Hollywood Lost and Found

"That's all, folks!"

2008-05-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

After almost 2 years of being a feature on Hollywood Lost and Found, we will be closing down this blog, effective this week. We will be shifting our editorial focus to a new message board, which will hopefully appear in June.

I personally want to thank all our authors for their contributions to this blog, and I look forward to seeing their posts on the new boards soon. And thanks to all our readers – I hope to see your messages there too.

…And look for some new exciting additions to the main site next month as well!

Thanks for reading!

- Steve

Ollie Johnston, 1912-2008

2008-04-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ollie Johnston, the last of Walt Disney's legendary group of animators called the "Nine Old Men," died Monday (14 April 2008) in Sequim, Washington. He was 95.

Ollie (above, left) along with best friend and next-door-neighbor Frank Thomas (above, right), who died in 2004, were arguably the best known of the nine. Together they worked on such Disney animated features as “Snow White," "Fantasia," "Bambi,” "Pinocchio.” "Alice in Wonderland," "Peter Pan,” "Sleeping Beauty,” and many others... and they collaborated on many books, including "The Illusion of Life," and “The Disney Villains.”

Oscar-winning director Brad Bird, a huge fan of their work, gave Frank and Ollie animated cameo appearances in his films "The Iron Giant" and "The Incredibles."

CLICK HERE to read the AP obituary.

CLICK HERE to view his credits on IMDB.

Stanley Kamel, 1943-2008

2008-04-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

Stanley Kamel, an incredibly prolific character actor, has died. He was 65.

His obituary at E Online News said that "It would almost be easier to list the shows he wasn't on." He made appearances on shows including Days of Our Lives, Knight Rider, Hill Street Blues, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Murder She Wrote, The Golden Girls, ER, Beverly Hills 90210, L.A. Law... and countless others.

Visit his extraordinary credit list on IMDB here.

The Passing of a Legend: Charlton Heston

2008-04-06T01:50:00.000-07:00

One of my heroes just died. Charlton Heston passed away at age 84 this past evening. He was most definitely one of the few remaining true stars of the silver screen - a group of people that has almost completely left us. He had class, high morals, and he was even married to the same woman (Lydia) for 64 years.

His acting accomplishments are well documented, but I have to say that I believe it takes a larger-than-life man to play the roles of Judah Ben Hur (for which he won an Oscar), Moses and John the Baptist. The man that can pull off all of those roles in one lifetime without it going completely to his head deserves everyone's respect.

Some of my favorites of his other roles include: George Taylor in "Planet of the Apes", Stewart Graff in "Earthquake", Capt. Matthew Garth in "Midway" and Robert Neville in "The Omega Man" - a movie that Will Smith just remade entitled "I Am Legend". He also had the small but important role of Henry Hooker in one of my all-time favorite westerns, "Tombstone".

He was a man's man, not just of the roles he played, but because of what he stood for. He was an Air Force veteran, a social activist in his latter years, and in 2003, he won the Presidential Medal of Freedom, this nation's highest civilian honor.

As I said, there aren't many genuine Hollywood stars left. I am however thankful he came along to fill the need Hollywood had for a true hero.

Charlton Heston has left an opening for the next genuine Hollywood hero. Who can possibly fill it?

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hope you're all enjoying your holidays.

As you may have noticed, we're taking a little break here at Hollywood Lost and Found to enjoy the holidays and get caught up on "real life." But I wanted to continue our tradition of recommending a few slightly off-center Christmas films that you may not have thought of...

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993) Always at the top of my list for Halloween AND Christmas.

"Trading Places" (1983) "Hello, security? Merry Christmas!" Who can forget a drunken Dan Aykroyd as Santa, pulling a fish out of his beard?

"Citizen Kane" (1941) The Orson Welles classic has a brief Christmas moment. If you don't blink. Hey, anything I can do to get more people to see the film...

"Fantasia" (1940) Okay, okay - it's not technically Christmas-themed. But the film features, of course, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, which has forever been associated with the holiday - and which keeps a certain dear ballerina friend of mine gainfully employed every winter season.

"1941" (1979) Steven Spielberg's chaotic epic had a great moment that never made the final cut, featuring Director John Milius in a cameo as Santa Claus running into the street like Bigfoot caught in traffic. Check out the DVD!

"Gremlins" (1984) And finally, I can't resist again mentioning the film that Director Joe Dante even described as "'It's A Wonderful Life' meets 'The Birds.'" A favorite twisted Christmas film of mine.

Happy Holidays to all!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 10 December 2007

2007-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, everyone... Here are a few Hollywood headlines from around the internet...

As you can see, the official one-sheet for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" has arrived... and USA Today has published a few more details about the film.

The Writer's Strike begins its sixth week, with talks stalled for the moment. Hollywood workers are pleading for them to begin again.

Costume designer Marit Allen has died.

Warner Bros. is releasing a great collection of Oscar-winning animated shorts.

Here's a question I've weighed in on previously - how historically acurate should movies really be? A discussion was held recently on that very topic.

Have a good week!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 3 December 2007

2007-12-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

Happy December everyone... I'm a little late, but here are a few headlines from Hollywood on the internet...

The Writer's Strike begins its fifth week, with both sides meeting again today. Keep an eye on Nikke Finke's "Deadling Hollywood" for the latest news.

An exhibit of original Star Wars props and memorabilia, including Luke Skwalker's lightsaber that was aboard the space shuttle, has started at Space Center Houston.

Anyone catch the billboard for "Batman vs. Superman" in the background of the movie "I Am Legend"?

Will Johnny Depp play bank robber John Dillinger?

Casting director Mali Finn, who helped assemble the actors for "Titanic," "L.A. Confidential" and "The Matrix," has died.

Chris Kattan and Amy Sedaris will star in "Tanner Hall," a feature film originally written as a UPN pilot.

Enjoy your week!

Is the strike over...?

2007-11-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

...Not just yet, but keep your fingers crossed...

According to Nikki Finke's online column this morning, there could be a deal in place.

...But as Nikki herself says, "I must caution that this is Hollywood - where defeat is snatched from the jaws of victory nearly every time."

We'll know for sure soon... happy thoughts, everyone!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 26 November 2007

2007-11-26T06:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, everyone... here are a few stories from Hollywood on the internet...

The Writer's Strike begins its fourth week, with new contract negotiations starting today. Let's hope things go well.

Francis Ford Coppola talks about his new film, and his career.

Here's a fun piece on Alyson Moore and my pal John Roesch, two of the best Foley artists in the buisness, and how they record footsteps and other performance-movement sounds for films.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is 80 years old.

The Munchkins have gotten a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

David X . Cohen talks about the new "Futurama" Direct to DVD feature, and the future of the series.

With the renovations to Pinewood studios we told you about last week, they hope to create a town where their movie crews can live, as well as work.

Have a good week!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 19 November 2007

2007-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another Monday has arrived... so here come a few stories from Hollywood on the internet...

The Writer's Strike begins its third week today. Contract negotiations will resume on the 26th, so there is a bit of hope.

Although it was previously announced that it wouldn't be affected by the strike, the sequel to "The DaVinci Code" will NOT be rushed into production after all.

Unfortunately, there's more to worry about - the Director's Guild contract expires on June 30. Normally they would have started their negotiations by now, but they don't want to undermine the striking writers. This could be a problem.

There's a "Ghostbusters" sequel in the works... sort of. It's a video game, and most of the major cast members are participating.

There are plans to redevelop the historic Pinewood Studios in England.

Casting for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is complete.

Hugh Hefner has donated $2 million to the USC Cinema Department.

Tim Burton will direct a 3D feature length "Alice in Wonderland" for Disney, as well as a remake of his own short, "Frankenweenie."

Speaking of Disney, several new "Disney Legends" were celebrated on the Disney Studio lot recently.

Television news icon Walter Cronkite has signed a deal with the cable network Retirement Living TV to produce weekly editorial commentaries.

By the way, I will be appearing on the same network in the very near future. Stay tuned for details...!

Have a good Thanksgiving week!

Delbert Mann, 1920 - 2007

2007-11-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

Delbert Mann, who directed the film classic "Marty" (1955), has died. He was 87.

Born January 30, 1920, in Lawrence, Kansas, he graduated from Vanderbilt University before becoming a pilot with the Eighth Air Force. He moved to New York in 1949 after a friend gave him the chance to direct television for NBC. He became one of the pioneers of what has been called "The Golden Age of Television."

Mann brought many of the cost and time-saving techniques from TV production to the film world, taking a mere 19 days - including pick-ups - to shoot "Marty." The film won Oscars in four categories - including Best Director.

His other feature credits include "The Bachelor Party" (1957), "Desire Under the Elms" (1957), "Middle of the Night" (1959), "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs" (1960), "The Outsider" (1961), "That Touch of Mink" (1962), "Fitzwilly" (1967), "Kidnapped" (1971), "Night Crossing" (1982) and "Bronte" (1983). His television productions include "Heidi" (1968), "David Copperfield" (1970), "Jane Eyre" (1971), "All Quiet on the Western Front" (1979) and "The Last Days of Patton" (1986).

He is survived by his three sons Fred, David and Steven. Our deepest condolences go out to them.

Read his obituary HERE, and visit his IMDB page HERE.

Hollywood stories for Monday, 12 November 2007

2007-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's Monday again... so here are some stories from the Hollywood side of the internet...

The Writer's Strike begins its second week today.

Columnist Nikki Finke has criticized the local media for their horrible - or non-existent - reporting of the strike. For excellent continuing coverage, I recommend Nikki's column, and the strike blog on the "Below the Line" website.

By the way, what does it mean exactly, "below the line"? It means all the people who are NOT living a life of glamor, who are NOT making thousands of dollars every week - the ones who really make the magic happen, 'cause they're in this business because they love it. And a good percent of the people that could really benefit from this strike fall under this category. READ THIS.

The new "Star Trek" film has had a bit of casting news this last week... the most interesting has been for the role of Spock's mom Amanda, who will be played by the adorable Winona Ryder. (Variety's piece originally said she was a Vulcan. No Trekkies on the staff there, I guess - she's a human.)

Jennifer Connelly will star in the remake of the science fiction classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still." Although I still think it's a mistake to remake a classic, I might actually go see it just for her...

Speaking of remaking a classic... the rights to remake the Western "High Noon" have just been purchased. I dunno... we'll see.

"Silent Movies: The Birth of Film and the Triumph of Movie Culture" by Peter Kobel is a great new book - and its release coincides with a film series going on NOW at the Library of Congress.

Roman Polanski will direct "The Ghost" - a political thriller by Robert Harris, who is adapting his own novel.

Ford is debuting the new special edition Mustang "Bullitt," commemorating the 1968 Steve McQueen movie that featured one of the greatest chases in film history.

Sony Classical has released "The Music of Star Wars: 30th Anniversary Boxed Collector's Edition" - a boxed CD set of the complete soundtracks from the first Star Wars trilogy, and many extras.

You've all probably seen Jerry Seinfeld all over the place promoting "Bee Movie." HERE is the story of how it got made from co-director Steve Hickner... and where they bought cupcakes.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just announced that the Frencharchitectural firm Atelier Christian de Portzamparc will design its new Hollywood Museum.

Have a good week!

The Writer's Guild Strike

2007-11-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are still not sure what the Writer's Strike means, CLICK HERE for a very short but brilliant video from the WGA explaining exactly what they're fighting for.

...And check out their other videos for continuing reports and testimonials from the picket lines.

Spread the word!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 5 November 2007

2007-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy November, everyone! Here are a few Hollywood stories on the internet....

It's official... the Writer's Strike begins today. Let's hope it's over soon.

There's a great piece on Cinematographer Haskell Wexler in a back issue of Movie Maker magazine, which just went online.

Sotheby's is selling Orson Welles' personal working copy of the script for Citizen Kane.

The Queen of England stopped by Pinewood Studios to watch stunt men at work.

Roger Ebert has returned to TV. Using a computer to speak, he interviewed Jerry Seinfeld.

Malibou Lake (yes, I said Malibou) has been featured in over 100 movies.

Have a good week!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my favorite holiday, here are a few images from our archives of some movie ideas to get into the Halloween spirit...

"Donnie Darko" (2001) One of the creepiest films I've seen in awhile. And it works for Easter Sunday, too...

"Gremlins" (1984) Set during Christmas... but scary enough for Halloween.

"The Haunting" (1963) The best haunted house movie of all time (just say NO to the remake).

"Nosferatu" (1922) The title vampire still gives me nightmares... and he's only on screen for a few minutes.

"Alien" (1979) "Surprise!" No one can hear you scream in space... but the exposions are still pretty loud.

"The Shining" (1980) "Sorry, wrong room." A brilliant example of how to put an audience on edge - Kubrick marvelously creates an unsettling, desolate, horrifying environment.

"An American Werewolf in London" (1981) John Landis brilliantly mixes comedy and horror. This moment was the biggest jump for me - and it's an image that's only on screen for about a second.

Happy Halloween! Be safe while trick-or-treating!

Robert Goulet, 1933 - 2007

2007-10-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

Robert Goulet died yesterday (Tuesday, 10/30) in a Los Angeles hospital as he awaited a lung transplant. He was 73.

Goulet was born Nov. 26, 1933, in Massachusetts, and moved to Canada as a young teen where he became a singing star in the 1950s. He became a star on Broadway in 1960 after appearing as Sir Lancelot in Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s musical “Camelot.”

He would go on to dozens of other musicals, and many TV and film roles. Movie appearances included “Beetlejuice” and “The Naked Gun 2-1/2.” He was the singing voice of Wheezy the Penguin in “Toy Story 2” and the voice of Jaune-Tom the cat in “Gay Purr-ee” with Judy Garland.

Most recently, Goulet starred in a hilarious commercial for Emerald Nuts.

Read Robert Goulet's obituary here... visit his IMDB page here.

Hollywood stories for Monday, 29 October 2007

2007-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, everyone! Here are some Hollywood stories from around the internet...

It's hard to find someone in California who hasn't been affected by the tragic wildfires here in some way - least of which included Hollywood productions.

Two historic films - "Battleship Potemkin" and "The Jazz Singer" - have been remastered for DVD release.

Many of Stanley Kubrick films, including "2001: A Space Odyssey," "A Clockwork Orange" and "The Shining" have been released on DVD with new special features added that have never been available before.

Anthony Hopkins may play Alfred Hitchcock.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has just awarded $450,000 in grants to 20 U.S. film festivals.

USA Today has scooped the first picture of the Predalien - a hybrid of the title creatures from "Alien" and "Predator" that will feature prominently in the new "Aliens vs. Predator" film.

As of this moment, William Shatner will not be in the new "Star Trek" movie. But it's still early... we'll check back.

Here's a report on some upcoming Holiday films, including "Bee Movie," "American Gangster," "The Mist," "Sweeney Todd" and others.

There's less than a week to go before there could be a Writer's Strike... and negotiations are still in progress. And now the federal government has stepped in to mediate negotiations. The studios are preparing for the worst, however - the "The Da Vinci Code" sequel is being rushed forward, and producers of the new "Wolverine" movie are finishing their script before the deadline.

Have a good week - and be safe while you're out Trick-or-Treating!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 22 October 2007

2007-10-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone... Here's this week's batch of Hollywood stories from around the internet...

Ian McKellen is eager to play Gandalf in "The Hobbit" - and he has Peter Jackson's support.

"Young Indiana Jones" is now on DVD. Here are some notes about it (and the new movie) from Skywalker Ranch. ...By the way, did you know they have Charlie Chaplin's cane there?...

"Nightmare Before Christmas" in 3-D has opened, and director Henry Selick was on hand at the El Capitan in Hollywood to talk about it.

Here's an MSNBC interview with James Lipton of "Inside the Actors Studio."

Luke Skywalker's lightsaber is already stowed aboard the space shuttle, waiting for its launch on the 23rd.

J.K. Rowling has revealed that Harry Potter character Dumbledore is gay.

And finally.... there could be more than just trick-or-treaters on the street this Halloween. The Writer's Guild has authorized a strike, and their contract is up on October 31st.

Have a good week... and, everyone, send your best thoughts and wishes to all the firefighters working hard in California right now!

Deborah Kerr, Joey Bishop

2007-10-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Two sad stories to report today...

Actress Deborah Kerr died Tuesday (10/16) of Parkinson's disease. She was 86.

Born on September 30th, 1921, in Helensburgh, Scotland, Kerr made her first film appearance in "Major Barbara" (1941) in British cinema before moving to the US.

She will probably be best remembered for sharing one of the most famous kisses in movie history with Burt Lancaster in "From Here to Eternity" (1953), and for her role in the film version of "The King and I" (1956) with Yul Brynner - she was honored with an Academy Award nomination for both roles.

Nominated four more times - for "Edward, My Son" (1949), "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison" (1957), "Separate Tables" (1958), and "The Sundowners" (1960) - she never won an Oscar. She was given an Honorary Academy Award in 1994.

She is survived by her husband Peter Viertel, two children from a previous marriage, and three grandchildren.

You can read her obituary here on Reuters, and her credit list here on IMDB.

Comedian Joey Bishop, the last surviving member of Frank Sinatra's legendary "Rat Pack," died Wednesday (10/17) at his home in Newport Beach. He was 89.

Appearing at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas in the early 1960s in a musical-comedy review, The Rat Pack - consisting of Bishop, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Sammy Davis Jr. - became a show business sensation. Together they also starred in films "Ocean's Eleven" (1960) and "Sergeants 3" (1962).

Bishop was also featured in "The Naked and the Dead" (1958), "Onion-head" (1958), "Johnny Cool" (1963), "Texas Across the River" (1966), "Valley of the Dolls" (1967) and "The Delta Force" (1986).

He starred in two TV series - both called "The Joey Bishop Show" - before appearing as a guest or fill-in host in a variety of other programs. He stood in for Johnny Carson 205 times.

He is survived by son Larry Bishop; grandchildren Scott and Kirk Bishop; and his companion Nora Garabotti.

Read his obituary here on Reuters, and her credit list here on IMDB.

There's No Business Like Snow Business

2007-10-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

This past week, crews were prepping the WB Ranch backlot for a Walmart commercial. My guess is the ad has something to do with snow and cold things and holidays and wintery stuff like that. (sorry for the phone-camera effect)

First, they laid drift foundations with ordinary Christmas bedding.

Then they sprayed over it with a white pasty texture, kinda like old ceiling texture.

They even flocked the trees. Great detail!

I thought this car in the "Bewitched" house's driveway was nicely covered too.

Me in front of the "Griswold's" ( was used in the "Vacation" movie series).

The truck responsible. Visit the Snow Business website.

This shot below was taken on July 23rd, on the WB main lot. Here they actually were spraying real ice on this street. It was about 100 degrees outside, so they were laying it on pretty thick. (again, forgive the phone-camera quality)

I guess that's about as close as I will be getting to a blizzard in LA anytime soon.

Hollywood stories for Monday, 15 October 2007

2007-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone... Here's this week's batch of Hollywood stories from around the internet...

“Poltergeist” (1982) will be screening on October 25th at the Academy's Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood - with several of the film makers (including Oscar nominated sound editors Richard Anderson and Stephen Flick) in attendance.

NBC Studios is leaving Burbank.

3-D movies are back!

A new play opening in Chicago, "Completely Hollywood (abridged)" is a parody of the film industry - and this review reads like a movie producer's notes.

According to Nikki Finke, Warner Bros president of production Jeff Robinov has said that "We are no longer doing movies with women in the lead."

Roger Moore is shopping for a publisher of his biography.

More news on the possible impending Writer's Strike... now members have been told that they may not write for animated features if a strike should occur - even though animation is usually not covered by the WGA.

The Stepson of Maria von Trapp of 'The Sound of Music' fame
has died.

Memorabilia from "Easy Rider" has sold at an auction, including the American flag taken from the back of Peter Fonda's jacket.

...And Wilhelm screams again on ABC World News (I was actually interviewed for the piece, but it was too short to include me).

Have a great week!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 8 October 2007

2007-10-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone... Here's this week's batch of Hollywood stories from around the internet...

Peter Weller, star of "Buckaroo Banzai" and "RoboCop," can add "college professor" to his resume as well.

The trailer for the Tim Burton's film version of "Sweeney Todd" with Johnny Depp has premiered.

Read more about the author of a Hollywood Locations book that I use quite a bit.

If you wanted to download the pilot of the "Stargate Atlantis" series from iTunes, you may have gotten Episode 4 instead.

Owen Wilson made a brief appearance at the premiere of his new film by sneaking into the Academy.

Screenings of "Poltergeist" in theaters to promote the DVD release were from a pan-and-scan master - the DVD is, of course, letterboxed. And even worse, the audio was in MONO!

There's been an arrest in the theft of Indiana Jones materials from the set of the new film.

...And speaking of which, George Lucas made the bold statement this week that "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" will be better than "Raiders of the Lost Ark." We'll see about that...

Have a great week!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 1 October 2007

2007-10-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone - Happy Monday, and Happy October... Sorry, we've been away for awhile - I've been a little preoccupied with that thing called "real life." But we're back, and here are some Hollywood stories from around the internet...

Martin Scorsese has signed to direct a film about the life of George Harrison.

Everyone can relax - a release date has been reserved for "Transformers 2."

Lois Maxwell, who played Miss Moneypenny in 14 James Bond films, has died.

"Carrie" will be screening in New York on October 15th, with director Brian De Palma in attendance.

Bonnie Hunt - whom I personally have a huge crush on - will host a new talk show next year.

Francis Ford Coppola's laptop has been stolen.

...And someone has paid $47,100 to charity for a role in Will Ferrell's new movie.

Have a great week!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 3 September 2007

2007-09-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day, everyone... here are some Hollywood stories, gathered from around the internet...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is suing to prevent the sale of two Oscars given to Mary Pickford.

Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from "Return of the Jedi" will be on the next space shuttle.

Stories about Hunter S. Thompson continue to float around Hollywood, even two years after his suicide. Here are some remembrances by Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, and others.

Ridley Scott made his dissatisfaction with current science fiction films clear, saying “There is an overreliance on special effects as well as weak storylines." Well, then, let's DO something about it, Ridley.

The film "Mask" will be adapted into a Broadway music. No, not the crazy Jim Carrey film. That one with Eric Stoltz and Cher.

The historic Sunset Gower studios, site of Harry Cohn's Columbia Pictures, has been restored.

If you haven't heard yet, the super secret J.J. Abrams monster movie's website has added a scary sound effect... you can hear a creature roar if you visit the site and wait for six minutes.

If you have a refrigerator, a street mailbox, a phone booth, or a park bench from 1951 or earlier, contact Production Designer Bob Hummell. He's looking for these and other items for Connie Stevens' directorial debut, "Saving Grace.”

Have a great week!

Hollywood stories for Monday, 27 August 2007

2007-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone... here are today's Hollywood story picks from the internet...

The Rialto Theater in Pasadena, seen in films such as "The Player" and "Kentucky Fried Movie" (pictured above), may have to close soon.

Young Frankenstein, the Musical, is opening in Seattle. Here's Variety's review.

Jim Carrey has signed to a deal that has many in Hollywood scratching their head. There HAS to be more to this story that hasn't surfaced yet.

I obviously talk a lot about the work of sound effects editors... but here's a piece on music editors, including Chris Ledesma, who has been taking care of the music library of "The Simpsons." The show has, from day one, numbered each recorded take of music consecutively - and recently slated "take 23,000."

Toho, the Japanese studio that brought us the likes of Akira Kurosawa and Godzilla, has a formidable catalog of motion pictures that continues to influence our film makers. They also have their own theater chain.

If you're hiking in the hills of Hollywood, keep in mind that there's an extreme fire danger right now.

Anyone using the infamous line from "Dirty Dancing" "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" on any merchandise without permission had better watch out.

I stay for a movie's credits as often as I'm able, but most people don't. Now more and more film makers are creating ways to reward those who do stay.

This last Thursday, sixty-four years ago, actress Olivia de Havilland filed a lawsuit that resulted in Labor Code Section 2855, or, as it's more commonly known, the "seven-year rule" that continues to protect talent and their contracts.

Have a great week!