proclamation for an astronaut to set foot on the moon by the end of the decade  (1960s). When The Eagle landed on July 21st, 1969, the television and radio audience was estimated globally at 450 million at the moment when Armstrong made his famous walk.

                     NEIL ARMSTRONG

   Apollo 11’s flight to the moon has not been made into a Hollywood movie. However. the Apollo 13 mission became a cinematic classic. Neil Armstrong was portrayed as one of the astronauts supporting the combined efforts of NASA’s Mission Control.

   Like John Glenn, and other pioneering astronauts, Neil Armstrong will always be considered an American hero. He’s made one more flight to the heavens. His legacy is in tact.

   Neil Armstrong was 82.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Dick Van Dyke will receive the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award at their next gala in January. The 86-year old actor can add this accolade to his multiple Emmys, Tonys, and a Grammy he has received.                              DICK VAN DYKE —>

   Dick Van Dyke is best remembered on the small screen for starring in Diagnosis Murder and The Dick Van Dyke Show. But, he’s had a rousing career in cinema and on Broadway. His credits in film include Bye Bye Birdie, What a Way to Go, Mary Poppins, Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N., Divorce American Style, Fitzwilly, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Comic, Cold Turkey, and Dick Tracy. He appeared on stage in Bye Bye Birdie, The Music Man, and Damn Yankees.

   His hometown is Danville, Illinois, which also produced Donald O’Connor, Gene Hackman and Bobby Short. His brother Jerry is also a well-known actor. Van Dyke delivered stirring eulogies of Stan Laurel and Buster Keaton, idols of his as a child. He began his entertainment career in radio during World War II, while serving in the United States Army Air Corps and Special Air Services. Van Dyke’s 2011 memoir My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business made the New York Times Best Sellers list.

   His good friend, Mary Tyler Moore, was award last year’s SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. The 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will simulcast live on TNT and TBS on Sunday, January 27, 2013.

   Congratulations to the tireless Dick Van Dyke!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   My wife Laurie had a teriffic time over the weekend at the Global eBook Awards Gala in Santa Barbara. Held at the historic University Club, she met actress Marilu Henner and the Editor-in-Chief of the Midwest Book Review, James A. Cox.

            LAURIE PACHECO       JAMES A. COX               MARILU HENNER 

   The Midwest Book Review has given two 5-Star Reviews for my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series. I was additionally thrilled Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History was the eBook Finalist in the Entertaiment and Performing Arts category.

   Laurie took amazing photos!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   William Windom was an intelligent award-winning actor with the folksy attributes of a Will Rogers. His performances were quite understated in a way that Spencer Tracy and Paul Scofield crafted in their screen roles.

   Windom had a simple movie career with parts in To Kill a Mockingbird, For Love or Money, The Americanization of Emily, Hour of the Gun, The Gypsy Moths, Escape From Planet of the Apes, The Mephisto Waltz, and the remake of Miracle on 34th Street. He starred on the small screen, including in The Farmer’s Daughter and My World and Welcome To It. He was outstanding in episodes of The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, Hawaii  Five-O, Columbo, Mission Impossible, Night Gallery, All in the Family, The Streets of San Francisco, and especially, in Star Trek. He was a regular on Murder She Wrote for over a decade.

   Like James Whitmore and Hal Holbrook, William Windom cemented his career legacy with one-man shows on stage, usually playing James Thurber. He was one of my favorite character actors who will be sorely missed.

   William Windom was 88.

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   Phyllis Diller was the zany comedian discovered by Groucho Marx on the You Bet Your Life game show. She was also a personal friend of Bob Hope. He invited her to perform with him in Vietnam in 1966 with his USO troupe during the height of the war. She also had a husband named Fang.

   Her film career included roles in Splendor in the Grass, Boy Did I Get the Wrong Number, and The Sunshine Boys. Our delight was  her live appearances on the variety show circuit, including What’s My Line, The Tonight Show, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, The Hollywood Squares, and The Gong Show. Merv Griffin and Mike Douglas also had her on as a frequent guest.

   With her signature laugh silenced, Phyllis Diller was 95.                         PHYLLIS DILLER

PHYLLIS DILLER  /  JOHNNY CARSON

Until next time>                                “never forget”