“Forgotten Hollywood”- Seven Score and Nine Years Ago…

October 11th, 2012

Manny P. here…

   On the heels of the release of his new film, Lincoln, Steven Spielberg has been invited to deliver the keynote address at an observance commemorating the 149th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. The Oscar-winning director will speak at about 10a on November 19th at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg; the site of the pivotal battle during the Civil War, where Northern troops defeated the Confederate army under General Robert E. Lee.

                       STEVEN SPIELBERG  /  DANIEL DAY LEWIS (on the set of LINCOLN

   Spielberg’s visit coincides with the overall 150th remembrance of the Civil War. Ceremonies have been taking place at historical sites where Yankee and Confederate soldiers collided. Abraham Lincoln’s original remarks at the dedication of the military cemetery are generally considered one of the best presidential speeches in American history.

   The legendary director’s appearance will be what I refer to as a real Hollywood-and-Vine moment, when Americana is expected to cross paths with Hollywood history.

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   Mel Brooks has been tapped by the American Film Institute,  presenting him with their highest honor: The Life Achievement Award. The AFI ceremony will air in late June on Turner Classic Movies and TNT.

   His screen credits include The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, High Anxietyand Silent Movie. He co-wrote many episodes of Your Show of Shows and Get Smart on television. Brooks is one of only 14 entertainment individuals to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award. Mel also enjoyed a four-decade marriage to Anne Bancroft, who inspired much of his work.

   He’s the 41st recipient of the honor, which has gone to Hollywood legends, such as Orson Welles, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep and Morgan Freeman. In 2013, it’s going to be a great Springtime for the iconic Mel Brooks!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- The Passing of the Turkish Delight…

October 10th, 2012

Manny P. here…

   One of the popular exotic actors from Hollywood’s Studio Era has died. Turhan Bey was the prodigal son of a Turkish diplomat and Jewish mother. Born in Vienna, after the annexation of Austria to Nazi Germany, his family emigrated to the US in 1940. He was discovered by talent scouts from Warner Brothers. Bey was immediately cast in several of The Falcon series of motion pictures.                                               TURHAN BEY —>

   Often cast as suave and sometimes dubious types, he worked opposite Katharine Hepburn, Errol Flynn, John Wayne, and Peter Lorre. He became an ideal co-star in Technicolor foreign  films, many times alongside Maria Montez. They appeared together in Raiders of the Desert, Arabian Nights, White Savage, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Bowery to Broadway, Follow the Boys, and Sudan. Bey was also fine in horror genre and film noir flicks, including The Mummy’s TombThe Mad Ghoul, Footsteps in the Dark, and The Amazing Mr. X.   He’s best remembered for co-starring in The Dragon Seed (below left with Kate Hepburn).

   

   In 1953, Bey returned to Europe, and pursued careers as a photographer and stage director. Though retired from cinema, his adoring fans dubbed him The Turkish Delight for his dark good looks. He had a brief renaissance in the 1990s, appearing in episodes of the science fiction  television series Babylon 5, and a guest starring role in Murder She Wrote. He received his one-and-only accolade, receiving an Emmy nomination when he worked on the small screen.

   Turhan Bey was 90.

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   Our Forgotten Hollywood thoughts and prayers go out to Debbie Reynolds, who was hospitalized for a bad reaction to medication. She was admitted for observation, and is set to be released later today. Doctors will advise her further, which may affect future concerts and appearances over the next three months.

   Debbie Reynolds is 80.  GET WELL SOON !!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Another Studio Anniversary in 2013!

October 8th, 2012

Manny P. here…

   Kicking off next year’s 90th anniversary, Warner Brothers Home Entertainment Group debuted a new look and logo for their 2013 celebration, and a series of disc collections commemorating its iconic history. DVD and Blu-ray motion pictures will be on store shelves over this year-long celebration.

   The Best of Warner Brothers 100 Film DVD Collection features Warner Brothers’ Best Picture Academy Award winners, from 1931’s Cimarron to 2006’s The Departed. The 55-disc  set includes two documentaries: Tales from the Warner Brothers Lot andThe Warner Brothers Lot Tour. This is the first chance for classics such as  Grand Hotel, Mrs. Miniverand Driving Miss Daisy to be yours for home viewing, beginning  January 29th.

   The movie studio plans other surprises. Notably,  genre specific Best of Warner Brothers 20 Film DVD Collections will be released, beginning with Musicals  in February, Romance in April, Comedy in  July, and Thrillers in September. A Clint Eastwood Collection arrives in the spring.

   The Best of Warner Brothers Animation Collections will additionally be distributed; Hanna Barbera in May, Looney Tunes in June, and DC Comics in August. And, The Best of Warner Brothers Superman TV Collection is set for May.

   The celebration will compliment Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios centennial birthdays going on in 2012.

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   Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is NOW on four International online sites. Here are the details:

     

~ AMERICAN BOOK CENTER – The Netherland’s premiere book store

http://www.abc.nl/search/detailed.php?isbn=9781937454142&valuta=$

~ JPC – Music global site promoting literature from Germany

http://www.abc.nl/search/detailed.php?isbn=9781937454142&valuta=$

~ KALAHARI – An oasis of literary delight found in South Africa

http://www.kalahari.com/books/Son-of-Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History/632/43936747.aspx

 ~ BOOMERANG BOOKS – An Aussie-friendly online site from the folks down under

http://www.boomerangbooks.com.au/Son-of-Forgotten-Hollywood-Forgotten-History/Manny-Pacheco/book_9781937454142.htm

   All four locations also carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Former Children’s TV Host Has Died!

October 7th, 2012

Manny P. here…

   If you lived in Southern California in the 1960s, you and / or your children might remember Sheriff John. He appeared on KTTV, from 1952 to 1970, in two series: Sheriff John’s Lunch Brigade and Sheriff John’s Cartoon Time. He was played by the wonderful John Rovick.

   Sheriff John began each program entering his office, singing Laugh and Be Happy; a polka themed melody. He then said the Pledge of Allegiance, read a safety bulletin, and showed cartoons. He also offered life lessons about public decorum, traffic rules, and good health habits. The show’s highlight was the birthday celebration. Each day, Sheriff John announced lots of viewers names, and then brought out dessert while crooning Birthday Party Polka (Put Another Candle on My Birthday Cake).

   Rovick served as a radio operator-gunner in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, surviving 50 combat missions in the European Theater of Operations. Following the war, he became a radio announcer, moving to television in its early days. He won an Emmy Award in 1952. In 1979, Rovick reprised his role as Sheriff John on KTTV, briefly hosting a Sunday morning version of the television series. He retired in 1981.

   John Rovick was 93. Children of all ages in Southern California mourn his loss, while fondly remembering a gentler time eating lunch and watching Sheriff John.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- 3000 Marks the Spot!

October 6th, 2012

Manny P. here…

   Sales figures for Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History are now officially at 3000 combined units sold. This is a landmark number; since I’ve began selling paperbacks as part of the Forgotten Hollywood franchise, just over  three years ago, beginning in 2009.

  

   Individually, my initial book is about ten paperbacks shy of 2600 sold; and my latest work has just past 400 in sales. I recently wrote a blog about the latter accomplishment. And, the best part of this news… both books are still selling all over the globe!

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IT’S OFFICIAL!!

   Cue the Bond music…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Back-to-Back Weekends at Fairs!

October 5th, 2012

Manny P. here…

   I’ll be spending the next two Saturdays at Southern California premier Book Festivals. Here are the details:

 10TH ANNUAL DUARTE FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS

Westminster Gardens / Flintridge Bookstore Booth

1420 Santo Domingo Ave., Duarte, CA

  October 6th

 Saturday  12p – 4p

Panel – A MOMENT IN HISTORY (2:15p – 3:15p)

  

 http://friendsoftheduartelibrary.com/festival-of-authors/foa-2012/2012-authors/

   According to their press release:

Author/TV-radio personality Manny Pacheco highlights character actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age and films telling America’s story in Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History; while Hollywood movie historian, Mark Thomas McGee takes readers behind-the-scenes in the making of the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers; and Gerald Schiller, details true tales from Tinseltown’s past in It Happened in Hollywood: Remarkable Events that Shaped History. Dennis Sanchez offers a humorous The Wizard of Oz parody from Toto’s point of view in Toto’s Adventures with Dorothy.

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 LOS ANGELES LATINO BOOK AND FAMILY FESTIVAL

California State University, Dominguez Hills

1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson

October 13th

Saturday  11a – 4p

Panel Moderator – MAKING LATINO BOOKS INTO FILMS  (12p – 1p)

Panel – HOW TO GET PUBLISHED  (1p – 2p)

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   These outdoor events are family-friendly, and they will feature top local authors, readings, panel discussions, and activities for children of all ages.

   I’ll be autographing lots of copies of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I hope to see you in Duarte or Dominguez Hills.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- A Cinerama Date in Pictures!

October 4th, 2012

Manny P. here…

   Last weekend, Laurie and I went on a date. Joining us were my folks and several friends. We visited the historic Cinerama Dome to enjoy watching  It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World and This is Cinerama! The evening was part of a weeklong celebration of the 60-year anniversary of the creation of Cinerama as a visual medium. My wife had her trusty camera to document the fun.

      

        

  

                   SPENCER TRACY              MILTON BERLE                SID CAESAR  

   The autograph on the script was of Director Stanley Kramer. The grainy photos were taken by actress Edie Adams on the set of It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. She was Sid Caesar’s wife in the epic 1963 comedy. They are part of a personal collection shown prior to the 4:30p screening.

   Both shows were sponsored by Turner Classic Movies. Each screening was a sellout!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Family and Friends Winning Awards!

October 3rd, 2012

Manny P. here…

I’m thrilled over recent accolades by a family member and a personal friend in the fields of cinema and literature. Here are the details:

 

~ Maxime Brulein is my brother-in-law. His contributions in the world of short films through his company Two M Films bode well for his Hollywood career!

 

Second Annual McMinnville Short Film Festival
Gallery Theater, McMinnville, Oregon

Category: Fiction (Drama)

WINNER

“GONE”
Maxime Brulein
(left)

(TWO M FILMS, LLC, Sherman Oaks, CA)

McMinnville Short Film Festival Mission Statement:

  • To provide a venue for aspiring filmmakers to be seen and heard
  • To expose them to technological and artistic aspects of the occupation
  • To encourage innovation and excellence in the Arts

~ ~ ~

~ Reyna Grande is the acclaimed author for her recent work, The Distance Between Us. She has been conducting nationwide book-readings, plus television and radio interviews. I’m proud to call her my friend, and my peer.

   

10th Anniversary Annual Empowerment Conference & Dulcinea Awards
LITERATURE
Reyna Grande, Author
Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances (ELLAS) is an organization that recognizes Latina women in a variety of leadership roles through their Dulcinea Awards.

ande” src=”https://www.forgottenhollywood.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Reyna-grande-300×225.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”225″ />  

~ ~ ~

   A heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to both really talented individuals in my inner circle!

Until next time>                                “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Latinos Offered Place For Pilgrimage!

October 2nd, 2012

Manny P. here…

   President Obama will be on hand to designate the home of labor leader Cesar Chávez as a national monument. The White House has announced plans to establish the Cesar E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, CA. The property is nicknamed Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, or Our Lady Queen of Peace. The site served as the headquarters for the United Farm Workers union from the early 1970s until his death in 1993. Chavez is buried there, and his gravesite will be part of the monument.

   As head of the UFW, Chávez staged boycotts to raise awareness of the plight of the predominantly Latino farm workers. His efforts were credited with inspiring millions of other Latinos in their fight for educational opportunities, better housing, and more political power. Chávez became the best known Latino American civil rights activist, and was strongly promoted by the American labor movement.              CESAR E. CHAVEZ

   After his passing, he became a major historical icon for the Latino community. His birthday, March 31st, has become César Chávez Day, a state holiday in three US states. Many parks, libraries, schools, cultural centers, and streets have been named in his honor in cities across the US. On September 8, 1994, Chávez was posthumously presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Bill Clinton. His portrait hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

   As a Latin television and radio personality, and an award-winning author, I’ve always felt César Estrada Chávez was a personal hero in my educational journey. His slogan: Sí se puede remains the personal call to action by Latin Americans all over the nation in our quest for a better life for our families.

   Expected to attend the October 8th ceremony: Helen Chavez and son Paul Chavez; Dolores Huerta, co-founder with Chavez of the UFW; and current Union President Arturo S. Rodriguez;  and Interior Secretary Ken Salazars.

   A reminder… I’ll be signing copies of my work in the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series at the Los Angeles Latino Book and Family Festival at California State University, Dominguez Hills on Saturday, October 13th.

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   Universal Studios (the amusement park) promotes their month-long Halloween celebration by honoring its famous monsters:

   This is absolutely priceless! Congratulations to Scott Essman, Creative Director of Visionary Media. He created the above collage as part of his eBookUniversal Pictures: 100 Years of Classic Monsters.

Until next time>                               “never forget”