Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   A big thanks to Moe BellaGloria, a nightclub entertainer from Las Vegas for a sincerely positive review of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   He writes:

The book is amazing. The facts and all the history of all the richness behind the Silver Screen as told in your book, makes me want Hollywood glamorous and lush once again forever.

Thank You Manny for giving a rich gift such as this book for everyone to take to heart.

Sincerely, Moe BellaGloria… 

The Italian Singer/ King of the 1 hour Big Band Shows

   You’re welcome, my friend.

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Mitra Celebrities

   If you’re interested in looking for Hollywood information on the web, check out the Mitra Celebrities site. This online center uses Google to help you find the most visited pages on the internet. Here’s a link to this site:

http://celebrities.mitrasites.com/imgs/hollywood.html

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The iconic creator of Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch has died today. His television writing credits include The Joan Davis Show, My Favorite Martian, The Red Skelton Hour, It’s About Time, and  Harper Valley P.T.A. In 1961, he received an Emmy for his work with Red Skelton.

   Schwartz began his career as a gag writer on Bob Hope’s radio show in 1939. During World War II, he added his humor skills to a series of Armed Forces Radio programs. After the war, he was hired to write for The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. He remained close friends with Hope until his death in 2003.

   Though panned by critics, his comedic creations were beloved by the growing television audience. His sense of humor also carried an edge for Hollywood insiders. The S.S. Minnow piloted by the Skipper and Gilligan was named for Newton Minow, the FCC chief in the early 1960’s, famous for calling television:  a vast wasteland.

   The writer is credited for penning the familiar openings to his shows. Most baby boomers can recite the exact words from the themes to Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch.

   Here’s a story of a man named… Sherwood Schawrtz. His three hour tour lasted a lifetime.

   Sherwood Schwartz was 94.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Turner Classic Movies is temporarily losing their venerable host, Robert Osborne. For the next three months, upcoming movie-intro segments will be conducted by a revolving door of guest stars including Robert Wagner, Jane Powell, and Tippi Hedren. Other names will be soon be announced by the cable channel.

   The reason for Osborne’s brief departure is to give him an opportunity to recover from minor surgery. He plans on attending the TCM Cruise set for December. All recorded segments featuring the longtime face of TCM will continue to air, such as the Guest Programmer series, and The Essentials.

   Robert Osborne has been the primetime host of the television network  since TCM made its on-air debut in April, 1994. He recently signed a multi-year deal with the cable network. He’s expected to return to his anchor chair in November. We wish Robert Osborne the best on his slight setback, and we hope to enjoy his work again real soon on Turner Classic Movies.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ll be kicking off the 2012 literary tour in Las Vegas. I just confirmed an autograph party at BARNES & NOBLE at 2191 Rainbow Rd. on January 8th from 2p-4p. Of course, I’ll be signing copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   This event will be right around the Oscar season. If you live in the area, come by and lets chat about classic films, Hollywood’s Golden Age, and we can make some predictions about the upcoming Academy Awards.

* * *

   The B&N appearance will complement my participation in the 2012 MOOSE INTERNATIONAL Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, which begins on Monday (the next day). The four day event takes place in the downtown area at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. It will be my chance to visit with folks from around the country, and raise money through the sale of my books for MOOSEHEART, my official charity.

* * *

   I’ll conclude my trip with a Rotary Club Breakfast event in Boulder City, just outside of Las Vegas on January 12th at 7a. I’ve been invited to be their guest speaker, and it’s going to be held at Boulder Creek Golf Club in their meeting room. Thanks to Donna Taylor, a dear high school friend, for setting up the opportunity to visit with these fine folks of the Vegas local chapter of Rotary International.

   I’m really looking forward to these fun events…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve been invited to participate at the 2011 NORTHWEST BOOKFEST in Kirkland, WA (just outside of Seattle) in the Fall. The two-day event is set to occur on October 1st-2nd from 10a-7p at several locations – the Kirkland Performance Center, the King County Library, the Peter Kirk Community Center, and the Teen Center. Exhibitors will hang out in outdoor tents throughout Peter Kirk Park. This year’s theme is It’s Raining Books…

   Though the details are not completely set, I’ll be involved as a speaker, in panel discussions (Self-Publishing & Hispanic Authors), and I’ll autograph copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History (Sunday, 10/2). I’ll spend a good part of the day at the Book Publishers Network booth. I also intend to sign paperbacks at the Danforth Book Distribution alcove.

   With widespread promotion and press coverage, thousands of folks will be on hand to enjoy the festivities including the general reading public, booksellers, librarians, book clubs, and the media. 150 exhibitors and 80 authors are expected to attend.

   Here’s a link for all the info:

http://www.northwestbookfest2011.com/

   I’m absolutely thrilled to be involved at the 2011 Northwest BookFest!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   When we interviewed Debbie Reynolds on the Forgotten Hollywood radio show on the SPA Network, she mentioned it was her dream to have a museum exhibit of her artifacts she had collected from the movie studios during her fabulous career.

   The Paley Center for Media is working towards that end. According to their website:

Debbie Reynolds: The Exhibit, featuring more treasures from Ms. Reynolds’s collection opening July 23 at the Center’s Beverly Hills location.

The new exhibit is scheduled to feature iconic costumes, posters and props from Academy Award–winning film classics including Gone with the Wind, Show Boat, The Yearling, and Moulin Rouge, as well as garments worn by a glittering array of legendary icons including Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Carmen Miranda, Doris Day, and many more.

This fascinating collection will remain on view at the Paley Center throughout the remainder of 2011, and additional classic items, some never before displayed to the public, will be added each month. The exhibit, which will encompass both floors of the Paley Center, will be open to the public. The first floor viewing is available free of charge. Admission to the second floor gallery space will be FREE to Paley Center Members and $6.00 for the general public. Admission will be available at the door.

 The debut of Debbie Reynolds: The Exhibit will usher in a new era of major exhibitions at the Paley Center that will continue throughout the coming years with additional exhibits from major studios planned for 2012 and beyond.

   Happily, it’s wonderful to see dreams come true in Hollywoodland…

   The Forgotten Hollywood radio show airs each Saturday at 3pm (pst). Here’s a link for folks outside the broadcast area:

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

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

    Originally entitled Yankee Doodle, it’s one of several versions of a scene painted by A.M. Willard that came to be known as the Spirit of ’76. Often imitated, this is a familiar symbol of our American patriotism.

   He joined the 86th Ohio Infantry and proudly fought in the Civil War.

   In 1863, Willard painted the iconic image in Wellington, Ohio after he saw a parade passing through the town square. He created several copies, and they hang at different locations including the US Department of State, and Abbot Hall in Massachusetts. Willard used his dad as a model for the middle character in his painting.

   HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian Institute is honoring Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday with a visual retrospective. The items on display showcase his various careers as a radio sports announcer, actor, California Governor, and as our 40th President.

* A lobby card from the Warner Brothers film Kings Row

* A still from the movie Knute Rockne, All American

* Photos capturing his roles as the Screen Actor’s Guild President, General Electric Corporate Ambassador, and Host for the General Electric Theatre

* A 1985 Andy Warhol portrait of the President

* A bronze sculpture of Reagan in his favorite cowboy hat

* A fragment of the Berlin Wall

* A kiosk with video highlights of his political speeches

   Most of the emphasis chronicles his executive term in office. An online exhibition is now available at:

npg.si.edu/exhibit/reagan/

   ONE LIFE: RONALD REAGAN will run through May, 2012.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A humble thanks to Diane C. Donovan, Editor of the MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW for a real nice assessment of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History in their most recent issue.

   Established in 1976, MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW encourages small press and self-published books to be submitted; and its overall goal is to increase literacy.

   It selects about 450 books to review out of 1,500 submitted each month (roughly 30%). If a book makes it through their monthly selection process, they provide a 5-Star Review. I’m flattered my work made the grade. They write in their July, 2011 Edition:

Theatre/Cinema Shelf                                    

Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History
Manny Pacheco
Book Publishers Network
Box 2256, Bothell, WA 98041
1935359169

    Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History teaches how to experience history through Hollywood films and provides the author’s studies of motion pictures to show how history has been represented through Hollywood’s images. It focuses on the character actresses and actors who have delivered solid performances and reviews timeless films that have captured American history on screen. Any film library will find this a lively survey.

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

Manny P. here…

WHAT A WAY TO GO – The script parodies the curse of a frustrated widow (by four husbands) searching for a thrifty, humble life. She succeeds in inheriting gobs of money by offering seemingly innocent suggestions which lead to each spouse’s demise. The story is told as an amusing episodic  flashback, with every marriage presented as a homage to a Hollywood genre including Silent Film Comedy, European Imports, and MGM Musicals. It’s an epic black comedy that was equally doomed with a problematic production history.

Back Story

   20th Century Fox yearned for a hit after the debacle of Cleopatra. The movie studio wanted a big-budget success without having cost overruns, overpaying their stars, and provide a splashy comeback for Marilyn Monroe. However, the actress suddenly died of a drug overdose, leaving a promising script without a lead. Enter Shirley MacLaine, fresh from her triumph in The Apartment. Casting six male leads also became a major issue. Frank Sinatra wanted Elizabeth Taylor-type cash; Gregory Peck was unavailable; and Paul Newman requested top billing despite appearing in only 25% of the film.

   Robert Mitchum was adroitly chosen to replace Sinatra… Paul Newman accepted second billing… Gene Kelly, Dean Martin, Robert Cummings, and Dick Van Dyke followed.

   Unfortunately, critics would be less than charitable, citing the length of the motion picture as a main concern. The result:  Despite a star-studded effort, What a Way to Go didn’t dig Fox out of its budgetary woes.

Positives

   Shirley MacLaine capably carried the motion picture. And, Paul Newman and Robert Mitchum were surprisingly funny, showing great depth as comedians.

   Dick Van Dyke was more than able to mix pathos and humor, practically stealing the movie from the other cinematic stars. Add his co-starring role in Mary Poppins, the television icon solidified his weekly sitcom’s popularity.

   Gene Kelly really shined in this picture. For years, the hoofer was miscast in a variety of dramas, including Inherit the Wind. Also, he was known as a diva (of sorts). This chance was a boost to the latter phase of his career. The musical number featuring Gene Kelly and Shirley MacLaine reminds us of his work in Singing in the Rain and An American in Paris.

   Edith Head deservedly received an Oscar nod for the seventy-two costumes she placed on MacLaine. Had it not been the year of My Fair Lady, Head surely would have won another statuette for her work.

Negatives

   The opening sequence of What a Way to Go was weak. Dropping a coffin down a flight of stairs was, quite frankly, not funny. I also didn’t buy the manner in which Paul Newman was dismissed. But these are brief moments in a film loaded with believable slapstick humor.

   Dean Martin proved to be a wooden anti-hero. He seemed to lose interest in the project once Sinatra was replaced. Martin’s comedic delivery abandoned the singer-turned-actor. If Robert Mitchum and Dean Martin traded assignments, I believe this picture might have been more satisfying, since Mitchum nurtured his career by playing enjoyable scoundrels. Unfortunately, he was the last actor cast, and it is unlikely this switch was ever considered.

   Also, Robert Cummings is given little to do as the recipient of each story told. His role as a psychiatrist seemed predictable and totally unworthy of his talent.

Supporting Actor Spotlight 

   Margaret Dumont is an upcoming female subject in the second of my  Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History series of books. This fine character actress found steady work as a foil to the Marx Brothers. Her final screen role was as Shirley MacLaine’s greedy mother in What a Way to Go. Despite being eighty, this was a demanding part for Dumont. She honored us with an outlandishly wicked performance. The film title really captures a fitting finale for Margaret Dumont.

Epilogue

   What a Way to Go was finally released on DVD in 2004, forty years after its initial release. The wildly cynical approach of the plot suits the mature nature of a baby boom audience that had to endure Watergate, the fall of Soviet Communism, and the Wall Street explosion of the 1990’s. Next to It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, this is my favorite comedy of the decade.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Turner Classic Movies is taking their first ever vacation on a cruise ship filled with folks interested in Hollywood’s Golden Age. According to their website:

Sailing December 8-12, 2011, cruisers will travel from Miami to Key West and Cozumel aboard the Celebrity Millennium. The world of classic film comes alive for four days, as we partner with Sixthman (the industry leader in theme cruises) to bring together the TCM community for an interactive vacation experience, including a wide variety of movie-themed events, from screenings and panel discussions to trivia contests and parties. Around every corner, you will find like-minded guests who are there to celebrate the classics.

TCM host Robert Osborne, weekend-daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, and Hollywood legends will appear in numerous exclusive events. We’re thrilled to bring you this unique classic film experience, and can’t wait to see you on board!

• Thursday, December 8, 2011 – Depart Miami, FL
• Friday, December 9, 2011 – Key West, Florida
• Saturday, December 10, 2011 – Cozumel, Mexico
• Sunday, December 11, 2011 – Day at Sea
• Monday, December 12, 2011 – Arrive Miami, FL

   Among the expected stars to attend are Ernest Borgnine, Tippi Hedren, and director Norman Jewison. Ships Ahoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

Elizabeth Taylor’s personal collection of art, jewelry, and wardrrobe are going on the road. For over three months, these artifacts will be on display with stops in Moscow, London, Dubai, Geneva, Paris, Hong Kong, and L.A. The tour will conclude at Christie’s Auction House in New York, where they will be sold in December.

Some of the top names in fashion – Gianni Versace, Valentino, and Gianfranco Ferre – designed the star’s  wardrobe including clothing, shoes, handbags, luggage, and accessories. Film memorabilia from Taylor’s Bel Air home, and some of her furniture will also be offered.

A followup auction of her own personal collection of impressionist and modern art takes place in February. Liz inherited works from her father, Francis Taylor, who was a professional art dealer. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibitions, admission, and any sales-related publications will be donated to Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (presumably decreed in her will).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I graduated from UCLA (1980), Bachelor of Arts, Political Science. I’m thrilled to find that Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has just been ordered by Diana L. King, Librarian for Film, Television, & Theatre, UCLA Arts Library. Located at 1400 Public Affairs Building on campus, this is the ideal branch for current and future students to find my work. It will be the 55th library to house my book.

   According to their website:

The Arts Library has more than 270,000 books in the fields of architecture, architectural history, art, art history, design, film, television, photography as art, theater, and allied disciplines.

   This is a personal victory in efforts to see my paperback read by the Bruin community.

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   Seattle is the place to find Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History on demand. Here’s a few online sites:

* THIRD PLACE BOOKS – Two locations just outside the Seattle area including Lake Forest Park and Ravenna. Here’s their link:

http://www.thirdplacebooks.com/book/9781935359166

* UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE– The University of Washington student store. The Pac 10 is now well represented. They offer free shipping for book-only orders. Go Huskies! Here’s their link:

http://www4.bookstore.washington.edu/_trade/ShowTitleUBS.taf?ActionArg=Title&ISBN=9781935359166&SKU=&sdb2=ing&sdb=ALL

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Mogul Carl Laemmle created the Movie Backlot tour around 1915 at Universal Studios. Back in the day, you would start out at the commissary and get the seldom-told stories about the pictures of Hollywood’s Golden Age. You might actually stroll around the sets of motion pictures as Psycho. Today, the tram ride that evolved in 1964 feels like an amusement park excursion.

   GOOD NEWS! Warner Brothers offers the kind of adventure that was popular during the Studio Era. Located at 4000 Warner Blvd. in Burbank, a VIP Tour will give you a complete feel of what it was like to mingle with their stars of yesteryear. Their tram is more like a golf cart and it moves at a casual pace. You can also ask substantive questions from your friendly guide about the history of this iconic film studio and get the appropriate answers. Among the tour highlights:

* A 15-minute visual retrospective taking you back to the historic The Jazz Singer

* The forest where Errol Flynn scampered during The Adventures of Robin Hood

* A French street where Rick first told Ilsa: Here’s looking at you, kid in Casablanca

* The jungle used during the 1932 version of Tarzan with Johnny Weismuller

* The actual street that Robert Preston sang Ya Got Trouble from The Music Man

* High Sierra, Yankee Doodle Dandy, King’s Row, Damn Yankees, My Fair Lady sets

* Location sets from The Waltons, Bonanza, Fantasy Island, and The Dukes of Hazzard

   They also have a Museum with artifacts like the actual Maltese Falcon, and Sam’s Piano from Casablanca. And Spanish-speaking tours are available (Se Habla Espanol).

   Recent cinematic releases and television programs are also discussed. The tour is very affordable… just $49 per person (10 years of age or older). You can visit Warner Brothers, Monday-Friday, 8:20am-4pm. The VIP Tours run continuously. And now, they have limited Saturday times for the Summer. Pamper yourself with this two hour jaunt.

   For the classic movie buff, this is the exact nostalgic thrill ride you’ll want to experience!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It’s official! A Bonnie and Clyde musical is scheduled for the Fall season on Broadway. And, heavyweights are writting the score and lyrics.

“`Frank Wildhorn is known for providing the music for Jekyll and Hyde and The Scarlet Pimpernel. He also penned Where Do Broken Hearts Go, a #1 song for Whitney Houston. He was married for a time to Linda Eder. Don Black will write the lyrics as he did for Sunset Boulevard.

“`The legend of these Depression-era gangsters lives on. In 1967, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway offered lively performances in the Arthur Penn-directed motion picture. Georgie Fame had a Top-10 hit singing about the duo in 1968. And, you can find their bullet-riddled  vehicle on display at a casino near Stateline, Nevada.

“`For the record, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed by a posse of four Texas Rangers on a road in Bienville Parish, Louisiana on May 23rd, 1934. The life insurance policy for both were paid in full to their families by The American National of Galveston. This practice was soon changed by companies nationwide if you were killed due to a criminal act.

“`I’m so looking forward to the eventual West Coast debut of this expected rousing theatre production.

Until next time>                               “never forget”