Here’s the link to my appearance with Victoria Heckman on The Dave Congalton Show (6-27-14). Photo courtesy of Dave Congalton.
Tony Piazza Interview with Stan Weisleder
Working with Streisand and O'Neal on "What's Up, Doc?"
My first assignment came out of a “cattle call” that was held at the SF Casting Agency in the summer of 1971. The casting directors for Warner Brothers Studio were present at the office to select from hundreds of people (why, “cattle call”), those to be casted for various “extra” roles during an airport scene at SFO for the film What’s Up, Doc?. The agency had been around for some years, but at that time they were shy on younger people to fill roles as stewardesses and military personnel- thus, I became a Marine- but only for two days.
My first job- playing a Marine
After reporting to the wardrobe truck and changing into my costume, I went to the set which was located at the TWA wing of the airport. The lobby there was enormous- which was lucky because between, cast, crew, extras, and on lookers it was filled to capacity. It was also hot- lit by many photographic lights- arcs, inky dinks, eye lights- you name it!
On location for “What’s Up, Doc” at San Francisco International Airport
If you have ever worked on a set you will understand the saying, “hurry up and wait!”- and we did a lot of waiting! However, the one benefit of that was that I had time to meet a lot of other fellow “extras”, and made many future friends. One particular was Johnny Weissmuller Jr., we talked for hours about his Dad. He referred lovingly to Johnny Sr. as the “old man”, and it was evident in our conversation that we both shared the same admiration of him and his work. We also both had the same movie book, “Tarzan of the Movies,” and discussed that as well. We worked together many times afterward. The last time I ran into him, he was trying to contact a collector who had some of his father’s Olympic Medals (this was just after his father had passed away).
Gabe Essoe’s excellent book, “Tarzan of the Movies”
My friend, Johnny Weissmuller Jr.
All the stars were present for the shoot- and it was a real treat: Streisand was and is undoubtedly very talented- gifted with a beautiful singing voice and an excellent talent for comic timing. Interestingly, she was more attractive in person than on film. She also had a very dynamic personality and exhibited ‘star’ qualities on the set.
O’ Neal I believe was overwhelmed by the crowds that flocked around him. His fame from the television show “Peyton Place” still pursued him and he seemed to shy away from the public when possible.
Bogdanovitch (in his signature tennis sweater) was there directing- very directorial in appearance and style. It was fun watching him in action.
Director Peter Bogdanovitch
I was also exceedingly impressed by a lesser know actress (at the time) who co-starred in the film. She would become a big star later, due to Mel Brooks (who, incidentally I got to work with a few years later)- and I just have to say, “It’s true, It’s TRUE!” and you probably know who I mean. Madeline Kahn stole all the scenes I watched her shoot- and I knew then that she was going places. She was extremely outgoing in front of the cameras and surprisingly shy behind.
Madeline Kahn in her role as Eunice Burns
Another future alumni of Brooks’ films, Kenneth Mars was also present (very funny in person) and Liam Dunn (preacher of Blazing Saddles) also had a role as a judge. Also of note, the screenplay was by Buck Henry, another associate of Brooks (Get Smart).
Kenneth Mars
There is a lot more I could say about this experience; because it WAS my first , the impressions have seemed more lasting. However, I will spare you of further rantings for now- but if you are interested, I will leave it for another 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 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.
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.
Serial Killer Stalks Underground Seattle by Tony Piazza
In 1972 a television movie starring Darren McGavin caught my attention. It was called The Night Stalker and told the story of a Las Vegas newspaper reporter, Carl Kolchak as he tracks down a serial killer who turns out to be a vampire. It was based on the then unpublished novel, The Kolchak Papers written by Jeff Rice and adapted for the small screen by Richard Matheson. Dan Curtis was the producer. You might remember that name from another television series thriller, Dark Shadows– a macabre spin on the afternoon soapbox opera which aired in the 1960s. The Night Stalker premiered January 11, 1972 and became the highest rated television movie for that year.
Glowing with the success of the first film, ABC commissioned Richard Matheson to write a sequel, The Night Strangler, which aired a year later in 1973. This followed Kolchak on yet another search for a serial killer; only this one hid out in the underground city of Seattle and strangled victims for their blood which he used to keep himself alive for over a century. It also became a ratings success, and so it logically followed that, Kolchak: The Night Stalker became a new series that ran on ABC from 1974-1975; again starring Darren McGavin as Kolchak, with regular, Simon Oakland as his long-suffering editor, Tony Vincenzo- not to mention every ghost, ghoul, vampire, or monster you could ever have nightmares of.
A youthful Tony Piazza with Darren McGavin working on a TV movie in the mid 1970s.
In 2005 the series was re-imagined with Carl Kolchak portrayed by Stuart Townsend. It was canceling however after a couple months due to low ratings.
Night Stalker 2005
I enjoyed the original show, and have it in my DVD collection. Both television movies were intriguing… but the second, with its images of the buried city of Seattle continued to hold my curiosity even up to today- especially after I’d learned back then that such an underground city existed.
Darren McGavin in character as Carl Kolchak
Flash forward to the present, and a recent trip to Seattle, where I saw in a brochure that tours of that underground city were being offered. How could I pass that up after being haunted by the images long ago of that spooky strangler running through the ruins of a century old buried city in pursuit of our hero, Kolchak. Well, let me say that the reality was not exactly like the celluloid image… but was it disappointing? I would say, definitely not. Let’s take a look:
Start of Tour at Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA.
Spooky Sidewalk Skylight
Entrance to the old Seattle bank
Bank vault where guard was shot dead. Guide says his ghost still wanders the corridors
Door near the bank. Someone buried behind those bricks? Hmmm.
Old sign in rubble…Sam’s Bar? For Spirits?
Inside of the old bar…notice the pillar- it’s an original
Lounge seating from adjacent hotel
Hotel wall painted to look like wallpaper
Finally, I have seen the lost city’s celluloid version, however it wasn’t in Seattle buried under the streets, but very much above ground in downtown Los Angeles. Yes, it is the famous Bradbury Building, (it was dirtied up for the movie- not pristine as in the photo), but very recognizable. Luckily I didn’t come across any century old stranglers, but then again, that’s Hollywood!
Bradbury Building, Los Angeles, CA
The Night Strangler- who didn’t make an appearance- thank goodness!
This guy’s in desperate need of Dr. Whosits French melon extract creme.
As an aside, I’ve also met and talked with Simon Oakland on the set of Bullitt in 1968, and visited with Jo Anne Pflug (co-star) of Night Strangler when she was filming A Step Out of Line in 1971.
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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.
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 available as an audio book, read by the talented Broadway actor, James Romick. Find it at Audible, Amazon, and I-Tunes.
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.
Karl Malden's Magic Penknife
I’ve written in a couple articles about how, Karl Malden, Michel Hugo (Director of Photography), and myself enjoyed sleight of hand. How we performed magic tricks for one another, and then taught how it was done. We were like kids, and it was the highlight of long hours of filming episodes- which most times went well into the night.
I may have mentioned this before in an earlier story, but I gave Karl two paperback books written by magician/author Walter B. Gibson (who also wrote “The Shadow” stories)- one book, I remember was about the secrets of Harry Houdini and the other, sleight of hand tricks. Karl seemed very excited and very appreciative when I handed them to him at his Winnebago dressing room while on location one day.
Tony Piazza in front of Karl Malden’s Winnebego
At Christmas, Karl was very generous to the crew of “The Streets of San Francisco” and gave wonderful gifts. I still have the blue Pendleton jacket he gave us one year- however my greatest treasure was not this jacket, or other expensive gifts (although I’ve appreciated them all), but a small “magic” penknife that he surprised me with one afternoon at the studio. With a sweep of his hand, the handle changed color from black to pearl white. Pretty neat, don’t you think? He performed the trick for me- and then after exposing its secret- to my amazement and glee, told me that it was mine. I have it put away in a special place in my home- and whenever I see it I think of Karl. It’s very personal to me.
Here’s the penknife (position 1)
Pass a hand across it (position 2)
Presto-change-o (same knife, position 3)
Karl Malden’s Christmas gift-today (still good as new)
Another story I’d like to share regarding our mutual interest in magic occurred during the summer of 1975, in-between shooting at the studio. I was practicing my sleight of hand with a deck of cards, as I had been doing during for some weeks when my services weren’t required on the set. On this occasion however, the first assistant director came over and said I would have to put them away- that cards were no longer allowed during production. Karl Malden caught wind of this and said, “Don’t worry, Junior (his nickname for me), I’ll investigate.” In the meantime, Michel Hugo showed up with “magic” ropes and three foam balls and said, “Let’s forget the cards for now, and practice tricks with these”. Michel was always very clever that way- he wasn’t one to roll over and play dead. Karl came back a day or so later with his own deck, handed it to me and said it was okay for us to practice with them again. It seems that someone on the crew was upset because there was poker being played by some members of the film crew at lunch (who knows maybe this person loss a few dollars at one of them and was holding a grudge) and reported it to the production heads back in LA. Apparently word had come down from them- “no more cards on the set”, but as Karl explained in his always kindly way, “That didn’t include our innocent fun.” As thoughtful as he was, I’ve no doubt he talked with production and cleared it. After that, I didn’t have any trouble with the assistant director- and Karl, Michel, and I once again continued exchanging our card tricks with each other.
Michel Hugo
I think these stories really indicate how Karl Malden was never hung up with himself, or his star image, but just a fine artist with a down-to-earth attitude, a true humanitarian who cared for everyone- big or small. He certainly went to battle for me, even though it wasn’t expected of him. He knew I enjoyed the magic lessons and so it also mattered to him.
When I give lectures today as a ‘film historian’ the question I’m frequently asked is, “who was my favorite actor to work with?” My resounding answer is always the same- Karl Malden. “Why?” they ask, “Because he was like a second father to me.” I believe stories like these illustrates why. What other actor would care enough to go to bat for a young stand-in on his show? Answer: not many, except the ever kind and thoughtful, Karl Malden.
————————————-
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.
Anecdote Regarding Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney was scheduled to be a guest star on one of the early episodes of “The Streets of San Francisco” (first season). He wasn’t cast however, actor David Wayne ended up in the role. Early on, when it was still thought that he was playing the role, my dad went out with the episode’s director and location manager to find a house with a large bathroom and bathtub. The script called for the episode’s character to be taking a bath in one particular scene. That evening my father was telling my mother about the hunt for a large bathroom and tube, whereby my mom interrupted him for confirmation, “You say Mickey Rooney needs to use this tub?” My dad said, yes in which she replied, “Heck, put some water in your police helmet- he could use that!”
Another bit about Mr. Rooney
After the release of “Night at the Museum” (2006) my niece interviewed Mickey Rooney for the television station she was working for. He was nice, courteous, and enthusiastic. It was evident to her that his health was failing even back then, and she noted that his devoted wife was along at the interview particularly to watch over him.
Mr. Rooney was not just an actor, but a legend- now he joins other legends that have passed on, sadly never to be replaced.
R.I.P. Mickey Rooney…always the child, who brought out the child in all of us.
—————————————–
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.
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.
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