Mystery Author and Movie Historian
Talk Show Host Dave Congalton (KVEC 920AM) interviews author Tony Piazza, who talks about his new e-book “Bullitt Points” – a personal account of visiting the movie locations of “Bullitt” during its filming in 1968 (including the now famous chase scenes), and meeting its iconic star, STEVE McQUEEN. Proceeds from sales goes to Steve McQueen’s favorite charity, The Boys Republic. Listen to the podcast!
Hi, Ho Silver! The Lone Ranger Connection by Tony Piazza
One of 2013’s most anticipated films is the Lone Ranger. A classic western adventure directed by Gore Verbinski and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The film stars Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp as Tonto. The announcement of this feature reminded me of a article I wrote some time back that mentions an early incarnation of that masked man of the plains. I present it below unedited.
I have been reading a great book, “Flights of Fantasy” by Michael J. Hayde the last few weeks. It tells the unofficial but true history of “Superman” on radio and early television. As I read through the pages I came across names that were familiar to me… not names that you would necessarily recognize, but people who I knew personally during my years in the film industry. Coming across these names, I suddenly found it exciting that I had had the opportunity to work with these people who had a role in the production of my early television favorites. Programs that helped fire my childhood imagination by bringing my favorite comic book heroes to life on the screen. As an example, in one photograph in the book there is a picture of George (Superman) Reeves during his first assignment behind the camera directing an episode of “The Adventures of Superman”. Sitting behind him by the camera was Joseph Biroc (Director of Photography). I was Mr. Biroc’s stand-in for the second unit work on Irwin Allen’s ( “Lost in Space”, “Time Tunnel”, “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”, etc.) “Towering Inferno”. From the cast lists printed in the book I learned that one of Superman’s foes in an episode was portrayed by Lawrence Dobkin- he was a star of many radio and film productions, but also acted as Director for the pilot show of “The Streets of San Francisco.” Incidentally, Dick Donner, another director on “Streets” is a name associated with a more recent Superman!
That then got me thinking about some of the other people that had an association with my early television favorites… and I remembered that our Unit Production Manager on “Streets”, Bob Beche, worked on the “Lone Ranger” television production starring Clayton Moore. He also went on to do the disastrous re-make, “The Legend of the Lone Ranger” in the 1980s with “Streets” Production Manager, Dick Gallegly. One of our QM drivers, and a good friend, Gil, was James (Matt Dillon) Arness double for “Gunsmoke”. These are not big names by fan’s standards, but people responsible none-the-less for giving me so much enjoyment in my youth…. And it also goes to prove that even in film land one can say that it is a small world!
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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 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.
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.
How I Experienced Terror! by Tony Piazza
MY FIRST “EXTRA” WORK, although unofficially, was on the film “Experiment in Terror” starring GLENN FORD and LEE REMICK. They allowed my mom and I (age 4) to sit with the crowd of background artist on location at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. It could have been uncomfortable work (readers who live in the bay area would need no further explanation, but for the rest of you…) chilling winds could blow through that stadium and turn it into an icebox. However in August through October we would on occasion have Indian Summer-like weather and that was exactly what it was that night. So here we were, sitting in a grandstand, staring out at an empty field, and jumping up and cheering at an imaginary Giant’s ballgame. Welcome to the realities of Hollywood- a baptism by fire that would serve me well some 14 years later. I can’t remember much about the film’s director BLAKE EDWARDS, although he did return to the bay area to shoot “Days of Wine and Roses” a few years later. My father worked with him again then…and that’s when I learned that he was married to Mary Poppins (sorry, but as a kid that was how I knew JULIE ANDREWS back then). She came to visit him on the set of that film…an “elegant and charming woman” (as described by my dad). Lee Remick also starred in that drama with JACK LEMMON, who would return to San Francisco once again to play the lead in “Good Neighbor Sam.” One actor I remember from the “Experiment in Terror” Candlestick shooting was ROSS MARTIN. He was wearing a jacket with a hood and dark glasses. He was also wheezing when he delivered his lines… very scary…at least to a four-year old (maybe some adults!). He was playing a psychotic killer named “Red” Lynch, a character very different than the jovial Gordon of TV’s “Wild, Wild, West.” He had several “tense” scenes with Remick (a very beautiful actress with striking blue eyes)…a nice lady too. I got to work with her when I was in my 20s but more about that later. I remember that my mother was disappointed in Glenn Ford. She waited to see him, but it turns out that he was exceptionally shy away from the camera and hid in his dressing room between “takes.”
Lee Remick and Glenn Ford
Director Blake Edwards
That pretty much wraps up this adventure…as far as this aging memory goes. However I did recall visiting two other locations for that film; the house (Remick’s character’s) on Twin Peaks and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Wharf’s location was unusual because they were shooting on a Sunday. Most production companies (actually the producers…the guys that fork out the money) like to avoid Sundays because of overtime, but the logistics of this “shoot” required a helicopter to hover overhead and the city wouldn’t allow this disruption on a busy weekday.
Fisherman’s Wharf location (notice Remick’s coat)
Production photo with same coat ( photo from Piazza personal collection)
I had the pleasure of seeing Lee Remick again when working on the film “Telefon”, starring CHARLES BRONSON. We were at the Embarcadero Center which was supposed to be in Texas (hey, this is movie magic. All the “extras” wore ten gallon hats!). In-between shooting I glanced over in her direction and she smiled sweetly at me- acknowledging my attention (perhaps because I was staring- as I said earlier, she was a striking lady with lovely blue eyes). One piece of trivia- this film introduced a young actress as the sister of Lee Remick’s character. She would become a star herself, especially on television. Her credits include “The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. and “Hart to Hart”, and I had the pleasure to work with her as well. Her name was STEPHANIE POWERS.
Stephanie Powers in her first role
I hope you have been enjoying these glimpses into my past. I assure you these are not an exercise in ego…mine could fit into a nutshell and still have room for the entire population of the U.S…but really the result of growing older and feeling the need to put in writing something of my life. A little nostalgia that has been arising in me, one that created the need to remember back fondly, especially to the two great parents that helped set me on this path. That’s what happens with age! Please consider “following” my blog series.
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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.
I WORKED FOR MEL BROOKS! by Tony Piazza
In the summer of 1977 I got a call from the casting agency. They were telling me to report to the Hyatt Regency on Market Street the next morning. It was for the film “High Anxiety” starring and directed by MEL BROOKS. It was a great thrill for me because as most of the country at that time, I was a Mel Brook’s fan. I even had a copy of his script for “Black Bart” (eventually re-titled “Blazing Saddles”) on my bookshelf. It was given to me by an assistant director on the film who knew I was a big Brooks’ fan.
Whenever I was about to meet a personality in real life that I’m a fan of, I usually prepared myself mentally not to be disappointed if he/she didn’t meet up to expectations. I found one comedian I met to be very bland in person, and another an absolute grouch. MEL BROOKS to my relief was very much the MEL BROOKS you’d expect- creative, intelligent, and funny…VERY funny. In fact I had never worked on a set that had such a high level of hysteria. In between shooting RON CAREY (Brophy) was working the crowds gathered to watch the filming in the lobby. He was a one-man comedy act that continued non-stop for two days; “I’ve got it…I don’t got it!” Then there was the actual filming. Mel the director had a television monitor hooked up on the Panavision film camera…then Mel the actor would do his bit…and then Mel the director would review the scene on the monitor in which he and the crew were allowed to watch and laugh out loud at his or the other actor’s antics- Pretty nifty set-up. Of course we were all constantly biting our lips…so much comedic talent under one roof made it a real challenge!
I was part of the shocked crowd that witnessed Dr. Thorndyck (Brooks) shooting a colleague in the lobby of the hotel. Of course it wasn’t Thorndyck but “Braces” (RUDY DELUCA) wearing a mask of the doctor. What can I say, it is PURE MEL BROOKS and a great send up of the films of Hitchcock (I have also been on his set- FAMILY PLOT- but that is another story) …especially Vertigo! I got to talk to Brooks briefly…a real thrill…and was personally directed by him for a classic “Hitchcockian” shot of running feet…yes, my shoes got a close-up as well! Glad I polished them…and, no, my feet do not give autographs… just foot prints (a little humor… very little). You can see me in the film, a little blurred perhaps, but look for the man standing behind Brophy when he utters, “Why did you do it, doc!”
HARVEY KORMAN, MADELINE KAHN, and CLORIS LEACHMAN rounded out the Brooks’ stock company… and the end result I believe was another classic film!
So I can honestly say…as Slim Pickens uttered in “Blazing Saddles”, “….I worked for Mel Brooks!”
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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” is now available as an audio book, read by the talented Broadway actor, James Romick. Find it at Audible, Amazon, and I-Tunes.
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.
Thanksgiving on the Set with Sidney Poitier by Tony Piazza
This movie memory goes back 45 years to 1969, when I was 15 years old! Where has the time gone?
My Father was assigned to a SIDNEY POITIER movie, “They Call Me Mister Tibbs!” during the winter of 1969. It was a sequel to the highly successful “In the Heat of the Night” where he again portrayed the detective Virgil Tibbs. “In the Heat of the Night” won five Academy Awards including Best Picture. It was based on a book by John Ball.
The company had a tight shooting schedule which required my Dad to work on the Thanksgiving holiday. This was a big disappointment to my family- doubly for me, since it was also my birthday. However, as it turned out, we (my Mother and I) were invited down onto the set to share a Thanksgiving meal with the crew. This was served up by the motion pictures’ caterer- I believe the Paso Robles Inn- it has been many years now, so I can’t remember exactly-but I do recall the excellent turkey and all the delicious trimmings!
The location was the San Francisco Hall of Justice, specifically, the communications room. Earlier I had met Sidney Poitier and took a picture with him. I was really impressed with how friendly he was. He really went out of his way to make us feel special. I’ve met many actors, some very personable, others not. Poitier was the former. He made us feel important and more than welcome on the set. I believe I also got a happy birthday wish from him. He was thoughtful that way. We also had a chance to visit with MARTIN LANDAU at another San Francisco location- a church on Potrero Hill . He was a great guy, down to earth, and interesting to talk with. We had another picture taken, which he readily posed for. I particularly remember my mother commenting to him about how beautiful his then wife BARBARA BAIN was, which he acknowledged proudly. If you recall, they were both regulars on the “Mission Impossible” television show at the time.
It was a cold, rainy Thanksgiving that November in San Francisco, but the warmth of that experience still lingers with me today- especially because I do not have either of my parents to share the holiday with me as we once had. They were wonderful times, and I miss them both.
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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!
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.
When I worked a couple of days on the film Sideways (2004) I had an occasion to talk to one of the assistant directors. I had mentioned Vincent Price, and she immediately asked, what films did he make? That’s surprising for a person you’d expect to have been a film student. What happened to film history? Or even the drive of a student to learn everything about his/her trade? For my uninformed assistant director I dedicate this blog. If only she could read it!
An Evening Spent with Vincent Price by Tony Piazza
San Francisco had a film festival during the 1980s and one of its venues was “An Evening with Vincent Price.” Excited at the prospect of getting to see this motion picture legend in person, I wasted no time in purchasing a couple of tickets- one for myself and one for my girlfriend. Following a dinner at a nice San Francisco restaurant, we headed with great excitement to the Palace of Fine Arts and the theatre where the show was to take place. The event featured his talk, followed by a question and answer period, and then a short film which led to the screening of an Edgar Allan Poe movie that he’d made for American International Pictures. On the bill that evening was The Tomb of Ligeia (1964), directed by Roger Corman.
Vincent Price and Debra Paget. The Haunted Palace (1963).
Before the start of his talk he came out into he audience and personally greeted some of the crowd. I was surprised at how tall he was- well over six feet- and even before he spoke in his well-cultured voice, his presence commanded attention. He was very personable and instantly you could tell that the crowd loved him.
Roger Corman’s mighty three: Karloff, Lorre, and Price.
The program began a little late because of the number of people that wanted to press his hand, but after taking a seat he took us on a journey through his incredible career- stage, radio, films, and television with anecdotes regarding other actors along the way. He also shared stories concerning his love of art and cooking; Mr. Price was indeed a very educated, cultured, talented, well rounded individual (besides the fine actor that we have all seen up on the screen) and that all came across from his presence that evening on the stage.
Although I cannot remember everything that was said that night, the one comment he made that comes back to me when watching present day horror film entries is this: Mr. Price felt that films today reveal too much… that some things are better left to the imagination- that they are much more effective that way. I agree.
After finishing his talk he opened the floor for questions, and then introduced the “short” for the evening. It was a film made by an up and coming film student whom Mr. Price said we would be hearing a lot about in the years to come. The film was “Vincent”- a stop frame animation tribute to Mr. Price (which he did the narration) and its’ creator was Tim Burton!
Director Tim Burton. Vincent was his tribute to Price.
After the “short”, the film was run to the enjoyment of us all, and then the program ended.
It was a wonderful experience sharing the evening with such a talented man- and looking back, even more so, since he is a personality which we will never see the likes of again.
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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!
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 SOON, audio book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.
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.