Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   I have outstanding news!

   SMASHWORDS signed an eBook distribution deal with ScrollMotion to help distribute virtual eProduct through a variety of Apps including Apple, Android, HP Web OS, and Windows Phone7. This opportunity will be great for eBooks in the SMASHWORDS Premium Library including Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

According to the news release:

Shipments to ScrollMotion will commence on Friday, and titles will begin appearing in the Apps marketplaces later this month. All Premium Catalog books are automatically opted in for ScrollMotion distribution. The conversion of our eBooks into an App is completely free. In the past, authors would often have to pay thousands of dollars to have their books converted into apps.

Here’s the link for the complete press release:

http://blog.smashwords.com/2011/05/smashwords-partners-with-scrollmotion.html

   I guess my work became an eBook at the perfect moment in time in the literary world of virtual readership!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here..

   One of the first great child actors when talkies emerged has died. Jackie Cooper’s career spanned seven decades, but he’s best remembered for his incredibly gifted performances during the earliest years of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

   Cooper big break came from Hal Roach Studios when he was selected to become one of the members of the Our Gang comedy series. Acclaimed director Leo McCarey suggested the young actor be part of the troupe, and he was their first real star (before Spanky and Alfalfa).

   In 1931, he was loaned to Paramount to appear in Skippy. His cinematic performance was so riveting, at 9-years of age, he became the youngest nominee for a Best Actor in Oscar history. Roach promptly sold the tot’s contract to MGM, where he made a series of memorable movies including The Champ, The Bowery, and Treasure Island.

   Cast in small film roles after he served in the military during World War II, Cooper also starred in early television. He later turned to directing episodes of iconic shows as M*A*S*H and The White Shadow. He found a whole new audience when chosen as a replacement to an ailing Keenan Wynn as Perry White in the Superman movies that starred Christopher Reeve.

   Cooper announced his retirement in 1989, although he still directed installments of the syndicated cable series Superboy.  He occasionally engaged in first-hand stories on documentaries, and in retrospectives about Hollywood’s Studio Era.

   Jackie Cooper was 88.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve discovered more folks who have discovered Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and they are sharing my paperback with the world wide web! Here are the details…

~ LITTLE FILM STORE – A great site to buy books about Hollywood including  my work. Here’s the link to this gem:

http://littlefilmstore.com/history_4495_1935359169_Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History.html

~ HOUSE OF KINDNESS – Barbara Kindness is a public relations guru who promotes authors, speakers, and entertainers. She’s a resident of Edmonds, Washington in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s the link to her new blog site:

http://www.houseofkindness.net/forgotten-hollywood-page/

Studio Backlots and Ranches

~ STUDIO BACKLOTS AND RANCHES – This is a blog page devoted to lost and memorable cinema backlots where motion pictures were filmed during the Silent Era and Hollywood’s Golden Age. These photographs are from the extensive historical collection of Bison Archives. Here’s  the link to this really informational site:

http://www.retroweb.com/studiobacklots.html

~ PAPERBACK SWAP – It’s an innovative website devoted to promoting literacy by literally exchanging books by readers and fans of this idea. I admit, this virtual Book Club is not a money-maker for me. However, I’m a good sport about this. According to their mission statement:

• It’s easy: List books you’d like to swap with other club members
• Once a book is requested, mail it to the club member
• In return, you may choose from 5,064,519 available books
• Books you request are mailed to you for free / No late fees / No hidden charges

   Here’s their site link:

http://www.paperbackswap.com/Forgotten-Hollywood-History-Manny-Pacheco/book/1935359169/

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Legends of Hollywood commemorative stamp series has recently included Katharine Hepburn, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, and Cary Grant. Add Gregory Peck to this impressive list. The star of motion pictures as Gentleman’s Agreement, The Yearling, Duel in the Sun, and Roman Holiday has been lionized by the U.S. Postal Service for his starring role from To Kill a Mockingbird (for which he received an Oscar for Best Actor in 1962). In 2003, the American Film Institute ranked Atticus Finch the #1 movie hero in American cinema. Harper Lee’s first and only novel turns 50 this year.

    Last week, the stamp was unveiled at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Since Peck was a member of the Academy and served as its president, the organization chose to host this prestigious program. The Postal Service set up a counter in the lobby so the general public could purchase first-day issues of this stamp. 

   Among the folk in attendance:  his widow Veronique, his children, Christopher Dodd (the President of the Motion Picture Association of America {MPAA} and former Connecticut senator), director Martin Scorsese, and actors Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, Laura Dern, and Sharon Stone, who emceed the ceremony. Also on hand was Mary Badham, who played Finch’s daughter Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird.  The event concluded with a nostalgic documentary on Peck.

Legends of Hollywood Stamp Series 

1. Marilyn Monroe issued June 1, 1995
2. James Dean issued June 24, 1996
3. Humphrey Bogart issued July 31, 1997
4. Alfred Hitchcock issued August 3, 1998
5. James Cagney issued July 22, 1999
6. Edward G. Robinson issued October 24, 2000
7. Lucille Ball issued August 6, 2001
8. Cary Grant issued October 15, 2002
9. Audrey Hepburn issued June 11, 2003
10. John Wayne issued September 9, 2004
11. Henry Fonda issued May 20, 2005
12. Judy Garland issued June 10, 2006
13. Jimmy Stewart issued August 17, 2007
14. Bette Davis issued September 18, 2008
15. Gary Cooper issued September 10, 2009
16. Katharine Hepburn issued May 12, 2010

   It’s great to see the Postal Service help us remember Gregory Peck in the most visible of ways.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   BETTER WORLD BOOKS is a site that carries Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Currently, 22 copies are kept in their Indiana warehouse. Much like POWELL BOOKS, this is a multi-pronged national literary center that aggressively engages in the sales of books.

   Here’s a direct link:

 http://www.betterworldbooks.com/forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history-id-1935359169.aspx

   What makes this organization special is their huge commitment to literacy. According to their website:

BETTER WORLD BOOKS collects and sells books online to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. With more than 8 million new and used titles in stock, we’re a self-sustaining company that creates social, economic and environmental value for all our stakeholders.

We were founded in 2002 by three friends from the University of Notre Dame who started selling textbooks online to earn some money, and ended up forming a pioneering social enterprise — a business with a mission to promote literacy. Thus far, we’ve donated 3.3 million books to programs around the world. Our five primary literacy partners are Books for Africa, Room to Read, Worldfund, Invisible Children, and the National Center for Family Literacy.

   I encourage you to purchase my paperback with a company dedicated to helping those less fortunate.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Legendary actress Debbie Reynolds will be our guest on the Forgotten Hollywood Radio Show  on The Spa next Saturday at 3pm. My co-host, Gary Lycan, will personally chat with the iconic star, and discuss a variety of topics, such as her storied career in cinema, her work as a dynamic songstress, and she will also share her thoughts about the many actors she’s appeared with during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Debbie will also select  some of her favorite Standards for us to play in this fine hour of radio.

   Fresh from her appearance at the TCM 2011 Film Festival, our special guest will also be promoting a memorabilia auction for the many MGM artifacts she has acquired over the years. Miss Reynolds will attend the auction at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills on June 18th. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History can also be purchased at their gift shop while you’re there.

   Debbie Reynolds has appeared in top-notch motion pictures including Singin’ In The Rain, The Affairs of Dobie Gillis, The Tender Trap, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, How the West was Won, Tammy and the Bachelor, The Singing Nun, and naturally,  That’s Entertainment.

   Reynolds won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Catered Affair in 1956. She’s also received nominations for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and several Emmy awards in a career that has spanned seven-decades. In 1996, Debbie received a Lifetime Acheivement accolade from American Comedy Awards. Tammy was her biggest selling single, and she received a Gold Record in 1957.

   She was married at one time to Eddie Fisher, and her daughter Carrie is a noted actress who  appeared in Star Wars.

   If you’re outside the Southern California broadcast area, Forgotten Hollywood can be heard by clicking on the KSPA link below:

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

   We’re proud to present to you a true living legend on AM 1450 and AM 1510 The Spa…  Miss Debbie Reynolds!

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Walt Disney Family Museum helped kick off the TCM 2011 Classic Film Festival with a screening of Walt’s earliest surviving animated shorts, the Laugh-O-Grams, presented in partnership with the Museum of Modern Art. The Laugh-O-Grams will have a special repeat screening on Sunday at 5:45 pm.

   Over the next couple of days, TCM will honor Disney’s Musical Legacy with theatre screenings of Fantasia; Silly Symphonies (selected short subjects hosted by Leonard Maltin); and the Hayley Mills / Sherman Brothers 1963 classic, Summer Magic.

   In honor of the TCM Film Fest retrospective of the films and music of Disney, 1510 THE SPA will rebroadcast an encore presentation of the Forgotten Hollywoood Radio Show’s tribute to this pioneering innovator of animation. The program will air TODAY at 3pm. If you live outside the broadcast area, you can click on the link below to listen to this wonderful hour of Disney we originally aired a few months ago.  WALT DISNEY

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

   We’ll spend time looking at Walt Disney’s early career, embrace his song contributions during Hollywood’s Golden Age, examine his relationship with the talented composers of his animated films and television shows, and enjoy the memorable tunes featured at his theme parks.

   If you can’t attend the weekend film fest, this is the next best opportunity to enjoy the  MAGIC of Walt Disney.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   If you believe in fairy tales, it is my pleasure to offer an inside look at the Royal Wedding of Prince William Arthur Phillip Louis, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton. Rather than offer a narrative, let me take you to their site for all the pomp and pageantry…

   Over two billion folks Worldwide are expected to witness this blessed event…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m asking my friends who purchased a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History on AMAZON a huge favor. I’d like you to offer a 1 or 2 paragraph REVIEW of my paperback on the AMAZON site. It’s in the CUSTOMER REVIEW section of the page (midway down). Just click on  the CREATE YOUR OWN REVIEW button and it will take you to the spot. Here’s a link to the site to make this easy for you to accomplish this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935359169/?tag=forgothollyw-20

   It’s as simple as writing a message on your FACEBOOK, only you can offer your opinion about your reading experience right on the site. These review messages help folks on the fence decide on what to purchase. You would really be doing me a great service in the discussion of what resonates about Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, and the possible sale of a copy of my book.

   Also, there are ONE – FIVE STARS in which you can vote on the quality of my book (5 being the highest rating). By clicking your honest assessment of stars, again you would be offering the book-buying public a nice gesture.

   Thank you in advance for your heartfelt opinion about my work. For those readers who have already posted their review, I truly appreciate your words. It’s been a real joy for me to bring my message in print to you.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’ve found new locations carrying Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History; or they will order it for you On-Demand. I believe I’m only scratching the service, but let me pass the info along that I’ve received.

GERMANY – JPC is an online resource providing you an opportunity to purchase my book in the Fatherland.

CALIFORNIA – Compass Books has stocked copies of my work at their store in Terminal 3 at San Francisco International Airport. They’ve now joined their location at Downtown Disney in Anaheim to carry my book.

ILLINOIS – 2 locations (On Demand)

The Book Cellar – Chicago

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

The Book Table – Oak Park

http://www.booktable.net/book/9781935359166

GEORGIA – 2 locations (On Demand)

Outwrite bookstore & Coffeehouse – Atlanta

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

Charis Books – Atlanta

VIRGINIA – 2 locations (On Demand)

Book Bin – Onley

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

Salt & Pepper Books – Occoquan

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   During my BARNES & NOBLE book signing, patrons will have the opportunity to purchase Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History as an eReader. This event takes place at the B&N Rancho Cucamonga location at 11090 Foothill Blvd. on May 7th from 1p-3p.

   If you own a NOOK, you’ll have a unique opportunity to meet Gary Lycan and me, and buy my book for your virtual library. If you care to own and hold a copy of the paperback in your hand, Gary and I will be happy to sign it. Either way, come by and visit, and we can chat about Hollywood’s Golden Age. I’m extraordinarily thrilled to be part of the BARNES & NOBLE family.

————————————————

   The 53rd and 54th copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History have been added by two branches of Hennepin County Library in Minnesota. Residents of Minneapolis and nearbye Minnetonka will now be able to read my paperback. In fact, I’ve learned that seven requests have been made by local patrons to add my book!

   Hennepin County is named in honor of the 17th-century explorer Father Louis Hennepin. Two great waterfalls were  discovered by Hennepin:  Niagara Falls, with the largest voluminous flow in North America; and Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, the only waterfall on the Mississippi River. Historians credit the Franciscan friar as the first European to step at the site of present-day Hannibal, MO.

   I urge you to explore the Central and Minnetonka branches of Hennepin County Library.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

Here’s wishing you a Happy Easter and fellowship to all!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   INDIE BOUND is a Nationwide network of Independent Bookstores working as a network to sell books. They are essentially mom-and-pop locations franchised by local community vendors trying to make a living. Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History cheerfully exists in a variety of these brick-and-morter shops across this country.

   INDIE BOUND has provided me a webpage to promote a number of these places kind enough to allow me to visit, conduct booksignings, and meet readers up and down the West Coast over the past 20 months. Here’s the link to this essential site:

http://www.indiebound.org/users/raideoman1

   Among the friends I’ve made include Chevalier’s in Hollywood, Gatsby’s in Long Beach, Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeeshop in La Canada, Village Bookshop in Glendora, and Williams Bookstore in San Pedro. Locations I’ve listed on the webpage are in California, Oregon, and Washington State.

   I completely support the backbone of our local literary communities!

Until next time.                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   One of the talented co-writers of the iconic I Love Lucy has died. Madelyn Pugh was part of Lucille Ball’s creative team throughout her radio and television career. Together with her partner, Bob Carroll, Jr., they spent 50 years collaborating on shows including My Favorite Husband, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, The Lucy Show, Here’s Lucy, and Life With Lucy. They also received writing credit on films  starring Ball; most notably – Forever Darling and Yours, Mine, and Ours.

   However, Pugh will be best remembered as the creator of the Lucy character. Head writer Jess Oppenheimer supervised the project while they worked closely with Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. As part of an unprecedented strategy, Pugh and Carroll created a live vaudeville act for the acting couple, which became the basis for the pilot episode of I Love Lucy. Pugh later authored Laughing with Lucy: My Life with America’s Leading Lady of Comedy.

   Pugh and Carroll also wrote for other television programs. Among them, The Steve Allen Show, The Paul Lynde Show, and The Mothers-In-Law. On Alice, the two collaborators served as Executive Producers. They received a Golden Globe for their work as Writers in a Comedy Series.

   Madelyn Pugh died peacefully on Wednesday in Santa Monica at the age of 90.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Hammond Public Library in northwest Indiana is the 52nd branch to carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Located in Lake County, it’s considered part of the Chicago Metropolitan area.

   Noted buildings in the area include the Horseshoe Casino and the Gothic Masonic Temple. When the ornate temple cornerstone was laid in 1907, the featured speaker of the day was U.S. Vice President Charles Fairbanks.

   Famous sports figures who have played for the Hammond Ciesar All-Americans basketball team in the early forties:  John Wooden, and Baseball Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau. NFL player and commentator Irv Cross is from Hammond. In 1972, the Hammond Little League Team came in second to Tapei in the Little League World Series.

   However, the most enduring legacy for the town, and their most famous residents, are Jayne and Joan Boyd. They’re famously known as the Doublemint Twins. A savvy advertising campaign that began in 1956 by Chicago’s Wrigley Company, the Boyd sisters appeared in a number of television commercials until 1963. The successful promotion lasted into the 1980’s with a slew of various twins.

   Jayne and Joan live private lives today as adults. For a short time, Hammond honored the siblings as local stars.

   I’ll let you chew on this for a while!

Until next time>                               “never forget”