Author Tony Piazza

Mystery Author and Movie Historian

  • Tony’s Blog
  • About
  • Media Appearances
    • Media Kit
  • Events
    • Events
  • Author Shop
    • Books
    • Other Merchandise
  • Contact
  • Tom Logan Mysteries
  • Hollywood Movie Histories
  • Anthologies
You are here: Home / Archives for San Francisco

A True and Humorous Story by Tony Piazza

April 21, 2015 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

dadmag

 

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!

————————————

Tony Piazza is author of the 1930s Hollywood murder mystery novel, “Anything Short of Murder,” which had its roots on the TCM fan website. His second novel, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” was next released early 2012, and in July of 2013, his latest Tom Logan Mystery, “A Murder Amongst Angels” was published and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. A new Tom Logan novel has been completed and is scheduled to be released in 2015. He was an actor/extra during the 1970s and worked with such legends as Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, and Karl Malden.  His non-fiction e-book “Bullitt Points” is an in depth look at the making of “Bullitt” from a person who was there. Look for it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites,  or at the link posted below. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity: www.bullittpoints.com.

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

My earlier bestselling novels, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” and “Anything Short of Murder” now joins “A Murder Amongst Angels” on Amazon’s Kindle at a new, low price of $2.99. Now you can have hours of adventure, thrills, mystery, and romance for the price of a cup of coffee- and just as stimulating! Look for it on Amazon. Print versions have also been reduced.

CofD

ASofM

Also: The new Tom Logan mystery thriller, A Murder Amongst Angels . 

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

 

amongstangelsfront cover 3

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: George Jessel, Good Neighbor, Jack Lemmon, Jack Rosenbaum, Sam, San Francisco, Tony Piazza

On the Set with Alfred Hitchcock by Tony Piazza

October 3, 2012 By tonypiazza 8 Comments

On the Set with Alfred Hitchcock by Tony Piazza

Summer of 1975

One advantage of having two people working in the entertainment industry is that it can get you access to production locations that you’re not working on. In this case Grace Cathedral during the shooting of ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S last feature, FAMILY PLOT. I was working with the crew of THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO, when my mother got a call for the Hitchcock feature. I remember climbing up several steep blocks from our Market Street location to that of Family Plot’s which was on Nob Hill. I was on my hour lunch break, so I did it quickly- the joys of youth!

As I approached the location I saw the trucks, and the caterers setting up tables for lunch in the courtyard of the cathedral. I remembered being impressed by the formality of the caterer- linen tablecloths, fine dishes, cloth napkins, and silverware. I won’t say that Street’s caterer was serving on paper plates with plastic utensils, but we certainly didn’t have such a classy set-up as that hired for that film production. This formality also spread to the crew, who were in shirt, tie, and jacket. I’m sure Hitch had something to do with all this- it seemed his style. Of course when I related these details to The Street’s crew it was met with a certain amount of sarcasm- especially by the camera crew.

My mother was an extra (background artist) sitting with others in the cathedral’s pews. They’d needed a large crowd, so Ann Brebner- the casting agent- asked her people if they knew others who could work as waivers (i.e. non-union). My mother asked a friend she grew up with to join her, and the lady was thrilled. The scene was the kidnapping of the Bishop by the villains of the story, WILLIAM DEVANE and KAREN BLACK. Karen Black was disguised as an old lady, and even though I was looking right at her, and knew it was her, she was unrecognizable- kudos to the great make-up by artist JACK BARRON.

Alfred Hitchcock made a grand entrance while I was there; marching down the aisle, huffing and puffing like the bishop himself on his way to conduct mass. He was quite red in the face, and it seemed as if the journey to his chair aside the altar was extremely taxing to him. Mentally I couldn’t help but hear his signature theme,  FUNERAL MARCH FOR A MARIONETTE, playing mentally in my head as he walked the distance. Once I got a glimpse of Hitch, I high-tailed it back down the hill to The Street’s location- after all; they were paying my wages, but I was extremely glad that I skipped lunch to see this legend at work. I grew up with him on television and in films. He was more than just a great director, but a personality whose dry wit, and sheer presence always brought a smile to my face.

———————————————–

 

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.

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.

11401368_1139753982708066_1713633751399547843_n

amaa

NEW!

MSSR Cover ad

The NEW Tom Logan mystery, “Murder is Such Sweet Revenge” is available in print, e-book, AND 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.

CofD

ASofM

Also: The new Tom Logan mystery thriller, A Murder Amongst Angels . 

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

 

amongstangelsfront cover 3

 

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Alfred Hitchcock, Ann Brebner, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Bullitt Points, Family Plot, Grace Cathedral, Jack Barron, Karen Black, San Francisco, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Streets of San Francisco, Tony Piazza, William Devane

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-Piazza

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.

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

 

 

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 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 and SLO Nightwriters.

 amongstangelsfront cover

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Alfred Hitchcock, Ann Margaret, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Blake Edwards, Bullitt, Bullitt Points, Chad McQueen, Clint Eastwood, D.O.A., Dark Passage, Darren McGavin, Dashiell Hammett, Dirty Harry, Experiment in Terror, Family Plot, Fred Astaire, Glenn Ford, High Anxiety, Ironside, Karl Malden, Lee Remick, Leslie Nielsen, Magnum Force, Michael Douglas, Nick Charles, Once a Thief, Paul Newman, Richard Hatch, Robert Vaughn, Ross Martin, Sam Benedict, San Francisco, San Francisco Beat, Steve McQueen, The Boys Republic, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Enforcer, The House on Telegraph Hill, The Lady from Shanghai, The Lineup, The Maltese Falcon, The Streets of San Francisco, The Thin Man, The Towering Inferno, Tony Piazza, Vertigo, Walter Matthau

A View from a Fan: On Location with 007 by Tony Piazza

May 30, 2012 By tonypiazza 8 Comments

M.I.6 Briefing: FOR YOUR EYES ONLY: From the desk of M to 007 fans everywhere.

 

   Several years ago (time goes by so quickly) I ran a six part series on the Turner Classic Movie Fan site detailing my adventures on the set of Bond movie number fourteen, and Roger Moore’s seventh and last appearance as 007- A View to a Kill (1985). Unfortunately it ranks as one of the worst of the series,  with Moonraker and The Man with the Golden Gun tying for a close second. On the plus side, it did afford me the opportunity to meet its star Roger Moore and the Bond series legendary producer, Albert R. Broccoli; as well as watch both the first unit (principle photography) and second unit (stunts) in action. 2012 marked the 50th Anniversary of the series (1962-2012). I was there from the beginning, and to this day there is no other Bond than Sean Connery. Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, and Thunderball were the films in their finest forms. After that it started on a gradual- although slight- downhill, with the exception of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service which although it lacked a good Bond, the story was pure Fleming. Daniel Craig is presently doing a good job, however their shift to the darker side has taken some of the tongue-in-cheek fun that those early Connery vehicles had away. I’m curious to see what he does with his latest “Spectre” (2015). Granted Moore went too far towards the absurd, but ultimately what Bond was and is all about is balance. Enough with the introduction however, it’s time we dim the lights, part the curtain, and wait in anticipation for that gun barrel to make its appearance- the signature of grand adventure to come- T. Piazza 5/13/2015.

A View from a Fan- Part 1

I have been saving this blog for all you James Bond fans; myself, being one of the biggest. I am going to spend some time relating this story because there’s a lot to tell; and especially for the fans, I have separated the story into six parts so I am sure not to leave out any of the details.

Goldfinger (1964)

   In October of 1984, I finally got my dream of being on the set of a James Bond film. If I had had a choice, it would not have been this particular production; for being an admirer of SEAN CONNERY, I would have preferred to see him in action. However, it was still an official James Bond movie, and as a long time enthusiast, who could ask for more!

Dr. No (1962)

   I had been a fan (although a late one) from the films fourth entry into the series, “Thunderball”. Once I saw that film- which was nothing like anything I’d ever seen before- I was hooked!  Thereafter I made sure that I was first in line for the re-release of the three earlier ones (“Dr. No”, “From Russia with Love”, and “Goldfinger”) and present on the first night for all the subsequent new releases.

   Thunderball (1965)

   Secretly, I had hoped that since Bond was such a globe trotter, that his film adventures would some day take him to San Francisco. Those expectations were raised during the summer of 1970 when I had learned through my father that the Bond producers (Broccoli and Saltzman) and some of the writers (Tom Mankiewicz, amongst them) were searching out locations in the Bay Area.  To my disappointment, nothing seemed to have developed. However, as I learned later, this was not an uncommon practice for the Bond production team- who were known to scout locations far ahead of future productions. So, in 1984, the location search that they had done 14 years earlier was finally put to use for the filming of “A View to a Kill”, starring  ROGER MOORE in his last Bond outing.

   A View to a Kill (1985)

   For weeks, the local media covered- no doubt to the producer’s angst- the arrival of 007, and expectations grew high in the city. Finally the film company trucks started rolling in, and suddenly a Fuji blimp could be seen making an unusual number of “flybys” over the Golden Gate Bridge.

The adventure was about to begin!

JAMES BOND WILL RETURN in PART 2 of “A View from a Fan”

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————A View from a Fan- Part 2

I was not in the film industry at the time, having left 7 years earlier, and was then employed as a research biologist at a private university. However, I still had contacts, and so putting them to good use was able to find the Bond Company one Friday evening working on a chase scene at Market and California Street.

   Second unit working on chase down Market Street.

   It was around 10 pm and traffic on Market St. was surprisingly light. I remember the evening was warm- shirt sleeve weather- San Francisco was experiencing one of those rare occasions of a heat wave in October. Amber lights lit the street, but as I approached the intersection of California I spied some arc lighting, covered by  blue gels, and knew that I’d arrived.

  Placards designate this a company car.

   Parking my car, I wandered out onto the area where the trucks were located- placards placed prominently on their windshields announcing that they were from the 007 Production Company. There was also a SF hook-and-ladder fire truck amongst the other vehicles which displayed an equally obvious sign announcing the film’s title “A View to a Kill”.

Company bus for transport of crew.

   After noising around a bit, I determined that this was the second unit  filming the hook-and-ladder chase scene where Bond (in fire truck) is being pursued by the police, after supposedly killing an official at city hall and setting the building on fire. Allow me to transgress here, but that was probably the worst chase in Bond history- more keystone cops than 007! Anyhow, at the time that I arrived they were rigging up two police cars with attach bars- in the film they had locked bumpers- and were attaching those to a tow car equipped with the camera, lights, and sound equipment.

Camera car towing police car,  filming actor’s dialogue.

   The famous stunt driver, Remy Julienne was in charge of the action- along with the 2nd Unit director, Arthur Wooster. Julienne had his entire team there, which included family members as well.

Remy Julienne

   Once the rigging was done, the unit, escorted by two SF police officers on motorcycles, moved onto Market Street where the running shot took place. Two actors dressed as police officers were placed at the wheel and exchanging dialogue (shouting of course) between the two cars. This was repeated a number of times before they were satisfied with the results, and announced it was a “print.”

Hook-and- ladder- on loan to 007 company.

   On television productions- a usual number of pages shot a day range from 12 or more- the scheduled work load for example of a 1 hour show such as “The Streets of San Francisco” having to be completed in 7 days. Feature films have the luxury of incredibly more time- perhaps as little as 5-7 pages could be shot in one day- and so, when it came to action that evening, that was pretty much it. They wrapped just shortly after midnight, and I headed home satisfied with my nights work.

BOND WILL BE BACK! in Part 3.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

A View from a Fan- Part 3

The following Friday evening I came across the 1st unit of the Bond Company at San Francisco City Hall.  As I walked up to one of the grip trucks I spotted (from the local branch of teamsters) an old friend I had worked with on “Streets” several years earlier. I eagerly asked him what was being filmed that evening. He told me that it was the burning of City Hall, and (to my disappointment) only doubles for the main actors were scheduled to work. I followed with the question, when would the “principle” actors be shooting? He replied, the following day at this same location. Immediately, I started (mentally) re-arranging my schedule so I could be there.

Actor’s dressing rooms parked outside SF city hall.

   As the sun sank, the arcs started firing up and filming commenced. From behind the barriers, off to one side, I watched with mounting excitement the evening’s activities. Butane gas tanks were placed on the roof of City Hall on either side of the dome and burners were lit by the special effects team to simulate a major fire engulfing the building. It was an extremely convincing effect, and one which I caught through the lens of my own still camera.

   Special effects doing their magic.

   Next, I moved closer for a better view, to where a group of fans were gathered in the park directly across the street from the activities. On “action” from the director, John Glen, the same hook-and-ladder I had seen a week before on Market Street came roaring down Polk Street, siren wailing. Pulling up to the steps at the entrance of the building, several firemen poured out, hooking up hoses and raising an extension ladder towards the roof where the fire blazed. Just after a couple of firemen started the climb, the director yelled “cut” and the sequence was completed. Of course this took a number of “takes”, and since they all seemed good to me, I wondered what the director was looking for.

Movie fire truck and police car at the scene.

   As they set up for the next shot, I wandered around observing some of the “movie cars” parked amongst the equipment. One particular caught my eye- a brand new Mercedes sedan, jet black, with wipers for the headlights! Another fan caught me gazing at it and commented, “Now that’s a real Bond car!” at which I agreed. It was used as General Gogol’s (WALTER GOTELL) car in the movie.

Gogol’s car.

   The next scene filmed had stunt doubles for Roger (James Bond)  Moore – Dick Ziker and TANYA (Stacey Sutton)  ROBERTS– Karen Price, climbing down the ladder and the crowd of “extras” waiting on the sidewalk below applauding the rescue. That also took a number of “takes”, which took the production well into midnight.

Another shot of the city hall fire.

   As the hour was growing late, and as I’d more important plans for Saturday, I decided to call it a night before they wrapped for the evening. I’d expected more exciting things would happen the following day- and as it turned out- I wasn’t disappointed!

BOND WILL BE BACK– in Part 4 of “A View of a Fan”

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

A View from a Fan- Part 4

I arrived on the set around noon, and noticed that their caterer had set up tables for lunch in the same park I was standing in the night before. Glancing over the tables, I spotted Roger Moore wearing a navy blue jogging suit, with a cigar in hand, sitting across from the Producer, ALBERT “Cubby” BROCCOLI. Immediately I started snapping pictures using my long distance lens, and as I got braver moved in for some more shots. I knew I was taking a chance because paparazzi have made it difficult for the average “Joe” to take pictures without raising the suspicion and ire of film people- however, to my surprise, Mr. Broccoli actually looked my way and smiled! This puzzled me at first, but then I realized (and I swear this was not planned) that I was wearing a T-shirt I had purchased some months earlier at the SF Italian Fest. It said Italy on the front and had an image of the Italian flag. Obviously (and it is the only conclusion I can come up with) our common background had something to do with the friendly reception. In a biography I read on Broccoli later I learned that his family came from Calabria-the same area in Southern Italy that my Mother’s side of the family came from. Of course, he (nor I) knew that at the time.

Moore enjoying a cigar and conversation with “Cubby” after lunch.

   During that afternoon I spent some time snapping pictures, and watching others approach Moore- who’d seemed very receptive- to ask for autographs. One young girl passed me, exclaiming excitedly to a friend, “I got James Bond autograph, how cool is that!”

Cubby (foreground) and Moore in park across from city hall.

   I remember thinking, “he’s not really James Bond- he’s Simon Templar. Sean Connery is James Bond.” But then again, that was just my own preference speaking. Anyhow, after watching numerous fans approach him and leave with all their limbs in tack, I mustered up enough courage to approach him myself and ask for an autograph. He was extremely pleasant and complied readily. I was also tempted to ask for Mr. Broccoli’s as well- but decided not to press my luck. Besides he signed the checks for the company- and if he knew I was also half Sicilian-he might view that with suspicion!

My Roger Moore autograph.

   The scenes that afternoon were all interior shots, inside City Hall. I therefore did not get to see any actual filming- public access being prohibited. But still, I felt content- after all, I had gotten plenty of pictures of my own, and got to meet and get an autograph from Roger Moore- so who could ask for more (pun intended) then that.

This however, was not my last encounter with the company- in the next section I will describe the festivities of James Bond Day in SF- and seeing the entire cast and key people from the production.

JAMES BOND WILL RETURN in Part 5.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

A View from a Fan- Part 5

Moore with proclamation in hand- James Bond Day in SF.

   All my encounters with 007 seemed to be at city hall, and this was no exception. I did once catch them just wrapping a shoot at Fisherman’s Wharf, and I saw the blimp flying high above the city often during those weeks that they took siege of the city. However, this meeting was under different circumstances than my earlier ones, which will be seen as follows:

Patrick MacNee, actor who played another secret agent, John Steed in tv’s The Avengers.

   I was sitting in my lab, mid-work week, reading the paper, when I came across an article announcing that later that day (noon) the mayor (Feinstein) would be proclaiming “James Bond Day” on the steps of city hall with full cast in attendance. Seeing that I had a long lunch period owed me, my plan was to spend it at the festivities. Grabbing my camera, I caught a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train and got off at Civic Plaza. As I walked up the block, I could see a crowd gathering at the foot of city hall. Barriers, police, and a podium placed upon the landing set the stage for things to come. Gingerly I made way forward as best I could, and actually found a good spot to watch.

Broccoli, Walken,Wilson, and Gotell.

   Precisely at noon they all filed out- Diane Feinstein in a yellow dress and Roger Moore (dressed more Bond- like than in my previous encounters), in sport coat and tie, both leading the pack. Those in attendance were; CHRISTOPHER WALKEN,  TANYA ROBERTS, GRACE JONES, DURAN DURAN, WALTER GOTELL, and my favorite, PATRICK MacNEE (he still looked great -even after gaining a few pounds- from his John Steed days). Of course the producers Albert R. Broccoli and his step son, MICHAEL WILSON and director JOHN GLEN was also present.

The Mayor, Jones, Gotell, and Glen.

   The mayor presented Roger Moore with a proclamation mounted on a wooden plaque, and he followed with a few words of thanks. He next directed everyone’s attention to the sky where a helicopter was hovering some distance above the crowd. On cue, a stunt man dressed in a tuxedo leaped from the aircraft and came parachuting down into an area cordoned off (for this purpose) by the police. This was the same stunt man, B.J. Worth, and type of parachute that was used in the film for the Eiffel Tower jump. Upon landing, he instantly shed the chute, came running through the crowd, and in reaching the Mayor, handed her a check (from the company) made out to the Mayor’s Youth Fund. The crowd was thrilled, and as usual  I took plenty of shots of the activities. If one thing could be said about this Production Company- they really knew how to put on a show!

JAMES BOND WILL RETURN (for the finale) in Part 6!

 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

A View from a Fan- Part 6 Conclusion

Tanya Roberts, Duran Duran, and Cubby watching sky diver.

   Once “A View to a Kill” was wrapped and in the can, preparations were made for its’ premier and San Francisco was chosen as the site. It was announced that the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre would provide the venue for the viewing of the film and an adjacent hall for the reception. 007 Martinis were on the bill and no, I was not in attendance. The cost was beyond the salary of a Biologist, and so what I report is drawn solely from the local news crews that covered the event at the time.  All the cast and some of the crew was in attendance- and I believe music was provided by Duran Duran. It was a red carpet affair- and I remember watching on television as a limousine drew majestically up to the entrance. The reporter got very excited, and built up the expectations of the audience, only to end with a thud as two “unknowns”- teenage girls exited the vehicle with broad smiles on their faces.

Entrance to premier at Palace of Fine Arts.

   As films go, it was unfortunately one of the worst. I got to see it with the peons during the general release. Moore seemed tired of the role, and was obviously just going through the paces. And the plot, it was simply outlandish (which is saying a lot considering that this was the same team that robbed Fort Knox!). And what about that soundtrack…Bond escaping the enemy on a snowboard to the music of the Beach Boys! Ahem! Of all the films, this one, and “Moonraker” I believe, have vied for last place. All attempts of making a serious spy film (or at least as serious as a Bond film could be) was obviously thrown out with the bath water in this script and in its place, a hybrid that made the Charles Feldman’s version of “Casino Royale” a masterpiece. The chase between the SF police and Bond in the fire truck was pure Keystone Cops…only devoid of the laughter. And if Tanya Roberts shrieked her shrill, “Help, me James!” one more time, maybe Bond would have been better off leaving her with Zoran. In short, what Blofeld and S.P.E.C.T.R.E tried to accomplish against Bond…this film nearly did.

And so ends my experiences with 007. It was not one of his better missions, but it was still personally an exciting event.

Joseph Wiseman as Dr. No.

  Bruce Glover in Diamonds are Forever.

 Pleasance (as Blofeld) and Persian friend in You Only Live Twice.

  I don’t know if I mentioned it earlier, but this wasn’t my first brush with the secret agent. I did work with some of his allies and enemies during the seventies. On “Streets” I got to work with “Dr No” himself, JOSEPH WISEMAN*, and BRUCE GLOVER* of “Diamonds are Forever” fame. Some of the camera crew on “Streets” had also worked in Los Angeles and Las Vegas on that same film in-between seasons. I also got to work with the original Blofeld, DONALD PLEASANCE, in a film starring CHARLES BRONSON– “Telefon”, which also filmed in the Bay Area. Of these and others, I have more stories to tell, but for now, we will leave the world of James Bond, Martini in hand…shaken, but not stirred!

* I have personal photographs I have taken of both these men, and will post them in a later blog.

My favorite author, and the man who started it all- Ian Fleming.

————————————–

About the author:

Tony Piazza is a Central Coast mystery 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.

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

LOOK FOR his latest TOM LOGAN mystery novel later this year on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever fine books are sold!

BullitPoints-3DBook

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.

IF YOU ARE A JAMES BOND/ IAN FLEMING FAN check out my book “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon”. Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

CofD

NEW! COMING SOON!

SepiaPhotoASOMcopyad

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.

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.

CofD

ASofM

Also the second in my bestselling 1930s Hollywood Detective Tom Logan series is available at these same booksellers as well.

 

amongstangelsfront cover

 

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: 007, A View to a Kill, Albert Cubby Broccoli, Anything Short of Murder, Arthur Wooster, Bruce Glover, Bullitt Points, Charles Bronson, Christopher Walken, Daniel Craig, Diamonds Are Forever, Dianne Feinstein, Donald Pleasance, Dr. No, Duran Duran, Golden Gate Bridge, Goldfinger, Grace Jones, Harry Saltzman, Ian Fleming, James Bond, John Glen, John Steed, Joseph Wiseman, Michael Wilson, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Patrick MacNee, Remy Julienne, Roger Moore, San Francisco, Sean Connery, Secret Agent, Simon Templar, Spy, Tanya Roberts, The Avengers, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Saint, Thunderball, Tom Mankiewicz, Tony Piazza, Walter Gotell, You Only Live Twice

Enlarge the Text

  • A  A  A  A  

Search by Actor, Movie or Topic

Recent Posts

  • (no title)
  • “A MURDER WELL-SCRIPTED” is Reminiscent of a Classic Old Hollywood Murder Mystery
  • “Murder in the Cards” is Now a Finalist for the 2020 RONE Awards!
  • “Murder in the Cards” Has Been Nominated for a RONE Award!
  • “Murder in the Cards” Has Won Two Awards for Excellence!

Archives

  • February 2023
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • October 2019
  • July 2019
  • April 2019
  • July 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • October 2017
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • October 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012

Tags

Alfred Hitchcock A Murder Amongst Angels Anything Short of Murder Author Tony Piazza Bullitt Bullitt Points Chad McQueen Clint Eastwood Dave Congalton Dirty Harry Downtown Los Angeles Family Plot Glenn Ford hard-boiled detective Hollywood Ian Fleming Ironside James Bond James Romick Karl Malden Los Angeles film locations Magnum Force Michael Douglas Michel Hugo Mission Impossible Murder is Such Sweet Revenge mystery noir Paul Newman Quinn Martin Raymond Burr Robert Vaughn San Francisco Sisters in Crime Star Trek Steve McQueen The Boys Republic The Curse of the Crimson Dragon The Streets of San Francisco The Thin Man The Towering Inferno Tom Logan Tom Logan Mystery Tony Piazza Walt Disney

Copyright © 2023 · Tony Piazza · WordPress · Log in