Author Tony Piazza

The Day I Met Steve McQueen: The Real Man Behind the Legend by Tony Piazza

The Day I Met Steve McQueen by Tony Piazza Jacqueline Bisset (Cathy) and Steve McQueen across from S.F. General Hospital. I met STEVE McQUEEN for the first time in the basement of San Francisco General Hospital during the filming of the motion picture, “Bullitt.” San Francisco General, an atmospheric old brick and mortar [...]

My Experiences Working with Stunts on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

Most people know Larry Hagman as “JR” in the TV series “Dallas.” I know him because I was a stand-in for him–right down to a wig and ascot! MY EXPERIENCES WORKING WITH STUNTS on “STREETS” by Tony Piazza One of the greatest thrills I had on “The Streets of San Francisco” was getting a chance [...]

My Role on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

My Role on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza In 1973, during the second season of “The Streets of San Francisco” I was offered a small speaking role. It was in the episode “Shield of Honor,” directed by Eric Till. In this scene I am addressing KARL MALDEN (Lt. Mike Stone), MICHAEL DOUGLAS (Steve [...]

New Release! The Curse of the Crimson Dragon

Ryan was a pilot, and a damn good one at that. Accepting an honorable discharge, he began a charter service in Hawaii, where he thinks he has found peace in paradise – that is, until government agents approach him. A fission scientist has gone missing while on Maui, and they are sure the Third Reich [...]

My First Novel, Anything Short of Murder

Anything Short of Murder is a rollicking murder mystery set in Hollywood in the 1930s. It has all of the elements of a hardboiled detective novel: the classy dames, the streetwise detective and the unexpected plot twists.

BULLITT 45th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

May 21st, 2013

As film historian, I will be sharing my movie memories about being on the set of “Bullitt” and meeting and eventually working with STEVE MCQUEEN. The occasion is the 45th Anniversary of the film “Bullitt” which will be taking place in the bay area June 20- 23. Chad McQueen will be present, a car show is planned, and many more other surprises in store- all through Hoondog Events. Read about it on the link below. McQueen, Mustang, and Bullitt fans alike, take notice, and consider joining the events! See link below:

http://bullittevents.com/2013/05/18/movie-memories-event-announced/

Allso, please consider buying Bullitt Points, my e-book, whose purchase benefits The Boys Republic charity.

At http://www.bullittpoints.com/ or at Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.

Marion Davies by Tony Piazza

May 8th, 2013

Actress/comedienne MARION DAVIES (Jan. 3, 1897- Sept. 22, 1961). Davies was mistress to newspaper tycoon, WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST. She was hostess at many of Hearst’s parties, including those at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. Guests at these affairs usually included such notable actors as CHARLIE CHAPLIN, DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, and MARY PICKFORD. Hearst micro-managed Davies early career, and in doing so, making such erroneous misjudgments as casting her in lavish historical dramas instead of comedies where she demonstrated her real talent. And regarding those parties: One particular one ended in scandal. It involved the death of early film pioneer, Thomas Ince aboard Hearst’s yacht, and was the subject of a 2001, Peter Bogdanovich film, The Cat’s Meow. There were rumors that he was mistakenly shot by Hearst, and the accident covered up. Incidentally, my first job in the industry, was with What’s Up, Doc? – another film by Bogdanovich.

William Randolph Hearst

Thomas Ince

Charlie Chaplin

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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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

Author Tony Piazza Speaks at AAUW Author’s Forum

May 7th, 2013

(L. to R.) Rober L. Piccioni, Melinda Palacio, Louise Laemmlen, & Tony Piazza

Surprise Celebrities in the Family by Tony Piazza

April 24th, 2013

Myrtle Gonzales (my wife’s second cousin)

You’ll never know what you’ll dig up when you start exploring the roots of your ancestral tree. This tree isn’t mine however, but the paternal side of my wife’s family. Incidentally, I’m afraid to trace my roots. My father’s side originated in Sicily, and I may find out that I’m related to Don Corleone. But, returning to the subject: my wife’s sister, Kathleen has been intrigued by their family history- as well she should be- she’s traced it back seven generations in Los Angeles history. Kathleen has spent three years researching their family background and dug up some interesting facts. Their ancestors were of the first families who settled in what was then called Pueblo de Los Angeles. The Avila’s and Pelanconi’s are all ancestors of their family, and adobes bearing those names can be found on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Another branch, which I’ll be talking about are the Cooke’s. My wife’s father’s mother’s family name was Cooke, and they were a multi-talented family of ten children who became musicians, singers, and actors (both in theater and eventually film).

My wife, Susan in front of the Pelanconi Warehouse building on Olvera Street

Sign outside the Pelanconi House

Avila Adobe on Olvera Street

In Kathleen’s searches, she discovered that they were related to two silent screen actors, Myrtle Gonzales and John J. Cook(e).

Mytrle Gonzales “The Virgin White Lily of the Screen” was born September 28, 1891 to Manuel George Gonzalez and Lillian L. Cook(e) in Los Angeles, California. Her father was a native Hispanic Californio of Spain and her mother’s family was of Ireland, County Cork. He was a grocer, and she a former opera star. Myrtle obviously inherited the “talent gene” from the Cooke side, because from early childhood she acted and sang in many local events. The Merced Theatre near the plaza on Arcadia Street is a site where she had performed.

As an adult she transitioned into silent pictures working for both Vitagraph and Universal Studios. In five of her films (1913-1914) she worked with William Desmond Taylor, one of which was called “The Kiss” and interestingly enough, clips of this film can be seen in the opening sequence of the film “The Spiral Staircase” starring Dorothy McGuire from 1946.

Link to YouTube video of “The Kiss”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNepyCE9w2U

She was married briefly to James Park Jones, and had one child, and then to Universal director/actor Allen Watt until her death.

Myrtle is regarded as Hollywood’s first Latin and Hispanic movie star actress. She made a total of 80 films- all silent. Most were considered shorts, such as “The Thief of the Desert” and “The Gambler”, but others like “The Greater Law”, “The Girl of Lost Lake”, and “The Secret of the Swamp” were full features.

Myrtle’s life was all too short however. She died October 22, 1918 at the age of 27 from the Spanish flu- a worldwide pandemic which struck that year.

Trivia:

William Desmond Taylor

Her co-star of five films, William Desmond Taylor was murdered in 1922- shot to death in his bungalow. In 1964 Taylor’s co-star Margaret Gibson shortly before her death confessed to having murdered him, but this has never been proven to be true.

Margaret Gibson

NEXT TIME I’LL BE LOOKING at my wife’s other famous relative, John J. Cook(e). I hope you’ll stop by.

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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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

Karl Malden’s Joke by Tony Piazza

April 15th, 2013

This is a short memory, but a fond one. We (the crew of “The Streets of San Francisco”) were shooting a scene for an episode near Ghirardelli Square. As with most location shooting, we were attracting a crowd. And with this being a Friday night and a popular tourist spot, even more so than normal. People were everywhere. Areas were roped off on a grassy knoll in an effort to separate the onlookers from the shooting location. It was a chaotic night. Some friends stopped by to surprise me- old buddies from school. They said that they just wanted to come by and say hello, but I suspect it was more likely to impress their dates. They kept telling me how lucky I was to be able to work on a television show. Sure. Six days a week, and a minimum of twelve hours a day- in other words, no social life at all. In truth I envied them, with a pretty girl on their arm and a free evening to enjoy courtship- of course I didn’t tell them so. However, on the flip side, I’d made friends on “Streets” with such wonderful people as KARL MALDEN, and MICHAEL DOUGLAS; and Director of Photography, MICHEL HUGO, and Director VIRGIL VOGEL. So on second thought; it had its advantages. I was part of a unique family, and what social life I did have, revolved around co-workers and those moments in-between shooting. That was the reality of working on a film or television project. Karl Malden, more than anyone realized this, and tried to keep the atmosphere around the set always warm, fun, and friendly. For example, I’ll return to that Friday night. As I’d just mentioned, there was a large crowd of fans rubber-necking to see the action, and especially the stars. Karl was not in any of the scenes that evening, and had it off. His wife, Mona was visiting, and so they decided to use the time for sightseeing and shopping. Whether it was on purpose, or not, I’m not certain, but somehow they crossed paths with the production company. Karl and Mona were now standing behind the ropes among the fans looking in on our activity. Karl was not in his trademark dark suit, maroon vest, and gray hat. In fact, he was out of make-up and dressed in a tan leather jacket, comfortable slacks, and shirt opened at the collar. Fans hadn’t realized he was standing among them. They were too busy looking for him and other stars on the opposite side of the ropes. I spotted him however, and watched with amusement as he asked some of the gawkers with a gleam in his eye, “What’s going on here? Are the filming something?” Eventually a few caught on, and when they did, he and his wife disappeared. Karl was a great deal of fun, and I miss him, and those glorious days tremendously.

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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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

Victor Mature and the Lion. By Tony Piazza

February 22nd, 2013

Mature with Hedy Lamarr in Samson and Delilah

CECIL B. DEMILLE and VICTOR MATURE was the subject of a story told by CUBBY BROCCOLI in his excellent autobiography, “When the Snow Melts.” My wife’s uncle, worked for DeMille as a groundskeeper at his Paradise Ranch in Little Tujunga Canyon. I met Broccoli, as you may remember from my earlier blog, and was impressed by his down-to-earth, kind personality. He came from Italian Long Island farmers and never forgot his roots.

My picture of Cubby on location with Moore for “A View to a Kill”

His story goes:

Victor Mature in character

Victor Mature was built like a brick you- know- what, but when it came to taking risks he was more mouse than tiger. During the filming of Samson and Delilah with co-star HEDY LAMARR he had to wrestle with a lion. The studio was going to use a young lion that was to be tied down by the back paw (hidden of course from the camera). However Mature wasn’t too keen on the idea. He agreed to do it only if they got another, tamer lion. DeMille got Leo, the old M.G.M. mascot and had a man waiting in the wings with a gun in case the cat got out of hand. The camera started rolling and DeMille shouted, “Action!”

Cecil B. DeMille

Mature approached the animal, but it was apparent by his actions that the closer he got, the increasingly more frightened he became. DeMille witnessing this from his director’s seat eventually reached his boiling point, and shouts impatiently at the actor,

“For crying out loud, Victor it’s an old lion and toothless!”

Studio Portrait of Victor Mature

To which Mature responds,

“Look, you bald-headed *****, I don’t want to be gummed to death either!”

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I highly recommend Broccoli’s autobiography. Aside from the Bond years, it is filled with wonderful in-sights into early Hollywood and a personal look at some of Cubby’s celebrity friends such as HOWARD HUGHES, CARY GRANT, ALAN LADD, and many others.

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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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

Early Hollywood: Will Rogers Park. By Tony Piazza

February 12th, 2013

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

A Short Observation about Meeting the Famous Perry Mason. By Tony Piazza

February 7th, 2013

Erle

Perry Mason was the creation of Erle Stanley Gardner. Gardner was a bestselling author who had a total of 135 million of copies of his books available during the time of his death in the late 1960s. Eighty of his novels and short stories featured Perry Mason, a fictional defense attorney who along with his faithful secretary Della Street and private investigator Paul Drake helped solved murders in which his clients were accused.

Author Erle Stanley Gardner

Early Perry Mason pocket book

Gardner’s Mason stories were featured on radio and films. On radio his mysteries were serialized in 15 minute segments that were presented in the soap opera format popular at the time. There were six Perry Mason feature films produced between 1935 and 1937. Four of them starred the same actor, WARREN WILLIAM with rotating cast members in the other roles. The final two films featured RICARDO CORTEZ and DONALD WOODS as Mason.

Early film’s Perry Mason- Warren William

By far, the most famous Perry Mason actor was RAYMOND BURR who played him in the television series that ran on CBS from 1957 until 1966. (Later he would reprise the role for twenty-six television movies (NBC) starting in 1985). They had a marvelous cast on the original show which included, BARBARA HALE as Della Street and WILLIAM HOPPER as Paul Drake. Ms Hale would return later for the television movies.

Raymond Burr (as Perry Mason)

Raymond Burr had a marvelous sense of humor and a quick wit. To state one example; during the run of the original series a fan approached him insisting to know: “How come you never lose a case?” To which Burr responded straight-faced- “Madam, you only see the cases that I try on Saturdays.”

Raymond Burr (Mason) and Barbara Hale (Della Street)

William Hopper (Paul Drake)

I met Raymond Burr after his run with Perry Mason in 1966. He was beginning a new series called “Ironside”. The show was filming in San Francisco and my father was assigned as liaison to the visiting Universal Studio film unit that was producing the series. I was twelve at the time and had gone down to the location (the S.F. cable car barn) with my mother, aunt, and cousin. I remember my mother telling Raymond Burr how much she enjoyed him as Perry Mason, and he replying in that deep, distinctive voice, that “they were making this new series (“Ironside”) and hoped that she’d enjoy it as much”. I also recall my cousin being tongued-tied as “Ironside” co-star Don Galloway kidded with her. She ended up blushing several shades of (not gray) red throughout it. Everyone in the cast was terrific and there was a great deal of fun and energy on the set. I collected autographs- as most kids my age had done – and which I still possess (see below). One of them was from television’s “Maverick” star, JACK KELLY who was guest-starring on that segment (actually the pilot for the show).

“Best Wishes Raymond Burr” – Piazza autograph.

Unlike “The Streets of San Francisco” which I would join as an actor/extra/stand-in some years later, “Ironside” was not filmed entirely on location. A few key scenes were shot in San Francisco with the actual cast, but the majority of the action took place either on the Universal backlot or soundstages. Second unit filming in San Francisco was more common in this production, using doubles for the actors, or cars (running shots) or buildings in the city for establishing shots.

Don Galloway- Piazza photo.

The following year (during the filming of an episode for the second season) I was on location again, this time at a mansion in the Pacific Heights District. Raymond Burr was as warm, friendly, and jovial as the first time I’d met him. I’d brought the family 8mm camera down and the whole crew performed for our home movies! They were all a great bunch. The producer on the show CY CHERMAK even took charge of our camera and filmed me shaking hands with Raymond Burr and my mom getting a kiss on the cheek.

Youthful future author shaking hands with Raymond Burr. My father grinning in the middle.- Piazza Photo

The legacy of any celebrity in the minds of their fans doesn’t always rest with their performances on stage or in front of the camera, but how their personality stands up when they interact with the public. Raymond Burr rates high on my list of truly nice individuals. And no matter if he’s playing a nasty Hitchcock villain, Detective Ironside, or Perry Mason, I cannot help but smile and appreciate the real man who seemed to appreciate people and make them feel welcomed in his presence.

My mother’s special moment- Piazza Photo.

Trivia: Actor William Hopper (Drake) was the son of gossip columnist HEDDA HOPPER.

Barbara Hale’s son, actor WILLIAM KATT (“The Greatest American Hero”) played Paul Drake Jr. in nine of the Perry Mason television movies.

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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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller published soon by Amazon!

Due out mid-2013!

My Meeting with Dr. No by Tony Piazza

January 9th, 2013

Cinema Retro produced a fiftieth anniversary salute to James Bond in their release of the amazing magazine “Movie Classics,” which dedicates all of its 148 pages to the first Bond film “Dr No.”

It’s a marvelous read, filled with fun information and detailed facts which more or less follow the chronology of the film from novel to its’ premier – and beyond. There are interviews with the surviving actors, including an exclusive with URSULA ANDRESS (Honey Ryder), and a look at Jamaica as it was in the film and how the locations look today. Loaded with rare photographs both publicity and behind the scenes- this is a must for all Bond fans!

Ursula Andress iconic entrance (like The Birth of Venus by Botticelli) in “Dr No”

Did you know NOEL COWARD (a neighbor and friend of IAN FLEMING in Jamaica) was asked to play the role of Dr No.? His answer was “No, no, no!”

Noel Coward

Ian Fleming

Connery & Coward in Jamaica during author’s visit to Dr. No location

Did you know that in the first screenplay for Dr No written by RICHARD MAIBAUM and WOLF MANKOWITZ was rejected by CUBBY BROCCOLI because they’d made the villain Dr. No, a monkey?

Richard Maibaum

Wolf Mankowitz

Dr. No?

I had a connection with “Dr. No”- albeit a minor one. During the 1970s, when I was working on the crew of “The Streets of San Francisco” we did an episode called “Jury’s Out.” On that show amongst the many guest stars was the actor JOSEPH WISEMAN.

Joseph Wiseman as Dr. No

Mr Wiseman (of course) had the distinction of being 007’s first adversary- Dr No and I couldn’t let that occasion (working with a Bond title character) pass without some documentation. So, I brought my camera on location- something I usually avoided because my agent frowned on it- and on the first day of shooting cornered Mr. Wiseman asking if I may take his picture?

Joseph Wiseman in character

I found him to be a very serious, private man who avoided fans and especially publicity. A dedicated professional, who preferred concentrating on his character instead of his image. He did put me off on my first request, telling me to try later. I did. In fact I tried for three days (usually uncharacteristic of me- which attests to my determination as a true Bond fan), but finally he relented- and the photo below is proof.

Joseph Wiseman as taken by me on The Streets of San Francisco (1974)*

I’m extremely glad that I stuck to it, because now looking back on James Bond’s 50^th Anniversary I have a priceless (to me) memento recalling my own meeting with 007’s first villain- the cold and calculating, Dr No!

Happy 50th! JAMES BOND WILL RETURN

* Note- a little over ten years after his role as Dr. No

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NOTE: For more of my experiences with 007 see:

http://www.authortonypiazza.com/a-view-from-a-fan-on-location-with-007-by-tony-piazza/

Broccoli and Moore (Piazza archives)

Being on location with ROGER MOORE and a View to A Kill.

Also: There are two other Bond villains I worked with that will be the subject of a future story…Hint. One was a Blofeld!

Congratulations to the producers of Skyfall. It has been a great success- which for us fans, means more 007 in the future. Who could ask for more!

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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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller due out mid-2013!

Christmas on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

December 13th, 2012

My First Christmas Party with “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

San Francisco skyline at Christmas

The Christmas season is a great time to reflect on the past. Family gatherings, friends stopping by for good cheer, sumptuous treats and colorful gifts are all part of the memories we conjure up on the days leading up to the twenty-fifth.

Today mine turns to a very special occasion that occurred forty-one years ago in December of 1972. It was the Christmas Party put on by Quinn Martin for the cast and crew of “The Streets of San Francisco.”

KARL MALDEN and his wife Mona was there, so was MICHAEL DOUGLAS. Producer QUINN MARTIN came up from Southern California to join us, as did Executive Producer HOWARD ALSTON. Many from Management were a part of the festivities; DICK GALLEGLY and ARTHUR FELLOWS also coming to mind.

This is a crew Christmas photograph from 1973. Look for guest star Ida Lupino among Karl, Michael, and the rest.

I was a guest that night along with my parents. It was held in the ballroom at the Del Webb Towne House on Market Street. This hotel was used as the production office during that first season- later (for the second season) a warehouse on Kearny would be converted to offices and a soundstage.

Kas Garas, Anneke Wills, and Anthony Quayle- Strange Report

Aside from my parents, I shared a table with two of the guest stars on the episode they happened to be filming during the week of the party- actors KAZ GARAS and ED NELSON. Kaz was one of the stars (actor ANTHONY QUAYLE being the other) of my favorite British television production- “Strange Report”. He was seated next to me and we were having a conversation like old friends! Boy, did that seem strange- no pun intended! Actor Ed Nelson had played Dr. Rossi (in the 1960s) on my mother’s favorite night-time soap…“Peyton Place” (which also starred: Ryan O’Neal, Barbara Parkins, Mia Farrow, and Christopher Connelly). Nelson was a heart-throb on that show, so I’m sure she didn’t have any complaints having him at our table. We were having a great time.

Ed Nelson as Dr. Rossi (Peyton Place)

The food was terrific that night, as was the outtakes and blooper reels shown by EDDIE MARKS, the wardrobe guy on the show- some of the films were taken with his own 8mm sound camera.

My father and Michael Douglas

I remember everything was brightly decorated- both in the ballroom and outside the hotel. Colorful holiday lights of red, green, yellow, and blue reflected off the wet pavement that chilly San Francisco night- it had rained. But once inside there was great warmth in the Towne House with friends sharing laughter and good cheer. Karl- ever the father of the production company also played Father Christmas passing out gifts that he (whose generous nature was remarkable) had purchased for the great and small alike of his “Streets” family.

Karl Malden- Father Christmas!

There was caroling, and music to dance to- nothing was overlooked. It was a memory to be cherished- as I have done these many years. Most of the crew is gone now- Karl has passed on to his reward, and so have my parents who are no doubt presently sharing some laughs with him. It is so grand that I can look back and remember these special occasions which grow every so much more meaningful as time passes on.

Merry Christmas to all! Thank you for following my blogs and hope to see you next year!

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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.

Also: Watch for the new Tom Logan mystery thriller due out mid-2013!

The Day I Met Steve McQueen: The Real Man Behind the Legend by Tony Piazza

My Experiences Working with Stunts on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

My Role on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

New Release! The Curse of the Crimson Dragon

My First Novel, Anything Short of Murder

BULLITT 45th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Marion Davies by Tony Piazza

Author Tony Piazza Speaks at AAUW Author’s Forum

Surprise Celebrities in the Family by Tony Piazza

Karl Malden’s Joke by Tony Piazza

Victor Mature and the Lion. By Tony Piazza

Early Hollywood: Will Rogers Park. By Tony Piazza

A Short Observation about Meeting the Famous Perry Mason. By Tony Piazza

My Meeting with Dr. No by Tony Piazza

Christmas on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

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The Day I Met Steve McQueen: The Real Man Behind the Legend by Tony Piazza

My Experiences Working with Stunts on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

My Role on “The Streets of San Francisco” by Tony Piazza

New Release! The Curse of the Crimson Dragon

My First Novel, Anything Short of Murder

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Get News and Updates via Email

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