Traci Lords Kissing Baseball at Hollywood Show
THE HOLLYWOOD AUTOGRAPH SHOW REPORT – April , 2011
Just got back from the April 2011 ‘Hollywood Show’ in Burbank. Picked up a handful of autographs, bought some posters and photographs, and checked out all the celebrities in attendance.
Mantin Landau Signs Autographs at Hollywood Show
The big name at the event was actor Martin Landau. This was the Academy Award-Winner’s first appearance at the autograph show. A large crowd of adoring fans showed up to great the actor. Landau seemed to enjoy every minute of it. From what I could see, the actor seemed to be in great spirits and was smiling from ear to ear the entire time. Martin Landau is a true Hollywood legend. His films include: Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, Woody Allen’s Crimes and Misdemeanors, and Tim Burton’s Ed Wood. He was also a cast member of the hit TV Show Mission: Impossible.
Actress Lisa Marie was also in attendance, so both autographs could easily be added to any fan’s Ed Wood collectibles.
Tim Burton's 'ED WOOD' Laser Disc, Starring Johnny Depp
Martin Landau Authentic Autograph
One of the great things about going to an autograph show is that you’re basically going to get an excellent signature. Look at the example of this Martin Landau autograph (SEE ABOVE.) It doesn’t get any better than that: full signature in exactly the perfect location on the item.
TRACI LORDS KISSES MY BASEBALLS
Traci Lords Kisses My Baseball
The actress, singer, and former teen porn-star Traci Lords made a rare appearance at the event. I asked her to autograph some baseballs for me and plant a nice big lipstick kiss on the top of each ball. I was actually able to get a few of these done – but STUPIDLY tossed them into my bag without much care. The lipstick SMEARED all over the baseballs and rubbed off !! I only have ONE left to show for my efforts. What the hell was I thinking?! It was a completely stupid mistake. I showed the damaged autographs to one of my fellow autograph collectors. Upon seeing the messed up baseballs, he shook with horror. His thick eye-glasses fell from his face. After a quick hit on his inhaler, the nerdy collector confidentaly assured me: “I was once kissed by a girl - and I seem to recall that lipstick does INDEED rub off !!” No truer words had ever been spoken by an autograph collector. Take Note: Spray your lipstick items with a clear coat of sealant before tossing them carelessly into a bag.
This was an expensive lesson learned. Luckily ONE of the baseballs had survived the ordeal. It looks pretty cool (SEE BELOW) I was a bit heartbroken at messing up the other baseball, but what can you do? It was a good idea but I should have been better prepared. Even an old pro like me still makes mistakes.
I will be placing this baseball up on eBay for sale this week, if anyone is interested.
Traci Lords Authentic Signed Baseball with Kiss
THE WIZARD OF OZ - MUNCHKIN MANIA
I have some sad news to report: a few months back I wrote an article and posted a video about meeting Jerry Maren and his wife Elizabeth.
Jerry Maren is one of last living Munchkins from classic 1939 MGM musical: The Wizard of Oz.
I’m sorry to report that Elizabeth Barrington passed away at the age of 69, on January 27, 2011. Jerry had been married to his wife since 1975. The couple were featured in a popular episode of Seinfeld. This photograph of Jerry and Elizabeth was taken only a few weeks prior to her passing:
The Late Elizabeth Barrington with Her Husband Jerry Maren
You can check through my earlier posts for video with Jerry and his wife. Jerry was supposed to attend this past Hollywood Show but cancelled. As of the writing of this post: only FOUR original cast members from the film are still living. The remaining actors all played Munchkins in the film. From what I understand, two of the actors are reportedly too frail to attend public appearances. Margaret Pellegrini, who played one of the ‘sleepy head’ Munchkins from the movie was in attendance at this show – but from what I could see she gets somewhat disoriented at times and had some trouble doing autographs. Sadly, I suspect that this may be one of the last public appearances we see of the Munchkins. Hollywood Autograph News sends our sympathy to Jerry Maren and his family. Jerry – please get well soon.
Munchkin Margaret Pellegrini Signs My Wizard of Oz Book
OTHER NOTABLE GUEST AT HOLLYWOOD SHOW
There were also quite a few other notable guests at the show, including Meadowlark Lemon of The Harlem Globe Trotters, and Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of the 50′s rock tribute band: Sha Na Na.
Meadowlark Lemon of The Harlem Globetrotters
Jon "BOWZER" Bauman of SHA NA NA
THE DEVIL IN MISS JONES
Actress Georgina Spelvin of the classic porn flick, The Devil in Miss Jones also made a rare appearance. Georgina and I have struck up a bit of email exchange. She has always been generous with fans and autograph collectors. She’s written a terrific autobiography, check it out. Georgina is still looking great at 75 years, as you can see.
Georgina Spelvin Autographs Soundtrack for 'The Devil in Miss Jones'
The Devil in Miss Jones Soundtrack for Classic Porn Flick
Georgina Spelvin Authentic Autograph
EVEN MORE CELEBRITIES AT HOLLYWOOD SHOW!
Singer/Actress Taryn Manning was also on-hand to sign the current issue of PLAYBOY magazine.
Hollywood Show - Taryn Manning
Taryn Manning Autographed PLAYBOY
Another popular guest was Sesame Street’s Carroll Spinney, the puppeteer who does “Big Bird” and “Oscar the Grouch” on the show. Spinney is also a talented cartoonist who sold original sketches during the show.
Sesame Street's Puppeteer Caroll Spinney Doing Original Sketches for Fans
Overall, the was a pleasant way to spend the weekend. To be honest, it wasn’t the best Hollywood Show I’ve seen, but there were still plenty of celebrities to keep everyone happy. I’d like to thank an associate and ”fellow collector” friend of mine for supplying the additional photos used in this post.