I learned so much about the inner workings of Hollywood during the Golden Era thanks to Michael. He was never afraid to share tales of the struggles he encountered breaking into Hollywood. As an actor, but writer, producer, radio host and a power player in the entertainment industry people, Michael has told all kinds of stories. Some that haunt you long after you have read them. He encountered racism while attending school at USC, breaking barriers while working at NBC, making a name for himself in the entertainment industry appearing in the musical “Carmen Jones,” this man was one-of-a-kind.

As a fellow writer, it was a treat to read Michael’s column each week in the publication where he highlighted a unique actor, actress, director, writer, singer, producer or talent who may have not gotten his or her shine just yet, but Michael wanted to ensure they got a bit of love. His insider knowledge of the industry and the people he knew in the industry is something anyone in the entertainment industry would be salivating to know and be connected to.

St. John’s insider peak of his book “Hollywood Through the Back Door” was a chronicle within a chronicle. The tales Michael shared about his upbringing and encounters with some of the biggest and I mean just that, the BIGGEST names in Hollywood left me stunned. Candid, eye-opening and just riveting and it proved that this man was one of a kind, a true talent. He did not mince his words, he said things with a blunt truth that rather you liked it or not, you heard it and you knew where MSJ as we call him at Canyon News stood on certain issues.

One thing that I will ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS remember about my friend Michael St. John was that his column was always submitted every single week for the past 14 years that I have known him without delay. I looked forward to reading MSJ’s column for the week to see which industry insider or soon to be star or what hot topic issue would be highlighted by the famed writer. I will dearly miss my friend who while I never shared with him, he taught me so much about writing style, tone and being unapologetic for what you write. Any good writer puts things on paper for a purpose and MSJ and his presence was more powerful than many of you know.

We will dearly miss our pal Michael St. John who fought hard in the past few weeks after getting ill. You may be gone Michael St. John, but here at the Canyon News you will always and I mean always be remembered.

The post A Tribute To Michael St. John appeared first on Canyon News.

Actor – producer, Tom Poole is an excellent example; he developed two plays during the virus challenge and each of his works had an audience.  “They were not very large audiences but enough to receive the kind of reaction to the work which means so much for a new theatrical work,” said Poole.

When checking with USC and UCLA, both alma maters of mine, they were eager to announce to their students, even though not in a classroom, were active in every possible way. Many of them had film labs in their home as well as Green Screens making it easy for screen geographic transitions.

Again, those who are dedicated to the craft of filmmaking are determined not to allow any kind of physical difficulty hinder, or be in the way of an art that describes who and what they are. Tom Poole, of course, is one of those artists who refuses to fall prey to anything which might affect his dream as a filmmaker. “Hey,” he laughed, “no matter what, it is stupid to fall apart and give up on something you’ve dreamed about most of your life! I simply practiced distancing and any other technical trick in giving the necessary illusion.”

I even called a friend who is a part of the technical staff on the soap “The Young and the Restless,” one of my favorite daytime soaps to fill me in as usual. Tom quickly asked if I noticed there were no character getting a big hug or close-up kiss on the show.  “And the way scenes that needed intimacy were shot in a way, making one believe the characters are really making love. It was fun and the actors didn’t mind at all. The use of technology is absolutely amazing today!”

The major film producers are opening up their production doors again mainly based on the general announcement that it is safer to do so in California. The runners for film productions racing like mad to set up appoints for their clients with their ideas for film as well as in television.  Lloyd Robinson, a prominent Beverly Hills agent announced his doors are wide open now and is busy setting up the necessary meetings for his clients.

Bette Davis reminded me once when the film industry had a rather low point that, “those of us in this business have always experienced a time when we thought it might be a good time to check the WANTED ADS in Hollywood. DON’T YOU REMEMBER WHEN I CHECKED THAT SECTION OUT IN VARIETY and the REPORTER!” Of course, I remembered how shocked the industry was at the time.

“Gone With the Wind” actress Isabel Jewell did the same thing and was immediately signed for an appearance on a major television show. Since we were neighbors, she immediately called me and admitted that she simply did what Davis did and it worked.  “Hey, when you need a job to stay alive, you do whatever is necessary!” she laughed.

The post It Has Always Been Survival Of The Fittest appeared first on Canyon News.

Joining the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter at this year’s event — which is being held outdoors at Villa Eilenroc, a new venue for this year — will be jury president Spike Lee. The program includes a fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld and chairs Angela Bassett, Len Blavatnik, Rachel Brosnahan, Milla Jovovich, Nicole Kidman, Regina King, Heidi Klum, Catherine O’Hara, Aldis Hodge, Freida Pinto, Roitfeld, Zoe Saldana, Michelle Yeoh, Youn Yuh-Jung, global fundraising chairman Milutin Gatsby, and amfAR co-chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy.

Simon de Pury and Sandra Nedvedskaia will conduct a live auction that is said to include items from the fashion show as well as a collection of artworks and luxury one-of-a-kind items. Produced by Andy Boose/AAB Productions, the event is being described as a more intimate affair than in years past with firm COVID-19 protocols in place.

The organization has restricted the number of guests in attendance from 900 to 400 and those who make the cut will be asked to practice social distancing while following all national and local public health ordinances.

News of the gala follows on the heels of the easing of other social restrictions as France just lifted an eight-month nightly curfew. The 11 p.m. curfew was set to remain in place through June 30, but French Prime Minister Jean Castex opted to move it up due to better-than-expected data on COVID-19 infection rates. Produced by Andy Boose/AAB Productions, the event is being described as a much more intimate affair than in years past with firm COVID-19 protocols in place.

Infection rates news of jury members and special screenings continue to rollout, the social scene around this year’s Cannes Film Festival is gearing up as well. Alicia Keys is said to hear she was confirmed to headline the 27th edition of amfAR Gala Cannes on July 16.

Actor Chris Robinson called to say that he is considering doing a film that will have him sitting as a “judge” during the entire film.

“It is the best offer I have had since I left General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful.”  Chris has been planning to write a book about his many years in Tinsel Town but has been forced to put it on a waiting list since his major move to Arizona on his ranch.  “This current offer seems to be a god-send. I won’t have to jump from a horse or escape through darken roads, trying to escape from the law or someone else who wants to kill me!”

Ruta Lee contacted to all of her fans that she has been spending much of her time at one of her homes in Mexico since hubby Wes passed away.  She has been offered several film roles, but claims that it is still a bit too soon to get back in front of the cameras again.

The post Keys To Give Cannes Film Festival Something Special! appeared first on Canyon News.

Plaster knew that I’m a light eater, he had no problem insisting that it was his treat! There were a few guests wearing a mask, but most of the crowd was properly distanced from each other, table-wise. Sitting there eating my tuna sandwich and drinking a very huge Apple juice, I suddenly realized what I had been missing. I became a human camera and slowly moved around the place studying those sitting with friends and, of course, a few were alone, and I was astounded with the expressions on their faces.

It was as if I discovered a new group of people whom I had never really seen before. The smiles were meaningful, the laughter from others was so genuine, so real it made me feel a different type of experience, of joy as well. The waiters, all wearing a mask, were nicer, extremely attentive and made it extremely obvious they were delighted to serve you again. With the beautiful playing at a rather respectable level in the background, it was as though, the place was expecting someone like Humphrey Bogart and Bacall to make a grand entrance.

When leaving, my partner Michal Plaster, quietly smiled and remarked, “You know, Mike, I for the first time realize why you dig this town so much. There is something special about most of the places Hollywood is known for. It is crazy man, but I suddenly felt that everybody in that restaurant seemed to be tied to each other in some way. It was a kind of family feeling, something emotionally special. Kind of religious in a way. It meant a helluva lot to experience something like that, because I never had it. Thanks, man for suggesting having lunch there.”

When Michael dropped me off at my place which is only about 10 minutes away, I had a tremendous urge to listen to my favorite composer, George Gerhwin. That, of course, meant for me was to listen to the music score of “Porgy ‘n’ Bess.”  I suddenly had the urge to explode with one of my favorite songs from the Broadway show, ‘I GOT PLENTY OF NOTHIN.’”  The special magic of music controlled every part of me and I exploded with dance movements in my living room as if facing a huge audience looking forward to explode with a resounding response of approval.

After quieting down and relaxing in one of my very comfortable living room chairs that another one of my buddies, Chris Robinson of “General Hospital” gifted me a few years ago. Gazing at all the photos I had collected through the years of such people as: Bette Davis, responsible for me being the first person of color to be signed at 20th Century Fox in the Public Relations Department, years later, Andy Williams insisted that I be interviewed as one of the Associate Directors at NBC.

Again the first person of color in that department, I could go on and on as to why I have such a passion in the industry that opened its arms and took a chance on me to discover who I was and what I needed to do in my desire, my passion to open the door to see who and what I was as a kid from Morton, Pennsylvania, 10 miles out of Philly.

When I received my first Hollywood job at CBS located on Sunset Blvd., in the script department in (1952), I was lucky enough to have listed on my script was “Mayor of the Town,” with Lionel Barrymore, Agnus Morehead, Marie Wilson’s “My Friend Irma.” They all suggested that an actor should always prepare for the moment when the casting offices make excuses not to see you and or suddenly can’t get your agent on the phone. A brutal reality, but true.

The post Feeling Magic Of Hollywood Never Ending appeared first on Canyon News.

DEAR MR. ST. JOHN: I hope you don’t mind my writing to you this way. Since I was 12 years old, I’ve always dreamed of being in show business. Being an actor appearing in a great musical has been a dream I’ve had all my life.  Unfortunately, where I live, there is no real understanding of that kind of thinking. If you’re not kicked around on a sport’s field and putting a ball in a basket, then you’ve got no notice.  As a result, you end up walking a very lonely road.

I tried talking with my dad about how I felt but somehow, even he couldn’t understand.  The only thing he could say, “Hell, man, just go out there and try. Don’t sit around a cry about it!”  I even tried to play soccer, basketball, but all I could hear in my mind, some kind of music, mainly classical.  I couldn’t wait to get home to hide away in my room to listen to Gershwin or Bach, not rock or the stuff most of young people my age are obsessed with.  I even tried smoking “pot,” but doing that a few times, my depression only got worse!

When I tried to talk to my mom about what I was going through, she just said what I needed possibly was a girlfriend. Hearing this, I remembered there were a few girls that no one seemed to want to score with and I decided to see what would happen if I tried. Well, there was one girl, a very plain chick with freckles even up her nose it seemed. No one even had lunch with her in the lunch room; she was a loner and suggested an attitude that she couldn’t care less. Well, I decided she would be perfect to ask out to see a movie. When I approached her, she looked at me as if I was crazy!  She even laughed in my face and said, “Why in hell would I want to go out with somethin’ like you?!”

Driving home, I began to think about everything; I had to face who and what I was. Suddenly, a ton of painful memories took hold of me. I was seriously unhappy.  Looking in the car mirror, the image that shot back at me was a plain white boy with freckles with red stringy hair with no real shape.  When one of the ugliest girls in my school told me to get lost, I felt doors where closing deep inside. It was a lonely walk to nowhere! The dream of being on stage or in films seemed to be a dumb idea.  Possibly, the only theatrical character I might be casted in was as a clown!

A few weeks later, I decided to go in the bookstore, after all it had always been the way of escape. I could settle in at a table and escape into a world with people who wouldn’t be afraid to get close to me. That is when I found your book “Hollywood Through the Back Door!” When reading what you experienced at being raped at six years old; forced to live with an alcoholic father who brutalized weekly your mom and yourself, I had to buy the book. I even stopped to read a chapter on my way home, I simply parked the car and read. I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. A few days later in my room, I finished reading your book and that is when everything that made me want to not live, disappeared! Man! The way you managed to survive in Hollywood, especially as a Black guy, simply filled me with a new kind of energy.  If you could manage to achieve all the things you have, then I thought why in hell can’t I?

Hey man! Your book is a kind of survival in my life. I have even decided to enroll in a “writing” class.  I have discovered that simply being able to clearly express my feelings has given me determination and a reason to love myself no matter what I look like. So, Mr. St. John, thank you for being there; whether you know it or not, you are helping a lot of people who simply need to hear that no matter what, everyone is special in their own way.

THANK YOU, LINDSEY, your letter meant so much to me! Please don’t give up your dreams!  No matter how many stones are thrown in your way, if you genuinely decide who and what you are, keep smiling and for goodness sake when you decide to sing your special song, PLEASE stay in tune!

The post When Times Get Rough Just Smile appeared first on Canyon News.

However, when doing a simple check on these miracle workers, very little how they represented themselves is true. Most of them have lost their license or forced to close down or even embarrassingly worse! Of course, they are simply hungry to survive, this is understandable, however, using innocent people who are also struggling to survive or simply realize a dream, is a simply a rotten game to play.

A few of my readers recently asked me, “how was the opening of the show, ‘Chasing The Blues,’” that was written for me in San Francisco by Jeff Nishimura and I composed most of the music for the show.  It was quite a challenge since I had, for most of my career, been featured or even had smaller roles, but always playing significant characters. However, in Jeff’s play with music, I was responsible for every scene, my role was key in which to move the story forward. The cast and I worked every day for three weeks; scene by scene, dance numbers, songs and ones that didn’t work very well, had to be rewritten. There were times when we were still attempting to bring the performance to a perfect level, which lasted until after midnight!

The sooner we got to opening night, I suddenly realized what it all meant, the show’s success depended on ME! WOW! I had never experienced anything like that; my body slowly began to get tensed up, my entrances in scenes were stiff and several times I could not remember what to say! Believing that the show really depended on how I handled the lead in the show and so many people depended on what I did and how it was performed hit a “reality” never experienced before.

On the day of the opening, I woke up and prepared for the early rehearsal for the show, however, when I arrived at the theater and called to begin the show by singing an immensely powerful opening, the most dreaded thing happened, I had no voice and in eight hours, the curtain was set to come up with me as the opener!  Of course, Jeff and the others working on the show were hysterically going insanely upset… “What are we going to do…”Shall we get Mike to a hospital?!”

Suddenly and very quietly whispered that I should return home in Marin, and I will do what is necessary to regain my voice. When arriving home, I sat quietly for about an hour thinking about the situation and suddenly decided to call my first voice teacher when attending USC for suggestions for my problem. Fortunately, Ms. Blodgett was available and convinced me that it was ALL nerves.

“You simply should gargle with warm water and salt and keep quiet for three or four hours, something I know is hard for you to do BUT do it, Mike! Well, for the first time in my life I listened. I was set to be picked up at 6 p.m. by one of the workers on the show and head for San Francisco.  On the way there, I felt relaxed as if I might be able to conquer the world. Upon arriving at the theater, everyone approached me with a look of high hopes for the opening, of course. I smiled giving them a positive attitude.

The music director, Tad Jansen, came into my dressing room, he quietly asked, “How is the voice, guy?” I looked at him, smiled and began to sing the first line of my song for the show, it was a bit hoarse, but good enough to hit the notes that counted. When the curtain went up, I managed to make a big entrance and the applause was thunderous which, of course, made me want to make the best of it not only for myself but for the rest of the cast who had worked their hearts out in making “Chasing the Blues,” a very classy and special show in the city. The lesson for me was that no matter the problem or challenge is, if you genuinely believe in what you have to do, nothing will stop you or stand in your way. Believing is a powerful force!

The post Believing In Oneself Is A Powerful Force! appeared first on Canyon News.

Since the industry has obviously opened the doors to include more minority writers, directors and actors, very little has changed based on quality. The writer hired of color believe, obviously, what they have to offer must represent the worse, most uncultured side of the people or characters they create in a film or TV script; most of the characters are represented basically raw, uneducated, have some kind of mental problem, especially the women of color who are represented as human beings can only exist if they are forced to exist on a ghetto street, night club or bar waiting for the next guy for the taking. They are usually pictured as fat, over made up, barely speak the language and simply to be picked by some looser in a shiny car to pick her up to possibly by another sniff of cocaine. So, we still have a long way to go!

There are so many beautiful, hopeful stories involving many people of color that represents forward moving i.e., college struggle, business creation, the struggle of brilliant young ballet dancers (male & female), scientists and of course those gifted in sports covering their struggle to escape where they began to realize their dream.  There are so many inspiring stories, ones that would inspire tons of youngsters to believe in their dreams.  I know this because as a young kid watching singers like Mario Lanza (finally meeting him), Paul Robeson (meeting him as well), Herb Jeffries and so many others fed me with enough determination to take on the road of struggle as well.

Examining the careers of other artists adds so much to your belief in yourself and what you might eventually be ready to offer. Therefore, I have no problem admitting that I have been inspired by some of the greatest, exciting talents in our industry on all levels. Bette Davis insisted I meet and convince him I would be great to be one of 20th Century Fox PR team (and I was hired on the spot because of Miss Davis), Redd Fox who starred in his own series for NBC and made an appointment for me to meet the head person at that studio which resulted in my becoming one of the Directors at that studio.

There were so many other doors opened because of those who saw or sense something in me which resulted in my receiving experience at nearly every TV and film studio in Hollywood. In my book “Hollywood Through the Back Door” that is being offered to studios currently are pretty much the doors that were kicked up as well as those easily walked through which offered me exciting moments for me to grow as a human being as well as an artist.

I do stress when speaking to high school, college and even workshop acting and music students when exploring being a part of the entertainment world, they should, if possible, not to concentrate on just performing as an actor; they should if they have the talent, to explore music in every form, dancing if they have any notion of going to Broadway or even a small one, singing, no matter how little experience they might have because in a stage show, especially comedies, many of the funny characters half speak and sing the songs which most cases add to the character performance itself.

Before the “Virus” hit us and the world, I was excited as well as my agent Lloyd Robinson was getting my show “I Feel Sin Comin’ On,” Ruta Lee, Marla Gibbs “The Jefferson” series, Leon Isaac Kennedy-star of the “Penitentiary” MGM, all very gifted and exciting faces for the big screen.  I stress when lecturing that it is important to have more than the “dream,” one must be prepared on all levels in making that dream a reality.  Of course, you are going to deal with quite a few negative responses, well, so what, life is simply that way. If one or two doors are closed to you, the hell with it, simply get up the next day and start calling or knocking again.

My agent, Lloyd Robinson, as soon it was announced that the virus had hit a safe level in California, called to inform me he was arranging a meeting with studio heads concerning two of our productions.  Again, that’s show biz.

The post Hollywood Returns To Life As Virus Leaves appeared first on Canyon News.

Proctor & wife Johnnie Marie remind me of my dear friends Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez.  Their sitcom relationship still keeps the world laughing with their antics and bits of biting dialog between each other. Steven and Jonnie are a perfect pair; Steven is totally unpredictable while his wife, Jonnie, is the one who keeps a level of sanity no matter what unreal situation she gets into. This is a sitcom type show that will no doubt win a big fan following, because it is actually in extremely good taste, and honesty uncovers a realistic, modern relationship between man and wife who only desire to be free and happy, no matter what it takes. Let’s face it, America and the world hungers to relax and simply spend a quiet evening laughing. This is something America has been looking for, especially now.

The Billboard Music Awards ceremony was extremely entertaining.  Nick Jonas was a perfect host; he came across as a well experienced audience pleaser. It is no wonder he was chosen a judge on “The Voice.”  He is well qualified; he is extremely knowledgeable, warm and has a natural charm when addressing his audience. It was good to see Bon Jovi, Pink, Alicia Keys who gave a mystifying performance, Carol G, and BTS, who easily proved their music and dancing still completely controls an audience’s attention. Of course, Drake accepted his music award with class and style, as he has always done. It was an extremely long show, but it wasn’t boring. Those involved, the extremely young audience made it fill with genuine reactions of excitement and joy when their special musical star made an entrance, or performed.  Unlike previous award shows presented this year so far, it was filled with genuine applause, laughter, keeping one nailed to the screen wondering what might happen next.

It was good to receive so many calls from people who previously had to leave their respective jobs at the studios when the “virus” invaded the nation. It seems that in a month or two, they will return to their previous jobs, especially at Universal Studios and Paramount. Agents are excited that they will be able to reestablish meetings concerning their productions or other TV and film ideas.

Actress-model, Katerina Khramova called to let Hollywood know she has returned from Russia and she was so happy to resume her career. Before leaving for her native country, she had signed acting and modeling agreements, but the “virus” made it impossible to follow through. The actress quickly admitted that her dreams of a happy life and career can only be realized here in Hollywood. Welcome back Katerina, believe me the film industry needs fresh faces no matter where they come from.

My friend Chris Robinson called to inform me that he would be spending a few weeks longer on the East Coast. His actress wife Jacquie has family not only in Virginia, but Florida as well. So, it seems they were enjoying family so much, they both got to spend a few extra weeks seeing old friends and simply, enjoying places they both have been a part of when they were just kids.

Producer/Documentary filmmaker Michael Plaster called from Mexico. It seems he has been having extreme problems with his back. All the Jujitsu and wrestling he has a passion for caused him extreme pain. As a result, he went to Mexico for an operation on his back. Before being rolled into the operating room, he called and informed me what was about to happen. From what I gather, the operation has been a success, and he will be returning to Los Angeles in a few days.

It is so good to feel everything is returning to a level of safety and sensibility again. I am suddenly receiving mail from France, Germany and even Italy, all actors wanting to know when it might be safe to come to America to be tested or interviewed for film work. As far as actors, musicians and writers are concerned, Hollywood is the place to be if you are any kind of artist. Of course, I was discovered when I was eighteen, and lucky enough to audition for director-producer Otto Preminger, who was producing the film “Carmen Jones” starring Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Pearl Bailey, Diahann Carroll and several other well-known Black actors.  Oh, and I played the comic role of “T-Bone.”

The post Studio Doors Are Opening appeared first on Canyon News.

Eugene, obviously, is a fine writer with tons of experience, not only nationally, but internationally as well.  However, when he is on camera, it is the most painful few minutes a viewer could experience.  He looks great on camera, but when it is his turn to comment on a very controversial issue, the few minutes he is on camera turns into a nightmare.  He stutters, takes a breath at the wrong places in a sentence, and gives the impression that English is definitely not his native language. When he finally finishes his few moments on camera, one is left feeling they have been tortured. Then too, it is especially sad for those of us of color who have always been made to believe one has to be prepared, even to appear as a guest commentator on many of the shows on FOX, CNN and all the rest of this type of formatted TV offerings.

However, MSNBC continues to schedule Robinson as member of a panel of responding commentators. Frankly, I have great respect for his accomplishments as a newspaper column, however, with all of the applause and awards it is quite obvious that our boy, Eugene, should remain in his office at the Washington Post where he obviously belongs. Sorry Eugene, I’m proud of you, but I have been a columnist, and a radio host for 25 years (KDIA & KRE) in the San Francisco area; to build up a fan base, one had to make the audience feel comfortable, had to make the audience feel like old friends, or family, in other words, every word spoken had to be heard and understood.

By the way, when President Biden announced the easing up concerning the wearing of “masks” and gloves, it is a tremendous hope for those of us in the film, and theatre industry. It has only been a few days, but slowly the major restaurants, and entertainment clubs on Hollywood Boulevard., as well as on the Sunset Strip are giving an indication they are going to begin hiring and dealing with their usual game of promoting who and what they are.  Actor’s agents are actually taking calls, rehearsal halls are quietly being rented, and theatre workshops are advertising for those interested in being coached on every possible professional level.

Film projects are being offered to the major studios to be picked up, or at least set up meetings; offering possible sitcoms and other major production ideas that had to be filed away until the “death virus” was under serious control.  So, it appears that there is much hope spinning through the entertainment industry in every possible Hollywood way.

Even though the Oscars this year received the worst reviews imaginable from all reports. The organization is determined to win back the audience they have always enjoyed and respected in previous years. Of course, viewing so many of the talented performers of color being honored, or participating in the “hosting” department, was a breath of fresh air, and was quite comforting.

It was obvious that Hollywood was attempting to include so many of those who deserved being honored in so many facets of the industry. This, of course, is fine, as long as producers and casting directors realize, and are sensitive to the reality that the old stereotypes of black and brown actors should be locked away in their “yazza boss” office drawer forever. It was time for dialog, and civilized social attitudes, using proper English, capturing the class and intelligence of those speaking, simple as that.

The post Columnist Eugene Robinson Needs Help! appeared first on Canyon News.

HELLO AMERICA!—I realize that by writing so much about Hitler and the second World War, it possibly reveals my age and a few other things, but that’s how it is when one takes on the challenge of experience and memories. During the late 1930s, even as a youngster, listening to the radio about what was going on in Germany.

This man, Hitler, his name would ultimately be responsible for turning the entire world upside down. Terms such as: Seig Heil, Gestapo, concentration camp, gas chambers, and names such as Heinrich Himmler, Hermann Goring, Joseph Goebbels, a relative of his turned out to be one of my Hollywood room-mates, JAY, who was an extraordinary guitar player.

He had no place to stay and was brought to my house in Burbank for help. He was easily to communicate with and shared many stories about his infamous uncle who supported Hitler).  Hitler’s men spent most of their time at the Fuhrer’s headquarters.  This, of course, reminded me of former President Trumps Florida’s planning base, Meralargo.

Adolf Hitler’s rise to power began in Germany in September 1919, when Hitler joined the political party then known as the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei – DAP. The name was changed in 1920 to the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei – NSDAP. It was anti-Marxist and opposed to the Democratic post-war government of the Weimar Republic and the Treaty of Versailles, advocating extreme nationalism and Pan-Germanism as well as virulent anti-Semitism. Hitler attained power in March 1933.

Many people forget or possibly haven’t that Donald Trump’s dad was a major figure in the KKK. He later became a flaming member in some to the notorious underworld and political personalities during his early days in New York. He knew how to play the game and he did it so that he would never be on the losing end, no matter whether it was a big major business deal with his investor buddies lost or not, he, however, would survive long enough to begin anew with some other brainstorm.

Trump, like Hitler, was clever enough to have a university in his name which resulted in the so-called educational institution closing down and him having to pay $25 million when being sued by students. His Atlantic City building was brought down based on poor management, and yet, some of his followers who consisted of White racists, poorly educated were impressed with his insults concerning people of color, those who seriously respected democracy and things millions of men and women have given their lives to preserve the country.

After his short time in The White House, Trump took on a posture of “king” or Head of the so-called master race i.e., Adolf Hitler. One of his favorite buddies was Putin, it was clear he idolized the power the Russian leader had.  Of course, Putin, a very clever leader found it extremely easy to shape Trump’s decisions, things at any time which might Russian in a safe and positive way. Anytime they were in the same location in Europe, the press found Trump practically on his knees kissing the Russian leader’s ring. It was a shocking and disturbing sight to witness.  The President of the United States, the most powerful nation in the world kissing the butt of a tyrant who has a reputation of every type of horror imaginable, please explain.

Like Hitler, Trump has his flunkies bowing and kissing his ring of gold believing this is the only way to maintain some kind of viable standing with the party which Trump has taken over politically in every way. Like Hitler, Trump’s major objective was to take complete power of his Republican base, His objective was and is to turn America into a dictatorship.  Time and again, he used legal means to give his actions a semblance of legality.  Step by step, he managed to erode democracy until enough Americans suddenly realized what the play’s plot was all about.

However, Trump’s tribe of haters from different parts of the country are openly storming the general press with all sorts of lies and threats to grab hold of our country’s democracy that millions of white, black and brown and all others who have managed to become a part of our great nation have built. Simply remember that Hitler was responsible for the Nazi Party and Trump is clearly the head of the so-called Republican Party that his followers are clearly exposing that it is really the Trump party.

The post Less We Forget The Man Who Yelled “Sieg Heil’ appeared first on Canyon News.

Young actor, Brian Rohan gave me a call to announce that even though he was having a stressful time dealing with the realities of survival at the moment, he was fortunate enough to participate in a Zoom production of a film script called “Marilyn, Mom, and Me.”  He said, “It was great to perform again even though it was from his couch.”  Producers’ eyes were totally opened when Brian performed a production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” made famous by the late star James Stewart.  When watching Brian playing this role on stage, it was amazing that he looked so much like a young “Jimmy Stewart” with the same kind of high pitched voice exploding everyplace. It was wonderful.

I continue to receive messages from New York producers and directors indicating they are preparing their respective plays and musicals to hit the Broadway scene one way or the other. Young producer, Tom Poole made it very clear that one way or another, he was determined to get another one of his plays, if not in a Broadway Theater but one that “distancing” can be utilized in a sensible way, hopefully not to lose too much at the box office. Most actors and musicians have let it be known that one way or another, they are determined to hit the stage again and do their thing.  HEY! That is really for real show biz!

I received a very warm message from Dario, an Italian actor who letting me know that he is hungry to leave Rome for Hollywood. He says, “Mike it’s where I belong! I have done several films here, but everyone understands that unless you work in an American or Hollywood produced film, your career is simply at stand-still. Dario added that he has been in contact with numerous actors, directors and the lot and they are all anxious to hit the journey to Hollywood. “There is no place like Tinsel-town as we all refer to it here in Rome. I won’t rest until I land in Los Angeles. I have dreamt of it all of my life. I know it is the right time now, I feel it in my soul!”

The owner of one of our small theaters on Fairfax called to announce he would be sending me casting information for a production that was postponed right after the virus broke. His play, “Music in the Wrong Places,” a comedy he is anxious to get on stage will introduce a number of new young faces to the entertainment industry.  Of course, this is very good news knowing our talented young people are set for a return to any set or stage.  This is why I respect and honor the genuine and gifted artists who, no matter what the challenge, is determined to fulfil their dreams.

Levi Miller, who owns one of the most popular radio stations in Atlanta, GA, let me know that he has gotten together with several entertainment people to produce a film based on Hollywood.  He promised to send me more information about the script and what stars or industry notables will possibly be approached for the project itself.  “We are going to try and bring back a real taste of old Hollywood in every way possible.  The world needs to remember, that’s for sure.”

The post Hollywood To Return With Even More Zest! appeared first on Canyon News.

Thousands of young talented hopefuls, no matter what the “virus” warnings are, they rationalize that in a few months things will return to normal, and the casting doors will be wide open to test their genius.  Actually, this is the well-known power of making motion pictures; any kid, whether in America, or even around the globe, if they are aware of films, harbor a secret desire to make their mark as an actor, director, or be an important part of an film.

I had a profoundly serious talk with a Russian damsel who arrived here from Russia; it seems she was fortunate enough to view tons of films produced in Hollywood; films with gifted young actors and writers, producers who believe if given the opportunity to travel to America, all of their artistically creative dreams will be realized.  Katerina, the Russian talent, is determined to do anything to achieve her dreams here; she speaks beautiful English, on arrival. She immediately signed up for classes at a community college. She was determined to know or learn as much as possible about the new country she decided to spend her creative talents in.

Even during her years of college study, she not only auditioned for films, but for theater performances as well.  When it was slow she took on sales positions, or any other survival responsibilities; in other words, she was determined to make it, to do whatever necessary to be totally independent when the right door or opportunity came along.

“I knew when I first arrived here in Hollywood, it would not be easy.  Well, that is something I knew long before deciding to come to America,” she said.  “However, I have been quite fortunate to get a few modelling jobs, and I was lucky as well to get a role in a film that was shot in New York. It was tough work, but I realized quite a long time ago that anything with any value is tough, it determined who you really are as well as who you genuinely want to be.”

Katerina is also working not only a book about her journey, but completing a script that will paint a picture of her many experiences since coming to Hollywood. “There have been many challenges,” she offered. “I have had to face many realities, ones involving who I am as a woman as well as a creative artist.  I have had many choices to make as far as men, the kind of roles best for me to pursue and many other things which challenge my way of life and morals; much of the beautiful truths taught to me by my family came in handy, and I quickly realized how fortunate I was to have such wonderful parents who took the time and love to open meaningful doors of knowledge to me.”

Katerina recently returned from visiting her family in Russia; she admitted it was something she believed she had to do.

“The time spent with my beautiful family as well as revisiting so many of the places I grew up with made me even more sure that deciding to spend the rest of my life in America was a perfect decision. I feel a certain level of independence, I love the idea of waking up in the morning realizing it will be my choice as to what I will fill my day with or who is important for me to have a meeting with or look at papers i.e., the Hollywood Reporter or Variety to get information concerning the industry. It is a kind of community I have always hungered to take part in. I will always love my country but there is always a time when you have to put on your coat and kiss yesterday goodbye in order to challenge something which will make your life even more complete.”

Katerina admits she is struggling to find a right title for the book she has been working on for months.

“I have written much about the struggle of survival, artistically in Russia. How I needed to explode with the ideas I had as a woman, as a human being. Even though there is so much beauty to relate to there, I, however, had a desire to suggest so many other creative ways to express myself simply as a human being. I needed to expose myself, my soul as a human being who needed to hear the music of total freedom and to follow the path I was born to travel on as an artist.”

When questioned about LOVE, she simply laughed and said, “Well, I believe when the right person comes along, I will feel it, and know it in my bones. I realize now that this will happen when I fully understand who and what I am myself; until I know and understand this level of reality, I don’t believe I won’t have the capacity to make or share love with anyone else. It’s as simple as that.”

The post Katerina Khramova Knows Who She Is appeared first on Canyon News.

Hearing this simply reminded me that most of the Hollywood filmmakers I have met, worked with, or interviewed during the many years of being a part of an industry which is full of punishment, frustration as, YES, some of the most exciting moments any actor, writer, director can possibly experience — in other words, that is the reason it is known the world over as SHOWBIZ.

When speaking with Jason, he immediately reminded me of the few times I was fortunate enough to speak with Orson Wells. While working in the Script Department at CBS which is still a force on Sunset Boulevard, I spent many days and nights sitting during rehearsals watching the likes of Marie Wilson, Orson Wells, Agnus Morehead or Lionel Barrymore rehearse for one of their shows or guest appearances was as if I was sitting in one of the university’s Master classes involving film, radio or anything being prepared for public examination.

Observing their professional attitude, the way they maintained, even during rehearsals, their transition into the character for which they were responsible.  I was attending the University of Southern California during the day as well as the evening, depending on the academic schedule. CBS made it easy for me and I took advantage of every opening being made available for me.

During breaks I bravely approached stars such as Orson Wells who eagerly shared acting and writing pointers with me; Marie Wilson, star of the “My Friend Irma” show, quickly sat down and allowed me to understand the kind of crazy thoughts she had when playing her comic character in the show. She was always quick to share ideas and feelings about what and how she enjoyed working.  When speaking with Jason, I quickly observed how he let me know that he was at the beginning of his film-making career, he had to wear all the hats, and it worked out fine for him.

Jason gave me a quick synopsis of his film story, which I must admit, reminded me of the sessions I had with Orson during my early days in Hollywood.  He said, “When fiction novelist Adrian Aytese falls terminally ill, he lets his sister Paige in on a secret book he scripted in a journal.”

“The book details his exhaustive search for a mysterious lady of his past dreams. A special sand given to him by his elder friend Bud is intended to help Adrian sleep more peacefully, but instead, Adrian’s dreams and realities begin to lose boundaries as his darkest fears and happiest memories collide. As Paige delves deeper, she realizes that the book may not be as fictional as she thought… and Bud may not be who she thinks he is─the actor-director.”

Actually, this was rather typical of Orson Wells, whose story-technique leaves you guessing, or wondering about every move the character makes in most of his films. When you believed you had a handle on the aspect of a character, or scene, he would suddenly hit you with a different angle, or with a character one believed had no importance at all.

Co-starring with Jason in his film is Hollywood’s Chris Robinson, who is known for tons of films, especially “Twelve O’Clock High” and of course “General Hospital,” a soap that millions of ladies kept their eye on each time Chris was scheduled to appear including his wife, Jacque, who is not only an actress, but well known in London’s entertainment circles.  Hey America, keep your eye open for Jason Allen, he is worthy of respect, and yes, applause.

The post Jason Allen Has Arrived appeared first on Canyon News.

Mini civil wars are suddenly spreading throughout various communities from coast to coast, especially within southern states. Former president Donald Trump continues to paint billboards with his Hitler type expressions of hate and determination to change “Democracy” into Trumpism. There is no Republican Party of Lincoln, simply a wildering broken organization under a sick power group representing only hate, racial separation and big business ruling millions of simple, uneducated people believing and programmed what they are and who they are.

All one has to do is review the films and photos taken during the attack on the Capitol.  There were thousands of Troop disciples of crazed, hatting Troopers yelling for the killing of Nancy Pelosi as well as the Vice President Mike Pence. Hate and all of the impurities were flooding through one space in our nation that represents most of the magical, freedom loving symbols which have made our nation so revered and respected. The gun craze is an explosive concern in every area of our great nation. There is a John Wayne syndrome and other shallow historical excuses to own or carry a gun no matter where one goes even schools or even churches.

We received word that shows such as “I Love Lucy,” “My Friend Irma” and even “Stella Dallas” are being considered to bring back to the tube should the VIRUS continue to linger. Frankly, it would be a treat to revisit some of those old dramas of yesterday. They were well written and produced and the main characters easily were accepted and enjoyed in millions of families. The storylines were fun and family accepting. My grandmother fell in love with the daily drama turns of Helen Trent.

Whatever happened to Ms. Trent concerned my granny; she even prayed for her whenever Helen was experiencing a bad or sad turn in her family. For me, it was the “Green Hornet” or “The Shadow” aired on the weekends. Then, of course, Cecil B. DeMille’s “Lux Radio Theater” aired late Sunday nights. The cast included the stars of films originally appeared in the film production. When finally meeting the legendary producer as a student at U.S.C., I mentioned that I had been a fan of his for years. He gave me a big hug and invited me to visit him at Paramount Studios. This is when he was promoting his “Ten Commandments.”  He was quite a guy.

Speaking of legends, as a student in the drama department at USC, I managed to get a job as an entertainment columnist for the “Los Angeles Eagle” paper. It was a popular Black owned group and was always interested entertainment chatter. As a result, I didn’t hesitate to attend as many industry functions as possible. When fortunate enough to be invited to Jimmy Cagney’s retirement party at the Directors Guild, I not only met Ron Reagan, but Bette Davis as well.

We became fast friends; she even insisted that we get together for lunch the following week for an interview. That was the beginning of a marvelous and exciting entrance which very few youngsters experienced.  She not only insisted that Louis B. Meyer hire me to perform as singer at one of his private parties, but when she was filming “Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte,” Miss Davis after one of the promo gathering lunches at FOX, insisted I meet studio head, Richard Zanuck Jr. She actually took me by the hand and dragged me over to his office and insisted that he hire me as one of his Studio PR Directors. It, of course, made me the first person of “color” to be hired in a position such as that in Hollywood.  I was darn lucky, that’s for sure.

I relate some of the positive happens in my life here in Tinseltown to allow the younger set to never give up.  Believing is a powerful force; it is important to keep a steady eye on the path you find yourself in. Don’t waste time listening to dreamers only; except who you are and spend time adding to the “quality” level or forces within yourself and keep on moving, no matter how many times a door is slammed in your face; believe me, I have had many!

Recently, my agent Lloyd Robinson in B.H. made me aware that my “House on Laurel CYN, Road” has sparked interest. It will star Ruta Lee, but because of the “virus” movement forward has affected it moving into further discussion.  So, being patient is necessary –BELIEVE me folks, I have had plenty of experience with that!  By the way, Again I want to thank all of you folks who have sent me “Get Well” notes and messages, they were and are appreciated.  They all have given me an even stronger determination to keep good things happening, not only for myself but for so many other talented people in the industry who need and deserve that “extra” push of survival as artists.

The post To Be Or Not To Be appeared first on Canyon News.

Since the “virus” invasion, I have received calls from nearly every major city in America offering all sorts of magic moves that will make my life safe and full of financial success, all of it stemming from people who are struggling to survive themselves.  I am quite sure the same thing happened during the big 1929 crash. The world suffered; everyone had the magic answers for the return to success and a life of plenty.  Fortunately, we had Franklin D. Roosevelt to shake some sense of reality to the hard-working class people of our nation.  The WPA, rebuilding roads, railroads, and all of the other doors of survival that was available to the PEOPLE.  We were able to see and feel the truth and reality in survival and not give up or look for the closest window from which to jump.

Observing thousands of people without masks, as if it is simply another day in the park, have resulted in thousands of people’s deaths. When I remember the realities of what Americans were forced to face during World War II, with sirens and blackouts and all the other things war forces one to face, I suddenly realize how spoiled we have become.

New York producers are sending messages concerning “virtual” performances of their shows and plays, promising a magical experience. Of course, tons of actors and performers will try almost anything for an opportunity to show the world that they are and how much talent they have.  It has always been that way in our business.

As for film, tons of young people refuse to allow the virus to interfere with filming their projects many USC and UCLA cinema grads and some students are not allowing the virus to postpone their film projects.  They are simply restaging scenes and cleverly utilizing film angles in presenting the necessary photo affect. Evidently, it is a technique that works because TV soaps are effectively doing the same thing.  “The Young and the Restless” is utilizing this distancing, and it works beautifully.

For radio broadcasting, it is obviously much easier. The studios have glass screens to separate guests from the host of the show.  It works beautifully.  Frankly, I wish we had that kind of setup when I was co-hosting a daily radio show at KDIA in San Francisco.  There were some guests that I wished we had been separated by a wall of screen of glass. I was thinking that this virus situation is forcing us to come up with different ways of communicating with each other.  We complain at first, but suddenly, we find a way of making it all work in a positive way.  After all, human beings are adaptable; it has always been that way.

I recently took my first vaccine shot for the virus and I sat there in the chair waiting for the worst. When the nurse approached me, I winced a bit because I have always hated the idea of needles; she said “hello” and indicated how good it is that I was taking the shot, and she was looking forward to others following in my footsteps.  I suddenly felt a slight pressure on my arm, no pain, nothing, and the nurse said, “Ok, Mr. St. John, that’s it. You should get your second shot in 30 days.” It was over. Simple as that.

Let’s face it, folks, we are destined to face many things in our life of survival.  It has always been that way down through human history.  We do it because it is the nature of the beast.

I appreciate all the concern coming out of Atlanta, Georgia, informing me that the city’s door is always open for me to move to that great city, because so many positive things are occurring there, as far as motion pictures and television.  I was very moved by the concern and support from that city.  It seldom happens that way today.  So, folks, I am slowly piecing myself back to normal once again. It’s not easy, but it is happening, that’s the important thing. With all the love and support from so many people around the country, the right thing will happen. It’s written in the wind.

The post The Country Is Being Tested appeared first on Canyon News.

Its rights and freedoms were at stake. It was a time of the Pearl Harbor causing men, women, and fathers who in most cases had never experienced anything outside of their hometown to spend years in a foreign land, it was a time when the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt who reminded the nation that “the only thing to fear was fear itself”  The scene never change, you could always count on seeing groups of our men waving goodbye to love ones, as the song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again” echoed through every nook and cranny of our small town of Morton, Pennsylvania, located 10 miles from Philadelphia; the City of Brotherly Love.

Our vocabulary exploded with new words that embraced fear, anger, ones symbolic of horror and destruction such as Nazi, Hitler, Hirohito, Mussolini, and newsreels that showed pictures of young men wearing brown shirts, yelling the salute of Sieg Heil, causing all to tremble.

For the youngsters, it was the sound of the “blackout” alert that frightened the most, fore it represented the possibility of an air attack, forcing us all to move on a grand stage, commanding our known safety zones for survival. Lights were immediately doused, doors locked, and families huddled together quietly, ultimately waiting for the “all clear” signal from an air raid warden assigned to the street. Citizens who remained home were usually found in the shipyards working long shifts in support of the war and their families.

Women suddenly became the backbone and support of everything this country stood for: “The myth that they were just homemakers was utterly destroyed. Whatever job their men had done before enlisting in the arm-services, they commanded with ease and with this discovery, a new American woman was born.”

The impact of the war also affected the importance of the school and the teacher became an invaluable part of the community — there connection with the students and parents was critical. In many ways, they were the extended family as well as role models.  For me, it was one of my teachers who opened new doors of hope and greater possibilities of shaping a better and a more civilized world.

I wanted so desperately to be like Rosa L. Watson who constantly lectured on the importance of education and the power that would be initiated because of it. I would spend hours after school just to discuss with her about music, literature, how things might change for the Negro if only we were given the opportunity. She made me believe that anything is possible if you are determined to make it so. It was this teacher who made me realize that I did not have to sit on the back of the bus intellectually — that through education and using it to eradicate the dark cloud of ignorance that still lingers over our nation I could be one of those who might be able to make a difference in the perception of who Black people really are.

She was aware if the rebel in me and that had a tremendous need and desire for new experiences and discoveries which might lessen the sting of bigotry, ignorance and intolerance that loomed high throughout the nation. The idea of an education was pounded in our brain on a daily basis. I became obsessed with the idea of “learning.” Very seldom was I seen without a pencil or a book in hand.

It became my trademark in my neighborhood. It wasn’t something that I did on purpose or for show, it was something that became a part of who I was. “Education is a gateway to freedom.” Miss Watson said to me and the class continually.  She went on to make us understand that your freedom and rights as human beings might be limited by a government or a ruling group, but never allow your spirit to be dampened or beaten.

The knowledge you have stored in inside is more powerful than any weapon that might be used against you. Your body might be destroyed but never your spirit.

The post Memories Of Life Saving Teachers appeared first on Canyon News.

Of course, there were and are those who actually believe their social station in the city allowed them to be an exception and when discovering they, too, would not be able to be an exception, they, of course, exhibited various levels of anger and resistance.  Of course, after being publicly informed of all the weekly and daily number of virus deaths, the resisting attitude mellowed somewhat and currently, no matter where one goes in the film city, masks are displayed as if it is a Halloween gathering.

Much of the past pent up sexual and racial frustration blatant in America based on laws planted on the books by changes made in the Congress, suddenly, resurged from a place and family with KKK and racist history. Further evidence of this was intensely displayed from the attack on our Capitol building and everyone and thing projecting symbols of who we are as a nation and, of course, a democracy.

The attack on the Asian community sadly supports this thesis; it is clear the attitude and feelings from the old South is struggling to take command again in our towns and cities via political means. The senate where the power really exists is struggling in every possible to be stuffed with young Caucasian men and women who are willing to sing the old songs of a “south” buried after the Civil War. The confederate flag, caps, jackets are unabashedly displayed at social gatherings and major sports games. The cry for the “ol’ south” is blatantly displayed.

The right to “vote” is even being challenged and that is protected in the Constitution, and yet an effort to play games with mapping out areas where it will limit people of color to express their choices of existence.  Yet, not a single on the “Right” voted it in Congress; obviously, a civil war is blatant, laced with determination to revisit a time when people were forced to work and sing songs of servitude while in a cotton field or smiling as maid or butler responding to their master with “Yeassuh, Boss.” Of course, this reality had been submerged in our country for years; only subtly showing its face in films and, of course, theatrical shows by the characters Blacks were forced to create.  Artists such as Paul Robson and Ethel Waters and even Lena Horne refused to be straddled into demeaning categories such as this. It, of course led to them not being signed for film and stage roles that were financially beneficial to their advantage.

As a young 18 year old young actor auditioning for Otto Preminger for a role in his film “Carmen Jones,” I displayed a real “Steppin Fetchet” submissive character role and Preminger loved it and signed me to the role of the character “T-Bone.”  However, on the first day of shooting scenes, I could not display the “Uncle Tom” character he expected; Preminger yelled that I was not “Negro” enough!  He quickly insisted the assistant director, Max Slater, who was from Germany to show me how to speak more Negro. It was quite a battle, but I managed to get through the scenes necessary for the story. If I had not signed a contract, I am sure it would have been a way to get rid of me.

I am often asked my feelings concerning many people of color create concerning life in America today; I must confess some are rather interesting with a touch of suffocation and class.  However, there are those stories based on life in the black ghetto etc. that represents only ignorance continuing an image of a people stuck in a valley of zoo characters. There are millions of well educated, talented people in all phases of life, however, the only reference seems to be pulled from the cultural bag by both Caucasian and young writers of color.  Continuing an image of a people trapped in utter ignorance, lacking very little substance.

To make an “image” change for those of color really has to, also, come from within. Writers must present stories of those families, very much like those of other races and cultural exposure who are seen struggling for a decent life of hope and individual growth, not trapped in a ghetto of emotional stress without dreams facing signs of “NO WAY OUT!”

The post Americans Forced To Look In Mirror appeared first on Canyon News.

Millions of families of four or six slept in one bedroom, there was no electricity in many small towns around the country; oil lamps were seen in the windows after dark, stoves with wood stacked on one side to survive the cold weather. While remembering the outside OUTHOUSES, it plunges my memory how it was during the winter when we had to buildup up enough courage to reach the one we had that seemed too far from the kitchen door.  For drinking water, a trip to the highway area was a two-block plunge no matter what time of year.

The school was also a traveling challenge; it involved a two-mile walk which in retrospect for us young kids was nothing to complain about. After all, it gave us kids the opportunity to commemorate and even sing our favorite songs of the day. We were able to adapt to all the so-called hardships of the day because we knew little else to depend on.

The entire village of Green Tree upon hearing the sound of an airplane flying over us was something special, everyone in the village stood gaping as this marvel commanded the sky. Even though there were dirigibles ever so often; we referred to them as the big balloon. Those who had a radio listened to the magic tones of Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Mary Martin or Jack Benny and of course George Burns and Gracie Allen.

Politically, it was all about Franklin D. Roosevelt, he was considered the big savior of our nation based on how he handled the “crash.”  Because of his administration, there were jobs available for everyone who was able to work. Roads were seen with tons of young and old men with shovels and picks and anything else which would get the job done. There were even truckloads of World War I, young men in uniforms being transported possibly to other camps or even a hospital. Since my granddad, Hilary, was wounded and resettled in a VA hospital, the sight of these men only made many of us realize what the nation had survived through.

Even though I was seven years old, I had a rather intense idea of what our country and world were about.  When finally moving from Green Tree to the lovely town of Morton, I had a clear notion of who I was and what kind of life I wanted to discover or need. Even though Greentree was just a small village of Black, Greek, Italian and Jewish people, the school was not segregated. However, Morton with a patch of Black people was designated to a school within the area where they resided. It was called Phyllis Wheatley named for an ex-slave who fought her way to freedom.

The teachers there grounded the students during English, History, and music classes about those of color who had contributed so much to arts as well the sciences.  It was truly an inspirational experience being taught by those who were so dedicated to the idea of educating young people of color who only knew about the time of slavery. For me, it was Paul Robeson, Roland Hayes, when listening to their voices for the first time; it was magic, tears flooded upon hearing songs such as “Ol’ Man River” or “Steal Away.”

I was determined to emulate them and a special teacher, Rosa L. Watson from Philadelphia understood the dream and because she knew Robeson, took me to one of his concerts, afterward, took me backstage of the Academy of Music and introduced me to him.  It was the beginning of a long friendship.  Two years after meeting Robeson, I auditioned for Paul Whiteman to get on his weekly show.  Skipper Dawes his music director immediately signed me up for the show and each week I was viewed by the nation from Town Hall with this great master of music.

I realized very early that sometimes we experience times of horror and serious moments of disappointments stuffed with emotional challenges, learning at the same time that once you make up your mind you will survive, it is amazing what human determination manifests.

The post As The World Turns appeared first on Canyon News.

I received a call from producer Tom Poole, who is well known and respected for his magical Public Broadcasting in public TV shows before the virus put an end to everything showbiz might offer, that New York is quietly getting set for the big but quiet return to the theatre world on Broadway.  “One way or another,” Poole promises, “we are going to return to the excitement and magic people expect to experience in our city.  However, it has been done with a sense of reality; the virus is nothing to take advantage of, it’s killer that’s for sure and it is paramount that we listen give our scientists the respect deserved, especially, Dr. Fauci. ”

Filmmaker Chris Cavalier stopped by (with MASK of course) along with his beautiful family wife Judy, son Quan and small baby Bella to see how things were health-wise, and I must admit, it was quiet gratifying to connect with actual human beings without holding an eye-phone or some other haring device when speaking. The film-maker noted he has been offered a deal in Canada shooting a documentary based on survival of the Corona-virus. However, even though the offer is very enticing, he is forced to face the reality of the virus is still affecting the life style and the people there just as much as it is intensely affecting America.

TV and film actor Chris Robinson (“General Hospital,” “Twelve O’clock High”) says that he has been offered more film deals during the virus attack than anytime during the rather fast-moving safe time prior to the Coronavirus.  However, he did admit that his time away from the cameras has allowed him to put more time to work on his huge ranch in Arizona.

Coriono Harris who recently returned to San Diego via Hollywood announced that he doing a screen test for a film that is being planned for “virtual” production. “They are planning to go technically virtual in a new and even more exciting realistic way,” he says. “It is amazing what these guys can come up with; actually, giving you a feeling you are seeing an audience or even having characters kissing or even sleeping together in a scene. These guys are genius at what they do, believe me.”

Richard Carson, San Francisco’s tennis wonder-boy is building his own tennis court. “It will be inside as well as outside. I want people to have a choice pending on the weather or how they feel physically. The virus has halted a lot of action in San Francisco and I have been receiving tons of people begging me to come up with something which will allow them to continue the sport.”

Ruta Lee who seems to survive when others in Hollywood are giving up and falling by the wayside says as long as she can put on her make-up and have enough wardrobe to make things in a scene exciting, she will continue to keep the faith in the industry and the people who run it. “We have always experienced something that made us wonder about our survival but we have always managed to survive!” she believes this with all her heart.

The post It’s Only Show Biz, Folks! appeared first on Canyon News.

Actually, I had plans to take a vacation in India the following year. The films I had seen through the years as that beautiful magic country, costumed in historical magic at every turn was something I had always dreamed of being a part of: the costumes, music, the architecture, and the extreme courtesy of the people, perfectly touted in an MGM film starring one of my favorite stars, of course. The idea of sharing an experience in this kind of artistic Disneyland atmosphere would be rather special.

On the plane over to London, we met several others from MGM, Warner Bros, and even from Desilu and we all had a blast drinking the best booze I ever had, even though I was definitely not a drinker and only participated when setting up a situation for the Bureau itself. It was even fun having most of the others on the plane join in singing several of the old songs from some of the musicals produced. By the time we arrived at the Airport in London, I had a bit of a headache and insisted that we immediately get to the hotel booked to rest a bit.

It was right in the center of London not far from Buckingham Palace. After a brief rest time, I decided to give my friend Laurence Harvey a call, letting him know we had arrived. He was delighted and immediately arranged some time at the Queen’s Head Restaurant, well known historically. Larry surprised me when Richard Burton showed up, a bit overly talkative, and did more singing than talking; he proved to be a ton of fun and laughs.  Between Harvey and Burton, the evening turned out to be one of the most memorable times I had ever had.

Since the 1972 Olympics were being held in Munich, Germany, Ron, and I decided to take advantage of it. Universal Studios purchased several passes for the event and offered two of them to Ron that made the journey to Europe even more inviting. However, when the games were attacked, it affected the whole feeling of the games we all hungered to be a witness to. As a result, Ron insisted we take off for safety, after all, we did not know what might further develop based on all the news flooding the entire world.

So, we decided to take a bus to another part of the country; however, when attempting to leave the city, our bus was stopped and I was approached by the police. They insisted they check my identification; they were extremely rude about it.  The bus was tired up for nearly an hour and I was the only passenger they were concerned about. When satisfied that I was a real American, and not what they suspected, they permitted the driver to move on. It was a terrifying experience; I had never experienced having machine guns pointed at my head.

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