Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

“`Montecito,  the California coastal enclave devastated by this season’s deadly mudslides, is known as Oprah Winfrey’s hometown. Ellen DeGeneres, Al Gore, Rob Lowe, Patrick Stewart, Drew Barrymore, and Jeff Bridges either live there or own part-time homes there. Chef Julia Child lived there late in life. But, it was Charlie Chaplin, the biggest star of another era, who helped make it a haven for celebrities.  To the south is the Pacific Ocean; and to the west is Santa Barbara.

“`In his first visit and fell in love with the area and its Mediterranean climate, ocean views, and canyon serenity. At the height of his fame in 1928, Chaplin led a small group of investors, including Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle, who built the Montecito Inn, which he called the cream of the coast, a posh getaway two blocks from the ocean, that became a local landmark.  In 1942, Chaplin, age 53,  married 18-year-old Oona O’Neill, at a Montecito event that scandalized the entire nation. In its hotel lobby, there is a life-size statue of Chaplin. It is a nostalgic reminder.

“`The deadly mudslides that ravaged the town came a month after a massive wildfire drove many residents from their homes and blackened the nearby mountains. With no vegetation left to absorb the rain, the slides came quickly in the midst of a torrential downpour. Tennis great Jimmy Connors was among those stranded and airlifted by the Coast Guard.

“`My prayers to the residents of Montecito.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The common wisdom is today’s actors do not match up to stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. When making comparisons, modern headliners offer favorable similarities. Here’s my Top 10:

~ Tom Hanks / James Stewart – This is one comparison that is frequently mentioned. With age, Hanks has developed an edge, much like Stewart did in his later career. Who couldn’t see Hanks befriending an invisible rabbit? Stable marriages enhance their popularity

~ Daniel Day-Lewis / Paul Muni –  Muni meticulously prepared for roles as he became invisible on screen. He also stepped away from his career at various times. Day-Lewis is a respected actor, and adopted this method-approach that Muni perfected.

~ Ralph Fiennes / Laurence Olivier – Comfortable in starring parts, as well as character roles in support of the storyline. Fiennes has the style, grace, and talent of his predecessor. One more thing… The pair could excel in villainy with aplomb.

~ Kevin Costner / Henry Fonda – They were realistic on the prairie and within the confines of the Oval Office. Comedic and dramatic opportunities are no issue for Costner, nor for Fonda. The fabric of America suits these screen icons. Either wears plain-spoken heroism well.

~ Gene Hackman / Spencer Tracy – You accept each of their characters, and this makes them the best in the business. Clark Gable once called Spencer:  An actor’s actor; Hackman could be described as such. Both were two-time Oscar-winners, and should have won gobs more statuettes.

~ Al Pacino / James Cagney –  Ferocity best describes the approach of these two giants of cinema. They portrayed criminals you want to root for. There exists this fatalism in their eyes that transcends the body of their work, making them kindred spirits.

~ Michael Keaton / Jack Lemmon – They are at their best equally handling comedy and drama with total ease. Tragic turns have wonderfully funny moments. Each scene gives the audience a full spectrum of emotions with deceptive range.

~ Jeff Bridges / Clint Eastwood – Bridges can deliver a performance without uttering a word.  John Wayne’s bravado was too chatty; Gary Cooper had too much of an aw-shucks attitude. Eastwood’s silence sets a scene with such command; so, the comparison is more appropriate.

~ Robert De Niro / Edward G. Robinson – It’s natural to compare De Niro to Humphrey Bogart.  However, De Niro is a fine comedian, and his approach better resembles Robinson. Additionally, the two have been pretty remarkable gangsters, as well.

~ George Clooney / Cary Grant –  Both are incredibly good looking; however, it belies their undeniable talent. They were willing to play against-type. Plus, Clooney and Grant’s on-screen personas markedly differ from their real-life personalities.

“`Your thoughts?

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Alex Trebek has taken a brief medical leave from his duties as host of Jeopardy! following surgery last month. He is set to return to taping in mid-January.

“`He underwent surgery on December 16th for a subdural hematoma, or blood clot on the brain, that Alex incurred from a fall back in October. He was released from the hospital on December 18th. Trebek is expected to make a complete recovery from the procedure.         ALEX TREBEK —>

“`Trebek has been the host of the syndicated quiz show since 1984, when it was revived by creator Merv Griffin and King World Productions. Previously, the show was moderated by Art Fleming. Jeopardy!, with a distinctive format of contestants delivering their answers in the form of a question, has become a prime time television mainstay; as well as Wheel of Fortune, another Griffin production.

“`The only change to the show’s on-air schedule will be the shift of its College Championship episodes from March to April. In a video message, Trebek thanked his fans for their concern, as word of his surgery spread.

“`Viewers of the game show are glad this isn’t Final Jeopardy for the amiable host.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Jerry Van Dyke was the younger brother of Dick Van Dyke, who struggled for decades to achieve his own stardom,  before clicking as the amiable sidekick in  Coach. For his efforts, Jerry received four consecutive Emmy nominations. He also co-starred with Ann Southern in the dreadful sitcom My Mother the Car. He joined  The Judy Garland Show in 1963, to provide comic relief; but, was unceremoniously let go at the end of the season.

“`Jerry knew from childhood that he wanted to be a comedian, and grew up listening to the radio shows of Bob Hope and Red Skelton. Van Dyke entered  Eastern Illinois University. His education was interrupted by service in the  Air Force throughout the Korean War.  Jerry would entertain at military shows with comedy skits and his banjo playing. After his service, he followed his brother to Hollywood.

JERRY VAN DYKE

“`He had his initial break with a recurring role on  The Dick Van Dyke Show as Rob Petrie’s banjo-playing brother. Van Dyke also guest starred on  The Ed Sullivan Show, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., Perry Mason, That Girl, Love American Style, The Andy Williams Show, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. However, he did turn down a chance to replace Don Knotts on The Andy Griffith Show, and the character of Gilligan on Gilligan’s Island. Jerry also lamented losing a role in 1982 when he was up for a supporting gig in a Bob Newhart vehicle, which would run for eight celebrated seasons.  But, Tom Poston got the part on Newhart. In 1995, Van Dyke appeared in a series of Hardee’s commercials.

“`He was cast in motion pictures, including  McLintock!,  The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Palm Springs Weekend, and Angel in My Pocket. During the 1970s, Van Dyke returned to stand-up comedy. He toured Playboy Clubs around the country, and headlined venues in Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City.  Van Dyke was an avid poker player, and announced a number of poker tournaments for ESPN.

“`Jerry Van Dyke was 86.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Frank Buxton was an actor, teleplay writer, television director, and author. He’s best known for his collaboration with Gary Marshall on programs, including Happy Days and Mork and Mindy. He also received critical acclaim for his penned work on The Odd Couple.

“`In the 1960s, Buxton rose to fame as the host and producer of the ABC documentary show  Discovery, teaching tots about the world, often with his trusty bloodhound, Corpuscle, at his side. In 1966, Buxton teamed up with Hal Seeger in the animated cartoon series Batfink. For much of the 1970s, Buxton worked as a writer and director at Paramount Television. Frank served as a story editor for the comedy anthology series Love American Style. He earned a Peabody Award for directing and writing Hot Dog for NBC, which starred Jonathan Winters, Woody Allen, Tom Smothers, and Joanne Worley. 

“`As an actor, he appeared in movies, such as What’s Up Tiger Lily, Frankie and Johnny,  Beaches, and Overboard. Buxton remained active in local theater and improv groups in his hometown Bainbridge Island, Washington.

“`Frank Buxton was 87.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`UCLA Film and Television Archive  and the  Hugh M. Hefner Classic American Film Program presents Michael Curtiz:  A Life in Film. This retrospective features many iconic motion pictures; and, a series of oral presentations that covers the life and career of the acclaimed director. This airs from tonight to March 17th at the Billy Wilder Theater.

“`The Archive is pleased to celebrate the career of Michael Curtiz with a retrospective of some of the director’s most renowned and seldom shown titles,  including a pair of rare silent movies, and a couple of movies from his production company that were created at Warner Brothers. Each screening includes Four Daughters,  Casablanca,  The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Sea Wolf,  Romance on the High Seas, 20,000 Years in Sing Sing, Kid Galahad,  The Kennel Murder Case, Yankee Doodle Dandy,  or Mildred Pierce.

“`In-person will be author Alan K. Rode, who will sign copies of his book, Michael Curtiz:  A Life in Film, before each screening (except February 3rd). Curtiz directed over 180 films; 94 of them during more than a quarter-century at Warner Brothers. He was in many ways the anti-auteur, directing tearjerkers, swashbucklers, musicals, melodramas, war epics, historical dramas, westerns, horror flicks, and film noir.

“`For a complete list of screenings, please visit:

https://www.cinema.ucla.edu/events/2018/michael-curtiz-life-in-film

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`News sources are reporting that  Paul Sorvino has made threatening comments against former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who allegedly sexually harassed his daughter Mira Sorvino. The GoodFellas actor initially made his wise guy-style comments to TMZ.

“`Sir Peter Jackson claimed last month that  Weinstein actively blocked Mira Sorvino from getting work in Hollywood, which she cited as confirmation of him derailing her career. Sir Peter’s allegation about the black-listing of Sorvino was echoed in a similar claim made by  Bad Santa director Terry Zwigoff. Her father has responded to the claims and he’s pulling  zero punches. In response, Mira tweeted much love over her dad’s support.

“`Mr. Sorvino did not know about Weinstein’s alleged sexual harassment of his daughter, nor the subsequent alleged career black-listing when Mira fought back. Sorvino’s tough response included putting the embattled movie producer in a wheelchair or leaving him on the ground. Sorvino also noted Weinstein should go to prison; plus, could be a target while incarcerated. He peppered his comments with a bit of profanity.

“`Mira previously said Weinstein had given her an unwanted massage in the 1990s and attempted to get more physical. He then allegedly started telling  filmmakers not to cast her. For his part, Weinstein has denied the allegations.                                           PAUL and MIRA SORVINO –>

“`Later in the interview, Mr. Sorvino mellowed his outlook, saying that he would just slap him around instead of doing anything too terrible.

“`Bulletins as they break.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`The  Upcountry History Museum brings Hollywood chic to the Upstate as it hosts their Katharine Hepburn-Dressed for Stage and Screen exhibit. With a stage and film career spanning six decades, Hepburn is an American icon who dazzled all silver screen, theater, and television audiences with her extraordinary talent, keen sense of contemporary fashion, and fiercely independent spirit.

“`The exclusive exhibition of Hepburn’s private collection will make its Southeastern United States debut in Greenville, South Carolina. Featuring over 35 free-standing costumes, worn in 21 films and six stage productions,  spanning Hepburn’s illustrious career, the 2500 square foot project will be the first major costume exhibition in the Upstate South Carolina region.

“`Hepburn’s sixty-year career is further highlighted through the display of costumes worn for publicity shots and in private life; including Hepburn’s signature look, an ensemble of tailored beige trousers and linen jackets. Also on exhibit are film stills, photographs, posters, playbills and related objects.

“`In addition to introducing visitors to the renowned actress, role model, and fashion icon, the project also showcases some of the best costume designers of the time. Cecil Beaton, Howard Greer, Valentina, and Jane Greenwood, who designed stage costume for Hepburn; Edith Head, Walter Plunkett, Irene, Muriel King, and Margaret Furse, who designed her film costumes.

“`Katharine Hepburn is the most honored actress in the history of American cinema,  with four Academy Awards for Best Actress, and eight other Oscar nominations. Hepburn’s star power appeal, the allure of fashion,  her mystique of Hollywood, and their exhibit’s proven success in drawing large audiences both nationally and internationally ensures both local and out-of-town attendance.

“`On loan from Kent State University Museum, the project will include an extensive list of related programming. The exhibition runs through January 14th.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Peggy Cummins was a Welsh-born stage and screen actress who worked just a few years in Hollywood; but, left behind an indelible performance as the lethal, beret-wearing  femme-fatale in the film noir classic Gun Crazy.

“`A child actor in England, Cummins was not yet 20 when brought to the United States in 1945 by studio boss Darryl F. Zanuck to play the title character in  an adaptation of one of the decade’s raciest novels, Forever Amber. The petite blonde was passed over in favor of Linda Darnell, allegedly, because she was too young. PEGGY CUMMINS ->

“`Secretly co-written by the blacklisted Dalton Trumbo,  who devised a tale of sex, violence, and love, destroyed by greed. Her co-star was John Dall. The production’s erotic energy and documentary approach eventually made it a cult classic. Admirers included French new wave directors Francois Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard.

“`David Newman and Robert Benton were trying to sell a synopsis for what became Bonnie and Clyde. Truffaut arranged a screening of Gun Crazy, and suggested it as inspiration. In 1998, the Library of Congress selected the production for preservation for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

“`She briefly dated then-aspiring politician John F. Kennedy; and, was asked out by Howard Hughes, only to have the wealthy aviator crash his plane and cancel their dinner plans. She would retire after making just a handful of movies.

“`In recent years, Cummins appeared at numerous retrospectives for Gun Crazy, calling this her favorite production, even though she insisted she was nothing like her character. Her only regret was to never play roles that resembled her Hollywood inspiration — Bette Davis.

“`Peggy Cummins was 92.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It’s becoming an annual tradition. The entire Thin Man series of movies, with William Powell and Myrna Loy, will air on Turner Classic Movies beginning at 5p. All six flicks will screen in order, and as always, commercial free.

WILLIAM POWELL   MYRNA LOY

“`Expect witty banter, crimes to be solved, and Asta the terrier. For folks of a certain age, this is a sensible way to bring in the new year. Join Nick and Nora Charles on TCM.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Hollywood’s Golden Age has a language all its own. I find myself using that unique form of communication in everyday life. Often, I get looks of confusion; but, at the end of the day, it serves my purpose. And, it beats the insane notion of texting.

“`Writer Damon Runyon was taken by the romance of real-life gangsterism in popular culture. The crimes of John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, Al Capone, among others, fascinated common folks in the throes of the Great Depression. The criminal plots in cinema made stars of James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, and Paul Muni; plus, Warner Brothers was  THE studio that squarely tackled societal ills.

“`Runyon-esque was born from the pen of Damon Runyon, which forged a polite society of gangsters with a language that was peculiar and kind. Lady For a Day and  Guys and Dolls were among celluloid adaptations contritely utilizing this basis of conversation to advance a narrative.  The productions humanized the criminal, if not the crimes. Runyon, who died in 1946, would never live long enough to experience the phenomenon of The Godfather trilogy; the modern glamorization of a crime family. It is the Runyon in me; I am courteous to a fault, even while directly dressing down an individual. There is little reason to curse in my lexiconic sphere.

“`But I digress. I find that using the language of cinema helps get me through a day filled with success and setback; wonder and banality; laughter and tears. Here are quotes I often use:

~ Another banner day at the Bailey Building and Loan –  It is urban legend that James Stewart uttered this beauty while contemplating suicide, after an unexplained disappearance of cash. A potential accusation of embezzlement is the last straw for George Bailey in  It’s a Wonderful Life. I often make the comment when things are not going my way; or if caught in an embarrassing act. The actual quote:  Another red-letter day for the Baileys!

~ I’m shocked, shocked, to find that gambling is going on in here – Everybody has friends who predictably let you down. When they do, it is not shocking; it is annoying. The Claude Rains’ quote feigns contempt. In reality, it is simple sarcasm; in a movie filled with quotable sarcasm — Casablanca.

~ Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers at night, may become a wolf when the wolf bane blooms, and the autumn moon is full and bright – A human being is fallible. This theme is articulated a number of times by characters played by Evelyn Ankers, Maria Ouspenskaya, and again, by Claude Rains in The Wolfman. Consider it a worthy aside to mutter to yourself during an inevitable moment of weakness.

“`I leave you here with this reminder:  What we do not have here is a failure to communicate. Thank you, Strother Martin, for this paraphrase of a comment made in Cool Hand Luke.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Starting on January 14th, if you live in the Inland Empire, you can ride an express bus route that starts in San Bernardino, goes through Riverside, and winds up at Disneyland, directly in front of the park. And, it only costs $3 each way. A 30-day pass costs $75, and prices are even cheaper for children 46 inches tall and under, seniors, and the disabled.

“`Buses will run to Disneyland, seven days a week, with schedules that vary by weekday or weekend.  Routes will start in San Bernardino at 3:42a weekdays; and 6a on weekends. The last bus from the park will leave Anaheim at 9:29p on weekdays; 9:09p on weekends. Travel time on the Commuterlink Express Bus 200 should take 90 – 110 minutes, depending on the boarding location. These commuter link buses have wi-fi, charging ports, and comfy seats.

“`The pickup and drop off locations:

San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center

Downtown Riverside at Lemon and University

Downtown Riverside Metrolink Station

Riverside Galleria at Tyler

La Sierra Metrolink Station

The Village at Orange

Disneyland (Harbor Blvd at East Shuttle Way)

~  ~  ~

“`Why brave crowded and expensive parking lots, and then take a tram?

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Rose Marie was a veteran of vaudeville, who is best remembered for her role on The Dick Van Dyke Show, and as a panelist on The Hollywood Squares. Her career includes radio, film, records, stage, night clubs, and television; spanning nine decades. She was nominated three times for Emmys, and Marie had yet to turn 40 when she joined the Van Dyke cast.

“`At the age of three, she began performing under the name Baby Rose Marie. At five, she became a radio star on NBC, which led to a number of flicks and two-reelers distributed by Paramount Pictures.  As a vocalist, Marie recorded songs that were arranged by Fletcher Henderson. She was assisted in her career by members of organized crime, such as Bugsy Siegel and Al Capone. Marie was a co-headliner when The Flamingo Hotel opened in Las Vegas (with Jimmy Durante and Xavier Cugat).

“`On television, she guest-starred on My Sister Eileen, The Bob Cummings Show, The Virginian, My Three Sons, Gunsmoke, The Hollywood Palace, The Doris Day Show, The Monkees, The Dean Martin Show, The Love Boat, S.W.A.T., Remington Steele, Wings, Suddenly Susan and Murphy Brown. Close pals included Morey Amsterdam and Richard Deacon, her co-stars on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

“`In 1951, Rose appeared opposite Phil Silvers in the Broadway show Top Banana. She would reprise her role in a cinematic adaptation. From 1977 to 1985, Marie co-starred with Rosemary Clooney, Helen O’Connell, and Margaret Whiting in a national musical revue. Rose was married to Kay Kyser trumpeter Bobby Guy from 1946 until his passing in 1964.

“`One of the last surviving members from the Studio Era of Hollywood, Rose Marie was 94.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`During a busy midweek, electricity went out at portions of Disneyland. A power outage at the California theme park forced some guests to be escorted from stalled rides, which took a number of hours. A transformer problem caused the late morning outage in Fantasyland and ToonTown.

“`About 12 rides were affected. During the outage, no new patrons were allowed to enter the park.  Power was restored in Toontown and much of Fantasyland within a few hours, and was expected to be fully restored later in the day.

“`The outage was isolated to portions of the Anaheim theme park. All of New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Main Street USA were not affected. Some of their patrons quickly took to social media to show the park halted during a busy holiday week. Others wondered if they would get refunds.

“`All or part of the park may close without any notice, and tickets are nonrefundable in such cases.

“`OUCH!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here… 

“`Jerry Greenberg was a film editor who created one of the most legendary car chase scenes in history. He was best-known for his Oscar and BAFTA-winning work on The French Connection. In 1979, his assignment on Apocalypse Now earned him a second Academy Award nod as well as BAFTA and ACE Eddie Award recognition, along with his co-editors. He earned a second Oscar nomination in the same year for his job on Kramer vs. Kramer.

“`Jerry’s career began as an assistant to pioneering editor Dede Allen on America America in 1963; and he went on to assist her on  Bonnie and Clyde, which received notable acclaim for their climatic ambush scene. He collaborated with director Brian De Palma on Dressed to Kill, which kicked off a relationship that would go on to produce five additional films, including The Untouchables. The American Cinema Editors, of which Greenberg was a member, honored him with its Career Achievement Award in 2015.

“`His other noteworthy credits include Scarface, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Reds, The Missouri Breaks, Alice’s Restaurant, The Boys in the Band, The Accused,  Body Double, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,  Get Carter, Dressed To Kill, Heaven’s Gate, Awakenings, American History X, and Point Break.

“`Jerry Greenberg (above) was 81.

Until next time>                               “never forget”