Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Wow! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is premiering a new digital restoration and screening a Digital Cinema presentation with a newly restored 4-channel stereo soundtrack of Bye Bye Birdie. Adapted from the Tony Award-winning 1960 Broadway production, which was directed by George Sidney. The 1963 film adaptation starred Dick Van Dyke,  and co-starred Janet Leigh, Paul Lynde, Bobby Rydell, Maureen Stapleton, and Ann-Margret. Host Ed Sullivan appears as himself, host of the popular, long-running CBS television variety show. Van Dyke and Lynde also reprised their stage roles. The story was inspired by the phenomenon of Elvis Presley and his being drafted into the US Army in 1957.

   The movie was a two-time Oscar nominee for Music Score – Adaptation (John Green); and Sound (Charles Rice, Columbia Studio Sound Department). Tunes that became popular due to the theatrical soundtrack include the title track, Put On a Happy Face, and Kids. The musical is credited with making Ann-Margret a true superstar during the mid-1960s, leading to her co-starring with the real Elvis in Viva Las Vegas (1964).

   The screening is scheduled for April 27th, Wednesday at 7:30p at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre, 8949 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. Ann-Margaret will join Bobby Rydell and film critic Stephen Farber for the conversation prior to this cinematic event.  Guests are always subject to availability.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Pittsburgh Filmmakers exhibits a wide variety of first-run foreign and independent American films, as well as, classics and documentaries at its three theaters: Regent Square Theater in the East End; Harris Theater in the downtown cultural district; and Melwood Screening Room in the main facility in North Oakland. All three theaters are equipped to project 16mm, 35mm, and digital. The Pittsburgh Filmmakers Galleries in North Oakland exhibits local and national artists with a focus in film, photography, and digital media.

   This month at the Regent Square Theater, a single-screen neighborhood theater in the region, and featuring a Sunday night classic film series, they are honoring the iconic work of Alfred Hitchcock. Each month is organized by era, genre, director, actor, or other connected themes, with a screening usually at 8p. Here’s the March lineup:

~ THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (March 10th) – This version starring Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day is a remake – in widescreen and Technicolor – of Hitch’s original 1934 film.

~ VERTIGO (March 17th) – One of Hitch’s most debated films, this psychological mystery has actually gained more acclaim over the years. Overall, it’s a beautifuly stunning piece of cinema.

~ NORTH BY NORTHWEST (March 24th) – It’s not just the cleverly written script about mistaken identity, a suspenseful climb over Mt. Rushmore, or the thrilling Bernard Herrmann score that helps make this a favorite Hitchcock motion picture.

~ MARNIE (March 31st) – In this psychological thriller, this minor classic is buoyed by the driving musical score of Bernard Herrmann – his last for Hitchcock.

   Each evening, a documentary entitled Hitchcock’s Ladies, is presented in crisp DCP.

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   At the Tiny Harris Gallery through April 8th, original prints from carved woodcuts & linocuts inspired by classic flicks. Loren Kantor is a Los Angeles-based woodcut artist and writer. He’s worked in feature films and television for two decades. He channels his passion for classic films through his original woodcut prints.

   Pittsburgh really understands it’s dwellers continuing love for classic cinema.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   We’re now into the second half of our ongoing Indiegogo FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Pilot  Documentary (Development) funding campaign; and we are pleased at reaching just about 40% of our goal after nine weeks. To participate, click the Indiegogo link below:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ DAVE & CONNIE RUPERT ($40) – Related to Bernadine Greenberg (last month, she contributed to the project), Dave & Connie are bowling friends of mine from Westminster Lanes. Dave is a successful landscaper; and Connie is a domestic engineer. Together, they are a wonderful and friendly couple from Santa Ana.

~ SALLY PULIDO ($30) – A book keeper, who is a longtime resident of La Palma, Sally’s family are the owners of the Starting Gate in Los Alamitos. She’s expressed genuine enthusiasm in our cinematic venture; and wishes us the best of luck. Her fine contribution speaks volumes towards the sincerity in her praise.

~ LUZ C. GADDI ($25) – Luz is a nurse, and  lives in Anaheim. Along with her friend Larry, they spend their quality time at karaoke shows throughout Orange County. Places they visit include Harvey’s Steakhouse in Huntington Beach, and the Starting Gate and Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos.

~ LES HUBNER ($20) – Now retired, Les spends his time bowling at Westminster Lanes. He also likes to ride horses and cook. Les has a home in Huntington Beach. His photograph is my fav in our campaign effort. What a risk-taker!

~ CHERYLE RAMOS ($10) – A South Gate resident, Cheryle is retired and  disabled. However, she is active, spending weekend afternoons singing karaoke. Cheryle embodies the nature of how folks with a handicap can lead very normal lives. This is the topic of the Forgotten Hollywood Documentary Pilot on how Lionel Barrymore influenced the way Americans embraced people with disabilities.

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach our 120-day (17-week) goal of $5000. 60 individual contributions… and the list is moving in a  positive direction.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step ensures Development, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for your chance to participate:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I’m basking in the afterglow of our latest round of contributors.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Red Skelton was an entertainer best known for being a national radio and television comedian between 1937 and 1971. He also had a solid career in cinema at RKO and MGM, appearing in such memorable films as DuBarry was a Lady, The Fuller Brush Man, Around the World in Eighty Days, and Ocean’s 11.

   Beginning on March 13th in Branson, MO, you can enjoy Red – Tom Mullica’s Red Skelton Tribute. This year-long one-man performance will take place each Tuesday – Saturday at the Hamner-Barber Variety Theatre at 10a. According to their press release:

2013 marks the 17th year that the talented impressionist, comedian, and magician Tom Mullica has been paying homage to Red Skelton. Tom has been featured on many national television shows and in theater venues around the world. His Red Skelton show has been described by critics as “the funniest and most successful tribute show in America.” His amazing transformation into America’s favorite clown takes audiences on a hilarious journey back to a simpler time when families would gather around their television sets and share in the laughter of Red’s famous comedic characters, such as Clem Kadiddlehopper, the Mean Widdle Kid, and Freddie the Freeloader, to name a few.

    By the way, this is the only Red Skelton Tribute show in America authorized by the Red Skelton Estate and Lothian Skelton.

   Good night and may God bleth…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Due to the untimely passing of Marvin Hamlisch, Michael Feinstein will assume his 2013 post as Principal Conductor of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops on June 1st. With an unyielding commitment to the Great American Songbook, he has planned wonderful events for Southern California folks to enjoy. Just announced for the Summer of 2013, Feinstein explores Hollywood’s most storied production company with the Pasadena Pops performing rare, original orchestrations from Metro Goldwyn Mayer.

   MGM ushered in the Golden Age of Hollywood with epic titles:  Gone with the Wind, The Philadelphia Story, Ben-Hur, The Wizard of Oz, An American in Paris, Singin’ in the Rain, Gigi, Victor Victoria, Guys and Dolls and more! Guest stars include Christine Ebersole (a two-time Tony Award winner for roles in 42nd Street and Grey Gardens); and Ron Raines (who recently starred in Broadway’s Follies and Newsies) join the orchestra to recreate legendary moments from artists such as Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, and Fred Astaire.

   MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

   Experience this wonderful evenings on July 13th at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia. The festivities begin at 7:30p. Other fine shows featuring Feinstein at the helm: The Great American Songbook on June 1st; and The Gershwin’s and Me on September 7th. Here’s a link for complete information:

http://www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org/concerts-and-tickets/pops-summer-series-2013/

   Michael Feinstein will be honored by the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters on May 10th at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City. As a member, I plan on being in attendance to witness this well-deserved accolade.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   It’s the most wonderful time of the year for folks who own a Kindle, Nook, Kobo eReader, Android Tablets, Diesel iPad, Apple iPad, Sony eBook, etc.

   The online home of my eBook – Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History – is offering for one week: 25% off the purchase of my work. Smashwords is promoting Read an eBook Week, and their website is the origin of this marvelous discount. This is their fifth year sponsoring the event. Over the last couple years, as it’s grown, the Smashwords Read an eBook Week catalog has become the epicenter of much of the action.

   Visit one of the websites below, and after purchasing a copy of my eBook, type in the PROMO CODE: REW25. You will get a 25% savings. This is a great week-long deal!

   Here are the website links:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53041

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/forgottenhollywood

   March is the perfect time to add Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History to your favorite eReader!

*** This sale is going on NOW through March 9th.

Until next time>                               “never forget”