Manny P. here…
“`Art Kirsch, John Coleman and I have a super treat for you on Celebrating Act 2. I pull out my crystal ball and predict five future classics in cinema from a pool that encompasses over the last twenty-three years. These are (dare I say) forgotten hollywood sensations!
“`Enjoy!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`The TCM Classic Film Festival is a fine celebration of Hollywood’s Golden Age (and beyond), movie stars and historic locales. But clearly, it is so much more. Fans from all over the globe annually converge to enjoy motion pictures the way they were meant to be seen, to walk red carpets and witness hand-in-cement ceremonies with iconic actors and filmmakers and most importantly, to join in fellowship with like-minded people that appreciate the art of motion on screen.
“` Few fans create more of a difference with regards to bringing together these passionate film-goers than Kelly J. Kitchens. The owner of a Media Relations / Entertainment Publicity company and a Film Publicist based in Dallas, Texas, Kelly has mobilized a movie fest contingent in a way that is very impressive. Her administration of the Facebook page: Going to TCM Classic Film Festival has thousands of followers and the number is rapidly growing; impressive by any social media metric. KELLY J. KITCHENS ->
“`Since 2010, her group meets the day prior to the start of the festival. They have outgrown their original location, poolside at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and they now begin the trek in the parking lot of the Hollywood Heritage Museum. Along the way, actors (such as Barbara Rush and Cora Sue Collins) and authors have offered oral presentations and mingled with appreciative members of the group. She was even approached by the legendary Robert Osborne because of outfits they wore while attending the TCM fest red-carpet screening of A Star is Born (1954). No one should be surprised by Kitchens’ success.
“`Kelly’s cinematic appreciation begin early in life with an annual screening of The Wizard of Oz on television. Her zeal for the flick included cassette taped copies of the audio, so she could memorize every second of the film. During allowed television time at home, Kitchens would watch Our Gang / Little Rascals comedies and Abbott and Costello. She discovered a theatre that featured classic film matinees and this opened her world to the magic of big screen classics, such as The Sound of Music and Astaire / Rogers musicals. Yearbook photo of Kelly with her Wizard of Oz collection ->
“`While in high school, Kelly was depressed over a family illness. Her English teacher well-versed in her student’s love of classic movies, assigned her to watch the screwball comedy Bringing Up Baby. Kitchens credits her teacher to this day for showing such empathy and compassion, which helped her through a clearly difficult time in her life. And her job on the yearbook staff gave the young journalist a clear path towards her eventual career journey. Kelly’s Facebook page clearly has elements of a reunion of like-minded individuals. And she remains satified with that metaphoric approach.
KELLY J. KITCHENS BEN MANKIEWICZ MARK WICKERSHAM
“`Kelly met her husband (Mark Wickersham) at a film festival. Together, they map out movie festival-themed vacations and they are planning to attend the upcoming inaugural Library of Congress Festival of Film and Sound. Sharing a mutual love for movies, the couple embodies the theme of the Facebook page members. I am thrilled to join other film historians, including Kari Bible and Marc Wanamaker, to be part of this loyal, fun and caring group. Look for me in the latest reunion photo taken in April (part of the TCM yearbook class of 2023).
“`If you are searching for a career publicist, you can contact our subject at Kelly J. Kitchens Media Relations / Entertainment Publicy at kelly@kellykitchenspr.com. You will find a clearly dedicated and innovative advocate for your project or your career. The Going to TCM Classic Film Festival page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/112530958827676/media/albums. If you join and attend next year’s fest, you will be enveloped by thousands of amazing friends you never knew you had. And search out Kelly J. Kitchens… her hoopla is fabulous!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`I get to chat about leading men of the 1930s on Celebrating Act 2. John Coleman and Art Kirsch coax me into bringing up the finest actors, as well as some of the forgotten names of the era.
“`Enjoy!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`The Columbus Moving Picture Show was an unforgettable experience during my first trip into Ohio. Held at the Renaissance Hotel, patrons were given the opportunity to experience 16mm screenings of rare cinema, live piano accompaniment to their silent screenings, a dealer room the size of a bowling alley, film historians and authors, and a professional team headed by the amazing Samantha Glasser ensuring patrons to a Memorial Day weekend of cinephile heaven.
“`Here is a taste of the Columbus Moving Picture Show…
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here… 
“`It is time to make a road trip to middle America. I will be spending a portion of my Memorial Day weekend at the Columbus Moving Picture Show (formally Cinevent). This is Ohio’s premiere classic movie festival that resembles Cinecon, minus Stan Taffel. It runs from May 25th-28th.
“`Screenings include Monsieur Verdoux, Keep ‘Em Flying, The Blue Veil, Blaze of Noon and a series of Charley Chase shorts, among other fascinating flicks. I will join noted authors Steven C. Smith, Nick Santa Maria, James D’Arc and Richard Barrios. Oral presentations to be made by noted cinephiles, such as Bob Furmanek, Mark Kratzner, Caleb Boyd and yours truly.
“`Forgotten Hollywood will be making its initial appearance at this iconic festival. My schedule includes treasured time in the dealer’s room all day on Friday and a seminar and book signing beginning at 10a on Saturday. Everything takes place at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel. I am looking forward to engaging with the cinematic patrons at this amazing event.
“`Hope you to see you there!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`John Coleman, Art Kirsch and I have a lively discussion about the prolific makeup artist Jack Pierce. He worked at Universal Studios and created the iconic looks of Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Mummy, and Wolfman. Pierce also created a character in the Silent Era that was the inspiration for the Joker in the DC Batman comics. Boris Karloff claimed to owe his career to the makeup used by Jack Pierce.
“`Enjoy!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here… 
“`Jim Brown was an all-pro football player, a civil rights activist and actor. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 through 1965. Considered the greatest running backs of all time, as well as one of the finest players in NFL history. He remains widely considered one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. JIM BROWN –>
“`Brown was one of few athletes, and among the most prominent African Americans, to speak on racial issues as the civil rights movement was growing in the 1950s. His participation with fellow activists, Malcom X, Muhammed Ali and Sam Cooke, was chronicled in Amazon Prime’s, One Night in Miami. Perceiving Brown and outspoken Black athletes as a threat, the F. B. I. monitored Brown and his colleagues.
“`While still playing football, Brown began pursuing an acting career. His first role was in the western, Rio Concho. He was joined by many of his Cleveland teammates at the premiere. His next part became his signature performance. The Dirty Dozen boasted an all-star cast, including Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan and Charles Bronson. In 100 Rifles, he had a inter-racial love scene with Raquel Welch. And Brown appeared in Ice Station Zebra. On television, he guest-starred in I Spy, Police Story, CHiPS, T. J. Hooker, Knight Rider and The A-Team.
“`Brown posed nude for the September, 1974 issue of Playgirl magazine, and was one of the rare celebrities to allow full-frontal nude photos to be used. He also worked as a color analyst on NFL telecasts for CBS in 1978, teaming with Vin Scully and George Allen. Brown’s gridiron career led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. ESPN SportsCentury in 1999 ranked him fourth among their Fifty Greatest Atheletes of the 20th Century, trailing only Muhammed Ali, Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan.
“`Jim Brown was eighty-seven.
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`The campaign continues to get documentarian Robert Youngson’s celebrated films into the 2023 Library of Congress National Film Registry. Each year, selections are made by a panel of esteemed historians and announced each December. Throughout the year, cinematic lovers across the country can weigh in by voting for their favorite classic films.
“`Celebrating Act 2 lets us conduct my ongoing campaign on their platform. Golden Age of Comedy (1957) and When Comedy was King (1960) are iconic productions that highlight the preservation of silent comedies. Forgotten Hollywood is collaborating with the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society to champion Youngson’s fine and iconic work.
“`John Coleman and Art Kirsch are now on the bandwagon! Here is the link to vote (for FREE).
“`Enjoy!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`I am thrilled to be returning to Everybody with Angela Williamson airing on KLCS, a PBS station. We will be taping this Friday on location at the Hollywood Museum (in the historic Max Factor Building).
“`Dr. Williamson is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and a college professor. She is also my friend. Her celebrated work is My Life with Rosie, a film about the journey of Rosa Parks. And as the host of her weekly program, Angela finds great cultural and societal stories told by interesting personalities.
“`Max Factor, Hollywood’s Makeup King, created the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Era stars, such as Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn, Mae West and Marlene Dietrich. Factor’s son carried on the family tradition as he curated the look of Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe and many more.
“`The Hollywood Museum showcases the most extensive collection of movie and television memorabilia in the world. The repository, with four floors of breathtaking exhibits, is home to more than 10,000 authentic show biz artifacts, including costumes, photographs, posters and props. The museum is located at 1660 N. Highland Ave. They are open Wednesday – Sunday, 10a – 5p.
“`Some workdays are just better than others!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`How about another discussion about the cherished 100th anniversary of Warner Brothers. John Coleman, Art Kirsch and I reflect on the movies made by Eddie G., Cagney, Bogie, Bette, George Raft and John Garfield. It is a magical place where the stuff that dreams are made of are produced! Celebrating Act 2 spotlights the moment.
“`Enjoy!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`Harry Belafonte was a Jamaican-American singer, actor and a resolute activist. His activism was inspired through mentorship provided by Paul Robeson, and he later became a confidante of Martin Luther King Jr. Along the way, Belafonte popularized calypso music in the 1950s. His breakthrough album Calypso in 1956 was the first million-selling LP by a single artist. His best known tunes: Day-O (The Banana Boat Song), Jump in the Line (Shake Senora) and Jamaica Farewell.
HARRY BELAFONTE
“`In the late 1940s, Belafonte attended acting classes at the famed Dramatic Workshop of The New School in New York City. His classmates included Marlon Brando, Tony Curtis, Bea Arthur, Walter Matthau and Sidney Poitier. For a time, Belafonte performed with the American Negro Theater. He began his career in music as a club singer in New York to pay for acting classes. He was backed by the Charlie Parker’s band the initial time on stage, which also included Max Roach and Miles Davis, among others. He signed a contract with RCA Victor in 1953.
“`Belafonte was recruited by Frank Sinatra to perform at the inaugural gala of John F. Kennedy in 1961, and performed alongside Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson and others. He appeared on television in variety programs, including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Nat King Cole Show, The Steve Allen Show, Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and The Flip Wilson Show. During the week of February 5th, 1968, Belafonte was in for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. Among his noted guests were the Reverend King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
“`Belafonte had a big screen career, appearing with Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, Joan Fontaine, Robert Ryan and James Mason. His co-starred in Bright Road, Carmen Jones, Island in the Sun, The World the Flesh and the Devil, Buck and the Preacher and Uptown Saturday Night.
“`Belafonte supported the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. President Kennedy later named Belafonte cultural advisor to the Peace Corps. Throughout his career, he was also an advocate for political and humanitarian causes, such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement and USA for Africa. From 1987 until his death, he was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He spent the latter part of his life as a fierce advocate for many progressive causes.
“`Harry Belafonte was ninety-six.
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`Art Kirsch, John Coleman and I offer a compelling profile on the talented and tortured Orson Welles. His trajectory flamed out after the production of Citizen Kane, yet he still managed to create stirring images from movies that remain legendary. Celebrating Act 2 reflect…
“`Enjoy!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`I am thrilled to spend this upcoming Saturday with the members of the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society Saps at Sea tent. This group is a fervant bunch of L&H loyalists, who are part of an international contigent whose united purpose is to celebrate Stan and Babe by keeping their memory alive.
“`At the event, we will focus on the moviemaker who worked in the 1950s on keeping silent films relevent through a series of documentary compilations: ROBERT YOUNGSON. An Oscar-winning filmmaker of two-reelers while at Warner Brothers, he remained a preservationist and is now considered the Martin Scorsese of his day as he introduced silent movies to a new generation of movie-goers, the Baby Boomer generation. Portions of Laurel and Hardy silents are in his compilations such as Two Tars, Big Business, The Second Hundred Years and the previously lost, Battle of the Century.
“`Forgotten Hollywood is joining tents of the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society in a campaign to get The Golden Age of Comedy and When Comedy was King added to the Library of Congress Film Registry for 2023. THE GOOD NEWS… It is FREE to vote for these masters of preservation on the Film Registry site of the LOC. All it takes is a few minutes to vote.
“`This event is being held on Saturday, 7p at Williams Hall, 3902 Kenwood Dr, Spring Valley CA 91977. Donation of $7 per person at the door (age twelve and under is free); refreshments included. The Saps at Sea will be screening The Golden Age of Comedy and I will autograph paperbacks in my Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.
“`Come on down and join us for an evening of frivolity, antics and sappy fun!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`Today, I get to host Celebrating Act 2 and my guests are John Coleman and Art Kirsch! They discuss the films they loved throughout their lives. Each list is eclectic and all selections have a back story.
“`Enjoy!
Until next time> “never forget”
Manny P. here…
“`My journey to the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival actually officially begins on Wednesday for two pre-event festivities. I expect that both activities will allow me to enjoy a bit of fellowship with cinephiles across the country, all congregating in four-block area around Hollywood Blvd. and Highland.
“`My Wednesday itinerary includes:
~ Media Welcome Reception at Club TCM in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The TCM hosts, including Eddie Muller and Ben Mankiewicz (above) will be on hand for the meet-and-greet.
~ Pre-Fest #14 Party at the Hollywood Heritage Museum. Cinema fans who belong to Facebook’s TCM Classic Film Festival group will be celebrating the upcoming four-day fest. Kelly J Kitchens Wickersham of Richardson, TX and her team is hosting the event.
“`The festival kicks off on Thursday with the opening night red-carpet screening of Rio Bravo. Angie Dickinson will chat about the iconic Western prior to the screening. Warner Brothers is also celebrating their 100th anniversary. So, the theme of the festival is You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, originally recited by Al Jolson in the initial talkie, The Jazz Singer, distributed by WB.
“`See you at the TCM Classic Film Festival!
Until next time> “never forget”
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