Tony's Blog - Author Tony Piazza

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 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.

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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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.

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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Captain, This is Not Logical- A Star Trek Memory by Tony Piazza

July 11, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

Captain, This is Not Logical- A Star Trek Memory by Tony Piazza

A few years ago at Thanksgiving we had a family gathering and I was able to touch base with my niece- a then aspiring actress. She did eventually land a role on the television show, “The Unit” (a couple of lines) but it wasn’t enough work to pay her S.A.G. dues. Since then she has established herself in a more reliable (keep the day job) profession as an event planner for the Getty Museum and absolutely loves it. But, I digress- returning to that holiday; I had also visited with her ex-boyfriend who had come by to share turkey with us. He was a native of England, and a 3D animator by trade. He worked for a company that designed video games, and more recently worked on some feature films- most notably “GI Joe” and “Avatar.” It made for some interesting discussions- and considering at the time I was working on my own home grown special effects feature, “The War of the Worlds,” a great opportunity to get some suggestions for my own project. I had just finished creating an effects filled third episode of my video (on YouTube, link on the bottom of this blog) and then abandoned the project for a more rewarding career as an author. Of course during that dinner the subject of “Star Trek” came up, and I told this story which is the basis of today’s blog.

The newest “Star Trek” feature- a prequel, has since come and gone with hardly a splash*. Not surprising because in my estimation nothing can stand up against the original…however it did have the one-and-only Spock, LEONARD NIMOY, who is the subject of this story.

Star Trek (2009)

During 1977 my activities in the film industry started winding down- my last assignment for the casting agency was some “extra” work on a re-make of the 1956 science fiction film “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” This one starred DONALD SUTHERLAND, BROOKE ADAMS, and LEONARD NIMOY, and the setting was changed from Los Angeles to the Bay Area.

Poster from 1978 adaption of Jack Finney’s story.

My scene was a book signing party. The location was a children’s bookstore on California Street. All the “extras” were separated into groups, given drinks and were told to act as if we were mingling (but quietly) among ourselves as Leonard Nimoy’s character- a psychiatrist made his way through the crowd to the back of the room.

Leonard Nimoy as Dr. David Kibner in the 1978 film.

Now, keep in mind that the original “Star Trek- The Motion Picture” had not been filmed yet. In fact the press had been going on for months with stories regarding negotiations with the actors and whether all the original crew would sign on- and even speculating the odds that it would ever be made.

Nimoy, Sutherland, and Goldblum (1978).

Flashback to the bookstore. My little group was standing directly in Leonard Nimoy’s path- he had to weave through us to get to the back of the room where his scene played out. As we went through numerous rehearsals for the camera, I happened to glance down at a nearby bookshelf where I spied several copies of a children’s “Star Trek” book that featured a drawing of Mr.Spock prominently on the cover- pointy ears and all!

Well, I don’t know what got into me, but I instantly hatched a plan that my group would all be reading the books (held up close to our faces- so the cover could easily be seen) on the next rehearsal approach of Mr. Nimoy.

At first he didn’t see it, but was drawn to it by the laughter of the rest of the crew.

His response with a gleam in his eye, “Come on, guys, give me a break!”

As evidenced a year later (1979)- he had those pointy ears back on, and kept them on… up and until his most recent incarnation as the old Spock in 2009s Star Trek feature.

Nimoy (Spock) in 2009 Star Trek feature.

Just as an aside, I met WILLIAM SHATNER and got his autograph in the 1960s, during the height of the original “Star Trek mania,” and either met or worked with many other actors that were guests on that show, including RICARDO MONTALBAN and PETER MARK RICHMAN. I also sat in on a dramatic reading by another Star Trek captain, PATRICK STEWART, but more on that later.

The future obviously still uses paper plates!

Some additional trivia: Donald Sutherland also starred later in The Puppet Masters (1994), another science fiction story involving body stealing. It was adapted from a 1951 sf novel by Robert A. Heinlein.

Leonard Nimoy began his career as an alien early in films, starring as an invader in the 1952 Republic movie serial Zombies of the Stratosphere.

The novel, Invasion of the Body Snatchers was set in Mill Valley, California.

http://www.amazon.com/Invasion-Body-Snatchers-Jack-Finney/dp/0684852586/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342021478&sr=1-1&keywords=invasion+of+the+body+snatchers

Actress Brooke Adams is married to actor Tony Shalhoub of Monk fame.

HERE IS A LINK TO SOME OF MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS…INCLUDING WAR OF THE WORLDS PART 3:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=MagicLantern21&search_type=&aq=f

* Why I’m not a critic. Another new Star Trek movie was eventually released-“Star Trek into Darkness” in 2013- so, it made a bigger splash than I’d anticipated. I believe even a third is on its way. I’ll admit they are good, but still stand by my opinion that they’re nothing like the original.

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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 second novel, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” was released early 2012, and “A Murder Amongst Angels” in 2013. It became an instant bestseller. A third Tom Logan mystery is presently 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 where fine books are sold, or at the link posted below. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity: www.bullittpoints.com.

Tony is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers 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.

Red Skelton- Boyhood Idol by Tony Piazza

July 10, 2012 By tonypiazza 7 Comments

RED SKELTON- In the Presence of a Boyhood Idol by Tony Piazza

Growing up I never missed RED SKELTON when he was on C.B.S. He was my favorite comedian. I had always wanted to see him perform in person. Countless times I would see that he had a show in Vegas, but my family very rarely ever took trips there. Our vacations were usually Tahoe, Reno, and Disneyland. And when Red did performed at Harrah’s (Reno or Tahoe) for one reason or another we were never able to attend. As the years passed I gave up on that dream, until one evening as my wife and I were driving down highway 101 in San Mateo and we noticed on the billboard of the Circle Star Theatre that he would soon be performing there! Needless to say I rushed out to get two tickets, and waited with keen anticipation for that evening to arrive. It was worth the wait (as I knew it would be), and a real twenty-four karat treat at that! He kept us laughing from the minute he stepped onto the stage until he signed off with his signature, “Goodnight, and May God Bless.” He was well up in age. In fact they had to help him up onto the stage from his wheelchair. But once there he stood for almost two hours running through all his wonderful sketches and pantomimes. Guzzler’s Gin, the Mean Wittle Kid, Freedie the Freeloader, Gertrude and Heathcliff, San Fernando Red…they were all there. We laughed until we cried. What a genius and, as he made a mention during the conclusion of the show, he didn’t have to do it with vulgarity…or in his own words, “You don’t have to use four letter words to be funny.” We tried to see him personally at a gallery showing of his clown artwork a few days afterwards at theFairmont, but unfortunately he was too tired for the second showing we attended. That was I believe, his last tour, and he passed away not too long afterwards, but I am forever grateful that the timing finally worked so that I could see my boyhood idol.

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As an aside, not too long ago I was reading my friend Johnny Weissmuller Jr.’s biography of his dad, and learned something that I wish I knew when Johnny and I would talk on the set of “The Streets of San Francisco”…Red was his babysitter! Could you imagine that! The Weissmuller’s and the Skelton’s were neighbors. I would have showered him with a lot of questions about that experience if I knew back then…even more than the ones I asked regarding his dad.

I also got to meet ESTHER WILLIAMS a few years back. Not only did she work with Red, but also swam with Johnny Weissmuller and had some fun tales to tell. I will share those with you in a future article.

Johnny Weismuller Jr.

Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan.

Further comment by the author: Talking about boyhood idols. Red tells the story that even as a boy he had a calling to show business. He loved the stage and vaudeville, and would hang out in front of theatres selling his newspapers hoping to raise enough money to get a ticket to go inside. One day a kindly gentleman came up to buy a paper and asked whether the boy was going to see the show. Red said he would love to, but didn’t have the money for admission. The gentleman immediately reached in his coat pocket and presented him with a pass. That afternoon, he went to the show, and as the lights dimmed the kindly gentlemen stepped out onto the stage and Red realized that he had been treated to the show by its star…Ed Wynn!

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Tony Piazza (Courtesy of Charlotte Alexander)

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

NEW!

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

NEW!

The rollicking adventure novel set in paradise. The thrill-a-minute bestseller that two film producers are interested in…”The Curse of the Crimson Dragon” is NOW an audio book, read by the talented Broadway actor, James Romick!

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

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

Find them all on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever fine books are sold. Also available at an affordable price on Kindle.

Revisiting the Original: The Green Hornet by Tony Piazza

July 9, 2012 By tonypiazza 6 Comments

Revisiting the Original: THE GREEN HORNET by Tony Piazza

Van Williams and Bruce Lee in character.

I never got to work on a superhero film; I guess unlike Metropolis and Gotham City, San Francisco wasn’t worth saving. Although James Bond did save Silicon Valley once!

Van as Britt Reed, owner of The Daily Sentinel.

The closest I ever got to a superhero was working with an actor who was briefly “The Green Hornet” on television back in the sixties.

Lee and Williams, production photo.

Van Williams (The Green Hornet/ Britt Reed) was a guest star on “The Streets of San Francisco” and another of those normal guys that was always a pleasure to meet in the entertainment industry. He was also an actual crime fighter in the real world- working for the Sheriff’s Department in Los Angeles County-going after real criminals without his stunt double!

Myself and Van Williams on location for “The Streets of San Francisco.”

He was a pleasure to talk to and I remember that part of our discussion revolved around the (then) recent death of his former partner in the show- Bruce Lee (Kato). Speculation abounded in the press about Lee’s “mysterious death”. Williams said there was no mystery at all, but simply a brain hemorrhage brought on as a result of some past martial arts injury- certainly not murder as the papers were suggesting. How people love mysteries! I remember him mentioning that he enjoyed his work with the Sheriff’s department and talked a great deal about it…and of course about his first love, acting.

His show, “The Green Hornet” was not as campy as the then popular “Batman”, and only lasted two seasons (1966-1967).

Recent publication on The Green Hornet’s History.

Here is some further information regarding The Green Hornet which began as a very popular radio show in the 1930s, two movie serials in the 1940s, and then graduated to television in the 1960s (1966-1967) running alongside Adam West’s “Batman” on the A.B.C. network.

Movie Serial from the 1940s.

It was the brainchild by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker, the same two who created the highly successful Lone Ranger series. The Green Hornet was Britt Reid, a publisher of the Daily Sentinel by day who goes out disguised in his “Green Hornet” identity at night to fight crime. He was accompanied by his Asian valet Kato, who acted as chauffer and drove their car, a technological wonder equipped with an arsenal of advanced technology, called the “Black Beauty”.

1960s Black Beauty.

Sadly I had high expectations for the recent film release of “The Green Hornet,” but was extremely disappointed. It was quite evident neither the star, Seth Rogen, nor anyone connected with that production had a glimmer of an idea what “The Green Hornet” was all about. I’ve never saw such a disregard of the original source material! The Sting of the hornet in this case was what I felt after putting down my hard earned cash at the box office. It was even worse…they charged me ten dollars extra because it was in 3-D…a bad movie looks the same in 3D as it does in two dimensions. The only character that had personality in the film was the car…yes, it was that bad!

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Tony Piazza is the 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 in July of 2013, Tom Logan again was on the case in, “A Murder Amongst Angels.” Two more novels followed, “Murder is Such Sweet Revenge (2015),” and in October of 2017, his latest, “Murder Will Out” – all available on the Amazon website. A new Tom Logan novel is presently in the works. 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. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity.

Tony Piazza is a member of three prestigious writer’s organizations: Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the SLO NightWriters. He was also past president of his local chapter of Sisters in Crime.

My earlier bestselling novels, “The Curse of the Crimson Dragon,” “Anything Short of Murder,” “A Murder Amongst Angels,” and “Murder is Such Sweet Revenge” now joins “Murder Will Out” 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.

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

Also look for “Murder Will Out” in print, e-book, and soon audiobook!