DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '06 II => Topic started by: Gothick on August 29, 2006, 08:31:14 PM

Title: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Gothick on August 29, 2006, 08:31:14 PM: A few fans have asked me how the panel at the Festival on the new biography of Grayson Hall went. I'm very pleased to report that the panel was exceptionally well-run, kicking off with some great opening remarks by author RJ Jamison. RJ asked "Are there any Grayson Hall fans in the audience?" and the wild and lusty cheering that ensued left no doubt she was, as it were, "preaching to the choir." After explaining some background to the publication of the biography and thanking those who had assisted her, RJ introduced a wonderful video montage showcasing a wide range of Grayson's non-DS work. Fans enjoyed clips from the 1951 "Lights out!" episode, Satan in High Heels (filmed 1960), Night of the Iguana (1964), That Darn Cat (1965), The Man from UNCLE (1966), Who are you, Polly Magoo? (also 1966), End of the Road (filmed 1968), Adam at 6 AM (filmed during Grayson's hiatus from the 1897 storyline in September of '69), Kojak (1974), and One Life to Live (1982).

After the video, Nancy Barrett took the stage and read excerpts from the book. I was impressed by Nancy's fluid command of correct Spanish and French pronunciation--she's clearly as well educated linguistically as Grayson herself. After the reading, Nancy generously stayed on board for a short Q & A. Nancy shared that nearly everyone adored Grayson because she was so "odd" and such a unique character that she disarmed just about everyone. She also noted that for Grayson, "family always, always came first," and that one of the reasons Grayson cherished being on DS is that it kept her family in New York City.

The half hour allotted to the program flew by all too quickly. Among other topics covered in the Q & A was the fact that Mike Nichols intended for quite some time to cast Grayson as Mrs Robinson in "The Graduate." A fascinating possibility, which almost certainly would have kept her out of "the shadows" forever. Since I personally cannot imagine Collinwood without Dr. Hoffman (world's record-holding houseguest), I'm personally glad "The Graduate" fell through for her. Grayson herself apparently regarded it as the greatest loss in her career.

"Grayson Hall: a hard act to follow" by R J Jamison is available at www.graysonhall.net and through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

G.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Sunny_Collins on August 29, 2006, 09:03:37 PM: Thanks so much for the report, Gothick! :)

I'm in complete agreement with you, I can't see Dark Shadows without Julia Hoffman. After all, it was her nerves of steel that allowed her to confront Barnabas about being a vampire, and it was from this confrontation that their friendship began.

Through them we were able to experience many adventures. Grayson Hall did an excellent job with the character, and it is her acting ability which makes us care so much for Julia.

IMHO, it is a testament to great acting when an actor or actress can create a character from the lines they are given, then invest a part of themselves in to that character, which together combine to form a person the audience can grow to care so much for.

Grayson did this beautifully, and it is thanks to her that we still continue to enjoy the strong willed, compassionate Julia Hoffman.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Nancy on August 29, 2006, 09:06:33 PM: I agree that the Grayson Hall segment was really lovely. I still can't get over the fact that R Jamison was able to get Sam and Matt Hall to cooperate so completely.

nancy
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: retzev on August 30, 2006, 01:17:39 AM: Quote from: Nancy on August 29, 2006, 09:06:33 PM
I agree that the Grayson Hall segment was really lovely.

I've gotta second that. It was really lovely. Definitely a highlight.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: barnabasjr on August 30, 2006, 05:14:26 AM: Quote from: retzev on August 30, 2006, 01:17:39 AM
Quote from: Nancy on August 29, 2006, 09:06:33 PM
I agree that the Grayson Hall segment was really lovely.

I've gotta second that. It was really lovely. Definitely a highlight.

Being a 3rd cousin from Virginia, I'll third that. I commented to retzev, with whom I had the pleasure of attending this part of the fest, that I noticed during this segment that the very packed room was totally silent, everyone was staring at the stage, thoroughly enjoying the presentation. I asked the author, Ms. Jamison, if she had noticed how enraptured the crowd was but she hadn't, as I'm sure she was nervous enough. It was magnificently well done, a culmination of much anticipation. The video presentation was fantastic, and having Nancy Barrett there to provide her own insightful comments was brilliant.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Heather on August 30, 2006, 02:11:50 PM: Many thanks for the report Steve...gawd, I wish I could've been there. :-[ :-*
Hope you all had a blast!
Go RJ! ;D :-*

p.s. I'm part way through the bio, and I have to say, the book is fantastic. It's SO well researched; educational and entertaining at the same time. A nice mix of funny, thoughtful and poignant moments are woven throughout the text...and the pictures enhance the experience all the more. Just a damn good read, period. [book2]
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall -- photos
Post by: Midnite on August 31, 2006, 05:57:08 PM: (http://www.dsboards.com/images/GHbook1.jpg)

RJ Jamison & friends

(http://www.dsboards.com/images/RemGH3.jpg)

Nancy Barrett reads from Grayson Hall, A Hard Act to Follow during RJ's presentation
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Gothick on August 31, 2006, 09:43:42 PM: Thanks, Midnite, for those photographs. Excellent!

G.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Heather on August 31, 2006, 09:57:07 PM: Thank you SO much, Midnite...

First time I'm seeing pics of fellow members of the Legion this year. :-* :-*
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Patti Feinberg on September 01, 2006, 01:52:21 AM: Gothick :-* thanks for this report.

May I ask what phrases/words Nancy Barrett had to say in Spanish & French? (And you mention Grayson was fluid in Span & French...do you have any background on why she was?)

Thanks again love!!

Patti
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Julia99 on September 01, 2006, 04:13:23 AM: Quote from: Patti on September 01, 2006, 01:52:21 AM
May I ask what phrases/words Nancy Barrett had to say in Spanish & French? (And you mention Grayson was fluid in Span & French...do you have any background on why she was?)

She said Jose Quintero (who was Panamanian) and pronounced the title of Grayson's French film in French.

Grayson studied French starting in high school and took lessons off and on for the rest of her life.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Sandor on September 01, 2006, 04:21:13 AM: Thanks for your feedback on the Divine One's segment, Gothick -
and I must say, the Grayson book is excellent! Required reading for any DS fan. Splendid job, RJ. A lot of quality, dignity, and heart went into that presentation, I'm sure.

Was there a video taken of this portion of the DS Fest? I must have it! I must!!! (He says in familiar "Julia" voice)

-Sandor
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: David on September 01, 2006, 06:07:14 AM: The book is flawless & wonderful.
RJ should be proud.

I think GH should have played Mrs. Robinson AND Doc Julia!!!

BTW, San Francisco drag queen Mathew Martin, who's mentioned in RJ's book, and who's currently playing Joan Crawford in a stage show here, is planning to do a one woman show~~as Grayson!
Should be good!

David
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Connie on September 01, 2006, 11:11:30 AM: Quote from: Sandor on September 01, 2006, 04:21:13 AM
Was there a video taken of this portion of the DS Fest? I must have it! I must!!! (He says in familiar "Julia" voice)

Me too. I'd really like to have a video. I can't wait to get a copy of the book. Saw that first chapter online and it totally grabbed me. Nice introduction too. :-*

Thanks Steve, for the report. (Was gonna ask you in an email about it - now I don't have to) ;)

What I'd like to know is, if Nichols had intended to use Grayson in The Graduate, why did he end up NOT using her??
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Heather on September 01, 2006, 02:17:58 PM: Quote from: Connie on September 01, 2006, 11:11:30 AM
Me too. I'd really like to have a video.

Oh what the hell...me three... ;)

Quote
I can't wait to get a copy of the book.

you won't regret it Connie...its so good I can't put it down, even though I'm in the middle of finals. ;D :-*
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Julia99 on September 01, 2006, 02:33:39 PM: the plan is to put the video on YouTube but a few clearances are required first.

I did not speculate in the book about the Graduate but I understand Nichols originally wanted Charles Grodin (it was offered to others but both have said in interviews the original choice was Grodin) to play Benjamin. . . perhaps when they ultimately switched to Dustin Hoffman they thought he and G weren't a good physical match--or didn't have the chemistry??

http://www.filmsite.org/grad.html
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: BuzzH on September 01, 2006, 02:46:06 PM: Quote from: Sandor on September 01, 2006, 04:21:13 AM
Was there a video taken of this portion of the DS Fest? I must have it! I must!!! (He says in familiar "Julia" voice)

Quote from: Julia99 on September 01, 2006, 02:33:39 PM
the plan is to put the video on YouTube but a few clearances are required first.

Oh goody! I was unable to stay for the tribute as I was helping to run a dealor's table. When you get the clearances and it's up on YouTube, will you let us know? :D
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Gothick on September 01, 2006, 03:28:49 PM: My Goddess, I'm practically in heat thinking of Matthew's "one woman show" as Grayson! I just may have to fly in for this!

Can somebody PLEASE keep us informed about this project??

I hope somebody has gotten Matthew copies of the two existing tape recordings of GH talking about her life... I always thought those would make fabulous raw materials for a one woman show...

so excited it's hard to type!

G.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: David on September 01, 2006, 05:03:55 PM: Matthew Martin (Grayson drag queen) is a good friend of RJ's.
I haven't met him yet, but we've spoken on the phone, and I hope to help him write the Grayson show.
I do have CDs of the Grayson interviews, which are WONDERFUL!
Get them from Bobubas while you can!

Hopefully things will develop with the stage show, and then I can post updates.

David
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Ronny G on September 04, 2006, 03:08:52 AM: How many DS stars were interviewed for the Grayson Hall bio? Was Nancy Barrett interviewed? Also, on the panel, did Nancy talk about working with Grayson years later on One Life to Live or keeping intouch with her after the show? Thanks.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: CyrusL on September 04, 2006, 05:35:21 AM: Quote from: Julia99 on September 01, 2006, 02:33:39 PM
the plan is to put the video on YouTube but a few clearances are required first.

I did not speculate in the book about the Graduate but I understand Nichols originally wanted Charles Grodin (it was offered to others but both have said in interviews the original choice was Grodin) to play Benjamin. . . perhaps when they ultimately switched to Dustin Hoffman they thought he and G weren't a good physical match--or didn't have the chemistry??

http://www.filmsite.org/grad.html
Interestingly, Burt "Robin the Boy Wonder" Ward has long claimed he too was up for Benjamin in "The Graduate." While all this may sound like a boast, truth is often stranger than fiction in Hollywood. Some documented "almost were's" include Edward G. Robinson as Dr. Zaius, (George Sanders also claimed he was considered), Richard Burton and Adam West as James Bond, Joan Bennett as Scarlet O'Hara, Linda "Nova" Harrison as Wonder Woman, Gig Young as "The Waco Kid" in Blazing Saddles, Christopher Walken as Han Solo, Leslie Ann Warren as Lois Lane (in Superman '78), Jaclyn Smith as Victoria Winters # 2, and well, the list goes on...
Michael [director] "next!"
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: David on September 04, 2006, 05:50:14 AM: Don't know about the panel (I wasn't there) but the book does go into a litte detail of Grayson working with Nancy B
& Anthony G on One Life To Live.

The friendship between Grayson & Nancy is talked about a bit.

David
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Julia99 on September 05, 2006, 12:38:57 AM: Quote from: CyrusL on September 04, 2006, 05:35:21 AM
Jaclyn Smith as Victoria Winters # 2

I understand she auditioned for more than one role on DS but her Southern accent kept her from being cast on DS. She eventually lost it you'll note... :-X
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Jackie on September 20, 2006, 06:45:04 PM: Quote from: Gothick on August 29, 2006, 08:31:14 PM
A few fans have asked me how the panel at the Festival on the new biography of Grayson Hall went.....

AHHH. I found it! Thanks and the more I read about RJ's panel and book, the more anxious I am to receive my book!!
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall -- photos
Post by: Jackie on September 20, 2006, 06:48:46 PM: Great photos!! RJ, you're a very stunning woman!!! Congrats on the panel and the book sales. I hope it's going well.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall -- photos
Post by: Nancy on September 20, 2006, 06:53:48 PM: Yes, it was a great panel and RJ is a stunning woman. There will be no living with her now.

You would have loved the panel, Jackie, though I thought the seance attempt was a little much. ;D

Nancy

Quote from: dsbarnabasfan on September 20, 2006, 06:48:46 PM
Great photos!! RJ, you're a very stunning woman!!! Congrats on the panel and the book sales. I hope it's going well.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Jackie on September 20, 2006, 06:55:56 PM: Quote from: David on September 01, 2006, 06:07:14 AM
BTW, San Francisco drag queen Mathew Martin, who's mentioned in RJ's book, and who's currently playing Joan Crawford in a stage show here, is planning to do a one woman show~~as Grayson!
Should be good!

OH MY, that should be fascinating.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall -- photos
Post by: Jackie on September 20, 2006, 07:05:06 PM: Quote from: Nancy on September 20, 2006, 06:53:48 PM
You would have loved the panel, Jackie, though I thought the seance attempt was a little much. ;D

Really? So Grayson didn't show up this time? Keep trying, they say the three try is always the charm!! >:D
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall -- photos
Post by: Nancy on September 20, 2006, 07:12:21 PM: She might have but some klutz knocked over the candles . . . oh, that was me. Er, sorry. ::)

Nancy

Quote from: dsbarnabasfan on September 20, 2006, 07:05:06 PM
So Grayson didn't show up this time? Keep trying, they say the three try is always the charm!! >:D
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Midnite on September 30, 2006, 05:43:46 AM: In its Fest writeup, the latest ShadowGram email (see link below) lists the new books by David Selby, Lara Parker, Donna McKechnie, Betsy Durkin and KLS that were available at the Fest. Also available for sale, it says, were Marie Wallace's and Diana Millay's books and Chris Pennock's comics. It also mentions the popularity of ShadowGram issues, DS Concordances, and other fan collections. Oh, and that MPI offered some new stuff. Hmmm. The two Fest purchases that I'm happiest with are actually the Grayson Hall bio and the Big Finish Audio CDs. I guess "Remembering Grayson Hall" wasn't taken to heart when that report was written. But I'm overcome with joy that the new sweatshirts got a special mention. :-

Quote from: LdyAnne on September 27, 2006, 03:50:19 PM
ShadowGram #159
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: David on September 30, 2006, 08:06:53 AM: I have a gut feeling that RJ's presentation wasn't mentioned because she dared to speak her mind RE:
Shadowgram's publisher.

It's your call, Midnite, but I respectfully suggest that Shadowgram emails not be posted at this board until it STOPS playing favorites & STOPS pretending that gays do not exist in fandom.

In other words, Shadosgram, like ANY information publication, should start telling the truth.

David
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Midnite on September 30, 2006, 03:35:05 PM: Quote from: David on September 30, 2006, 08:06:53 AM
I have a gut feeling that RJ's presentation wasn't mentioned because she dared to speak her mind RE:
Shadowgram's publisher.

Thank you for making it clear that you are speculating; however, I don't believe this is accurate. And note that Big Finish was also not mentioned in the report.

Quote
It's your call, Midnite, but I respectfully suggest that Shadowgram emails not be posted at this board until it STOPS playing favorites & STOPS pretending that gays do not exist in fandom.

David, this topic is about RJ's presentation and book.

Quote
In other words, Shadosgram, like ANY information publication, should start telling the truth.

More or less the same report appears on the Festival website.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: David on September 30, 2006, 03:55:29 PM: I noticed on the DSF homepage that today is RJ's birthday.

Happy Birthday, sweetie!
May your book be a bestseller!
It should be required reading for students at the Actor's Studio!

David
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: Midnite on September 30, 2006, 06:06:14 PM: Quote from: Midnite on September 30, 2006, 03:35:05 PM
I don't believe this is accurate.

An addendum:

I can't find a single negative public comment made by the author before the Fest report was written. Unless you find some evidence supporting your suspicion, please drop it.
Title: Re: Remembering Grayson Hall
Post by: BuzzH on October 02, 2006, 03:19:55 AM: Quote from: Midnite on September 30, 2006, 05:43:46 AM
Oh, and that MPI offered some new stuff. Hmmm...I'm overcome with joy that the new sweatshirts got a special mention.

Hmmm, I saw their 40th anniversary tee-shirt was impressed...NOT! They didn't even say 40th Anniversary on them! Um, HELLO MPI! Bobubas had the DEFINITIVE tee this year, as he always does. ;) And let's face it folks, the ONLY reason those damn sweatshirts sold so well is because the hotel was colder than the Collins mauseleum in February. Their reps actually told me that they were going to beg the hotel to drop the thermastat when sales fell off. Okay, so they were kidding...Lucky for me I had my old trusty Lyndhurst sweatshirt already in my room. ;D