A statue of Marilyn Monroe is set to welcome visitors to Palm Springs. The sculpture of the iconic actress will stand at the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Dr. in the Downtown area. A creation of noted artist Seward Johnson, Forever Marilyn is grand at 26-feet tall. It was previously in Chicago, and took about a week and $40,000 to transport.

   The life-like figure depicts the blonde in her famous pose from The Seven Year Itch. The scene of Marilyn pushing down her skirt as she stood on an air duct will come to life for the Southern California desert community. And, tourists are already getting a jump by taking lots of photographs. Much of the replica has been erected.  

   Still being assembled, the official ribbon cutting is set for May 24th. There is little doubt, Palm Springs prefers Marilyn…

   With Monroe the face at the Festival Du Cannes currently going on, the tantalizing actress remains vital in 2012.

Until next time>                             “never forget”

   The self-proclaimed Friendliest Rotary Club in the Region did not disappoint. Held at the legendary Ebell of Los Angeles, the Wilshire Rotary conducted their Wednesday meeting at noon. During the luncheon, a variety of upcoming events were discussed; a recent international trip was shared; and friends of the Rotary (including a member from Virginia) were introduced. We even sang a chorus of Blue Skies (by Irving Berlin).

   After my presentation, which shared tales about Hollywood’s Golden Age, I was engaged with a lively Q&A. Then, a surprising presentation was made. Outgoing President Kyle Pierce gave me a Certificate of Appreciation. According to this most special of keep-sakes:

Perhaps more than any other challenge facing Brazil today, illiteracy remains a stumbling block in establishing itself as one of the world’s most powerful nations. Their public education system is consistently under-funded, inefficiently run, and to top it off, disproportionately benefitting the wealthy.

A contribution has been made in (Manny Pacheco’s) name to the humanitarian programs sponsored by our club, including a literacy development project for underprivileged kids in Brazil…

The concept is simple; investing in education builds economies, stabilizes democracies, and enriches the minds of future generations. Rotarians with their capacity for leadership and grassroots connections are able to make a difference. We reach within ourselves to embrace humanity.

   What a gracious gift of humanity and generosity by the Wilshire Rotary of Los Angeles. They are known to completely embrace the concept of Service Above Self. I can never repay the kindness presented by the membership. AMEN to this fine group of folks!

   Here’s a link to the Wilshire Rotary of Los Angeles website:

http://www.wilshirerotary.org/

Until next time>                                 “never forget”

   My visit this Saturday, May 19th to Ventura County is taking me to Mrs. Figs’ Bookworm, a premier book store in Camarillo. According to their flyer:

Until next time>                                “never forget”

   In July 2011, I received 5-Stars from the prestigious Midwest Book Review for Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Less than a year later, I’ve got another 5-Star accolade. Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is the recipient of another positive critique from the Midwest Book Review. 

   They write in the May 2012 edition:

Small Press Bookwatch / Theater-Cinema Shelf

Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History
Manny Pacheco
Book Publishers Network
PO Box 2256, Bothell, WA 98041
9781937454142, $18.95, www.bookpublishersnetwork.com

The glue that holds great movies together are the supporting cast, who often don’t get the credit they deserve. “Son of Forgotten Hollywood History” chronicles the supporting roles throughout the golden era of Hollywood film-making, discussing the people who stood by the stars and made their own mark in film. A follow up to his previous volume, Manny Pacheco continues to bring lesser known Hollywood history to the forefront. “Son of Forgotten Hollywood History” is a strong addition to any community library film collection.

   It’s a marvelous appraisal in the journey taken by the Forgotten Hollywood-Book Series.  Here’s the official link to the review site to confirm their unsolicited comments:

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/may_12.htm#Theatre/Cinema

Until next time>                               “never forget” 

   The historic Ebell of Los Angeles is the site of my next booksigning. The Wilshire Rotary Club of Los Angeles is having their weekly lunch meeting  on Wednesday, May 16th at this iconic spot.

   The Ebell of Los Angeles is a women’s club with a clubhouse building and the renowned 1,270-seat Wilshire Ebell Theatre. The complex has operated since 1927.

   Remarkable appearances at the Ebell include the final press conference by Amelia Earhardt,  before attempting her 1937 around-the-world flight in which she subsequently vanished; and where Judy Garland was discovered while performing as Baby Frances Gumm in the 1930s. She was singing to MGM producers George Sidney and Joseph L. Mankiewicz, who happened to be  in the audience. They later met the 13-year-old backstage at the Ebell, determined to bring her to the attention of studio mogul Louis B. Mayer. A number of scenes from The Artist were also recently filmed at this location. (Jean Dujardin, Amelia Earhardt, Judy Garland… below)

   The Wilshire Ebell was declared a Los Angeles Cultural Historic Monument in 1982. In 1994, the locale was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also been designated an Official American Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

   Wednesday’s fellowship allows Rotarians in the area the chance to tie Hollywood history with Americana, and the Rotary International’s vast relationship with our national story. Service Above Self and the Goal to Eradicate Polio actually relate to cherished tales I plan on sharing in this unique journey through Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

   The Ebell of Los Angeles is located at 743 S. Lucerne Blvd. along the outskirts of Hollywood (of course).

Until next time>                              “never forget”

   The USA Book News is in the process of reviewing entries for their National Best Books 2012 Awards. In 2009, this was the contest giving initial approval to Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. I was an award-winner in the HISTORY: Media/Entertainment category.

   Fast forward to 2012. I understand the upcoming competition will be tough. Most of the books in my category look completely fascinating. I  certainly hope Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is up to the stiff challenge. I wish my fellow authors: good wishes and much luck! The results will be announced on November 1st. We’re all winners for the opportunity to participate in this dandy literary tourney.

   Here’s a link to the USA Book News webpage of Non Fiction – History selections:

 http://www.usabooknews.com/nonfichistory.html

   Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is additionally receiving consideration from the National Indie Excellance Awards, the Hollywood Book Festival, and the Richard Wall Memorial Award from the Theatre Library Association. My Forgotten Hollywood blog site  is also being reviewed for accolades by the Los Angeles / Orange County Press Clubs.

   Fingers are crossed, as my contributions are officially in the hands of the jury.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

   Chaplin, the new musical depicting the dramatic life of the silent screen legend, will begin its official run on August 21st at the chic  Barrymore Theatre, according to the New York Times. Previously entitled Becoming Chaplin, the production will be directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle (Finian’s Rainbow), and features music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis from the book by Curtis and Tony-winner Thomas Meehan (The Producers).

   Chaplin shares the story of the man behind the iconic films as The Gold Rush, The Kid, Modern Times, The Great Dictator, and City Lights, The actor forever changed the way America went to the movies. And, he was the last major star to shun the concept of talkies.

 

The new musical comes to Broadway following a 2010 stint at the San Diego La Jolla Playhouse, when it was then called Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin. Casting is currently underway. Just a thought… Robert Downey Jr. might rock the title role if he was inclined to consider the opportunity.  Opening night is set for September 10th.

Until next time>                             “never forget”

   The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has completed work on its outdoor theater, and has unveiled a marvelous collection of film screenings for the Summer. Oscars Outdoors will kickoff on June 15th, and continue through August 18th. Actually, on Saturday, May 19th, the Academy will inaugurate its open-air venue with an invitation-only presentation of the 1989 Best Picture nominee Field of Dreams.

   Here’s their expected 2012 lineup:

June
Friday, June 15: CASABLANCA
Saturday, June 16: SNOW WHITE AND THE 7 DWARFS

Friday, June 22: RAISING ARIZONA
Saturday, June 23: FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF

Friday, June 29: A STAR IS BORN (1937)
Saturday, June 30: THE GOONIES

July
Friday, July 6: SHANE
Saturday, July 7: THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (1996)

Friday, July 13: TBA
Saturday, July 14: THE PRINCESS BRIDE

Friday, July 20: PILLOW TALK
Saturday, July 21: THE KARATE KID (1984)

Friday, July 27: DREAMGIRLS
Saturday, July 28: THE DARK CRYSTAL

August
Friday, August 3: NORTH BY NORTHWEST
Saturday, August 4: STEAMBOAT BILL JR.

Friday, August 10: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Saturday, August 11: BACK TO THE FUTURE

Friday, August 17: Audience Choice / vote at www.oscars.org/outdoors
Saturday, August 18: THE WIZARD OF OZ

   Tickets for each evening is $5 for adults; free for children 10 years and younger; $3 for Academy members and students with identification. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, warm clothing. Popular food trucks will be on site.

   The open-air theater, located 1341 Vine St., is part of the organization’s nearly 7.5 acre Academy Hollywood campus, which is also the site of the Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, home to the Academy Film Archive, Science and Technology Council, and Linwood Dunn Theater.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

   The songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David received the nation’s highest prize for popular music. The Library of Congress Gershwin Award was presented to the duo for their lifetime body of work. President Obama hosted Wednesday evening’s event at the White House, which included a celebratory concert by Stevie Wonder and Sheryl Crow (among others).

   As with most successful songwriters, Bacharach and David provided  widely regarded Standards for Hollywood. They created cinematic scores for The Blob, What’s New Pussycat, Alfie, Casino Royale, After the Fox, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Valley of the Dolls, and a remake of Lost Horizon. The duo also collaborated with producer David Merrick on the Broadway musical, Promises Promises. Many of their tunes became Top 10 hits for Dionne Warwick. Her voice delivered the Bacharach / David sound to generations of listeners.

DIONNE WARWICK  

   Bacharach teamed with his third wife, Carole Bayer Sager, in development of the celluloid soundtracks for Arthur and Night Shift. Burt’s second wife was actress Angie Dickinson.

   The award presented is named on behalf of legendary composers - George and Ira Gershwin.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

   The Los Angeles Press Club is sponsoring a series of special events honoring the fine work of Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. The former Washington Post journalists investigated the cover-up of the Watergate break-in. The fact-finding series of stories contributed to the downfall of the Richard Nixon presidency, four decades ago.

   ~ KPCC’s Crawford Family Forum at 475 Raymond Ave. in Pasadena will be the site of a roundtable conversation on Wednesday, May 16th at 7p. Guests include John Dean, who was the White House counsel to President Nixon, and a chief whistleblower; and veteran newsman Richard Reeves. They will join KPCC’s Frank Stoltze. The program is entitled: WATERGATE: The Press, Politics, and the Presidency.

   ~ A special screening of All the President’s Men, which starred Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, and Jason Robards, occurs the next Wednesday, May 23rd at 7p. The Crawford Family Forum in Pasadena will present this award-winning movie that dramatizes the Washington Post effort to uncover the details of the infamous break-in, and eventual White House cover-up. It also stars Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook and Jack Warden.

   ~ The Press Club will present their 2012 President’s Award to Woodward and Bernstein for their First Amendment impact on the media. This long overdue moment comes during the 54^th Annual Los Angeles Press Club’s Awards at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel on June 24th.  BOB WOODWARD / CARL BERNSTEIN –>

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   The Los Angeles Press Club celebrates the important launch of the LA Review of Books. Below are the details for this members-only literary event taking place on Thursday, May 10th:

Until next time>                                “never forget”