Friday, July 29, 2016

Elvis & Nixon Released on Home Video

Elvis & Nixon On DVD/Blu-ray & Reflections

by Don Wilson



With the new "Elvis & Nixon" DVD and  Blu-ray releases on July 19th, I wanted to write a bit about the project. It's a good film, arguably it could have been better, but, it still will find a place in my video library. I viewed the film while I was in Las Vegas, which seemed oddly appropriate, just down the street was the Westgate Hotel - which had been The Las Vegas Hilton, where Elvis spent so much time and did so many shows. 

The film has a good cast, fine actors and actresses. Actor Kevin Spacey is terrific as President Nixon, Alex Pettyfer was believable as Jerry Schilling and Johnny Knoxville did a amiable job as Sonny West, Presley's friends. As far as the casting of actor Michael Shannon in the role of Elvis, I would not have cast him in this role. Elvis Presley, the man and the icon has some tough shoes to fill and it is nearly impossible to pull it off. This is not only my opinion, but the opinion of other friends of Elvis and a casting director who is a friend.


There were a couple of moments when Shannon gave the illusion of Elvis, he gave it a good varsity try. I noticed that he worked on Elvis's mannerisms and his walk and there was some fun in his portrayal, but it is tough. I have seen Shannon in other films and to his credit, he does good work to be sure and he gave this role all that he had. He's a fine actor, this is no bad reflection on him. Any actor who portrays Elvis falls under a heavy scrutiny, this is because Elvis was truly unique and unlike anyone else. I still would have rather Shannon or another actor portray Elvis, rather than an Elvis impersonator with no acting experience. Colin Hanks does a great job portraying Egil 'Bud" Krough.

The only actor to do a remarkable job portraying Elvis in my eyes was Kurt Russell. Russell portrayed Presley in Dick Clark's production, "Elvis" in 1979, which also featured Elvis's actual friends, Larry Geller and Charlie Hodge portraying themselves.


Two fine actors Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey as "Elvis & Nixon".


What does work about "Elvis & Nixon" is the writing by  Joey Sagal, Hanala Sagal and Carey Elwes. Screenwriter Hanala Sagal has sharp writing and it definitely moves the film along, even with it's shortcomings. Sagal recalls: " I read books before structuring the screenplay, Jerry Schilling inspired me to write the script from his point of view. I needed a happy ending which Jerry provided." Sagal has a small role in the film as 'Judy', Dwight Chapin's secretary.

I asked Ms. Sagal more about her research for the "Elvis & Nixon" project" and she related:
"When writing the script, the archive footage ( The National Archives' We Were There When Elvis Met Nixon) was only available on DVD thru Netflix. I watched them all talk about the meeting over and over. Great ideas came from this footage and Jerry Schilling's book, Priscilla Presley's too. Her book made me think about how Elvis was feeling. It gave me a clear perspective." Director Liza Johnson did a good job bringing this somewhat fictionalized story of a real event at The White House in December 1970.

If you are looking for some fun and escapism, without nitpicking on whether it's 100% accurate or not, this is for you. It's a comedy and knowing Elvis's off the wall sense of humor, he may have gotten a kick out of it. To illustrate Elvis's sense of humor, he loved the NBC-TV series "Laugh-In" and he wanted to appear as a walk on and a "ride on" in this case... Elvis wanted to ride a tricycle across the screen, just once, on the show. Of course, it never happened.
 
Hanala Sagal and Jerry Schilling at the premiere of "Elvis & Nixon".


I am reminded of a couple of days that I spent with Egil "Bud" Krogh in 1994. Bud was on a book tour and he was in Memphis, he appeared on my radio show and we both appeared on WMC-TV 5 the next morning. I love his book The Day Elvis Met Nixon. Krough's book was also used by Hanala Sagal during her writing of the "Elvis & Nixon" screenplay.


Alex Pettyfer, Kevin Spacey,Michael Shannon and Colin Hanks at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival After Party For Elvis & Nixon in New York City.
  Photo:Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images 
Jerry Schilling and Don Wilson in Memphis in 2001.

I interviewed Elvis's friends Jerry Schilling and Sonny West about Elvis meeting President Nixon at The White House, and those interviews appear on the DVD Box Set "The Definitive Elvis" a 16 episode set that was released in August 2002 on the 25th anniversary of Elvis's untimely passing.

Here are some souvenirs from the time when I met and interviewed Egil "Bud Krough". A photo of President Nixon admiring Elvis's cufflinks as Bud Krough looks on in the Oval Office, that Bud graciously signed for me. A shot of  Bud and me after my radio interview with him in 1994, a colorized photo of Richard Nixon and Elvis. Finally, a Richard Nixon letter to Elvis's fans - and a inscription to me from Bud at the bottom.

I also interviewed Elvis's friends Jerry Schilling and Sonny West about this event and those interviews appear on the DVD Box Set "The Definitive Elvis" (2002)
Egil "Bud" Krough and Don Wilson in Memphis after an interview in 1994.
A letter Richard Nixon wrote to Elvis's fans, included as an extra in Krough's book, The Day Elvis Met Nixon. 
www.donwilsonshollywoodbeat.com

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Sir Roger Moore Announces Daughter's Death

Sir Roger Moore Announces Daughter's Death

by Don Wilson



Sir Roger  Moore and his daughter Christina. This shot was taken in Offenburg, Germany in 2010.

Sir Roger Moore, 88, announces the death of his step-daughter Christina Knudsen. Ms. Knudsen, 47, lost her bout with cancer at 10 a.m. yesterday. Moore chose Twitter to relay the news. Knudsen was the daughter of Moore's fourth wife, Kristina 'Kiki Tholstrup.

 Moore said, "Our beautiful daughter Christina (aka Flossie) lost her battle with cancer. we are heartbroken. we were all with her, surrounding her with love at the end."

 Ms. Knudsen was six years old when her father Hans Christian Knudsen committed suicide. Her step-father millionaire Ole Tholstrup died of alcoholism almost twenty years later.

Knudsen had lived in London since 1997 and spent four years in a relationshiup with Skype founder Janus Friis.

 Actress Dame Joan Collins said: "I am so sad for Kristina and Roger Moore's loss of their daughter Christina."

Christina Knudsen (left) with parents Roger and Kristina Moore in 2012.

 Actress Dame Joan Collins said: "I am so sad for Kristina and Roger Moore's loss of their daughter Christina."

 
Christina Knudsen was on 47 years old when she lost her battle with cancer yesterday.


www.donwilsonshollywoodbeat.com







Tuesday, July 26, 2016

My Memories of Johnny Cash

My Memories Of Johnny Cash

 by Don Wilson



The first time that I met Johnny Cash I don't remember. The reason for that, I was a year old at the time.  The occasion was Johnny's concert at the  Sportatorium in Dallas on August 12, 1962 and my father took me.Perhaps that memory is  deeply hidden in my subconscious, I wish that I could bring it to  the surface and recall it. My dad frequently brought me to events , he went to a lot of Country Music shows. I  loved music at that age and would focus and pay attention to the performers - he told me. Later, he would take me to Wrestling matches there to see the wrestling stars of the day like Wahoo McDaniel, Johnny Valentine and The Masked Marvel.

The next Johnny Cash concert that I attended, I do remember! It was held on November 30, 1969 at The Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, Texas. The "Man  In Black" was riding high on his hits single "A Boy Named Sue" at this time and his hit albums "Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison" and "Johnny Cash At San Quentin" plus a popular ABC-TV series,"The Johnny Cash Show" which had premiered in June of that same year.

Johnny Cash studioScreen-Shot-2013-11-14-at-11.20.18-PM8539053431_293608e753_bcartercash2SPORTATORIUM59Johnny Cash and Don signed531973_476167399118254_1464607393_n
On Johnny's birthday, February 16, 1971 he and June appeared at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Astrodome. John complained throat and allergy problems and a specialist treated him prior to his performance.In the middle of the performance I remember the lights in the Astrodome came up. Then, all of the audience, including me, sang "Happy Birthday" to Johnny Cash, he had just turned 37 year old! After the show ended, I recall Big John circling in the back of a jeep waving to the crowd with a big smile on his face. He was wearing an Andrew Jackson style suit that he became known for wearing during this period.


On July 30, 1972, I saw the biggest Country Music  show imaginable - an unbelievable lineup, it was a Tribute To Tex Ritter. This legendary show was held at the Sam Houston Coliseum. Johnny Cash was the headliner, these were  the other performers: June Carter, The Carter Family, The Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, The Tennessee Three, Larry Butler, Roy Acuff, Hank Thompson, Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn and Minnie Pearl. It as a four hour show!

Johnny kept coming to town and I kept going to see him. I remember these shows so vividly that I can still write about them and I will over time. On November 11, 1976 John came to the Houston Music Theatre. I attended the show with my grandmother, she was 66 years old at the time and she just loved Johnny. Lou escorted both of us back.

We had a good conversation about the Bicentennial, Music and Elvis. John said "I wish Elvis would play guitar on his records like he used to to. He's a great rhythm player!"I had recently seen Elvis and he asked me to "Tell Johnny Cash that I said hello." I did just that and John said "You give Elvis my best! I haven't seen him since 1962, but we've corresponded some..."


About that time, singers Jan Howard and Anita Carter came by and we chatted some. Anita saw my camera and then she said: "Is that one of those new instant cameras? I haven't seen one yet!" I assured her that it was indeed a Polaroid Pronto. I then let her pretty much the remaining shots of other show members milling backstage, as John watched her and smiled broadly. I didn't see June before the show this time, she was putting on her "Aunt Polly" makeup for a comedic part of the show. She would wear a very "country" type dress and her hair was made into pig tails and she had red cheeks for this character.
Johnny Cash at his Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremony in 1976.




That would not be the last time that I met with the Man In Black. There are more times that I will draw from the well of my memory. I haven't begin to write about this incredible, man. He had many facets: Singer, Songwriter, Poet, Patriot, Cowboy, Actor, Rebel and  Christian - those are just a few. He had a charisma like no other. Glen Campbell told me : "There's only two guys that have that incredible charisma on stage, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley." Johnny Cash was my first musical hero and that magic has not diminished to his day.

If you are a new fan of Johnny Cash - you are in for an experience. Pick up some CD's and videos and take the Man In Black in. You'll be glad that you did. He was one of a kind, there will never be another like him. I miss him, it doesn't seem right to be in the world and he's not here. He remains in our memories and his recorded work.

When you are in Nashville, you need to check out The Johnny Cash Museum. For information call  (615) 256-1777. The museum is a treasure trove for Cash fans and music lovers period. This is what you call a must see!


The best book about John, in my opinion was written by Henry Vaccaro, Johnny Cash Is A Friend Of Mine! It's a must read! You can purchase this fine addition to your library, it is available on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Cash-Friend-Henry-Vaccaro/dp/1478321644/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469543613&sr=8-2&keywords=johnny+cash+is+a+friend+of+mine

If you are on Facebook, you can check out a number of "Like" pages dedciated to the Man In Black, here are two of them: 

 The Johnny Cash Museum: https://www.facebook.com/johnnycashmuseum/
Johnny Cash Insider:https://www.facebook.com/Johnny-Cash-Insider-120734098083633/?fref=ts


My favorite CD set is the grand-daddy of them all! Johnny Cash - The Complete Columbia Album Collection :http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Complete-Columbia-Album-Collection-Box-by-Johnny-Cash-CD-Dec-2012-/351731048990?hash=item51e4cde21e:g:A3oAAOxyrM5TGLxJ
                                    The Johnny Cash Show - Live At The Beat Club in 1972.

www.donwilsonshollywoodbeat.com 

Friday, July 22, 2016

The Beatles - Eight Days A Week

The Beatles: Live At The Hollywood Bowl
To Be Released Worldwide September 9th

The Beatles’ companion album to the new Ron Howard directed feature documentary presents remixed and mastered recordings from three of the Beatles concerts at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl.The album captures the electric atmosphere of the band’s sold-out concerts in 1964 and 1965.
The Beatles take a bow at their historic Hollywood Bowl concert.

 
Live At The Hollywood Bowl accompanies the release of Academy Award winner Ron Howard's authorized and highly anticipated documentary about The Beatles' early career; The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years.

The album will be available for CD and digital download on the 9th September, the release of the 180g gatefold Vinyl LP will follow on the 18th November

Preorder from The Beatles' Website:

http://www.thebeatles.com/news/now-available-pre-order-%E2%80%98-beatles-live-hollywood-bowl%E2%80%99-album-be-released-worldwide-september 

 

www.donwilsonshollywoodbeat.com 

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Memories of Working for Garry Marshall

My Memories Of Working For Garry Marshall 

  by Don Wilson



HOLLYWOOD: July 20, 2016 - Writer-Director-Producer Garry Marshall whose creations include "Happy Days" and "Laverne & Shirley" has died at age 81 in Burbank. According to his publicist Michelle Bega, he died from complications of pneumonia following a stroke. Friends and fans are shocked, as I am. Mr. Marshall's work cannot be listed in a paragraph, he was so prolific.

I had the honor of working with Mr. Marshall once and what a great experience it was.n 1999, I was an aspiring actor and I was signed up at Cenex Casting, Casting Director Jason Rupe booked me to work on "The Other Sister", a film directed by Marshall. I remember reporting to All Saint's Episcopal Church on Euclid Avenue in Pasadena. I would work on the project for over a week. I got a speaking part, but my bit ended up on the cutting room floor. 

I remember the weather was cold and many of us on the set caught colds. I was excited to be on a Garry Marshall picture, having loved his work. The first time I saw him , he walked inside the church and spoke with all of us about what he wanted and the mood of the picture. he had a vision of what he wanted and he shot scenes until he got it right or made corrections in ways only he could possibly could. 

There was a scene that called for emotion in the crowd, the wedding scene, some sniffling and crying. After a few days many of us had  colds. Marshall called out "Action!" The scene was shot and then he said "Again! Action!" After the scene, I glanced over to my left and saw him smiling ear to ear. Marshall stood behind some kind of pulpit to the side of the room, out of camera range. he shouted, "Cut! Print It! Great! Great!"

Director Garry Marshall on the set directing a scene. Photo: Photofest

 I walked over and said, "Mr. Marshall you really look happy. He said, "Yeah, it's just what I wanted!".  I said I did my best although I have this terrible cold..." He replied, "I don't care if you're dying! You're doing great kid! That's Hollywood!" 


What a line and right off the top of his head. That interaction made me feel that I had arrived in Hollywood. The Hollywood of people's fantasies. Although, I had a small part, I felt like I belonged, thanks to Garry Marshall and his attention. I wish I had continued acting, but I went down the road of doing documentaries. I wanted to work with Garry Marshall again.

I was a couple of rows behind Diane Keaton, the star of the picture, I remember one time when she got really flustered about a scene and she looked over at Marshall and said, "How do I do this scene?" He came over to her and said, "Diane..." Then he started talking softly to her and she started to smile and did the scene in one take. That shows a great director. 

The whole crew loved Garry Marshall, he was approachable and liked his actors and actresses - and those who worked behind the scenes. 

"The Other Sister" wasn't the last picture that I worked on, but, it was great fun. Although my speaking part was cut, I can still be seen in the film. It doesn't matter, the experience was wonderful. I had a nice conversation with Diane Keaton one day  - and my memories of how Garry Marshall directed - Priceless! 

I saw Mr. Marshall at some events the last few years, the last one was for the "Laverne & Shirley" Reunion at The Hollywood Show in 2012. What a great loss it is for his family, friends, fans and Hollywood. He was "Mr. Hollywood in a lot of ways, he wore many hats and was great at everything he did. What Garry Marshall touched turned gold. He will be missed but his work and his legacy will continue for generations to come.

Actors Tom Skerritt, Diane Keaton, Juliette Lewis on set for "The Other Sister".
 
"GARRY MARSHALL Rest In Peace .. Thank you for my professional life. Thank you for your loyalty , friendship and generosity." - Henry Winkler

Actor Henry Winkler and Don Wilson in Los Angeles.




Garry Marshall IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005190/



 www.donwilsonshollywoodbeat.com

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Celeste Yarnall Comes To Graceland


Celeste Yarnall photo by Alan Mercer.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: July 19, 2016 - Actress Celeste Yarnall will appear at the "Conversations on Elvis" with TCM's Tom Brown at Graceland in Memphis. The "Elvis Week" event is slated for the Main Stage on August 15th at 9:00 am. If you are one of the lucky ones in Memphis this August, - and you have a ticket - you are in for a treat! Yarnall has come back after an 18-month bout with Stage 3 Ovarian Peritoneal Cancer, she has shared her fight with friends and fans.

Celeste starred with Elvis Presley in the 1968 M-G-M film "Live A Little, Love A Little", many Elvis fans have followed her career and she is a fan favorite for appearances. In one famous scene, Elvis sings his future number one hit, "A Little Less Conversation" penned by Mac Davis. Celeste became good friends with Elvis and it was an important time in his life. This film was Elvis' first adult role, where he uttered his first "damn" and "hell" on screen. It wasn't the typical Presley picture. This writer remembers Elvis saying: " I got tired of singing with some guy I just knocked out in the previous scene!"

Elvis' wife Priscilla had just given birth to their daughter Lisa Marie and "The King" was in a new direction with his career. Later the same year, Elvis would embark on his comeback to the stage with the NBC-TV special "Elvis" produced and directed by maverick Steve Binder. Elvis put his foot down to Colonel Parker to do the show his way - and the way Binder envisioned. rather than Parker having Elvis come out and sing 20 Christmas songs in a tuxedo - which is what the Colonel wanted.


Celeste Yarnall has been an actress since the 1960's and has starred in many film and television productions. She can be seen at "Star Trek" conventions, at times with series star William Shatner. Yarnall was in the classic episode, "The Apple". Her films include "Eve" which also starred Christopher Lee and Herbert Lom. In 1971, Yarnall starred as "The Velvet Vampire" a classic that is revered by fans including director John Landis.






It was one of the great honors of my life to have the pleasure of co-starring with Elvis in Live a Little Love a Little! Elvis I am proud to say became a dear and cherished friend as a result of that meeting. People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime and although there are amazing people that come into and through our lives he is one whose memory I carry with me." - Celeste Yarnall


An original poster of MGM's "Live A Little, Love A Little" from 1968.
Lovely Celeste Yarnall with Elvis Presley and Michelle Carey in a scene from "Live A Little, Love A Little".



Celeste Yarnall and her husband Nazim have their own line of Wearable Art.


A new Original Tee of Elvis and Celeste done by Nazim Artist is now available.


Nazim has done this artwork, which can also be purchased in different forms including scarves.
Nazim Artist VIDA Design Studio:

http://shopvida.com/collections/voices/nazim-artist

The Elvis Collection just went live at the Nazim Artist VIDA Design Studio this month. Nazim’s original graphite drawings of these creations are ready to go! So get yours as soon as possible so that you can start sharing the love for Nazim’s wearable art, commemorating this amazing performer. 

Celeste Yarnall will be wearing one of these items when she appears on Stage for "Conversations on Elvis" on August 15th.

This original painting of Celeste Yarnall was done by Nazim Artist (c).


Celeste Yarnall's website for her Wearable Art:

Celeste Yarnall's Official Website:
 William Shatner and Celeste Yarnall at a Star Trek convention signing autographs for fans.

Celeste Yarnall and Don Wilson in Los Angeles.


Celeste Yarnall and Director John Landis at a Star Trek Convention in Pasadena, California. Photo; Don Wilson (c)


Francine York Has Pneumonia

Actress Francine York Has Pneumonia, Sends Message To Fans

by Don Wilson

Francine York in Santa Monica, CA in June 2016. Photo: Don Wilson (c)


HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: July 19, 2016

Actress Francine York posted a message on social media today informing fans and friends that she has pneumonia and has been hospitalized for days. Ms. York who appeared with Elvis Presley in the film "Tickle Me", had been penciled in for the Questions and Answers with TCM's Tom Brown at Graceland in Memphis during Elvis Week. The event will still go on as scheduled on August 15th at 9:00 a.m. Guests are Celeste Yarnall, who starred with Elvis in "Live A Little, Love A Little" and Christopher Riordan, who appeared in several Presley films.

Francine York's Message:

"Unfortunately, I have been hospitalized for a wonderful case of pneumonia. It has been so much fun I can tell you. LOL Also, what really upsets me is I will not be able to make my wonderful visit as guest of honor at Graceland in August. I'm hoping to be fully recovered by then but traveling will be impossible. I will try to stay in contact with you when I can. Just to let you know that I love you all very much. You mean the world. 
Lots of Love,
Francine York "

This writer and Ms. York's friends and fans wish her a speedy recovery!

Actress Francine York in a still from the TV series "It Takes A Thief" from 1968.
Francine York's Website: