Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

“`The blockbuster musical Hamilton is finally traveling to the nation’s capital and its citizenry is preparing for the visit. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s  historical musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton is starting three months at the Kennedy Center.

“`Ironically,  Hamilton would not spend much of his professional career in Washington. The United States capital was in Philadelphia while he served as the nation’s first treasury secretary; and the federal government didn’t move to Washington until 1800, four years before his death.

“`The myriad museums of modern Washington have been preparing specialized exhibits. The Postal Museum has already launched an exhibit —  Alexander Hamilton: Soldier, Secretary, Icon — and it includes mail, portraits, and postage stamps reflective of his life. A highlight of the exhibit are the two flintlock pistols made of walnut, brass, and gold that were used in the July 11, 1804 duel with Vice President Aaron Burr, resulting Hamilton’s demise. These pistols are on loan from the private collection of JP Morgan Chase and Co.

“`The Library of Congress is unveiling its own Hamilton display, drawing on its collection of more than 12,000 of Hamilton’s papers and documents. Miranda based his musical on a 2004 biography, Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, which drew from the same material. Also, there is material chronicling a historic meal between Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.

“`The Library of Congress is supplementing the physical exhibit by making a vast number of Hamilton-related papers accessible online. These include the Reynolds Pamphlet, his 100-page public response to his involvement in the first American political sex scandal.

“`With a song in their heart, the District of Columbia is mad about the boy.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`A 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe has been placed in a Stamford, Connecticut park across from a church, which is getting a full view of her back side. It depicts the famous scene from 1955’s The Seven Year Itch where the actress holds down her white dress as air is blowing up from a subway grate.

“`Forever Marilyn is one of 36 the statues by artist Seward Johnson that are on display and on loan in the downtown area through the summer. They are part of the city’s annual Art in Public Spaces program. All the statues except Marilyn are life-size and depict persons doing everyday activities. The back of her statue showing her underwear is clearly visible from the front of the First Congregational Church of Stamford.

“`Organizers argue that there are many nude statues outdoors in Europe — and near churches —  that are accepted by the public. But, it is sure to spark conversation when church members return for Sunday worship and catch a glimpse. One resident has already found it disturbing to see youngsters climbing on the statue’s leg and looking up the skirt. The pastor of the church, however, finds the whole thing artistically odd, and he sees humor over the perceived uproar.

“`The Stamford Downtown Special Services District is hosting the exhibit, with sponsors, including the real estate finance firm UC Funds. For now, the organizers have decided to keep on displaying Marilyn, and not to scratch the Seven Year Itch… statue!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The lineup of repertory programs and festival for the summer season at the Film Society of Lincoln Center has been announced, including a retrospective on the classic musicals of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This portion of the event is from July 13th to July 15th.

FRED ASTAIRE                GINGER ROGERS

“`In 1930, three years before Fred Astaire had appeared on film, writer Robert Benchley had proclaimed him the greatest tap dancer in the world. Astaire, along with his sister Adele, had already been hailed as a sensation of the New York and London stage when Flying Down to Rio opened in 1933.

“`Ginger Rogers, on the other hand, was several years into a successful movie acting career, and had never danced with a partner, when they were paired in Rio. The rest is history; over nine years, Fred and Ginger would make ten movies together, immortalized as icons for their dazzlingly fleet-footed choreography, and their singularly charming onscreen chemistry.

“`This was the artistic collaboration that revolutionized and re-imagined the film musical, reshaping the genre’s legacy for generations to come. Eighty-five years after their first collaboration, the Film Society is delighted to present a three-day complete retrospective of their shared oeuvre.

“`Expect a well-choreographed event.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The last living member of the Lollipop Guild has died. Jerry Maren, who portrayed one of the beloved munchkins in The Wizard of Oz, will screen tomorrow on TCM at 5p (pst), it remains one of the most beloved movies of all-time.

JERRY MAREN                                 THE LOLLIPOP GUILD

“`In The Wizard of Oz, Jerry was the munchkin dressed in green, who stood alongside Jakob Gerlich  and Harry Earles. He is the one who hands Judy’s character, Dorothy, a lollipop. Maren was only 18 years old when he shot his scenes for the movie. Most of the cast have all passed away. Caren Marsh Doll, who served as Judy’s dance stand-in, is still living.

“`He also had roles in Our Gang comedy shorts, At the Circus and Planet of the Apes. In the 1950s, Maren appeared as Little Oscar for Oscar Meyer, and Buster Brown in television and radio commercials. Jerry played Mayor McCheese and The Hamburglar for McDonald’s. Maren and Billy Barty organized Little People of America. He continued to work until 2010.

“`His funeral was held at Forest Lawn in Hollywood, since he passed away in May. Jerry Maren was 99.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`On June 12th, John Travolta is returning to Lenny’s Pizza in Brooklyn to receive a lifetime achievement award from State Senator Marty Golden, and will be joined by his peers, family, friends, and fans. Travolta’s trip to Lenny’s is three days before the nationwide release of his latest film, Gotti.

JOHN TRAVOLTA

“`Lenny’s – a staple since 1953 –  had a co-starring role in the 1977 classic Saturday Night Fever. In the film’s opening credits, Travolta’s on-screen character, Tony Manero, gets himself a pair of slices at the now-famous Lenny’s window before strutting his stuff down 86th Street. Folks still come up to the window and mimic John Travolta’s line at least ten times a day.

“`Travolta’s latest award will serve as a gracious thank you from the New York borough, and as a commemoration of the iconic roles he continues to play.

“`Cue the Bee Gees Stayin’ Alive.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician whose calculation helped astronauts return safely to Earth, will be honored at her alma mater with a bronze statue and an annual scholarship in her name.  West Virginia State University is planning a dedication ceremony set for August 25th, the day before Johnson’s 100th birthday.

“`Long before the digital era, Johnson performed as a human computer at an agency that would become NASA, working in relative obscurity as an African-American woman. Her contributions were later recognized in  Hidden Figures, with actress Taraji P. Henson playing her role.

“`The 1957 launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik changed history and Katherine Johnson’s (right) life. In 1962, as NASA prepared for the orbital mission of John Glenn, Johnson was called upon to do the work that she would become most known for.

“`When asked to name her greatest contributions to space exploration, Johnson refers to the calculations that helped synch  Project Apollo’s Lunar Lander with a moon-orbiting Command and Service Module. She also worked on the Space Shuttle and Earth Resource Satellite, and authored or co-authored 26 research reports.

“`Katherine retired in 1986. In 2015, at age 97, President Obama awarded the mathematician a Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

“`West Virginia State hopes to endow the $100,000 scholarship, awarding the money to students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math, targeting people who are underrepresented in those fields.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Days after the presidential pardon of Jack Johnson, Sylvester Stallone has announced plans for a biopic on the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion. Stallone said that his newly launched Balboa Productions will begin with a film about Johnson.

                                    JACK JOHNSON                   SYLVESTER STALLONE

“`Recently, Stallone stood next to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as he signed the posthumous pardon to Johnson, who served ten months in prison in what the chief executive called a racially-motivated injustice. Trump added that Stallone was instrumental in bringing Johnson’s story to his attention.

“`Stallone’s production company said the film will be fast-tracked by Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. According to Sly, Johnson was the basis for his character Apollo Creed in the Rocky series. Previously, the character played by James Earl Jones in  The Great White Hope was based on the life and career of Jack Johnson.

“`The 71-year-old actor is currently in production on Creed II for MGM.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Coming this Summer,  you can sign up for the newest online cinematic-related course from Turner Classic Movies and Ball State. TCM Presents: MAD ABOUT MUSICALS! is a free online course dedicated to the history of the Hollywood Musical; a truly teachable moment!

“`Running from June 3rd to June 30th, this FREE interactive experience offers an entertaining study into the movie musical, from the 1930s to the 1970s, with multimedia course materials, digital games and ongoing interactions. Join fellow film fans on the TCM message boards, and more.

“`Movie afficianados and online learners from around the world are expected to learn about this dependable genre. TCM Presents: MAD ABOUT MUSICALS is the fourth FREE online course to be offered by TCM and Ball State, following Film Noir, Slapstick Comedy, and 50 Years of Hitchcock. Plus, TCM will screen ninety film musicals over the month of June.

https://www.canvas.net/courses/17753/enrollment/new

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`As we approach the Memorial Day weekend, we can celebrate in our unique way. Royal Bobbles has unveiled the John Wayne World War II bobble head, which celebrates his many heroic roles in World War II films. Though he never served in war, The Duke was associated with the military because of his iconic motion pictures, including They Were Expendable, Sands of Iwo Jima, In Harm’s Way, Operation Pacific, The Green Beret, and The Longest Day.

“`Wayne’s monumental cinematic career spanned five decades. He appeared in over 175 films; and, more than a dozen directed by John Ford. For generations, he was Hollywood’s biggest and most durable box-office star.

“`In 1979, the actor was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The following year,  President Jimmy Carter presented Wayne with America’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is among a handful of individuals who have received both.

“`The John Wayne legend lives on. He still appears in Harris Poll’s annual listings of America’s favorite movie stars, ranking second in the 2014 poll. He has the distinction of being the only actor to be on this list every year since 1994. And, happy birthday to The Duke.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`To celebrate the dedication of a new plaque that honors the former location of Buster Keaton Studios in Hollywood, The International Buster Keaton Society invites you to join his fans for a complete weekend of Buster Keaton-related activities in Los Angeles. This is the first time the society is organizing events in the town that Buster called home for so many decades.

“`Among the activities: A Hollywood Heritage Museum night of screenings, a studio locale walking tour, an additional movie screening at the Egyptian Theatre (moderated by Leonard Maltin), a visit to Keaton’s gravesite at Forest Lawn Cemetery, and the Saturday dedication ceremony.

“`The City of Los Angeles has officially declared June 16th, 2018 as  Buster Keaton Day! The International Buster Keaton Society has produced a beautiful bronze plaque to mark the location of the former Buster Keaton Studios, near Santa Monica Blvd. and Vine St. in Los Angeles. They will unveil and dedicate this permanent addition to the fabric of Los Angeles.

“`For a complete schedule, visit:

http://www.busterkeaton.org/weekend/ 

“`This is fitting tribute to honor the Great Stone Face.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Clint Walker was an actor, who had a steady career in film and television. He is best remembered for his starring turn on Cheyenne. Walker had good looks and an imposing physique (6′, 6″ tall).                           CLINT WALKER —>

“`Clint began his movie career with a small role in the Ten Commandments. Actor Van Johnson saw the ruggedly handsome Walker and encouraged him to give the movies a try. This brought him to the attention of Warner Brothers, which was developing a television Western. The studio believed they dicovered a new on-screen hero in their stable of stars. During this time, Clint also had a modest singing career.

“`Walker had roles in The Night of the Grizzly, None But the Brave, The Dirty Dozen, The Great Bank Robbery, and the cinematic adaptation of Maverick. On television, Clint guest-starred on The Jack Benny Program, The Lucy Show, and The Love Boat.

“`In May 1971, he had nearly fatal skiing accident on Mammoth Mountain, but he recovered.

“`Clint Walker was 91.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`William Gold was a graphic designer best known for thousands of film poster designs. During his 70-year career Gold worked with Hollywood’s greatest filmmakers,  such as Alfred Hitchcock, Elia Kazan, Ridley Scott, Laurence Olivier, Stanley Kubrick, Clint Eastwood, and many more. Bill’s body of work transcends Hollywood’s Golden Age.  WILLIAM GOLD –>

“`After studying illustration in college, Bill began his professional design career in 1941 in the advertising department of Warner Brothers. William became head of poster design in 1947. After his initial film project, Yankee Doodle Dandy, he continued to work for eight decades, and has inspired numerous other designers.

“`Gold’s prolific assignments included Casablanca, The Big Sleep, Strangers on a Train,  A Streetcar Named Desire, Dial M for Murder, East of Eden, Mr. Roberts, Baby Doll, Giant, Moby Dick, The Searchers, The Wrong Man, A Face in the Crowd, Gypsy, The Pajama Game, The Old Man and the Sea, Splendor in the Grass, The Music Man, My Fair Lady, Robin and the 7 Hoods, Bullitt,  Sex and the Single Girl, The Great Race, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Bonnie and Clyde, Cool Hand Luke, Wait Until Dark, Camelot, Funny Girl, Ryan’s Daughter, Lady Sings the Blues, Fiddler on the Roof, A Clockwork Orange, The Way We Were, Klute, The Sting, Deliverance, The Exorcist, Papillon, Diamonds are Forever, Platoon, What’s Up Doc?, The Sugarland Express, Dog Day Afternoon,  All the President’s Men, The Great Santini, Barry Lyndon, The Untouchables, On Golden Pond, My Favorite Year, Unforgiven, Mississippi Burning, Mystic River, In the Line of Fire, and his final work, J. Edgar; plus hundreds more.

“`In 1994, Gold was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Hollywood Reporter.  Throughout his career, Bill maintained active membership in the Society of Illustrators, Art Directors Club, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  Six assignments eventually won an Oscar for Best Picture.

“`William Gold was 96.

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“`Richard Goodwin was a speechwriter and an adviser to John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Robert Kennedy. Richard was also wed to historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Besides a career in politics, he is best known for work as a special counsel to the Legislative Oversight Subcommittee of the United States House of Representatives.  Goodwin investigated the Twenty-One game show scandal, which became the basis for the film  Quiz Show in 1994. He was portrayed by actor Rob Morrow.

“`Richard Goodwin (right) was 86.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`American Film Institute founder and the  Kennedy Center Honors creator George Stevens Jr. is adding another chapter to cinematic history by donating hundreds of items spanning several generations of his family to the Margaret Herrick Library and its archive. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that Stevens Jr.  will be contributing papers, letters, photographs, and scripts from his life to the Stevens Family collection.

“`This public collection of over  600 items will cover everything from his Hollywood beginnings working with his father George Stevens, the legendary director of classics like Woman of the Year. The collection is a film buffs dream, where an ordinary family photo could be on the set of Shane, at the Academy Awards in 1951 when Stevens was nominated for A Place in the Sun, or during the Amsterdam production of The Diary of Anne Frank with cinematographer Jack Cardiff.

“`Collection highlights on the movie academy’s website include personal photos of Stevens Jr., including one of him standing alongside, Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and his father in Marfa, Texas in 1955 on the set of Giant. There are photos of James Cagney getting an  AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, Plus, Sidney Poitier in The Greatest Story Ever Told, his casting of the actor would lead to a lifelong friendship.

“`You will also notice Stevens Jr. being sworn in at the United States Information Agency, or speaking with Jacqueline Kennedy. He worked with Edward R. Murrow at the  USIA during the Kennedy administration. Stevens Jr. produced the short film detailing President Kennedy’s trips in June 1963, including his famous visit to Germany, and his Ich bin ein Berliner speech. It would be nominated for an Oscar.

“`What a treasure trove of Hollywood and American history from George Steven Jr. (above), and his iconic family!

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“`Patricia Morison was a femme fatale in familiar films that featured iconic heroes and sleuths, such as The Cisco Kid, The Thin Man, and Sherlock Holmes. When she starred on Broadway, Morison achieved her greatest familiarity as the lead in the original production of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me Kate. Her films roles included Without Love, The Song of Bernadette, Dressed to Kill and Song of the Thin Man. Patricia appeared on stage with Yul Brynner in The King and I. She was one of the many celebrities who entertained allied troops during USO tours of Great Britain.

“`Patricia Morison (right) was 103.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The Walt Disney Family Museum is unveiling its newest special exhibition, Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation, on display to the public from May 17th, 2018 through January 7th, 2019 in the Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall.

“`This unique exhibit celebrates the distinctive talents and contributions of The Walt Disney Studios most celebrated artists, playfully dubbed the Nine Old Men by Walt. The famed nine were: Les Clark, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman, Milt Kahl, Ollie Johnston, Marc Davis, and Frank Thomas.

“`Masters of Animation features artwork and family artifacts from the Nine Old Men, including sketchbooks, caricatures, and snapshots, as well as original art from classic animated movies, such as Pinocchio, Bambi, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and Sleeping Beauty.

“`Never-before-seen personal etchings, paintings, sculptures, concept artwork, and character drawings (including Mickey Mouse)  will be on display, alongside documentary interviews with these masters of animation, as well as rarely exhibited pencil tests and final color scenes that showcase their genius.

“`This original exhibit is curated by Don Hahn, the Oscar-nominated producer of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. Hahn conducted extensive research on the Nine Old Men, and spent treasured time with each of the animators’ families for in-depth discussions, unearthing details about the unique backgrounds and personalities of the artists behind iconic the Disney characters and films.

“`The Walt Disney Family Museum is located at 104 Montgomery St. in the Presidio of San Francisco, just a stone’s throw from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It has occurred before; notably when actress Grace Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco. The tradition continues when England’s Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle will wed in an Anglican service with American flavor, mixing prayers, classical music, a gospel choir, and soul sounds. Kensington Palace has released the order of service for this ceremony in 15th-century St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

“`This service is led by the Dean of Windsor, David Conner. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will solemnize the marriage, and head of the United States Episcopal Church, Michael Bruce Curry, will deliver a sermon. Markle, who attended a Roman Catholic school, has been baptized into the Church of England (which Queen Elizabeth II is supreme governor), as she prepares to join the royal family.

“`All are waiting to see what Markle wears, which designer she has chosen for her wedding gown. Prince Charles, Harry’s father, will walk her down the aisle after Markle’s dad became too sick to come. Meghan’s mum will be sitting close by. And in the gallery, some of Harry’s buddies from his 10 years of military service — an experience that included tours of duty in Afghanistan — and from many charities he supports, which focuses on helping veterans, or encouraging a more open discussion of mental health issues.

“`The couple consulted Harry’s father Prince Charles about the orchestral music played before the service.  Selections include works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Edward Elgar, Gabriel Faure, and Franz Schubert. The chapel choir will perform a motet by 16th-century composer Thomas Tallis. A London-based gospel ensemble, Kingdom Choir, will sing Ben E. King’s Stand By Me. Jane Fellowes, the sister of Princess Diana, will read from the biblical Song of Solomon.

“`The ceremony is based on Common Worship — a most modern of Church of England service options — and includes prayers and hymns, as well as readings and musical selections chosen by the couple and their family. The Church of England doesn’t allow couples to write their own wedding vows — they have to stick to the script. Meghan and Harry will vow:

To have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.

“`In front of 600 wedding guests, including Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Elton John, Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, sports stars David Beckham and Serena Williams, and actor Idris Elba, Meghan and Harry will exchange rings to:

Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.

“`After guests deliver God Save the Queen,  Britain’s national anthem, the newlyweds will exit the chapel to strains of an allegro from Symphony No. One by 18th-century composer William Boyce, and the gospel sounds of Amen / This Little Light of Mine.

“`After the ceremony, the newlyweds will be in a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Windsor flanked by a British military procession with officers on horseback. Then they are off to a couple of gala receptions. The first is hosted in the afternoon by the queen — with finger foods, wine, and champagne.  A second smaller reception is being thrown by Charles. To kick off the festivities, the queen honored her grandson with a new title: Duke of Sussex, making the 36-year-old Markle the Duchess of Sussex.

“`The wedding marks a new chapter in the sovereign history of the monarchy:  The addition of an American woman with biracial roots to its upper ranks. Harry’s status as a English royal and Markle’s entertainment industry presence on the television series Suits  has turned Saturday’s wedding into a global event. This is Hollywood royalty colliding with a storied British monarchy.

“`Plus, even though she is divorced, Meghan Markle is no Wallis Simpson!

Until next time>                               “never forget”