Author to speak at a book-signing at Diesel Bookstore in Brentwood on February 19th at 3 p.m., 225 26th Street, Suite 33, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Q: Fred, your book covers a lot of territory and names a lot of names. Can you give us the “elevator pitch†? What’s in the book and why should readers want to pick up a copy?
A: In the book. I describe myself as “Forrest Gump as played by Al Pacino†because I was a tough kid from the East Bronx who somehow managed to find himself at the heart of a lot of significant events in pop culture, even though almost nobody outside of show business knows my name. Music and comedy fans will love that I started The Bitter End nightclub in Greenwich Village in the 60s, introducing—and in some cases, managing—people like Woody Allen, Billy Crystal, Neil Diamond, Bill Cosby, The Four S
easons, and Joan Rivers. Martial arts fans will like the story of how I produced “Enter the Dragon†and made Bruce Lee an international star; and the Woodstock Generation will be surprised to learn that I was the guy who got “Woodstock: The Movie†made,†which, incidentally saved Warner Bros. Plus, there are anecdotes about many of the stars—Steve McQueen, George C. Scott, Robert Duvall, Kirsten Dunst and dozens of others whom I worked with on the more than forty movies which I produced over the years; not to mention tales of mobsters, dictators, and red-baiting producers I’ve had run-ins with over the years. There’s literally something for everybody.
Q: Any particularly keen memories or insights?
A: I remember the wonderful period in the early ‘60s: the idealism, the enthusiasm, and the great cooperation among the artists of that period. It was a time when young people talked about creativity and not about money. One memory that really sticks with me is witnessing Peter, Paul and Mary making their world debut on my stage, singing “If I Had a Hammer.†Truly a magical moment at The Bitter End. The red brick wall they performed in front of has become an iconic backdrop for folk music and stand up comedy ever since.
Q: Any thoughts on the current state of, and outlook for, the entertainment business?
A: The entertainment business sees its ups and downs but it has great resiliency. I think the future is going to be greater than ever. Just think, within the next few years you’ll be releasing a film on one night with over 10 million subscribers on the internet. There are always ways to live between the raindrops as evidenced by the many different careers in entertainment that I’ve had.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: A prequel to “Enter the Dragon†, doing book signings around the country, and reuniting with so many people I was friends with over the years.
