Tony Piazza Archives - Page 11 of 15

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.”

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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.

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

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

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

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

NBC Bay Area News Interviews Tony Piazza

July 18, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

Tony Piazza was interviewed by Joe Rosato Jr., reporter for NBC Bay Area News on June 12, 2012. The topic was Steve McQueen and the motion picture “Bullitt.” Click on link below to view broadcast interview.

http://tinyurl.com/tonypiazza

Darleen Carr, TV's Good Daughter by Tony Piazza

July 18, 2012 By tonypiazza 9 Comments

Darleen Carr, TV’s Good Daughter by Tony Piazza

DARLEEN CARR played Mike Stone’s (KARL MALDEN) daughter on “The Streets of San Francisco.” I will come up front and say it now, I had a “crush” on Darleen, and I think Darleen knew it. She would on occasion tease me on the set and I am convinced that it was because she sensed my shyness. We were on location one day at the Presidio in San Francisco, and in-between shooting I joined her and Trudi Schoenfeld (a fellow stand-in, and wife of our make-up man, Don) on the lawn and we had a long discussion. We eventually got around to talking about “The Sound of Music” and her sister, CHARMAIN. Darleen said that her sister wasn’t really interested in show business and had retired after just one picture because she preferred the normal life. She also revealed in the conversation that she had dubbed portions of her sister’s musical numbers in that film. Their voices were very similar and Darleen was a trained singer, so I didn’t really find that surprising. Darleen was very sweet and very unaffected by the business. No wonder she ended up playing good daughters. She was HENRY FONDA’S daughter in the television series, “The Smith Family” before playing Jeannie Stone on “Streets.” After our show she worked on many other films including “Maverick” with JAMES GARNER, and did voice work for animation features, most notably, Walt Disney’s “The Jungle Book.” She had a serious accident some years back when she was kicked in the head by a horse. She was in a coma for some time, but pulled through. She is now married to actor JAMESON PARKER of “Simon & Simon” fame. I’ve met so many wonderful celebrities in my time, and most I must say were such pleasures knowing…with Darleen being at the top of my list!

Darleen Carr on The Streets of San Francisco.

Darleen in another episode of “Streets.”

As Henry Fonda’s Daughter.

Darleen’s Sister Charmain as Liesl in “The Sound of Music.”

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Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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

Tony Piazza is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and SLO NightWriters.

NEW!

The novels that started it all. The first and second novel in the Tom Logan mystery series have become audio books- read by actor James Romick, and is available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

NEW!

The NEW Tom Logan mystery, “Murder is Such Sweet Revenge” is available in print, e-book, AND NOW audio book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. For audio- Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

Also:

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

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

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

On Location with Lucille Ball in "Yours, Mine, and Ours" by Tony Piazza

July 17, 2012 By tonypiazza 6 Comments

On Location with Lucille Ball in “Yours, Mine, and Ours” by Tony Piazza

Before I begin the post, I want to thank all of you that have been so kind as to comment on my previous stories and encourage me along the way. You have all been super and are stars in your own right.

Once again, if you do enjoy these, please subscribe, which means you will be alerted to my new posts instantly. I would appreciate it if you could – it gives me an idea of the number of readers that are following. Thanks again.

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Today’s memory came courtesy of a friend that I made on TCM. Her favorite film was “Yours, Mine, and Ours” starring LUCILLE BALL and HENRY FONDA.

It was an unusually warm summer evening in 1968, just two years before I would join the S.F. Casting Agency and work on my first film, “What’s Up, Doc!” starring BARBRA STREISAND and RYAN O’ NEAL. My father was assigned to find S.F. locations and provide security to the “Yours, Mine, and Ours” production company (Desilu and UA). One Friday night he invited us (my mother, aunt, uncle, and I) to visit the set. They were filming at a Mexican restaurant located in Ghirardelli Square- Senor Picos (alas, no longer there) and obviously the word got out to the public because the location was surrounded by hundreds of spectators as we’d arrived.

Luckily the shooting was inside the restaurant, so the crowds were no problem. We also waited outside the restaurant because space was limited to cast and some essential crew- however we were able to get within the ropes to mingle with the other members of the crew that were also “locked out”. Here I spotted VAN JOHNSON who was taking a break for some much needed fresh air. The one thing I remember about him was his shoes- they were black and white patent leather shoes with buttons. Very fancy- I’m not a fashion person and I don’t know why that would stick in my memory- but they did. I also saw DESI JR. and LUCY– Lucille’s children who were visiting that night. Desi Jr. was a guest star on “The Streets of San Francisco” about seven years later when I was a stand-in on the show, and I got to talk to him about this earlier encounter. It turns out that it was his birthday and he was there to get his present- an Aston Martin DB5 that was being sold to his family by a man in Oakland, CA. Incidentally, both he and his sister are extremely nice, down to earth kids.

Another incident that evening- and a very memorable one at that – occurred when we’d first arrived. I went to the restaurant door and knocked on it hoping that whoever answered would get my father (who was inside). The door swung open and there standing before me was Henry Fonda in a Naval uniform! He obviously was playing a joke; I could tell by his smile, and the mischievous look in his eyes when he threw open the door. He said, “Can I help you!” I stuttered out if he could let my father know that we were here. He said sure and disappeared inside. I’m sure my startled expression showed his joke paid off.

The big event of the evening came when the company “wrapped” just after midnight. Ms. Ball had a limousine waiting at the bottom of the stairs leading from the restaurant. It was to take her back to her hotel The crowds were still thick with craning necks waiting anxiously for her arrival. There was a gasp from the crowd as she stepped out and she immediately turned to my father, placed out her hand and asked (using his first name) for his assistance to get her safely through the crowd. I was impressed!

It was indeed a very memorable evening and one I’ll likely not forget.

Author’s additional note: When someone in the past would ask me about Lucille Ball’s personality I would usually beat around the bush. It’s hard to tell a fan that America’s funny lady wasn’t all that funny in person. She was a professional to be sure, and knew when to be “on” and when not. I heard that she was generous to other performers and I believe that. But that night I saw a serious business woman who didn’t want to waste time or money, and she expressed that in no uncertain terms. It was her production company paying the bills however, so who could blame her.

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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.

You Won't Like Me When I'm Mad! by Tony Piazza

July 16, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

You Won’t Like Me When I ‘m Mad! by Tony Piazza

Aside from working with 1960s Green Hornet (VAN WILLIAMS), I got a chance to spend time with another comic book hero. This character made an appearance in the recent “The Avengers” film, so I thought it was timely to make him a subject of this blog.

This comic book hero hit the small screen in the 1980s right out of the pages of Marvel Comics… he was big and green, but did not go “Ho…Ho…Ho”- as you probably figured out from the accompanied picture, I’m talking about “The Incredible Hulk”. Looking back on the show today, and comparing it to the recent big screen features, it visually comes up short on the “Hulk” side. Somehow seeing a muscle builder with translucent contacts, a body covered in green make-up, and wearing a bad punk wig wasn’t just bordering on the ridiculous- IT WAS ridiculous- not to mention that his dialog left a lot to be desired. However, they did pull it off- and for two very good reasons; good stories and the fine acting skills of BILL BIXBY, the human half of the Hulk. He made the unbelievable, believable.

I got to work with Bill Bixby twice. Once on “The Streets of San Francisco” and then on its’ spin-off “Burt D’Angelo Superstar” starring PAUL SORVINO and ROBERT PINE. In the first instance he was a guest star and I photo-doubled him in a couple of scenes. I am slightly taller and broader than he was, but our hair, eyes, complexion, and facial features were similar. Also he was dressed as a motorcycle cop with leather jacket, dark glasses, and helmet which also helped the illusion.

I am the reporter taking notes. Look behind me to the left. That is Bill Bixby from “Streets”

The second time I worked with him, was as a director. In that instance I was able to spend more time talking personally with him, and in doing so, we found that we had attended the same High School- Lowell in San Francisco (but at different times- he was older) and knew some of the same people associated with it. One day I brought my yearbook to the set and he looked it over. He couldn’t get over the fact that his home room teacher was still working at the school (now the Dean of Girls) and he said that he always “remembered her as this little old Italian lady” and was surprised that she hadn’t changed in all these years!

Bill Bixby and Ray Walston- My Favorite Martian (1963)

Bill Bixby had a lot of accomplishments- mostly on the small screen- “My Favorite Martian”, “The Courtships of Eddies’ Father”, and of course the Hulk. He did do a feature- a Disney film, “The Apple Dumpling Gang”; and I believe (based upon the successes of those previous shows) he could have gone farther – he was also a very good director- but unfortunately he was taken early in life, which cheated us of any accomplishments he might of achieved in the entertainment world.

He was a very pleasant to know – very personable- bright- and much accomplished- and unlike his counterpart- even great to know when he was mad!

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A Steve McQueen-Bullitt Video Interview

July 13, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

A Steve McQueen- Bullitt Video Interview

Something a little different. A video from NBC Bay Area television with Tony Piazza talking about “Bullitt” and “Bullitt Points.” Go to link below:

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bullitt-Remains-an-Iconic-San-Francisco-Film-162287026.html

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