Tony's Blog - Author Tony Piazza

Tom Logan Speaks!

July 1, 2015 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

WANT TO LISTEN TO A GREAT MYSTERY TONIGHT?

“Anything Short of Murder” read by Broadway actor James Romick has been released on Audible. In the days to come it will be available on Amazon and i-tunes.

IF IT’S ANYTHING SHORT OF MURDER, LOGAN’S INTERESTED!

The minute the dame walked up to Logan, he smelt trouble. A real looker, with tons of money and a daddy who liked to spoil her. She asked him to investigate a threatening note whose message was clear, keep your mouth shut or die. The first day on the job its fatal warning comes true, and the woman is murdered, or so it seems. Very shortly he discovers that it wasn’t the woman at all, but someone who looked very much like her .Twists and turns abound as Logan’s investigation leads him through a labyrinth of blackmail, mobs, and of course murder!

Anything Short of Murder is a mystery written in the style of the pulp detective thrillers of the 1930s. It follows the investigation of a former LAPD cop who sets up shop in Hollywood during its golden era, when movies began to talk and studio heads were kings.

Link to a sample of the audio book:

http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_mn_mt_ano_tseft__galileo?advsearchKeywords=Tony+Piazza&x=14&y=17

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony Piazza is a mystery writer, film historian, and veteran storyteller renowned for his passion for writing and movies. He is the author of three 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.

ABOUT THE PERFORMER

Born in Warren, Ohio, Jim earned his Bachelor of Music Degree from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University. While attending college, he appeared in numerous university productions as well as on stage at the Youngstown Playhouse.

Some of the many roles Jim has taken on include that of the title character in Lil Abner (his first high school production); Jesus in Godspell; Curley, Will Parker and Judge Fry inOklahoma!; Edward Rutledge and Thomas Jefferson in 1776; Lancelot in Camelot; Lt. Cable in South Pacific; El Gallo in The Fantastiks and Perchick in Fiddler on the Roof. He has performed in various productions for regional, stock and dinner theatres.

The most prominent aspect of Jim’s career thus far has been his Broadway debut in February of 1990. He joined the New York cast of The Phantom of the Opera as a swing/understudy and has since performed the roles of The Phantom, Raoul, Andre, Firmin and the rest of the male ensemble.

As a swing, Jim must be prepared to take on any character at any given moment, often with little or no advance notice. He steps into whatever character necessary without hesitation and has continued to be an integral part of the cast, delighting audiences in New York City.

Jim has been seen as The Phantom in the ‘I Love New York Theatre’ commercial, filmed in Times Square on September 28, 2001, as well as on the Rosie O’Donnell Show finale. He has also performed at Giants Stadium as part of the half time entertainment.

First Novel Goes Audio Book!

May 26, 2015 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: “Anything Short of Murder” is being produced in NY as an audio book. James Romick will narrate the first book in the Tom Logan mystery series. Mr. Romick has been a professional stage actor for over thirty-five years- twenty-two and a half on Broadway, and is in my estimation the perfect voice for P.I., Tom Logan. Among his many impressive accomplishments, Mr. Romick also has the distinction of performing in the original Broadway production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Hope you’ll check the audio book out when it’s released on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes in the near future.

James Romick

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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.

Also: The new Tom Logan mystery thriller, A Murder Amongst Angels is discounted for e-book .

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

Steve McQueen's First Screen Role

May 7, 2015 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

It’s interesting what you might discover when surfing the net. I was looking up the work and film adaptions of Roy Huggins- the creator of “77 Sunset Strip” and his detective Stu Bailey when I happened upon this clip. This film wasn’t one of Huggins creations- and I’m sure he would’ve counted himself lucky that it wasn’t- but in the process of looking up, I Love Trouble (1948) which was his, Girl On The Run crossed my path.

Cast of 77 Sunset Strip

Creator Roy Huggins

Girl On The Run (1953) is an extremely low budget independent noir film that uses all the gimmicks of a typical crime melodrama but sets it in a carnival environment.

Girl On The Run for the most part is forgettable, except for one notable cast member- Steve McQueen. He can be seen in the background during two scenes in the film. He was what in my day was called a film “extra,” but now are referred to as a “background” artist.

Steve McQueen as a “background artist”

Here’s the link to the clip on YouTube. It runs a little under two minutes. Enjoy.

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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 in Chino, California. The McQueen family’s favorite 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.

A True and Humorous Story by Tony Piazza

April 21, 2015 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

A TRUE AND HUMOROUS STORY by Tony Piazza
The story behind this magazine cover photo is amusing. In fact, back in the sixties, S.F. Gossip columnist, Jack Rosenbaum wrote of the incident. It went like this:

My father (who is the police officer on the cover- it was his occupation- and he was also assigned by the city of SF to assist the visiting film companies) was working on the film “Good Neighbor, Sam” with JACK LEMMON. Some tourists that were watching the filming spotted my father on the set and called him over. They asked if he was the same person on the cover of HOLIDAY magazine. He said that he was, and they asked to take a picture with him. He told them sure, although he did mention that he was no big deal. The tourists were thrilled anyway, and quickly searched out someone to take the shot. A gentleman standing by was asked…and after he did the duty and was returning the camera, added, “Oh, by the way, tell your friends that Georgie Jessel took the photo!”

NOTE: For all you young’ums…George Jessel (1898-1981) was a famous comedian, actor, songwriter, and Academy Award winning producer. He was known as “The Toastmaster “general of the United States- hence the humor of the situation. But, perhaps not to Georgie!

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Tony Piazza is a member of three prestigious writer’s organizations: Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the SLO NightWriters.

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.

Celebrity Encounters by Tony Piazza

December 19, 2014 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

CELEBRITY ENCOUNTERS. Not all the celebrities I met over the years were involved in productions that I was visiting or working on. In 1990 I ran into TONY BENNETT in SF at Borders Books off of Union Square. I was standing in line with him on the second floor (Music section). He was buying some music. He was dressed in a long, heavy gray overcoat- NY winter style. A few minutes later I was standing in line at the coffee section, and happened to glance at the person standing next to me. Yes, it was Tony once again, and we stared at each other for a second or two…and sensing he wanted his privacy…neatly looked away. He sat a table, moodily reading a newspaper, sipping a coffee and everyone pretty much left him alone. I guess he really did leave his heart in San Francisco!

My other encounter was in the 1980s. I was on my way to Lake Tahoe, and stopped off at the Black Oak restaurant in Vacaville, CA. I’m sitting at a table, and noticing a lot of waitresses flocking about a table across from me. It was JOE DiMAGGO. Extremely friendly, and very personable, taking time from his meal to sign autographs. Back then he was known as the spokesperson for Mr. Coffee, more so than a ball player, or one-time husband of Marilyn Monroe.

Another celebrity I happened across outside my own involvement in the television and motion picture industry was actor, RODDY McDOWALL, who I ran into during the production of the disappointing motion picture, “Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen” starring Peter Ustinov. (Peter, I met at another function, and have a full story about him here: http://www.authortonypiazza.com/two-anecdotes-from-peter-ustinov-by-tony-piazza/) Regarding Roddy, who is a classic film legend- having been a part of that galaxy of stars coming out of M.G.M.- this film was a sad note to his career.

When I saw Mr. McDowall, he was doing a scene in a motorized wheelchair (as I recall- this was back in 1981), and exiting and re-exiting, take after take from a building off of San Francisco’s Market Street. Not too taxing on the actor- maybe on the wheelchair, or the actor’s nerves.

Roddy McDowall as Cornelius- The original “Planet of the Apes” (1968)

Roddy played the chimp scientist, Cornelius in the ground breaking 1968 science fiction film, “Planet of the Apes”. Another actor in that now classic film was the actor, MAURICE EVANS. He played the orangutan, Dr. Zaius.

Maurice Evans in make-up for “The Planet of the Apes”

I had lunch with Maurice on location, when we were filming an episode for “The Streets of San Francisco” in which he’d guest starred. Very cultured man, with a wicked sense of humor. During lunch he’d announced to all of us at the table that he didn’t like brussels sprouts- they made him (you fill in the rest)!

Dapper, Maurice Evans

You may also remember Maurice as television’s Samantha Stevens warlock father on “Bewitched.” I also worked with another cast member from that show- Darren’s boss, Larry Tate- DAVID WHITE.

Back to “Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen”:

During the production much was made in the press about a Caucasian once again playing the role of the Asian, Chan- this time around in the person of Ustinov- and how there was an outcry in the Asian Community about this. After the fact, I would say they were lucky not having an actor from their community associated with this film…the box office was disappointing.

Peter Ustinov (Chan) and son (Hatch)

As a side note: actor, RICHARD HATCH played Chan’s son. I knew Richard, and was his stand-in during the final season of “The Streets of San Francisco” when he replaced MICHAEL DOUGLAS. He’s a nice guy, and am really sorry that he landed this role in the Chan film.

Myself and Richard Hatch in the 1970s

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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.

http://www.amazon.com/Tony-Piazza/e/B004K2YN0M/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1450801070&sr=1-2-ent

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.

DOUBLE EVENT!

November 14, 2014 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

DOUBLE EVENT! Tomorrow, December 15th, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” will be the featured e-book on BookDaily. Watch for it!

Sunday, December 16th, I’ll be reading my short story “My Most Precious Gift” at an anthology event at Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main Street in Morro Bay. Time 1-3. There will be food, drink, readings, and signings. Hope to see you there!