Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   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”

Manny P. here…

   George Herman Babe Ruth’s contract was purchased by the New York Yankees from the Boston Red Rox in 1919. Three years later, The Bambino bought a two-acre property Sudbury, Massachusetts. He called it Home Plate Farm. The baseball legend sold the property in 1926 after divorcing his wife, Helen.

   Though the farm is gone, the house is still in place. The property also includes a large barn, as well as, a garage. Today, the over-5,000 square foot home has been renovated with modern-day conveniences, including a gourmet kitchen with cherry wood cabinets, a spacious sunroom, and cheerful living areas with exposed beams, stately Rumford fireplaces, and built-in cabinetry. The Sultan of Swat would recognize original features  intact. For example, the living room floor contain burn marks from Ruth’s cigar ashes.

   The property is being offered for $1.65 million. The listing is found on www.realtor.com, and the agent is Scott Adamson of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Now’s the time to get in on this piece of history!

Manny P. here…

   My visit on 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”

Manny P. here…

   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 is named on behalf of legendary composers – George and Ira Gershwin.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   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 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 event taking place on Thursday, May 10th:

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   George Lindsey (right), whose alter-ego, Goober, was synonymous with humor from the South, has died. He played the dimwitted gas-station attendant on The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry R.F.D., and later, a derivative of the character on Hee-Haw. Lindsey had replaced Jim Nabors, when the actor was given a television spin-off based on his character, Gomer Pyle.

   George Lindsey became a Broadway actor after trying out teaching in his native Jasper, Alabama. He co-starred in popular musicals, All American and Wonderful Town. In films, he was cast in Ensign Pulver, Cannonball Run II, and Take This Job and Shove It. Ernest Borgnine and Ray Stevens were his pals.

   But, television would define Lindsey’s career. He had guest roles on The Rifleman, Voyage To the Bottom of the Sea, The Wonderful World of Disney, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, The Real McCoys, Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, Love American Style, CHiPS, M.A.S.H., and NewsRadio. He additionally appeared in several episodes of Gunsmoke.

   Goober Pyle was an everyman who thought he had some sort of talent. The character was a reliable foil to the comedy provided by Don Knotts. An awful impression of Cary Grant was also priceless (Judy, Judy, Judy…). Over the years, George kept in contact with Andy Griffith.

   In reality, Lindsey was nothing like Goober. He annually raised money for a regional Special Olympics and University of North Alabama academic scholarships. Each year, the George Lindsey/UNA Film Festival took place in the Spring, which honored young filmmakers. He was the 1997 recipient of the Minnie Pearl Lifetime Achievement Award, and received the first ICON Award presented by the Nashville Associations of Talent Directors in 2007.

   Let’s take a moment to remember a gas station just outside of Mayberry, on your way to the fictional city of Mount Pyle, North Carolina. George Lindsey was 83.

   Until next time>                            “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The USA Book News is currently in the process of reviewing entries for their National Best Books 2012 Awards. In 2009, this was the competition 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 also 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”

Manny P. here…

   In a rare move, the City of Los Angeles is honoring one of the most prized family-comedies of Television’s Golden Age. Here are the details from a press release:

BY OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION…

THE CITY COUNCIL OF LOS ANGELES HAS DECLARED MAY 16, 2012 – “MY THREE SONS DAY” in LOS ANGELES.

Los Angeles Honors and Celebrates the Show and Cast of Television’s Second Longest Running Situation Comedy Series, “MY THREE SONS”.

OFFICIAL CEREMONY: at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 (PDT) at City Hall in Los Angeles.

   This family-friendly show had wonderful stars that also shined in motion pictures, including Fred MacMurray (Double Indemnity, The Egg and I, The Caine Mutiny, The Apartment), William Frawley (Gentleman Jim, The Farmer’s Daughter, Miracle on 34th Street), and William Demarest (Sullivan’s Travels, The Jolson Story, It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World).

   Later, during its long run, Beverly Garland joined the talented cast. I’m proud that the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series is in the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn – Bev’s Boutique in North Hollywood. And, congratulations to one of my favorite television programs, while I was growing up… My Three Sons (1960-1972).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   LITFEST is my first major Book Fair of the season, and an initial chance to debut Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. This opportunity is courtesy of the gracious invitation by The Flintridge Bookstore and Coffee Shop. I’ll be autographing copies of my work at their booth from noon until 3p.

   LITFEST is taking place at Central Park in Pasadena next Saturday. This all-day event features family-friendly fun, panel discussions, book-readings, kid’s activities, food, and lots of expected sunshine.

   Pasadena’s Central Park is located at 275 Raymond Ave., just south of Old Pasadena in the San Gabriel Valley. If you love books, get ready to enjoy a gorgeous day. I hope you will stop by the First Annual LITFEST on Saturday, May 12th (9:30a-5p). I’ll be there to welcome you!

   Here’s a link to LITFEST Pasadena’s official website with all of the complete details:

http://litfestpasadena.org/

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   An online location is now carrying SON OF FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD FORGOTTEN HISTORY. Many copies of my first work were sold through TOWER BOOKS. Here’s the link to a great business partner:

 http://www.tower.com/son-forgotten-hollywood-history-manny-pacheco-paperback/wapi/122233182

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Patricia Medina, a popular leading lady during the Studio Era, has died. Her private life was filled with a remarkable lack of personal drama. The half-Spaniard / British-born actress also  appeared in dozens of movies in a career spanning three decades.

   Her leading men were diverse, and they included Louis Hayward, Alan Ladd, Glenn Ford, Donald O’Connor, The Three Stooges, and Abbott & Costello. While working with the Orson Welles Mercury Players, she met Joseph Cotten. After courting her for nearly a decade, the couple eventually married in 1960. The wedding was held at the home of David O. Selznick and Jennifer Jones. They  remained together until his death in 1994.

     On television, Patricia appeared in episodes of Bonanza, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Perry Mason, Have Gun Will Travel, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. She toured on Broadway with her hubby in a series of popular mysteries. In 1998, Medina wrote her memoirs, Laid Back in Hollywood: Remembering.

PATRICIA MEDINA / RICHARD DENNING  

   The affable Patricia Medina was 92.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   News organization Reuters has filed a report about a finalized deal involving Microsoft and Barnes & Noble. On Monday, they reported:

Microsoft Corp has agreed to invest $300 million in Barnes & Noble Inc’s Nook digital-book business and college texts, in a deal that helps establish the value of the popular Nook business while giving Microsoft a foothold in the eBook market.

Shares of Barnes & Noble nearly doubled in premarket trading after the deal was announced. The agreement values the Nook and textbook business at $1.7 billion.

   The agreement is a real game-changer with regards to the ongoing competition between the sales of literary downloads on Amazon Kindle vs. B&N Nook. One example of the vast impact the on-line conglomerate will have, according to Reuters:

Microsoft and Barnes & Noble will introduce an application for the Nook on Windows 8, the upcoming version of Microsoft’s operating system.

   This is a fascinating development for a singular author who has his initial work available in the Nook format… which I do (Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History).

(Reuters news correspondent Phil Wahba contributed textual information on this blog story)

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   Universities are using their facilities to engage students in reference to Hollywood’s Golden Age. Exhibits, classes, and screenings will be presented as part of an expansive curriculum related to the Humanities. Based on my research, this is what I’ve discovered:

* UCLA CENTER FOR NEAR EASTERN STUDIES – The Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. is presenting a two-weekend cinema-related tribute to North Africa. Admission is FREE!

   On Sunday, May 31st, 7p: Under Two Flags. The 20th Century Fox production included Ronald Colman, Claudette Colbert, Victor McLaglen, and Rosalind Russell.

   On Saturday, June 6th, 7:30p (double-bill): Casablanca and Sahara; Humphrey Bogart classics.

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* BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE – Hollywood in the Mirror is a four-Wednesday course in May that takes a look at the history, culture, and mythology of the movie business by examining films made about Hollywood during the industry’s studio era. Motion pictures manage to (both) mock and glorify its heritage.

   Films discussed: Show People (1928), A Star is Born (1937), and Sunset Blvd. (1950).  Class will be held at the Multimedia Room, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

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* UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN / HARRY RANSOM CENTER – Located at 300 W. 21st St. in Austin, this film collection provides research opportunities for scholars studying popular culture, textual criticism, and film history. The vast display includes more than 10,000 scripts for movies, television, and radio; more than 15,000 posters, lobby cards, and other advertising materials; and over a million photographs, makeup and wardrobe stills, and behind-the-scenes photos. Virtually all of the collection include memos, correspondence, and production / business records. The bulk of the material involves mainstream filmmaking from the Silent Era through Hollywood’s Golden Age (1930-1950), and beyond.

   Private artifacts have been donated for use from the archives of the personal estates of  David O. Selznick, Gloria Swanson, director Ernest Lehman, Robert DeNiro, Mike Wallace, and  actor Zachary Scott.

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   Nationwide educational campuses are seeing the value of our cherished cinematic history!

Until next time>                               “never forget”