The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills is honoring the 100th birthday of Spike Jones. The centennial salute to Spike Jones is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st at 7:30p. Free tickets for Paley members and the public are available this Wednesday at noon.

   According to The Paley Center for Media website:

Spike Jones invented and then defined an innovative blend of comedy and music. In celebration of the centennial anniversary of his birth, the Paley Center gathers a panel of family members, colleagues, and admirers, moderated by musical historian Dr. Demento, to salute this entertainment groundbreaker.

  The music of Spike Jones and His City Slickers, and his film, television and radio appearances will be fondly remembered. Jones died in 1965 of emphysema. The bandleader’s son is expected to be on the panel.

Until next time>                                 “never forget”

   Ben Gazzara was an intense and dedicated actor in film and television. He began his career after he studied at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School and the Actors Studio. His education led to parts on Broadway, including  the starring role in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Elia Kazan; and A Hatful of Rain, which earned Ben his first  Tony nomination.

   Gazzara was best known for tough-guy roles in Anatomy of a Murder, Convicts 4, The Young Doctors, A Rage to Live, The Bridge at Ramagen, Capone, Voyage of the Damned, Road House, The Big Lebowski, and a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. He was very busy on the small screen, appearing in episodes of Dragnet, Playhouse 90, and Kraft Suspense Theatre. His character (Paul Bryan) on the latter episodic program led to the creation of the popular 1960′s series, Run For Your Life. Gazzara also co-starred in  made-for-television movies; most notably in A Question of Honor, The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald, An Early Frost;  and in the mini-series QB VII. 

   After numerous stage and television award-nominations, he finally received an Emmy in 2003 for his performance in Hysterical Blindness. He continued to virtually work until his death on Friday.

   Ben Gazzara was 82.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

   The National Mall in Washington D.C. is the site of a new movie theatre. To honor the grand opening, a FREE Humphrey Bogart Film Festival begins tonight. Bogie’s son, Stephen, is the official host of the weekend event. Lauren Bacall is also expected to make an appearance during the Festival. Among the motion pictures to be shown - The  Matlese Falcon, Casablanca, The Big Sleep, Treasure of the Sierra Madre.  

   Rick Blaine’s suit, worn by Bogie in Casablanca, is on display tonight, on loan from Warner Brothers. To mark the 70th anniversary of the 1942 iconic film, a re-mastered version of the movie on Blu-ray will be in stores by March.  The American Film Institute recently ranked Humphrey Bogart as the #1 male legend from the silver screen.

   Warner Brothers, which donated $5 million to build the Theater at the National Museum of American History in an old auditorium space, is scheduled to present three additional film festivals at the Smithsonian this year: A Clint Eastwood retrospective; a look at the Birth of Sound in motion pictures (The Jazz Singer and Singing in the Rain); and an October Fest to  remember the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (Gone With the Wind, Glory, Gettysburg).

   The Smithsonian Institute has committed the new movie palace to provide American history through the essential work released during Hollywood’s Golden Age. As the author of the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series, I applaud their effort…

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   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History can now be found on-demand at two Northern California locations:

Green Apple Books - 506 Clement St., San Francisco, CA

http://www.greenapplebooks.com/book/9781935359166

* * *

Hicklebee’s – 137 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, CA 

http://www.hicklebees.com/book/9781935359166

Until next time>                               “never forget”

   Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has officially been available nationally for  about a month. My latest work just received its first 5-star review on AMAZON.

   A gracious heartfelt thanks to Charlie Redner, an author and co-host of Write Now, which airs on Channel 6. The cable show is seen exclusively to residents of Laguna Woods, CA. Charlie writes:

Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is perhaps the most perfect title for a book that looks back on Hollywood. And no, you need not have read the original to appreciate the sequel; but I recommend that one should. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing author, Manny Pacheco, about his new book on the “Write Now Show” telecast over a Southern California cable channel. The books tells the stories of the great supporting actors during the Golden Age of Hollywood, tied into a specific time in US history, and important social and political issues.

Superbly crafted, the books are filled with important facts and overflowing with little known movie trivia. Both Hollywood and general US history buffs will enjoy this book.

   I invite you to visit Charlie Redner’s websites:

http://redroom.com/member/charles-redner/blog/son-of-forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history

  http://www.charlieredner.com/  

http://www.charlieredner.blogspot.com/ 

www.thehummingbirdreview.com

www.openbookspress.com

   We’ve had a great thirty days!

Until next time>                                  “never forget”

   PBS phenomenon Downton Abbey has vowed to continue for a third season. Film critic Roger Ebert tweeted yesterday that Shirley MacLaine will join the Masterpiece program next year. CNBC News  also confirmed this announcement. The Oscar-winning actress will play the mother of Lady Grantham, the character played by Elizabeth McGovern. MacLaine’s relationship with Maggie Smith’s character will also guarantee added fireworks to the high-brow program. 

   She will additionally generate considerable press for the mini-series. This is outstanding news for loyal viewers.

   Writer Julian Fellowes is also preparing a screenplay for a Downton Abbey motion picture. How extraordinary for lovers of British drawing-room dramas in the tradition of The Remains of the Day, Upstairs Downstairs, Gosford Park, and Brideshead Revisited. Downton creators are prepared to capitalize on winning six Emmys and a Golden Globe over the past year.

   The World of Downton Abbey, a book offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look within the production of the mini-series, was released in September, 2011. Written by Jessica Fellowes (Julian’s niece), it was published by HarperCollins.

   It’s gratifying to see Hollywood and history intersect in such a major way on television. The sinking of the Titanic, World War I (The Great War), and the 1918 flu pandemic have all been referenced. PBS can be proud of this educational accomplishment.

  Until next time>                           “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE, TWO, THREE – One of the finest films ever made with a really lousy title. Starring Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, James Broderick, Jerry Stiller, Hector Elizondo, and Tony Roberts, this action-comedy-thriller was the forerunner of the Die Hard and Lethal Weapon series of movies;  plus it spawned a 2009 high-tech remake featuring John Travolta and Denzel Washington.

Back Story

   Most of the film was produced on location with the cooperation of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Mayor John Lindsay. An insurance policy was taken out to make sure no one would get a similar idea to hijack a subway train. Only then, the green light was given to produce this motion picture.

   Critics loved the film for the bureaucratic nature of the heroes,  which provided a convincing dichotomy to trigger-happy villains. Particularly realistic was the banter between Matthau, Stiller, and Shaw.

Positives

   This project made Walter Matthau a star. He emerged from the shadow of Jack Lemmon, and others in starring roles. His career flourished for the rest of his life. And, due to the massive success of The Sting and Jaws, Robert Shaw became an A-List rugged actor, who could elevate the quality of any movie. He was appropriately menacing in Pelham.

WALTER MATTHAU  

   The casting of this film was pinpoint perfect. Every character looks like they have spent their entire lives in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens. With the exception of The French Connection and Dog Day Afternoon, no production made during this time was more effective in its use of location filming.

   This was director Joseph Sargent’s best work, which included White Lightning, MacArthur, and Jaws: The Revenge. Screenwriter Peter Stone had experience in writing comedic-thrillers, such as Charade. Pelham’s conclusion (which I wouldn’t dare reveal here) is superior classic cinema!

Negatives

   The David Shire-score was critically acclaimed for its raw, in-your-face quality in 1974. By today’s standards, it’s really dated. The composer was married to actress Talia Shire, and she  openly influenced his work.

   Unfortunately, stereotypes of Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Jews were used to facilitate the comedy. It wasn’t necessary, but this type of humor was typical in scripts during this era.

Supporting Actor Spotlight

   One of the finest actors to emerge in the post-Studio Era was Martin Balsam. This versatile everyman appeared in iconic films including On the Waterfront, Twelve Angry Men, Psycho, Breakfast at Tiffanys, Cape Fear, Seven Days in May, Catch-22, and All the President’s Men. He received a nomination from the National Board of Review for his role in The Carpetbaggers, and was awarded an Oscar for Supporting Actor for A Thousand Clowns.

   He was also comfortable on television with appearances in Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, Murder She Wrote, and a co-starring role on Archie Bunker’s Place.

   Balsam’s understated performances made him of favorite of Alfred Hitchcock, Elia Kazan, and Lee Strasberg. He was a welcome addition to any quality production.

Epilogue

   The Writer’s Guild of America awarded The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3 a well-deserved  nomination in 1975. The 2009 remake confirmed filmmakers were paying attention. It also  suggested the 1974 production was forgotten by today’s audiences. This flick should be in anyone’s personal DVD library if you like great movie-making.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

   Citizen Kane will be shown at this year’s San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.  The screening location will be at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center on March 9th.

   Orson Welles produced the motion picture in 1941 as a thinly veiled attack on the life of William Randolph Hearst. The newspaper tycoon unsuccessfully sought to derail the project, which painted the corporate mogul as a yellow journalist, an unscrupulous businessman, and a cheater in his private life.  Orson named his character – Charles Foster Kane. Hearst chose to never screen the movie at his estate during his lifetime.

   The Hearst family recently gave its blessing with the understanding that the film is a work of fiction, rather than a documentary piece. Hearst Castle is now a state park that hosts tens of thousands of visitors each year.

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   Two personalities passed away this week…

   * James Farentino was a busy television star, who also appeared in motion pictures. His cinematic credits include Ensign Pulver and The War Lord.

   Farentino really thrived on the small screen with roles in 77 Sunset Strip, The Naked City, Route 66, The Fugitive, Ben Casey, The F.B.I., Ironside, The Virginian, Love American Style, Marcus Welby M.D.; and most notably, in The Bold Ones, Rod Serling’s Night Gallery, Police Story, Dynasty, and ER.

   James Farentino was 73.

~ ~ ~

   * Dick Tufeld was a top announcer during the Golden Age of Radio and Television. As with most narrators, his face was seldom seen, but his voice was quite familiar.

   For those of certain age, Tufeld was well known as he introduced episodes of Space Patrol, Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Hollywood Palace, and The Time Tunnel (a personal favorite).

   He’s best remembered as the voice of The Robot on Lost in Space. His most famous line was DANGER WILL ROBINSON DANGER…

   Dick Tufeld was 85.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

   For the third year, here is my ballot for this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards. I consider 2011 an incredible year of cinema. And I believe several folks and films in each category should be considered for their specific awards. Let me explain:

   OUTSTANDING MALE:  George Clooney  (The Descendants)

   I chose George Clooney over Jean Dujardin (The Artist) and Leornardo DiCaprio (J. Edgar). The Artist is a critcal darling; and I agree, it has a fine overall cast. Oscar voters completely snubbed J. Edgar. Clint Eastwood’s picture deserved a better fate, in my opinion. That said, Clooney is magnificent in a well-written part.

   OUTSTANDING FEMALE:  Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn)

   Michelle Williams edges Viola Davis (The Help), since she embodies the total essence of Marilyn Monroe’s frailties. This is not your stereotypical Monroe performance you might find among impersonators along Hollywood Blvd. Not once, did I feel Michelle Williams acting; she completely immersed herself in the role as the Norma Jean Baker-counterpart. Meryl Streep’s 17th nomination (The Iron Lady) is quite an Oscar accomplishment, but pitted against other roles in her career, it simply doesn’t add up in a sub-par motion picture.

   OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING MALE:  Jonah Hill (Moneyball)

   On Friday, I’ll be joining my good friend, Mark Sevi, the President of the Orange County Screenwriter’s Association, on a cable show shown exclusively to Laguna Woods residents. Channel 6 is the official cable television station for Laguna Woods, and one of their programs is called Write Now, which presents the latest authors and writers to chat about their current projects. The show will air LIVE on Friday at 10am, and then repeat each Monday in February.

   Sevi will be sharing his current work in cinema, while I’ll be chatting about the Forgotten Hollywood-Book Series. Mark and I will discuss the evolution of Hollywood, through its Golden Age, to the present. Throughout the month of January, Channel 6 programming has included motion pictures of Elizabeth Taylor, including The VIP’s, The Sandpiper, and Ivanhoe. I’m particularly pleased that the residents of Laguna Woods might be the perfect demographic to  find interest in my paperbacks.

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   The Brookline Booksmith is a wonderful independent literary shop located in the shadow of Harvard University. This latest find actually carries Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History (on demand). The residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can purchase my work online at:

http://www.brooklinebooksmith-shop.com/book/9781935359166

   I also suggest you read their witty and informative blog while visiting their website.

Until next time>                                “never forget”

   Hammer Film Productions is undertaking a global restoration project of films created by the company during Hollywood’s Golden Age. U.S. partners will include 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, and Paramount; inernational studios… CineImage, Pinewood Studios, Anolis Entertainment, and StudioCanal are spearheading the project. This collaborative effort will allow lovers of the Horror genre to enjoy thrilling performances from Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Oliver Reed, among others, in high definition and Blu-ray.

   The initial re-release in March will be Dracula, Prince of Darkness. In all, almost 30 flicks from Hammer’s collection will be eventually released throughout the UK. Other classics to be restored include The Curse of Frankenstein, The Reptile, The Mummy’s Shroud, The Devil Rides Out, The Plague of the Zombies, and Rasputin, The Mad Monk. These cinematic treasures will additionally add lost or cut footage. And, documentary extras are also being produced by Hammer historian, Marcus Hearn… author of The Hammer Vault.

   Hammer Productions Ltd was founded in 1934 by actor William Hinds, and it made a name for itself as the Britsh alternative to Universal Studios with titles such as The Plague of the Zombies, Frankenstein Created Women, and The Witches. Bela Lugosi and Paul Robeson were early stars in features created by Hammer. Producers Roger Corman, William Castle, and the creative team at American International Pictures were heavily influenced by the stylized prodcutions at the legendary gothic studio. In 1968, Hammer was awarded the Queen’s Award to Industry in recognition of their contributions to the British economy. A ceremony was held on the steps of the Castle Dracula at Pinewood Studios, during the filming of Dracula Has Risen from the Grave. Be prepared to be spooked by Hammer in hi-def !!

Until next time>                                “never forget”