“Forgotten Hollywood”- Grace Kelly Home Re-Opens to Public

January 31st, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Prince Albert of Monaco has announced that the childhood home of his late mother, Princess Grace Kelly, is re-opening to the public in 2018. The Philadelphia property he bought last year for $754,000 will house regional offices for the Princess Grace Foundation and an extension of Monaco’s Princess Grace Irish Library. It will also be made available for public events, once it’s renovated.

“`Since the home sits in a residential neighborhood, it won’t be exclusively a museum. Prince Albert visited the locale in October.

                                                     GRACE KELLY

“`The home was built in 1935 by Kelly’s father, John B Kelly. He was a three-time Olympics Gold Medal-winning rower in the 1920s. Grace Kelly accepted her proposal of marriage from Prince Rainier III in 1955 at her home. She won an Oscar for her role in The Country Girl.

“`Now, it will be a repository for the legendary actress-turned-princess.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- One Final Tour for Judy Garland…

January 30th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Associated Press is reporting Judy Garland’s remains were moved cross-country to a mausoleum intended as a resting place for daughters Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and other members of her family. The transfer from New York’s Ferncliff Cemetery to Hollywood Forever Cemetery was completed last Friday.

“`This space in the mausoleum, re-named the Judy Garland Pavilion, has room for all of her family, including the daughters, her son Joey Luft, and her grandchildren. The move reflects resolution of an issue involving Garland’s fifth husband, according to a family spokeswoman. Judy’s other spouses include director Vincent Minnelli and producer Sidney Luft. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, next to Paramount Pictures, is a final resting stop of such luminaries as Cecil B. DeMille, Jayne Mansfield, and Douglas Fairbanks.

JUDY GARLAND

“`When Garland died, her affairs were controlled by her husband, Mickey Deans. Her kids had no say in the matter of her burial. So, this is at last their opportunity to do what they feel their mother might have wanted in the first place — to be united with her family in Hollywood. Toto is also buried there.

“`Garland, star of classic movies, such as The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St. Louis, died in 1969 at age 47 in London. Deans died in 2003.

“`One last road trip along the Yellow Brick Road for the Diva…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- The Passing of John Hurt…

January 28th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`John Hurt was a prolific character actor, and for his efforts, was   a two-time Academy Award nominee. His work included roles in epic motion pictures, such as A Man For All Seasons, Midnight Express, The Elephant Man, Alien, and Heaven’s Gate. Hurt worked with the great directors, including Fred Zinnemann, John Huston, Sam Peckinpah, and even Mel Brooks.  JOHN HURT –>

“`The Brit import remained busy in movies and on television. He appeared in 100 screen productions, and 50 docudramas on both sides of the pond. Remarkably, Hurt kept working on productions every single year since his initial movie appearance in 1961. John even mocked his own demise in Alien during a disturbingly funny scene in Spaceballs. Blessed with a rich baritone speaking voice, Hurt did narration on Watership Down, The Lord of the Rings, The Tigger Movie and Dogville. He was due to appear with Ben Kingsley in Broken Dream, later this year.

“`More recently, in the Harry Potter films, Hurt played the wand-maker. And, he was perfectly cast in the lead in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Just this year, he portrayed a priest in the bio-pic Jackie, opposite Oscar nominee Natalie Portman, who played the widowed First Lady.

“`Other award-winning performances include BAFTA consideration for 10 Rillington Place, The Field, and the aforementioned, Alien and  The Elephant Man. He received the BAFTA and the Golden Globe for his role in Midnight Express. Ironically, Hurt starred in the Best British Film of the Year in 1984, based on George Orwell’s dystopian novel. It was entitled..  Well, I think you can figure this out!

“`In 2004, Hurt was made a  Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was knighted in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to Drama.  He attended an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, receiving the accolade from Queen Elizabeth II. Hurt was one of the British cultural icons chosen by artist Peter Blake to appear in his updated version of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover — to celebrate British cultural figures of his life that he most admired. Hurt received the Will Award presented by Shakespeare Theatre Company, along with Stacey Keach and Dame Diana Rigg.

“`Opened in 2016, The John Hurt Centre is an education and exhibition space located in  Cinema City, Norwich. He was a patron of the Proteus Syndrome Foundation in the United Kingdom and the United States. Proteus Syndrome is the condition Joseph Merrick, whom he played (renamed as John Merrick) in  The Elephant Man, is believed to have suffered from. Hurt was also a patron of Project Harar, a UK-based charity in Ethiopia, for children afflicted with facial disfigurements.

“`A stint at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art launched his long stage and screen career. The magnificent John Hurt was 77.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- CBS Takes Another Hit…

January 27th, 2017

Manny P. here… 

“`Barbara Hale is forever linked to her role as Della Street on the legal drama Perry Mason. The program ran for a decade, and throughout the 1980s and ’90s, she also co-starred in 30 Perry Mason teleplays. Her son, William Katt, is best known as the star of The Greatest American Hero. Before a prolific television career, Hale was a model. RAYMOND BURR/BARBARA HALE –>

“`Hale moved to Hollywood in 1943,  and made her first screen appearances playing small bit parts. She was under contract to RKO Radio Pictures through the late 1940s, memorable in The Boy with Green Hair, Jolson Sings Again, The Window, and Airport.  Barb excelled on television, and she garnered a Best Actress Emmy Award in 1959 for her performance on Perry Mason. She was a guest-star on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, Lassie, The Loretta Young ShowThe Doris Day ShowThe Greatest American Hero (with her son), Adam-12, Ironside, and Marcus Welby M.D.

“` Hale’s work in radio was limited. She appeared in 5 episodes of Family Theater; and one episode of Lux Radio Theatre,  Voice of the Army, and Proudly We Hail. She was also a spokesperson for Amana, makers of Radarange microwave ovens.

“`The dependable Barbara Hale was 94.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Passing Parade Claims Mike Connors

January 26th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Mike Connors was the hard-hitting private eye on the long-running television series Mannix. It ran for eight years on CBS. He won a Golden Globe in 1969 for his performance.

“`Desilu president Lucille Ball campaigned to keep the program running after lackluster ratings in its first season. Ball’s efforts allowed the show to become an eventual long-running hit for the network. Eventually, the producers cast a secretary, portrayed by African-American actress Gail Fisher. CBS chiefs were concerned Southern affiliates might complain about her character. A backlash never happened. Another highlight was an opening theme song by legendary screen composer Lalo Schifrin. Connors appeared with his supportive boss as Joe Mannix in a cross-promo episode of Here’s Lucy.  MIKE CONNORS —>

“`On the small screen, he guest-starred in Cheyenne, Tightrope, Maverick, Wagon Train, Perry Mason, One Step BeyondWalker Texas Ranger, Murder She Wrote, Diagnosis: Murder, and Two and a Half Men. Connors played Air Force Colonel Hack Peters in Herman Wouk’s World War II-based miniseries War and Remembrance.

“`Connors made his film debut in 1952’s Sudden Fear, starring Joan Crawford. Other movies included Island in the Sky, The Ten Commandments, Good Neighbor Sam, Harlow, and a remake of Stagecoach.

“`Using his celebrity, he and his wife championed efforts to erase the stigma of mental illness. Connors was also the proud owner of the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.

“`Mike Connors was 91.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- She Turned the World On with a Smile

January 25th, 2017

Manny P. here… 

“`Mary Tyler Moore was the pioneering star of two of television’s great sitcoms, and whose comic realism shaped the coy attitude of a modern woman. She ranks with Lucille Ball, Imogene Coca, Carol Burnett, and Bea Arthur as trailblazing funny-women on the small screen. Her work earned seven Emmys; and she received an Oscar nod for her portrait of a grieving mother after her son is killed in Ordinary People.

“`She gained fame in the 1960s as frazzled wife Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show. With her gift for comedy, Moore was a perfect fit in the post-Eisenhower age. She became a fashion icon when she wore Capri pants that were fashionable, and suited to gals of the era. Plus, Moore’s chemistry with Van Dyke was also unmistakable.

“`In the 1970s, she created one of television’s first career-woman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. As Mary Richards, the plucky Minneapolis television news producer, she truly made her mark. At a time when women’s liberation was catching on worldwide, her character brought a new independence to the female mystique that was pioneered by Marlo Thomas on That Girl, years before. Richards was comfortable as a single professional in her 30s. She affectionately sparred with her gruff boss, Mr. Grant, played to perfection by Ed Asner.

“`The Mary Tyler Moore Show spawned spin-offs, such as Rhoda starring Valerie Harper; Phyllis with Cloris Leachman; and Lou Grant, a rare drama spun off from a comedy. These programs were developed by her then-hubby, Grant Tinker, who died last year, through their MTM Enterprises. The Bob Newhart Show, Hill Street Blues, WKRP in Cincinnati and St. Elsewhere are MTM shows that were big hits.  A meowing kitty at the conclusion of the sitcoms was a cute parody of the MGM lion.

“` On the big screen, Moore was a 1920s flapper in the musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie; and a nun who falls for Elvis Presley in Change of Habit. On television, she guest-starred in 77 Sunset Strip, Bachelor Father, Thiller, Wanted Dead or Alive, and recently, Frasier, That 70s Showand Hot in Cleveland.

“`Moore lived with Type-1 diabetes for 4 decades. She served as chairperson of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, supported embryonic stem cell research, and she was active in animal rights causes.

“`In 1992, Moore was awarded a Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. A decade later, a life-size bronze statue went on display in Minneapolis, with her tossing the trademark tam, as she did in the opening credits of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. This afternoon, both locales became makeshift memorials.

“`Mary Tyler Moore: Love is All Around is a CBS News retrospective that airs tomorrow. Gayle King, co-anchor of CBS This Morning, will present this salute. And, Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration, which first aired in 2015 on PBS, will run on its member stations; and streamed through their website at PBS.org.

“`Mary Tyler Moore (above) was 80.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Anthony Quinn Mural Restored…

January 24th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Anthony Quinn is again the iconic Pope of Broadway; his colorful image welcoming visitors to Downtown Los Angeles. Artist Eloy Torrez’s magnificent 70-foot-tall acrylic mural, showing the actor with his arms outstretched, was rededicated this week after the muralist spent last Fall restoring it to its former glory.

“`The painting of Quinn, standing on a colorful tile walkway in front of a building resembling a church, has greeted passers-by crossing Broadway, and entering the city’s Third Street Tunnel through Bunker Hill for decades. But, over the years, it had begun to crumble, falling victim to the elements and graffiti vandals.  The restoration campaign was launched in 2010 by Quinn’s late son, Francesco, Edward James Olmos, City Councilman Jose Huizar, and numerous others.

“`One of the art world’s most prominent Chicano painters, Torrez’s works have been displayed, not only on buildings in Los Angeles and France, but in galleries and museums throughout the  United States, Mexico, and Europe. Eloy recalled at the re-dedication that he had completed a mural on the Hollywood wall featuring 1950s cinematic legends – Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, James Dean, among others, when the owner of the Victor Clothing Company asked for one of an equally prominent Hispanic actor for his Downtown building. Most of his clientele, he told Torrez, were Latino.

“`The Mexican-born actor who died in 2001 was twice nominated for leading actor Oscars, and twice won as Supporting Actor for Lust for Life and Viva Zapata. Noted for incredible diversity, he also famously portrayed an angry Bedouin leader in Lawrence of Arabia, the good-natured Zorba the Greek, an impoverished fisherman in The Old Man and the Sea, and numerous other ethnicities in countless films.

“`Quinn’s final role is to welcome all diverse people who travel through Southern California. It’s a role he would relish.

Unitl next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- A Legendary Feud is Chronicled…

January 21st, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`In 1962, an epic Hollywood rivalry began on the set of the psychological thriller, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? The feud involved two legendary actresses — Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The gals were already household names at the time of it’s cinematic release. But, it wasn’t their talents on-screen that revitalized their careers; it was their viciousness off-screen.

“`The story, which unfolded between Crawford and Davis, is dramatized by Ryan Murphy, who recently directed The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story and American Horror StoryFeud: Bette and Joan will star Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis;  Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford; Catherine Zeta-Jones as Olivia de Havilland; Alfred Molina as Baby Jane filmmaker Robert Aldrich; Stanley Tucci as Jack Warner; Sarah Paulson as Geraldine Page; and Judy Davis as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. The noteworthy cast also includes Dominic Burgess as Victor Buono; and Kathy Bates as Joan Blondell.

“`In retrospect, Davis despised Crawford, right from the moment she learned they would be co-stars. Both women were strong, talented, and aging starlets. Their rivalry was most likely fueled by the fear of eventually being upstaged. During filming, much of the physical misery inflicted upon Crawford was literally administered by Davis that left bruises and lasting scars on Joan. When Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte went into production in 1964, Crawford chose to decline the opportunity to again co-star with Bette; and was replaced by de Havilland.

“`The most infamous story that sheds a light on the intense dislike they had for each another took place at the 1963 Oscars ceremony.  Davis received the Best Actress nomination for her role as Baby Jane; while Crawford, who portrayed sister Blanche, was snubbed.  Desperate to remain in the spotlight, she contacted other nominees for the accolade, and offered to accept it onstage if they weren’t able to attend. Also, she apparently encouraged Academy members not to choose her co-star. Anne Bancroft, who was a no-show, won for The Miracle Worker, and Joan was asked to accept her Oscar.

“`FX has ordered eight, one-hour episodes, and it will premiere on March 5th. By all accounts, Sarandon and Lange (above right) are great friends, and got along on the set.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- A Letter to the President…

January 19th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`With Friday’s peaceful transition of power comes the promise of changes in policy. The new administration has eluded to the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities. I humbly protest this action. Here is why:

“`On September 29th, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed bills into law that called for the creation of the NEH and NEA as separate, independent agencies. The Washington Post called the creation of the endowments a momentous step.

“`About two hundred people filled the Rose Garden for the bill-signing ceremony. The guest list included actor Gregory Peck, photographer Ansel Adams, philanthropist Paul Mellon, and writer Ralph Ellison. The ceremony marked a high point in a day devoted to a celebration of culture. Vice President Hubert Humphrey hosted the Rose Garden reception. Harkness Ballet performed that night in the East Room of the White House. The bill was the culmination of a movement calling for the federal government to invest in culture; as it had with science.

“`On October 27, 1965, Peck wrote Johnson to express his thanks for being invited, and his appreciation for what the administration had accomplished. Here is the original letter:

   

“`The actor, best known for his Academy Award–winning role as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 for a lifetime of humanitarian achievements.

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“Forgotten Hollywood”- My First Event of 2017…

January 16th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Please join me this Saturday in Baldwin Park, CA for the Cultural Arts Film Expo. Here are the complete details and a list of event participants:

   

“`I’ll be a co-host of this magical event, and screen my Forgotten Hollywood Documentary Trailer. I’ll also provide autographed copies of my Forgotten Hollywood Books Series, which are available for purchase. I hope to see you there!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Goodbye to the Three Rings…

January 15th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`After 146 years, the facade comes down on The Greatest Show on Earth. The producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will permanently close in May. The company broke the news to circus employees after shows in Orlando and Miami. Ringling Bros. has two touring circuses this season, and it will perform 30 more times. Stops include Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, and Washington. The final shows will be in Providence, Rhode Island on May 7th, and in Uniondale, New York, at Nassau County Coliseum on May 21st.

“`The circus, with exotic animals, flashy costumes, and death-defying acrobatics, has been a staple of entertainment in the United States. P. T. Barnum traveled with a spectacle of human oddities, while the five Ringling brothers performed juggling acts and skits from their home in Wisconsin. Soon, they merged, and the modern circus was created. Troupes traveled by train to cities and towns, wowing audiences with the sheer scale of entertainment.

“`By mid-century, the circus was considered wholesome, family fun. Cecil B. DeMille produced the Oscar-winning adventure that was an year’s Best Picture of 1952. It starred Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde, Charlton Heston, Gloria Grahame, Dorothy Lamour, and James Stewart donning clown makeup in each of his scenes. The movie was appropriately called The Greatest Show on Earth.

“`More recently, children are less enthusiastic because of cinema, television, the internet and video games. The national spectacle has been felled by various factors. Declining attendance, rising operating costs, changing public tastes, and lingering battles with animal rights groups all contributed to its upcoming demise. Ringling Bros. tried to remain relevant; hiring a first African American and female ringmaster, and launching an interactive app. They added a few acts from other popular shows, such as motorbike daredevils and ice skaters. Clown hysteria that swept the nation for a time was the final nail in the coffin.

“`500 people perform and work on both touring shows. A handful might be placed in positions with the company’s other profitable shows: Monster Jam, Disney on Ice, and Marvel Live. But, most will be out of a job.

==================================

“`Dick Gautier was an actor and comedian. He is best known for his television role as Hymie the Robot in Get Smart. In 1974,  Burt Ward and Yvonne Craig reprised their Batman roles for a televised public service announcement about equal pay for women. Adam West tried to distance himself from the Caped Crusader role, and declined to participate. Gautier filled in.

“`In 1960, Gautier portrayed fictional rock n roll singer Conrad Birdie in the original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie, receiving a Tony Awards nod for his performance. In cinema, he appeared in Ensign Pulver, Divorce American Style, and Fun with Dick and Jane. On the small screen,  he guest-starred in Gidget, The Patty Duke Show, Bewitched, and as a celebrity panelist on Match Game.

“`Dick Gautier was 85.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Broadway Visits Your Home…

January 13th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Traveling to a Broadway show is a special experience. But, there’s something to be said for enjoying live theater without even leaving the comfort of your living room. On January 14th, theater fans around the world will get to view a show at home, when BroadwayHD streams their evening performance of Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of Holiday Inn The New Irving Berlin Musical from Studio 54.

“`Holiday Inn is the last production of Roundabout Theatre Company’s 50th anniversary season. BroadwayHD partnered with the not-for-profit company in June, when She Loves Me was the first Broadway show to be live-streamed. After their collaborative success, they are teaming again for this one-night-only event.

“`Inspired by the 1942 film, Holiday Inn is directed by Gordon Greenberg, and features choreography by Denis Jones, and an Irving Berlin score,  such as the iconic Blue Skies, Steppin Out with My Baby, and of course, White Christmas. The production stream is through BroadwayHD with the use of high-definition cameras. Director David Horn is at the board. It’s in conjunction with Thirteen Productions LLC and Universal Stage,  a theater division of their cinematic studio.

“`More than 3,000 students and teachers have watched Holiday Inn for free or reduced rates; in addition to, 20,000 subscribers and audience members.

“`BroadwayHD, the only online streaming service of its kind, launched in 2015. In addition to the live stream, subscribers can access over 160 theater productions on demand. Titles in the library include Gypsy, and Oklahoma! starring Hugh Jackman.

“`The stream will also include interviews with the cast and its creative team, and feature behind-the-scenes footage.  The live stream will be available on BroadwayHD.com and Chromecast. Subscribers can access from BroadwayHD’s Roku, Apple TV, iPad, and iPhone apps. Visit BroadwayHD.com to sign up.

“`It’s still not too late to enjoy the Holidays!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Vin Scully Freeway…

January 12th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`On April 3rd, the Los Angeles Dodgers is kicking off the 2017 season minus a key member of the personnel. Legendary sportscaster Vin Scully will be absent from their broadcast booth for their first time in 67 seasons.

“`Not that our City of Angels would ever forget the voice of Dodger’s baseball.  California Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez has taken action to immortalize the Hall-of-Fame announcer by renaming bits of highway after him. The politician has introduced a bill to the California State Assembly, which re-christens a two mile stretch of the 110 Freeway near Dodger Stadium:  Vin Scully Highway. Gomez’s resolution asks Caltrans to look into the cost for a new stretch of signs between the Interstate 5 and 101 freeways. The signage update could be funded by outside donations.

“`This would be Scully’s first freeway, but not his first street.  In spite of the broadcaster’s modest objections, the Los Angeles City Council, last year, changed the name of Elysian Park Avenue near Dodger Stadium to Vin Scully Avenue.

“`The fitting honors for the remarkable Vin Scully (above) keep on comin’.

====================================== 

“`Film historian and author Betty Lasky (right) was the daughter of Paramount Pictures co-founder Jesse L. Lasky. She developed an interest in film history at a young age,  and began her writing career as the screen story analyst for RKO Studios, The Selznick Company, and Hamilburg Agency.

“`Betty contributed articles about Hollywood to Players Showcase Magazine in the 1960s. In 1983, she published a book called RKO: The Biggest Little Major of Them All. She also donated a vast collection of her dad’s artifacts to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Margaret Herrick Library in Beverly Hills. Her late brother was a screenwriter of over 50 films, including a long partnership with the DeMilles.

“`Betty Lasky was 94.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- My 2017 SAG Ballot

January 11th, 2017

“`This is how I voted for this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards. It’s an exceptional season  for cinematic productions. The nominees in most categories are worthy mentions. My year #8 thoughts on this blog site:


   
  Manny Pacheco Tin Type generic_sagawardslogo_noyear_horitzonal_copy

   OUTSTANDING MALE:  Denzel Washington (Fences)

Casey Affleck is a shoo-in for this year’s accolade. He’s neck-and-neck with the performance offered by Denzel Washington, in my estimation. Either walking off with the statuette is fine with me. Viggo Mortensen, Andrew Garfield, and Ryan Gosling deserved their nod. They are simply a step behind Casey and Denzel.

   OUTSTANDING FEMALE:  Emma Stone (La La Land)

Emma Stone is my clear choice from the 2016 Best Picture of the Year. She’s delightful and engaging throughout this feel-good musical. Natalie Portman, with her reliably edgy role in Jackie, is her main competition. I am shocked that Golden Globe-winner Isabelle Huppert (Elle), Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures), Annette Bening (20th Century Women), and Ruth Negga (Loving) were snubbed in a competitive category. These actresses could have replaced Amy Adams and/or Meryl Streep.

  OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING MALE:  Dev Patel (Lion)

The real surprise is child-sensation Sunny Pawar didn’t garner the nomination, because he’s a scene-stealer in this heartfelt drama.  I’ll settle for Dev Patel’s introspective performance. Jeff Bridges, Hugh Grant, Lucas Hedges, and Mahershala Ali all merit serious consideration. By the way, Hell or High Water is an exceptional modern Western; and I almost cast my choice for Bridges because of his amazing acting chops.

   OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING FEMALE:  Viola Davis (Fences)

No surprise here. Under Denzel Washington’s steady direction, it feels like August Wilson had Viola Davis in mind in this theatrical drama. My only argument is that Davis should have been nominated for Outstanding Female, since it’s clearly a starring role. If this had been produced  25-years ago, the parts might have been played by Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. Naomie Harris could have won in any other year, since she carries Moonlight. I’m really baffled by Michelle Williams universally praised five-minute performance in Manchester By the Sea.

   OUTSTANDING CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE:  Moonlight

Given the opportunity, I would have voted for La La Land or Lion in this category. That said, Moonlight is the clear choice, since this anthology piece doesn’t lose any of its quality as we follow a singular life in African American neighborhoods as the years pass. The ensemble cast fits like a puzzle. The other nominees are also quite special.

~ My 2016 Top 10 Movies:  1. La La Land  2. Lion  3. Moonlight  4. Hell or High Water  5. Hidden Figures  6. Fences  7. Hacksaw Ridge   8. Sully   9. Snowden  10. Loving

“`The SAG Awards will air on January 29th on TNT and TBS. We’ll see how I do this year…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Lucas Museum Finds New Home…

January 10th, 2017

Manny P. Here…

“`Star Wars creator George Lucas was on the side of the City of Angels, choosing Los Angeles as the home of a museum, which will showcase his life’s work, along with a major collection of exhibits on film history and art.  Organizers announced the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be built in Exposition Park, where it will sit alongside the Natural History Museum and the California Science Center, which houses the space shuttle Endeavour.

“`Lucas has been trying to build the museum for nearly a decade, and is financing the project by himself with plans to spend over $1 billion. It had several possible locations, but the choice came down to rivaling Northern and Southern California. San Francisco was offering Treasure Island, with its scenic views of the bay, as a home that the museum would have virtually to itself.

“`The museum will house Lucas’ personal collection, which includes about 40,000 illustrations, paintings, and movie-related items, including storyboards and costumes from The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, and of course, Star Wars. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti emphasized that it would not be just a Star Wars museum.

“`Los Angeles seemed an obvious choice for Lucas, not just because of its film industry legacy. He is an alumnus and a major donor to the film school at University of Southern California, which is across the street from the museum site. However, he has strong San Francisco ties as well. He lived in the Bay Area for most of his adult life, and was the home for Lucasfilm, until the Disney Company bought it in 2012.

“`Garcetti said Exposition Park will allow museum-hoppers to see a movie-magic spacecraft, and then walk over to see the real thing: the space shuttle. The location is also is home to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where USC Trojans and Rams play football, and a stadium for its new Major League Soccer team is currently being built. A light rail line that opened last year connects the park with downtown Los Angeles and the beaches to the West.

“`This makes Southern California the definitive base of the Star Wars franchise,  with Disney having bought the rights to the franchise, and now, building a Star Wars-themed land within its Magic Kingdom in Anaheim.

Until next time>                               “never forget”