Glenn Ford Archives - Author Tony Piazza

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

December 9, 2013 By tonypiazza 4 Comments

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

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 is 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 me 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.

Working on “Magnum Force”

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 Margret 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. I also had the privilege to visit with Steve McQueen again on Towering Inferno and be invited for a drink “with the guys” by Paul Newman.

For many years, I’d shared these stories with 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 four books later- and working on a fifth, 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 one hundred plus posts of my film and television experiences. I also published a memoir in e-book length, “Bullitt Points,” the story of my meeting Steve McQueen and a personal account of 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 McQueen and Piazza

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Reflecting back over the last few 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 . Also available on Amazon & B&N websites.

About the author:

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

He is the author of five mystery novels, “Anything Short of Murder”, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon,” “A Murder Amongst Angels,” “Murder is Such Sweet Revenge,” and “Murder Will Out” 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, Mystery Writers of America, and SLO Nightwriters.

COMING SOON, the audiobook of “Murder Will Out,” read by Broadway actor, James Romick. Watch for it.

#SteveMcQueen, #Bullitt, #Bullitt50thAnniversary, #Alfred Hitchcock, #ClintEastwood, #MelBrooks, #FredAstaire, #DirtyHarry, #MagnumForce, #ToweringInferno, #PaulNewman, #RaymondBurr, #MichaelDouglas, #RobertVaughn. #LeslieNielsen, #GlenFord, #JamesStewart

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 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.

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 is a member of Sisters in Crime and SLO Nightwriters.

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.

How I Experienced Terror! by Tony Piazza

June 29, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

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.