“Forgotten Hollywood”- Shark Sighting…

March 29th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`The summer’s most sought after movie event returns for the fifth year in a row. Jaws on the Water returns to The Volente Beach Resort and Beachside Billy’s in Leander, Texas on the shores of Lake Travis.  Expect sixteen screenings from June to August in a three month run of weekend dive-in shows.

“`Tickets to On the Water shows include full access to Volente Beach attractions, a keepsake shark inner tube, a fireworks display, and the thrilling, one-of-a-kind experience of watching cinema’s most famous great white with your feet dangling dangerously and deliciously in the water. You can add dinner (for an extra $12), and take home an illustrated Jaws pint glass!

 “`Doors open at 6p, and the movie starts after sunset. You are also invited to stay the night at the resort after the screening. I think we are going to need a bigger lake!

Until next time>                              “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Thank You For Being a Cruise…

March 27th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`Golden Girls fans can embark on a special Golden Girls at Sea cruise, the first trip in 2020, where they can indulge in their favorite classic 1980’s television programming, created around the sassiest ladies to grace the small screen.

“`It’s a five-day cruise organized by Flip Phone Events and will take place on the luxurious Celebrity Infinity cruise ship. This trip is packed with a number of themed activities. The ship travels from Miami, Florida (of course) beginning February 24th, 2020 and docks in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.

“`Activities include Dorothy’s Bingo Night, costume contests, a One Night in St. Olaf Dance Party, karaoke, trivia, bar crawls, and arts and crafts, as well as the usual cruise perks like fine dining, pools, Broadway-style theater, live comedy, circus performances, magic shows, and live music.

“`Booking prices starts at a $1,000 per person for a standard cabin to around $1,200 for the deluxe cabin with a balcony, and each ticket includes unlimited drinks. It is important to note that prices are based on double occupancy.

GOLDEN GIRLS

“`I believe Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia would approve… Well maybe not Sophia!

Until next time>                              “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- An Awesome Toy Story…

March 20th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`LEGO is set to release a collectible build for the Disney Mickey Mouse cartoon Steamboat Willie. Void of color, the complete build has over 700 pieces, and features Mickey and Minnie Mouse from the short film.

“`This limited edition LEGO release includes moving steam pipes and paddle wheels that activate when pushing the boat, working crane, brick bell, life buoy, Minnie’s guitar and a commemorative 1928 podium with room for Mickey and Minnie.

“`Set for an April 1st release, the package will also come with a booklet that is loaded with historic facts on the 1928 animated Disney short. Those interested in this piece of Disney memorabilia can find it over at the LEGO web store for a price of $89.99.

“`What a fitting tribute to Walt Disney and the origins of his spectacular career.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- A Twentieth Century Relic…

March 19th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`The Walt Disney Co.’s $71.3 billion acquisition of 20th Century Fox is about to become a reality, reminding us that the Studio Era actually ended in the late 1960s. The demise of 20th Century Fox as a standalone studio is an epochal event in Hollywood, and it casts doubt over a movie industry grappling with new digital competitors from Silicon Valley.

“`The history of Hollywood has always included the revolving door of studio ownership; even Fox Film Corporation founder William Fox, during the Depression, lost control of the studio that still carries his name. This backlot, built in 1926 on a Century City ranch in Los Angeles, was enormous. Fox has often taken chances on longshots and technological experiments. It was the first studio built for sound.

“`Early on, this was the studio of Spencer Tracy and Loretta Young. Shirley Temple insured Fox’s solvency. Marilyn Monroe solidified her on-screen persona in big budget productions. The careers of Tyrone Power, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, Dana Andrews, Linda Darnell, Alice Faye, Gene Tierney, and composer Alfred Newman flourished. And Fox was known for CinemaScope, Laura, All About Eve, CleopatraThe Sound of Music, the franchises of Planet of the Apes and Alien, and a couple versions of Titanic.

“`Fox Searchlight is expected to stay largely intact. They are the regular Oscars contender behind 12 Years a Slave, The Shape of Water and The Favourite, and could give Disney something it’s never had before: a Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards.

“`With consolidation, Disney will have more influence on the movies Americans and the rest of the world see than any company ever has. Plus,  less studios could potentially mean fewer films. And a piece of Hollywood history is about to disappear. Another consideration, with the sale, Disney is about to own all of Fox’s cinematic library.

“`The Magic Kingdom will add 20th Century Fox alongside labels like Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm. A major downside… Due to duplication with Disney staff, layoffs will be in the thousands. So much for the happiest place on earth.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Two Guys I Knew…

March 18th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`Working in broadcasting has afforded me the opportunity to cross paths with successful individuals in our industry. This weekend, we lost two of the nicest…

“`Tom Hatten was a fixture on television and a thespian. He was best known for his hosting chores on The Family Film Festival on KTLA, and for his Hollywood reports on KNX 1070. His Southern California career began in the 1950s.

“`Hatten served in the Navy before attending Pasadena Playhouse on the G. I. Bill.  He was hired as an announcer at KTLA in 1952. An accomplished cartoonist, Tom delighted children as the genial host of Popeye and His Friends show from 1976 to 1988, and on  KTLA’s The Family Film Festival from 1978 to 1992.  He was always ready to hand youngsters his sketches of Popeye, that was completely met with appreciation.

“`On television, Hatten guest-starred in Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., WingsHogan’s Heroes, Get Smart, and Hawaii 5-0. On the big screen, he had a role in Sweet Charity. He also toured in a live theater production of Annie.

“`Tom Hatten (above) was ninety-two.

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“`Dick Dale was dubbed The King of the Surf Guitar. His biggest hit was Miserlou,  recorded in 1962, and it was showcased in Quentin Tarantino’s iconic flick,  Pulp Fiction. Legendary guitar builder Leo Fender customized many of the performer’s instruments.

“`Dale’s raucous guitar style replicated the crashing sound of ocean waves, and his work influenced The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Dick appeared in a couple of beach movies, including Beach Party and Back to the Beach. The latter movie elicited a famous record album that was distributed by 1110 KRLA. I was personally on hand when this iconic photo was shot.

“`A frequent performer at Newport Beach’s old Rendezvous Ballroom, Dale owned his own club in Orange County. He also loved wild animals, and his personal collection included lions, tigers, and jaguars.

“`Dick Dale (above) was eighty-one.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- All That Style…

March 14th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`He was a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographer, she was the greatest Broadway dancer of her generation.  Together, both re-imagined the nature of American entertainment.

“`Fosse/Verdon, the highly anticipated mini series from FX Networks and Fox21 Television Studios,  is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th at 10p on FX. Get an exclusive sneak peek into the fascinating careers of Bob Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams)  in an exhibition of clothing from the show, designed by Costume Designers Guild Award nominated designer Melissa Toth,  and rare archival video of performances by the artists from the Paley Archive.  Only at Paley Center for MediaBOB FOSSE / GWEN VERDON –>

“`It runs through April 28th. The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles is located at
465 N. Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. The exhibition is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Remembering Jan Michael Vincent…

March 9th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`Jan Michael Vincent was a boyish looking actor, who co-starred with Hollywood’s top stars of the 1970s. For a time, he traveled the globe as a surfer. He is best known for his starring turn on television’s Airwolf.

“`After his tour of duty in California’s Army National Guard, Vincent turned to acting. He found early success in television, guest-starring on Dragnet, Bonanza, and Lassie. Though enjoying a stable film career, Jan revisited the small screen, appearing in Dan August, Gunsmoke, Marcus Welby M.D., Police Story, Hotel and Nash Bridges. He was also memorable in Herman Wouk’s adapted mini-series, The Winds of War, which also starred Robert Mitchum and Ali MacGraw. He received Golden Globes attention for his role.     JAN MICHAEL VINCENT –>

“`In cinema, Vincent co-starred in The Undefeated, The Mechanic, Going Home (another Golden Globes nomination), The World’s Greatest Athlete, Bite the Bullet, White Line Fever, Baby Blue Marine, Big Wednesday, and Baby Blue Marine. He shared the screen with John Wayne, Rock Hudson, Charles Bronson,  Tim Conway, Gary Busey, Gene Hackman, James Coburn, Candice Bergen, Burt Reynolds, and Sally Field.

“`Throughout his career, Vincent suffered from substance-abuse issues. In 2014, his right leg was amputated due to a blood infection.

“`Jan Michael Vincent was seventy-three.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- The Shawshank Reunion…

March 7th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`This year celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Shawshank Redemption, which movie buffs have adored since its 1994 release. It was filmed on location around Mansfield, Ohio. On August 16th – 18th, fans are invited to join cast members and other Shawshank diehards in Mansfield to immerse themselves with the film’s iconic characters, sets, and history.

“`Many actors from the movie will be in attendance, offering visitors the chance to meet their favorite Shawshank characters in person, including Bob Gunton, William Sadler, and Mark Rolston. Additional guests, events and features are being added as details are finalized.

“`The Shawshank Redemption anniversary will be commemorated with hosting tours and events at over a dozen original film sites throughout Mansfield. First on everyone’s list is the Ohio State Reformatory, which was featured in the movie as Shawshank State Prison. On the Hollywood Prison Tour, guests will go everywhere, from inside Warden Norton’s office to Andy Dufresne’s escape tunnel. Visitors are also invited to travel the self-guided Shawshank Trail driving tour as they visit even more related filming sites.

“`On Friday night, the flick will be screened at the historic  Renaissance Theatre, where the movie premiered in 1994. Saturday afternoon, actors are available for autographs at the Ohio State Reformatory, followed by  The Exclusive Shawshank Reception cocktail party. The fifth annual Shawshank Hustle 7k family fun race also takes place on Saturday. The race features a route with filming sites, T-shirt, custom medal, food, music, and more.

“`Mansfield is home to a wealth of unusual travel adventures and experiences, such as visiting the working farm where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- The Friendly Skies…

March 5th, 2019

Manny P. here…

“`Because of chants to alter the name of John Wayne Airport in Southern California, the late actor’s son has rejected the intent of statements published in a Playboy Magazine interview from the 1970s. Ethan surmised on  CNN’s Smerconish that people should never let comments made almost fifty years ago define us. Ethan added the remarks were taken out of context. JOHN WAYNE ->

“`The younger Wayne was clearly frustrated by adverse publicity this resurfaced interview has caused. But, he did appreciate host Michael Smerconish’s  approach in presenting the interview in its entirety,  as opposed to a mere clip of it.

“`The newly resurfaced interview created an uproar on Twitter. The quote causing the most consternation:

We can’t all of a sudden get down on our knees and turn everything over to the leadership of the blacks. I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don’t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people.

“`The Duke clearly put himself in harms way. Oh, how the high and the mighty have fallen…

Until next time>                              “never forget”