Author Tony Piazza

Mystery Author and Movie Historian

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Esther Williams, That Million Dollar Mermaid

October 18, 2013 By tonypiazza 12 Comments

The day after Esther Williams passing on June 6th of 2013 I promised to post a story about meeting this incredibly talented lady. Sorry it took so long, but- as they say- better late than never.

 Williams 1A

It was perhaps over thirteen years ago that my wife and I went to a bathing suit show at Nordstroms in downtown San Francisco. At the time my wife was working for a bay area company that produced bathing suits- she was a pattern-maker, and was interested in the show because it was her trade. I tagged along for the ride. Well, perhaps that wasn’t altogether true, there was an added attraction, the speaker was ESTHER WILLIAMS, and although I was not officially a film historian at the time, I was extremely interested in films and those who, like myself, worked in them- and especially those who were around making movies in an age when studios ran the industry.

 aquacade

Williams with Weissmuller-  during Billy Rose’s Aquacade

Esther was charming, down to earth, and frank about her years in the industry. She had plenty of interesting anecdotes about other celebrities in her life. Touring in her younger years with Billy Rose’s Aquacade, she told us the story of JOHNNY WEISSMULLER, and how he loved to tease the other women swimmers on the tour. He was also by her report, quite a ladies man. Incidentally, I knew Johnny’s son, John Jr. He was very proud of his dad, and all the medals for swimming he had won. She mentioned another celebrity I had met, RICARDO MONTALBAN, and related what a gentleman he was (I can attest to that), also, what fun she had working with RED SKELTON, and the only sour note- although she didn’t go into detail (what’s not said, says volumes) was in regards to  FERNANDO LAMAS, one of her ex-husbands. Apparently he was somewhat overbearing in regards to their relationship.

Ricardo Montaban

Author with Ricardo Montalban back in the 1960s

http://www.authortonypiazza.com/encounter-with-ricardo-montalban-by-tony-piazza/

Esther was born in Inglewood, California on August 8, 1921, the youngest of five siblings belonging to Louis Williams- a sign painter and Bula Myrtle Williams- a psychologist.

 Williams 1

Esther set a number of swimming records in her late teens as a member of the Los Angeles Athletic Club. However, she was not able to compete in the 1940 Summer Olympics due to the turmoil brought about with the start of World War 2. Instead, she joined Billy Rose’s Aquacade when it moved to San Francisco- replacing its’ former star, ELEANOR HOLM, who’d decided she didn’t want to leave New York. Talent Scouts from M.G.M. discovered Esther at the Aquacade, and the rest, as they say, is history.

 Williams and Rooney

Starting in small roles and moving up, her real fame came from a series of 1940s to early 50s M.G.M. musicals featuring elaborate synchronized swimming routines with lavish sets, and timed to fully orchestrated musical numbers.

 esther-williams-sync

Some of her most notable films were: Bathing Beauty (1944), Neptune’s Daughter (1949), and Million Dollar Mermaid (1952).

 Williams and Van

Williams with Van Johnson

Some of the other stars Esther worked with were: MICKEY ROONEY (My niece interviewed him), VAN JOHNSON (who I’ve met), PETER LAWFORD (Who I’ve also met- see earlier blog),  GENE KELLY, VICTOR MATURE, and TONY MARTIN.

 Peter L.

Peter Lawford, my mom, & myself back in the 1960s

http://www.authortonypiazza.com/meeting-one-of-a-kind-peter-falk-by-tony-piazza/

My wife and I got to spend some time with her. I didn’t say much, but received a warm smile as the two of them spoke shop. She was also kind enough to sign a photograph.

Esther Williams

Our autographed picture of Esther Williams

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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.

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 now available!

Find it at 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: A Murder Amongst Angels, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Bathing Beauty, Billy Rose's Aquacade, Bullitt Points: Memories of Steve McQueen and Bullitt, Eleanor Holm, Esther Williams, Fernando Lamas, Gene Kelly, Johnny Weissmuller, Johnny Weissmuller Jr., Mickey Rooney, Million Dollar Mermaid, Neptune's Daughter, Peter Lawford, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, Tony Martin, Tony Piazza, Van Johnson, Victor Mature

On Location with Lucille Ball in "Yours, Mine, and Ours" by Tony Piazza

July 17, 2012 By tonypiazza 6 Comments

On Location with Lucille Ball in “Yours, Mine, and Ours” by Tony Piazza

 

Before I begin the post,  I want to thank all of you that have been so kind as to comment on my previous stories and encourage me along the way. You have all been super and are stars in your own right.

Once again, if you do enjoy these,  please subscribe, which means you will be alerted to my new posts instantly.  I would appreciate it if you could – it gives me an idea of the number of readers that are following. Thanks again.

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Today’s memory came courtesy of a friend that I made on TCM. Her favorite film was “Yours, Mine, and Ours” starring LUCILLE BALL and HENRY FONDA.

It was an unusually warm summer evening in 1968, just two years before I would join the S.F. Casting Agency and work on my first film, “What’s Up, Doc!” starring BARBRA STREISAND and RYAN O’ NEAL. My father was assigned to find S.F. locations and provide security to the “Yours, Mine, and Ours” production company (Desilu and UA). One Friday night he invited us (my mother, aunt, uncle, and I) to visit the set. They were filming at a Mexican restaurant located in Ghirardelli Square- Senor Picos (alas, no longer there) and obviously the word got out to the public because the location was surrounded by hundreds of spectators as we’d arrived.

Luckily the shooting was inside the restaurant, so the crowds were no problem. We also waited outside the restaurant because space was limited to cast and some essential crew- however we were able to get within the ropes to mingle with the other members of the crew that were also “locked out”. Here I spotted VAN JOHNSON who was taking a break for some much needed fresh air. The one thing I remember about him was his shoes- they were black and white patent leather shoes with buttons. Very fancy- I’m not a fashion person and I don’t know why that would stick in my memory- but they did. I also saw DESI JR. and LUCY– Lucille’s children who were visiting that night. Desi Jr. was a guest star on “The Streets of San Francisco” about seven years later when I was a stand-in on the show, and I got to talk to him about this earlier encounter. It turns out that it was his birthday and he was there to get his present- an Aston Martin DB5 that was being sold to his family by a man in Oakland, CA. Incidentally, both he and his sister are extremely nice, down to earth kids.

Another incident that evening- and a very memorable one at that – occurred when we’d first arrived. I went to the restaurant door and knocked on it hoping that whoever answered would get my father (who was inside). The door swung open and there standing before me was Henry Fonda in a Naval uniform! He obviously was playing a joke; I could tell by his smile, and the mischievous look in his eyes when he threw open the door.  He said, “Can I help you!” I stuttered out if he could let my father know that we were here. He said sure and disappeared inside. I’m sure my startled expression showed his joke paid off.

The big event of the evening came when the company “wrapped” just after midnight. Ms. Ball had a limousine waiting at the bottom of the stairs leading from the restaurant. It was to take her back to her hotel The crowds were still thick with craning necks waiting anxiously for her arrival. There was a gasp from the crowd as she stepped out and she immediately turned to my father, placed out her hand and asked (using his first name) for his assistance to get her safely through the crowd. I was impressed!

It was indeed a very memorable evening and one I’ll likely not forget.

Author’s additional note: When someone in the past would ask me about Lucille Ball’s personality I would usually beat around the bush. It’s hard to tell a fan that America’s funny lady wasn’t all that funny in person. She was a professional to be sure, and knew when to be “on” and when not. I heard that she was generous to other performers and I believe that. But that night I saw a serious business woman who didn’t want to waste time or money, and she expressed that in no uncertain terms.  It was her production company paying the bills however, so who could blame her.

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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.

11401368_1139753982708066_1713633751399547843_n

amaa

NEW!

MSSR Cover ad

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.

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, Desi Arnaz Jr., Henry Fonda, Lucille Ball, Lucy, Lucy Arnaz, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, Tony Piazza, Van Johnson, Yours Mine and Ours

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