Forgotten Hollywood Remembered

Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History

By Manny Pacheco

It was October 2010 that author Manny Pacheco visited Edmonds, Wa as an honored Hollywood guest for the Edmonds International Film Festival.  Bringing Hollywood to that small town was such a treat, and one of many of his tours.  His fascinating book shares incredible stories of the character actors and supporting players who brought American history to life on the screen during the days of old Hollywood.  The author brings his additional insight, analyzing these actors’ body of work to show how they have also created history themselves.  As the author says about these actors, “We can see by type-casting, or through intentional choices, the development of a career with some meaning.”  Enhancing his story about these actors and their historical works are some delightful pictures of them, their films, and also the real historical people and events.

Savor the personal stories of award winning supporting actors such as Claude Rains, Ward Bond, Walter Brennan, Thomas Mitchell, William Bendix, Donald Crisp, and others.  See how their personal histories also reflect American history.  There’s great trivia too.  For example, do you know who holds the record for appearing in more movies nominated for Best Picture awards than any other actor in history?  You’ll also learn little known factual information about the American history events and people depicted.

Manny Pacheco is steeped in the world of Hollywood.  He’s been a broadcaster in Los Angeles and Southern California for over three decades, and he’s a thirty year member of the Screen Actors Guild.  A student of history and a movie fan, he’s blended his two passions in this book.  He keeps very busy with an engaging website that also includes interviews, events, and articles.  He also has other books, including Son of Forgotten Hollywood Book 2 published in 2012.

After reading this book you’ll want to watch some of those old time movies and see these legendary performances for yourself.  So sing along . . . .

“Hooray for Hollywood

That screwy ballahooey Hollywood

Where any office boy or young mechanic can be a panic

With just a good looking pan

And any barmaid can be a star maid

If she dances with or without a fan”

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

You'll Enjoy Playing - Saul's Game

                                           Homeland Saul’s Game

By Andrew Kaplan

There are lots of ways to tell a good story.  This is the second novel in a prequel series that’s a tie-in to the Showtime Homeland series on cable.  In this case, if you discover the television series and like it, you’ll love the book.  And also, if you first discover the books and like them, you’ll love the television series.

These stories are about fictional characters in the CIA fighting the war on terror, defending the homeland.  If you’re looking for passion, you’re definitely going to find it in this book.  These characters are so passionate in their beliefs and in their actions.  The action is constant, and the situations are desperate.  Throughout, you’re never sure exactly who you can trust as the plot takes turns around each corner.

The heroine is Carrie Mathison, a CIA operative.  Her boss is Saul.  The characters are incredibly real, with amazing strengths and chilling flaws.  It’s fascinating to see how the strategies and undercover plays unfold.  You have to wonder how closely fiction might reflect reality.  The life depicted of an operative in the Middle East and Iran is heart pounding.  The books give you a more in depth background and feel for the thoughts, emotions and backgrounds of all the characters than the television series platform allows.  Books also give a more in depth understanding of the issues facing the Middle East today.  For those fans of Nick Brody, the Marine POW caught up in the CIA intrigue, he and his story are included in this novel.

The author, Andrew Kaplan is a former journalist, war correspondent.  He served in both the US Army and also in the Israeli Army during the Six Day War.  He’s worked in military intelligence and has been a consultant with groups that advise governments.  He’s the author of several spy thrillers, including the Scorpion series, as well as this novel, and the first in this series – Carrie’s Run.  Saul’s Game is the winner of the 2015 Scribe Award for the best original media tie-in novel of the year.  The Scribe Awards are selected each year by the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers to honor excellence in licensed works that tie in with other media such as television, movies, gaming, or comic books.

Just like the incredible Showtime series, which is available on DVD, Andrew Kaplan’s books leave you wanting more.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .