Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

   Patty Andrews, the lead singer of the Andrews Sisters, has passed away. The Andrews Sisters were the most popular singing group of the Swing Era, surpassed in record sales by only Bing Crosby in the 1940s. THE ANDREWS SISTERS (Patty in center)

   As I noted on my Forgotten Hollywood program, recently:

Throughout their long career, the sibling team sold well over 75 million records. When they burst upon the music scene in the late 1930s, it shook a very solid musical foundation. They produced a slick harmonic blend, singing at the top of their lungs, while trying – successfully – to emulate the blare of three harmonizing trumpets, with a full big-band playing in concert. The girls were a tour de force.

   Born in Minnesota, the sisters began touring in vaudeville with Ted Mack. By 1937, Sammy Cahn was writing lyrics for them, and a first big radio hit was Bei Mir Bist Du Schon. Universal Pictures signed the trio on the suggestion of the Ritz Brothers. Maxene, Patty, and Laverne appeared in seventeen motion pictures, including Buck Privates with  Abbott and Costello. Their hits included Chatanooga Choo Choo, Three Little Sisters, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B, and Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.

   During World War II, the girls entertained the Allied forces, extensively visiting Army, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard bases, war zones, hospitals, and munitions factories. They encouraged our citizenry to purchase war bonds. They also helped Bette Davis and John Garfield create the famous Hollywood Canteen.

   The Andrews Sisters became the best-selling female vocal group in pop music history, setting records that remain unsurpassed to this day. Only, the Supremes even come close. Their songs and harmonies are still influential, and they have spirited fine entertainers as Bette Midler and Christina Aguilera.

   After the death of Laverne in 1967, Patty embarked on a solo career. Maxene died in 1995. The Andrews Sisters remain as big in music sales as Elvis and the Beatles.

   Patty Andrews was 94.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Orange County Breeze is a Southern California daily newspaper and news website devoted to local and current events. Shelley Henderson of the Breeze has written a wonderful story promoting my INDIEGOGO campaign to raise funds for our upcoming development of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Documentary Pilot.

   Here’s a link to this gracious story:

http://www.oc-breeze.com/2013/01/26/27399_local-author-raising-funds-for-hollywood-documentary/

——————————————————————–

   I’d like to offer my heartfelt thanks to folks who just made a contribution to our INDIEGOGO funding campaign: Renee Frank of Huntington Beach ($20); Cheryl Christensen of Garden Grove ($17); Robert Burson of Cerritos ($10); Richard Madden of Lakewood ($5); and Debbie Baker of Westminster ($5).

   Renee and Cheryl are a waitress and bartender at Westminster Lanes;  Robert works for a local college; Richard is a forklift operator; and Debbie is disabled, so she is now retired. Deb mentioned to me that this project is close to her heart. My team agrees… The support from these fine indivduals is very much appreciated!

   If you might like to participate in this cinematic venture that focuses on Hollywood’s influence on the subject of Disability, here’s the link:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

Until next time>                               “never forget” 

Manny P. here…

   The 17th Annual Kansas Silent Film Festival is a great way to watch fabulous cinema from the Silent Era for FREE. This event will be held at the White Concert Hall, nestled at Washburn University in Topeka.

   Enjoy forgotten early works of Laurel & Hardy, Buster Keaton, Fatty Arbuckle, Mabel Normand, Mary Pickford, Broncho Billy, William S. Hart, Edgar Kennedy, and Douglas Fairbanks. Each production will feature a live orchestra to accompany the on-screen festivities. Film historian Denise Morrison will host each collection of two-reelers and movies.

   Taking place on February 22nd and 23rd, the 2013 weekend fest will spotlight a number of short classic Keystone comedies. During a special dinner, filmmaker Paul Gierucki will introduce clips from his documentary, 100 Years / 100 Films by Mack Sennett, many of which aired on Turner Classic Movies in the Fall of 2012. The Saturday evening buffet will cost $30 per person. Those interested in attending can make a reservation by mail: KSFF Cinema Dinner, P.O. Box 2032, Topeka, KS 66601-2032.

   This year’s KSFF is teaming with the non-profit Harvesters.org. You can donate canned goods to help feed the hungry in NE Kansas and SW Missouri. A collection box will be located in the lobby of the theater.

   For further details on the KSFF Festival, visit:

http://www.kssilentfilmfest.org/kssff2013/program.html

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Wall Street Journal reports that Barnes & Noble is planning to close 30% of their stores over the next decade. A closure rate of 20-stores-per-year is planned. About, 400 to 500 of the B&N stores are expected survive the purge.

   The Journal notes, as recently as the 1990s, B&N was known as a carnivorous competitor with the power to wipe out independent bookstores with its steeply discounted product and sprawling aisles, where customers could sip coffee and read in plush chairs. Over the past 15 years, rapid technological change has transformed the company from a dominant retailing force that left smaller booksellers quaking in fear to a struggling giant grasping for a plan to ensure its long-term relevance to the publishing industry.

   Until 2009, B&N was opening at least 30 locations annually. But the shift to digital has reduced the demand for bricks-and-mortar outlets. The demise of Borders boosted the literary chain in 2011, but seasonal sales this year were down almost 11% at bookstores and online. Even eBooks are struggling, with Nook holiday sales down from a year before.

   Metaphorically, building don’t have a 13th floor; book shops hate Chapter 11!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The actors union that I have belonged to since 1982 is inviting you to tune in this Sunday. Here are the details…

   Below is a previous Blog I wrote featuring my SAG Award 2012 motion picture ballot picks; plus my official TOP 10 movies of the year.

—————————————————–

   My pal, Horror genre expert Scott Essman, has an exciting announcement for fans of classic films in the Southern California area:

My long planned KING KONG 80th Anniversary Screening and Event has a confirmed date — SUNDAY MARCH 24, 2013 at the beautiful Pomona Fox Theater.

Manny P. here…

   Three weeks have passed in the Indiegogo funding campaign for our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD  Documentary Pilot (Development), and we have garnered great strides because of generous folks, and now, businesses who believe in quality cable television. For complete information… click on the Indiegogo link:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ GRANADA PAVILION ($500) – In Granada Hills,  this multi-purpose facility provides all sorts of fine  events, including Bingo on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings; and Ballroom Dancing on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month. Other weekly activities, such as Red Cross Blood Drives and Jazzercise, make this a perfect location in Southern California to hold a variety of special events. Here’s a link for more info:

http://www.granadapavilion.com/

   An early supporter of the Forgotten Hollywood franchise, it’s our plan to use the Granada Pavilion for a first-person interview footage shoot because of its fabulous and spacious rooms. What a tremendous contribution!

~ TONY CHRISTINA ($50) – A retired school teacher, and an avid lover of Volkswagon cars, buses, and related vehicles, Tony is still quite active. Each year, he’s the contest coordinator of the largest  Elvis karaoke contest; aptly called Creme de la King. The finals are held at the Los Angeles County Fair, as part of KaraokeFest. And, he’s the proud owner of the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.

   Each Wednesday afternoon, Tony hosts a trivia contest at Mr. B’s in Los Alamitos, a sport’s bar where you can purchase copies of the paperbacks.

~ MICHAEL ODEN / JENNIFER D. SMITH ($50) – Michael is a computer technical support specialist. Jenn is a teacher, and a Zumba enthusiast. Huntington Beach residents, they spend their leisure time singing karaoke.

PROMOTIONS / LINKS

   Thank you to the following folks who are helping me promote the FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Documentary Pilot on their social network sites:

Broadcaster Mark Mauer  ~  Author Jennifer Kathleen  ~  Teacher Jennifer D. Smith  Screenwriter Geno Scala

* * * * *

   During the 2013 campaign, I’m asking my friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach a 120-day goal of $5000. We’re currently at an amazing 16% because of 10 wonderful contributions.

   YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step will ensure Development, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

   Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for your chance to participate:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I’m giddy about your official future consideration… And, a big THANKS to our latest round of contributors and supporters (above).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

  The terracotta-colored Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s favorite concert venues. While it remains most famous for classical music , it also holds rock and pop concerts, sports events, and award ceremonies. Now, you can add Hollywood’s Golden Age themed events.

   The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Singin’ in the Rain by performing the iconic soundtrack while the re-mastered musical is played on the big screen. The score includes songs like Make ’em Laugh, Moses Supposes, and the classic title track. Singing’ in the Rain will screen on March 8th at 7:30p.

   The Royal Albert Hall commemorates the death of Prince Albert in 1861. Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone in 1867, and opened four years later. It’s located is in Kensington.

   Meanwhile, a live version of Singin’ in the Rain is at The Palace  Theatre in London’s West End. This location is well known for theatrical productions, including the longest running play in the history of modern theatre… Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. Currently, one can catch Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, The Lion King, Wicked, and Jersey Boys, among others, along the West End.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   As President Obama was sworn in for his Second Term as Commander-In-Chief, Gary Lycan, the radio columnist of the Orange County Register, made me aware of an amusing historical connection with Hollywood. This had to do with a comparison made with the inauguration of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

   On January 19th, 1953, a record 71.7% of televisions in the US – more than the First Term swearing-in of President Eisenhower the following day – tuned in for the birth of Little Ricky on I Love Lucy. To increase publicity of this episode, the original air-date was chosen to coincide with Lucille Ball’s real-life delivery of Desi Jr. by caesarean section. Happy 60th birthday to Little Ricky!

   At last evening’s Inaugural Balls, the re-elected team of President Obama, Vice President Biden, and their wives were serenaded by Oscar winners: Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls); and Jamie Foxx (Ray). They sang Let’s Stay Together and I Can’t Stop Loving You. By the way, after the inauguration of President James Madison in 1809, the tradition of the Inaugural Ball was started.

                                JENNIFER HUDSON             JAMIE FOXX

   Winning an Academy Award and an election has consequences…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   For the fourth straight year, here’s my ballot for this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards. I consider 2012 a mixed year of cinema. And, several folks and films in most of the categories should be considered for specific awards. Let me explain:

   OUTSTANDING MALE:  Daniel Day Lewis (Lincoln)

   This is a clear selection. Lewis embodies Abraham Lincoln with humanity; a certain degree of duplicitous frailties; and with a smaller-than-life depiction. The final tumultuous weeks of our 16th President’s iconic career as a politician is a stunning revelation under Steven Spielberg’s able direction.

   OUTSTANDING FEMALE:  Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty)

   The film has a docudrama feel to it. Wonderfully directed, and Jessica Chastain is in almost every scene. Considering it runs 2 1/2 hours, it’s a strong performance. She underplays her role, responding to the testosterone that fills the screen. The only flaw to this movie is it lacks a dramatic soul; no hand-wringing while sitting in the theatre. But technically, the film is a modern epic. This is a close call, because I also loved Naomi Watts in The Impossible.

   OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING MALE:  Alan Arkin (Argo)

Manny P. here…

   Thanks to the Orange County Branch membership of the California Writer’s Club, and a few timely eBook purchases, Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History (my first work in the series), can NOW be found in the hands of 2700 readers. In its Second Printing, the paperback still finds an interested market of folks who love Hollywood and American history.

   My wife Laurie and I had a great time yesterday with the members of the writer’s club at  their monthly meeting held at the Orange Public Library & History Center. I was the guest speaker, and we had a lively discussion on the topic of Self-Publishing your literary material. Board member Allene Symons recently made a contribution to our INDIEGOGO campaign to raise money for development of the Forgotten Hollywood Documentary (Pilot).

By the way, if you would like further information and/or care to make a generous contribution (of any amount), please click on the following link:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   The eBooks were sold on Nook through Barnes & Noble; and on Apple iPad with iBooks.

   ———————————————————————

   I want to personally thank the LATINO AUTHOR website. They have a new section called The Voice. It’s a page devoted to the current words from stories written by the top natiowide Latino scribes. They have included a link to a blog story I recently wrote (below) entitled: Evolution of the Modern Screenwriter.

   Among the featured authors: Kathleen de Azevedo, Paulina Rael Jaramillo, Laura Lacámara, Maria de Lourdes Victoria, and Corina Martinez Chaudhry, among others.

   For the complete collection of stories on The Voice, here’s a link to this fabulous online site:

http://www.thelatinoauthor.com/voice/

Until next time>                                “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   A word from our sponsors…

Orange County Branch of California Writers Club

Celebrating over 100 Years of Literary History

Meets second Saturdays of every month at
The Orange Public Library & History Center
407 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA

from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m.

January 19th (3rd Saturday, this month only)

Members $3, Non-members $8 (CASH ONLY, PLEASE)

January Speaker – MANNY PACHECO

Award-winning author of Forgotten Hollywood Book Series, and radio personality, will discuss “Self-publishing Techniques that Work.”

Manny P. here…

   Conrad Bain was a situation comedy-stalwart on television for three decades. He is best remembered for playing Philip Drummond on Diff’rent Strokes, a father to a pioneering Modern Family… He also reprised his character on The Facts of Life and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The Canadian actor also had a starring role on Maude.                                                                  CONRAD BAIN ———->

   Bain studied in New York at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and his classmates included Charles Durning and comedian Don Rickles. He became a naturalized citizen of the US in 1946. His hard work led to steady casting in Broadway shows. His theatre credits include a revival of The Iceman Cometh, Candide, Advise and Consent, and On Borrowed Time. In the early 1960s, Bain was one of the principal organizers of the Actors Federal Credit Union, which met with great enthusiasm among his peers at Actors’ Equity. He served as the Credit Union’s first president.

<- Conrad Bain had a brief career in cinema. He had roles in Star!, Madigan, I Never Sang For My Father, Coogan’s Bluff, Lovers and Other Strangers, Bananas, The Anderson Tapes, and Postcards From the Edge.

   In addition to Maude and Diff’rent Strokes, he guest-starred in The Defenders, The Edge of Night, The Waverly Wonders, four episodes of Dark Shadows, and The Love Boat.

   Conrad Bain died of natural causes. He was 89.

———————————————————–

   The woman who created the Dear Abby column has died. Abigail Van Buren was the pen name for Pauline Phillips who wrote her advice column and hosted a radio show since 1956. Her twin sister was columnist Ann Landers. Her chosen first name was from the Bible’s Old Testament for Abigail, the widow of Nabel; who later married King David. Her last name was inspired by the eighth president, Martin Van Buren.

    Phillips began her career at the San Francisco Chronicle, and eventually, she authored six books.  The Dear Abby Show aired on the CBS Radio Network for over twelve years. She was an honorary member of Women in Communications, American College of Psychiatrists, and the National Council of Jewish Women.

    In 2002, after Landers died, Van Buren was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter Jeanne assumed all the writing responsibilities of Dear Abby, which she had co-written with her mother since 1987.

   Pauline Phillips was 94.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   After almost 2 weeks, the Indiegogo funding campaign for our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD  Documentary Pilot (Development) is taking off because of folks who truly believe in the project. For complete information… click on the Indiegogo link:

 http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

CONTRIBUTIONS

~ Geno Scala ($50) – Geno Scala is a multi award-winning screenwriter and owner of Shark-Eating Man Productions, with offices in Beverly Hills and Alabama. The company is dedicated to the creation of feature films, two-reelers, television, and stage productions. Geno is totally committed to family-friendly cinematic faire, and he is promoting our campaign in his social network.

~ Deborah Kafka-Hirsch ($25) – Debbie Kafka-Hirsch is a friend and  former classmate of mine from Van Nuys High School. She is a healthcare professional with business administration expertise. She has also created innovative curriculum targeted at patients, physicians, para-professionals, and college students. Her focus is on a patient-care ecosystem resulting in satisfaction driven by high quality outcomes. Debbie is certified from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

~ Kat Romo ($10) – A former student at the Academy of Radio and Television, Kat Romo is an aspiring broadcast announcer. She currently dabbles on several internet radio programs. I also want to thank Kat for  linking the FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD Documentary Pilot campaign on her Facebook page.

* * * * *

   Throughout this 2013 campaign, I’m asking my friends, family, and supporters of our FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD franchise to help us reach a 120-day goal of $5000. We are currently at 4%. YOU can contribute ANY AMOUNT. This step will ensure Develpment, and we’ll be able to:

1. Hire a research archivist to track down footage and photos; and secure licensing
2. Hire a consultant / casting director to book actors and behind-the-scenes folks from Hollywood’s Golden Age; plus cinematic historians for original interviews
3. Set up a production shoot to tape these candid moments

Again, here’s the Indiegogo link for your chance to participate:

http://www.indiegogo.com/forgottenhollywoodseries/x/1999460

   I appreciate your official future consideration… And, THANKS to our new contributors and supporters (above).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Hollywood Museum and co-sponsor The Hollywood Reporter have debuted Loretta Young: Hollywood Legend, the most comprehensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia ever assembled, to mark the 100^th anniversary of the life of the durable actress. Young’s longevity spanned over seven decades – beginning as a child ingénue during the Silent Era of motion pictures; attaining star status as a romantic leading lady during Hollywood’s Golden Age; and onto television as the host of her own popular dramatic series, The Loretta Young Show, on NBC. She won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in the 1947 film The Farmer’s Daughter.

      According to their press release, the exhibit includes:

1. Awards – A complete collection of her accolades
2. Costumes – Garments from her 20th Century Fox films
3. Movie Star Make-up – She was the first Max Factor Girl. A dressing table highlighted by photos of Loretta Young with Max Factor will compliment his signature line of make-up designed for his famous brunettes
4. Hollywood History – An international collection of movie posters and items gathered from around the world, and in four languages
5. Humanitarian – Tributes for Miss Young’s Catholic and charity work
6. Behind the Scenes – Home movies, plus photos and memorabilia provides a private look at Miss Young’s life and career

   And, Jean Louis, Academy Award-winning Hollywood costume designer and Loretta Young’s husband, is featured in an exclusive glamorous costume display.  Mr. Louis was the designer for many mega stars including Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Betty Grable, Doris Day, Julie Andrews and Marilyn Monroe.

   The Hollywood Museum is in the Max Factor Building, located at 1660 N. Highland Ave. at Hollywood Blvd.

   For complete information, click on the Hollywood Museum website link:

http://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com/loretta-young-hollywood-legend

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

   On February 12th, Timeless Media Group will release the The Loretta Young Show: Best of The Complete Series – 100^th Birthday Edition. It highlights a number of episodes never before on DVD and loaded with bonus features, including an interview with Young’s children, rare family home movies and a featurette of Young discussing her storied career. This 17-DVD box set is a must-have for fans of Golden Age Television and classic Hollywood aficionados.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

   The Forgotten Hollywood Book Series have found a new home in Seneca Falls, New York. The hamlet is located Western Upstate New York. Some believe that Seneca Falls may have been the inspiration for the fictional town of Bedford Falls portrayed in Frank Capra’s 1946 classic film It’s a Wonderful Life.

   In that spirit, the Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum has just ordered Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History and Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History for their really quaint book shop. Many of the character actors featured in my paperbacks are in the motion picture, including Thomas Mitchell (with James Stewart) –> Lionel Barrymore, Ward Bond, Gloria Grahame, and Beulah Bondi.

   As I previously reported, the museum opened in the Winter of 2010. The ribbon-cutting event was attended by Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu in the movie. The location is free to the public during the week, and  displays exhibitions of film posters, photographs, magazine covers, and memorabilia.

   Seneca Falls annually decorates its Main Street with holiday lights and wreaths, and resembles the fictional town. Though, Frank Capra never acknowledged the societal homage, he often visited an aunt in nearby Auburn. Characters in the flick also refer to cities close to the hamlet (Elmira & Rochester).

   The Seneca Falls It’s a Wonderful Life Museum is open year-round. It’s at 32 Fall St.,  you can visit Tuesday-Saturday, 11a–4p. Each day, an It’s a Wonderful Walking Tour takes place.

   It’s nice to see that my guardian angel Clarence is officially watching over my Book Series…

——————————————————————-

   I’m spending a lot of time this weekend on the radio on AM 15-10 Financial News and Talk. My Forgotten Hollywood program will air today at 3p (pst). We’re spending an hour exploring the work of Michael Feinstein, the official ambassador of The Great American Songbook. This wonderful partnership with the Library of Congress is combing the nation to retrieve the lost compositions of the Gershwins, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, etc.

                                           MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

   I’m also a Sunday guest on Close Up, a public affairs show. We’ll be chatting about this year’s film-award season, including the Golden Globes; and last Thursday’s announcement of the Academy Awards nominations. The interview will air twice – 6a and 6p (pst).

   Here’s a link to listen if you live outside the Southern California broadcast area, and if you love the motion picture industry (past and present):

http://radio.securenetsystems.net/v4/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KSPA

Until next time>                               “never forget”