Author Tony Piazza

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You are here: Home / Archives for Karl Malden

How the West Was Won- Revisited

October 20, 2017 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

 

Beau L’Amour, Louis son, has started releasing some of his dad’s lost treasures. I picked up one of them, “How the West Was Won.” It’s not one of his original stories, but a novelization of a screenplay written by James R. Webb for M.G.M. and Cinerama Productions.

Author Louis L’Amour

I love the stories of Louis L’Amour and read many of them throughout the 1980s. He was a fantastic storyteller. One of his quotes even applies to my own aim as a writer; “I think of myself… as a troubadour, a village storyteller, the guy in the shadows of the campfire.”

 One of many excellent westerns by L’Amour

“How the West Was Won,” is a broad story, perhaps over-ambitious, but improved immensely by L’Amour’s adaption of Webb’s screenplay.

Aside from the enjoyment factor, reading “How the West Was Won,” also awakened some sentimental memories. I saw it at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco when it was originally released in 1962. I was with my parents and a relative from out of town who came specifically to see the film. In those days big budget films had exclusive engagements in select theaters, in what was known then as a roadshow venue. “How the West Was Won” was one of these productions, with the added enticement of the CINERAMA format. For those readers not familiar with CINERAMA, it was a process whereby a film was shot with three synchronized cameras sharing a single shutter. During the showing, the film is presented on a large, curved, screen utilizing three projectors- also carefully synchronized. The effect was awe-inspiring-  and with the addition of surrounding stereo, the audience really felt like they were right in the middle of the action. For “How the West Was Won,” this was particularly spectacular. Imagine being in the center of a buffalo stampede, or running the rapids in a raft, or racing along the rails during a train robbery.  In this film, CINERAMA also presented breathtaking vistas of vast stretches of an untouched western frontier. Imagine John Ford images on steroids! It was truly a motion picture experience.

 

“How the West Was Won” follows the story of the Prescott family through several generations and in turn, examines the Westward expansion from the Erie Canal through the Gold Rush, Civil War, and ending in San Francisco of the 1880s. The film was more Hollywood than history, but that was the style of movies during that era. However, what more than compensates for its lack of realism is the pure entertainment value and wonderful performances of actors such as Stewart, Malden, and Fonda, whose likes we will never see again. Yes, its Hollywood’s version of history, but at its very best.

Composer, Alfred Newman’s soundtrack for “How the West Was Won” is phenomenal. It leaves a lump in your throat. Especially the finale when it accompanies images of the present day West- its bridges, cities, and byways (here you’ll notice that the traffic on the LA freeway wasn’t much better- even in 1962 when it was filmed!). There are wonderful songs written for the film by Sammy Cahn and performed by Debbie Reynolds, and The Ken Darby choir also add their voices to several sentimental numbers that you’ll find yourself humming long after the film has ended.

The film won three Oscars: Best Writing, Story and Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen by James R.Webb; Best Sound- Franklin Milton; and Best Film Editing, Harold F. Kress. Four directors were hired for the production, each assigned to specific segments: John Ford (Civil War segment), Henry Hathaway (The Rivers, The Plains, The Outlaws), George Marshall (The Railroad), and Richard Thorpe (Transitional historical segments).

 

“How the West Was Won” boasted a multitude of fine talent: James Stewart, Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Gregory Peck, Carroll Baker, and Debbie Reynolds just to mention a few.

This film was also special to me because of my good friend, Karl Malden. He played Zebulon Prescott in it. As usual, he delivered an outstanding performance alongside Agnes Moorehead, another powerful actor.

Karl Malden as Zeb

Autographed photo of Karl

Another connection was Robert Preston, who portrayed wagonmaster, Roger Morgan. He was a friend of my father, and elsewhere on this website, I tell the tale of how he signed my copy of the “Music Man” novel.

Autographed by Robert Preston

I can’t write about “How the West was Won” without mentioning a well-publicized accident that had occurred during the filming of the train segment. Bob Morgan, the husband of actress Yvonne de Carlo, was doubling George Peppard when the logs on a flatbed car suddenly shifted and dumped him on to the tracks. The axels rolled him under, and he lost a leg, some bones from his spine, and partially disfigured his face.

“How the West Was Won,” certainly opened up a plethora of memories. My thanks to Beau L’Amour for re-releasing his dad’s adaption and reawakening those experiences for me.

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Tony Piazza is a Central Coast mystery writer, film historian, presenter, and skilled storyteller well-known for his passion for writing and movies. An author of four mystery novels, and the memoir, “Bullitt Points,” which is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the classic Steve McQueen movie “Bullitt.” He is also a contributing author to two anthologies and has done many interviews for television, radio, and the print and electronic media. Piazza worked regularly on many Hollywood movies and television shows filmed in San Francisco during the 1970’s, including “Magnum Force,” “Towering Inferno,” and “The Streets of San Francisco.” He now blogs regularly about his Hollywood experiences at authortonypiazza.com. Piazza is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and SLO NightWriters. His latest Tom Logan detective mystery, “Murder Will Out,” has just been released. Find it on Amazon website.

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Agnes Moorehead, Alfred Newman, Beau L'Amour, Carroll Baker, Cinerama, Debbie Reynolds, George Marshall, Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, Henry Hathaway, How the West Was Won, James R. Webb, James Stewart, John Ford, John Wayne, Karl Malden, Ken Darby, Louis L'Amour, Richard Thorpe, Sammy Cahn

Star Trek Remembrances by Tony Piazza

September 10, 2016 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

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As our way of celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Star Trek,” we decided to start viewing the original series in the order that it was presented. My wife and I remember when the first series aired, and recall watching it with fascination as other viewers did because it was fresh, thought provoking, and fun. Now, its also very nostalgic. Color television was in its infancy then, and it had been a thrill going where no man had gone before, and to do so in color!

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Original “Star Trek” cast

The other night we watched episode three (counting the pilot ) entitled, “Charlie X,” and seeing its guest star (who played Charlie), Robert Walker Jr. brought back another, slightly more personal memory. Robert Walker Jr. was a guest start on our show, “The Streets of San Francisco” in 1975. The episode was “Asylum,” and told the story of a youth locked in a psychiatric ward who witnesses the murder of an older patient. Michael Douglas goes undercover as a patient himself to try to discover the murderer. Walker played the young man who sees the murder, and of course at first no one believes him. It was great episode, of an even greater TV series thanks in no little part to my friend, Karl Malden.

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Robert Walker Jr. as Charlie X

I have many connections to Star Trek. I met William Shatner in 1967, worked with Leonard Nimoy (in “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978)), been at the studio where “Star Trek” was filmed, Desilu, and even have a Lucille Ball memory- all of which I’ve written about elsewhere and can be found on this author/blog site. But, seeing this episode opened up a whole set of new ones. For example, in the episode, “Asylum” we filmed at my old high school, Lowell, in San Francisco. I had only graduated three years earlier. It was fun going back with the “Streets” production, now being a part of the crew, and touching base with some of my old instructors. One in particular, Maurice Argent, was a favorite of mine. He was my English teacher, and he, like myself, also belonged to the Brebner Modelling/Casting Agency and did various acting jobs. Mr. Argent could be seen on our show, as well as having speaking roles in “Dirty Harry”(1971), “Magnum Force” (1973) “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978), and many other movies and television shows filmed in the bay area. He’s no longer with us, but was an interesting and talented man… also one heck of an English teacher!

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Maurice Argent, playing a role of “Dirty Harry”

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Lowell High School, SF

Regarding my memories of Robert Walker Jr., I remember him as a quiet guy, very much the persona you saw on the screen –  his “Charlie X” character, minus the malevolence. He couldn’t move things with his mind, but he could move you with his fine performances. He is the son (obviously) of actor Robert Walker (“Strangers on a Train” (1951)), who was a great actor himself (and Walker Jr. favored him in appearance), and mother,  Jennifer Jones  (“Song of Bernadette” (1943)), a beautiful, talented, and sweet woman- I got to work with her on “The Towering Inferno” (1974). With two wonderfully talented parents as these, how could you go wrong!

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Robert Walker Sr.

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Jennifer Jones

So, it’s interesting where the viewing of an episode of “Star Trek” might lead you when wandering down memory lane… or is it, where my mind hadn’t gone before!

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Tony Piazza is a mystery writer, film historian, and veteran storyteller renowned for his passion for writing and movies. He is the author of four mystery novels and a non-fiction work. Actor and stand-in for movies and television, Piazza has appeared in such notable films as Magnum Force and The Streets of San Francisco. From Clint Eastwood to Steve McQueen, Piazza’s stories read like a who’s who of Hollywood. He is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and SLO Nightwriters.

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: 50th Anniversary of Star Trek, Desilu, Dirty Harry, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Jennifer Jones, Karl Malden, Leonard Nimoy, Lowell High School, Lowell High School S.F., Lucille Ball, Magnum Force, Maurice Argent, Original Star Trek, Robert Walker, Robert Walker Jr., Song of Bernadette, Star Trek, Strangers on a Train, The Towering Inferno, William Shatner

Karl Malden's Magic Penknife

April 9, 2014 By tonypiazza 8 Comments

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I’ve written in a couple articles about how, Karl Malden, Michel Hugo (Director of Photography), and myself enjoyed sleight of hand. How we performed magic tricks for one another, and then taught how it was done. We were like kids, and it was the highlight of long hours of filming episodes- which most times went well into the night.

 Karl #2

I may have mentioned this before in an earlier story, but I gave Karl two paperback books written by magician/author Walter B. Gibson (who also wrote “The Shadow” stories)- one book, I remember was about the secrets of Harry Houdini and the other, sleight of hand tricks. Karl seemed very excited and very appreciative when I handed them to him at his Winnebago dressing room while on location one day.

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Tony Piazza in front of Karl Malden’s Winnebego

At Christmas, Karl was very generous to the crew of “The Streets of San Francisco” and gave wonderful gifts. I still have the blue Pendleton jacket he gave us one year- however my greatest treasure was not this jacket, or other expensive gifts (although I’ve appreciated them all), but a small “magic” penknife that he surprised me with one afternoon at the studio. With a sweep of his hand, the handle changed color from black to pearl white. Pretty neat, don’t you think? He performed the trick for me- and then after exposing its secret- to my amazement and glee, told me that it was mine. I have it put away in a special place in my home- and whenever I see it I think of Karl. It’s very personal to me.

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Here’s the penknife (position 1)

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Pass a hand across it (position 2)

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Presto-change-o  (same knife, position 3)

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Karl Malden’s Christmas gift-today (still good as new)

Another story I’d like to share regarding our mutual interest in magic occurred during the summer of 1975, in-between shooting at the studio. I was practicing my sleight of hand with a deck of cards, as I had been doing during for some weeks when my services weren’t required on the set. On this occasion however, the first assistant director came over and said I would have to put them away- that cards were no longer allowed during production. Karl Malden caught wind of this and said, “Don’t worry, Junior (his nickname for me), I’ll investigate.” In the meantime, Michel Hugo showed up with “magic” ropes and three foam balls and said, “Let’s forget the cards for now, and practice tricks with these”. Michel was always very clever that way- he wasn’t one to roll over and play dead. Karl came back a day or so later with his own deck, handed it to me and said it was okay for us to practice with them again. It seems that someone on the crew was upset because there was poker being played by some members of the film crew at lunch (who knows maybe this person loss a few dollars at one of them and was holding a grudge) and reported it to the production heads back in LA. Apparently word had come down from them- “no more cards on the set”, but as Karl explained in his always kindly way, “That didn’t include our innocent fun.” As thoughtful as he was, I’ve no doubt he talked with production and cleared it. After that, I didn’t have any trouble with the assistant director- and Karl, Michel, and I once again continued exchanging our card tricks with each other.

Michel Hugo

Michel Hugo

I think these stories really indicate how Karl Malden was never hung up with himself, or his star image, but just a fine artist with a down-to-earth attitude, a true humanitarian who cared for everyone- big or small. He certainly went to battle for me, even though it wasn’t expected of him. He knew I enjoyed the magic lessons and so it also mattered to him.

 Karl personal photo

When I give lectures today as a ‘film historian’ the question I’m frequently asked is, “who was my favorite actor to work with?” My resounding answer is always the same- Karl Malden. “Why?” they ask, “Because he was like a second father to me.” I believe stories like these illustrates why. What other actor would care enough to go to bat for a young stand-in on his show? Answer: not many, except the ever kind and thoughtful, Karl Malden.

karl #3

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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.

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NEW!

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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.

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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.

 

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Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Harry Houdini, Karl Malden, Magic, Magic tricks, Michel Hugo, Quinn Martin, Quinn Martin Productions, sleight-of-hand, The Shadow, The Streets of San Francisco, Walter B. Gibson

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!

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Chad McQueen and Piazza

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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.

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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

Karl Malden- Clowning Around

October 1, 2013 By tonypiazza 7 Comments

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

 

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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

Karl Malden's Joke by Tony Piazza

April 15, 2013 By tonypiazza 6 Comments

KM image

This is a short memory, but a fond one. We (the crew of “The Streets of San Francisco”) were shooting a scene for an episode near Ghirardelli Square. As with most location shooting, we were attracting a crowd. And with this being a Friday night and a popular tourist spot, even more so than normal. People were everywhere.  Areas were roped off on a grassy knoll in an effort to separate the onlookers from the shooting location. It was a chaotic night. Some friends stopped by to surprise me- old buddies from school. They said that they just wanted to come by and say hello, but I suspect it was more likely to impress their dates.  They kept telling me how lucky I was to be able to work on a television show. Sure.  Six days a week, and a minimum of twelve hours a day- in other words, no social life at all.  In truth I envied them, with a pretty girl on their arm and a free evening to enjoy courtship- of course I didn’t tell them so. However, on the flip side, I’d made friends on “Streets”  with such wonderful people as KARL MALDEN, and MICHAEL DOUGLAS; and Director of Photography, MICHEL HUGO, and Director VIRGIL VOGEL. So on second thought; it had its advantages. I was part of a unique family, and what social life I did have, revolved around co-workers and those moments in-between shooting. That was the reality of working on a film or television project. Karl Malden, more than anyone realized this, and tried to keep the atmosphere around the set always warm, fun, and friendly. For example, I’ll return to that Friday night. As I’d just mentioned, there was a large crowd of fans rubber-necking to see the action, and especially the stars. Karl was not in any of the scenes that evening, and had it off. His wife, Mona was visiting, and so they decided to use the time for sightseeing and shopping. Whether it was on purpose, or not, I’m not certain, but somehow they crossed paths with the production company. Karl and Mona were now standing behind the ropes among the fans looking in on our activity. Karl was not in his trademark dark suit, maroon vest, and gray hat. In fact, he was out of make-up and dressed in a tan leather jacket, comfortable slacks, and shirt opened at the collar. Fans hadn’t realized he was standing among them. They were too busy looking for him and other stars on the opposite side of the ropes. I spotted him however, and watched with amusement as he asked some of the gawkers with a gleam in his eye, “What’s going on here? Are the filming something?”  Eventually a few caught on, and when they did, he and his wife disappeared. Karl was a great deal of fun, and I miss him, and those glorious days tremendously.

—————————————–

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!

 

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Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Karl Malden, Michael Douglas, Michel Hugo, The Streets of San Francisco, Tony Piazza, Virgil Vogel

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