Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   October is expected to be one of my busiest months with regards to Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. In addition to a trip this weekend to the 2011 Northwest BookFest in Kirkland, WA, and my appearance at the Niguel Shores Women’s Club Luncheon on October 13th, I’ve been invited to appear at the 9th Annual Duarte Festival of Authors on Saturday, October 8th from 10a – 5p.

   This event is brought to you by the Friends of the Duarte Library. Expected to attend are over fifty authors, who will be particpating in panel discussions and book signings. Featured speakers are also a highlight (including a Pulitzer Prize winner). There will also be a children’s area with games and face-painting. The day-long festival is FREE to the public.

   The festival will take place at the park at Westminster Gardens, 1420 Santo Domingo Ave.  along Huntington Drive, in Duarte (where the 605 and 210 fwys. meet). Sponsorship is partially provided by Southern California Edison and the Pasadena Star News.

   The goal of the Friends of the Duarte Library is to promote community support for the library, and to provide funds to supplement the purchase of books, special programs and material to better serve all residents. Donations go directly to help continue these activities, and are greatly appreciated.

   Here’s a link to the Duarte Festival of Authorswebsite:

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

   Stop by and pick up a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   One of the most honored films in screen history will be released on Blu-ray. This Wednesday, BEN-HUR: Ultimate Collector’s Edition is expected in stores.

   Directed by William Wyler, and the winner of eleven Oscars (including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture), the epic movie stars Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Sam Jaffe, and Leslie Nielsen. And, the unbelievable Chariot Race will now completely roar into the privacy of your home.

   The Blu-ray collection is actually a limited edition of 125,000 copies, and they’re all numbered on the cover. Included in the package:

* Warner Brothers frame-by-frame high definition re-mastering of the 1959 motion picture

* Commentary by film historian T. Gene Hatcher and Charlton Heston

* A music-only track that showcases Miklos Rozsa’s award-winning score

* A new feature-length documentary – Charlton Heston and Ben-Hur: A Personal Journey

* Additional vintage Ben-Hur documentaries previously released

* The 1925 silent version restored with a stereophonic orchestral score by Carl Davis

* Highlights from the 1960 Oscar telecast (John Wayne presented the Best Picture statuette)

* Newsreels, screen tests, and theatrical trailers

* Collectibles including a reproduction of a diary kept by Heston, and a photo-book with rare prints and production art

   Movie critics are calling this 50th anniversary set of BEN-HUR, the finest definitive cinematic presentation on Blu-ray (so far) in the history of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Due to eBook sales on AMAZON Kindle, and a heartfelt purchase by Martin Beijer from the L.A. Mambo Combo Latin Jazz Ensemble, I’ve reached the magic number of 2100 sold copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   Actually, 43 eBooks sold almost meets eProfit solvency. Earlier this year, I turned my work into a product available for any eReader. By Christmas, expected sales in this medium should be tremendous.

   L.A. Mambo Combo is a bi-lingual music experience that has opened for R&B artists as Jeffrey Osborne. Martin is an extraordinary Conga player. He also visits my Karaoke Shows at Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos. I offer a personal thank you to my new friend…

   The next thirty days promises to be quite enterprising with scheduled visits to a La Habra Rotary Club meeting, the 2011 Northwest BookFest in Kirkland, WA, and a Niguel Shores Women’s Club luncheon.

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   I’ve added a 56th library now housing my paperback. The State Library of Victoria is in Melbourne, Australia. They hold over two million books, including  diaries of the city’s founders, and folios of Captain James Cook. The first reading room was the Queen’s Hall, which opened in 1859.

   The Arts Library maintains an extensive, world-class collection of books, periodicals, and other materials pertaining to art, music and the performing arts. The library’s electronic databases are available from home to any Victorian registered as a State Library User.

   To quote a noted Australian I know… Pass the sugar!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Dolores Hope, the wife of the iconic comedian, died on Monday. Her resume included stints as a model, Ziegfeld showgirl, and the unofficial first lady of the USO. She leaves a huge legacy of philanthropy unparalleled in entertainment.

 DOLORES & BOB HOPE

   Her early career soared as a singer in 1933, delivering sultry performances as It’s Only a Paper Moon at the Vogue Club in Manhattan. Actor George Murphy was impressed by her show, and introduced Dolores to his friend Bob Hope, a radio and Broadway star. They fell in love and married in early 1934.

   She gave up her career in the supper club circuit, and later in vaudeville, to raise a family. However, she would be part of Bob Hope’s USO Tour, and they provided entertainment to our troops. Dolores is the only female entertainer to appear in Saudi Arabia, which she did during Operation Desert Storm. She was a popular guest in eighteen of her husband’s NBC television specials. Rosemary Clooney is credited for getting  Dolores to continue to work. She released albums during a semi-retirement lasting over five decades.

   Dolores has received numerous accolades for her charitable causes including a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a street in the Bronx named in her honor. From 1969 to 1976, she served as president of the Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Desert. She was also an honorary board member of Wings of Hope, which received a recent 2011 nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize. According to their website, Wings of Hope is a non-racial, non-political, non-sectarian 501(c)3 humanitarian organization.

   Dolores Hope was 102.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   One of my closest friends in broadcasting is a true legend. Art Laboe has been providing Southern California audiences with his brand of radio for eight decades. He brought rhythm ‘n blues, and later, rock ‘n roll to the West Coast in 1951. Art coined the term Oldies but Goodies after deciding to feature rock ‘n roll that was at least four years old in 1959 successsfully on the air, and on vinyl. Art has a permanent display of his fine contributions residing at The Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. And, he’s currently heard on a daily program with portions of his show syndicated throughout parts of our nation. What a resume!                ART LABOE

   Art Laboe has agreed to appear on my Forgotten Hollywood Program on THE SPA RADIO NETWORK next month to chat about his love of Hollywood’s Golden Age. He will share personal stories about his former relationships with folks who have transcended both music and cinema including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and others.

  ELVIS PRESLEY     FRANK SINATRA

   You’ll be enchanted to hear which movies and actors give Art a thrill. Gary Lycan and I cannot wait for this hour long chat with my longtime mentor in the entertainment business…

   The interview will air on Forgotten Hollywood on Saturday, October 8th at 3pm. If you live outside the signal area in Southern California, I invite you to click on the link below:

http://tuner1.dc1.sonixtream.com/playlists/am1510kspa/am1510kspaKSPAAM.asx

   I know the many legions of fans of Art Laboe will enjoy this rare opportunity to hear his personal feelings about the era of classic motion pictures.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve received another 5-star Review on Amazon! Thank you to Wendy Grose of California for her kind words. She writes:

What a nice change

I have been having a terrific time reading this book. What a nice look at how history and hollywood influenced each other. I highly recommend reading this book.

   Keep the reviews coming!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here..

   Cliff Robertson, who was an Academy Award winner in 1968 for the movie Charly, died yesterday. He was an actor comfortable starring in films, and in character parts, throughout his career. He also enjoyed performing on the big screen and on television.

   He appeared in iconic cinema including Picnic, Autumn Leaves, Gidget, The Best Man, The Devil’s Brigade, Three Days of the Condor, Midway, and the Spiderman series of films. He’s best remembered for playing Lt. John F. Kennedy in the World War II drama PT-109. In fact, JFK personally suggested he be cast in the picture.

   Charly was based on a short story Flowers For Algernon that was later developed into a novel. A screenplay was written directly for television called The Two Worlds of Charlie Gordon. Robertson was chosen as the lead in the small-screen adaptation. After its critical success, he decided to campaign for his selection to play Charly in the cinematic version.

   He helped champion live television during the 1950’s, when he was given acting opportunities in segments written for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, Playhouse 90 and Alcoa Theatre. He guest-starred in episodic programs on The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Batman. Robertson also had a recurring role on Falcon Crest.

   In addition to an Oscar, he would garner an Emmy (in 1965), and various Lifetime Achievement awards at a number of film festivals. And for many years, he was a spokesperson in commercials for AT&T. 

   Cliff Robertson died on Saturday, the day after his 88th birthday. His funeral is set for September 16 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Long Island, New York.  Memorial services are also planned in New York City and Los Angeles.

Until next time>                       “never forget 9/11/2001″

Manny P. here…

   This is the final week of store closures at BORDERS. An official end of an era…

   They say a picture paints a 1000 words. Go out and save!

Until next time>                                 “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy is due out next week. The work is based on a series of interviews made by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. in 1964, and strictly sealed after they were conducted. Here’s what literary critics are saying… Our modern dayCamelot continues to capture our imagination.

   Among recent revelations:

* John Kennedy and Attorney General  (brother Robert F. Kennedy) openly shared their  contempt over the  premise of Johnson’s succession as our next Chief Executive in 1968.  A game plan was presumably in the works by the siblings as early as 1962 to nix this  strategy that was set forth by the Democratic National Committee.

* Jackie initially believed the 1963 assassination of JFK was orchestrated by LBJ. She changed her  opinion after Johnson wrote a series of notes to her expressing his own personal sorrow and his concern for the former First Lady.

* Jackie and Bobby had a fling that would lead to an alleged affair, initiated by their mutual grief  caused by the tragic events,  which occurred on  November 22, 1963. It continued until his death in 1968. By a number of accounts, RFK’s spouse (Ethel) was sadly aware of the situation.

   The new book is set to be published by Hyperion Books on September 14. An Introduction  has been written by daughter Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, who gave permission to release these candid interviews for use in this book and on a subsequent special to air on television. The availablity of the iconic Q&A coincides with the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s Inauguration.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Personal belongings of John Wayne are going up for auction next month on October 6th and 7th. This public sale is taking place at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

   Among the many items to be auctioned include wardrobe, cowboy hats, saddles, and other western gear. His passport will be available. The most talked about piece is the eye-patch The Duke wore during his Oscar-winning performance in True Grit. His Golden Globe for this role will also be sold. Over 700 artifacts will be on display for purchase.

   The John Wayne-memorabilia will first go on tour later this month with planned stops in Dallas and New York. The exhibit will be open for viewing at the Fletcher Sinclair Mansion on 79th St. in Manhattan on September 23rd-25th.

   All proceeds from each sale will go to John Wayne Enterprises, which supports and funds the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. And bids on certain items will start as low as $100. The October event will be conducted by Heritage Auctions. Here’s a link for more info:

http://www.johnwayne.us.com/2011/09/john-wayne-items-up-for-auction%e2%80%a6-forgotten-hollywood/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   In addition to scheduled Rotary luncheons and a visit to the 2011 Northwest BookFest just outside Seattle, WA (in Kirkland), I’ve been invited to speak at a monthly meeting of the Niguel Shores Women’s Club luncheon. Part of my Fall Tour, I will share seldom told stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age. I’m also working out the details for a few other events, which I will share in a future blog.

   The Niguel Shores Women’s Club is part of the Niguel Shores Community Association, and next to beautiful Dana Point, CA (in Orange County). This planned community consists of the perfect audience who I’m convinced will find my tales fascinating and nostalgic.

   The meeting is set for Thursday, October 13th. I’m truly looking forward to meeting these  active and interesting folks.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   What a remarkable time I had at CINECON 47 on Friday! For the second straight year, I spent the start of my Labor Day Weekend at the Film Book Fair on the 3rd Floor of the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel, just outside the Movie Memorabilia Show. I met some amazing folks…

   I was so happy to chat with Miriam Nelson, an author and legendary choreographer from Hollywood’s Golden Age. She promised to appear on my Forgotten Hollywood Radio Show on The Spa Radio Network. We’re planning on taping her interview at the beginning of 2012.  Miriam will share some great stories.

* * *

   A representative from the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum in Fremont, CA bought my book for their library and research center. According to their brochure:

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.

* * *

   An employee from the Hollywood Heritage Museum purchased more copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. This California Historic Landmark is a  special location for my work. I was informed my book has been selling well in their gift shop.

* * *

   And, I met Jordon Young the LA/OC theatre critic from Examiner.com. He has promised to review my paperback in the upcoming months at the news site. Great news indeed!

   Overall, it was another great afternoon at CINECON 47!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   September promises to be interesting at Turner Classic Movies. While Robert Osborne remains on hiatus, the cable channel will continue to feature celebrity hosts introducing the classic motion pictures we love.

   Among those temporarily hired:

* Illeana Douglas – The granddaughter of the two time Oscar winner Melvyn Douglas. He received his awards for his performances in Hud and Being There. Her film resume includes Goodfellas.

* Cher – The iconic singer won an Academy Award for her role in Moonstruck. She also received a Golden Globe as Supporting Actress in Silkwood. Other films include Mask, The Witches of Eastwick, Suspect, Mermaids, and Tea For Mussolini.

* Winona Ryder – The Oscar-nominated actress for The Age of Innocence and Little Women, she appeared last year in The Black Swan.

* Leonard Maltin – The acclaimed film critic and author, he’s a natural to co-host on TCM. His week at the network will include a tribute to film preservation.

   September promises to be a great month on Turner Classic Movies.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

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

Manny P. here…

BITE THE BULLET – This is a neo-classic Western starring Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, James Coburn, Ben Johnson, Dabney Coleman, Jan Michael Vincent, and Ian Bannen. It was recently featured on the Encore Western’s Channel.

Back Story

   The irony of the title involves the specific reference to a toothache that is suffered by one of the characters, a Mexican ranchero who covers an exposed nerve in his mouth with a bullet casing.

   The plot is filled with directed metaphors and rousing action,  which are well written and produced. This movie chronicles a 700-mile cross-country horse race based on actual events that took place in 1906. It also offers a parable about the treatment of horses during the Old West and in early cinema.

  The familiar metaphors I refer to include:

* I rather be in hell than in Oklahoma… Well each man to his own country

 * You sure don’t know much… You’re right, but I’m not the one who’s lost

 * Whiskey for me; beer for my horse

   The movie was directed by Richard Brooks, who previously developed the screenplays for Key Largo and Elmer Gantry. He also marvelously directed The Blackboard Jungle, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Sweet Bird of Youth, and In Cold Blood. Bite the Bullet is his forgotten gem.

Positives

   Charles Bronson was originally sought for the lead. Once he turned down the role, Gene Hackman accepted the part. Though he made relatively few Westerns in his career, Hackman is given top support with a colorful cast. Several of the actors really shine, particularly James Coburn, Ben Johnson, and an unknown Mario Artaega as the caballero. Johnson and Artaega steal this film every time they’re on camera. Candice Bergen also capably handles a very physical role as a contestant in the race.

   Brooks takes the time to flesh out each character’s story, allowing the audience to have a rooting interest in who should win or lose the race. And unlike Sam Peckinpah Westerns of the 1960’s, the violence is not graphic. This picture could have been made decades earlier with Randolph Scott or Joel McCrea in the lead roles. The genius in the script is the way the favorite in the race is written as an insignificant character. Each of the other contestants have reasons why they should lose. Imagined or real, they include cultural bigotry, age, and knowledge of the terrain. The individual shortcomings of each of the entrants makes the actual competition quite compelling.

Negatives

   There are relatively few negatives in the story.

   Whether the Mexican lives or dies is not disclosed, which is a shame, since one grows to really like this character. Also, issues of a mountainous terrain are not addressed, probably since the movie was over two hours by the time the location is reached.

   Dabney Coleman provides a comedic voice as the representative of the contest who has a horse in the race. His part could have been expanded with a villainous edge to add further spice to the race. Coleman is great at playing louses, yet his career in 1975 had not fully blossomed.  His role is relatively small and a sterotype as a short-sighted benefactor.

Supporting Actor Spotlight 

   Ian Bannen was a jovial Scottish actor who began his career during  Hollywood’s Golden Age as one of the founding members of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He also found work in theatrical dramas on Broadway, most notably in the writings of Eugene O’Neill.

   Bannen had a lengthy film career that started in London in 1951. He appeared in Ghandi, Hope and Glory, and Braveheart. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1965 for his work in Flight of the Phoenix. This movie is one of the Forgotten Gem Reviews in my 12-part series, upcoming in Jan., 2012.

   He’s very lighthearted and genial throughout Bite the Bullet. Yet, the actor is given a very emotional scene to play, which he handles well. His relationship with his horse, and his ideas of sportsmanship makes him a very likeable character.

   Ian Bannen was tragically killed in a car accident just outside of Loch Ness in 1999. He was 71. Three years prior, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) gave the actor a well deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.

Epilogue

   Bite the Bullet captures a glimpse of our nation entering the 20th Century, while still embracing the independent spirit of a previous age. There are references to Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, and a love for national imperialism. And the promotional material claims the  picture is a cinematic throwback to our love of fine Westerns as Shane and High Noon.  Hidalgo later paid homage to this jewel. And, Gene Hackman would go on to win his second Oscar for his role in Clint Eastwood’s The Unforgiven in 1992.

Until next time>                                “never forget”   

Manny P. here…

   In addition to a panel discussion on the merits of being a Multi-Cultural Author and signing copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, the Northwest BookFest 2011 has asked me to be part of a workshop in their Educational Program. I will be conducting an hour-long seminar discussion on Marketing & PR: Selling in Non-Traditional Markets – Catalogs, Book Clubs, Special Sales.

   If you are in the Kirkland, Washington area on October 2nd, I invite you to come visit me as I share my tips on how to successfully distribute your self-published literary works. This informal Q&A chat will take place at the Kirkland Senior Center in Room 4 at 1p.

   Immediately after my panel discussion and workshop, I’ll be signing copies of my book at either the Book Publishers Network or Danforth Book Distribution booths on the grounds of Peter Kirk Park.

   Here’s a link for all the info:

http://www.northwestbookfest2011.com/

   Please stop by and visit!

Until next time>                               “never forget”