Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   The Clark County Library in Las Vegas is offering an early Halloween celebration by screening two classic films. This cinematic series is called: Tuesday Afternoon at the Bijou: Universal’s Horror Classics. These FREE events are a great way to introduce your family to cinema from Hollywood’s Studio Era.

* THE MUMMY (October 18th, 1p) – The motion picture was directed by Karl Freund and features Boris Karloff as a revived Egyptian priest. After the success of Dracula and Frankenstein, Carl Laemmle Jr. was inspired by the 1922 opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb to offer another memorable character from his studio’s stable of ghouls. The screenplay was adapted from a short story by Arthur Conan Doyle entitled The Ring of Thoth.

* THE INVISIBLE MAN (October 25th, 1p) – Claude Rains had a most intriguing American screen debut by an actor (he had a small role in a British silent picture in 1920). For the most part, you only hear his voice throughout the movie. This classic was directed by James Whale, best known for his work on Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. It’s loosely based on the H.G. Wells science fiction novel. Produced in 1933, The Invisible Man was recently selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

   The screenings will take place at the 399-seat Main Theatre. The Clark County Library is located at 1401 E. Flamingo Rd. For more information visit the website below:

http://www.lvccld.org/events/event.cfm?nID=38390

   Treat yourself to chills and macabre black humor that were a staple at Universal Studios.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I appreciate the nice mention I received at Examiner.com. Reporter Jordan Young writes for the LA / OC Artssection of the news site. Last week, Mr. Young offered a review of a number of Hollywood / Entertainment-related books, CD’s, and films on DVD now out for your enjoyment including Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. He writes:

Manny Pacheco’s “Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History” (in paperback from Book Publishers Network) is as much about American history as it is the movies. The character actors of Hollywood’s storied past (Claude Rains, John Carradine, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson) provide the springboard. Lionel Barrymore’s wheelchair-bound performances are contrasted with FDR’s hidden disabilities. Pacheco makes a case for Ward Bond as a patriot for his role in championing the ‘50s blacklist; I disagree with his argument, but that’s what makes the horse race.

   Actually, I completely agree with the reviewer’s last viewpoint. In my chapter about Ward Bond, I wrote that the actor was used by the government as a pawn during the McCarthy Era. Bond believed he acted as a patriot by naming names; Hollywood individuals he surmised were Communists. Because of his over-zealous behavior that destroyed careers, Bond was villified by his peers until the day he died in 1960. Since John Wayne and Ronald Reagan would later be universally lionized for stern assessment about the Soviet Union and Communism, shouldn’t we forgive Bond for misguided actions (though I do not condone his real-life personal decisions). It might be charitable to remember Ward Bond’s gallant roles during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

   If you would like to read Jordan Young’s complete article, click on the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/arts-in-los-angeles/book-celebrates-dick-van-dyke-sitcom-anything-goes-on-dvd

Jordan R. Young is a journalist, playwright and lifelong theatre buff whose work has appeared in the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times; his plays have been produced and read throughout Southern California.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Bookstores in Southern California have indicated they will carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. This wonderful news compliments today’s visit to the Niguel Shores Women’s Club event. 

 NIGUEL SHORES WOMEN’S CLUB LUNCHEON

33654 Niguel Shores Drive, Monarch Beach

October 13th  12p – 2p

   The additions include…

* Along with being housed at the UCLA Arts Library, my alma mater has actually carried my paperback for some time at the UCLA Store Bookzone. They are about to re-order more copies. Here’s a link to their site:

http://www.uclastore.ucla.edu/newbookzone/index.asp

* PAGES: A BOOKSTORE is located at 904 Manhattan Ave. in the heart of Manhattan Beach. The Southern California area is known as South Bay. The owners have indicated their interest in selling my work. Here’s a link to their website:

http://www.pagesabookstore.com/

   I urge you to support these fine stores.

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   I’d like to personally thank writer Thelma T. Reyna for mentioning me in her blog as part of a renaissance of current Latin American authors who are making a dent in literature throughout the United States. The list of scribes Reyna has compiled is quite impressive. American Latina(o) Writers Today share her story.

   Here’s the Blogspot website:

http://latinowriterstoday.blogspot.com/2011/10/part-ii-evolution-of-american-latinao.html

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Now that BORDERS Stores have permanently closed, KOBO, their former eReader partner, has turned to the Internationally successful FNAC and FNAC.com intheir journey towards a productive online literary future. According to a KOBO press release:

KOBO is excited to announce its global eReading expansion into France partnering with FNAC in over 81 stores throughout France and online with FNAC.com.

KOBO’s European stores offer customers a rich assortment of local content, merchandised to the tastes and preferences of readers across Europe, KOBO has partnered with European publishers to offer a wide range of titles.

With this launch, FNAC will deliver a large content catalogue, making it the largest eBookstore in France – the new store will feature the latest releases and bestsellers from popular French authors.

   I’m proud Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is currently available through KOBO as an eBook (through SMASHWORDS); in FNAC stores, and FNAC.com.  C’est magnifique…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Stephen Sondheim is the most prolific Broadway composer in our lifetime. His credits include West Side Story and Gypsy (as lyricist); and creating A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Follies, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd. In cinema, he contributed tunes for Reds and Dick Tracy.

“`Sondheim has won multiple Tony and Grammy awards, an Oscar, and a Pulitzer Prize. To honor his 80th birthday, the Henry Miller’s Theatre was renamed the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in 2010.

“`On November 1st, New York will bestow the city’s highest honor to the composer for career achievement in the Arts. He receives the Handel Medallion at Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan.

Congratulations to a living legend… Stephen Sondheim (above)!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Shirley MacLaine has been selected by the American Film Institute to receive a 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award, four years after her younger brother, Warren Beatty, was recognized. She will be their 40th recipient.

   The Oscar-winning actress is known for iconic performances in The Trouble with Harry, Around the World in Eighty Days, Some Came Running, The Apartment, The Children’s Hour, What a Way to Go, Irma La Douce, Sweet Charity, Two Mules for Sister Sara, Being There, The Turning Point, and Steel Magnolias. MacLaine won her coveted statuette in 1984 for her role in Terms of Endearment. She has attained a total of six Academy Awards nominations for her work.

   Early in her career, she was also known to pal around with the infamous Rat Pack, whose membership included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop. She had a cameo role in the original Ocean’s Eleven.

   A June 7th, 2012 Gala is planned in her honor. The ceremony is set to air on TV Land later that month.

   On a related note, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is proudly housed in the Louis B. Mayer Library of the American Film Institute in Hollywood.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Famed pianist Roger Williams died on Saturday. He’s arguably the most successful artist in his craft over the last sixty years. His hits included Autumn Leaves (the only piano instrumental to ever reach #1), Born Free, The Impossible Dream, Somewhere in Time, and Lara’s Theme from Dr. Zhivago.

   In his teens, he met Ronald Reagan at a radio station in Iowa and they became lifelong pals. Other notables who called him their friend were former President Jimmy Carter and Utah Senator Orrin Hatch. Eventually, Roger Williams performed at the White House for every  chief executive from Harry Truman to George W. Bush.

   Two early television pioneers who guided Roger Williams into a successful career would be Arthur Godfrey on his Talent Scouts program; and Dennis James, who hosted Chance of a Lifetime.

   According to his official website:

The first pianist to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Roger Williams has twenty-one Gold and Platinum albums to his credit. He is a Steinway Artist, and he is the first and (so far) only artist to receive the Steinway Lifetime Achievement Award. Williams was featured at Carnegie Hall for Steinway’s 150^th Anniversary.

   In 2010, Roger Williams was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. At the time of his passing, he was 87 (having celebrated his birthday just last week).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Laurie (my wife) recently purchased a special collector’s gift set edition of Barbie and Ken designed in the style of Doris Day and Rock Hudson in Pillow Talk, the Oscar-winning 1959 film. Russell Rouse took home a statuette for his Story and Screenplay written directly for the Screen.

(Rock Hudson™ is a trademark of the Estate of Rock Hudson. Ms. Doris Day has approved the depiction of her likeness and name on this product)

   What I discovered is that a Barbie collector’s website exists for you to find a variety of designs modified for the iconic doll, which offers a unique tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Age. By the way, keeping Barbie in her original box also adds value to the collection.

   Barbie’s favorite actress may be Grace Kelly. Three designer wardrobes compliment the former Princess of Monaco. My favorite is a dress resembling an outfit Grace wore in To Catch a Thief. Accessories include a clutch purse and scarf.

(Use of the name and likeness of Grace Kelly by permission of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, a non-profit organization that continues Princess Grace of Monaco’s commitment to supporting emerging artists)

   Other wardrobe tributes include Sinatra and Elvis. Here is the link to a website promoting the Barbie collector series:

http://www.barbiecollector.com/

   (Pillow Talk © Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios  Licensing LLC. All rights reserved). To Catch a Thief © 2011 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved)

   I smell holiday present here…

© 2011 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

I’ve received confirmation from the committee representing this Saturday’s 9th Annual Duarte Festival of Authors regarding my participation. I’ll be moderating two very exciting literary panel discussions. Joining me will be a number of fine authors; some of our country’s  fabulous scribes! I’ll also have copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History for those folks who would like an autographed paperback. Below are the complete details:

WESTMINSTER GARDENS – 1420 Santo Domingo Ave., Duarte

October 8th   10a – 5p

* * *

AUTHOR PANELS 

LOS ANGELES NOIR / Main Tent Stage

Featured Speaker – Denise Hamilton

Gary Phillips – Jim Pascoe

Moderator – Manny Pacheco

12:30p – 1:15p

* * *

FICTION / Pergola Stage

Anna Louise Bannon  – Phil Drake – Reyna Grande – Thelma Reyna – Jon Vorhaus

Moderator – Manny Pacheco

2:45p – 3:30p

* * *

   Here’s a link to the Duarte Festival of Authors website:

http://friendsoftheduartelibrary.com/participate/festival-of-authors/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A motion picture museum might be the next big attraction in Southern California. A deal was tentatively enacted between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts.

   The Academy’s Board of Governors will begin developing plans for a design. They will also start creating permanent and seasonal exhibitions, and modern visitor interactive displays. Memorabilia in their extensive collection include rare movie prints, film posters, and original screenplay scripts. Top filmmakers and actors will be approached to help subsidize the project.

   The site of this attraction will be at the old May Company art-deco building in the Wilshire District. Originally built in 1939, this iconic department store has strong ties to cinema of that  particular year – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Wuthering Heights, Of Mice and Men, The Wizard of Oz, Stagecoach, Ninotchka, and Gone with the Wind (among others). The Oscar–organizers are planning to convert the current area into a Hollywood-related facility within three to five years. The joint venture hopes to create what might be considered the finest state-of-the-art museum in the world devoted to moviemaking.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

   I’m reporting from the La Quinta Inn in Bellevue/Kirkland in Washington State. This is ground zero for the next 48 hours!

   Later today, I’ll be participating at the 2011 Northwest BookFest. It promises to be a busy day for me. Here’s a complete schedule of my activities (including signing copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History):

PANEL DISCUSSION

COMMUNITY CENTER LOBBY MEETING ROOM

 Finding Our Roots:  Multi Cultural Authors

Flor Fernandez Barrios – Sunnie Empie – Bharti Kirchner – Dee Goto

MODERATOR – MANNY PACHECO

 October 2nd    11ap

 * *

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM – WORKSHOP / PANEL

SENIOR CENTER – ROOM 1

Savvy Self-Publisher: Understanding Economics of Self-Publishing

Sheryn Hara – Manny Pacheco – Tom Trimbath

October 2nd    12p

 * *

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM – WORKSHOP / PANEL

SENIOR CENTER – ROOM 4

Marketing & PR: Non Tradional Market Sales

October 2nd    1p

 * *

BOOK SIGNING

PETER KIRK PARK

202 3rd St., Kirkland, WA

Book Publishers Network / Danforth Book Distribution Booths

 October 2nd     2p – 7p

~  ~ ~

   I hope you stop by and say hi!

Until next time>                                  “never forget”    

(#4 in a 12-part series to be printed at the beginning of each month)

Manny P. here…

   THEM! – Critics regard this science fiction drama the best of its genre during the 1950’s, along with Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing. Remarkably, it may be the least mentioned. This flick pioneered the Cold War monster genre, later emulated by a countless number of “B” movies.

Back Story

   The producers of this motion picture decided to cast this film with a talented group of character actors. The screenplay allowed the ensemble cast to shine in tense scenes. Warner Brothers wanted to create horror with few black comedic elements (the approach initially developed decades earlier by Universal Studios).

   The movie studio also wanted audiences to believe they were going to see a film noir mystery, and they waited to shock viewers a full 1/3 into the flick. However, this is no gangster film. The villain in this piece are overgrown ants… THEM!

Positives

   Sandy Descher is not a household name as an actress. Yet, this child star was key to the opening of THEM!  Her catatonic look, followed by her screaming the title, set the iconic tone for the film.

  The casting of James Whitmore as a local New Mexico police officer, Edmund Gwenn as an entomologist, and James Arness as an FBI agent was so inspired. Whitmore is overwhelmed by the concept of nuclear testing causing an unusual growth of insects. Gwenn is so credible as an entomologist, as a youngster, I believed he was an expert in the field. Arness is a reliable love interest to the professor’s daughter. This science fiction picture has something for everyone.

JAMES WHITMORE

Negatives

   The demise of one its the stars is very unsettling, considering how heroic he was throughout the movie. I don’t want to give away who dies, but I can tell you, it’s unbelievably tragic. This is fantasy, but his death was so unnecessary. BOO HOO!

   The other negative came as a result of the influence of THEM! Copycat filmmakers never lived up to the hype in mimicking this fine plot, casting, and the general production values. The genre, though currently popular with filmgoers, has been consistently compromised by creative folks in the industry.

Supporting Actor Spotlight

   Edmund Gwenn began his career before the Silent Era. He was originally discovered by George Bernard Shaw in 1895, and the legendary playwright cast him in shows on the London stage.

   During Hollywood’s Golden Age, he provided memorable performances in Sylvia Scarlett, Anthony Adverse, A Yank at Oxford, The Devil and Miss Jones, Pride and Prejudice, Foreign Correspondent, Lassie Come Home, Of Human Bondage, Green Dolphin Street, Life With Father, and The Trouble With Harry. He received an Academy Award for his role as Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street.

   A cousin to noted character actor Cecil Kellaway, I believe Gwenn’s finest hour might have  been describing how ants create their own insect society to a government agency in THEM!  He’s also credited for uttering the following before he succumbed to pneumonia after suffering a stroke in 1959:  Dying is easy… Comedy is hard! Peter O’Toole amusingly quoted Gwenn’s final words in My Favorite Year in 1982.

Epilogue

   Representatives of Disney Studios caught this picture and decided to hire Fess Parker to play Davy Crockett on television after watching his small role in this film. John Wayne also went to check out THEM!  The Duke later recommended James Arness to play Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, crediting his cinematic performance. Leonard Nimoy, William Schallert, Dub Taylor, and Richard Deacon all had small roles in this classic.

   And, members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were  impressed. They honored the movie with an Oscar nomination for Best Special Effects. Not bad for a bunch of giant mean-spirited bugs with an attitude…

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   After a wonderful Thursday with the members of the La Habra Rotary Club, I’m off to the state of Washington to participate in the 2011 Northwest BookFest.

   Before I take my long-awaited trip, I want to personally thank the local Rotarians for being such a gracious audience:

* I spent a memorable afternoon with long-time friends Dyan Hobday and her father Garry (Thank you Dyan for providing photos on my Facebook page)

* I had a great lunch at El Cholo Mexican Restaurant

* The group was so attentive as I shared stories from my book Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History

* The members discussed their active involvement about past and upcoming nonprofit events. Rotary International is a service group who puts Sevice Above Self, and these folks displayed their sincere commitment to our community

~   ~  ~

   This weekend promises to be tremendous as I moderate a panel and conduct a couple of workshops at the BookFest on Sunday in Kirkland, just outside of Seattle. If you are in the Pacific Northwest area, stop by at the Book Publishers Network or the Danforth Book Distribution booths at Peter Kirk Park, just outside the Community Center. I’ll be signing copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Of course, I’ll also be reporting during the the three days I’m up in Washington. This should be a great trip!

Until next time>                                  “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m thrilled to be attending my 3rd Rotary Club meeting in 2011. On the heels of speaking to members of the Los Alamitos and Van Nuys chapters, I’ve been invited to today’s La Habra luncheon. I intend to share many wonderful stories from my paperback, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Rotary International is committed to serving their individual communities, and specifically, to promote world peace. Its members include many local businessmen and professionals. This prestigious organization was created in 1905.

   I’d like to personally thank Garry Hobday and Jason E. Cecil for this special opportunity to share tales from Hollywood’s Golden Age to their local membership.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

Why is Andy Rooney the oldest weekly television pundit at 92? Did he forget to negotiate a retirement clause in his contract?

   This fact will change on Sunday when he delivers his last broadcast on 60 Minutes, according to CBS News officials. Rooney has been offering his unique brand of satire since 1978 on the iconic news magazine. Morley Safer will appropriately profile his friend in a segment preceding the final essay conducted by Rooney. Andy has shared points-of-view about Americana almost 1,100 times during his closing segments on 60 Minutes.

   Why has Andy Rooney become the televised version of our grandpas, who shares old war stories repeatedly? And, why aren’t you fascinated by his compelling stories? Does familiarity really breed contempt?

   Andy Rooney began his newspaper career in newspapers while in the Army. During World War II, he began writing for Stars and Stripes in London. While traveling with the Eighth Air Force, he was one of six correspondents who flew on initial American bombing raids over Germany. He was one of the first American journalists to chronicle Nazi attrocities.

   After the war, Rooney joined CBS as a staff writer for Arthur Godfrey and Garry Moore. The news division hired him for work on The 20th Century. Beginning in the 1960’s, Andy starred in a series of prime-time specials that showcased his humor. Emmys and a Peabody Award followed.

   Do the American people truly find his humor funny? When Jerry Seinfeld makes similar observations, some folks feel he’s clearly cranky…or worse, just plain silly…

   Andy Rooney is a precious treasure. His trademark self depracating approach has allowed viewers of 60 Minutes to accept these fabulous essays with water-cooler enthusiasm that  captured the pulse of what the United States uniquely stands for, politically and otherwise.

   As he joins the ranks of the unemployed, Andy Rooney can spend his retirement rooting for his beloved New York Giants. He’s a season ticket holder.

   I hope his team wins one for their #1 fan. What a nice present for a guy who has provided commentary with a great big bow on a weekly basis for a long time. We’d all like that…don’t you think?

   …tick…tick…tick…

Until next time>                              “never forget”