Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   If you would like to visit Hollywood during the Holidays, let me suggest you and your family stop by The Kodak Theatre. Returning to Southern California earlier this year, Cirque du Soleil is presenting IRIS. The innovative circus company debuted twenty years ago in Los Angeles.  They will now remain a permanent fixture at the Kodak.

   Iris has been crafted as a lesson about Hollywood history and its impact on the film industry (resembling a live version of the latest Martin Scorsese movie - Hugo), and features dancers and acrobats creating a cinematic delicacy through dance, stunts, video, film, and animation.  Recently, Cirque founder Guy Laliberté got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  According to their website:

From illustration to animation, black and white to colour, silent films to talkies, fixed shots to swooping camera movements, spectators witness the poetic deconstruction of this art as an object and as a way of transcending reality.

Supporting the show’s kaleidoscope of movement, moods and images, composer Danny Elfman evokes the language of film music, magnifying the emotions of this surrealistic tribute of the seventh art - CINEMA.

   Here is a link to their site for ticket information:

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/iris/show/about.aspx

   The Kodak Theatre is also home to a yearly event… the Academy Awards ceremony.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’m constantly surprised the trips Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History takes. Some examples…

* AMAZON.UK – My work is available in the United Kingdom through Amazon. If you live along the British Isles, one can purchase my book. With enticing chapters on Claude Rains, Basil Rathbone, and Donald Crisp, I say – Why not leaf through the pages!

   Here’s the link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Forgotten-Hollywood-History-Character-Hollywoods/dp/1935359169/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322132940&sr=1-1

* FISHPOND – Here’s the fastest growing website Down Under. According to their mission statement:

The best place for Australians & New Zealanders to buy online. Local traditional retailers don’t want to risk a large investment online. We have taken up the challenge and will work hard to bring the people of Australasia a quality and convenient online shopping experience. There is currently a team of fifty Fishponders.

   Here’s the link to this insanely fast growing shopping experience:

 http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History-Manny-Pacheco/9781935359166?cf=3&rid=984393222&i=3&keywords=forgotten+hollywood

* KALAHARI.COM – The Dark Continent is our next stop. Folks in South Africa can now read my work. It’s fascinating to me that Afrikaans can enjoy tales of Hollywood Golden Age. How wonderful to imagine a copy of my paperback in the hands of Nelson Mandela…

   Here’s the link to this most original site:

http://www.kalahari.com/books/Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History/632/34966967.aspx

   May your travels always be comfortable and in First Class. And don’t forget to collect those frequent-flyer miles.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   American shoppers are smart consumers. Black Friday is a great day to get significant bargains when checking family and friends off your Christmas list. The compromise is that one must brave huge crowds, and sometimes camp outside a particular store before dawn. We hope that the weather also cooperates.

   HEY, I HAVE AN IDEA…

   Get a jump on some of your Holiday shopping by purchasing copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. It’s currently available as a paperback or as an eReader on Amazon (Kindle), Barnes & Noble (Nook), Apple (iPad), Sony (eBook), Diesel, and KOBO.

   Here are some links below for you to simply click and buy:

*** PriceGrabber.com

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/isbn=9781935359166/search=forgotten+hollywood

*** Kindle eBook

http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Hollywood-History-ebook/dp/B004WDRWT8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

*** Nook eBook

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History/Manny-Pacheco/e/2940012666277/?pt=BK&stage=bookproduct&pwb=2

 *** iPhone / iPad / iPod Touch

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/forgotten-hollywood-forgotten/id436208454?mt=11

http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000053041/Pacheco-Manny-Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History/1.html

*** Sony eBook

http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/manny-pacheco/forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history/_/R-400000000000000374242

*** KOBO eReader

http://kobobooks.com/ebook/Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History/book-otxOyxeLW0CK7FKe9H0SEw/page1.html

   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is the gift that keeps on giving. Look for my new book in the series just after the Holidays. Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is what it’s called (of course!).

   Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Historic movie theatres across the country are kicking off the Holiday season by presenting classic films. Here’s a representative sampling of screenings taking place.

~ LOEW’S JERSEY THEATRE – 54 Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ

   A true motion picture palace, this landmark location opened in 1929.  According to their website:

Built at what was then the impressive sum of $2 million dollars, the Loew’s was accurately called as “the most lavish temple of entertainment in New Jersey.” It was also one of the state’s biggest theatres, with just under 3,100 seats. Most of the stars of the 1930s that entertained at the Loew’s; legendary performers – Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, Jean Harlow, Burns and Allen, Bing Crosby, Bill Robinson, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Cab Calloway, to name just a few.

   On Friday, December 9th, the Loew’s will air the seldom seen Babes in Toyland (aka March of the Wooden Soldiers), starring Laurel and Hardy. The one-time screening will play at 8p. On Saturday, December 10th, The Wizard of Oz will screen to a packed house at 6:30p.

~ HERSHEY THEATRE – 15 E. Caracas, Hershey, Pa

   Built between 1929 and 1933, the magnificent Hershey Theatre was the brainchild of philanthropist Milton S. Hershey. According to their website:

The inner foyer’s “canopy of gold” arched tile ceiling was patterned after St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, Italy. Though the front of Hershey Theatre’s house is magnificent, its heart lies backstage, where the magic is created. The theatre’s historic four-manual, 78-rank Aeolian-Skinner concert organ was commissioned by Milton Hershey.

   The Bishop’s Wife will screen on Friday, November 25th. Starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven, this comedic fantasy is an Oscar-winner. The delightful cast also includes Elsa Lanchester, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, and Regis Toomey. A short concert on the theatre’s Aeolian-Skinner Organ will precede the film at 7:00 PM.

~ LION’S LINCOLN THEATRE – 156 Lincoln Way East Massillon, Ohio

   Entertaining audiences since 1915, the Lincoln Theatre was purchased by the Lions Club of Massillon, and began a huge restoration project. According to their website:

The summer of 2008 saw the theatre change its format to a totally classic film schedule. The crowds have returned and the future looks bright. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you will find your favorite movies and the stars that made those movies great back on the Silver Screen where they belong.

   Two dependable Holiday classics will kick off the season. Miracle on 34th Street is on tap  from November 25th-27th. Edmund Gwenn won an Oscar for playing Kris Kringle. This gem also stars Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, William Frawley, and Natalie Wood. Enjoy It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen the following weekend. The cast includes James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Ward Bond, Thomas Mitchell, Gloria Grahame, and Frank Faylen.

   You can’t beat a cinematic classic to put you in the mood for the Holidays.

Until next time>                                 “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is re-opening its investigation into the 1981 accidental drowning of Natalie Wood. The incident took place just off the shores of Catalina Island. Wood had spent a night partying with her husband Robert Wagner, and entertaining  actor Christopher Walken on the couple’s yacht, Splendor.

   Based on the original inquiry, all the details aren’t completely clear. But, what is known:

* Wood and Walken were on location, co-starring in her final movie – Brainstorm

* Late on the evening of November 29th, the actress attempted to board a dinghy because she wanted to visit the island

* Wood slipped and fell into the ocean and drowned

   What has never been clarified… did Natalie Wood die because no one heard her cries for help, or simply, was she rendered unconscious after hitting her head on the skiff. It’s also an enigma  why Wood wanted to reach the shores of Avalon by herself at such a late hour.

   Natalie Wood, by age 43, had an accomplished career. A three-time Oscar nominee, the star appeared in the iconic  Miracle on 34th Street, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Rebel Without a Cause, The Searchers, Gypsy, Cash McCall, West Side Story, Love with a Proper Stranger, Splendor in the Grass, Sex and the Single Girl,  The Great Race, This Property is Condemned, Inside Daisy Clover, and Bob & Ted & Carol & Alice. Her last film was posthumously  released in 1983.

   The homicide bureau is holding a press conference today to discuss the reasons why they are re-examing the case; originally deemed an accident. The current investigation is set to occur because of statements made recently by the yacht’s captain, Dennis Davern, to Vanity Faire magazine, and during an interview on 48 Hours Mystery. Foul play was suggested in 1982 tabloids, but it was never proven.

ROBERT WAGNER / NATALIE WOOD

   Davern now suggests that a heated discussion took place between the couple prior to the accident. The televised conversation with the skipper will air on Saturday evening.

   Natalie Wood was married three times, twice to Robert Wagner. The actor’s family has promised to fully co-operate with detectives. Wagner is not expected to be a suspect in the impending inquiry. Anyone with information is asked to contact the local sheriff’s department. Christopher Walken could not be reached for comment.

   Natalie Wood’s demise is considered to be one of Hollywood’s most tragic mysteries.

Until next time>                                    “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Universal Studios has big plans for its 100th anniversary celebration.  Established in 1912 by Carl Laemmle, it’s one of the oldest American film studios still in continuous production.

   According to their press release:

In January, we’re going to be unveiling an extensive year-long campaign that includes a significant restoration commitment for some of our most beloved motion pictures, fan engagement through special events, a home entertainment offering, theme park activities, promotions, and fun social media and web outreaches. All of this is designed to connect a new audience to our extraordinary library of cimena, as well as bring these memories back to longtime movie lovers.

   Universal is best known for its Horror-genre productions involving Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, and The Wolf Man. During the early 1940s, their stable of actors included the biggest stars in America… <————— Abbott and Costello. The lot also cultivated successful cinematic characters such as The Dead End Kids, Sherlock Holmes, and Ma & Pa Kettle.

   Universal Studios is about to rock your world in 2012!

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   BookByte Textbooks is the perfect place to purchase Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History for the Winter semester at your local college or university. Of course, if my paperback is not on your syllabus, the content of my work is a great reason to take a assignment-break for some fun reading.

   According to their website:

 It’s the textbook way to get all the textbooks you need for school at amazing prices. You can easily purchase your books online from us and we’ll ship them directly to you: you don’t even need to get out of your comfy chair.

   Here’s a link to purchase my book at an affordable price:

http://www.bookbyte.com/product.aspx?isbn=9781935359166&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=search

Until next time>                                  “never forget” 

Manny P. here…

   Doris Day’s new CD called My Heart is set for its U.S. release on December 2nd. Europe recently went gaga for her first compilation in decades. Included in this collection of music is a Bonus Track: Screwball (a favorite folk ballad  from the legendary songstress).

   Proceeds from the sales of this upcoming CD release will benefit the Doris Day Animal Foundation. You can pre-order a copy on Amazon, which would make a fabulous addtion to your music library, or a great holiday gift. 

   You can also visit Day’s personal website. Click on the link below for details:

http://www.dorisday.com/

   Doris Day remains a vital study in our remembrance of Hollywood’s Golden Age. We are indeed blessed by her many cinematic and lyrical contributions.

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   Several Hollywoodland websites are promoting Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I’m grateful Celebrity Hot Stuff and Hollywood Today are currently recognizing my paperback.

   Here are their links:

http://celebrityhotstuff.info/forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history

http://hollywoodtoday.us/forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   I’d like to personally thank all of my well-wishers on FACEBOOK and the other social network sites for the kind wishes on my day… If you are also celebrating your birthday today, may it be a memorable one!

   I hope everyone has a great day! That would be the best present one could receive…

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Generations of movie audiences can point to Hollywood icons that have been the face of the Oscars throughout the years. Bob Hope and Johnny Carson provided fruitful decades of service, and both have added to the enduring legacy of the annual Academy Awards show. For folks of a certain age, our representative has been Billy Crystal.

   For the ninth time in the last two decades, the comedian has agreed to become the host for the 2012 ceremony. This is great news for those of us who long for Crystal’s brand of humor. Billy last emceed the seasonal event in 2004. He will  succeed Eddie Murphy, who declined the opportunity to host after next year’s show producer was replaced after making an unfortunate comment. Robin Williams additionally turned down an invitation. 

   Billy Crystal has enjoyed a fine motion picture career, carving out comedic performances in When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, City Slickers, and Analyze This. His television credits included a co-starring role on Soap, and he also joined the regular cast of Saturday Night Live in 1984.

   Crystal has won a Tony award, an Emmy, and he has received several Golden Globes nominations. He was honored with a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2007.

   The upcoming Academy Awards program will air on February 26, 2012.

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City of Cypress

   I’m thrilled that the Cypress Public Library will now carry a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. The paperback has been added to their shelves as part of a book-building program. My Orange County, CA hometown library is the 57th literary facility to carry my work, which offers me gratification.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Longtime producer, director and writer - Hal Kanter - has died. He was best known as a contributor to the Academy Awards telecast for five decades. 

   He began his career as a writer on television with such credits as the Ed Wynn Show and the George Gobel Show. Kanter also  created the landmark production of Julia with Diahann Carroll (the first African American actress to star in a situation comedy). He  produced episodes for All in the Family and Chico and the Man.

   Kanter’s motion picture screenplays include Road to Bali, Casanova’s Big Night, Loving You, Blue Hawaii, Pocketful of Miracles, Bachelor in Paradise, Move Over Darling, and Dear Brigitte. He helped Tennessee Williams turn his stage production of The Rose Tattoo into the film version.

   Kanter’s knack for comedy landed him the opportunity to work with Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, and most recently, Chris Rock and Jon Stewart on many Oscar ceremonies. He received several Emmys for his work. He received the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television from the Writer’s Guild of America in 1989.

   Hal Kanter was 92.

 Until next time>                          “never forget”