“Forgotten Hollywood”- Two From the Industry are Gone…

July 31st, 2014

Manny P. here…

   Hollywood has lost two major talents from its Golden Age…

imagegen~ DICK SMITH – Dick was a pioneering special effects make-up artist (nicknamed The Godfather of Make-Up)  known for his efforts on such films as Little Big Man, The Exorcist, Taxi Driver, The Godfather, The Stepford Wives, and Midnight Cowboy. He won a 1985 Oscar for Makeup for his fine work on Amadeus, plus, received an honorary Academy Award for his career’s work in 2012.    DICK SMITH —->

   On television, Smith provided special make-up for two episodes of the vampire soap opera, Dark Shadows. He published an instructional book, Dick Smith’s Do-It-Yourself Monster Make-up Handbook, from a special edition of Forrest J. Ackerman’s Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine series.

   Dick Smith was 92.

James_Shigeta_1968~ JAMES SHIGETA – Shigeta played the lead in the musical Flower Drum Song, particularly memorable in Midway, and he had a role in the first Die Hard. Shigeta provided a voice for the Disney animated  Mulan. He was also a Standards singer for musical theater, nightclub performer, and recording artist.

   Born in Hawaii, he gained national fame as a singer when he won the grand prize in the televised talent show, The Original Amateur Hour. He appeared in episodes of Naked City, The Outer Limits, Dr. Kildare, Perry Mason, Ben Casey, Mission: Impossible, Hawaii 5-0, I SpyLittle House on the Prairie, Fantasy Island, Ironside, It Takes a Thief, Magnum P.I., and The Streets of San Francisco. He also had a recurring role on Medical Center.                   JAMES SHIGETA

    James Shigeta was 85.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Gable Foundation Celebrates GWTW

July 28th, 2014

Manny Pacheco…

The Clark Gable Foundation in Cadiz, Ohio is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Gone with the Wind. The special screening will take place on the campus of Kent State University. Here are the details:

gableheader

Gone with the Wind

   The Clark Gable Foundation is located at 138 Charleston St. in Cadiz, Ohio.

————————————————-

txtr_logo_web_92x70px

Forgotten Hollywood cover   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History eBook can now be found on txtr, a leading provider of eReading solutions with clients in Europe, North America and South East Asia. Their products and services encompasses a catalog of over a million titles in ePub and PDF formats, as well as, a cloud-based reading service for smartphones, tablets, eReaders, and PCs.

   txtr recently launched Beagle, a companion eInk reader for smartphones. The company was founded in 2008, and privately funded. 3M New Ventures has been a strategic investor in txtr since June 2011.

Here is a link to order the eReader:

https://us.txtr.com/catalog/document/rfego89/forgotten-hollywood-forgotten-history–manny-pacheco/#share

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Hal Roach Retrospective in Full Swing

July 27th, 2014

Manny P. here…   The Hollywood Museum has unveiled its new exhibit, 100 Years of Hal Roach Studios: Laurel & Hardy, ‘Our Gang’ and Harold Lloyd in distinct honor of the Hollywood icon’s centennial, open to the public through August 31st.  The fun exhibit contains authentic photos, costumes and props from the rich history of Hal Roach Studios and the legendary talents that emanated from there in the early 1900’s.

   Sons of the Desert, the official International Laurel & Hardy Society, is co-sponsoring the exhibition in the heart of Hollywood. Laurel and Hardy were solo performers who were cast separately in silent films, but within a year after they were fortuitously paired together at the Hal Roach Studios in 1926

   Hal Roach’s life was colorful, as anything ever portrayed on film. In addition to Laurel and Hardy, Hal Roach Studios brought to fame such actors as Harold Lloyd, the Our Gang tots (better known as The Little Rascals or Hal Roach’s Rascals), bombshell actress Thelma Todd, Zasu Pitts, and Charley Chase. Other performers who graduated from Roach comedies on the path to stardom were such actors as Jean Harlow, Janet Gaynor, Fay Wray, Paulette Goddard, Jean Arthur, and Boris Karloff.

   Roach’s powerful film of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men was possibly his masterwork and One Million B.C. was notable for his collaboration with D.W. Griffith. John Wayne, Buster Keaton and John Ford were among the many big name stars and directors who worked on Roach television shows.

   Objects pertaining to Hal Roach include his honorary 1984 Oscar and a Hal Roach Studios camera, while Harold Lloyd items include a makeup case, glasses, and rare film posters and photos. Additional Laurel & Hardy ephemeras consist of film posters, photographs, scripts, sheet music, scrapbooks, personal photos and letters, and Al Hirschfield-designed window cards.

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

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Exploring the Habitat of Marilyn…

July 24th, 2014

Manny P. here…

   Marilyn Monroe, the most legendary of all movie stars, was born, raised, lived, and died right in Los Angeles. Her high profile has brought about countless books, movies, and articles about her life—many of these feature information that is skewed, stretched, exaggerated, or flat-out wrong. Marilyn’s Hollywood is the definitive tour of her life and will clear up a lot of the bogus stories circulating in the media.

   Often times, people like to focus on specific aspects of her personality, usually choosing to portray her in ways that support some sort of agenda. She’s seen as a sex symbol, a tragedy, a goddess, an angel, a child-woman, a lost waif, a victim—you name it. In reality, she was a smart, tenacious, sensitive, and complex woman who deserves a comprehensive look at her life. This Marilyn tour is the result of years of research and a labor of love. Chances are you’ll like the real Marilyn once you get to know her.

MHLozRezColorComp2-1-300x204

   You’ll see: 424px-Marilyn_Monroe_-_publicity

  • the orphanage where she dreamed of becoming a star
  • the former beauty salon where she first became a blonde
  • the restaurant where she met Yankee Joe DiMaggio on a blind date
  • the nightclub where she stood up for civil rights
  • the house (well, the gate anyway) where she passed into eternity
  • learn about the people who shaped Marilyn’s life and places that inspired her

   Marilyn’s Hollywood takes place in a comfortable mini coach. You will be getting out at various stops for photo opportunities; remember to bring a camera. The next Marilyn tour is Saturday, August 2nd at noon. (Check in time is at 11:30a)

   Tickets for the standard Marilyn’s Hollywood tour cost $60. Please note there will be a small service fee when you purchase tickets. LA Woman Tours uses Brown Paper Tickets. They are fast, user friendly and have great customer service. In honor of her love for children, a portion of Marilyn Monroe tour proceeds goes to Hollyygrove, the same children’s home that housed Marilyn in the mid-1930s.

   For more information, click on the link below:

http://lawomantours.com/tours/marilynshollywood/

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Batman Celebrates a Birthday…

July 22nd, 2014

Manny P. here…

   Here is a press release from the home office about Batman’s special day:

GalleryBatman75_1900x900_BM75logo_alt3_53333f20c52b91_45072343

In celebration of Batman’s 75th anniversary, DC Entertainment is proud to partner with thousands of comic book retailers and bookstores across the nation to celebrate Batman Day on Wednesday, July 23. As part of the festivities, fans who visit participating retailers receive a free, special edition of DETECTIVE COMICS #27, featuring a reimagining of Batman’s 1939 comic book debut, designed by Chip Kidd with a script by the New York Times #1 bestselling author Brad Meltzer.

In addition to the comic book, DC Entertainment is providing retailers access to an assortment of other collectibles to help in the celebration of Batman Day including a Batman 75th anniversary cape, bookmarks featuring essential Batman graphic novels and four Batman masks designed by comic book artist Ryan Sook, spotlighting a variety of the character’s iconic looks from his 75-year history.

Masks include:

  • DETECTIVE COMICS #27: A first appearance, as drawn by Bob Kane
  • BATMAN ’66: inspired by the classic television series starring Adam West
  • THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: As drawn by Frank Miller
  • DC COMICS – THE NEW 52: As drawn by Greg Capullo

Fans who visit comic stores on Batman Day also have the opportunity to buy ROBIN RISES: OMEGA #1, an oversized one-shot story from bestselling creators Peter J. Tomasi and Andy Kubert; and GRAYSON # 1 by Tim Seeley and Mikel Janin, which depicts the original Robin, Dick Grayson, in an all new monthly series in which the crime fighter turned super spy fights to clear his name.

Continuing the celebration, DC Entertainment is partnering with Random House to bring Batman Day to over 1,000 libraries across the US on Saturday, July 26th.

On the digital front, DETECTIVE COMICS #27 will also be available for free download on Wednesday, July 23rd at www.readdcentertainment.com and all digital platforms (Kindle, iBookstore, Nook, Google Play, and  comixology.com).

For the latest information and exclusive content celebrating Batman’s 75th anniversary, please visit www.batman75.com.

   Holy candle blower!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Loss of a Top Leading Man…

July 20th, 2014

Manny P. here… garner great escape

   James Garner was one of the first Hollywood actors to excel in both cinema and television.  He starred in a number of roles spanning a career of more than five decades. These included popular roles as Bret Maverick in the 1950s Western-comedy Maverick; and as Jim Rockford in the 1970s detective drama The Rockford Files. He starred in more than fifty films, such as The Great EscapeThe Americanization of Emily, Grand PrixVictor Victoria, and Murphy’s Romance, which he received an Academy Award nomination.

   Garner joined the United States Merchant Marine near the end of World War II. Later, he joined the National Guard, serving seven months. He then went to Korea in the regular Army, serving in the 5th Regimental Combat Team. He received two Purple Hearts for battle injuries he received.                               JAMES GARNER —->

   In 1954, a friend he had met while attending Hollywood High School, persuaded Garner to take a non-speaking role in the Broadway production of The Caine Mutiny Court Martial, where he was able to study actor Henry Fonda each evening. After several feature film performances, including Sayonara with Marlon Brando, Garner was  considered for the lead in a Warner Brothers Western series Cheyenne, but the part went to Clint Walker because the casting director couldn’t reach Garner in time.

   Only Garner and series creator Roy Huggins thought Maverick could compete with the Ed Sullivan Show and the Steve Allen Show. Production demands forced Warner Brothers, to create a Maverick brother, Bart, played by Jack Kelly. This freed Garner to venture into motion pictures with ease.

   The studio subsequently gave James lead roles in other films, such as Up Periscope and Cash McCall. The 1960s were kind to James Garner, when he was cast in  The Children’s Hour, The Thrill of it All, Move Over Darling (both with Doris Day), and Support Your Local Sheriff. In 1971, Support Your Local Gunfighter was an intriguing sequel. He remained a top box office draw during his long career, co-starring in comedy-dramas with Jack Lemmon, Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Kevin Kline, and Clint Eastwood, among others.

   In the 1970s, Roy Huggins teamed with Stephen J. Cannell to create The Rockford Files. He would win an Emmy for portraying Jim Rockford. Veteran character actor Noah Beery Jr. played his father. Since Garner performed his own stunts, the program took a heavy toll on his health, especially over the last decade.

   After the series ended, Garner returned to playing Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford various times throughout his later career. In 2011, the PBS television documentary series Pioneers of Television, which briefly profiled Garner’s contribution to the television series Maverick and other Westerns, illustrated with film clips, rare stills, and interviews with Garner and Cannell. A  ten-foot bronze statue of Garner as Bret Maverick was recently unveiled in his hometown of Norman, Oklahoma, with the iconic actor present at the ceremony. He also received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild.

maverick

   Simon & Schuster published his autobiography The Garner Files: A Memoir.  It offered frank and unflattering assessments of some of his co-stars like Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson. Garner’s three-time co-star Julie Andrews wrote the book’s foreword. Lauren Bacall, Diahann Carroll, Doris Day, Tom Selleck, and Stephen J. Cannell, and many other associates, friends, and relatives provided their memories of the star in the book.

   A 12-movie tribute is expected all day on Turner Classic Movies on July 28th. And, you can enjoy his television work on The Rockford Files each weekday on MeTV, check local listings.

   The genial James Garner, who played the everyman to perfection, was 86.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Disney Billboard Sells BIG!

July 19th, 2014

Manny P. here…

   A large, colorful billboard from the 1937 release of the animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been sold at auction for $10,755. The 20-by-9-foot billboard was printed in England to promote the Disney film there. It features three scenes, the main one showing a rosy-cheeked Snow White in front of a castle in her classic outfit with bright yellow skirt, surrounded by the dwarfs and other characters from the film.

snow-white-billboard

   The private collector offering up the billboard had purchased it from a Parisian movie poster dealer who said the billboard came from a French woman who stored it in her attic. Heritage Auctions was not identifying the winning bidder. The Dallas-based auction house said the rare billboard was expected to sell for at least $10,000.

   The auction house says all but one of the panels is original – the one missing panel was recreated from an image in a rare press book for the film. They also had the entire poster backed with archival linen. Similar billboards have been destroyed, making this item a rare piece.

   Either way, the final bid was nothing to sneeze at! One of the dwarfs gave me the line…

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Passing of a Broadway Stalwart…

July 17th, 2014

Manny P. here…

   Elaine Stritch was considered a First Lady of Broadway. She appeared in numerous stage plays and musicals, feature films, and many television programs. She was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1995.

ELAINE STRITCH "AT HOME AT THE CARLYLE" Photo credit: DENISE WINTERS   Stritch trained at the Dramatic Workshop of The New School in New York City. Other students at this time included Marlon Brando and Bea Arthur. Her romances with Brando, Ben Gazzara and Gig Young were legendary. She made her professional stage debut in 1944, and her Broadway debut in the comedy Loco in 1946. She understudied Ethel Merman for Call Me Madam. Notable Broadway credits include her Tony Award nominated roles in the original production of William Inge’s 1955 play Bus Stop, and musicals by Noël Coward and Stephen Sondheim. In the 1970s, she relocated to London, starring in several West End productions.           ELAINE STRITCH ——–>

   Her early television work included the Goodyear Television Playhouse, Studio One, and guest stints on the Ed Sullivan Show. Jackie Gleason tapped her as the original Trixie Norton on the first Honeymooners sketch. She won an Emmy Award in 1993 for her guest role on Law & Order, and another in 2004 for the television documentary of her one woman stage show. From 2007 to 2012, she had a recurring role on NBC’s 30 Rock, a role that won her a third Emmy in 2008. In one big oops, she lost the opportunity to star in The Golden Girls because of a bad audition, a part that subsequently went to Bea Arthur.

   Stritch had a few motion picture roles in the 1950s and 1960s, opposite Charlton Heston and Anne Baxter in Three Violent People; Rock Hudson and Jennifer Jones in the David O. Selznick remake of A Farewell to Arms; and Sal Mineo in Who Killed Teddy Bear. She received amazing reviews in September that was directed by Woody Allen, and she was particularly memorable in Cocoon: The Return, Autumn in New YorkOut to Sea, and Monster-In-Law, later in her cinematic career.

   The dynamic Elaine Stritch was 89.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- British Books are Benched…

July 15th, 2014

Manny P. here…

   London has become a literary playground: The National Literacy Trust, along with public art promoter Wild in Art, has commissioned and placed fifty benches around town that are painted to look like pages and scenes from famous books for the whole summer, each dedicated to an iconic London-related author or character.

dr_seuss   james_bond

   The seating areas are dedicated to books, authors and characters: from Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, and Hercules Poirot to Peter Pan, William Shakespeare, and Bridget Jones. The benches will be displayed until mid-September, and then, auctioned at Southbank Centre in October.

80_days   mary_poppins

    In addition to benches, the project will include several literary-themed events, such as an attempt to break the world record for the most number of people dressed as Sherlock Holmes, right next to the Arthur Conan Doyle-inspired bench outside the University of London.

   Established in 1993, the National Literacy Trust is an independent charity dedicated to raising literacy levels in the United Kingdom. The official patron is Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall. They work to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the UK’s most disadvantaged areas via community projects and support for schools.

National-Literacy-Trust-logo   logo_WIA

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Put Up Your Dukes!

July 10th, 2014

Manny P. here…

   A legal dispute is going on between Duke University and the estate of John Wayne. Fans of the late film star will recall he went by the nickname Duke, which he garnered as a child. He preferred it to his real first name, which was Marion.

John_Wayne_-_still_portrait   Now, the actor’s estate wants to sell a Duke brand of bourbon featuring the actor’s likeness and signature on the label. Duke University filed an objection with the US Patent & Trademark Office, arguing that to prevent a tarnishing of its brand, [Duke University] does not permit the use of confusingly similar marks associated with unapproved goods or services. The school and the estate have been battling over the name for over a decade. Lawyers representing the actor’s family has now filed suit in federal court, contending it’s ludicrous to think the educational facility owns the name in all contexts for all purposes.

   The Wayne estate is attempting to use the Duke nickname as a means of into an entirely new enterprise. But, they don’t have a trademark. This is a very different scenario from the cases where companies license the use of celebrity names — for instance, with Jack Daniel’s new Sinatra Select Whiskey.   JOHN WAYNE ——>

   It’s not like Duke University has a problem with every other Duke that comes along. The estate of Duke Ellington has had zero problems with the North Carolina school (for example).

   And so it goes…

—————————————————–

3100_label   Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History has just been purchased by customer number 3100. My initial work has been placed in the hands of patrons at Larry Edmund’s Bookshop in Hollywood, which put me over the latest illustrious sale. I also made recent transactions at a recent local Rotary meeting in historic San Gabriel.

larry edmunds   rotary3wheels

   A heartfelt thanks to all my loyal readers.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Remembering a Disney Voice Actor…

July 8th, 2014

Manny P. here…

dick jones   Richard Percy Jones voiced the title character in Disney’s 1940 animated film Pinocchio. He voiced the role of the puppet who wants to be a real boy — and whose nose grows each time he tells a lie — in the classic film as a child actor. He also sang Give a Little Whistle, Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee, and I’ve Got No Strings.  RICHARD JONES ->

   He reportedly worked in Hoot Gibson’s rodeo as a trick rider and roper before moving to Los Angeles with his mom to pursue acting. His first role was in 1934’s Burn ‘Em Up Barnes. He went on to have small roles in several Westerns, in both film and television.

   Jones attended Hollywood High School, and at fifteen took over the lead of Henry Aldrich on the hit radio show The Aldrich Family. He played a 16 year old cook in Rocky Mountain starring Errol Flynn. Jones also had small parts in the Our Gang movies, as well as Babes in Toyland,  Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Knute Rockne All American, and Heaven Can Wait. His last screen credit was Requiem for a Gunfighter.

   From 1951-53, Jones played Dick West / Jimmy the Kid in 78 episodes of the small screen series The Range Rider. He also made several appearances as various characters on The Gene Autry Show, and the series Annie Oakley. He portrayed the title character in Buffalo Bill Jr.

   In 2000, Dick Jones was named one of the Disney Legends. He did promotional events for the platinum edition DVD and Blu-ray release of Pinocchio.

pinocchio

   Dick Jones was 87.

————————————————–

logo-sppl   Son of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History is now featured in a new repository. The South Pasadena Public Library was founded on September 10th, 1895, and is governed by the Library Board of Trustees whose members are appointed by the City Council.

   City Librarian Steve Fjeldsted is vastly interested in presenting a classic cinema series to local residents in their 200-seat theater. I will keep you apprised as events unfold.

   This is my latest work’s 46th branch, and the 105th overall library that carries one of my works in the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- The Hugh O’Brian Interview…

July 3rd, 2014

Manny P. here…

   I hope you will join me as we celebrate the Independence Day weekend on July 5th on the Forgotten Hollywood Radio Show. I am interviewing stage and screen legend, Hugh O’Brian. The candid conversation will air on the Financial News and Talk Network at 4p (pst).

450px-Hugh_O'Brian_Wyatt_Earp_1960<— O’Brian is best known as the legendary gunslinger in the Life and Times of Wyatt Earp, which was considered one of the first adult Westerns on television. Over the years, the 89-year old actor has worked with John Wayne, Ida Lupino, Alan Ladd, Marilyn Monroe, Spencer Tracy, Shelly Winters, Richard Widmark, Debbie Reynolds, Lauren Bacall, and Buddy Hackett, among others. He is also a life-long humanitarian, creating the HOBY Leadership, an annual youth conference that promotes wonderful values, after meeting the iconic Dr. Albert Schweitzer while visiting Africa.

   Born into a military family, O’Brian’s noted work ethic stems from his time served in the military as a member of the Marine Corps. He recently self-published his memoirs, Hugh O’Brian or What’s Left of Him through the Book Publishers Network; the same folks who have worked with me on the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series.

   If you live outside the broadcast area, you can listen to the live stream  on Saturday at 4p (pst) by clicking on the link below:

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

   The Life and Times of Wyatt Earp is on Encore Westerns weekdays at 4:45p. What a wonderful way to spend the 4th of July weekend by sharing the microphone with a true gentleman… Mr. Hugh O’Brian!

———————————————————————————————

   Actually on the 4th of July, I will be in Hollywood with copies of the Forgotten Hollywood Book Series to sign. Here are the details:

`

header

19TH INTERNATIONAL SONS OF THE DESERT CONVENTION

Loew’s Hollywood Hotel – Dealers Room

1755 N. Highland Ave., Mezzanine Level, Hollywood, CA

July 4th

Friday  10a – 6p

*** JUST ADDED ***

July 6th

Sunday 12p – 3p 

Manny with L & H

 Until next time>                              “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Dick Cavett Kicks Around Watergate!

July 2nd, 2014

Manny P. here…

   PBS is marking the 40th anniversary of President Richard Nixon’s resignation by running a documentary on the Watergate scandal as seen through the prism of Dick Cavett’s late-night talk show at the time. People with memories of Watergate remember developments unfolding on the evening news, or the gripping Senate hearings shown on daytime television, but fewer recall that Cavett’s ABC program featured appearances by an array of pivotal figures.

   From 1972 to 1974, Cavett interviewed many major Watergate figures, including Nixon aides John Ehrlichman, Alexander Haig, G. Gordon Liddy, and Jeb Magruder, as well as several members of the Senate committee investigating the case. Cavett’s show even taped a special edition from the room where the Senate hearings were held.

1682030-poster-1960-master-class-dick-cavett

DICK CAVETT

   Dick Cavett’s coverage didn’t earn him friends in high places. He’s mentioned in Nixon’s infamous White House tapes 26 times, including once when the president mused aloud in colorful language about ways the government could get back at him. Cavett later learned most members of his program’s staff had their tax returns audited. A clip of an Ehrlichman appearance shows the Nixon aide looking at Cavett with barely disguised contempt. Cavett’s low ratings at the time didn’t make him popular with ABC executives. His concentration on Watergate probably didn’t help — competitor Johnny Carson had Charo as a guest the night Cavett did his show from the Senate hearing room — but Cavett said he was shielded from most of what the network was saying about him.

   The program also shows how the passage of time changes opinions. Former Washington Post reporter Bernstein was furious when Ford pardoned Nixon, yet decades later, he sees the wisdom in that decision.

   The documentary Dick Cavett’s Watergate features fresh interviews with reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, former Nixon aide John Dean and Cavett. PBS announced it would air August 8th at 9p (EDT) — 40 years after Nixon announced to the nation he was quitting. This is a Hollywood-and-Vine moment, where entertainment and American history intersect.

—————————————————–bob hastings

    Bob Hastings portrayed the aide to Captain Binghamton (Joe Flynn), the yes-man Lieutenant Elroy Carpenter on ABC’s McHale’s Navy. Best remembered for his recurring role on the comedy, he also guest starred in multiple episodes of Sergeant Bilko, Dennis the Menace, Pete and Gladys, The Real McCoys, The Munsters, All in the Family, and General Hospital. After McHale’s Navy, Hastings was a regular on the Universal Studios lot, where the company paid actors during downtime to be on the grounds and talk to tourists.             BOB HASTINGS —->

   Hastings has also done voice work for animation and commercials, including on Beany and Ceciland the voice of Commissioner Jim Gordon in the popular Batman: The Animated Series and its various spinoffs. He was in the movie Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady and Harper Valley PTA.

   The affable Bob Hastings was 89.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Passing Parade Claims Fine Director!

July 1st, 2014

Manny P. here… Paul_new_cropped

   Paul Mazursky was a noted film director, screenwriter, and actor. Acclaimed for his dramatic comedies, he was nominated for five Academy Awards: three times for Best Original Screenplay, for Best Adapted Screenplay, and once for Best Picture for An Unmarried Woman. Other fine motion pictures include Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Harry and Tonto, Moscow on the Hudson, and Down and Out in Beverly HillsPAUL MAZURSKY ->

   Mazursky made his film debut as an actor in Stanley Kubrick’s initial feature, Fear and Desire, and later appeared as a juvenile delinquent in the 1955 flick The Blackboard Jungle. His acting career continued with television work in episodes of The Twilight Zone and The Rifleman. In addition to appearing in most of his own films, he had supporting roles in A Star Is Born, History of the World Part I, Punchlineand Carlito’s Way. He also performed the voice of the psychologist in Antz. In recent years, Mazursky had a small part in The Sopranos.

   As his acting career blossomed, Mazursky became a writer and worked on The Danny Kaye Show in 1963. He collaborated with Larry Tucker in crafting the script of the original pilot of The Monkees television series, which they both also appeared in cameos. Mazursky’s debut as a film screenplay writer was the Peter Sellers comedy I Love You, Alice B. Toklas. Other movies made by the director include the autobiographical Next Stop, Greenwich Village, Blume in LoveMoon Over Parador, and Scenes from a Mall. He also appeared as himself in a number of documentaries.

   In his autobiography Show Me the Magic, he recounts his experiences in filmmaking and with several well-known screen personalities, including Sellers. From 2011 until his passing, Mazursky also served as a film critic for Vanity Fair. Earlier this year, he received the Screen Laurel Award for lifetime achievement from Writers Guild of America. Comedian, filmmaker, and close friend Mel Brooks made the presentation.

   Paul Mazursky was 84.

Until next time>                               “never forget”