Michael's Musings

December 2, 2013

I'm in the process of writing a new Hollywood-based play, and as part of my research, I watched an old "B" western yesterday because one of the people I'm writing about is in the cast.

As far as I'm concerned, PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE has lost its status as the worst movie ever made.  That honor now goes to TRAIN TO TOMBSTONE.  Writing, directing, acting and editing: I have never seen a sloppier, more inept movie in my life.

More on my project later.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), wife Sandy and I will be closing out our storage space and moving what's there into our house.  Items include a large bookshelf (with books), desk and a metal storage cabinet, which will be put into the garage.  We have been tossing a lot of stuff away these past few weeks in preparation for this move.  Hopefully, when we are done, our house will not look like a closet.

I had a fun time at the Wizard World Austin Comic Con the weekend before last.  Interestingly, Sunday, which is usually slow at these events, was my best day for sales.  I totally sold out of DRACULA MEETS JACK THE RIPPER And Other Revisionist Histories.  Indeed, had I more copies, I could have sold them, too.  I also sold several copies of both memoirs, some BASIL RATHBONEs, plus all my GHOUL CITY books, as well as other books.

This month, I'll be in Los Angeles for two book signings, one at Dark Delacacies in Burbank on the 21st, then at the Mystery and Imagination Bookshop in Glendale on the 22nd.  Hopefully, you can make one of them.

Thanksgiving was a quiet day.  Sandy and I enjoyed a delicious turkey with all the trimmings.
 

Finally, there’s a review of ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE on the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page.  Check it out.

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November 25, 2013

Although this blog entry is dated Monday (25), I'm really writing it late Friday (22) night. 

I'm just back from the Wizard World Austin Comic Con where I was seated next to actress Kelly Hu...and my back is killing me.  (Not her fault.  She's a charming lady.)

I figure that tomorrow and Sunday will be just as tiring, so since most people will be preparing for Thanksgiving Day this week, this site is not likely to get much traffic for the next several days.  That's why I decided to write this week's entry early in the event I don't feel like doing it later this weekend.

One thing: There's a new review on the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page.  The movie is JAYNE MANSFIELD'S CAR with Robert Duvall, Kevin Bacon and Billy Bob Thornton, who also directed.  Please take a look.

Happy Turkey Day, and have a creative week.

Michael

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November 18, 2013

This coming weekend, Friday (22) - Sunday (24), I will be appearing at the Wizard World Comic Con, which is being held at the Austin Convention Center.  I will be selling copies of my various books, including the latest,  LIFE, LIBERTY & THE PURSUIT OF HOLLYWOOD, as well as DVDs and photos signed by Roger Corman.  In fact, on Friday, I will be taking part in one of the special panels that the convention hosts.  So, if you're around, stop on by.  I understand that William Shatner, "Captain Kirk" himself, will be there this year.

This past Wednesday, I spoke at the Austin Network Mixer to a crowd of about 50-60.  That was fun.  They seemed appreciative, and I sold some books.

I am still not really writing anything; just researching a couple of new plays for THE HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS collection.  Incidentally, if you trying to come up with a gift idea for the movie buff in your life, please consider THE HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS anthology, which contains all 10 plays that are currently in the collection.  If you buy it on Amazon, the cost is less than you'd pay for three of the scripts purchased individually.

And, what better gift for the film fan than to read these monologues spoken by Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Carole Lombard, Errol Flynn, Clara Bow, Al Jolson, Maurice Chevalier, Orson Welles and Basil Rathbone, plus a 2-person play, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy?

If the above link doesn't work, just copy this address into your browser and you'll be taken right there.

http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Legends-Eleven-Fabulous-People/dp/1482725673/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364591068&sr=1-1&keywords=the+hollywood+legends

As soon as I finish writing this blog, I will start working on my review of FRANCES HA, a charming film that was released earlier this year.  It should be up on the Best Bets on DVD site soon, so look for it.  It's accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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