Author Tony Piazza

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A Writer's Journey: From Stargazer to Chronicler and Back . By Tony Piazza

September 18, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

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

 

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 being 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 I 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.

 

   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 Margaret 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.

 

 

For many years, I’d shared these stories to 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 three books later- and working on a fourth, 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 sixty-three posts of my film and television experiences. This year I also published a memoir in e-book length, “Bullitt Points,” the story of my meeting Steve McQueen and a personal account on 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 couple of 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.

 

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

 

 

About the author:

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

He is the author of three mystery novels, “Anything Short of Murder”, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon,” and “A Murder Amongst Angels”  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 and SLO Nightwriters.

 amongstangelsfront cover

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Alfred Hitchcock, Ann Margaret, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Blake Edwards, Bullitt, Bullitt Points, Chad McQueen, Clint Eastwood, D.O.A., Dark Passage, Darren McGavin, Dashiell Hammett, Dirty Harry, Experiment in Terror, Family Plot, Fred Astaire, Glenn Ford, High Anxiety, Ironside, Karl Malden, Lee Remick, Leslie Nielsen, Magnum Force, Michael Douglas, Nick Charles, Once a Thief, Paul Newman, Richard Hatch, Robert Vaughn, Ross Martin, Sam Benedict, San Francisco, San Francisco Beat, Steve McQueen, The Boys Republic, 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, Tony Piazza, Vertigo, Walter Matthau

Touched by a Star by Tony Piazza

September 7, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

Touched by a Star by Tony Piazza

 

Most thirteen-year-olds see their heroes only on the movie screen or in books. I was fortunate to meet my hero in person. I’m talking about the legendary actor Steve McQueen, and I met him in 1968 during the filming of Bullitt,. the film that defined the Movie Car Chase.

 

 

Now, forty-four years later, I wrote about that experience in an e-book called Bullitt Points: Memories of Steve McQueen and the Making of Bullitt.. In addition to my experiences on location, the book includes newly researched material and an interview from a man who was present when McQueen was learning to drive high-performance race cars. I’ve also included some rare personal photographs. The Introduction was written by longtime McQueen fan and popular KVEC 920AM talk show host, Dave Congalton.

In June of 2012, I was invited to talk about Bullitt Points at “The Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show” in Chino Hills, California. The car show was founded five years ago by Ron Harris to raise money for the California Boys Republic, one of McQueen’s favorite charities  This year the car show’s Steve McQueen-related theme was Bullitt. The event was held on the BoysRepublic schoolgrounds–on the same field that Steve McQueen once played ball. McQueen was admitted to the Boys Republic as a 14-year-old student, and he often credited his stay for turning his life around. His chaoltic formative years drove him to the streets and gangs, but spending time (reluctantly at first) at the school changed him forever.

 

Steve McQueen’s first wife, Neile, took the stage prior to my presentation at the show. She tearfully described the young McQueen leaving the school with only the shirt on his back, a pair of jeans and a tattered suitcase. Years later, after they were married and he was successful, she spied him preparing for one of his frequent appearances at the school. She asked him why he was dressing so nicely. He said it was because “he wanted to show the boys what they could become.”

Piazza at event

I met and talked with some of the Boys Republic students when I was at the car show, and believe me, the school does make a difference. In fact, I couldn’t leave without a real commitment to help. Therefore, all profits from the sales of my e-book will go to The Boys Republic. I don’t want a cent. Ninety-nine cents isn’t much, considering people pay $3.50 for a latte. Think what a difference it could make to a troubled youth and what a wonderful investment we’ll be making towards a better, more productive society. I can’t think of a better tribute to this boy’s hero, Steve McQueen.

 Tony Piazza and Chad McQueen (courtesy of Bergstroms Photography)

Download the book at: www.bullittpoints.com

————————————————

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 above. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity.

 

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Bullitt, Bullitt Points, Chino Hills California, Dave Congalton, Making of Bullitt, Memories of Steve McQueen, Neile Adams McQueen, Steve McQueen, The Boys Republic, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Steve McQueen Car Show, Tony Piazza

Encounter with Ricardo Montalban by Tony Piazza

June 20, 2012 By tonypiazza 1 Comment

Encounter with Ricardo Montalban- A Class Act by Tony Piazza

We shared the same birthdate, but not the same year. He worked on radio, televsion, theatre, and film. So did I. His career spanned six decades, mine only one. He was a star, and I…a fan. His name, was RICARDO MONTALBAN and he was every inch a movie actor in the classic sense. Granted there were other actors that could project the charm, wit, and sophistication that he did, but somehow his performances always seemed to do it better. Perhaps it was because it was no act, but film capturing the real man.

   Montalban with Herve Villechaize (Fantasy Island).

   RICARDO MONTALBAN… to most, he needs no introduction. From early MGM musicals with Esther Williams (whom I also met) to Star Trek, Fantasy Island, The Naked Gun, and Escape to Conquest of the Planet of the Apes…he has been a prolific actor that has brought us much enjoyment through many generations. This photograph (below) was taken in 1971 on location in SF for a televsion mystery movie called “The Face of Fear’, co-starring Elizabeth Ashley.

   Montalban- a class act!

  They were filming at San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, close to the boat club, a very dramatic scene that included both Ashley and Montalban. On screen it was a private conversation, but in life they were surrounded by lights, camera, reflectors, sound recording equipment, booms, and a couple of dozen people which included director and film crew. That is the reality of the movie industry; creating an illusion that will convince an audience to accept what is projected on the screen as life. I have to admit that working in film does rob you of some of that magic, but it also instills in you an admiration for a film when it is really done right. That is where the actors come in, and the concentration and intensity delivered by both Montalban and Ashley in this scene really sold it for me.

   Co-star Elizabeth Ashley.

   “The Face of Fear” production company shot for forty-five minutes at that location. I was there the entire time, watching with the crew- others, a much larger crowd of onlookers were roped off at a distance, but because my father worked with the company I was given a front row view. After the scene was completed , Mr. Montalban was whisked away to his car. My father took my mother’s hand and led her towards the parked limo, I in close tow. When we reached it, I saw him sitting in the front passenger side, exhaustion etched on his face. My father called his name and tapped lightly on the car door. Always the latin gentleman…when he saw us with my father…he got out of the car…and then took my mother’s hand, a smile stretched broadly across his face…kissed her hand, and said, “you are a very lovely lady” and then asked “who is this gentleman?” (me), and shook my hand. There was class, and a fine example of what a gracious man he really was in life. If only the stars of today could conduct themselves with such panache, perhaps then we would have a few actors that years later we could call a class act.

Great memories. Thank you for letting me share them with you.

—————————————————-

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.

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, Bullitt Points, Elizabeth Ashley, Fantasy Island, Planet of the Apes, Ricardo Montalban, The Boys Republic, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Face of Fear, The Naked Gun, Tony Piazza

Visiting on Location with Steve McQueen and Bullitt by Tony Piazza

June 15, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

Visiting on Location with Steve McQueen and Bullitt by Tony Piazza

 

   It was a cloudy Saturday morning in the spring of 1968, on one of those rare weekends when my dad was not working. Whenever he was assigned to a movie detail, his schedule never allowed for Saturdays off, but on this rare occasion it did. The Warner Brother’s production company that was filming the motion picture “Bullitt,” starring STEVE MCQUEEN was shooting on a location outside of San Francisco and hence not within SFPD jurisdiction. Therefore the day off. That day’s script called for the filming of the final moments of what was to become a classic movie chase. The site selected was a vacant property at the foot of San Bruno Mountain, just where Guadalupe Road (a pass that ran along the mountain) met Bayshore Boulevard. Technically it is right on the border of San Francisco, but still came under the jurisdiction of the Daly City Police. The studio’s carpentry department had been hard at work during the earlier part of the week constructing a gas station and several low storage buildings- mostly fronts- that would be subsequently destroyed by an explosion and fire. It would prove to be quite a show, and knowing this, my dad piled both my mom and myself into our white, 1966 Buick LeSabre and headed out to the site. I mention the car in such detail because it actually made two appearances in the film. It was directly behind the Sunshine Cab (with the dog bobblehead) being washed in the carwash, and again parked in front of the Mark Hopkins on Nob Hill when that same cab driven by ROBERT DUVALL drops Steve McQueen off at the hotel. In fact I was watching them shoot the scene from the car’s backseat as they pulled up behind us. Returning to that Saturday morning, we were given a front row spot to park amongst the other equipment and trucks. CAREY LOFTIN the stunt coordinator was milling about, as well as LOREN JANES who drove McQueen’s 1968 390 CID V8 Ford Mustang- when McQueen didn’t drive it himself. Actor PAUL GENGE, the white haired hit man who was firing at McQueen with a sawed-off shotgun in the film during the chase, was pacing nervously in front of our car. I remember asking my parents why he seemed so nervous, and my mother in her usual sense of humor said it was because he “knew he was about to be killed”.

Image11

 

Paul Genge contemplating his demise!

If any of my readers have worked on films, you’ll know that there is a lot of waiting in-between filming- especially on features that don’t have a tight shooting schedule- and even more so when the scene involves stunts and special effects. This day was no exception. Explosives were going to be used to simulate the result of a ruptured gas pump, and the two principle cars were being rigged so they seemed to be driving side by side in the shot. The Mustang and the black 1968 440 CID/375 Dodge Charger were connected together by a bar with a release. Two dummies were placed in the Dodge and only one driver (Janes) controlled both cars. As they raced down the hill, at a certain point, Janes would fire the release which would detach the “driver-less” Dodge. Momentum would carry the Dodge the rest of the way, where it would hit a ramp and fly into the gas station pumps- the impact causing an explosion and fire that would spread to the adjoining buildings- at least that was their plan (I’ll explain later).

  

A still taken from 8mm footage. Notice the Dodger just after hitting the ramp.

   In the meantime there was also a slight delay because they were waiting for McQueen and some special guests. As part of the agreement between the City of San Francisco and Warner Brothers- for the city’s cooperation in the making of the film- the studio promised a million dollars for the building of a swimming pool in Hunter’s Point. That morning was the dedication (or ground breaking?) and McQueen attended. After the ceremony, Mayor Alioto dropped McQueen back to the set in a limousine. The mayor didn’t stay to watch the action, but his daughter Angela, and one of her friends did remain to catch the filming. As a side note, my dad brought his Kodak 8mm movie camera. We have about three minutes (length of a roll of film) documenting the activities of that day. I put a portion of it on YouTube (showing McQueen, Angela, and her friend), and Angela saw it. She e-mailed me back and shared some of her memories of that day! Some other sights on that film (besides the actual stunt) were views of the company’s trucks and equipment, including the camera car- a stripped down sports car that could be driven with a mounting for a camera that could be pivoted 360 degrees,  and many glimpses of the crew-especially, Daisy, one of the first female assistant directors. One problem with the 8mm camera was that the viewfinder and the lens were on two different levels, so as my father filmed from the front seat of the car through the windshield, some of the shots were partially blocked by the Buick’s steering wheel.

   Steve McQueen seconds after leaving the limo. Still from 8mm film.

   The chase in Bullitt lasts almost eleven minutes on film, and takes you- with no particular order all over the city. Any one familiar with SF would be amazed at the routes. They moved from Columbus Street, moving towards the Golden Gate Bridge ( incidentally, authorities wouldn’t allow the company to film on the bridge, but it made a nice backdrop), cut to Hyde Street- and then Leavenworth, Filbert, and neighborhoods thereabouts, eventually leading to the San Bruno Mountain located far south of the city! I was recently asked by  DAVE CONGALTON, a popular  California Central Coast radio talk show host (and big McQueen/Bullitt fan) why they did this. My answer was that they were planning a spectacular chase and selected locations (hills, especially) that would provide the thrills they were looking for- in other words, following logical street routes were not high on their “to do list”.  And in retrospect the director was correct. PETER YATES filmed the chase on the city streets with the two cars reaching speeds up to 110 miles/ hour- no wonder these vehicles went airborne- launched from some of the steepest of SF’s rolling hills. Spectacular… something never before seen on the screen up to that time!

  Steve McQueen talking with his special guests. Taken from 8mm footage.

   After several “run- throughs” the actual filming was ready to commence. Daly City fire trucks, ambulance, and police cars were off camera waiting- the traffic officers closing off the area from both ends of Guadalupe Road. The rigged cars reached their position at the top of the hill, the director radioed, “camera” and… “action,” and everyone held their breath. Within seconds the two cars sped down the hill, separated on “cue”, with the Dodge hitting the ramp, flying through the air- and into the explosion! Yes, the sfx guy got a little over anxious and blew the pumps BEFORE the car struck them. Fortunately, it wasn’t a major problem. They had several cameras shooting from different angles, and with a little creative editing they could correct the problem- and they did so convincingly, as you can see when you view the final film.

   Another still from 8mm footage.  The fire after the explosion. You can see one of the gas pumps, and camera crew in foreground.

It was a memorable day and still forever etched on this writer’s memory. Most of the people involved in this story, including Steve McQueen and my parents have been long gone, but their story lives on in the telling.

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’ve visited and worked (during my film career) with Steve McQueen. That story is told in my e-book, “Bullitt Points” (see below).

A letter of thanks from Steve McQueen to my father


IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY, FOLLOW LINK BELOW AND SEE HOW YOU CAN GET MORE INSIDE STORIES ABOUT STEVE McQUEEN AND BULLITT.

www.bullittpoints.com

———————————–

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 goes 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: Bullitt, Bullitt Points, Carey Loftin, Dave Congalton, Jacqueline Bisset, Loren Janes, Paul Genge, Peter Yates, Robert Duvall, Robert Vaughn, Steve McQueen, The Boys Republic, Towering Inferno, William Fraker

The McQueen's Needs Your Help! by Tony Piazza

June 11, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

The McQueen’s Needs Your Help!

 

BullitPoints-3DBook

 

NEILE ADAMS McQUEEN- Steve McQueen’s first wife spoke at the dinner the night before the “Steve McQueen Car Show.” She spoke of Steve with tears in his eyes,  how he’d left the Boys Republic in 1944 with only the shirt on his back, a pair of jeans, and a tattered suitcase. After they were married and he became successful she caught him dressing up for a visit to his former school. She asked him why he was wearing his nicest clothes and he responded, “I want to show the boys what they could become.”
The Boys Republic has helped countless kids escape from the streets and become useful participants in our society. They have been doing this since 1907; their motto “Nothing Without Labor.”
I know there are countless charities out there hounding you to donate…and times are tough for us all. But, this e-book is only 99 cents, and if you saw the progress that I’d seen being accomplished I know that you would want to be a part of it. All we can take out of this world is our good works. Think about it! This is not a bad investment. 100% of your dollar goes to the boys. I don’t get a cent. You get a good book, and we both get the satisfaction of saving a boy’s life.

Below is a sample of the response on my FACEBOOK page:

  • Ninette Bavaro-Latronica:  The book is worth reading…the cause is worth donating to….
  • Tony Piazza:  Ninette, thank you. Chad McQueen approved it. Ron Harris, the organizer of “The Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show” told me he enjoyed it, and many others were anxious to purchase it. It has my own photographs, personal stories not only from me, but others, one who knew McQueen when he was just starting out and learning racing. This is a one-of-a-kind e-book. But aside from that, it is not about the book, but the boys. The book is a bonus.
PLEASE consider helping the boys!
Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites.
Also:
www.bullittpoints.com
And read about the Boys Republic on their website:
www.boysrepublic.org

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Bullitt, Bullitt Points, Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show, Neile McQueen, Steve McQueen, The Boys Republic, Tony Piazza

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