Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Rick,

This photo was shot at the Mt. Whitney restaurant, whom's walls are line with photos of the b- western stars and sidekicks of that past era.

Watching you guys eat good food up in those mountains and breathing the fresh air-no wonder training camps are built in areas like that.

I told you about Sid Flaherty having a similar camp in the foothills near Campo,California. When Flaherty and Danny Rodriguez were trying to work with Denny Moyer and Ronnie Wilson all that fresh air went stale. Food took a back seat to plenty of liquids.

Seeing you three fellas' sitting there knowing how to relish the good life makes me think I wish I had a camera back in the day to have taken a picture of the Irish clan sitting at a table training on Coors. I don't think their heads would be resting on the table because they would have knocked the beer over. Gee,I miss those guys.

Looks like a great trip Frank.
Those are great times with your son and your buddy.
Its what its all about isnt it?

Rog, your story about those two Irishman reminds me of an old Irish buddy of mine whos now in the joint.
He drank alot. I mean alot.
We used to tell him ," Tony, ya gotta fu..in slowdown". Lets get something to eat.
Hed always say the same damn thing.
"Why spoil a twenty dollar drunk on a fifty cent hotdog?"

Thanks Brian, we did have a great time, it was the first time in over ten years that Frankie had been camping with us....

[dagosd2000]

Thanks Frank, Roger and Chuck for your kind words about my Dad. I appreciate it very much.

Hang in there pal. It's the natural order of things. I know I want to go before anyone else. (and I'm sure there are a few that are looking forward to it),but parents never go away. You carry them with you all your life. You think about them everyday. You want to make them proud even when they're not here anymore. I know with my dad,I want to be able to handle the tough situations. Like he would have. Blend the love of your mother and the toughness of your father and put it together,and then you stop to think. They both had those qualities. That's what makes a whole person.

[Rick Farris]

Willie Nelson . . .

You guys will never believe what I did with Willie Nelson this afternoon. Well, maybe you would?
A great guy and close friend, of a close friend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O66BturC ... re=channel


-Rick Farris

Great stuff by Willie Rick.

Do you guys remember "The Band".
I really liked these guys and I believe music isnt made like this anymore.
Rick Danko
Robbie Robertson
Levi Helm
From the Last Waltz which was classic. Similar sentiment to Willies in this one. Rick Danko was great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJXc0NRCmRQ

Brian . . . I worked with Robbie Robertson many years ago on the film, "Carny" with Gary Busey. Shortly before that, I worked with Levon Helm who portrayed Loretta Lynn's father in "Coal Miner's Daughter". I have always enjoyed working with musicians, but in this case, neither was doing a musical role.

Thanks for the memories of "The Band".


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

A "Coal Miner's Daughter" memory, 1979.
Kentucky - Nashville - West Virginia.
A fun one one to work on . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rdQrgyEuOY


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

The Rose, 1978 . . .

We did this one in 1978 with Bette Midler and Fredrick Forrest. We shot the interior concert scenes at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.
We filmed the exterior concert scenes in the final days of production at Long Beach City College Football stadium.

Bette Midler was an interesting charactor.
We filmed The Rose 31-years-ago, mostly in L.A.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR6okRuOLc8


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

The Jazz Singer . . .

Went right from The Rose to this one '78.
Keep in mind the Blues Brothers and Coal Miner's Daughter would also soon be filmed.

We did the concert footage in L.A. including this behind scenes clip.
This was a big production and starred Neil Diamond, Sir Lawrance Olivier and Lucy Arnaz.
We enjoyed a lot of great music once the set was lit and ready to put on film.
I was surprised to find this behind scene clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj2uw8lW6zs


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

The Blues Brothers 1979 . . .

James Brown
Church set/Stage 27, Universal Studios.
(plus cuts of Aretha Franklin & Ray Charles, Chicago exteriors)

Now this scene was FUN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yeAQ5JPWkM


-Rick Farris

[Rick Farris]

A Star Is Born 1976 . . .

I was new in the business when this was being filmed in L.A.
I wasn't a regular on the crew, but one of several extra guys hired to help rig the stage with concert lighting equipment.
We weren't the "show boys" just the "riggers", but we had a lot of fun being a part of the production for that part of it.
I remember when this was shot. Streisand is difficult, but she is incredible on stage.
This was in downtown L.A. at an ancient theatre owned by USC. In years later we'd also film "What's Love got To Do With It" and "Sister Act-2" in the same theatre.
I remember watching this scene being filmed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1rcTIke ... re=related


-Rick Farris

[bennie]

Tom, I can only echo the sentiments of the thread. You said your dad is a great dad, and to be a great dad is everything.

[raylawpc]

Thanks bennie.

[kikibalt]

Ray, making sure the java is getting done.

[kikibalt]

Carne Asada on the Webber grill

[Rick Farris]

Tom, I just read your post about your Dad.
He is in my prayers.

Same here, Tom. Your father is in my prayers as well.

-Rick

[Rick Farris]

A Star Is Born 1976 . . .

I was new in the business when this was being filmed in L.A.
I wasn't a regular on the crew, but one of several extra guys hired to help rig the stage with concert lighting equipment.
We weren't the "show boys" just the "riggers", but we had a lot of fun being a part of the production for that part of it.
I remember when this was shot. Streisand is difficult, but she is incredible on stage.
This was in downtown L.A. at an ancient theatre owned by USC. In years later we'd also film "What's Love got To Do With It" and "Sister Act-2" in the same theatre.
I remember watching this scene being filmed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1rcTIke ... re=related


-Rick Farris

Kris Kristofferson & Barbara Streisand . . .


Not all actors and actresses who play lovers on film get along off camera.
This was a perfect example.

"A Star Is Born" was a big budget remake of the old Judy Garland film and Barbara Streisand was producting the film.
I was new in the business at the time, and only worked a number of days on this big production, however, I would learn a lot about "set behavior".
After a few days, somebody mentioned to Kristofferson that one of the guys on the lighting crew was an ex-boxer, and we were introduced.
It would be the first of several films in which we would cross paths over the years, and I truly like the man. In his younger days he was a wild one!

Kris told me that he had boxed amateur in his youth and he was a knowledgeable fan.
He'd pretty much fit in with our group here, it seems as if we are all similar types, he has that heart.

Streisand, on the other hand, is all business and don't expect too much personality from her off camera.
Nobody's talent or range deserves more credit than Ms. Streisand, but personally speaking she is a pain-in-the-ass, rude and basicaly inconsiderate.
You don't go up to Barbra and say, "Hey, would you mind signing a photo for my aunt who happens to be a big fan?"
She'll look at you as if she'd just found a turd in her punch bowl and keep walking.
If you want an autograohed pic you must go thru her secretary, who will put in a request, and weeks later after you have forgotten all about it, a photo will arrive in the mail.
The picture will not be personalized, or even signed. A stamped signature will be on the photo.

Kris is a musician, too. Only Kris is as comfortable as a pair of old slippers. He likes to jam occasionally after hours, and the crew is all welcome.
We had a ball in Tempe, Arizona, where we did the outdoor concert scenes at Sun Devil Stadium of Arizona State University.
We were all lodged at the Hilton in Phoenix, and the musician visitors on the set were like a "Who's Who" of rock/country stars. Waylon Jennings was there, and others.

In Beverly Hills, we had a number of scenes in a Beverly Hills mansion that was used as Kristofferson's charactor's home.
One of the scenes involved a a big kiss between the two leading performers.
Steisand was upset with Kristofferson and made the mistake of raising her voice to her co-star after a take, prior to lunch.

When we returned from our lunch break, we were all ready to shoot the big kiss scene.
Barbara Steisand not only has a big nose, but is very sensitive to smell, and she's always quick to bitch if something doesn't smell right.
So irritating is this to the crew, that a couple of grips would deliberatly move close to the singer everytime they had to fart.
They'd drop a stink bomb and casually move away before they could be identified, sending her into a rage, and sometimes demanding the "set be cleared" while she was on camera.

It had come to a point where the two actors did not speak unless necessary.
As we prepared to roll camera for the kissing scene, Kristofferson stepped off-stage and took a bite of an onion.
When he stepped back in front of the actress the A.D. yelled, "Rolling", the director says, "Action!"
The two actors exchange dialogue, then fall into a kiss.
Streisand suddenly pulls away from the actor, looks at him with fire in her eyes and says . . . "You son-of-a-bitch. You pig bastard!"

The actor had big smile on his face, the actress left the set.
The days work was over, minus the kissing scene.

This was my last day on the film. Later in the year, I saw it when it was released, and I guess they got that kissing scene eventually, because it was in the movie.
I remember thinking to myself, "man these people really are catered to and babied." Do they really have any clue what life is about?
Yes, they do know about life. But what a strange life it can be.


-Rick Farris

[raylawpc]

Tom, I just read your post about your Dad.
He is in my prayers.

Same here, Tom. Your father is in my prayers as well.

-Rick

Thanks Brian and Rick. I think it was right after our lunch, Brian, that I learned my Dad had been placed in the nursing home. The fun of talking boxing with you at lunch helped balance out the bad news about my Dad.

[Rick Farris]

This is for Brian . . .

Levon Helm as Loretta Lynn's father in "Caol Miner's Daughter"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqFYFIckaZw


-Rick Farris

[Expug]

This is for Brian . . .

Levon Helm as Loretta Lynn's father in "Caol Miner's Daughter"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqFYFIckaZw


-Rick Farris

Great stuff Rick. And a terriffic movie.
Levon was a good actor.

I enjoy your memeories of working on these great films Rick. Your resume is fantastic.
I have heard that Streisand is a pain in the keyster to deal with from guys who have worked security for her on some of her shows also.
Krisstofferson is a great singer in my opinion. A tremendous actor also.
His song "Help Me Make it through the night is one of my favorite tunes. And, of course it was great in "Fat City".
Many folks dont realize just how many great songs he has written that others have made famous including, "Me and Bobby McGee" and" Sunday Morning comin down". Hes an American treasure in my opinion.

[Expug]

More from The Band.
With the Staples singer. From The Last Waltz.
It doesnt get better than this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trhrN39li1M

[Rick Farris]

More from The Band.
With the Staples singer. From The Last Waltz.
It doesnt get better than this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trhrN39li1M

[Randyman]

Good to see you back Brian. Sounds like you and the family had a great time. Here's a little something from Willie and Waylon: Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_a4BU09GrU

Randy

[Expug]

Thanks Randy. And thanks forthe Waylon and Willie.
Waylon is another favorite of mine. I have quite a few cds of his and listen to him all the time.
Another American treasure. Like many greats, he left us too soon.
As did Rick Danko.

[Expug]

More from The Band.
With the Staples singer. From The Last Waltz.
It doesnt get better than this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trhrN39li1M

Man ,that is some soulful and beautiful stuff from Mavis and Pops isnt it?

[Randyman]

A Star Is Born 1976 . . .

I was new in the business when this was being filmed in L.A.
I wasn't a regular on the crew, but one of several extra guys hired to help rig the stage with concert lighting equipment.
We weren't the "show boys" just the "riggers", but we had a lot of fun being a part of the production for that part of it.
I remember when this was shot. Streisand is difficult, but she is incredible on stage.
This was in downtown L.A. at an ancient theatre owned by USC. In years later we'd also film "What's Love got To Do With It" and "Sister Act-2" in the same theatre.
I remember watching this scene being filmed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1rcTIke ... re=related


-Rick Farris

Kris Kristofferson & Barbara Streisand . . .


Not all actors and actresses who play lovers on film get along off camera.
This was a perfect example.

"A Star Is Born" was a big budget remake of the old Judy Garland film and Barbara Streisand was producting the film.
I was new in the business at the time, and only worked a number of days on this big production, however, I would learn a lot about "set behavior".
After a few days, somebody mentioned to Kristofferson that one of the guys on the lighting crew was an ex-boxer, and we were introduced.
It would be the first of several films in which we would cross paths over the years, and I truly like the man. In his younger days he was a wild one!

Kris told me that he had boxed amateur in his youth and he was a knowledgeable fan.
He'd pretty much fit in with our group here, it seems as if we are all similar types, he has that heart.

Streisand, on the other hand, is all business and don't expect too much personality from her off camera.
Nobody's talent or range deserves more credit than Ms. Streisand, but personally speaking she is a pain-in-the-ass, rude and basicaly inconsiderate.
You don't go up to Barbra and say, "Hey, would you mind signing a photo for my aunt who happens to be a big fan?"
She'll look at you as if she'd just found a turd in her punch bowl and keep walking.
If you want an autograohed pic you must go thru her secretary, who will put in a request, and weeks later after you have forgotten all about it, a photo will arrive in the mail.
The picture will not be personalized, or even signed. A stamped signature will be on the photo.

Kris is a musician, too. Only Kris is as comfortable as a pair of old slippers. He likes to jam occasionally after hours, and the crew is all welcome.
We had a ball in Tempe, Arizona, where we did the outdoor concert scenes at Sun Devil Stadium of Arizona State University.
We were all lodged at the Hilton in Phoenix, and the musician visitors on the set were like a "Who's Who" of rock/country stars. Waylon Jennings was there, and others.

In Beverly Hills, we had a number of scenes in a Beverly Hills mansion that was used as Kristofferson's charactor's home.
One of the scenes involved a a big kiss between the two leading performers.
Steisand was upset with Kristofferson and made the mistake of raising her voice to her co-star after a take, prior to lunch.

When we returned from our lunch break, we were all ready to shoot the big kiss scene.
Barbara Steisand not only has a big nose, but is very sensitive to smell, and she's always quick to bitch if something doesn't smell right.
So irritating is this to the crew, that a couple of grips would deliberatly move close to the singer everytime they had to fart.
They'd drop a stink bomb and casually move away before they could be identified, sending her into a rage, and sometimes demanding the "set be cleared" while she was on camera.

It had come to a point where the two actors did not speak unless necessary.
As we prepared to roll camera for the kissing scene, Kristofferson stepped off-stage and took a bite of an onion.
When he stepped back in front of the actress the A.D. yelled, "Rolling", the director says, "Action!"
The two actors exchange dialogue, then fall into a kiss.
Streisand suddenly pulls away from the actor, looks at him with fire in her eyes and says . . . "You son-of-a-bitch. You pig bastard!"

The actor had big smile on his face, the actress left the set.
The days work was over, minus the kissing scene.

This was my last day on the film. Later in the year, I saw it when it was released, and I guess they got that kissing scene eventually, because it was in the movie.
I remember thinking to myself, "man these people really are catered to and babied." Do they really have any clue what life is about?
Yes, they do know about life. But what a strange life it can be.


-Rick Farris

Thanks for sharing, Rick. I've heard that Krisofferson was real hell raiser in his day. I think he boxed in the Air Force but I might be mistaken. He had a career as an officer but gave it up to pursue his love of music. His greatest gift of course, was as a song writer and composer. He wrote "Sunday Morning Coming Down" for Johnny Cash. Cash took a chance on Kris and the song and the rest is country music history. Sounds like our kind of guy.

I've heard some similar things about Streisand. Lots and lots of talent there. But character counts more.

Randy

[Randyman]

I'm glad you had a great time fishing. Whenever I see your photos, I always think about my Dad, who was a great fly fisherman. Sadly, I just got back from visiting my Dad, who was admitted to a nursing home last week when I was in Chicago. He's failing fast, and I don't think he'll be with us by Christmas. I'll miss him.

I'm sorry to hear about your father, Tom. I lost my father 28 years ago. It seems like yesterday. See your father as often as possible and make the very best of whatever time God gives you with him. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Randy

[Randyman]

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had some old 8mm film footage from the 1950's that I had transfered to a DVD. This past Sunday I showed them to my mother. She had not seen these in over 50 years. I had already viewed them several times but watching them with her was like watching them for the first time.

It was an emotional and cathartic experience for her. Seeing herself, her family; her husband and her kids, her life, as it was 50 some odd years ago was overwhelming for her. I was seeing the footage through her eyes. There were also some clips with her mother and her grandmother, both have been gone for years.

It reminded us that everything is temporary. There are no exceptions. The time with our parents, the time with our kids, when they are young, is so short. Time waits for no man (or woman). When we are young we think this is how it is but it changes. Later when we have our kids we again believe that this is the way it is and then that changes too. The kids grow up and start their own lives.

The same with friends. Best friends become old friends and on and on. Life is not stationary. It is ongoing and ever changing and if you live long enough the people that were with you when you came into the world are no longer with you when you leave it. If you are surrounded by family and friends that love you, you have had a successful life.

The same with boxing. Fighters come and go. Some careers are short and some last for decades but still they end. As time goes on we realize that a boxers years, however long, is still too short. So we remember the old days. Gone but not forgotten.

Perhaps, with everything we do, the best we can do is leave good memories. That is our legacy to the people that we love and that love us. It might sound corny but I live each day to make my kids proud of me.

Tom, cherish the memories with your dad. You are his legacy.

Frank, those photos you posted of your fishing trip are a perfect example. What great memories you have created for your sons. Between boxing and fishing and camping and everything in between. I can't think of too many fathers that have done more. The same with Roger and Brian, taking their families on those great vacations. Life just doesn't get any better than that.

Randy