Author Tony Piazza

Mystery Author and Movie Historian

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Early Hollywood: Will Rogers Park. By Tony Piazza

February 12, 2013 By tonypiazza 10 Comments

Rodgers 3

WILL ROGERS was an extremely popular celebrity of the 1920s and 30s. He was a film actor, cowboy trick roper, vaudeville performer, humorist, and social commentator. His political wit was widely read through the syndicated columns he wrote for national newspapers.

“I never met a man that I didn’t like.”
―
 Will Rogers.

Will Rodgers 2 Early Will Rogers photograph

I  recently visited his home and grounds, which included a polo field in Pacific Palisades as part of my research for my upcoming book- a new detective mystery starring once again that hard-as-nails,  Hollwood(land) P.I., Tom Logan.

“Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” 
―Will Rogers

Tracy & Disney 1938

 Spencer Tracy & Walt Disney at Polo Fields 1938

1931 Pacific Palisades:

Logan will be making an appearance to question a suspect at a charity polo match hosted by Will Rogers. Even though my story is fiction, Rogers did open his field to the public and was supportive of fundraisers. Celebrities were not uncommon at his polo matches, and one wouldn’t be surprised to see such figures as WALT DISNEY, HAL ROACH, or GARY COOPER. Perhaps one will even be around when Logan stops by!

“You know horses are smarter than people. You never heard of a horse going broke betting on people.” 
―Will Rogers.

 Walt-Disney-

Walt Disney

Gary_Cooper_1937.tif

Gary Cooper

The State runs the park now- a gift from the Will Rogers Family. It was well maintained when we visited it, although I’ve heard that during the State’s financial problems there was a period when it wasn’t in such fine shape and the family was considering stepping in and taking over.

 “There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works.” 
― Will Rogers.

Rodgers home 1

The Rogers Home- Piazza photo

One humorous incident occurred when we’d visited. There was no state employee on duty at the entrance, and the parking fee was on the honor system- a slot and envelope where you could record your car’s license and drop in the fee. I was standing at the entrance dressed in dark green slacks and an a olive colored military shirt filling out my envelope when I felt a presence from behind. I turned to see a car full of young people, the driver reaching from his window trying to hand me twelve dollars in bills! No, I didn’t take it, but explained to them how the system works.

“Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else.” 
― Will Rogers.

 Rodgers 2

Road alongside Polo Field- Piazza photo.

The polo field has been in movies. One that comes to my mind is “Star Trek: The Voyage Home” (1986). In this forth entry in the original film series it doubled as the Polo Fields in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Remember Kirk’s line, “Everyone… remember where we’d parked.”

 “The income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf has.”
― Will Rogers.

 Rodgers3

Polo Field…”Remember where we parked”- Piazza Photo.

Will Rogers home is a must. We had a wonderful docent that spent the better part of an hour going through the property which looked as if the family was still living there. The docent had been on the property since she was a girl, and her love and enthusiasm really shined forth in our tour. I’ve visited many famous person’s sites, but none had ever drawn me so much into the life of its’ famous owner as this one did.

“Buy land. They ain’t making any more of the stuff.”
― Will Rogers.

Rodgers 4

Will Rogers original ranch house- Piazza photo.

As an example; chills went up my spine as I saw a globe standing next to his desk with the route drawn out in black ink of his ill fated 1935 flight with Wiley Post. They both crashed and died in Alaska during that flight. He drew that just before he left. I also felt a thrill when I saw the typewriter in which he wrote all his wonderful columns.

 “All I know is just what I read in the papers, and that’s an alibi for my ignorance.” 
― Will Rogers.

Post and Rogers

Will Rogers and Wiley Post

The home was very modern for its’ day, with kitchen appliances not yet common in the average home. Electric stove, freezer that makes ice cubes…he loved gadgets!

“Too many people spend money they earned..to buy things they don’t want..to impress people that they don’t like.”
― Will Rogers.

 Rodgers 5

Another angle of ranch house- Piazza photo.

He was a very generous man, and gave of himself and his finances to help the less fortunate. Recently I talked with my lovely niece, Jennifer who happened to take polo lessons at the State Park. Her instructor was Will Rogers’ grandson. The charges for lessons were adjusted such that all children could afford to take them. The family’s aim was not to make money, but bring the sport to as many young people as possible; an admirable policy and one that fits perfectly with his grandfather’s philosophy.

 “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” 
― Will Rogers.

Rodgers4

I highly recommend this tour. If you enjoy history (both film and Americana), and interested in western artifacts…Indian baskets and rugs, original western paintings, furniture, and sculptures- then this is for you. FLO ZIEGFELD– of Ziegfeld Follies fame (of which Rogers was once a performer) paid for (as a gift) the installation of a bay window on the property- perhaps the first of its’ kind in California. These are some of the surprises you’ll find on this tour.

“The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it in your back pocket.” 
― Will Rogers.

willrodgers 7

The historic stable

Until you get a chance to visit this place in person, I hope you’ll consider seeing it through Logan’s eyes in his next upcoming thriller due out this year and published through Amazon!

“If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.” 
― Will Rogers.

Rodgers 6

———————————-

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

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

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: Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Bullitt Points, Captain Kirk, Flo Zeigfeld, Gary Cooper, Hal Roach, Hollywood, Pacific Palisades, Polo, Star Trek, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, Walt Disney, Wiley Post, Will Rodgers, Will Rodgers State Historic Park, Zeigfeld follies

Locations of Film, Television, and Soon, My Novel- Part 3. By Tony Piazza

October 25, 2012 By tonypiazza 3 Comments

 

 A star is Born (1937)

PART THREE

A continuation of my visit to film and television locations in the Los Angeles area as a means to “walk the walk” of my novel’s characters and bring realism to my storytelling. This week, The Biltmore.

 

 The Millennium Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore is a luxury hotel located at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles. It will play a role in my upcoming sequel to Anything Short of Murder – a novel which is due to be released mid- 2013. The hotel had its grand opening in 1923, and was then the largest hotel west of Chicago. Designed by the architectural firm of Schultze and Weaver, it incorporates Spanish- Italian, Mediterranean Revival, and Beaux Arts styles.

 

Side entrance at Biltmore for those special guests 

The interior has frescoed mural ceilings hand painted in 1922 by Italian artist, Giovanni Smeraldi. I was taken by these, as I was by the marble fountains, oak paneled walls, tapestries, and exquisite crystal chandeliers.

A Closer look at the frescoe ceiling

What was the main lobby is now used for afternoon tea, and the current lobby can be found by entering in at Grand Avenue. This new lobby has travertine walls, oak paneling, and if you were to wander off to a sitting room across from the desk you’d discover a beautiful mural influenced by either Roman or Greek design.

Rendezvous Court (original lobby)

Returning to the original lobby, known today as the Rendezvous Court, you will find a beautifully carved fountain, Italian chandeliers, a ceiling painted with 24 carat gold accents, and a staircase that can be recognized from numerous television, feature film, and T.V. ad productions.

A Look at the detailed ceiling

Owned by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, the Biltmore was designated in 2009, a Historic- Cultural Monument by the City of Los Angeles.

A Hall at the Biltmore

The Los Angeles Biltmore was the location of the Academy Award Ceremonies in 1937,  held as a luncheon banquet in its Crystal Ballroom March of that year. A hallway displays photographs from that and other similar events where you can pick out such noted individuals as Walt Disney, Gracie Allen, and Louis B. Mayer. Bob Hope hosted the banquet for the Academy’s 50th Anniversary here as well.

 

 The 1937 Academy Award luncheon

 

Other events of note:

At the Biltmore, John F. Kennedy gave his presidential acceptance speech in 1960, and the Beatles occupied the President’s Suite during their tour in 1964.

 The Beatles

To mention just a few feature films shot here:

Jennifer Garner as Elektra in 2003’s Daredevil

 

The original A Star is Born(1937) with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March; Daredevil(2003)* with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, Bugsy(1991) with Warren Beatty and Annette Bening; and Chinatown(1974) with Jack Nicholson.

Poster from Chinatown (1974)

* Another Marvel Comic Book character,  Spider-man (2002 ) also filmed here.

To mention some television shows:

The original Charlie’s Angels (1976)

There was Columbo (1968-2003) with Peter Falk; Charlie’s Angels (1976-1981) with Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett-Majors, and Kate Jackson; and 24 (2001-2010) with Kiefer Sutherland.

 

My friend, Peter Falk as Columbo

 —————————————–

 Walking through this magnificent hotel was like visiting the Vatican.  Filled with awe inspiring murals, beautifully carved marble fountains, and detailed bronze work;  how could an author walk away without being moved enough to include it in his manuscript?

Author Tony Piazza and wife Susan in original lobby

My detective, Tom Logan will definitely pay it a visit in his newest adventure. Hope you’ll read it and see the Biltmore through his own eyes when the novel is released next year!

Look for the new Tom Logan mystery coming in 2013

————————————————     

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.

Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: 24, A Star is Born, Annette Bening, Anything Short of Murder, Author Tony Piazza, Ben Affleck, Bob Hope, Bugsy, Bullitt Points, Charlie's Angels, Chinatown, Columbo, Daredevil, Downtown Los Angeles, Elektra, Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Fredric March, Gracie Allen, Jack Nicholson, Jaclyn Smith, Janet Gaynor, Jennifer Garner, John F. Kennedy, Kate Jackson, Kiefer Sutherland, Louis B. Mayer, Marvel Comics, Pershing Square, Peter Falk, Spider-man, The Academy Awards, The Beatles, The Biltmore, The Biltmore Los Angeles, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Millennium Biltmore, Tony Piazza, Walt Disney, Warren Beatty

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.”

————————————-

 

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.

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 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.

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: Anything Short of Murder, Bullitt Points, Charmain Carr, Darleen Carr, Henry Fonda, James Garner, Jameson Parker, Karl Malden, Maverick, Simon & Simon, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Jungle Book, The Smith Family, The Sound of Music, The Streets of San Francisco, Tony Piazza, Walt Disney

A Special Tour Through Walt Disney Studios by Tony Piazza

July 6, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

A Special Tour Through Disney Studios by Tony Piazza

In 1967 we were given a tour of Disney Studios in Burbank, California. The tours were, and still are as far as I know, by special invitation only. Ours came through the head of transportation at Universal Studios, a man nick-named “Frenchie” who was a friend of my father. Visiting the studio was always a dream of mine, and I had hoped to someday work there as an animator. One of my talents was as an artist, and I had won awards for my artwork. I did not end up in this profession however, although as you probably know through my blog site, I did work for ten years in the entertainment business.

   Campus-like atmosphere of Disney Studios.

   We drove up to the guard at his post at the front gate of the studio. He removed his clipboard and scanned the names on the attached pages. Locating ours, he waved us through and indicated where we should park. The reception area’s interior design was still reflecting the 1940s in which the studio was built. The original studio was on Hyperion Avenue but closed in 1940 and the work transferred to this new studio on Buena Vista Street in Burbank.  As I sat on the couch, after we announced our presence to the pretty receptionist at the main desk, I glanced around the surroundings taking in one large wall that was covered by a montage of  Disney characters, movies, television shows, and theme park images. Each was placed artistically so they formed a pattern that stood out in a three-dimensional relief. Shortly, a guide introduced himself and we took off with two other men, guests as ourselves to a door that directly opened up to the start of the back lot.

   Disney Hyperion Sudios.

   The back wall of the administration building was fronted by false store fronts that could be seen in numerous Disney films as downtown “Medville”…any small town U.S.A., complete with a small grass park in its center. This tour didn’t provide trams to take us around. There were no need, the studio was very compact, and within a few paces we were crossing a college campus-like surrounding to the old Animation Building located near the center of the complex. The individual streets we crossed were named after Disney characters, and I was amused in passing signs announcing “Dopey Drive” and “Mickey Avenue.”

Inside the Animation Building we were taken to the individual departments. Each room had a story to tell. Inking displayed the many different colors and categorized formulas that were crossed linked to the character’s complexions and costumes. A system set up to guarantee consistency of color schemes throughout the project’s animation process, or several if they were doing “shorts.” In the background department we were told of a woman who had worked all night detailing the background of Sleeping Beauty’s castle stone by stone, only to drop the illustration board and watch her paint flake off. She left in tears. We were also shown the Xerox mimeograph machines that revolutionized animation, and made 101 Dalmatians possible. However, the most fascinating of all was seeing the multiplane camera that was created in 1937 for the animated short, The Old Mill. It was still in use to create those three dimensional- like effects on their feature animations. Finally we were escorted into an animator’s office and were able to visit and watch him at work. The animator was Ken Anderson and he was working on The Aristocats at the time. His assignment was the old lawyer, and he showed us with simple line drawings how he was applying a routine used by comedian Dick Van Dyke to the movements of his character. The lawyer was old, so he used his cane (Van Dyke style) to uncurl his legs and help him stand. He flipped through a series of  these drawings which came instantly and convincingly to life. At his work station, one of the other guests commented on the fact that he did not have a mirror. Mirrors were common tools used by illustrators to capture expression- as the animators themselves usually were the actors. His was missing however, and Mr. Anderson said with a smile that it was in his closet, because the last thing he wanted to see first thing in the morning was his reflection!

   Entrance to old Animation Building.

   Just as a side note; when Mr. Anderson was asked what animation projects were yet to come, he rattled off a number that eventually hit the screen years later.  They planned that far in advance! For example, Robin Hood (animated) and Black Caldron were two that he mentioned back in 1967.

Multiplane camera.

   After spending a half  hour to forty minutes with the animator we were taken to the theater used for screenings and also utlized by the music department for scoring. The control panels for sound mixing were incredible. The theater was not in use at the time, but aside from the orchestra area you could also see sections were actors could be posted for singing or dubbing.

Animator Ken Anderson

   Next we walked along the residential block back lot and I could pick out the homes of the Absent-minded Professor– complete with unattached garage where he discovered flubber, the home of the Shaggy Dog, and Pollyanna. The Zorro plaza came after, and then a wilderness area with stream and covered bridge.

   Zorro Set.

   The tour also included some soundstages where shooting was actually taking place. I remember seeing the interior cabin set, and an actor sitting off to the side in his chair. The film was Rascal and the actor who nodded to me as I gazed over in his direction was veteran character actor JACK ELAM.

  Actor Jack Elam

   It really was a special experience for me which I will never forget. Less than ten years later KARL MALDEN shared a private performance of his reverend character (his sermon speech) from Pollyanna.  He did his bit for me in between the shooting of The Streets of San Francisco. It’s funny how things seem to come around in life.

 

One last item: My father worked with Disney Productions during the filming of the 360 degree America the Beautiful attraction in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. He even got in the film! In the San Francisco segment you would have seen him directing traffic at Fisherman’s Wharf.

 ————————————–

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 Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, 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: Animation, Anything Short of Murder, Bullitt Points, Jack Elam, Karl Malden, Ken Anderson, Pollyanna, Rascal, The Absent-minded Professor, The Aristocats, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Shaggy Dog, The Streets of San Francisco, Tony Piazza, Walt Disney, Walt Disney Studios

Hi, Ho Silver! The Lone Ranger Connection by Tony Piazza

July 2, 2012 By tonypiazza 4 Comments

 Hi, Ho Silver! The Lone Ranger Connection by Tony Piazza

One of 2013’s  most anticipated films is the Lone Ranger.  A classic western adventure directed by Gore Verbinski and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The film stars Armie Hammer  and Johnny Depp as Tonto. The announcement of this feature reminded me of a article I wrote some time back that mentions an early incarnation of that masked man of the plains. I present it below unedited. 

 

I have been reading a great book, “Flights of Fantasy” by Michael J. Hayde the last few weeks. It tells the unofficial but true history of “Superman” on radio and early television. As I read through the pages I came across names that were familiar to me… not names that you would necessarily recognize, but people who I knew personally during my years in the film industry. Coming across these names, I suddenly found it exciting that I had had the opportunity to work with these people who had a role in the production of my early television favorites. Programs that helped fire my childhood imagination by bringing my favorite comic book heroes to life on the screen.  As an example, in one photograph in the book there is a picture of George (Superman) Reeves during his first assignment behind the camera directing an episode of “The Adventures of Superman”. Sitting behind him by the camera was Joseph Biroc (Director of Photography). I was Mr. Biroc’s stand-in for the second unit work on Irwin Allen’s ( “Lost in Space”, “Time Tunnel”, “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”, etc.) “Towering Inferno”.  From the cast lists printed in the book I learned that one of Superman’s foes in an episode was portrayed by Lawrence Dobkin- he was a star of many radio and film productions, but also acted as Director for the pilot show of “The Streets of San Francisco.” Incidentally, Dick Donner, another director on “Streets” is a name associated with a more recent Superman!

That then got me thinking about some of the other people that had an association with my early television favorites… and I remembered that our Unit Production Manager on “Streets”, Bob Beche, worked on the “Lone Ranger” television production starring Clayton Moore. He also went on to do the disastrous re-make, “The Legend of the Lone Ranger” in the 1980s with “Streets” Production Manager, Dick Gallegly. One of our QM drivers, and a good friend, Gil, was James (Matt Dillon) Arness double for “Gunsmoke”.  These are not big names by fan’s standards, but people responsible none-the-less for giving me so much enjoyment in my youth…. And it also goes to prove that even in film land one can say that it is a small world!

—————————————

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

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

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: Anything Short of Murder, Armie Hammer, Bob Beche, Bullitt Points, Clayton Moore, Dick Gallegly, Flights of Fantasy, George Reeves, Gore Verbinski, Gunsmoke, Irwin Allen, James Arness, Johnny Depp, Joseph Biroc, Lawrence Dobkin, Lost in Space, Matt Dillon, Michael J. Hayde, Paul Newman, Richard Donner, Steve McQueen, Superman, The Adventures of Superman, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, The Legend of the Lone Ranger, The Lone Ranger, The Streets of San Francisco, Time Tunnel, Tonto, Tony Piazza, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Walt Disney

Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and Me by Tony Piazza

June 22, 2012 By tonypiazza 4 Comments

Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and Me by Tony Piazza

   Fess Parker as Davy Crockett

   When you hear the lyrics, “born on a mountaintop in Tennessee…” what do you think of? If you were around in 1954 the answer would be instantly evident. It was describing Davy Crockett, and the infant medium’s latest small screen hero. For Walt Disney, he immediately became a marketing phenomenon. A superstar, that sold hundreds of thousands of coonskin caps, toy rifles, T-shirts, lunch pails, and anything that could carry his name or image on it to children around the world. The actor who introduced us to him, and as a result became an overnight success himself, was FESS PARKER.

   Parker winery in Los Olivos

  I met him one summer in 1994. It was at his winery in Los Olivos,California. After his success with Davy Crockett, he continued making family films, like “Old Yeller”, before eventually donning the cap once again for another frontier hero, Daniel Boone in the popular N.B.C. series of that same name. Wisely over the years he invested his earnings from television and film, and by the time I met him he was already an established and very successful business man in the Santa Barbara area. Besides his winery, he owned a bed and breakfast inn in the town of Los Olivos, and a Double Tree resort hotel in Santa Barbara. Every forth of July he held a celebration at his winery, and that particular year my wife and I were invited as guests. We found him an extremely patriotic man and every bit as moral as the family friendly characters he presented up on the screen. He was a humble man, who loved visiting with each and every guest at the celebration. We witnessed a young couple introducing to him their young lad dressed as Daniel Boone complete with coonskin cap and costume. He thanked them most sincerely for the kind gesture. With pride he presented his wife, son (Eli), daughter-in-law, and poodles to the audience. He made it a family affair. He also talked with pride about his family tree, the Parker’s of Texas, and read from the Declaration of Independence. My wife and I bought a poster of him, which he signed. He was thoughtful enough to ask the spelling of our names. He said that some people have unusual spellings and he always wanted to make sure that he got it right. I think of that now when I sign my books. As a fan, it would be a disappointment if, for example, he spelled my name as Tony when I called myself “Tonnie.” Of course my name is Tony, but I am using this as an example. This was the possible pitfall he was concerned about when it came to signing autographs. I found that extremely thoughtful on his part.

  Parker at the fourth of July Celebration, 1994

   I was so sorry to hear of his death in 2010. His passing was a personal loss to his family and a source of great sorrow to his friends. As a fan, and person who knew him briefly, I also felt a great sadness…for his death was not that just of a man, but of a cultural icon that was linked to the more innocent times of our youth… His death particularly touched a small lad…one I once knew so intimately, who used to sing, “born on a mountaintop….” 

The poster he autographed that day

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Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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

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

NEW!

All my novels in the Tom Logan mystery series have become audio books- read by actor James Romick, and is available on Audible, Amazon, and I-tunes.

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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!

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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.

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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.

 

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Filed Under: Film and Television Tagged With: Anything Short of Murder, Bullitt Points, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Fess Parker, Fess Parker Winery, The Curse of the Crimson Dragon, Tony Piazza, Walt Disney

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