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You are here: Home / 2013 / Archives for October 2013

Archives for October 2013

Esther Williams, That Million Dollar Mermaid

October 18, 2013 By tonypiazza 12 Comments

The day after Esther Williams passing on June 6th of 2013 I promised to post a story about meeting this incredibly talented lady. Sorry it took so long, but- as they say- better late than never.

 Williams 1A

It was perhaps over thirteen years ago that my wife and I went to a bathing suit show at Nordstroms in downtown San Francisco. At the time my wife was working for a bay area company that produced bathing suits- she was a pattern-maker, and was interested in the show because it was her trade. I tagged along for the ride. Well, perhaps that wasn’t altogether true, there was an added attraction, the speaker was ESTHER WILLIAMS, and although I was not officially a film historian at the time, I was extremely interested in films and those who, like myself, worked in them- and especially those who were around making movies in an age when studios ran the industry.

 aquacade

Williams with Weissmuller-  during Billy Rose’s Aquacade

Esther was charming, down to earth, and frank about her years in the industry. She had plenty of interesting anecdotes about other celebrities in her life. Touring in her younger years with Billy Rose’s Aquacade, she told us the story of JOHNNY WEISSMULLER, and how he loved to tease the other women swimmers on the tour. He was also by her report, quite a ladies man. Incidentally, I knew Johnny’s son, John Jr. He was very proud of his dad, and all the medals for swimming he had won. She mentioned another celebrity I had met, RICARDO MONTALBAN, and related what a gentleman he was (I can attest to that), also, what fun she had working with RED SKELTON, and the only sour note- although she didn’t go into detail (what’s not said, says volumes) was in regards to  FERNANDO LAMAS, one of her ex-husbands. Apparently he was somewhat overbearing in regards to their relationship.

Ricardo Montaban

Author with Ricardo Montalban back in the 1960s

http://www.authortonypiazza.com/encounter-with-ricardo-montalban-by-tony-piazza/

Esther was born in Inglewood, California on August 8, 1921, the youngest of five siblings belonging to Louis Williams- a sign painter and Bula Myrtle Williams- a psychologist.

 Williams 1

Esther set a number of swimming records in her late teens as a member of the Los Angeles Athletic Club. However, she was not able to compete in the 1940 Summer Olympics due to the turmoil brought about with the start of World War 2. Instead, she joined Billy Rose’s Aquacade when it moved to San Francisco- replacing its’ former star, ELEANOR HOLM, who’d decided she didn’t want to leave New York. Talent Scouts from M.G.M. discovered Esther at the Aquacade, and the rest, as they say, is history.

 Williams and Rooney

Starting in small roles and moving up, her real fame came from a series of 1940s to early 50s M.G.M. musicals featuring elaborate synchronized swimming routines with lavish sets, and timed to fully orchestrated musical numbers.

 esther-williams-sync

Some of her most notable films were: Bathing Beauty (1944), Neptune’s Daughter (1949), and Million Dollar Mermaid (1952).

 Williams and Van

Williams with Van Johnson

Some of the other stars Esther worked with were: MICKEY ROONEY (My niece interviewed him), VAN JOHNSON (who I’ve met), PETER LAWFORD (Who I’ve also met- see earlier blog),  GENE KELLY, VICTOR MATURE, and TONY MARTIN.

 Peter L.

Peter Lawford, my mom, & myself back in the 1960s

http://www.authortonypiazza.com/meeting-one-of-a-kind-peter-falk-by-tony-piazza/

My wife and I got to spend some time with her. I didn’t say much, but received a warm smile as the two of them spoke shop. She was also kind enough to sign a photograph.

Esther Williams

Our autographed picture of Esther Williams

————————————–

Tony Piazza is author of the 1930s Hollywood murder mystery novel, “Anything Short of Murder,” which had its roots on the TCM fan website. His second novel, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” was next released early 2012, and in July of 2013, his latest Tom Logan Mystery, “A Murder Amongst Angels” was published and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. A new Tom Logan novel has been completed and is scheduled to be released in 2015. He was an actor/extra during the 1970s and worked with such legends as Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, and Karl Malden.  His non-fiction e-book “Bullitt Points” is an in depth look at the making of “Bullitt” from a person who was there. Look for it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites,  or at the link posted below. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity: www.bullittpoints.com.

Tony Piazza is a member of three prestigious writer’s organizations: Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the SLO NightWriters.

My earlier bestselling novels, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” and “Anything Short of Murder” now joins “A Murder Amongst Angels” on Amazon’s Kindle at a new, low price of $2.99. Now you can have hours of adventure, thrills, mystery, and romance for the price of a cup of coffee- and just as stimulating! Look for it on Amazon. Print versions have also been reduced.

CofD

ASofM

Also: The new Tom Logan mystery thriller, A Murder Amongst Angels is now available!

Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever fine books are sold. Also available for $2.99 on Kindle.

 

amongstangelsfront cover 3

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: A Murder Amongst Angels, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Bathing Beauty, Billy Rose's Aquacade, Bullitt Points: Memories of Steve McQueen and Bullitt, Eleanor Holm, Esther Williams, Fernando Lamas, Gene Kelly, Johnny Weissmuller, Johnny Weissmuller Jr., Mickey Rooney, Million Dollar Mermaid, Neptune's Daughter, Peter Lawford, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, Tony Martin, Tony Piazza, Van Johnson, Victor Mature

Karl Malden- Clowning Around

October 1, 2013 By tonypiazza 7 Comments

DSCN0596

Karl Malden dons make-up for Clown of Death episode

While filming an episode for season four on “The Streets of San Francisco” we got to go behind the scenes of a circus. The title of the show was “Clown of Death” and aside from the series stars, KARL MALDEN and MICHAEL DOUGLAS, the television police drama also featured DAVID BIRNEY, MADLYN RHUE, LYNNE MARTA, and DICK VAN PATTEN.

 dick-van-patten-

Dick Van Patten publicity shot

The backdrop we used for the story was an actual circus performing at the Cow Palace auditorium in San Francisco- specifically, the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) circus. It was interesting watching what went on behind the scenes of a performance…seeing the performers prepare and the exotic animals cared for in-between shows. Unfortunately, one of our “extras”- dressed as an acrobat in leotards was not as thrilled about circus animals as I, when a chimp took a bite out of her calf as she was stepping into a trailer.

TonyPiazza2

Myself with “Streets” jacket, outside Karl Malden’s Winnebago dressing room

We filmed a good portion of that week around the real circus – and I found the experience informative and strangely exciting. I guess you have to be a stage performer to totally understand the emotions I was feeling back then working behind the scenes of a “live” event.

Dad and Michael

My dad and Michael Douglas on location

It was a special thrill to witness from between the curtains the excitement of the audience, when (as an unexpected bonus) they got to see our star, Karl Malden riding on the back of a SFPD three-wheel motorcycle, red lights blazing and siren screaming, as my dad drove him around the center ring in the parade which opened the circus. As part of the episode, Karl goes undercover, disguised as a clown to try and flush out a killer. I could tell that Karl enjoyed the experience, as he wandered about the real audience replete in clown make-up, displaying his talent as a magician- sleight of hand- to an unsuspecting audience.

Karl personal photo

My personalized photo of Karl Malden

I had a role in the show too…one that really suited my personality…at least; I think that was what the first assistant had in mind, when they put me into a gorilla suit! Circus Show

That gorilla (far right), was me…type casting?

Memories are a gift, reminding us during those quiet moments of special people that are no longer with us. For me, it’s my dad, the wonderful Karl Malden, and our good friend, Director Virgil Vogel- all who’d played a part in making “The Streets of San Francisco” such a success…and, provided me with this precious reminiscence today. My Police Family

My parents and myself on location for “The Streets of San Francisco” during happier days.

————————————

Tony Piazza is author of the 1930s Hollywood murder mystery novel, “Anything Short of Murder,” which had its roots on the TCM fan website. His second novel, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” was next released early 2012, and in July of 2013, his latest Tom Logan Mystery, “A Murder Amongst Angels” was published and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. A new Tom Logan novel has been completed and is scheduled to be released in 2015. He was an actor/extra during the 1970s and worked with such legends as Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, and Karl Malden.  His non-fiction e-book “Bullitt Points” is an in depth look at the making of “Bullitt” from a person who was there. Look for it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites,  or at the link posted below. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity: www.bullittpoints.com.

Tony Piazza is a member of three prestigious writer’s organizations: Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the SLO NightWriters.

NEW! COMING SOON!

SepiaPhotoASOMcopyad

The novel that started it all. The first in the Tom Logan mystery series- read by actor James Romick,will be available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

LOOK for the new Tom Logan novel. Tentative release date late 2015! 

Also:

My earlier bestselling novels, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” and “Anything Short of Murder” now joins “A Murder Amongst Angels” on Amazon’s Kindle at a new, low price of $2.99. Now you can have hours of adventure, thrills, mystery, and romance for the price of a cup of coffee- and just as stimulating! Look for it on Amazon. Print versions have also been reduced.

CofD

ASofM

Also: The new Tom Logan mystery thriller, A Murder Amongst Angels is discounted for e-book.

Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever fine books are sold. Also available for $2.99 on Kindle.

 

amongstangelsfront cover 3

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: circus, clown, Clown of Death, David Birney, Dick Van Patten, Karl Malden, Lynne Marta, Madlyn Rhue, Michael Douglas, Michel Hugo, P.A.L., Police Athletic League, Police Athletic League Circus, Police television drama of 1970s, The Streets of San Francisco

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