Author Tony Piazza

Mystery Author and Movie Historian

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Exciting Announcement- A Halloween Treat!

October 1, 2014 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

A&CF

 

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! Please note all my FACEBOOK friends in LA and HOLLYWOOD. The announcement in October’s Abbott and Costello newsletter says it all: Meet Tony Piazza in person at the Alex Theater on Saturday, October 25th at the 2 pm screening of Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein. Tony will have copies of his book on sale at the Abbott & Costello table.

I’m so excited to be part of this event, and to meet the Costello family in person! I found Chris Costello every bit as kind and thoughtful as the stories I heard about her father Lou, who’d built a pool and recreation center for LA’s inner-city kids. Please come out and enjoy what is sure to be a fun and extra special event. Tickets can be purchased through the Alex Theater box office. See ad for further information.

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Filed Under: Media Appearances Tagged With: A Murder Amongst Angels, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Bela Lugosi, Bud Abbott, Bullitt Points, Chris Costello, Dracula, Frankenstein, Glenn Strange, Halloween, Lon Chaney Jr., Lou Costello, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man, Tony Piazza, Universal Monsters, Vincent Price

A Writer’s Journey: From Stargazer to Chronicler and Back. Updated.

December 9, 2013 By tonypiazza 4 Comments

A Writer’s Journey: From Stargazer to Chronicler and Back. Updated.

 

By Tony Piazza

The San Francisco bay area has played host to a number of motion picture and television production companies over the years. Why? A cinematographer once told me that San Francisco with its’ numerous hills and magnificent views of the bay made it the second most photographed city in the world, with Rome being awarded the first. I would like to add is a former citizen, both born and raised there, that San Francisco, with its Barbary Coast history, dark foreboding alleys, and fog-shrouded streets was chosen by production companies because it provided the perfect backdrop for their films dealing in crime, detection, and mystery. A few motion pictures that come to mind is D.O.A, Dark Passage, The Lady from Shanghai, The House on Telegraph Hill, and most notably The Maltese Falcon. Author Dashiell Hammett had his roots in the city, and even though Nick Charles’s first case for The Thin Man was in New York, its movie sequel landed the detective, wife Nora, and dog Asta with relatives in the bay area. Television also viewed San Francisco as a prime candidate for their crime series; San Francisco Beat a.k.a., The Lineup and Sam Benedict being two early examples.

 

 

I was extremely fortunate as a youth and young adult to share in this history. My father was a San Francisco police officer who was assigned back in 1959 to act as liaison to visiting film companies. He provided security, crowd and traffic control, technical advice- in essence, anything that involved the logistics of assisting with their film production. He worked closely with directors searching out locations and with stunt coordinators orchestrating car chases.  This assignment gave my mother and me under the rope access to these productions and the unique opportunity to meet stars, directors, and technicians. He did this for seventeen years, and in the process made a name for himself. I eventually became directly involved in the 1970s, working as an extra, stand-in, and bit actor. Signed with the largest of the modeling/casting agents- the Brebner Agency, I was given opportunities to work on such shows as Magnum Force, The Streets of San Francisco, and The Enforcer, and becoming friends with the likes of Clint Eastwood, Karl Malden, and Michael Douglas. It was quite a surreal experience for a man in his early twenties. When I sat in theaters or watched television I saw myself up on the screen opposite these great ones. Even today, when I sit down and pop a DVD of Streets into my player I’m not just watching a show, but reliving memories. It’s like viewing home movies.

Working on “Magnum Force”

My first recollection of being on a film location was in the late fifties. I was taken by my mother to Candlestick Park to visit my dad on the set of Experiment in Terror. The film starred Glenn Ford, Lee Remick, and Ross Martin. Somehow during our visit, we ended up being an extra in the audience at the ballpark under the direction of Blake Edwards. What a thrill, but I didn’t really understand that then. As an inquisitive four-year-old, I was just confused why we were cheering for a ball team that wasn’t there.

As time passed, however, I did become more cognizant of events around me, and totally appreciative of the opportunities that my dad’s associations brought me. I got to meet my heartthrob Ann Margret filming Once a Thief, visit with the very cool Steve McQueen at San Francisco General Hospital on location for Bullitt, joke around with Raymond Burr and the cast of Ironside, and nearly bought the car that Dirty Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) drove in the film of that same name. And although I was too young when the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock filmed Vertigo, I did see him later on the set of his last film, Family Plot.  Marching down the center aisle of Grace Cathedral on his way to his director chair, Hitch red-faced, and huffing and puffing reminded me of an Archbishop on his way to conduct mass. Later, when I became part of the crew of The Streets of San Francisco (initially as a stand-in for Michael Douglas and then Richard Hatch) I was able to live out my childhood fantasies, by playing cops and robbers right up there on the screen. Not too many young men can say that. I also had the privilege to visit with Steve McQueen again on Towering Inferno and be invited for a drink “with the guys” by Paul Newman.

 

 

For many years, I’d shared these stories with a select few- family, friends, and co-workers, and dusted off my photograph album occasionally for those who might be interested. But, as time went by and gray hairs started sprouting on my head I started thinking about leaving a legacy. With no children to relate my stories, I was afraid that there wouldn’t be anyone left to pass on the unique history that my family was a part of. It was at that moment in my life and in this mindset that I discovered the Turner Classic Movie site, and was introduced to blogging. Presented here was a new venue to tell my stories to interested individuals- and fascinated they were. Quite frankly I was surprised by their response and amazed at the audience which I quickly developed. I had to shake my head, and tell myself that I really had fans, and not just of local friends, but members that stretched around the globe!

 

 

 

 

We’ve all heard the phrase, “be careful what you wish for,” that certainly applied here, for now, I was expected by my audience to supply regular postings. To fill in-between the stories of my experiences- for ones’ memory can be limited at times, I decided to see how my audience would accept my attempts at writing fiction. My first book, “Anything Short of Murder”- a hardboiled detective thriller set in the Hollywood(land) of the 1930s was the result and became an instant hit amongst the TCM audience. It was their e-mails and messages that convinced me to publish the story from its serialized form into a complete novel. Now some four books later- and working on a fifth, all this has become history. In addition, as a writer, I’ve branched off to form my own author’s site where at last count I share some one hundred plus posts of my film and television experiences. I also published a memoir in e-book length, “Bullitt Points,” the story of my meeting Steve McQueen and a personal account of the making of Bullitt. This experience brought me full circle, for all the proceeds from the purchase of the book goes to McQueen’s charity, The Boys Republic, and that allowed me to once again enter the celebrity circle and meet Steve’s son, Chad McQueen.

 Tony Piazza and Chad McQueen

A year later we met again when I was invited to speak about Bullitt at its’ 45th Anniversary event in San Francisco.  Chad was the guest of honor- there to accept a proclamation from the city to honor his dad. In every aspect, the celebration was a real thrill!

Chad-Piazza

Chad McQueen and Piazza

—————————-

Reflecting back over the last few years I find it amazing how much I’ve accomplished in my writing career. I don’t take credit for it. For what success I’ve had, had more to do with the blessed opportunities given me, and the blood, sweat, and long, tiring devotion that my dad had put into his work. I’m just a storyteller relating his own special tale. My only regret is that my dad couldn’t have been here to share in the joy that the telling and sharing of them has brought me.

Every writer has his or her story to tell. It’s a journey that doesn’t start with fingers on a keyboard, but with the first breath taken in life. Experiences to me as a writer are what bricks are to a mason. I use them to build stories that I hope will leave a lasting impression on my reader’s minds.

MainEventConceptSepia copy

 

thumb[1] (Owner-PC's conflicted copy 2014-11-24)

 

 

For more celebrity posts by Tony Piazza go to:

www.authortonypiazza.com

 

 

To help the boys at The Boy’s Republic, and read more about my experiences meeting Steve McQueen:

www.bullittpoints.com . Also available on Amazon & B&N websites.

 

 

About the author:

Tony Piazza is a Central Coast mystery writer, film historian, presenter, and a veteran storyteller well-known for his passion for writing and movies.

He is the author of five mystery novels, “Anything Short of Murder”, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon,” “A Murder Amongst Angels,” “Murder is Such Sweet Revenge,” and “Murder Will Out” available in print and e-book format through Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. Piazza’s non-fiction e-book, “Bullitt Points,” published through SansTree, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the classic Steve McQueen movie “Bullitt” and the involvement of the Piazza family in the production.

Piazza worked regularly as an extra and stand-in on multiple Hollywood movies and television shows shot in San Francisco during the 1970′s, including “Towering Inferno,” “High Anxiety,” “Magnum Force,” and “Streets of San Francisco.”

His inventory of stories reads like a Who’s Who of Hollywood from that era: Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, Darren McGavin, Paul Newman, Karl Malden, Michael Douglas, Raymond Burr, Walter Matthau, Fred Astaire, Robert Vaughn and Leslie Nielsen.

Piazza is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and SLO Nightwriters.

 

COMING SOON, the audiobook of “Murder Will Out,” read by Broadway actor, James Romick. Watch for it.

 

#SteveMcQueen, #Bullitt, #Bullitt50thAnniversary, #Alfred Hitchcock, #ClintEastwood, #MelBrooks, #FredAstaire, #DirtyHarry, #MagnumForce, #ToweringInferno, #PaulNewman, #RaymondBurr, #MichaelDouglas, #RobertVaughn. #LeslieNielsen, #GlenFord, #JamesStewart

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: A Murder Amongst Angels, Alfred Hitchcock, Ann Margret, Anything Short of Murder, Asta, Author Tony Piazza, Blake Edwards, Bullitt, Bullitt Points, Chad McQueen, Clint Eastwood, D.O.A., Dark Passage, Dashiell Hammett, Dirty Harry, Experiment in Terror, Family Plot, Fred Astaire, Glenn Ford, High Anxiety, Ironside, James Stewart, Karl Malden, Lee Remick, Leslie Nielsen, Magnum Force, Mel Brooks, Michael Douglas, Nick and Nora Charles, Once a Thief, Paul Newman, Raymond Burr, Robert Vaughn, Sam Benedict, San Francisco Beat, San Francisco movie locations, Sisters in Crime, SLO Nightwriters, Steve McQueen, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Enforcer, The House on Telegraph Hill, The Lady from Shanghai, The Lineup, The Maltese Falcon, The Streets of San Francisco, The Thin Man, The Towering Inferno, Towering Inferno, Vertigo

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

Bullitt 2

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.

Chad-Piazza

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.

 DSC02010

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

BULLITT 45th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

May 21, 2013 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

Bullitt Poster

As film historian, I will be sharing my movie memories about being on the set of “Bullitt” and meeting and eventually working with STEVE MCQUEEN. The occasion is the  45th Anniversary of the film “Bullitt” which will be taking place in the bay area June 20- 23. Chad McQueen will be present, a car show is planned, and many more other surprises in store-   all through Hoondog Events. Read about it on the link below. McQueen, Mustang, and Bullitt fans alike, take notice, and consider joining the events! See link below:

http://bullittevents.com/2013/05/18/movie-memories-event-announced/

Allso, please consider buying Bullitt Points, my e-book, whose purchase benefits The Boys Republic charity.

Bullit Point imageAt http://www.bullittpoints.com/ or at Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.

 

Filed Under: Media Appearances Tagged With: Bullitt, Bullitt 45th Anniversary, Bullitt Points, Car Show, Chad McQueen, Mustang, 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.
bond-7

My picture of Cubby on location with Moore for “A View to a Kill”

His story goes:

Victor muscle

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!”

cecilbdemille

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!”

victormature

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.

Rodgers home 1

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.

willrodgers 7

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

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