Michel Hugo Archives - Author Tony Piazza

Karl Malden's Magic Penknife

April 9, 2014 By tonypiazza 8 Comments

I’ve written in a couple articles about how, Karl Malden, Michel Hugo (Director of Photography), and myself enjoyed sleight of hand. How we performed magic tricks for one another, and then taught how it was done. We were like kids, and it was the highlight of long hours of filming episodes- which most times went well into the night.

I may have mentioned this before in an earlier story, but I gave Karl two paperback books written by magician/author Walter B. Gibson (who also wrote “The Shadow” stories)- one book, I remember was about the secrets of Harry Houdini and the other, sleight of hand tricks. Karl seemed very excited and very appreciative when I handed them to him at his Winnebago dressing room while on location one day.

Tony Piazza in front of Karl Malden’s Winnebego

At Christmas, Karl was very generous to the crew of “The Streets of San Francisco” and gave wonderful gifts. I still have the blue Pendleton jacket he gave us one year- however my greatest treasure was not this jacket, or other expensive gifts (although I’ve appreciated them all), but a small “magic” penknife that he surprised me with one afternoon at the studio. With a sweep of his hand, the handle changed color from black to pearl white. Pretty neat, don’t you think? He performed the trick for me- and then after exposing its secret- to my amazement and glee, told me that it was mine. I have it put away in a special place in my home- and whenever I see it I think of Karl. It’s very personal to me.

Here’s the penknife (position 1)

Pass a hand across it (position 2)

Presto-change-o (same knife, position 3)

Karl Malden’s Christmas gift-today (still good as new)

Another story I’d like to share regarding our mutual interest in magic occurred during the summer of 1975, in-between shooting at the studio. I was practicing my sleight of hand with a deck of cards, as I had been doing during for some weeks when my services weren’t required on the set. On this occasion however, the first assistant director came over and said I would have to put them away- that cards were no longer allowed during production. Karl Malden caught wind of this and said, “Don’t worry, Junior (his nickname for me), I’ll investigate.” In the meantime, Michel Hugo showed up with “magic” ropes and three foam balls and said, “Let’s forget the cards for now, and practice tricks with these”. Michel was always very clever that way- he wasn’t one to roll over and play dead. Karl came back a day or so later with his own deck, handed it to me and said it was okay for us to practice with them again. It seems that someone on the crew was upset because there was poker being played by some members of the film crew at lunch (who knows maybe this person loss a few dollars at one of them and was holding a grudge) and reported it to the production heads back in LA. Apparently word had come down from them- “no more cards on the set”, but as Karl explained in his always kindly way, “That didn’t include our innocent fun.” As thoughtful as he was, I’ve no doubt he talked with production and cleared it. After that, I didn’t have any trouble with the assistant director- and Karl, Michel, and I once again continued exchanging our card tricks with each other.

Michel Hugo

I think these stories really indicate how Karl Malden was never hung up with himself, or his star image, but just a fine artist with a down-to-earth attitude, a true humanitarian who cared for everyone- big or small. He certainly went to battle for me, even though it wasn’t expected of him. He knew I enjoyed the magic lessons and so it also mattered to him.

When I give lectures today as a ‘film historian’ the question I’m frequently asked is, “who was my favorite actor to work with?” My resounding answer is always the same- Karl Malden. “Why?” they ask, “Because he was like a second father to me.” I believe stories like these illustrates why. What other actor would care enough to go to bat for a young stand-in on his show? Answer: not many, except the ever kind and thoughtful, Karl Malden.

————————————-

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.

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.

Karl Malden- Clowning Around

October 1, 2013 By tonypiazza 7 Comments

Karl Malden dons make-up for Clown of Death episode

While filming an episode for season four on “The Streets of San Francisco” we got to go behind the scenes of a circus. The title of the show was “Clown of Death” and aside from the series stars, KARL MALDEN and MICHAEL DOUGLAS, the television police drama also featured DAVID BIRNEY, MADLYN RHUE, LYNNE MARTA, and DICK VAN PATTEN.

Dick Van Patten publicity shot

The backdrop we used for the story was an actual circus performing at the Cow Palace auditorium in San Francisco- specifically, the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) circus. It was interesting watching what went on behind the scenes of a performance…seeing the performers prepare and the exotic animals cared for in-between shows. Unfortunately, one of our “extras”- dressed as an acrobat in leotards was not as thrilled about circus animals as I, when a chimp took a bite out of her calf as she was stepping into a trailer.

Myself with “Streets” jacket, outside Karl Malden’s Winnebago dressing room

We filmed a good portion of that week around the real circus – and I found the experience informative and strangely exciting. I guess you have to be a stage performer to totally understand the emotions I was feeling back then working behind the scenes of a “live” event.

My dad and Michael Douglas on location

It was a special thrill to witness from between the curtains the excitement of the audience, when (as an unexpected bonus) they got to see our star, Karl Malden riding on the back of a SFPD three-wheel motorcycle, red lights blazing and siren screaming, as my dad drove him around the center ring in the parade which opened the circus. As part of the episode, Karl goes undercover, disguised as a clown to try and flush out a killer. I could tell that Karl enjoyed the experience, as he wandered about the real audience replete in clown make-up, displaying his talent as a magician- sleight of hand- to an unsuspecting audience.

My personalized photo of Karl Malden

I had a role in the show too…one that really suited my personality…at least; I think that was what the first assistant had in mind, when they put me into a gorilla suit!

That gorilla (far right), was me…type casting?

Memories are a gift, reminding us during those quiet moments of special people that are no longer with us. For me, it’s my dad, the wonderful Karl Malden, and our good friend, Director Virgil Vogel- all who’d played a part in making “The Streets of San Francisco” such a success…and, provided me with this precious reminiscence today.

My parents and myself on location for “The Streets of San Francisco” during happier days.

————————————

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! COMING SOON!

The novel that started it all. The first in the Tom Logan mystery series- read by actor James Romick,will be available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

LOOK for the new Tom Logan novel. Tentative release date late 2015!

Also:

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 it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever fine books are sold. Also available for $2.99 on Kindle.

Karl Malden's Joke by Tony Piazza

April 15, 2013 By tonypiazza 6 Comments

This is a short memory, but a fond one. We (the crew of “The Streets of San Francisco”) were shooting a scene for an episode near Ghirardelli Square. As with most location shooting, we were attracting a crowd. And with this being a Friday night and a popular tourist spot, even more so than normal. People were everywhere. Areas were roped off on a grassy knoll in an effort to separate the onlookers from the shooting location. It was a chaotic night. Some friends stopped by to surprise me- old buddies from school. They said that they just wanted to come by and say hello, but I suspect it was more likely to impress their dates. They kept telling me how lucky I was to be able to work on a television show. Sure. Six days a week, and a minimum of twelve hours a day- in other words, no social life at all. In truth I envied them, with a pretty girl on their arm and a free evening to enjoy courtship- of course I didn’t tell them so. However, on the flip side, I’d made friends on “Streets” with such wonderful people as KARL MALDEN, and MICHAEL DOUGLAS; and Director of Photography, MICHEL HUGO, and Director VIRGIL VOGEL. So on second thought; it had its advantages. I was part of a unique family, and what social life I did have, revolved around co-workers and those moments in-between shooting. That was the reality of working on a film or television project. Karl Malden, more than anyone realized this, and tried to keep the atmosphere around the set always warm, fun, and friendly. For example, I’ll return to that Friday night. As I’d just mentioned, there was a large crowd of fans rubber-necking to see the action, and especially the stars. Karl was not in any of the scenes that evening, and had it off. His wife, Mona was visiting, and so they decided to use the time for sightseeing and shopping. Whether it was on purpose, or not, I’m not certain, but somehow they crossed paths with the production company. Karl and Mona were now standing behind the ropes among the fans looking in on our activity. Karl was not in his trademark dark suit, maroon vest, and gray hat. In fact, he was out of make-up and dressed in a tan leather jacket, comfortable slacks, and shirt opened at the collar. Fans hadn’t realized he was standing among them. They were too busy looking for him and other stars on the opposite side of the ropes. I spotted him however, and watched with amusement as he asked some of the gawkers with a gleam in his eye, “What’s going on here? Are the filming something?” Eventually a few caught on, and when they did, he and his wife disappeared. Karl was a great deal of fun, and I miss him, and those glorious days tremendously.

—————————————–

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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

Witnessing an Incident Involving Darren McGavin by Tony Piazza

August 21, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

WITNESSING AN INCIDENT INVOLVING DARREN MCGAVIN by Tony Piazza

DARREN McGAVIN. Veteran of television shows dating back to 1949. He appeared in programs such as; “Alfred Hitchcock presents”, “Mike Hammer”, “Riverboat”, “Rawhide”, “Route 66”, “Mission Impossible”, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and “Mannix.” His most notable roles were as Karl Kolchak in the television show and two movies, “Night Stalker”…a forerunner to the “X-Files” series, and as the old man- father of Ralphie in “A Christmas Story.” Here he is posing with me back in 1976 on the set of a Quinn Martin television movie about the 1950s Brink’s truck robbery- hence the dated clothes. I was standing in for STEPHEN COLLINS on that show and also acting as a bit player/ extra.

A bit of trivia; my good friend MICHEL HUGO was the director of photography on the first “Night Stalker” movie filmed in Las Vegas.

McGavin as Karl Kolchak.

In person Darren McGavin is much the character you’ve seen up on the screen. He rarely smiled, was extremely serious, and only spoke about work and delivered his lines. He was a loner. If you were to use a word to describe McGavin I would select “gruff.” Strangely enough because that was usually the characters he played, his real life persona didn’t disappoint me. It was as if I almost expected it of him.

McGavin as Mike Hammer.

One incident which involved him during the shooting comes to mind. It occurred in a run down hotel in the Tenderloin District of downtown San Francisco. Two young attractive blondes had appeared among the on-lookers in the lobby. McGavin was standing by the hotel desk, smoking a cigarette, and waiting for the camera crew to set up a shot, when suddenly and without warning these girls jump on either side of him and pose while a third person in their party snapped a shot. It happened in a fraction of a second, and McGavin let out a shout. An assistant director was instantly on top of it, catching the man and his camera, and deftly removing the film despite the man’s protestations. McGavin didn’t mind people taking pictures of, or with him, but the manner this was done put in question the picture taker’s intentions. Was this going to turn into some scandal sheet exclusive? You can imagine what they could have come up with for a headline. Lesson learned; personalities always have to be on guard.

———————————————–

NewAuthorPhoto2 4-12-13

Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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:

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.

On Location with Leslie Nielsen by Tony Piazza

July 25, 2012 By tonypiazza 8 Comments

On Location with Leslie Nielsen by Tony Piazza

Mr. Nielsen and my father, from “The Streets of San Francisco.”

In 1976 I worked on a Quinn Martin T.V. movie entitled “Brinks: The Great Robbery.” In it I was as a stand-in for STEPHEN COLLINS (“Star Trek-The Motion Picture”) . “Brinks” also starred LESLIE NIELSEN during his pre-“Airplane” days. I had worked with him before on “The Streets of San Francisco” (first season episode) and so knew that we were in for some fun… the prankster that he was… and he didn’t disappoint. I really liked Mr. Nielsen, both personally and professionally. He was a fun, friendly individual that always brought a smile to your face.

Forbidden Planet

He was quite different from the earlier characters that he played in such films as “Tammy and the Bachelor” (1957) and Forbidden Planet (1956)”- just an aside, but I worked with his co-star ANNE FRANCIS, a real lovely lady. Leslie was more like his “Airplane” (1980) character Dr. Rumack and “Naked Gun’s” (1988) Frank Drebin than his previous incarnations. To illustrate this point, he once told a story about being on a talk show. He had injured his wrist a week earlier and his doctor gave him a rubber ball to squeeze as part of his recovery. This ball made a rude sound when depressed, and seeing the comedic possibilities he brought it on the show hidden in his hand. Occasionally, when the host asked a question he squeezed it…the host became embarrassed and didn’t know what to make of it, except that Mr. Nielsen may have had cabbage for lunch!

The lovely Anne Francis and myself

The Naked Gun

The attached picture was taken in the Hall of Justice in San Francisco one Saturday during the summer of 1976. The story was set in 1950 and we had to dress accordingly. The lady in the middle was my mother. She had worked as an “extra” that day. The cinematographer on this show was a good friend of mine, MICHEL HUGO. We had not only worked together on this movie, but “The Streets of San Francisco”, “Bert D’Angelo, Superstar,” “The Avenger’s USA”, and the motion picture “Manitou.” Michel was the director of photography on the original “Mission Impossible” series (‘60s) and such feature films as “Bless the Beasts and Children” (1971) and “The April Fools” (1969).

Michel Hugo

Mr. Nielsen, Michel Hugo, and my mother are gone… and I’m sure to a much better place. They will be missed. Still, I wonder if Mr. Nielsen brought along his rubber ball?

R.I.P. Mr. Nielsen…it was a pleasure.

——————————————–

Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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” will soon be available as an audio book, read by the talented Broadway actor, James Romick. Watch for it. In stores soon!

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.

MISSION: EMBARRASSING by Tony Piazza

July 19, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

MISSION: EMBARRASSING by Tony Piazza

One fine summer day, A.T.A. (during the Age of Television Antennas) I decided to go visit my father on location for an episode of “Mission Impossible” (The original T.V. series, C.B.S.). Actually the company was shooting the prologue for a number of episodes where Phelps gets his instructions via the most advanced technology of that day (1970) – a reel to reel tape recorder! These were hidden in various locations around the city -San Francisco Zoo, Golden Gate Park…a telephone booth?* and later they would dub in the voice giving the instructions… “Good morning, Mr. Phelps,” etc. (you know the routine). This day they were at Civic Center at the library building across from City Hall. I had met and talked with one of the I.M.F. members, Rollin Hand (MARTIN LANDAU) on the set of “They Call Me Mister Tibbs” (He was married then to another “Mission” member Cinnamon Carter (BARBARA BAIN), but now I was going to meet the big boss himself…Mr. Phelps (PETER GRAVES). I made two mistakes that day however; one was that I brought a high school friend with me, and the other was that I brought this high school friend with me. Yes, it was that bad! No sooner had we arrived and started walking towards the location when Peter Graves stepped out of a building in front of us and my friend shouted to my extreme dismay, “Hey, look…there’s James Arness’s** younger brother!”

IMF Team (Landau, Graves, and Bain)

“Good morning, Mister Phelps…your assignment if you wish to accept it, is to kick this smart mouth kid in the…”

Well I guess that summed up my attitude at that moment. Graves was a good sport about it, but I’ve never forgot it!

Martin Landau and myself (1970)

THIS MESSAGE WILL SELF DESTRUCT IN….

As an aside, I first met the director of photography, MICHEL HUGO on that show. Subsequently he would become my boss on “The Streets of San Francisco,” “Bert D’ Angelo, Superstar”, and two TV movies. He and his wife, Gloria also became good friends. Sadly he passed away a couple of years ago.

Cinematographer Michel Hugo, lobby of QM Studios 1970s

* What writer with a massive salary came up with that gem!

** For my younger readers- James Arness was Matt Dillion, Marshall of the long running TV show “Gunsmoke.”

——————————–

Tony Piazza is member of three prestigious writer’s groups: Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writer’s of America, and 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.