Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

“`My venture to New York is over and what a whirlwhind! A couple of days with friends in the Bronx and my first visit to CapitolFest in Rome in upstate New York proved to be exhilerating!

“`While in the legendary burough, I visited Yankee Stadium. The home of the Bronx Bombers, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, it is actually a new stadium that was built across the street from the original site. My friend Timothy (above with Percy the Posh Pug)  also brought me into midtown Manhattan right where  See No Evil, Hear No Evil (co-starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor) was filmed.

“`Traveling by bus and a short distance by train was a great way to see the lush greenery that surrounds the state outside the city. Once in Rome, I discovered it is a city steeped in military pride. The city is also an hour’s drive from Cooperstown, home of Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

“`CapitolFest 22 was all pomp and circumstance, with a beautiful marquee and theatre. While there, I met with cinephiles from all over the country. They marveled at the lineup of obscure movies featured over the weekend. Good friends, Rob Stone, John Millen and Rosalie and Ben Kicks, made the three-day event really special. Though I was under the weather for a spell, I was still able to deliver my oral presentation to an enthusiastic crowd.

“`One of the Capitolfest organizers is the tireless Dr. Julie Pierce. She invited me to check out some of the films. I went to the Saturday evening session and I saw a rare pristine print of the silent 1927 classic, The Gorilla, and a 1934 pot-boiler, Menace. It starred two of my favorite character actors, Paul Cavanaugh and Burton Churchill. A very-young Ray Milland was featured in the who-done-it.

“`I was fortunate to receive advanced rushes of my new hardcover, Beware of the Blog  (co-written with my sister, Virginia Vandewouwer), to autograph for avid readers of my Forgotten Hollywood book series.

“`This is one trip I will remember for a long time!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Due to the efforts of a number of  friends and cinephiles, I will be making my first visit to Capitolfest, beginning Friday, August 8th. It’s taking place at the Capitol Arts Complex in Rome, New York.

“`Capitolfest is Central New York’s 35mm classic film festival,  screening rarely-seen silent and early talking cinema from around the turn-of-the-20th Century into the late 1930s. Most of the movies are shown via 35mm films from archives such as the  Library of Congress, Museum of Modern Art, George Eastman Museum and UCLA Film & Television Archive as well as prints from studios, such as  Sony, Universal, Warner Brothers and Disney. For this year’s kick-off movie, they selected  Ruggles of Red Gap, a 1935 comedy directed by Leo McCarey and co-starring Charles Laughton, Mary Boland, Charles Ruggles and Capitolfest tribute star — ZaSu Pitts.

“`On a personal note, I have been asked to be the Saturday luncheon speaker the event. And I am thrilled to debut my new hardcover book, Forgotten Hollywood: Beware of the Blog. My printers have assured me that they will overnight copies of my work to debut and autograph!

“`CapitolFest takes place at the Capitol Arts Complex, 220 East Dominick Street, Rome, NY.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It is that time of the year. What is becoming my annual pilgrimage to the Columbus Moving Picture Show in Ohio, the film fest always takes place leading into the Memorial Day weekend. Festival producer Samantha Glasser always guarantees a fine collection of movies on celluloid, the largest dealer room in the Midwest, and a very strong lineup of author oral presentations. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza North.

“`I will be there with my collection in the Forgotten Hollywood book series.

AND BREAKING NEWS!!!

Forgotten Hollywood: Beware of the Blog

“`I will be accepting pre-orders for my new hardcover pop culture work! Co-written with my sister, Virginia Vandewouwer, the book looks at media in the first quarter of the twenty-first century, and its relationship with Hollywood’s Golden Age.  It is officially due out in August. However, patrons of the Columbus Moving Picture Show will have the initial opportunity of owning a signed copy.

“`Movies scheduled at this year’s festival include the pre-code comedy classic, Million Dollar Legs, with W. C. Fields and Jack Oakie;  silent feature, Irene, with the fabulous Coleen Moore;  and Kentucky, featuring Loretta Young and an Oscar-winning performance by Walter Brennan.

“`I will be presenting a Forgotten Hollywood oral presentation on Friday at 10a in the Cardinal Room. I will telling stories from my new book. Joining me from the West Coast – Hollywood historians, authors and my dear friends – Richard Greene and Randy Skretvedt. Also on hand, film historian Rob Stone from the Library of Congress (another pal).

“`The Crowne Plaza North is located at 6500 Doubletree Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Consider this my personal invitation to stop on by at this one-of-a-kind film festival. Here is a link for more information:

https://www.columbusmovingpictureshow.com/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`First night of the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival  begins April 24th, Thursday, with a Red Carpet ceremony and a screening of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Other movies scheduled later in the evening include such iconic cinema as Alfred Hitchcock’s Suspicion, Teacher’s Pet with Doris Day and Clark Gable and Tracy / Hepburn’s iconic Pat and Mike.

“`If you are unable to attend the Red Carpet ceremony, let me invite you to my totally FREE presentation down the street at the Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Branch Library, 1623 Ivar Ave. I am doing a talk about some the great character actors from my Forgotten Hollywood book series, including Peter Lorre, Sidney Greenstreet, Frank Morgan and Lionel Barrymore. Plus, I will be autographing copies of my paperback for those interested. Here is all the info:

“`If you have never been to one of my presentations, consider this my personal invitation!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Simply said… Gene Hackman was the greatest actor of his generation. That is saying a lot, considering the careers of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman and Robert Duvall, among others. But it is not hyperbole when you consider his body of work with his many roles in westerns, drama, and comedy.  He was natural in his approach, much like Spencer Tracy, generations before. On screen, he was an everyman!

“`The two-time Oscar-winning actor studied journalism and television production at the University of Illinois under the G. I. Bill. He joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California and was a classmate of Dustin Hoffman. Both moved to New York City and they joined Robert Duvall, sharing New York apartments.

“`Any Wednesday with actress Sandy Dennis was a huge Broadway success in 1964. It opened the door to film work. His initial credited role was in Lilith, with Jean Seberg and Warren Beatty in the lead roles. After taking guest-starring parts on television, Hackman would embark on arguably one of the finest career paths in cinematic history.

“`He starred (or co-starred) in  Bonnie and Clyde, Downhill Racer, I Never Sang for My Father, Marooned, The French Connection (Best Actor), The Poseidon Adventure, The Conversation, Young Frankenstein, Bite the Bullet, Red,  the Superman series of films, Hoosiers, No Way Out, Mississippi Burning, Crimson Tide,  The Quick and the Dead, Postcards From the Edge, Unforgiven  (Best Supporting Actor),  The Firm, Get Shorty, Absolute Power, Enemy of the State, Runaway Jury and Welcome to Mooseport.

“`Hackman was honored with a Cecil B. DeMille Award from the Golden Globe Awards for his outstanding contribution to the entertainment field a year before he officially retired, in 2003. He  came out of retirement to narrate two documentaries related to the United States Marine Corps: The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima and We the Marines.

“`As legendary filmmakers line up to pay homage, including Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hanks, Viola Davis, Alec Baldwin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Brolin, Nathan Lane and Francis Ford Coppola, we remember the legendary star for his body of unmatched work.

“`Gene Hackman was ninety-five.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`I am thrilled to be visiting the Los Feliz Branch Library this Wednesday, February 12th at 6p as part of the LA Made series. I lived in this beautiful community back in the 1980s.

“`LA Made is a cultural series featuring free music, dance, theater and conversations with local entertainers at libraries throughout the city.  LA Made is possible with the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities.  I plan on sharing stories written in my Forgotten Hollywood book series.

“`The Los Feliz Branch Library is located at 1874 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027, at the corner of Hillhurst and Franklin. Consider this my personal invitation!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The Celebrating Act 2 / Forgotten Hollywood Top 3 genres continues! Art Kirsch and John Coleman looks at the finest Courtroom Dramas of the Studio Era. The three I selected are among my Top 10 favorite movies of all-time!

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It is time for me to submit my SAG Awards ballot, highlighting celluloid roles in 2024. This was a so-so year in films; some great, some just ok.  Here are my selections with comments added for opinion and context:

~ ~ ~

OUTSTANDING MALE: Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)

“`It is a competitive category!  Most likely, Adrian Brody will win for The Brutalist. His role was solid in a movie that is way too long! Ralph Fiennes, Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) and Timothee Chalamet (A Complete Unknown). Fiennes gives a subtle performance opposite an amazing collection of talent, including John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rosellini. And truth be told, Ralph Fiennes is one of my favorite actors of his generation. Not a fan of Daniel Craig’s performance in Queer. The movie has more to do with drugs than lifestyle. It could have starred quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the lead!

OUTSTANDING FEMALE:  Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)

“`A brutally tough call. I LOVED Karla Sofia Gascon (Emilia Perez), Mikey Madison (Anora) and Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl). Cynthia Erivo’s measured role is bittersweet and tender. It ain’t easy being green. As for Demi Moore’s performance in The Substance, she is a solid addition to any flick.  That said, this is the first time since The Blair Witch Project I have walked out of a movie before its completion. Hated it! There are much better witches in Wicked. One more thing… Gascon is a wonderful Trans actor; she is in the correct category. But, I’m afraid older Academy voters may be old-fashioned in their way of thinking and keep the talented actress from actually winning! Fernanda Torres was snubbed for her riveting role in I’m Still Here.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING MALE:  Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown)

“`Clarence Maclin, the co-star and writer of Sing Sing, provided the best performance of the year in a supporting role. But he is not nominated. Instead, all critical love is going to Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain, a cute buddy movie. And Culkin is one of the lead performers, not a supporting role. Given the choices for me, it comes down to Norton or Yura Borisov (Anora). Norton never gives a bad performance, and he should have won years ago. But his last name isn’t Culkin. Jonathan Bailey (Wicked) and Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice) round out the field.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING FEMALE:  Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown)

“`I have selected the actor in the field that is likely to come in last in voting. Not because her performance is lacking. Rather, she is up against two lead performances, which is completely not fair; Ariana Grande (Wicked) and Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez),  either of which I would have voted for in the lead category over Cynthia Erivo. Last season, Lily Gladstone declined a chance to play in this political parlay and it cost her an Oscar. However, I do respect her more for the decision. Jamie Lee Curtis is also fabulous for her role in The Last Showgirl.

OUTSTANDING CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE:  Conclave

“`Conclave is iconic storytelling created by top talent. It has the earmarks of epic filmmaking without showing off the way The Brutalist does (“We are so big, we have an intermission!”). The other nominees are worthy choices:  A Complete Unknown, Anora, Emilia Perez  and Wicked. I’m Still Here, Sing Sing and September 5 were snubbed.

~ ~ ~

2024 TOP 10: 1. Conclave  2. September 5  3. I’m Still Here  4. A Complete Unknown  5. Saturday Night  6. Sing Sing  7. Wicked  8. Emilia Perez  9. The Blitz 10. Anora (tie) 10. The Last Showgirl (tie)

“`The SAG Awards airs on February 23rd on Netflix. Let us see how I do this year.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`John Coleman, Art Kirsch and I continue our multi-part series on  Forgotten Hollywood’s Top 3, this time in the genre called: screwball comedies! Celebrating Act 2 honors the outrageously silly movies of the 1930s and the 1940s, often featuring Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Irene Dunne, Ralph Bellamy and others who made magic on the silver screen.

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Part 4 in our Forgotten Hollywood Top 3 movies in specific genres continues as we delve into the best War Pictures during Hollywood’s Studio Era. Join Art Kirsch, John Coleman and me on Celebrating Act 2…

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`136th Rose Parade® presented by Honda features modern and classic film representation on floats traveling down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day. For the kids, there will be a Wicked participant. And a silent film tribute is also slated honoring Charlie Chaplin.

“`The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has designed a float celebrating the 100th anniversary of his classic 1925 film, The Gold Rush. AHF float honors and celebrates Chaplin and his iconic Little Tramp character. The Chaplin family and Charlie Chaplin ™ © Bubbles Incorporated SA graciously authorized AHF’s use of its The Gold Rush imagery for no royalty fee.

“`Chaplin’s classic adds to AHF and its Healthy Housing Foundation message on affordable housing and homelessness. The concept of AHF’s Home Sweet Home float was designed by Jason Farmer, Vice President of Marketing for AHF, and finalized by John Ramirez, designer with Artistic Entertainment Services, the company creating AHF’s float.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Celebrating Act 2, with Art Kirsch and John Coleman, continues our celebrated Forgotten Hollywood Top 3 series. This time, we honor Best Picture Oscar winners of  the Studio Era.

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The 2024 selections of Library of Congress’ National Film Registry have been announced. This year’s selections are exceptional, including Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), The Pride of the Yankees (1942),  Invaders from Mars (1953), The Miracle Worker (1962), Dirty Dancing (1987) and The Social Network (2010). Unfortunately our campaign to get Robert Youngson’s documentaries, Golden Age of Comedy and When Comedy was King, proved unsuccessful this year. The effort continues…

“`Let us look at the Golden Age of Hollywood selections:

~ ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES (1938) –  The collaborative efforts by James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, Humphrey Bogart and director Michael Curtiz makes a Depression-era crime drama that reinforces the notion that cities were born in streets of immigrant neighborhoods.  The work may have been considered Cagney’s signature role if not for The Public Enemy made seven years earlier. The Dead End Kids are symbolic of the kind of grit youths needed after they grew up to become the greatest generation determined to rid Axis aggression.

~ THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES (1942) – Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright and Walter Brennan shine in this bio-pic.  This film is a Hollywood tribute to the New York Yankees iron man first baseman Lou Gehrig, who had recently died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). Babe Ruth appears in the movie, adding to its authenticity and poignance. The beloved classic culminates with Cooper’s re-enactment of Gehrig’s famous 1939 farewell speech at Yankee Stadium and a heart-wrenching: Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.

~ INVADERS FROM MARS (1953) – The 1950s produced many science fiction films, ignited by post-World War II paranoia over the hydrogen bomb, growing technological advancements, fear of Soviet expansion and Communist infiltration of American society.  Directed by William Cameron Menzies, with cinematography by John Seitz, the movie features stunning sets and photography in Supercinecolor. Recently restored by Ignite Films in collaboration with George Eastman Museum, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia and UCLA Film and Television Archive.

~ THE MIRACLE WORKER (1962) – This celebrated early work from director Arthur Penn tells the incredible true-life story of Helen Keller and her determined teacher Anne Sullivan, chronicled in remarkable performances by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, both fresh from a Broadway triumph on stage. Keller was still alive when the story was adapted to the screen. This production allowed the iconic activist to make peace with Hollywood and their previous attempts to categorize Keller as a curiosity.

“`The Library of Congress National Film Registry annually inducts twenty-five movies that are considered culturally, historically or aesthetically significant. These films must be at least ten years old.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`We continue our series of Forgotten Hollywood’s Top 3 in various genres of the Studio Era. This time around, it is those sagebrush sagas we regard as The Western. Art Kirsh and John Coleman from Celebrating Act 2 have their own ideas of what belongs on this list and that is what makes this conversation so fun!

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Earl Holliman was a busy actor in many of Hollywood’s top movie productions for over six decades. He won a Golden Globe Award for the film The Rainmaker, co-starring with Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster. Holliman was also an activist and was an honorary chairman for Toys for Tots and president of Actors and Others for Animals for twenty-five years.

“`Wanting to become an actor, he traveled to Hollywood on money he earned as an usher and as a news boy. He joined the military despite his being too young to enlist. Holliman spent most of his free time at the Hollywood Canteen.

“`While performing at the Pasadena Playhouse, he sneaked to the Paramount Pictures  lot by claiming to have an appointment with the studio barber. Holliman eventually became friends with studio executives. He receuved a small bit part opposite Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in Scared Stiff. Other movie roles include Broken Lance, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, The Big Combo, I Died a Thousand Times, Forbidden Planet, Giant, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and The Sons of Katie Elder.

“`On television, Holliman had the distinction of appearing on the pilot episode of The Twilight Zone. He landed a starring part on Police Woman, and a recurring role on The Thorn Birds and Caroline in the City.

“`Columnist Louella Parsons once referred to the soft-spoken actor as dedicated as though he were Marlon Brando and Anthony Perkins combined,  high praise considering his unassuming presence on screen.

“`Earl Holliman was ninety-six.

Until next time>                               “never forget”