Quinn Martin Archives - Author Tony Piazza

Karl Malden's Magic Penknife

April 9, 2014 By tonypiazza 8 Comments

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.

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.

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.

Here’s the penknife (position 1)

Pass a hand across it (position 2)

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

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

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.

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.

————————————-

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.

Christmas on "The Streets of San Francisco" by Tony Piazza

December 13, 2012 By tonypiazza 14 Comments

Here we are on the brink of 2018, and as I do every year during the weeks leading up to Christmas, I reflect back. I don’t know about you, but with the passing years, it seems that my mind turns even more readily to those innocent years of childhood. Frankly, adulthood isn’t what it is cracked up to be…loaded with its’ inevitable responsibilities, emotional roller-coaster moments, and inescapable tragedies. It certainly makes you long for the old days, where being naughty or nice was the only worry on your mind. Still, there are lots to give thanks for, and many blessings have come my way through the year, not the least of which is all your friendships. I appreciate you coming back, reading, and commenting on my stories. Here’s wishing all of you a Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy 2018!

My First Christmas Party with “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

San Francisco skyline at Christmas

The Christmas season is a great time to reflect on the past. Family gatherings, friends stopping by for good cheer, sumptuous treats and colorful gifts are all part of the memories we conjure up on the days leading up to the twenty-fifth.

Today mine turns to a very special occasion that occurred forty-one years ago in December of 1972. It was the Christmas Party put on by Quinn Martin for the cast and crew of “The Streets of San Francisco.” KARL MALDEN and his wife Mona was there, so was MICHAEL DOUGLAS. Producer QUINN MARTIN came up from Southern California to join us, as did Executive Producer HOWARD ALSTON. Many from Management were a part of the festivities; DICK GALLEGLY and ARTHUR FELLOWS also coming to mind.

This is a crew Christmas photograph from 1973. Look for guest star Ida Lupino among Karl, Michael, and the rest.

I was a guest that night along with my parents. It was held in the ballroom at the Del Webb Towne House on Market Street. This hotel was used as the production office during that first season- later (for the second season) a warehouse on Kearny would be converted to offices and a soundstage.

Kas Garas, Anneke Wills, and Anthony Quayle- Strange Report

Aside from my parents, I shared a table with two of the guest stars on the episode they happened to be filming during the week of the party- actors KAZ GARAS and ED NELSON. Kaz was one of the stars (actor ANTHONY QUAYLE being the other) of my favorite British television production- “Strange Report”. He was seated next to me and we were having a conversation like old friends! Boy, did that seem strange– no pun intended! Actor Ed Nelson had played Dr. Rossi (in the 1960s) on my mother’s favorite night-time soap…“Peyton Place” (which also starred: Ryan O’Neal, Barbara Parkins, Mia Farrow, and Christopher Connelly). Nelson was a heart-throb on that show, so I’m sure she didn’t have any complaints having him at our table. We were having a great time.

Ed Nelson as Dr. Rossi (Peyton Place)

The food was terrific that night, as was the outtakes and blooper reels shown by EDDIE MARKS, the wardrobe guy on the show- some of the films were taken with his own 8mm sound camera.

My father and Michael Douglas

I remember everything was brightly decorated- both in the ballroom and outside the hotel. Colorful holiday lights of red, green, yellow, and blue reflected off the wet pavement that chilly San Francisco night- it had rained. But once inside there was great warmth in the Towne House with friends sharing laughter and good cheer. Karl- ever the father of the production company also played Father Christmas passing out gifts that he (whose generous nature was remarkable) had purchased for the great and small alike of his “Streets” family.

Karl Malden- Father Christmas!

There was caroling, and music to dance to- nothing was overlooked. It was a memory to be cherished- as I have done these many years. Most of the crew is gone now- Karl has passed on to his reward, and so have my parents who are no doubt presently sharing some laughs with him. It is so grand that I can look back and remember these special occasions which grow every so much more meaningful as time passes on.

Merry Christmas to all! Thank you for following my blogs and hope to see you next year!

———————————————————–

Author Tony Piazza

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 Logan mystery, “Murder Is Such Sweet Revenge” was made available for purchase, and has since been an instant bestseller. October 2017 his latest, “Murder Will Out” was released and has been climbing the charts. 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. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity.

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

NEW!

The novels that started it all. All the earlier Tom Logan mystery series have become audiobooks- read by actor James Romick, and is available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

The NEW Tom Logan mystery, “Murder Will Out” is available in print, e-book, AND SOON audiobook on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. For audio- Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

Also:

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

Find them all on 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.

———————————————–

NewAuthorPhoto2 4-12-13

Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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:

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.

Some Random Thoughts About Michael Douglas by Tony Piazza

August 10, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

Some Random Thoughts About Michael Douglas by Tony Piazza

Michael Douglas and myself (1975)

MICHAEL DOUGLAS was terrific- a real pro. It was funny, but the first day he showed up in SF he was totally out of character. He had long hair and a beard. Not exactly the image of a police inspector (unless he planned to go undercover as a Narco agent). Of course, that all changed when production started.

Michael with beard

He was totally accessible- he didn’t run to his trailer between shots to avoid fans. He signed plenty of autographs. Of course, it goes without saying that he got a lot of attention from the ladies, although he was dating BRENDA VACCARO of “Midnight Cowboy” fame at the time. She spent a lot of hours around the set.

Brenda Vaccaro and Michael Douglas

Michael was just one of the guys- he spooned mashed potatoes for the crew- as did KARL MALDEN on occasion, joked around the set, and even joined several of us crew members as we cooled off in a river (like school boys skipping class)- on a very hot lunch hour at our location in Santa Rosa, Ca.

Michael Douglas on location in San francisco

I remember one incident in Santa Rosa: the (movie) squad car was parked under a maple tree and as a rule when “standing in” you leave a “mark” for an actor to stand on. I was standing in for Michael and looking around took a maple leaf and used it. When Michael’s turn came to take his place on the “mark”, he asked me “where it was?” I told him the maple leaf…trouble was, the whole front yard was littered with maple leaves. Whoops. We had a big laugh over it!

My Dad & Michael Douglas

Obviously, I got to talk with Michael a lot- and as I mentioned to a Turner Classic Movie fan on its fan site- he was very proud of his Father, Kirk. I remember telling him about a picture I saw in a movie book about his Dad. It was a picture of the both of them on the set of “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea”. The location was an island in the South Pacific, and I believe he was about 10 when it was taken. He was really interested in it and wanted to know more about the book.

Kirk Douglas

He also loved and respected his Mother, DIANA DOUGLAS, who was also an actress and guest starred in one of our episodes. He spent a lot of time in-between scenes visiting with her. You can tell by his actions that he treated her with a lot of respect.

Diana Douglas

One time a fan decided to do a voice impression of his father from “Spartacus”, Michael played along even doing one of his father himself.

Kirk and Michael Douglas

A few Additional Memories

Entertainment Tonight came to the Quinn Martin Studio during the fourth season to interview Kirk and Michael. It was a thrill to see them both together.

I also remember Michael being on one of the popular talk shows that same year (MERV GRIFFIN or MIKE DOUGLAS). We (Karl,the crew, and I) watched him on television from The Streets of San Francisco studio. He did a bit with SCATMAN CROTHERS. It was pretty cool.

Scatman Crothers

Christmas time, both he and Karl never forgot the crew. They were both very generous. I still have a nice jacket from Karl and a silver plated beer stein with my initials – and “Thank you from Streets- M.D.” engraved on it.

Mug from Michael sitting on the jacket given to me by Karl

Those were great times- and both Karl and Michael were wonderful actors to work with.

———————————————

Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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:

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.

——————————————–

Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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.

Natalie Wood and Bob Wagner by Tony Piazza

July 24, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

Natalie Wood and Bob Wagner by Tony Piazza

Whenever the media revisits the death of Natalie Wood in 1981 I cannot help but reflect back to a time when I worked with Bob Wagner and saw Natalie for the first time. Bob Wagner was in two TV crime series pilots filmed in San Francisco. The first was entitled “The Cable Car Murder” shot in 1971 starring Robert Hooks and Jeremy Slate. In this production Hooks and Slate portrayed characters similar to the Karl Malden– Michael Douglas detectives Quinn Martin featured later in “The Streets of San Francisco”. The Cable Car Murder never made it as a series, but eventually was shown on CBS as a two hour movie re-titled, “Cross Current.” Bob Wagner unlike the rest of the cast on that show was very private, and did not seem anxious to become involved with anything outside of filming. My parents were celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary, and as it happened that particular day my father had to work on the show. The production crew put on a surprise party for him and my mom during lunch in which the star Robert Hooks and cast made a presentation of a cake and gift (see photograph). Everyone, but Wagner was there to celebrate the occasion and express their good wills.

Actor Robert Hooks presenting my parents with a gift.

On the pilot for “The Streets of San Francisco” a year later, I talked with Bob on the steps of the Hall of Justice in San Francisco. He was interesting to talk to, but in my opinion I found him preoccupied and uncomfortable with the public. There were two actors that I had been around who’d seemed to shy away from their fans; Glenn Ford (who would disappear in his dressing room the minute the cameras stopped rolling) and Robert Vaughn (Bullitt & Towering Inferno). Tony Curtis had a fear of crowds, but he was still accessible to his fans. Returning to Bob, in one scene he is driving a “movie” car, which he raced into the police headquarters’ parking lot well above the speed limit. My father flagged him down during the scene and told him to “take it a little slower”. I could tell that Bob didn’t like it, but since my dad carried a gun (LOL) he was wise not to argue!

I got to see Natalie Wood on that same pilot. She was visiting her husband at one of our locations, the Sea Cliff neighborhood during a freezing S.F. evening. She was wearing a long gray coat and hood lined in fur. She was very beautiful indeed, with her long shiny brown hair, peaches and cream complexion, and arresting dark eyes. And I particularly remember her voice- it was lilting and full of life- musical, with a rhythm that was uniquely her own. It still touches me to this day. I was impressed by her and the interest and kindness she showed others. I mourn her loss.

There is certain sadness I feel when I view “Miracle on 34^th Street” and see her sweet innocent face.

I won’t offer my opinion regarding the drowning. In truth I have no special insights, or drawn any certain conclusions. But I will say that Hollywood and its appearance of glamour is really only “smoke and mirrors.” You realize that working on a regular basis with these celebrities. In reality they are (as people, physically and mentally) no different than you and I, except that they are thrust into a unique situation where their every move is under constant microscopic examination. And that combined with the extravagant lifestyles expected of them and the temptations brought on by too much money adds up to a recipe ripe for disaster like that suffered by the Wagner’s. It really makes you thank your lucky stars when your station in life is as just plain folk!

As an aside: Natalie Wood had a fear of water. A short feature on the Turner Classic Movie channel narrated by Robert Redford, a former co-star in two of her films relates this. They were working on the feature “Inside Daisy Clover” (1966), when during a scene near a swimming pool he decides to improvise and jump into the water dragging Natalie along with him. She was paralyzed with fear, and it was only then that he learned of her phobia. Nevertheless, the good sport that she was, she was okay with his actions and they remained friends throughout her life.

Now, I’m not one to believe in premonitions, but Natalie’s fear does seem to leave the phenomena open for question.

Trivia: Natalie also appeared in the Redford film, “The Candidate” (1972) as herself. My father could also be seen in that film as a police officer behind Redford in a crowded hall at the convention center (Cow Palace, Daly City, CA).

———————————————————-

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.

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

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