Author Tony Piazza

Mystery Author and Movie Historian

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A Murder Amongst Angels: A New Tom Logan Mystery

July 17, 2013 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

 

 

Finally available! The sequel to the bestselling mystery novel, “Anything Short of Murder.”

This time Logan tackles a case based partly upon a real Hollywoodland mystery which occurred in November of 1935!

amongstangelsfront cover 3

This Angel Had a Tarnished Halo!

Sexy, platinum blonde movie siren, Gertrude Hurd had it all- fame, men, and riches. But now she was dead. A fallen angel, whose broken body and tarnished halo was lying on a hillside behind her beach front café. It’s 1931, and private detective Tom Logan is back, once again immersed in a perplexing mystery, that has him racing against time to track down a merciless killer. As the body count grows, so do the suspects, as his investigation soon has him bucking against corrupt city officials, the mob, and the Hollywood studio system. Packed with mystery, action, romance, humor, and characters you won’t easily forget, this fantastic sequel delivers everything promised from the first novel and more. A Murder Amongst Angels is an nostalgic, hard-boiled detective mystery that takes readers back to the era of Chandler and Hammett, while creating a niche all its own.

Available by following link below to Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Amongst-Angels-Tony-Piazza/dp/1482344386/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374084257&sr=1-7&keywords=tony+piazza

Filed Under: Media Appearances Tagged With: A Murder Amongst Angels, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, bestseller, bestselling, detective, hard-boiled detective, Hollywood, Hollywood History, mystery, scandals, Tom Logan, Tom Logan Mystery, Tony Piazza

The 45th Anniversary of Bullitt: A Report. By Tony Piazza

June 25, 2013 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

 Merchandizing

Bullitt products designed for the 45th anniversary event

 

Brisbane, California is a sleepy little town that resides on the side of a mountain just outside the boundaries of San Francisco and Daly City. One cloudy Saturday in April, forty-five years ago this idyllic hamlet wasn’t so quiet. In fact the air on Guadalupe Parkway was filled with racing motors, skidding tires, gunshots, and explosions. No it wasn’t terrorism, but the final day of shooting on the motion picture Bullitt. I was there, as was my parents, and our trusty  8mm movie camera. My dad was a police officer assigned to the company, which gave us under-the-rope access to the location.

 

Bullitt Brisbane, CA., April 1968. Behind the scenes 8mm film of Bullitt chase.

  Now, let us fast forward forty-five years to June 21, 2013. It’s the anniversary of this same film, and Hoondog Events, under the able steerage of Greg Autry, is celebrating this bench mark in style. A car show in Blackhawk; a proclamation from the City of San Francisco honoring the late actor STEVE McQUEEN, accepted by his son, Chad; and a night of movie memories offered by those who had been present during the filming of the motion picture back in 1968. Both Frank Panacci, senor (my dad’s police partner during the movie years) and his son, Frank Jr., a Deputy Chief, North County Fire Authority, and Anthony Bologna spoke of Bullitt, and the surviving mustang movie car-  and I was extremely honored to be able to share my Bullitt memories as featured keynote speaker.

Greg Autry-organizer

 Event organizer, Greg Autry and myself

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Steve McQueen on location in Brisbane, CA in 1968- Piazza Archives.

My Presentation

I began my presentation with a statement honoring my dad. I told the audience that I’d wished he could have been standing there, instead of me … for it was his hard work, and dedication that contributed so greatly to the production of  Bullitt, and deserved the attention, not I; for I only served as a lucky spectator. I  then gave a brief explanation of who I was, and how I was associated with the production, and then followed with a brief PowerPoint presentation on the background of the film- interspersed with some inside tidbits- all drawn from the interviews and research information I utilized for the writing of my e-book, Bullitt Points: Memories of Steve McQueen and Bullitt. Lastly, I told some personal stories, and then ran a DVD video presentation of a Bay Area NBC interview I did on Bullitt Points last July, and the complete 8mm family movie filmed behind the scenes on the last day of shooting on the film. Steve McQueen could be seen in it, as was, then Mayor Alioto, the cars, the explosions, and everything else that made that day so memorable.

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Chad McQueen and myself at the 45th Anniversary of Bullitt

 

Chad McQueen

Author visiting with Chad McQueen

  CHAD McQUEEN stopped by, which gave me another chance to talk with him, and get another picture, or two. He is a very gracious man, a chip off the old block- a carbon copy of his dad, which is saying plenty. His, and the McQueen family’s generosity to The Boys Republic in Chino, California is legendary- and by-the-way- this 45th was also designed to benefit the charity.

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My wife, Susan and I in front of my Bullitt Points display

  The sold out event took place at the Mission Blue Center in Brisbane. A marvelous Lions Club BBQ steak dinner, a screening of the Bullitt documentary, Commitment to Reality, and a live dance band rounded out the festivities.

Group Shot

  Left to right:  Mitch Bull, president Brisbane Chamber of  Commerce;  Cliff Lentz,  Brisbane council member; Chad McQueen;  Tony Piazza, author & film Historian; Dan Carter, Brisbane Lion; Bob Wilson, Lions Clubs International District 4 Governor;  Deputy Chief Frank Panacci; and Frank Panacci, Sr.  

 

So June 21st we went full circle: Brisbane, the sleepy little town nestled in the California hills was once again, for this one special day, bustling with the excitement of a McQueen, cool mustangs, and a generous sprinkling of movie folklore. I was so fortunate to be able to represent my dad on this glorious occasion, and am grateful to Greg Autry, and Hoondog Events for making it possible.

 ——————————–

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 next novel, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” was released early 2012 and is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. 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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

 1332524968_Hollywoodland

 

 

 

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Anthony Bologna, Author Tony Piazza, Brisbane California, Bullitt, Bullitt Points, Chad McQueen, Frank Panacci, Greg Autry, Hoondog, Mayor Joe Alioto, Steve McQueen, Tony Piazza

Victor Mature and the Lion. By Tony Piazza

February 22, 2013 By tonypiazza 8 Comments

Victor and Hedy

Mature with Hedy Lamarr in Samson and Delilah 

CECIL B. DEMILLE and VICTOR MATURE was the subject of a story told by CUBBY BROCCOLI in his excellent autobiography, “When the Snow Melts.” My wife’s uncle, worked for DeMille as a groundskeeper at his Paradise Ranch in Little Tujunga Canyon. I met Broccoli, as you may remember from my earlier blog, and was impressed by his down-to-earth, kind personality. He came from Italian Long Island farmers and never forgot his roots.
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My picture of Cubby on location with Moore for “A View to a Kill”

His story goes:

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Victor Mature in character

Victor Mature was built like a brick you- know- what, but when it came to taking risks he was more mouse than tiger. During the filming of Samson and Delilah with co-star HEDY LAMARR he had to wrestle with a lion. The studio was going to use a young lion that was to be tied down by the back paw (hidden of course from the camera). However Mature wasn’t too keen on the idea. He agreed to do it only if they got another, tamer lion. DeMille got Leo, the old M.G.M. mascot and had a man waiting in the wings with a gun in case the cat got out of hand. The camera started rolling and DeMille shouted, “Action!”

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Cecil B. DeMille

Mature approached the animal, but it was apparent by his actions that the closer he got, the increasingly more frightened he became. DeMille witnessing this from his director’s seat eventually reached his boiling point, and shouts impatiently at the actor,

“For crying out loud, Victor it’s an old lion and toothless!”

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Studio Portrait of Victor Mature

To which Mature responds,

“Look, you bald-headed *****, I don’t want to be gummed to death either!”

Leo MGM

 —————–

I highly recommend Broccoli’s autobiography. Aside from the Bond years, it is filled with wonderful in-sights into early Hollywood and a personal look at some of Cubby’s celebrity friends such as HOWARD HUGHES, CARY GRANT, ALAN LADD, and many others.

 ————————————–

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 next novel, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” was released early 2012 and is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. 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 where fine books are sold, or at the link posted below. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity: www.bullittpoints.com.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

 

1332524968_Hollywoodland

 

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Alan Ladd, Albert Cubby Broccoli, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Bullitt Points, Cary Grant, Cecil B. DeMille, Hedy Lamarr, Howard Hughes, James Bond, Leo the Lion, Leo the M.G.M. Lion, Samson and Delilah, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, Victor Mature, When the Snow Melts

Early Hollywood: Will Rogers Park. By Tony Piazza

February 12, 2013 By tonypiazza 10 Comments

Rodgers 3

WILL ROGERS was an extremely popular celebrity of the 1920s and 30s. He was a film actor, cowboy trick roper, vaudeville performer, humorist, and social commentator. His political wit was widely read through the syndicated columns he wrote for national newspapers.

“I never met a man that I didn’t like.”
―
 Will Rogers.

Will Rodgers 2 Early Will Rogers photograph

I  recently visited his home and grounds, which included a polo field in Pacific Palisades as part of my research for my upcoming book- a new detective mystery starring once again that hard-as-nails,  Hollwood(land) P.I., Tom Logan.

“Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” 
―Will Rogers

Tracy & Disney 1938

 Spencer Tracy & Walt Disney at Polo Fields 1938

1931 Pacific Palisades:

Logan will be making an appearance to question a suspect at a charity polo match hosted by Will Rogers. Even though my story is fiction, Rogers did open his field to the public and was supportive of fundraisers. Celebrities were not uncommon at his polo matches, and one wouldn’t be surprised to see such figures as WALT DISNEY, HAL ROACH, or GARY COOPER. Perhaps one will even be around when Logan stops by!

“You know horses are smarter than people. You never heard of a horse going broke betting on people.” 
―Will Rogers.

 Walt-Disney-

Walt Disney

Gary_Cooper_1937.tif

Gary Cooper

The State runs the park now- a gift from the Will Rogers Family. It was well maintained when we visited it, although I’ve heard that during the State’s financial problems there was a period when it wasn’t in such fine shape and the family was considering stepping in and taking over.

 “There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works.” 
― Will Rogers.

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The Rogers Home- Piazza photo

One humorous incident occurred when we’d visited. There was no state employee on duty at the entrance, and the parking fee was on the honor system- a slot and envelope where you could record your car’s license and drop in the fee. I was standing at the entrance dressed in dark green slacks and an a olive colored military shirt filling out my envelope when I felt a presence from behind. I turned to see a car full of young people, the driver reaching from his window trying to hand me twelve dollars in bills! No, I didn’t take it, but explained to them how the system works.

“Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else.” 
― Will Rogers.

 Rodgers 2

Road alongside Polo Field- Piazza photo.

The polo field has been in movies. One that comes to my mind is “Star Trek: The Voyage Home” (1986). In this forth entry in the original film series it doubled as the Polo Fields in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Remember Kirk’s line, “Everyone… remember where we’d parked.”

 “The income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf has.”
― Will Rogers.

 Rodgers3

Polo Field…”Remember where we parked”- Piazza Photo.

Will Rogers home is a must. We had a wonderful docent that spent the better part of an hour going through the property which looked as if the family was still living there. The docent had been on the property since she was a girl, and her love and enthusiasm really shined forth in our tour. I’ve visited many famous person’s sites, but none had ever drawn me so much into the life of its’ famous owner as this one did.

“Buy land. They ain’t making any more of the stuff.”
― Will Rogers.

Rodgers 4

Will Rogers original ranch house- Piazza photo.

As an example; chills went up my spine as I saw a globe standing next to his desk with the route drawn out in black ink of his ill fated 1935 flight with Wiley Post. They both crashed and died in Alaska during that flight. He drew that just before he left. I also felt a thrill when I saw the typewriter in which he wrote all his wonderful columns.

 “All I know is just what I read in the papers, and that’s an alibi for my ignorance.” 
― Will Rogers.

Post and Rogers

Will Rogers and Wiley Post

The home was very modern for its’ day, with kitchen appliances not yet common in the average home. Electric stove, freezer that makes ice cubes…he loved gadgets!

“Too many people spend money they earned..to buy things they don’t want..to impress people that they don’t like.”
― Will Rogers.

 Rodgers 5

Another angle of ranch house- Piazza photo.

He was a very generous man, and gave of himself and his finances to help the less fortunate. Recently I talked with my lovely niece, Jennifer who happened to take polo lessons at the State Park. Her instructor was Will Rogers’ grandson. The charges for lessons were adjusted such that all children could afford to take them. The family’s aim was not to make money, but bring the sport to as many young people as possible; an admirable policy and one that fits perfectly with his grandfather’s philosophy.

 “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” 
― Will Rogers.

Rodgers4

I highly recommend this tour. If you enjoy history (both film and Americana), and interested in western artifacts…Indian baskets and rugs, original western paintings, furniture, and sculptures- then this is for you. FLO ZIEGFELD– of Ziegfeld Follies fame (of which Rogers was once a performer) paid for (as a gift) the installation of a bay window on the property- perhaps the first of its’ kind in California. These are some of the surprises you’ll find on this tour.

“The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it in your back pocket.” 
― Will Rogers.

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The historic stable

Until you get a chance to visit this place in person, I hope you’ll consider seeing it through Logan’s eyes in his next upcoming thriller due out this year and published through Amazon!

“If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.” 
― Will Rogers.

Rodgers 6

———————————-

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 this year, his latest Tom Logan Mystery, “A Murder Amongst Angels” was published and is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. 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.

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 . 

Find them all on 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: Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Bullitt Points, Captain Kirk, Flo Zeigfeld, Gary Cooper, Hal Roach, Hollywood, Pacific Palisades, Polo, Star Trek, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, Walt Disney, Wiley Post, Will Rodgers, Will Rodgers State Historic Park, Zeigfeld follies

A Short Observation about Meeting the Famous Perry Mason. By Tony Piazza

February 7, 2013 By tonypiazza 14 Comments

ErleMasonPerry1

Perry Mason was the creation of Erle Stanley Gardner. Gardner was a bestselling author who had a total of 135 million of copies of his books available during the time of his death in the late 1960s. Eighty of his novels and short stories featured Perry Mason, a fictional defense attorney who along with his faithful secretary Della Street and private investigator Paul Drake helped solved murders in which his clients were accused.

 MasonPerry3

 Author Erle Stanley Gardner

MasonPerry2

 Early Perry Mason pocket book

Gardner’s Mason stories were featured on radio and films. On radio his mysteries were serialized in 15 minute segments that were presented in the soap opera format popular at the time. There were six Perry Mason feature films produced between 1935 and 1937. Four of them starred the same actor, WARREN WILLIAM with rotating cast members in the other roles. The final two films featured RICARDO CORTEZ and DONALD WOODS as Mason.

 MasonPerry5

Early film’s Perry Mason- Warren William

By far, the most famous Perry Mason actor was RAYMOND BURR who played him in the television series that ran on CBS from 1957 until 1966. (Later he would reprise the role for twenty-six television movies (NBC) starting in 1985). They had a marvelous cast on the original show which included, BARBARA HALE as Della Street and WILLIAM HOPPER as Paul Drake. Ms Hale would return later for the television movies.

 MasonPerry7

Raymond Burr (as Perry Mason)

Raymond Burr had a marvelous sense of humor and a quick wit. To state one example; during the run of the original series a fan approached him insisting to know: “How come you never lose a case?” To which Burr responded straight-faced- “Madam, you only see the cases that I try on Saturdays.”

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Raymond Burr (Mason) and Barbara Hale (Della Street)

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William Hopper (Paul Drake)

I met Raymond Burr after his run with Perry Mason in 1966. He was beginning a new series called “Ironside”.  The show was filming in San Francisco and my father was assigned as liaison to the visiting Universal Studio film unit that was producing the series. I was twelve at the time and had gone down to the location (the S.F. cable car barn) with my mother, aunt, and cousin. I remember my mother telling Raymond Burr how much she enjoyed him as Perry Mason, and he replying in that deep, distinctive voice, that “they were making this new series (“Ironside”) and hoped that she’d enjoy it as much”. I also recall my cousin being tongued-tied as “Ironside” co-star Don Galloway kidded with her. She ended up blushing several shades of (not gray) red throughout it. Everyone in the cast was terrific and there was a great deal of fun and energy on the set. I collected autographs- as most kids my age had done – and which I still possess (see below). One of them was from television’s “Maverick” star, JACK KELLY who was guest-starring on that segment (actually the pilot for the show).

 raymondburrsign

“Best Wishes Raymond Burr” – Piazza autograph.

Unlike “The Streets of San Francisco” which I would join as an actor/extra/stand-in some years later, “Ironside” was not filmed entirely on location. A few key scenes were shot in San Francisco with the actual cast, but the majority of the action took place either on the Universal backlot or soundstages. Second unit filming in San Francisco was more common in this production, using doubles for the actors, or cars (running shots) or buildings in the city for establishing shots.

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 Don Galloway- Piazza photo.

The following year (during the filming of an episode for the second season) I was on location again, this time at a mansion in the Pacific Heights District. Raymond Burr was as warm, friendly, and jovial as the first time I’d met him. I’d brought the family 8mm camera down and the whole crew performed for our home movies! They were all a great bunch. The producer on the show CY CHERMAK even took charge of our camera and filmed me shaking hands with Raymond Burr and my mom getting a kiss on the cheek.

 Image1

Youthful  future author shaking hands with Raymond Burr. My father grinning in the middle.– Piazza Photo

The legacy of any celebrity in the minds of their fans doesn’t always rest with their performances on stage or in front of the camera, but how their personality stands up when they interact with the public. Raymond Burr rates high on my list of truly nice individuals. And no matter if he’s playing a nasty Hitchcock villain, Detective Ironside, or Perry Mason, I cannot help but smile and appreciate the real man who seemed to appreciate people and make them feel welcomed in his presence.

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My mother’s special moment- Piazza Photo.

Trivia: Actor William Hopper (Drake) was the son of gossip columnist HEDDA HOPPER.

                 Barbara Hale’s son, actor WILLIAM KATT (“The Greatest American Hero”) played Paul Drake Jr. in nine of the Perry Mason television movies.

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NewAuthorPhoto2 4-12-13

Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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 published next in early 2012, and in November of 2013 his second Tom Logan Mystery, “A Murder Amongst Angels was released.” In July of 2015 his latest Logan mystery, “Murder Is Such Sweet Revenge” was made available for purchase, and has since been an instant bestseller. All are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. 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 Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and SLO NightWriters.

NEW!

The novels that started it all. The first and second novel in the Tom Logan mystery series have become audio books- read by actor James Romick, and is available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Such-Sweet-Revenge-Piazza-ebook/dp/B0134QMJJ6/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449786866&sr=1-3&keywords=tony+piazza

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amaa

NEW!

MSSR Cover ad

The NEW Tom Logan mystery, “Murder is Such Sweet Revenge” is available in print, e-book, AND NOW audio book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. For audio- Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

Also:

My earlier bestselling novels, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” and “Anything Short of Murder” now joins “A Murder Amongst Angels” and “Murder is Such Sweet Revenge” 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 . 

Find them all on 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: Author Tony Piazza, Barbara Hale, Bullitt Points, Cy Chermak, Della Street, Don Galloway, Donald Woods, Erle Stanley Gardner, Hedda Hopper, Ironside, Jack Kelly, Paul Drake, Perry Mason, Raymond Burr, Ricardo Cortez, The Greatest American Hero, Warren William, William Hopper, William Katt

My Meeting with Dr. No by Tony Piazza

January 9, 2013 By tonypiazza 13 Comments

 

dr-no-007

 

Cinema Retro produced a fiftieth anniversary salute to James Bond in their release of the amazing magazine “Movie Classics,” which dedicates all of its 148 pages to the first Bond film “Dr No.”

 

50th Anniversary Dr No

 

It’s a marvelous read, filled with fun information and detailed facts which more or less follow the chronology of the film from novel to its’ premier – and beyond. There are interviews with the surviving actors, including an exclusive with URSULA ANDRESS (Honey Ryder), and a look at Jamaica as it was in the film and how the locations look today. Loaded with rare photographs both publicity and behind the scenes- this is a must for all Bond fans!

 ursula-dr-no

 Ursula Andress iconic entrance (like The Birth of Venus by Botticelli)  in “Dr No”

 

Did you know NOEL COWARD (a neighbor and friend of IAN FLEMING in Jamaica) was asked to play the role of Dr No.? His answer was “No, no, no!”

NoelCoward jpgNoel Coward 

 

IANFLEMING PIC

Ian Fleming

 

Connery & Coward

Connery & Coward in Jamaica during author’s visit to Dr. No location

 

Did you know that in the first screenplay for Dr No written by RICHARD MAIBAUM and WOLF MANKOWITZ was rejected by CUBBY BROCCOLI because they’d made the villain Dr. No, a monkey?

 

richardmaibaum

 Richard Maibaum

mankowitz

Wolf Mankowitz

Monkey-

Dr. No?

I had a connection with “Dr. No”- albeit a minor one. During the 1970s, when I was working on the crew of “The Streets of San Francisco” we did an episode called “Jury’s Out.” On that show amongst the many guest stars was the actor JOSEPH WISEMAN.

 

Dr-No 2

Joseph Wiseman as Dr. No

Mr Wiseman (of course) had the distinction of being 007’s first adversary- Dr No and I couldn’t let that occasion (working with a Bond title character) pass without some documentation. So, I brought my camera on location- something I usually avoided because my agent frowned on it- and on the first day of shooting cornered Mr. Wiseman asking if I may take his picture?

 

Dr No

 Joseph Wiseman in character

I found him to be a very serious, private man who avoided fans and especially publicity. A dedicated professional, who preferred concentrating on his character instead of his image. He did put me off on my first request, telling me to try later. I did. In fact I tried for three days (usually uncharacteristic of me- which attests to my determination as a true Bond fan), but finally he relented- and the photo below is proof.

 Joseph Wiseman

Joseph Wiseman as taken by me on The Streets of San Francisco (1974)*

I’m extremely glad that I stuck to it, because now looking back on James Bond’s 50th Anniversary I have a priceless (to me) memento recalling  my own meeting with 007’s first villain- the cold and calculating, Dr No!

 

007GB

 Happy 50th! JAMES BOND WILL RETURN

* Note- a little over ten years after his role as Dr. No

————————————

 NOTE: For more of my experiences with 007 see:

 http://www.authortonypiazza.com/a-view-from-a-fan-on-location-with-007-by-tony-piazza/

 bond-7

Broccoli and Moore (Piazza archives)

Being on location with ROGER MOORE and a View to A Kill.

Also: There are two other Bond villains I worked with that will be the subject of a future story…Hint. One was a Blofeld!

Congratulations to the producers of Skyfall. It has been a great success- which for us fans, means more 007 in the future. Who could ask for more!

UPDATE: And more will soon be here. Spectre is due out this winter 2015. Now that the long running lawsuit between Kevin McClory and the producers has been resolved, the evil organization Spectre is back…and who knows…there may be even a Blofeld in the future.

  ————————————

 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 . 

Find them all on 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: 007, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Blofeld, Bond villain, Bullitt Points, Dr. No, Ian Fleming, Jamaica, James Bond, James Bond's 50th Anniversary, Joseph Wiseman, Noel Coward, Richard Maibaum, Roger Moore, Sean Connery, Skyfall, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, Tony Piazza, Ursula Andress, Wolf Mankowitz

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