“Forgotten Hollywood”- Sam Shephard Has Died…

July 31st, 2017

Manny P here… 

“` Sam Shepard was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, an Oscar-nominated actor, and a celebrated author, whose plays chronicled the explosive fault lines of family, and masculinity in America’s West.  His Western drawl and laconic presence made him a reluctant film star.

“`The taciturn Shepard, who grew up on a California ranch, was a person of few words; however, he produced 44 plays, numerous books, memoirs, and short stories.  One of the iconic influential playwrights of any generation:  A plain-spoken poet of the modern frontier; both, lyrical and rugged.

“`He appeared in dozens of movies — many of them Westerns — including Terrence Malick’s Days of Heaven, Steel Magnolias, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert FordThe Pelican Brief and Black Hawk Down. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance as pilot Chuck Yeager in 1983’s The Right Stuff.

“`Shepard was best remembered for his influential plays, and his prominent role in the off-Broadway movement. His 1979 work, Buried Child, won a  Pulitzer for Drama. Two other plays — True West and Fool for Love — each nominated for a Pulitzer, as well, and are often revived. His early plays were fiery, surreal verbal assaults; while providing American theater a frenzied direction that compares favorably to the tumultuous 1960s. A drummer, Shepard found his own rhythm in his writings. Sam’s collection, Seven Plays, includes his best plays, such as Buried Child and The Tooth of Crime, and was dedicated to his dad.

“`Sam met Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Lange while on the set of Frances. They were together for nearly 30 years; separating in 2009.

“`Sam Shepard was 73.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Rare Italian Casablanca Poster Sold…

July 30th, 2017

Manny P. here… 

“` A truly special promo piece, the 1946 Casablanca poster (Italian 4 Fogli with Luigi Marinati artwork)  has sold for $478,000 in Dallas at a public auction of vintage movie posters. It is the only known surviving Italian issue poster.

“`Heritage Auctions estimates the price tied the record of the payment for any film poster at a public auction. This 1946 Italian poster measures 55.5 inches x 78.25 inches. The current buyer chose to stay anonymous. It was owned by a collector living in London.

“`The price equals the record amount paid in 2014 of a poster for London After Midnight, a 1927 silent movie, starring Lon Chaney. Other posters auctioned this weekend included works promoting  Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein,  Metropolis, Cavalcade, Morocco, and The Day the Earth Stood Still.

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“`Ohio authorities have reported that a gold replica of the historic lunar space module has been taken from the Armstrong Air and Space Museum. Several copies of the excursion module, created by Cartier, were given to astronauts – Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins – shortly after the 1969 historic space mission in Paris. Armstrong was the initial human to step onto the moon’s surface.

“`Police say the value of the replica cannot be determined. The FBI and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating the theft.

“`Armstrong died in 2012 at the age of 82.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Passing Parade Claims Imagineer…

July 29th, 2017

Manny P. here… 

“`Marty Sklar was a right-hand person of Walt Disney,  and central figure in the  development and expansion of company theme parks around the world. His footprint includes the original Disneyland in Southern California in 1955, to the Shanghai Disney Resort, last year, and was revered by employees as a living link to the founder.

“`Sklar was still a college student at UCLA when he was hired to create The Disneyland News for the original park, and became a full-time Disney employee the following year. For the next 54 years, he led the development and expansion of the company’s parks, and was among the first to have a Disney title of  Imagineer when he became the company’s chief creative leader for theme parks.

“`Sklar scripted speeches for Walt, along with design and marketing materials for the parks, and a film showing Disney’s vision for Walt Disney World and Epcot in Florida before they were built. He was a low-key and unimposing figure who condensed Walt Disney’s ideas into widely circulated creed called Mickey’s Ten Commandments. He had a hand in the design of memorable Magic Kingdom attractions such as The Enchanted Tiki Room, It’s a Small World, and Space Mountain. When the company re-imagined Disneyland’s Tomorrowland in 1998, he explained the company’s constant intent to forge forward.

“`Sklar retired in 2009, but was still a frequent presence and ambassador at Disney events, including the company’s D23 Expo earlier this month.

“`Marty Sklar (above) was 83.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Spielberg Documentary on HBO…

July 28th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Documentary filmmaker Susan Lacy has spent over 30 hours interviewing the finest filmmaker of our generation for Spielberg, which premieres on October 7th on HBO. Lacy expected  4 interviews with the traditionally private Steven Spielberg; but, they ended up meeting 17 times. Lacy created and produced  American Masters on PBS for decades.

“`Lacy also met with Spielberg’s parents and sister,  as well as, scores of collaborators,  including Matt Damon, Daniel Day-Lewis, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, Tom Cruise, and Martin Scorsese. The most compelling item about Spielberg to his colleagues is his knowledge and enthusiasm for the medium.  His movies often pay homage to classic filmmakers he has admired, such as William Wyler and John Ford.

“`For example, the decision to make Schindler’s List, his personal story of The Holocaust, didn’t come out of any kind of focus group. It was something he simply needed to produce. Spielberg won his first director Oscar for the 1994 film; also named Best Picture.

“`His least favorite film he made… Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. His biggest flop… 1941. And finally, Steven has given his approval after viewing the new documentary.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- A Voice Legend is Gone…

July 27th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`June Foray was an iconic voice actor, who was best known as the voice of Rocket J. Squirrel, Lucifer from Disney’s Cinderella, and Cindy Lou Who, among others. Her career encompassed radio, theatrical shorts, features, television, recorded albums  (particularly with Stan Freberg), video games, talking toys, and other media. She was often compared to her male counterpart, Mel Blanc.

“`Foray starred in her own radio series, Lady Make Believe, in the late 1930s. She became a popular voice actress, with regular appearances on coast-to-coast network programs, including Lux Radio Theater and The Jimmy Durante Show. During the 1940s, she began film work, including a few roles in live action productions; but mostly doing voiceovers for animation. She worked for Walt Disney, Walter Lantz, Chuck Jones, and Hanna-Barbera.

“`By the time television became popular, June Foray played a variety of characters on The Flinstones,  The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo, and Tom and Jerry. After Mattel hired June to voice the popular Chatty Cathy, Rod Serling cast her as Talking Tina in a teriffic episode of The Twilight Zone. A role she regrettably lost — Betty Rubble on The Flinstones, which went to Bea Benaderet.

“`For Jay Ward, Foray performed nearly every female character in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, including Natasha; and in  Fractured Flickers. June was also memorable as Ursula in the George of the Jungle cartoon program. Her voice appeared in the movie, Jaws.

“`She is credited with coming up with the notion of the Annie Awards in 1972, having noted that there had been no awards to celebrate the field of animation.  In 1988, she was awarded the  Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award. Her most lasting legacy might be a tireless campaign to get the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to include an Oscar category for Best Animated Feature, which they finally did in 2011.

“`In 2012, June finally received her first Emmy nomination, and actually won in the category of Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program  for her performance as  Mrs. Cauldron on The Garfield Show; becoming at age 94, the oldest entertainer to be nominated for, and to win, a television statuette.  In 2013, Foray was honored with a Governors Award at the 65th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

“`The legendary June Foray was 99.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Sinatra Spouse Has Died…

July 26th, 2017

Manny P. here… 

“`Barbara Sinatra was the fourth wife of legendary singer Frank Sinatra, and a prominent children’s advocate and philanthropist who raised millions to help abused youngsters. She met Francis Albert through her second husband,  Zeppo Marx; the youngest of The Marx Brothers. Barbara’s interest with Sinatra date back to her teenage years in Wichita,  when she heard him croon on the radio.                         FRANK / BARBARA SINATRA —>

“`A former model and Las Vegas showgirl, Barbara Sinatra was a prominent Palm Springs socialite,  before she wed  Ole Blue Eyes in 1976; he was 60, and she was 49.  They remained married for 22 years, until his passing at 82 in 1998. It was a most enduring union for both.  Sinatra had previously been wed to Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow.

 

“`With her husband’s support, she founded the nonprofit center in 1986 near Palm Springs, to provide therapy, and other support, to young victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center is located in Rancho Mirage, within the Eisenhower Medical Center campus, next to the Betty Ford Center. The couple played a prominent role at the children’s center. She remained active, until recently; raising capital, and dropping by to make sure all children were provided for. To date, almost 20,000 kids have been treated at the center.

“`Barbara Sinatra was 90.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Mad About the Pink…

July 25th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`I had the chance to visit Jackie Goldberg, aka the Pink Lady, recently. She is an 84-years young advocate for the causes, such as veteran’s affairs and support for age-related issues. Her work includes the creation of Senior Star Power, which highlights 60+ performers, who have appeared on screen and television. Jackie’s pals include Margaret O’Brien and George Chakiris.

“`Through the Celebrating Act 2 network, we were able to visit Jackie and she gave us a complete tour of her kitschy Pink Lady home. I also conducted a taped interview. We learn that she is an actor, author, motivational speaker, and tireless supporter of her causes.

“`Her mantra is Get up, get out, and get a life; and It ain’t over until I say it’s over!

Until next time>                              “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Pop Singers in War…

July 24th, 2017

Manny P. here… 

“`A singer of Pop Music appears in an epic war saga. I am not talking about Harry Styles from One Direction co-starring in Dunkirk. I refer to a lineage that stretches back to Hollywood’s Golden Age. Everyone from Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity, Frankie Avalon in The Alamo, Desi Arnaz in  Bataan, and Trini Lopez in The Dirty Dozen; pop music stars reach a certain demographic that adds to the bottom line potential of a production.

“`The one movie outdoing this concept was the 1962 D-Day epic tale, The Longest Day. It features an international cast, including Richard Burton, Roddy McDowall, Peter Lawford, Robert Mitchum, Rod Steiger, Jeffrey Hunter, Henry Fonda, and John Wayne. Smaller roles were also assigned to Paul Anka, Fabian Forte, and Tommy Sands.

    

 PAUL ANKA               FABIAN FORTE               TOMMY SANDS

“`Paul Anka is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, whose compositions include English lyrics for My Way, She’s a Lady for Tom Jones, and  The Tonight Show  theme for Johnny Carson. Records he produced include Put Your Head on My Shoulder, Diana and Lonely Boy. He also penned the title tune to The Longest Day.

“`Fabian Forte actually found movie stardom. He was cast in Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation, North to Alaska, Five Weeks in a Balloon, Ride the Wild Surf, Ten Little Indians, and Dear Brigitte. His hit records include Tiger, Turn Me Loose, and Hound Dog Man.

“`Tommy Sands never had the kind of teen idol career that Paul and Fabian had. Arguably, he had a longer film career. His most memorable roles include the remake of Babes in Toyland, Ensign Pulver, and None But the Brave.  On television, he guest-starred in Wagon Train, Laramie, Bonanza, Combat, and Hawaii 5-0.

“`Good luck to Harry Styles. Dunkirk is an Oscar-contender for 2017.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- A Moment of Glory…

July 23rd, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`What an absolutely special moment for our family. My mother, Margaret Gloria Pacheco is 80 years young !!

   

                  MARGARET GLORIA PACHECO             PACHECO FAMILY

“`My family is spending this treasured day at the Getty Center. At the base of the Santa Monica Mountains, in the heart of the Sepulveda Pass, this is a great place, with a fine restaurant, an incredible garden, unique museum exhibitions, and stunning views. Amazingly, it is our initial visit to this eclectic center. To be fair, anywhere we planned on visiting is destined to be quite special because of what the day represents.

“`My love to mom… Celebrate your day!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Goodbye to John Heard…

July 22nd, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`John Heard was a busy actor, best known as the father in the Home Alone series of flicks; and his Emmy-nominated performance on The Sopranos. He was a familiar face on the big screen and on television. He also had a cult following from his appearance on Sharknado.

“`Hollywood came calling after he received attention in off-Broadway roles. Heard was memorable in Cat People, Big, A Trip to Bountiful, Beaches, The Milagro Beanfield War, Radio Flyer,  Rambling Rose, The End of Innocence, In the Line of Fire, AwakeningsThe Great Debaters, My Fellow AmericansExecutive Powerand The Pelican Brief.

“`On the small screen, John guest-starred in Battlestar Galactica, Miami Vice, Law and Order, Touched by an AngelCSI: Miami, Elementary, Modern Family, Person of Interest, and Entourage.  JOHN HEARD –>

“`Heard was married briefly to Margot Kidder, and dated actress Melissa Leo.

“`John Heard was 71.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Cinecon 53 Features Lon Chaney Film

July 21st, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`A lost Lon Chaney silent production will be unveiled at this year’s Cinecon 53.  This is great reason to visit this annual film festival. Lon Chaney was the biggest star during the Silent Era. I can guarantee that this particular screening will be a sell-out.

“`Nitrate screenings are made possible through support of the  Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Turner Classic Movies, and The Film Foundation, in partnership with the American Cinematheque and Academy Film Archive. The Cinecon movie fest will take place during the Labor Day Weekend holiday.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- An Author of Note…

July 18th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Two hundred years to the day after Jane Austen died, a new 10-pound note featuring an image of one of England’s most revered authors has been unveiled — right where she was buried. At the unveiling of the new tenner at Winchester Cathedral in southern England, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said – it highlights a universal appeal of Austen’s work.

“`Austen, whose novels included Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility, is widely considered as a perceptive chronicler of English country life during the Georgian era. Combining wit, romance, and social commentary,  her books have been adapted a number of times in movies and television.

“`The new note, due to go into circulation on September 14th,  is the bank’s latest effort to make its notes more secure by using plastic, not paper. It’s printed on polymer, just like the recently re-launched 5-pound note, which features Winston Churchill. A new 20-pound note will feature landscape painter J.M.W. Turner, and is scheduled for 2020. The latest note also includes a new tactile feature to assist the visually impaired;  developed in conjunction with Royal National Institute of Blind People.

“`Apart from Queen Elizabeth II,  whose portrait is on all United Kingdom currency, Austen is only the third woman to appear on the modern-day British bank note, after medical innovator Florence Nightingale and social reformer Elizabeth Fry. Austen was chosen during a campaign for more female representation.

“`Those holding the current 10-pound note, which features Charles Darwin, have only until the Spring, 2018 before they are withdrawn.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Disney Villains in the Spotlight…

July 17th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`The United States Postal Service will celebrate the rich legacy of Walt Disney Studio’s Ink and Paint Department by dedicating a sheet of Forever Stamps, featuring classic Disney villains. This issuance celebrates Disney’s animation that began in 1923.

“`Each stamp showcase classic Disney villains: Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), Honest John (Pinocchio), Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland), The Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), Lady Tremaine (Cinderella), Scar (The Lion King), Cruella De Vil (One Hundred and One Dalmatians), Gaston (Beauty and the Beast), and Ursula (The Little Mermaid).

“`The words  USA and FOREVER appear in the top right corner, or bottom right corner of each stamp; the name of the classic villain, and the film in which the character appears, runs along the left edge. The announcement was made over the weekend at the D23 Expo in Anaheim.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Two Join Passing Parade…

July 16th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`Martin Landau was a stellar character actor, who thrived on screen and in television. He is best remembered for his three-year stint on  Mission: Impossible;  and his Oscar-winning performance as Bela Lugosi in  Ed Wood. A role he did not play: The pointy-eared Spock on Star Trek, which he turned down. He was wed to actress Barbara Bain.                                                          MARTIN LANDAU –>

“`Landau had studied drawing at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and worked as a New York Daily News cartoonist, before he switching careers. In 1955, Landau was among hundreds who applied to study at the Actors Studio, one of two picked. The other… Steve McQueen.

“`His litany of fine cinematic roles include North By Northwest, Pork Chop Hill, Cleopatra, Nevada SmithThe Greatest Story Ever Told; and after his success on television, Meteor, and two Oscar nods for performances in Tucker: The Man and His Dream and Crimes and Misdemeanors. When Tim Burton cast Martin as Lugosi, he was clearly at the top of his craft, carrying home a statuette, while up against Paul Scofield in Quiz Show, Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction, Gary Sinise – Forrest Gump, and Chazz Palminteri – Bullets Over Broadway. Encouraged by his mentor, Lee Strasberg, Landau decided to teach acting. Noted thespians he coached included Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston.

“`He also guest-starred in television shows, such as Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Bonanza, The Twilight ZoneThe Rifleman, The Outer Limits, The Big Valley, Get Smart, The Alfred Hitchcock HourColumbo, Murder She Wrote, and The Simpsons.

“`Martin Landau was 89.

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“`George A. Romero was the creator of the modern zombie-genre of films, producing the low-budget, Night of the Living Dead. A decade later, Dawn of the Dead cemented his legacy. He also produced the horror schlock — Creepshow. Romero’s influence could be seen across decades of American culture, from the cinematic work of John Carpenter; writings of Stephen King, and vast success of Silence of the Lambs. Ironically, his favorite Hitchcock production was not Psycho; it was North by Northwest, a film that featured a young Martin Landau as a metro-sexual villain.

GEORGE A ROMERO

“`George A Romero was 77. If he comes back to life, it may be just a desire for human flesh.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Mayberry Days in September…

July 15th, 2017

Manny P. here…

“`The annual Mayberry Days is a festival with activities and events for fans who long for days when life was simple and the sheriff didn’t carry a pistol. Drink a bottle of soda pop, play a game of checkers and enjoy local bands playing tunes that were heard on The Andy Griffith Show. The festival takes place September 19th-24th.

“`From the first swing at The Emmett Golf Tourney on Thursday and chomping on a barbecue sandwich, to crooning a song at the Blackmon Amphitheatre on Sunday morning. The Surry Arts Council and the City of Mount Airy welcomes people of all ages, and from all around the world, to Mayberry Days. Make plans to attend this family friendly festival.

“`Mayberry Days takes place around Mount Airy with Andy Griffith Museum TheatreAndy Griffith PlayhouseHistoric Earle Theatre, and Blackmon Amphitheatre being the hubs of activity. Everything is within walking distance; so, wear comfortable shoes and clothes (the festival goes on, rain or shine). There is free parking in downtown municipal lots. Most events are scheduled for minimal overlap where you can enjoy nearly everything.

“`There is so much to do during the festival with all types of shows, a parade, special guests, contests, a silent auction full of unique Mayberry items, food, and games… Something for the entire family! Plus, take time to slow down and enjoy what Mayberry means to you.

“`Guests scheduled to appear:  Betty Lynn, Ronnie Schell, Maggie Peterson, Rodney Dilolard, Margaret Kerry, Ronnie Dapo, and others.

Until next time>                               “never forget”