Mission Impossible Archives - Author Tony Piazza

Locations of Film, Television, and My Novel. By Tony Piazza

October 11, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

A SF Classic filmed at Bradbury Building

As a writer, I try to go the extra mile for my readers. I do so by ensuring accuracy in details. In my latest novel the protagonist from Anything Short Of Murder, Tom Logan, returns. He’s got himself one humdinger of a case which finds him visiting many sites around the City of Angels. It has always been my aim to make my stories feel real, and in effect, give my readers a true sense of being there. To do this convincingly I realized that I had to make them feel real to myself first. I discovered that the best way I could accomplish this was to travel and experience them firsthand. I did it successfully with Hawaii in The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, so naturally I was up to applying it again. Therefore, earlier this month I made a special trip to several locations (being written into my latest novel) in or around the downtown Los Angeles area- landmarks that have stood since the book’s setting, circa 1930. I thought I would cover these over a series of short articles, the first examining the BRADBURY BUILDING.

This building could be overlooked by the uninformed

First off, the building is not named after author Ray Bradbury. Having gotten that misconception out of the way I can say that it was commissioned by L.A.mining millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury, designed by George Wyman, and completed in 1893. From the outside, the property at 304 South Broadway doesn’t seem remarkable (brown brick, sandstone with terra cotta panels), but pass through the front door and you’re in for a surprise.

Magic happens when you cross this portal

If you feel a certain amount of déjà vu when you observe its unique interior, you’re not alone. It has been the location for numerous television and feature films, most notably: Blade Runner (1982) with Harrison Ford, I, The Jury (1953) with Preston Foster, D.O.A. (1950) with Edmond O’Brien, Marlowe (1969) with James Garner, and Chinatown (1974) with Jack Nicolson. These are just a sampling of features. For television- to name a few: The Outer Limits, Mission Impossible, Banyon, and The Night Strangler.

A view from the ground floor

The architect, Wyman had been influenced by the 1887 science fiction novel Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy, hence its unusual design, and perhaps why it was utilized for Blade Runner.

One of the caged elevators

My FACEBOOK friend, Catherine Ryan Hyde’s film adaptation of her novel, Pay it Forward, was also shot here. And it has been the location for numerous novels, comics, and even a setting for music videos.

A view from the first floor landing

With its film noir connections, I think you can see why I chose the Bradbury Building as a setting for my next novel. As a writer, film lover, and former member of the entertainment industry, I design my books like the classic movies I love. I relish playing director, or location scout searching out properties that will add something visually to my storytelling. It is one of the perks of being a writer, and quite frankly I am enjoying every minute of it!

Author Tony Piazza at Bradbury Building

An additional note: The most recent film to utilize The Bradbury Building was The Artist (2011).

UPDATE: The novel mentioned above was published in 2013, its’ title, A Murder Amongst Angels, and was well reviewed and an Amazon as a bestseller.

Look for the new Tom Logan mystery coming in 2015

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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!

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.

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.

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.

Witnessing an Incident Involving Darren McGavin by Tony Piazza

August 21, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

WITNESSING AN INCIDENT INVOLVING DARREN MCGAVIN by Tony Piazza

DARREN McGAVIN. Veteran of television shows dating back to 1949. He appeared in programs such as; “Alfred Hitchcock presents”, “Mike Hammer”, “Riverboat”, “Rawhide”, “Route 66”, “Mission Impossible”, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and “Mannix.” His most notable roles were as Karl Kolchak in the television show and two movies, “Night Stalker”…a forerunner to the “X-Files” series, and as the old man- father of Ralphie in “A Christmas Story.” Here he is posing with me back in 1976 on the set of a Quinn Martin television movie about the 1950s Brink’s truck robbery- hence the dated clothes. I was standing in for STEPHEN COLLINS on that show and also acting as a bit player/ extra.

A bit of trivia; my good friend MICHEL HUGO was the director of photography on the first “Night Stalker” movie filmed in Las Vegas.

McGavin as Karl Kolchak.

In person Darren McGavin is much the character you’ve seen up on the screen. He rarely smiled, was extremely serious, and only spoke about work and delivered his lines. He was a loner. If you were to use a word to describe McGavin I would select “gruff.” Strangely enough because that was usually the characters he played, his real life persona didn’t disappoint me. It was as if I almost expected it of him.

McGavin as Mike Hammer.

One incident which involved him during the shooting comes to mind. It occurred in a run down hotel in the Tenderloin District of downtown San Francisco. Two young attractive blondes had appeared among the on-lookers in the lobby. McGavin was standing by the hotel desk, smoking a cigarette, and waiting for the camera crew to set up a shot, when suddenly and without warning these girls jump on either side of him and pose while a third person in their party snapped a shot. It happened in a fraction of a second, and McGavin let out a shout. An assistant director was instantly on top of it, catching the man and his camera, and deftly removing the film despite the man’s protestations. McGavin didn’t mind people taking pictures of, or with him, but the manner this was done put in question the picture taker’s intentions. Was this going to turn into some scandal sheet exclusive? You can imagine what they could have come up with for a headline. Lesson learned; personalities always have to be on guard.

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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.

NEW!

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.

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.

On Location with Leslie Nielsen by Tony Piazza

July 25, 2012 By tonypiazza 8 Comments

On Location with Leslie Nielsen by Tony Piazza

Mr. Nielsen and my father, from “The Streets of San Francisco.”

In 1976 I worked on a Quinn Martin T.V. movie entitled “Brinks: The Great Robbery.” In it I was as a stand-in for STEPHEN COLLINS (“Star Trek-The Motion Picture”) . “Brinks” also starred LESLIE NIELSEN during his pre-“Airplane” days. I had worked with him before on “The Streets of San Francisco” (first season episode) and so knew that we were in for some fun… the prankster that he was… and he didn’t disappoint. I really liked Mr. Nielsen, both personally and professionally. He was a fun, friendly individual that always brought a smile to your face.

Forbidden Planet

He was quite different from the earlier characters that he played in such films as “Tammy and the Bachelor” (1957) and Forbidden Planet (1956)”- just an aside, but I worked with his co-star ANNE FRANCIS, a real lovely lady. Leslie was more like his “Airplane” (1980) character Dr. Rumack and “Naked Gun’s” (1988) Frank Drebin than his previous incarnations. To illustrate this point, he once told a story about being on a talk show. He had injured his wrist a week earlier and his doctor gave him a rubber ball to squeeze as part of his recovery. This ball made a rude sound when depressed, and seeing the comedic possibilities he brought it on the show hidden in his hand. Occasionally, when the host asked a question he squeezed it…the host became embarrassed and didn’t know what to make of it, except that Mr. Nielsen may have had cabbage for lunch!

The lovely Anne Francis and myself

The Naked Gun

The attached picture was taken in the Hall of Justice in San Francisco one Saturday during the summer of 1976. The story was set in 1950 and we had to dress accordingly. The lady in the middle was my mother. She had worked as an “extra” that day. The cinematographer on this show was a good friend of mine, MICHEL HUGO. We had not only worked together on this movie, but “The Streets of San Francisco”, “Bert D’Angelo, Superstar,” “The Avenger’s USA”, and the motion picture “Manitou.” Michel was the director of photography on the original “Mission Impossible” series (‘60s) and such feature films as “Bless the Beasts and Children” (1971) and “The April Fools” (1969).

Michel Hugo

Mr. Nielsen, Michel Hugo, and my mother are gone… and I’m sure to a much better place. They will be missed. Still, I wonder if Mr. Nielsen brought along his rubber ball?

R.I.P. Mr. Nielsen…it was a pleasure.

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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!

All my novels in the Tom Logan mystery series have become audio books- read by actor James Romick, and is available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

NEW!

The rollicking adventure novel set in paradise. The thrill-a-minute bestseller that two film producers are interested in…”The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” will soon be available as an audio book, read by the talented Broadway actor, James Romick. Watch for it. In stores soon!

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 new, low prices. 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.

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 at an affordable price on Kindle.

MISSION: EMBARRASSING by Tony Piazza

July 19, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

MISSION: EMBARRASSING by Tony Piazza

One fine summer day, A.T.A. (during the Age of Television Antennas) I decided to go visit my father on location for an episode of “Mission Impossible” (The original T.V. series, C.B.S.). Actually the company was shooting the prologue for a number of episodes where Phelps gets his instructions via the most advanced technology of that day (1970) – a reel to reel tape recorder! These were hidden in various locations around the city -San Francisco Zoo, Golden Gate Park…a telephone booth?* and later they would dub in the voice giving the instructions… “Good morning, Mr. Phelps,” etc. (you know the routine). This day they were at Civic Center at the library building across from City Hall. I had met and talked with one of the I.M.F. members, Rollin Hand (MARTIN LANDAU) on the set of “They Call Me Mister Tibbs” (He was married then to another “Mission” member Cinnamon Carter (BARBARA BAIN), but now I was going to meet the big boss himself…Mr. Phelps (PETER GRAVES). I made two mistakes that day however; one was that I brought a high school friend with me, and the other was that I brought this high school friend with me. Yes, it was that bad! No sooner had we arrived and started walking towards the location when Peter Graves stepped out of a building in front of us and my friend shouted to my extreme dismay, “Hey, look…there’s James Arness’s** younger brother!”

IMF Team (Landau, Graves, and Bain)

“Good morning, Mister Phelps…your assignment if you wish to accept it, is to kick this smart mouth kid in the…”

Well I guess that summed up my attitude at that moment. Graves was a good sport about it, but I’ve never forgot it!

Martin Landau and myself (1970)

THIS MESSAGE WILL SELF DESTRUCT IN….

As an aside, I first met the director of photography, MICHEL HUGO on that show. Subsequently he would become my boss on “The Streets of San Francisco,” “Bert D’ Angelo, Superstar”, and two TV movies. He and his wife, Gloria also became good friends. Sadly he passed away a couple of years ago.

Cinematographer Michel Hugo, lobby of QM Studios 1970s

* What writer with a massive salary came up with that gem!

** For my younger readers- James Arness was Matt Dillion, Marshall of the long running TV show “Gunsmoke.”

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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 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.

Tony Piazza is member of three prestigious writer’s groups: Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writer’s of America, and 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.

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.