Tony's Blog - Author Tony Piazza

Karl Malden's & Michael Douglas's Birthday Wishes! By Tony Piazza

September 12, 2012 By tonypiazza 3 Comments

Karl Malden’s & Michael Douglas’s Birthday Wishes! By Tony Piazza

Imagine searching through your parent’s memorabilia and coming across a birthday card to your dad from work. It is signed by all his co-workers with well wishes for his special day. Now imagine that this job was with a television production…and those co-workers were celebrities and crew from that show. That is exactly what I came across this morning and am sharing with you today. The show was “The Streets of San Francisco,” and I worked with my dad on it through its run of five seasons.

It looks common enough from the cover, but when you open it up!

Look closely you will see Karl Malden.

And this page has Michael Douglas, Jill St. John, and SF journalist Herb Caen amongst others!

Now that is one birthday card, wouldn’t you say!

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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 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.

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.

Touched by a Star by Tony Piazza

September 7, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

Touched by a Star by Tony Piazza

Most thirteen-year-olds see their heroes only on the movie screen or in books. I was fortunate to meet my hero in person. I’m talking about the legendary actor Steve McQueen, and I met him in 1968 during the filming of Bullitt,. the film that defined the Movie Car Chase.

Now, forty-four years later, I wrote about that experience in an e-book called Bullitt Points: Memories of Steve McQueen and the Making of Bullitt.. In addition to my experiences on location, the book includes newly researched material and an interview from a man who was present when McQueen was learning to drive high-performance race cars. I’ve also included some rare personal photographs. The Introduction was written by longtime McQueen fan and popular KVEC 920AM talk show host, Dave Congalton.

In June of 2012, I was invited to talk about Bullitt Points at “The Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show” in Chino Hills, California. The car show was founded five years ago by Ron Harris to raise money for the California Boys Republic, one of McQueen’s favorite charities This year the car show’s Steve McQueen-related theme was Bullitt. The event was held on the BoysRepublic schoolgrounds–on the same field that Steve McQueen once played ball. McQueen was admitted to the Boys Republic as a 14-year-old student, and he often credited his stay for turning his life around. His chaoltic formative years drove him to the streets and gangs, but spending time (reluctantly at first) at the school changed him forever.

Steve McQueen’s first wife, Neile, took the stage prior to my presentation at the show. She tearfully described the young McQueen leaving the school with only the shirt on his back, a pair of jeans and a tattered suitcase. Years later, after they were married and he was successful, she spied him preparing for one of his frequent appearances at the school. She asked him why he was dressing so nicely. He said it was because “he wanted to show the boys what they could become.”

Piazza at event

I met and talked with some of the Boys Republic students when I was at the car show, and believe me, the school does make a difference. In fact, I couldn’t leave without a real commitment to help. Therefore, all profits from the sales of my e-book will go to The Boys Republic. I don’t want a cent. Ninety-nine cents isn’t much, considering people pay $3.50 for a latte. Think what a difference it could make to a troubled youth and what a wonderful investment we’ll be making towards a better, more productive society. I can’t think of a better tribute to this boy’s hero, Steve McQueen.

Tony Piazza and Chad McQueen (courtesy of Bergstroms Photography)

Download the book at: www.bullittpoints.com

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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 above. All profits go to the Boys Republic charity.

My Conversations with Stuntmen by Tony Piazza

September 4, 2012 By tonypiazza 4 Comments

My Conversations with Stuntmen by Tony Piazza

Stunt from “Streets” episode “Dead Air”. I’m the passenger in that car!

I had mentioned elsewhere that one of the greatest advantages about being a member of a film crew is getting to know and visit with co-workers who range from major actors to lesser known grips. And although directors were interesting to talk to, my favorite by far were the stuntmen, especially those who had spent years in the business- for they had many more stories to tell. For instance, we were shooting a “Streets of San Francisco” episode in an apartment off of Chinatown. The scene called for a character to fall down a flight of stairs. The stuntman- an older man- utilized for this scene told me that he use to do this for RED SKELTON in the movies he made back in the 1940’s. In another episode I rode with a group of stuntmen on a trip to our location in Fisherman’s Wharf, one was bragging how he’d broke the record for the longest dive when he leapt off a studio waterfall for the film “Our Man Flint.” One evening we were shooting at the QM Studios and during a break a television was wheeled in and the James Bond film, “Diamonds are Forever” was tuned in. As I watched the program with a couple of stuntmen, they revealed that they had worked on the film, and when it came to the chase through downtown Las Vegas I was given an inside commentary from them both about the shooting. One interesting note- during the Mint parking lot scene, the police car that slid sideways into the wall was not planned, but an actual accident on the stunt driver’s part.

America’s clown, Red Skelton

Speaking of accidents- on a local radio interview I had recently, the host asked if there had been mishaps on the set. My answer was that there had been some, but not many. It is the job of the stunt coordinator to make sure that it does not occur- most have it figured down to a science. Still, a notable incident, and one that made the local newspapers at the time occurred on “The Streets of San Francisco.” A stuntman doubling for an actor falls from a speedboat into the San Francisco Bay; as the boat makes a second pass close to the man now treading water, the boat accidentally hits the swimmer. The mistake of the company was that they had the owner of the boat drive it, and not another stuntman. Both Ken Swor our first assistant director and MICHAEL DOUGLAS dove into the bay to save him. Ken reached him first, and got a hold of the unconscious body before he went under. Both Ken and Michael received an award from the Red Cross for their valor.

Michael Douglas (Piazza collection)

Another incident occurred on the shooting of a television movie entitled “The Monk” starring GEORGE MAHARIS. The Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART) was still under construction, and a tunnel leading down from the street was the location of the shoot. In the script, this was going to be the end of a car chase- as the speeding car flips over on its side and skids down into the tunnel. It was planned that a foot chase would follow, however the stuntmen had miscalculated by just inches the angle of a small wooden ramp they had constructed, and this combined with their speed sent the car completely over onto its roof. When the dust settled there was no motion from the two stuntmen inside- and as luck had it, both their wives were on the set which added to the pandemonium. On closer examination, both were unconscious- their seat belts had become loosened and they had hit their heads on the inverted ceiling. An ambulance took them off, but happily a few hours later they were both back on the set. The foot chase was scratched however, because on film it really looked like no one could walk away from the wreck.

George Maharis (Piazza collection)

You really have to tip your hats to these guys- the stuntmen. Because we suspend our grasp on reality we believe that it’s actually the actor out there risking his neck, but in truth- with a few exceptions- it is these men (minus the big marquee billings) that bring us all the thrills. I think now you can understand why I found their stories so interesting.

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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 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 in Chino, California. The McQueen family’s favorite 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.

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.

And LOOK FOR the new Tom Logan novel due late 2015!

My Neighbor, Jane Russell by Tony Piazza

August 31, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

MY NEIGHBOR, JANE RUSSELL by Tony Piazza

When I was growing up I heard a number of stories about JANE RUSSELL. I would see her with BOB HOPE and BING CROSBY on Christmas Shows, or in films, but little did I know that many years later I would be living in the same neighborhood, just a couple of blocks down from her home. She was very much a part of our community in the Central Coast. She held neighborhood bible classes, encouraged young talent by sponsoring a variety show at our local venues, took part in our neighborhood block parties, and various other activities that really seem mundane for a woman of her notoriety and stature. We would run into her often at “Bed, Bath, and Beyond” or “Albertsons”. I saw her in her in a plain house coat numerous times collecting her mail when I was walking the dog…just an average good neighbor who took out her garbage like everyone else, yet truly a woman with a remarkable background and career.

My grandfather saw a billboard with this picture and nearly drove off the highway.

When we first moved up to the area, we heard about the talent shows and made a point of attending. It was small and intimate. A meeting room in the Radisson Hotel with a small stage, piano, and tablecloth covered round tables and chairs set out for the guests. She would act as M.C. and talk in-between acts about HOWARD HUGHES, Hollywood, entertaining the troops, Bing, Bob, and many other fascinating topics. She also sang, as did other talented young people…real songs (30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s), with melodies and lyrics that make sense! We saw her shortly before she died at our block party. I can tell that she was failing. She had lost a great deal of weight, but she was still a trooper and got up and sang a tune or two. They don’t make stars like they used to, which makes it all the more sadder when we lose another of them. And in our case we also lost a good neighbor and valuable member to our community as well.

Howard Hughes

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Also: The new Tom Logan mystery thriller, A Murder Amongst Angels is now available!

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

Karl Malden: The Hazards of Being in the Spotlight by Tony Piazza

August 29, 2012 By tonypiazza Leave a Comment

Karl Malden: The Hazards of Being in the Spotlight by Tony Piazza

Did you know that KARL MALDEN actually got death threats because of that American Express commercial he did years ago? Some disgruntle user of American Express sent the company letters with inflammatory language and quite blatantly announced that they would like to kill the actor who said, “Don’t leave home without it!” We had gotten word on the set of “The Streets of San Francisco” and security was immediately beefed up. I could see the difference when I reported on location that morning…enough that it caused me to ask questions. I learned however that quite frankly from the start they were not taking it too seriously. Karl was alerted and didn’t seem too worried. Nevertheless they had to go through the motions. It seems this has happened before. In fact threats like these happened more often then one would think. It is pretty much understood by all concerned that if a celebrity becomes identified with a product, and that product doesn’t for some reason come up to the standards of the consumer, that celebrity would become the focus of their anger. And regarding the threat; it is usually the person who doesn’t advertise his or her intentions that are far more dangerous than those who do. Nine times out of ten the others are just blowing off steam. That was fortunately the situation in this case, and after a few days everyone relaxed on the set.

Unfortunately, not all situations such as this have happy endings. Crazed fans have cost the lives of a number of celebrities. John Lennon instantly comes to mind, as does Selena and the actress Rebecca Schaffer. Marla Hanson, model was attacked and her face sliced in 1986 by two men hired by her landlord because she shunned his sexual advances. In recent years we’ve also read of stalkers who hound the stars with strange fan mail, or invade their privacy by trespassing on their property or following them running errands- Letterman being an example. And then there is the paparazzi, chasing after them for those valuable photographs. They were responsible for the Lady Diana tragedy. It makes you wonder whether fame is really worth it. If being in the spotlight is all that it’s cracked up to be.

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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 BoysRepubliccharity: www.bullittpoints.com.

ROCK HUDSON, A Quiet Man by Tony Piazza

August 24, 2012 By tonypiazza 2 Comments

ROCK HUDSON, A Quiet Man by Tony Piazza

I met ROCK HUDSON one sunny summer day in downtown San Francisco. He was there filming his television series McMillan and Wife (1971-1977) with Susan Saint James. The show was a crime drama in the tradition of the “The Thin Man” series of the 1930s and 40s. McMillan (Hudson) was a police commissioner with an attractive, engaging wife named Sally (Saint James) who enjoyed meddling in on his crime cases. John Schuck and Nancy Walker also starred in the series (the later as their maid) and usually provided humor for the episodes. It aired originally on NBC, but returned later on CBS.

Mister Hudson took a few minutes away from filming to shake hands and poise for this picture. He was a very quiet man, serious except twice when he cracked a smile for the camera, and again at my thanks for the picture. He didn’t have much to say at this meeting however except a few polite complements about my father.

I knew a local talk show host on bay area radio who was acquainted with one of Hudson’s former film co-stars. His name was LEE RODGERS and his friend was DORIS DAY. On one special occassion Lee called her up when on the air to wish her a happy birthday. By her voice, in answering the phone it seemed as if he’d awaken her- his show was on very early in the morning- but, Ms. Day always the gracious lady conducted herself afterwards in her usual bright and charming way. As an aside, Ms. Day supports wonderful charities for the well-being of animals, especially dogs and cats. She also owns The Cypress Inn, in Carmel, CA which welcomes pets of all kinds. We’ve stayed there with our dog and I’ll tell you, every amenity is taken care of for the comfort and enjoyment of both you and your pets. Bravo Ms. Day!

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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 BoysRepubliccharity: www.bullittpoints.com.