Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   My family and I are off to Washington State for our Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History book-tour through the Pacific Northwest. We’ll be making three stops in our week-long trip.

EDMONDS

2010 EDMONDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – On Saturday, October 23rd, I’ll be making appearances including:

EDMONDS BOOKSHOP – An autograph party is planned at 3:30p. The book store’s address is 111 5th Ave.  

EDMONDS THEATRE – VIP Red Carpet Movie Screening is on tap starting at 7:30p. The theatre is located at 415 Main St.

   My entourage (wife and dad) and I will also attend Saturday’s Mixer at The Loft, and an Awards Brunch at Cafe De Paris on Sunday. These VIP events will give us a chance to mingle with event participants including my publicist Barbara Kindness; PBS travel guru Rick Steves; and Trevor Greenfield, co-producer of the five-day Fest. It’s still not too late to purchase tickets to the various events. 

BOTHELL 

   On Monday, I’ll be having a reunion dinner with folks from the Book Publishers Network and Danforth Distribution. This will be a chance to relax with my friends who helped me publish, and who currently distribute Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Expected to attend isEd Nixon, a member of the BPN family.

SEATTLE

   Laurie and I plan on seeing the sites including a visit to the Space Needle, The Seattle Underground Tour, and Mount Rainier. We definitely want to take in the flavor of the Pacific Northwest. I’ll have my laptop to log in reports on my blog. I sure hope we don’t get too wet, since this is the rainy season.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   My charity’s website recently provided me with insight on membership from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Moose International, Inc. is the parent organization of MooseHeart, the educational child-care facility that will receive $2500 at the culmination of complete First-Edition sales of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I’m a current member of Buena Park, CA – Moose Chapter (Lodge 1945).

   Among the folks from Hollywood’s Studio Era who were fraternal members:

BUD ABBOTT & LOU COSTELLO – Atlantic City, NJ (Lodge 216)

ERNEST BORGNINE – Junction City, OR (Lodge 2238)

CHARLIE CHAPLIN – Los Angeles, CA (Lodge 134)

JAMES STEWART – Indiana, PA (Lodge 174)

DANNY THOMAS – Indianapolis, IN (Lodge 17)

          JAMES STEWART       HONUS WAGNER   THEODORE ROOSEVELT     HENRY FORD

   Other notable folks from our past and current history include:  HENRY FORD, LARRY BIRD, VIRGIL “GUS” GRISSOM, ROCKY MARCIANO, EARL WARREN, HONUS WAGNER, ARNOLD PALMER, RICHARD J. DALEY, WOODY HAYES, EVAN BAYH, GALE SAYERS, and four former Presidents (HARDING, TRUMAN, and THEODORE & FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT).

   The Loyal Order of Moose has included many national figures from all walks of life…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Thanks to Don Barrett of LARadio.com for reprinting a story that ran a year ago regarding Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History’s first library addition. And, it was the very prestigious Margaret Herrick Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Since then, I’ve added 38 more libraries from across the country including the important shelves of the American Film Institute and the Writers Guild Foundation. I’m thrilled to celebrate this memorable anniversary.

———————————————————————————–

   One of the wonderful (but almost forgotten) child character actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age has died. Johnny Sheffield (right) passed away from an apparent heart attack on October 15th at his home in Chula Vista. Sheffield is best known for his role as “Boy” in the Tarzan series of motion pictures, which starred Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan. He also apperared in a number of movies as Bomba, the Jungle Boy in the 1950’s.

   His first role was in Babes in Arms in 1939 with Mickey Rooney. He retired from show business in 1955. Johnny Sheffield was 79.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Once again, a big thanks to Laura Danforth of Danforth Distribution for giving me awesome news that Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has surpassed 1200 books sold.

   The real magic number will be when we sell our 1250th copy. This will confirm that 50% will be in the hands of readers. We are very close to this goal. In fact, we could reach this at the 2010 Edmonds International Film Festival next weekend, which should make our trip up to Washington really special.

   Seats are still available for residents of this fine community to join me for a Hollywood-style lunch and book signing. Here’s the link if you would like to be part of the festivities next week in Edmonds at Cafe De Paris on Saturday, Oct. 23rd at 11:45a (Tickets are going fast).

    http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/24950 

   In fact, this link will give you the full lineup for the Fest. Remember, I’ll also be at the Edmonds Bookshop later in the day at 3:30p for an autograph party.

   I can’t wait for the fun planned at the Edmonds International Film Festival!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Two more locations will now carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Both of these bookshops have historic ties to Hollywood, which makes these venues the perfect place to find my paperback.

   LARRY EDMUNDS BOOKSHOP – Located at 6644 Hollywood Blvd., Larry Edmunds is one of the finest Hollywood book stores on the planet! They specialize on Tinsel Town. According to their website:

Larry Edmunds Bookshop has been in business for over 70 years.
With an inventory of 500,000+ movie photographs, 6,000+ original movie posters and 20,000+ motion picture and theater books!

   ILIAD BOOKSHOP – Located at 5400 Cahuenga Blvd. in North Hollywood, The Iliad had been around for over two decades, and specializes in books about the arts. According to their website:

We’re not called ILIAD BOOKSHOP because we’re a Greek bookshop (the truth is our first location was next to Odyssey Video, and hence a literary joke).

   I am thrilled to include both of these prestigious locations to our Forgotten Hollywood family! They join Chevalier’s Books and William’s Book Store (in San Pedro) as fine independent literary shops in Southern California where you can purchase my work.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I was very pleased to have been part of the 2010 Latino Book and Family Festival this past weekend. I met with my colleagues, participated in spirited panels, and enjoyed chatting with friendly folks who decided to purchase Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   The added bonus to this fine weekend was a Book Drive on behalf of Wilson High School in Los Angeles (named for President Woodrow Wilson). According to Reyna Grande, the panel coordinator of the Festival, 175 authors donated their work on behalf of this charitable effort. The real winners of this drive are the children who study at Wilson High Library. I also provided one as part of this fine endeavor.

CONGRESSMAN ESTEBAN TORRES

   By the way, this Monday I’ll be visiting the newly dedicated Esteban Torres High School in L.A. (named in honor of the former eight-term U.S. Congressman). As part of the festivities,    I’ll also donate a book to their library. Sharing literary ideas to our optimistic children is a  premise I completely embrace.

   And finally, I’m close to attaining my goal of collecting $1 from the sale of every copy of my book in order to contribute $2500 to my official charity – Mooseheart Child City And School – located on the outskirts of Chicago. I hope to travel soon to the Midwest to personally deliver the money to Mooseheart, and of course, a copy of my paperback to their library.

Until next time>                               “never forget” 

Manny P. here…

   IT’S OFFICIAL … Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is slated for development as a theatrical documentary by Vision4Media, Inc. This mutual agreement will allow us to  share seldom told Hollywood Golden Age stories with a movie-going (and/or television) audience anticipating this most special of cinematic visits. I expect folks who purchase a copy of my book will support and appreciate the film when eventually completed.

   According to their official website:

a Conscious Filmmaker® company

Vision4Media Inc. creates powerful television and film productions designed to have a positive impact on society. Its principals have produced, directed, written, and edited hundreds of projects for major broadcast and cable networks, Fortune 500 companies, international non-profits, and educational institutions. Founded by filmmakers David C. Bojorquez and Keith G. Myers, Vision4Media’s tradition of production excellence has been recognized by over two dozen national awards. Driven by the Conscious Filmmaker (@) philosophy, the company focuses on producing high quality media that is both entertaining and meaningful. 

   The Vision4Media website offers a remarkable list of past and current projects on their roster (including Beyond The Moonwalk, which chronicles the linear rise of street dance –  and its relationship to Michael Jackson’s famous Billie Jean Appearance on the Motown 25th Anniversary special); and provides a definitive explanation of the Conscious Filmmaker (@)  approach. The short description:

 An artist with the aware intent to create films imbued with an enlightened purpose.

   Here is the link to their site:

http://www.vision4media.com/

   With Vision4Media at the helm, I believe Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History will emerge as a substantive film project. 

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

Manny P. here…

   This weekend is around the corner and the 13th annual Latino Book & Family Festival is set to begin on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles. We can expect over 120 award-winning authors, book readings, children’s activities, Ballet Folklorico, a variety of vendors (including a health-screening booth), traditional food, and over 50 panels. In fact, I’ll be involved with two informative discussions.

   The festivities will take place each day from 11a-6p. Saturday highlights include expected visits by L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and  former U.S. Congressman Esteban Torres; and  Dinner With The Authors with special guests: Maria Conchita Alonso and Erik Estrada.

<———– EDWARD JAMES OLMOS

   The largest gathering of Latino scribes ever assembled guarantees a special time for all visitors. I’ll be signing copies of my book Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History, both days of this important event.

   Here’s a couple of links to the Latino Book Fest website that includes well-deserved publicity and a friendly welcome by actor and co-founder Edward James Olmos.  

http://www.lbff.us/

http://lbff.us/webpagephotos2010/media.php

http://lbff.us/webpagephotos2010/benefits.php

   Until next time>                            “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   BARNES & NOBLE is committed to the seasonal sale of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History in 41 California and Nevada locations (up from 4 stores). This is wonderful news for folks interested in making my paperback a keen present or stocking stuffer for the Holidays.

   In addition to already friendly Southern California locations at The Grove in Hollywood, Puente Hills, Aliso Viejo, and Thousand Oaks, you’ll be able to purchase my book at the following bookstores:

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Glendale – Glendora – Long Beach (2 Locations) – Manhattan Beach – Marina Del Rey  Pasadena –  Santa Monica – Torrance – Valencia – West Covina – Woodland Hills

ORANGE COUNTY

Fullerton – Irvine – Irvine Spectrum – Orange

INLAND EMPIRE

Chino Hills – Corona – Rancho Cucamonga

VENTURA COUNTY

 Santa Barbara

SAN DIEGO

Chula Vista – Del Mar – Encinitas – La Mesa – Mira Mesa – Oceanside – Rancho Bernardo  Santee

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Sacramento – San Jose (3 locations) – San Mateo

 NEVADA

Henderson – Las Vegas (3 locations)

   I’m thrilled about the BARNES & NOBLE strategy to offer my book as the perfect gift for family members of all ages. I urge you to support their stores.

   FYI – This ups the number of folks selling Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to 82. Let’s put it another way: my work is now available in major locations ranging from Sacramento to Las Vegas to the Mexican Border!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

  Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History will now be sold at the gift shop of at least two Southern California ArcLight Cinemas locations. Look for my paperback in Hollywood, site of the original Cinerama Dome, and their brand new location in El Segundo (opening soon). Now you will be able to catch the latest flicks, and purchase my book after a visit to the movies.

   The Cinerama Dome is a historic Hollywood location. According to their website:

Built (in only 16 weeks) in 1963, Pacific Theatres’ Cinerama Dome opened with the “single-strip Cinerama” production of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”, and has been host to over four decades of premieres and blockbusters since then. Still under the ownership of Pacific Theatres, the first and largest theater of its kind in the world was carefully refurbished and refreshed, reopening as part of ArcLight Hollywood in March, 2002. The signature marquee and portico on Sunset Boulevard and the 316 hexagons in the geodesic dome were restored to their original dramatic presence. The Dome still seats more than 800 guests per showing, and the historic loge seating which has been a favorite of moviegoers over the years has been maintained.

   This is the location where I personally saw the world premeire of Back to the Future. From time to time, they’ve also screened Lowell Thomas’ 1952 production of This is Cinerama, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. Basically a wide- screen travelogue, Thomas narrates the film, and appears before each segment. More recently, my wife Laurie and I visited ArcLight to see There Will Be Blood and Revolutionary Road.

   ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood is at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd. (between Vine and Ivar). For a complete listing of their latest movie attractions – visit their website at:

https://www.arclightcinemas.com/ArcLight/faces/NowPlaying.jsp

  Until next time>                             “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`I’m saddened by the recent passing of talented folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age:

TONY CURTIS

TONY CURTIS – A Hollywood legend! Tony Curtis appeared in big-budget films, and was an Academy Award-nominee for his work in The Defiant Ones. He starred in Operation Petticoat, Some Like It Hot, Spartacus, Sex and the Single Girl, The Great Race, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Boston Strangler. He cut his teeth in Winchester ’73, Sweet Smell of Success, and Trapeze. His idol was Cary Grant, and co-starred with such screen luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Jack Lemmon, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Natalie Wood, Jerry Lewis, Lauren Bacall, Peter Falk, Mia Farrow, and Sidney Poitier. TCM plans an all-day tribute on Saturday, 10/10. Tony Curtis was 85.

EDDIE FISHER – Most notably known for his high profile marriages with Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor. However, Fisher was the total package: singer, actor, personality. He had his own television show in the 1950’s, and starred with Taylor in Butterfield 8 in 1960.  She received an Oscar for her performance. Eddie Fisher was 82.

GLORIA STUART

GLORIA STUART – A career spanning seven decades,  Stuart is remembered for her role as Claude Rains’ girl in The Invisible Man in 1933, and her performance as the elder Rose Dawson Calvert in the Best Picture of 1997 – The Titanic (her younger counterpart was played by Kate Winslet). Other movies include Gold Diggers of 1935, Roman Scandals, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and My Favorite Year. Gloria Stuart was 100.

ARTHUR PENN – A top-notch director of fine work on stage and screen. His critical acclaim on Broadway with Two for the Seesaw, Wait until Dark, and The Miracle Worker led to controversial assignments in Hollywood. In fact, he was reunited with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in telling Helen Keller’s story on screen. He also helped changed the way motion pictures were presented in 1967 when he directed the adult-themed Bonnie and Clyde. Other iconic films he directed include Little Big Man and The Missouri Breaks. Arthur Penn died just one day after his 88th birthday.

ART GILMORE – One of the fine voiceover stars of movie trailers, Gilmore promoted such  important cinema as It’s A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Rear Window, and Vertigo. On television, Gilmore was the announcer for Red Skelton on CBS and NBC. He also lent his voice  (or appeared) on Highway Patrol, Dragnet, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Waltons. He got his start in radio on the Amos ‘n Andy program. Gilmore served as a National President of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists from 1961-1963; and was a co-founder of the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters (I proudly belong to both). A Hollywood parade by the LAPD will be held in his honor on 10/4. Art Gilmore was 98.

JOE MANTELL

JOE MANTELL – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the 1955 Oscar–winning picture – Marty. He also appeared in The Birds,  and Chinatown. He was memorable in several episodes of The Twilight Zone. Joe Mantell was 94.

Some of these folks may not be familiar to the average film-goer. But, they’re pioneers in their craft, and all should be remembered for the body of their work.

* * * *

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m happy to see Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History back in the Top 10 in the Local History / All Things Local area of Southern California BORDERS stores. I was at the BORDERS Long Beach at The Pike on Sunday when the last book went out the door. The patron recognized my photo from the back of the book and asked me to sign her newly-purchased copy, which I was happy to do. They also just sold out in the Westwood location.

    A quick reminder that if Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History sells out at your local store…get the management to order more copies. I’d appreciate your help in this matter.

   <—–   For a complete listing of all stores carrying my paperback, check the Navigation Bar to the left in theBook Purchase Locations area.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A number of former Oscar-nominees and screen legends are now proud owners of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. In the last 72 hours, a flurry of Hollywood’s elite have received an autographed copy of my book. What an exciting turn of events!

   On Thursday, during a press conference promoting October’s 13th annual Latino Book and Family Festival, EDWARD JAMES OLMOS accepted his paperback. Olmos was nominated for Best Actor for his role as teacher Jaime Escalante in the outstanding film Stand and Deliver in 1988. He also appeared in Zoot Suit, American Me, Mi Familia, and Selena. The distinguished actor had a starring role in television’s Miami Vice.

   On Saturday, Republic Pictures celebrated their 75th Anniversary at the CBS Media Center in Studio City. Among the famous attendees who now own a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History:

HUGH O’BRIAN – Well known for his title role on television’s The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. Discovered by Ida Lupino in 1946, O’Brian appeared in There’s No Business Like Show Business, In Harm’s Way, and The Shootist (John Wayne’s final picture). He has dedicated much of his life to the non-profit HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership). This venture is an innovative developmental program inspired in 1958 by a nine-day visit the actor had with famed humanitarian Albert Schweitzer in Africa. Dr. Schweitzer professed the importance of teaching young people to think for themselves. O’Brian was inducted into the Western Performer’s Hall of Fame in 1992.

JANE WITHERS – One of the cherished child stars of the 1930’s (along with Shirley Temple, Mickey Rooney, and Judy Garland), Withers was a darling at Fox Studios. She appeared in Bright Eyes and The Farmer Takes A Wife (with Henry Fonda). As an adult, Withers was cast in Giant and Captain Newman, M.D. Today’s television audience best remembers her in  classic Comet ads. She played Josephine the Plumber for two decades.

THEODORE BIKEL – A very special character actor who has appeared in a number of A-List motion pictures. Bikel had a memorable part in The African Queen, which starred Humphrey Bogart (in his Oscar-winning role) and Katharine Hepburn. He co-starred with Susan Hayward in I Want to Live (her Oscar-winning turn). Bikel appeared in theBest Picture of 1964 – My Fair Lady. In between, he was cast in Moulin Rouge, The Pride and the Passion (with Cary Grant, Sophia Loren, and Frank Sinatra), and The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.  In 1958, Bikel earned a well-deserved Academy Award nod for playing a fair minded Southern sheriff in the important Civil Rights-themed movie The Defiant Ones. This movie featured Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier. On stage, Bikel also starred opposite Vivian Leigh in A Streetcar Named Desire. Leigh repeated the role on screen and won her  second Oscar in 1951.

   I’m truly honored to have my work in the hands of these extraordinary individuals.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has just been purchased to be part of the library planned for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. The organizers of this project found my work to be worthy of inclusion. They related to me that many creative contributors from Hollywood have grown up and lived their private lives in the San Fernando Valley. Also, notable landmarks exist throughout the area.

   According to their website:

A museum that demonstrates how the San Fernando Valley and its people fit into the world has been long overdue…

The San Fernando Valley has probably been home to more celebrities from various fields than anywhere on Earth. Of course, from the motion picture industry, but also from the literary field, science, technology, sports, and business, to name a handful.

As an educational and cultural institution, we are here to acquire, display, and preserve the artifacts, documents and records of the San Fernando Valley. With the help of residents, businesses, organizations and societies we will build the Museum collections of historical items, the fine arts and the folk arts for the public to enjoy and for scholars to research.

   If you want to be a financial contributor, donate related artifacts, or learn more about this heritage-building idea in the making…visit their website:  http://www.themuseumsfv.org/.

   This is a personal request, since I too grew up in the San Fernando Valley. My parents had a home in Sherman Oaks from 1968 until the mid-1990’s. I’m also a proud alumnus of Van Nuys High School.

Until next time>                               “never forget”