This is the full 2:31:00 version of the Major League Stripper Podcast which is 12 episodes. This is for those of you who only want the full version. There is a small charge for this episode which is commercial free. You will see the charge before you purchase. The RE-IMAGINED story of Don Rudolph of the Washington Senators and the Burlesque queen he married, Patti Waggin. A true love story.
Friday, January 13, 2023
Saturday, April 6, 2019
New Lancer & The Cowboy Festival April 13-14
The word is "this is the best Lancer yet!" And then there is "Lancer; Hero of the West" the ballad written by two time Oscar winner Al Kasha and co-written and performed by multi-award winning singer/composer, Ron Dante!
I can also concur, this current book is easily what I feel, as the author, is my best work yet in the Lancer series. I hope you will take a look and then go back and read the four previous adventures. It would, as Clint Eastwood might say "make my day."
In addition, I along with other western authors, will be at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival on April 13-14 at Hart Park in Newhall, CA. The big thing this year, everything including admission is FREE!
Food is available for purchase and if you haven't had the peach cobbler cooked outside in huge iron pots, covered with vanilla ice cream, you have NOT Lived! Add some cowboy coffee and you are in heaven on the prairie.
Lots of western music, tall tales, storytelling and western shopping and wear too. Come dressed in period or dressed as you are. You will have a great time. I've included some pix from past times and some links for you.
AND AS REQUESTED; I WILL BRING SOME TURKISH DELIGHT!
Saturday, March 16, 2019
New Lancer; Hero of the West - The New Orleans Affair "LIVE"
Well, it's finally here....
Lancer's latest adventure is a reality; "Lancer; Hero of the West - the New Orleans Affair." Follow, the good guy gunslinger from Tombstone at the end of the Wyatt Earp Preliminary Hearing, along the trail to the intrigue of New Orleans. The Gunfight at the OK Corral was just a month before the episode begins and Lancer hangs out with Wyatt and his brothers hoping for the best from the local judge.
While there, Lancer gets a telegram from New Orleans; Come quick an old friend needs your help. The man in black is off to the Crescent City and a new adventure. Along the way he falls into scrapes with real life legendary people and of course a love interest.
See who they are, read about them now; either paperback or Kindle. Order online from the author,(copies of the paperback on MY website, won't be available for about a week) or from your favorite book store. If you are ordering a digital copy, Amazon is where you will find it.
Some people are saying this is the "best Lancer yet!" International complications, a love interest, a voodoo priestess and a spy or two mix in with the US Military and a revolt in Mexico. You will also learn more about the man, revealed in "Lancer; Hero of the West - The New Orleans Affair."
Join me and a lot of other really great western authors at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival April 13-14 in Santa Clarita at Hart Park in the Buckaroo Bookstore. Admission to the festival this year is FREE! C'mon out pardner, meet the cowboys, the authors, learn about the west and spend some money, buy a book (we'll sign them for free) too - The Peach Cobbler and ice cream with cowboy coffee is just waiting to be the most mouth watering grub to ever cross your lips.
While there, Lancer gets a telegram from New Orleans; Come quick an old friend needs your help. The man in black is off to the Crescent City and a new adventure. Along the way he falls into scrapes with real life legendary people and of course a love interest.
See who they are, read about them now; either paperback or Kindle. Order online from the author,(copies of the paperback on MY website, won't be available for about a week) or from your favorite book store. If you are ordering a digital copy, Amazon is where you will find it.
Some people are saying this is the "best Lancer yet!" International complications, a love interest, a voodoo priestess and a spy or two mix in with the US Military and a revolt in Mexico. You will also learn more about the man, revealed in "Lancer; Hero of the West - The New Orleans Affair."
Join me and a lot of other really great western authors at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival April 13-14 in Santa Clarita at Hart Park in the Buckaroo Bookstore. Admission to the festival this year is FREE! C'mon out pardner, meet the cowboys, the authors, learn about the west and spend some money, buy a book (we'll sign them for free) too - The Peach Cobbler and ice cream with cowboy coffee is just waiting to be the most mouth watering grub to ever cross your lips.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Lancer; Hero of the West AND YOU!
Did you ever want to write a book? Most people have the desire but never get around to doing it.
Did you ever think to yourself when you read a book "Gee, I think this should have taken another turn?" Of course you have.
Well, how would you like to do that? I begin writing the fifth installment of the Lancer; Hero of the West series of western novels, in January. "The New Orleans Affair" is next on the list of Lancer adventures. I would like your help in writing the story. Seriously.
Here is how it will work.
1. Take your ideas for the next Lancer book and email them to me at brillpro@gmail.com.
2. Make sure you make it short (a paragraph or two) and tell me if you have read any of the Lancer; Hero of the West books and which ones.
3. Put your full name, email city and state in the email.
4. If you like you can write "Bob Brill has my permission to use these ideas in his Lancer books without compensation." (Actually you don't need to do that because by responding to the offer you are already giving me such permission).
Please understand you will NOT be paid or compensated in any way for the use of your idea. You WILL receive written "contributors credit" in the book. The name you give me in the email will be the name I use and I will also put your state and hometown, unless you request I not put that in.
You should know, and you do if you have read the Lancer books, there are certain characteristics about the character which are constant, and will not be changed. Lancer is who he is, and he will remain so. However, there are always changes and growth which take place in a book series. You can contribute to this growth if you like.
If you haven't read any of the Lancer; Hero of the West novels we suggest you read at least one. You can find them on Amazon, order from you local bookstore, or you can purchase a paperback copy from my website; www.bobbrillbooks.com.
We hope you like the offer and want to contribute. We have contributions so far and are taking stock of those over the next few months as we plan out the next novel. We look forward to hearing from you.
Did you ever think to yourself when you read a book "Gee, I think this should have taken another turn?" Of course you have.
Well, how would you like to do that? I begin writing the fifth installment of the Lancer; Hero of the West series of western novels, in January. "The New Orleans Affair" is next on the list of Lancer adventures. I would like your help in writing the story. Seriously.
Here is how it will work.
1. Take your ideas for the next Lancer book and email them to me at brillpro@gmail.com.
2. Make sure you make it short (a paragraph or two) and tell me if you have read any of the Lancer; Hero of the West books and which ones.
3. Put your full name, email city and state in the email.
4. If you like you can write "Bob Brill has my permission to use these ideas in his Lancer books without compensation." (Actually you don't need to do that because by responding to the offer you are already giving me such permission).
Please understand you will NOT be paid or compensated in any way for the use of your idea. You WILL receive written "contributors credit" in the book. The name you give me in the email will be the name I use and I will also put your state and hometown, unless you request I not put that in.
You should know, and you do if you have read the Lancer books, there are certain characteristics about the character which are constant, and will not be changed. Lancer is who he is, and he will remain so. However, there are always changes and growth which take place in a book series. You can contribute to this growth if you like.
If you haven't read any of the Lancer; Hero of the West novels we suggest you read at least one. You can find them on Amazon, order from you local bookstore, or you can purchase a paperback copy from my website; www.bobbrillbooks.com.
We hope you like the offer and want to contribute. We have contributions so far and are taking stock of those over the next few months as we plan out the next novel. We look forward to hearing from you.
Monday, May 7, 2018
YOU Write the Next Lancer; Hero of the West Book
Wow! Okay! Check this out. I have decided to let readers/listeners have input into the next Lancer; Hero of the West saga.
I begin writing the next Lancer book, "The New Orleans Affair" in January. This will be the fifth installment in the western series, "Lancer; Hero of the West." Between now and then, I'm offering listeners and readers the opportunity to help me write the next adventure. You heard Correctly!
I am seeking your input on story lines, characters Lancer will meet along the way, the basic plot lines, twists and turns, what to reveal about Lancer's past or anything else you want to see in the next book. I'll take that input and see if it works and if it does it will be incorporated into the story. It may not work, but it may be good enough or interesting enough to change the story line overall and get entered into the saga.
(The books;The Prescott Affair, The Los Angeles Affair, The Santa Fe Affair, El Paso Affair.)
You should know the story itself takes place in New Orleans (or the surrounding area) and Lancer will begin the story in his home base of Tombstone, Arizona. Lancer usually mixes with legendary characters of the day and there are certain things which happen along the way which pretty much take their course in every Lancer book. Don't let that dismay you however, feel free to open your mind about Lancer. If it's too far off the beaten path I still may like it enough to use it.
At the bottom of this blog I'll give you an email to send your comments or suggestions. You can also make suggestions on the Lancer FaceBook page but I will tell you up front, taking the time to send me an email with your comments will carry more weight than the FB page.
I think you should be aware of one thing however and that is the fact Lancer; Hero of the West is the tale of a good guy gunslinger for hire. As such, he has certain qualities. And the best way to learn about those qualities is by reading the first four Lancer; Hero of the West novels. Now before you see this as a shameless plug to get you to buy more books you should know, YES, it is a shameless plug to get you to buy more books. Now, if you've already read the books, you are ahead of the game.
However, the book series is successful and to continue to make it a success there are certain characteristics which fall into place. So you should read some if not all of the books to get that feeling of who Lancer really is.
I'm going to offer you this special deal if you want to purchase all the books. The books sell for $13.99 plus $4 shipping. That would translate to roughly $72 if you bought them individually. If you want all four books just send me that request in an email and I will work it out so you can buy all four for $60 shipping included. Books are heavy and packaging and shipping four will cost just about $10. You can also buy the books or download them on Amazon. If you only need to pick up one or two books from my website, let me know and I will make them available for the special price.
(Bob and cover illustrator, Julia C.)
So get on board and help me write the next Lancer; Hero of the West -- the New Orleans Affair, right away. If I use your suggestions I will give you credit in the back of the book. You won't get paid for that but you can tell your friends your name is in a new book!
Thank you to all of our readers and our new listeners who can join us on a writers internet radio show which I've been asked to co-host. The Writers Block appears on LA Talk Radio and I'll be co-hosting with Jim Christina who has had the show for years and who also hosts the Buckaroo Book Store at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.
The email to submit your book suggestions is brillpro@gmail.com. Please put "Lancer" in the description line so I don't delete it or it doesn't go to my spam. I am looking forward to hearing from you!!!
I begin writing the next Lancer book, "The New Orleans Affair" in January. This will be the fifth installment in the western series, "Lancer; Hero of the West." Between now and then, I'm offering listeners and readers the opportunity to help me write the next adventure. You heard Correctly!
I am seeking your input on story lines, characters Lancer will meet along the way, the basic plot lines, twists and turns, what to reveal about Lancer's past or anything else you want to see in the next book. I'll take that input and see if it works and if it does it will be incorporated into the story. It may not work, but it may be good enough or interesting enough to change the story line overall and get entered into the saga.
You should know the story itself takes place in New Orleans (or the surrounding area) and Lancer will begin the story in his home base of Tombstone, Arizona. Lancer usually mixes with legendary characters of the day and there are certain things which happen along the way which pretty much take their course in every Lancer book. Don't let that dismay you however, feel free to open your mind about Lancer. If it's too far off the beaten path I still may like it enough to use it.
At the bottom of this blog I'll give you an email to send your comments or suggestions. You can also make suggestions on the Lancer FaceBook page but I will tell you up front, taking the time to send me an email with your comments will carry more weight than the FB page.
I think you should be aware of one thing however and that is the fact Lancer; Hero of the West is the tale of a good guy gunslinger for hire. As such, he has certain qualities. And the best way to learn about those qualities is by reading the first four Lancer; Hero of the West novels. Now before you see this as a shameless plug to get you to buy more books you should know, YES, it is a shameless plug to get you to buy more books. Now, if you've already read the books, you are ahead of the game.
However, the book series is successful and to continue to make it a success there are certain characteristics which fall into place. So you should read some if not all of the books to get that feeling of who Lancer really is.
I'm going to offer you this special deal if you want to purchase all the books. The books sell for $13.99 plus $4 shipping. That would translate to roughly $72 if you bought them individually. If you want all four books just send me that request in an email and I will work it out so you can buy all four for $60 shipping included. Books are heavy and packaging and shipping four will cost just about $10. You can also buy the books or download them on Amazon. If you only need to pick up one or two books from my website, let me know and I will make them available for the special price.
So get on board and help me write the next Lancer; Hero of the West -- the New Orleans Affair, right away. If I use your suggestions I will give you credit in the back of the book. You won't get paid for that but you can tell your friends your name is in a new book!
Thank you to all of our readers and our new listeners who can join us on a writers internet radio show which I've been asked to co-host. The Writers Block appears on LA Talk Radio and I'll be co-hosting with Jim Christina who has had the show for years and who also hosts the Buckaroo Book Store at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.
The email to submit your book suggestions is brillpro@gmail.com. Please put "Lancer" in the description line so I don't delete it or it doesn't go to my spam. I am looking forward to hearing from you!!!
Thursday, March 15, 2018
LANCER; Hero of the West - The El Paso Affair is "LIVE"
Yes! We are rolling out the fourth adventure for Lancer; Hero of the West. This one is the El Paso Affair.
Of particular interest in this novel is it takes place the day before the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral. As you know if you follow the series, Lancer is very good friends with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, both of whom make early appearances in the El Paso Affair. They are prepping for the famous fight as Lancer is getting ready to leave.
Since my fictitious character wasn't there, it was convenient to have him heading out to his next assignment or he WOULD have been helping his friends at the Corral. It seemed only right.
Our hero is on his way to the border city to help an old friend, a real life character named Dallas Stoudenmire. And if you don't think it was a chore writing the name "Stoudenmire" what seemed like a billion times over nearly 200 pages of text, you haven't written a novel before. Here I place a big "LOL" in the story.
Stoudenmire was a famous lawman who had his time in El Paso and the story itself is inspired by true events with some pretty strong literary license. I hope you will enjoy the story and my daughter Julia's new artwork.
You will notice for the first time we actually have people on the cover. I've always resisted this but times change and so do theories and it was time to put some bodies on the cover. She did a great job. Of course, the holster minus the pistol is still there. My motto regarding the Lancer; Hero of the West character is still; brains first, brawn second and the gun only when it's necessary. This hero remains true to form.
Although you will see some subtle changes in the man as you read due to his growth as a character, you will also see the same distinguished gentleman gunfighter who respects all around him and does what he has to do. I reveal a little more about his past in this book so I hope you enjoy Lancer; Hero of the West - the El Paso Affair, either on Amazon, or from booksellers or on our website.
Of particular interest in this novel is it takes place the day before the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral. As you know if you follow the series, Lancer is very good friends with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, both of whom make early appearances in the El Paso Affair. They are prepping for the famous fight as Lancer is getting ready to leave.
Since my fictitious character wasn't there, it was convenient to have him heading out to his next assignment or he WOULD have been helping his friends at the Corral. It seemed only right.
Our hero is on his way to the border city to help an old friend, a real life character named Dallas Stoudenmire. And if you don't think it was a chore writing the name "Stoudenmire" what seemed like a billion times over nearly 200 pages of text, you haven't written a novel before. Here I place a big "LOL" in the story.
Stoudenmire was a famous lawman who had his time in El Paso and the story itself is inspired by true events with some pretty strong literary license. I hope you will enjoy the story and my daughter Julia's new artwork.
You will notice for the first time we actually have people on the cover. I've always resisted this but times change and so do theories and it was time to put some bodies on the cover. She did a great job. Of course, the holster minus the pistol is still there. My motto regarding the Lancer; Hero of the West character is still; brains first, brawn second and the gun only when it's necessary. This hero remains true to form.
Although you will see some subtle changes in the man as you read due to his growth as a character, you will also see the same distinguished gentleman gunfighter who respects all around him and does what he has to do. I reveal a little more about his past in this book so I hope you enjoy Lancer; Hero of the West - the El Paso Affair, either on Amazon, or from booksellers or on our website.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
New Lancer Book and Cowboy Festival Coming Soon
I have finished the latest adventure in the "Lancer; Hero of the West" Series of western novels with the El Paso Affair. This adventure takes our hero to the West Texas City of El Paso about the time of the Gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone.
With a dedication to western balladeer, Marty Robbins, the new Lancer book goes back to a time when Marshall Dallas Stoudenmire patrolled the streets of El Paso. While we actually draw leather and insights with real life legendary characters, as in the past, the story is purely fictional.
Lancer meets some usual and unusual people along the way and there is plenty of gun play for those who love the western shootout, despite the fact Lancer is a non-violent man. If you know Lancer, you know it's "wits first, brawn second and guns only as a last and deadly resort."
It should be released sometime in March just in time for the April 21-22 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in Southern California. The festival is held each year in Newhall on the grounds of the William S. Hart Park and Museum. If you've never been you can visit the museum for free all year round and it's a fabulous little tour.
The festival will feature lots of western food, gear for sale, folks roaming around in costume, exhibitions and of course music and books. Films and lectures are also a part of the event and there is free parking off site with a shuttle every 15 minutes which is also free.
Check out the festival on-line now and get your tickets. My good friends Al Bringas and Eric Heisner will also be at the booth selling their books and other western items. Al illustrates and Eric writes western books, and they act as well. I will also have DVD copies of my modern day western short for sale; The Girl From Sweden, for $5. It's an enjoyable dramatic film with great music and lots of action with horses to boot. Currently it's entered into festivals. We are currently working on a feature length script for the film project.
Hope to see you there and look for "Lancer; Hero of the West - The El Paso Affair" shortly. The previous Lancer; Hero of the West books are "the Prescott Affair," "the Los Angeles Affair," and the "Santa Fe Affair."
With a dedication to western balladeer, Marty Robbins, the new Lancer book goes back to a time when Marshall Dallas Stoudenmire patrolled the streets of El Paso. While we actually draw leather and insights with real life legendary characters, as in the past, the story is purely fictional.
Lancer meets some usual and unusual people along the way and there is plenty of gun play for those who love the western shootout, despite the fact Lancer is a non-violent man. If you know Lancer, you know it's "wits first, brawn second and guns only as a last and deadly resort."
It should be released sometime in March just in time for the April 21-22 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in Southern California. The festival is held each year in Newhall on the grounds of the William S. Hart Park and Museum. If you've never been you can visit the museum for free all year round and it's a fabulous little tour.
The festival will feature lots of western food, gear for sale, folks roaming around in costume, exhibitions and of course music and books. Films and lectures are also a part of the event and there is free parking off site with a shuttle every 15 minutes which is also free.
Check out the festival on-line now and get your tickets. My good friends Al Bringas and Eric Heisner will also be at the booth selling their books and other western items. Al illustrates and Eric writes western books, and they act as well. I will also have DVD copies of my modern day western short for sale; The Girl From Sweden, for $5. It's an enjoyable dramatic film with great music and lots of action with horses to boot. Currently it's entered into festivals. We are currently working on a feature length script for the film project.
Hope to see you there and look for "Lancer; Hero of the West - The El Paso Affair" shortly. The previous Lancer; Hero of the West books are "the Prescott Affair," "the Los Angeles Affair," and the "Santa Fe Affair."
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
MLB Player sues LAPD and loses
The case I am about to relate to you stems from a police case of mistaken identity and the victim was major league baseball player, Don Rudolph. In 1963 Rudolph was a pitcher with the Washington Senators. He had signed his contract for 1964 and after the incident signed his 1965 contract for $7,000. As stated in the court papers this was a 40% cut in salary. Rudolph blames this on the incident I am about to relay here.
It began in December 1963 when Don, his wife Patti Waggin, their child Julena and Patti's brother Al Hardwicke, his wife Margie (although in court papers it states Mary), child and a relative named "Borden Anderson," were at Don's home on Index Street in Granada Hills. If I am not mistaken Borden was a relative also known as "Scootchie" in letters I have written by Patti during her life.
At about 9:00 at night on December 5th, according to Don's testimony in court papers, Police officers (detectives) burst into the home without warrants, entered "wrongfully and with force," and the police "cursed, manhandled and berated" Don and Al. Finally they were "forcibly taken from this home and taken to two police stations, detained, interrogated, threatened and ultimately released."
Furthermore the testimony follows "All conduct was done in the presence of women and children, causing great fear, hysteria, upset and pandemonium." As a result they were compelled to seek medical treatment and continue to do so." Another key is as follows;
"In addition, Mr. Rudolph suffered injury to his left shoulder and arm, which may affect his occupation as a major league professional baseball player to the total damages of $500,000."
Don was a left handed pitcher. Don sued for half a million dollars in damages and another half million in punitive damages. He seems to claim his 1965 contract reflects the incident in one way or another. He goes on to say it now takes him "longer to warm up" and he must throw all year round to keep his arm loose. Whether this is true or not, it makes a great point for the suit. At any rate MLB at the time would have sided likely with law enforcement and Don may have been an outcast at the major league level.
As it was, Don never pitched in 1965 in the big leagues. His 1963 season, he was a workhorse throwing nearly 175 innings but lost 19 games for a lousy team. In 1964 he was 1-3, mainly in relief pitching only 70 innings. His brother told me they wanted to send him back to the minor leagues but he refused and was released. He was only 34. There might be some thinking the incident reflected on his status in MLB at the time.
We have tried to reach out to his lawyer at the time to get a feel for what Don was really thinking and if he wanted to pursue this as it happened. The lawyer refuses to talk to us. He has had his own issues with the state bar over the years. In his suit, Don named both police officers, Chief Parker, and two other uniformed officers as well as the City of Los Angeles.
There is a lot of confusion because the police report, while granting this was a case of mistaken identity, claimed a lot less violent confrontation.In court documents the defense testifies they were actually polite and did not burst in but "rang the doorbell" and were "admitted."
Furthermore, Don claims they were fingerprinted and photographed and the FBI and the State Bureau of Investigation held those photos. Don wanted them back because he didn't want, as a professional ballplayer, those photographs or mug shots circulating. He was right in demanding that but wrong in his assumption. Police records show he was never the subject of a mug shot. Don later admits in sworn testimony he assumed he was photographed but later learned he was part of "a line up."
In reality, what happened was a true case of mistaken identity. The cops were looking for two white men in a bunco fraud scheme involving the sale and licensing of fire extinguishers and later cosmetics. The two men fit the description of Don and Al. The fact Al was a convicted felon didn't help matters. The fact Don screamed at them he was a major league pitcher with the Washington Senators during the incident, didn't give police cause to believe him either.
The cops waited in a stake out across the street from the Rudolph home on a tip and their own investigative work (which evidently wasn't as good as they thought it was). A car came home shortly before 9:00 and Don got out and went into his house. Shortly thereafter while the Rudolph's and the Hardwicke's were enjoying a night watching television and snacking, the police came to the door.
Don's own handwritten notes (which I have) explain in detail how they busted into the room without a warrant, made accusations, threw him to the ground and handcuffed them both. Both in total contrast to the police who say they questioned the two men directly before handcuffing them while they were standing up. They state they cuffed Hardwicke "in front," which in itself is unusual but maybe not for the day.
In the end the judge (no jury trial which seems odd) sided with the police. In 1965 Los Angeles this is not out of the ordinary. It was under Chief William Parker's regime. Parker is one of the least respected police chief's around.
The judge let the cops off Scott free and ordered Don to pay their court costs of $353.00. The judge said his injuries were not significant, they were not fingerprinted or photographed, and they were not held illegally and were released in a couple of hours when it was realized they were not the crooks the cops were really looking for. Sort of a no-harm no-foul situation.
Don on the other hand was crying foul for everything from his injuries to false arrest and imprisonment. Certainly being hauled away in a police car in front of friends and neighbors in a quiet community, was not how he wanted to be remembered. It took a year almost to the day of the incident to get a final court ruling from Judge Aubrey Irwin of the Superior Court of Los Angeles...December 21st, 1965.
Don got nothing for his injury, except it looks like some insurance coverage and he never again pitched in the big leagues, or the minors for that fact. He was killed three years later in a tragic accident in the San Fernando Valley at age 37. The brakes went out in his truck on what was to be the vehicles last run before being disposed of, according to a family member, and it rolled over throwing him from the vehicle.
It is a sad case and there are still some questions left open which I believe his attorney at the time could answer. He won't talk to me however despite numerous attempts. He is in his 80's but still has an office.
The difference in today's world and 1965. I have reported on numerous cases recently with multi-million dollar settlements for much less than happened here. The bottom line is the city and the county today won't fight in court if they feel they can get off much cheaper by settling than paying legal fees. If the city had settled for half a million with Don Rudolph today it would have just gone away. Instead, the city got $353 which Rudolph had to pay, plus his own attorney fees.
The world has changed since 1965 and while back then few people would know about the case (very small write up in the LA Times when it was filed), today Don's face, and especially former burlesque queen and wife Patti Waggin, would have been plastered all over every station in the world. He might have even won at that point.
It began in December 1963 when Don, his wife Patti Waggin, their child Julena and Patti's brother Al Hardwicke, his wife Margie (although in court papers it states Mary), child and a relative named "Borden Anderson," were at Don's home on Index Street in Granada Hills. If I am not mistaken Borden was a relative also known as "Scootchie" in letters I have written by Patti during her life.
At about 9:00 at night on December 5th, according to Don's testimony in court papers, Police officers (detectives) burst into the home without warrants, entered "wrongfully and with force," and the police "cursed, manhandled and berated" Don and Al. Finally they were "forcibly taken from this home and taken to two police stations, detained, interrogated, threatened and ultimately released."
Furthermore the testimony follows "All conduct was done in the presence of women and children, causing great fear, hysteria, upset and pandemonium." As a result they were compelled to seek medical treatment and continue to do so." Another key is as follows;
"In addition, Mr. Rudolph suffered injury to his left shoulder and arm, which may affect his occupation as a major league professional baseball player to the total damages of $500,000."
Don was a left handed pitcher. Don sued for half a million dollars in damages and another half million in punitive damages. He seems to claim his 1965 contract reflects the incident in one way or another. He goes on to say it now takes him "longer to warm up" and he must throw all year round to keep his arm loose. Whether this is true or not, it makes a great point for the suit. At any rate MLB at the time would have sided likely with law enforcement and Don may have been an outcast at the major league level.
As it was, Don never pitched in 1965 in the big leagues. His 1963 season, he was a workhorse throwing nearly 175 innings but lost 19 games for a lousy team. In 1964 he was 1-3, mainly in relief pitching only 70 innings. His brother told me they wanted to send him back to the minor leagues but he refused and was released. He was only 34. There might be some thinking the incident reflected on his status in MLB at the time.
We have tried to reach out to his lawyer at the time to get a feel for what Don was really thinking and if he wanted to pursue this as it happened. The lawyer refuses to talk to us. He has had his own issues with the state bar over the years. In his suit, Don named both police officers, Chief Parker, and two other uniformed officers as well as the City of Los Angeles.
There is a lot of confusion because the police report, while granting this was a case of mistaken identity, claimed a lot less violent confrontation.In court documents the defense testifies they were actually polite and did not burst in but "rang the doorbell" and were "admitted."
Furthermore, Don claims they were fingerprinted and photographed and the FBI and the State Bureau of Investigation held those photos. Don wanted them back because he didn't want, as a professional ballplayer, those photographs or mug shots circulating. He was right in demanding that but wrong in his assumption. Police records show he was never the subject of a mug shot. Don later admits in sworn testimony he assumed he was photographed but later learned he was part of "a line up."
In reality, what happened was a true case of mistaken identity. The cops were looking for two white men in a bunco fraud scheme involving the sale and licensing of fire extinguishers and later cosmetics. The two men fit the description of Don and Al. The fact Al was a convicted felon didn't help matters. The fact Don screamed at them he was a major league pitcher with the Washington Senators during the incident, didn't give police cause to believe him either.
The cops waited in a stake out across the street from the Rudolph home on a tip and their own investigative work (which evidently wasn't as good as they thought it was). A car came home shortly before 9:00 and Don got out and went into his house. Shortly thereafter while the Rudolph's and the Hardwicke's were enjoying a night watching television and snacking, the police came to the door.
Don's own handwritten notes (which I have) explain in detail how they busted into the room without a warrant, made accusations, threw him to the ground and handcuffed them both. Both in total contrast to the police who say they questioned the two men directly before handcuffing them while they were standing up. They state they cuffed Hardwicke "in front," which in itself is unusual but maybe not for the day.
In the end the judge (no jury trial which seems odd) sided with the police. In 1965 Los Angeles this is not out of the ordinary. It was under Chief William Parker's regime. Parker is one of the least respected police chief's around.
The judge let the cops off Scott free and ordered Don to pay their court costs of $353.00. The judge said his injuries were not significant, they were not fingerprinted or photographed, and they were not held illegally and were released in a couple of hours when it was realized they were not the crooks the cops were really looking for. Sort of a no-harm no-foul situation.
Don on the other hand was crying foul for everything from his injuries to false arrest and imprisonment. Certainly being hauled away in a police car in front of friends and neighbors in a quiet community, was not how he wanted to be remembered. It took a year almost to the day of the incident to get a final court ruling from Judge Aubrey Irwin of the Superior Court of Los Angeles...December 21st, 1965.
Don got nothing for his injury, except it looks like some insurance coverage and he never again pitched in the big leagues, or the minors for that fact. He was killed three years later in a tragic accident in the San Fernando Valley at age 37. The brakes went out in his truck on what was to be the vehicles last run before being disposed of, according to a family member, and it rolled over throwing him from the vehicle.
It is a sad case and there are still some questions left open which I believe his attorney at the time could answer. He won't talk to me however despite numerous attempts. He is in his 80's but still has an office.
The difference in today's world and 1965. I have reported on numerous cases recently with multi-million dollar settlements for much less than happened here. The bottom line is the city and the county today won't fight in court if they feel they can get off much cheaper by settling than paying legal fees. If the city had settled for half a million with Don Rudolph today it would have just gone away. Instead, the city got $353 which Rudolph had to pay, plus his own attorney fees.
The world has changed since 1965 and while back then few people would know about the case (very small write up in the LA Times when it was filed), today Don's face, and especially former burlesque queen and wife Patti Waggin, would have been plastered all over every station in the world. He might have even won at that point.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Lancer's China Adventure
No, Lancer is not going to China, he's still in the West in the latest book, "The Santa Fe Affair."
Lancer's challenge in the third novel in the series "Lancer; Hero of the West" is to rescue a little boy and his father from the likes of former KKK members who run a small town in New Mexico. The pivot here is the little boy's mother was the daughter of a Chinese war lord and a Santa Fe rancher. The mother died in child birth.
Since the Klan doesn't like any ethnicity, and was particularly violent during it's early days, the little boy and his father are in real danger. Lancer is summoned. Throw in the fact the Chinese war lord is coming to America with a small army to regain his grandson, you have an international adventure where Lancer must sort things out.
The Santa Fe Affair actually takes place mostly in the town of El Macho. El Macho was a real place along the Pecos River about 14 miles from present day Santa Fe. We did take some historical license with the city. We searched graveyard records for names and brought in some legendary figures as we always do.
Two of the characters who play smaller parts were borrowed from other fiction, with credit, and honor as we really loved these characters. The cover of the book has some historical significance as well. Two local stores in the San Fernando Valley were nice enough to let us photograph some of their hardware which fit the theme of the book. We also gave them credit in the beginning.
We hope you enjoy this latest adventure of Lancer: Hero of the West and we look forward to the next adventure; The El Paso Affair.
Don't forget to join us at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival April 22-23. I'll be in the Buckeroo Bookstore selling and signing my books along with other authors from 1:30 to closing each day. C'mon out, enjoy some cowboy coffee and the best peach cobbler you've ever eaten. You'll need to stand in a long line for that though.
You can purchase paperbacks either on-line or at my website www.bobbrillbooks.com.
You can also buy it on-line in the Kindle download version by clicking here.
Lancer's challenge in the third novel in the series "Lancer; Hero of the West" is to rescue a little boy and his father from the likes of former KKK members who run a small town in New Mexico. The pivot here is the little boy's mother was the daughter of a Chinese war lord and a Santa Fe rancher. The mother died in child birth.
Since the Klan doesn't like any ethnicity, and was particularly violent during it's early days, the little boy and his father are in real danger. Lancer is summoned. Throw in the fact the Chinese war lord is coming to America with a small army to regain his grandson, you have an international adventure where Lancer must sort things out.
The Santa Fe Affair actually takes place mostly in the town of El Macho. El Macho was a real place along the Pecos River about 14 miles from present day Santa Fe. We did take some historical license with the city. We searched graveyard records for names and brought in some legendary figures as we always do.
Two of the characters who play smaller parts were borrowed from other fiction, with credit, and honor as we really loved these characters. The cover of the book has some historical significance as well. Two local stores in the San Fernando Valley were nice enough to let us photograph some of their hardware which fit the theme of the book. We also gave them credit in the beginning.
We hope you enjoy this latest adventure of Lancer: Hero of the West and we look forward to the next adventure; The El Paso Affair.
Don't forget to join us at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival April 22-23. I'll be in the Buckeroo Bookstore selling and signing my books along with other authors from 1:30 to closing each day. C'mon out, enjoy some cowboy coffee and the best peach cobbler you've ever eaten. You'll need to stand in a long line for that though.
You can purchase paperbacks either on-line or at my website www.bobbrillbooks.com.
You can also buy it on-line in the Kindle download version by clicking here.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
The Santa Fe Affair is "LIVE"
We are "LIVE" with the latest Lancer; Hero of the West novel called "the Santa Fe Affair," in which Lancer takes on injustice at every level.
You can pick up a copy on Amazon at this link or you can purchase from my own website which is www.bobbrillbooks.com
Stay tuned for more.
I will also be signing books at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in Santa Clarita at Hart Park in old Newhall on April 22-23 and will be there about 1:30pm each day. C'mon out and enjoy the fun. More to come.
You can pick up a copy on Amazon at this link or you can purchase from my own website which is www.bobbrillbooks.com
Stay tuned for more.
I will also be signing books at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in Santa Clarita at Hart Park in old Newhall on April 22-23 and will be there about 1:30pm each day. C'mon out and enjoy the fun. More to come.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
New Lancer; Hero of the West book coming next month
Finally, heh?
I've had several readers ask when is the next installment in the "Lancer; Hero of the West" novel series coming and the answer is before the end of April. I promised I'd have the new book out before the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival April 22-23. The book is in final editing now and the cover has been approved as well as the back cover so we're off and running.
I should have the final edits in place by the second week in April if not sooner and the on-line version will be available immediately after that. The soft cover or paperback versions will be available within 10 days, but definitely in time for the Santa Clarita event.
At that event, I will be there both of the afternoons starting about 1:30 after getting off work at KNX at noon. The drive to Santa Clarita and Hart Pack, traffic permitting, usually takes about an hour. I'll have the previous two books as well as the new one and for those interested I'll have copies of "Tales of My Baseball Youth" as well.
All books will be $10 at the event and for those desiring all three of the Lancer novels, I will offer a special onsite promotion of the three book trilogy for $25. This will be limited because I will have only a limited number of books to sell.
For those not going to the event, if you would like to pre-order a paperback from me, just send me an email to brillpro@gmail.com. This will give me an idea of how many books to have on hand. It is helpful. Thank you in advance.
The third Lancer book, "The Santa Fe Affair" really takes Lancer on his normal course but is much more. Lancer tackles a great deal of social injustice in this book from all corners of the world. I think you will find it interesting. The book is a little bit shorter than the previous Lancer books as well.
Hope you enjoy it!
I've had several readers ask when is the next installment in the "Lancer; Hero of the West" novel series coming and the answer is before the end of April. I promised I'd have the new book out before the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival April 22-23. The book is in final editing now and the cover has been approved as well as the back cover so we're off and running.
I should have the final edits in place by the second week in April if not sooner and the on-line version will be available immediately after that. The soft cover or paperback versions will be available within 10 days, but definitely in time for the Santa Clarita event.
At that event, I will be there both of the afternoons starting about 1:30 after getting off work at KNX at noon. The drive to Santa Clarita and Hart Pack, traffic permitting, usually takes about an hour. I'll have the previous two books as well as the new one and for those interested I'll have copies of "Tales of My Baseball Youth" as well.
All books will be $10 at the event and for those desiring all three of the Lancer novels, I will offer a special onsite promotion of the three book trilogy for $25. This will be limited because I will have only a limited number of books to sell.
For those not going to the event, if you would like to pre-order a paperback from me, just send me an email to brillpro@gmail.com. This will give me an idea of how many books to have on hand. It is helpful. Thank you in advance.
The third Lancer book, "The Santa Fe Affair" really takes Lancer on his normal course but is much more. Lancer tackles a great deal of social injustice in this book from all corners of the world. I think you will find it interesting. The book is a little bit shorter than the previous Lancer books as well.
Hope you enjoy it!
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
BASEBALL TRIVIA #4
Baseball Trivia #4
In 1888, he led the league with a 35–12 record, 1.74 ERA and 335K's winning 19 straight games. Who was he?
1. Tim Keefe
2.Cy Young
3.Pete Alexander
4. Christy Mathewson
Answer: 1 Tim Keefe who won 342 games in his career and was known for pitching both sides of a double header. In 1964 he was elected to the Hall of Fame.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
BASEBALL TRIVIA #3
BASEBALL TRIVIA #3
While I am hard at work on the next Lancer book "The Santa Fe Affair" the 2017 baseball season is fast approaching. Spring Training is here and here is the next baseball trivia question.
My hope is to put a new baseball trivia question up each day on Twitter and Facebook with the answer provided here. No points, not prizes but just a lot of fun. Come back daily for a new answer to the posted question. Thanx for joining me and have fun...
Trivia question #3
He never won more than 8 games and finished 30-52 pitching for 8 teams but what was Sleepy Bill Burns was better known for?
a. 2 no-hitters
b. Black Sox Scandal
c. 3 Wild pitches in inning
d. ran bases backwards
The answer:A key figure in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal it was Burns, probably under the direction of gambler Arnold Rothstein, who offered players money to throw the World Series.
While I am hard at work on the next Lancer book "The Santa Fe Affair" the 2017 baseball season is fast approaching. Spring Training is here and here is the next baseball trivia question.
My hope is to put a new baseball trivia question up each day on Twitter and Facebook with the answer provided here. No points, not prizes but just a lot of fun. Come back daily for a new answer to the posted question. Thanx for joining me and have fun...
Trivia question #3
He never won more than 8 games and finished 30-52 pitching for 8 teams but what was Sleepy Bill Burns was better known for?
a. 2 no-hitters
b. Black Sox Scandal
c. 3 Wild pitches in inning
d. ran bases backwards
The answer:A key figure in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal it was Burns, probably under the direction of gambler Arnold Rothstein, who offered players money to throw the World Series.
Monday, February 27, 2017
BASEBALL TRIVIA POST 2
NEW TRIVIA POST BASEBALL #2
My hope is to put a new baseball trivia question up each day on Twitter and Facebook with the answer provided here. No points, not prizes but just a lot of fun. Come back daily for a new answer to the posted question. Thanx for joining me and have fun...
Trivia question #2
Name the Oscar won for the 1943 film Pride of the Yankees.
a. Best Picture
b. Best Actor
c. Best Script
d. Film Editing
The answer: Best Film Editing. The film, the story of NY Yankee great Lou Gehrig's life, was nominated for 10 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor/Actress, Screenplay and several others but NOT Best Director. The acting nominations were for Gary Cooper and Teresa Wright. Sadly it only took home ONE Academy Award but remains a fan favorite on many levels.
Friday, February 24, 2017
NEW TRIVIA POST BASEBALL #1
As the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival nears in late April and I'm working on two projects including the next Lancer book "The Santa Fe Affair" I am getting excited about the 2017 Major League Baseball season. In hoping to see my Pittsburgh Pirates go to the World Series it's back to trivia time.
My hope is to put a new baseball trivia question up each day on Twitter and Facebook with the answer provided here. No points, not prizes but just a lot of fun. Come back daily for a new answer to the posted question. Thanx for joining me and have fun...
Trivia question #1
When Bill Mazeroski hit his 9th inning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series to beat the Yankees, what was the pitch count?
a. 3-2
b. 3-0
c. 1-0
d. 2-2
The answer: 1-0. The first pitch from Ralph Terry was a ball, The second pitch was a belt high fastball which Maz hammered over the head of Yogi Berra in left and over the score board at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.
My hope is to put a new baseball trivia question up each day on Twitter and Facebook with the answer provided here. No points, not prizes but just a lot of fun. Come back daily for a new answer to the posted question. Thanx for joining me and have fun...
Trivia question #1
When Bill Mazeroski hit his 9th inning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series to beat the Yankees, what was the pitch count?
a. 3-2
b. 3-0
c. 1-0
d. 2-2
The answer: 1-0. The first pitch from Ralph Terry was a ball, The second pitch was a belt high fastball which Maz hammered over the head of Yogi Berra in left and over the score board at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
New Things Happening!
To say there are lots of new things happening in the world of Lancer, Bob Brill and in general would be an understatement. I won't even broach the political realm. But here goes. I really need to get an agent! As many of you know my former literary agent, Michael Hamilburg, passed away a year ago. He was a really tremendous man and a great help. I miss him. Since then I have not been able to land an agent for film scripts or books.
The new book "Tales of My Baseball Youth; a child of the 60's" is selling pretty well. The first "Lancer; Hero of the West; The Prescott Affair" continues to sell well, although sales of the second book "The Los Angeles Affair" are much slower.
Ron Dante and I (he of "Sugar, Sugar" fame) have recently started a podcast. We have not aired it yet as we want to get at least five shows in the can so to speak before we put them up. Mainly singer/songwriters and real musicians although we will have other guests over time as well. The first two interviews we have done are Stephen Bishop and Melissa Manchester and did we ever have fun. The podcast is all about the latter; having fun. We will let you know when it airs and where, which will most likely take place in March.
Of course Ron co-wrote the theme song "Lancer; Hero of the West" with two time Oscar winner Al Kasha and Ron who has two Tony's and two Grammy's to his credit, sang the song. We produced the music video which is now on YouTube. Check the link.
I am shooting a new short film this week Details upcoming.
There is also growing interest in some of my scripts. I could very likely even get one or two of the less expensive films made if an investor willing to full fund them. I've been told by insiders several could be made for under $250k each and they are among the best of the 17 scripts I've written. So if anyone out there has an extra quarter of a million dollars laying around they need to find a place for (and are willing to take a risk) let me know. It is probably too much to ask for a crowdfunding venture though.
I am in the process of trying to finish Lancer Hero of the West; The Santa Fe Affair, before the Cowboy Festival in Santa Clarita in April. I want to have it available for the event.
I'm also in the process of writing a couple more scripts and hoping to finish a TV script for the holidays which I'd like to offer to Lifetime for next season. It's kind of a fun idea. I also have an idea for a play I'd like to write. It's pretty far down the list since I've never tackled a play before but I'm looking forward to doing it.
All the while KNX remains my main employer, every weekend morning and sometimes during the week. For now, stay tuned and stay well. And keep your fingers crossed I get an agent. Of course all my books can be purchased at www.bobbrillbooks.com.
The new book "Tales of My Baseball Youth; a child of the 60's" is selling pretty well. The first "Lancer; Hero of the West; The Prescott Affair" continues to sell well, although sales of the second book "The Los Angeles Affair" are much slower.
Of course Ron co-wrote the theme song "Lancer; Hero of the West" with two time Oscar winner Al Kasha and Ron who has two Tony's and two Grammy's to his credit, sang the song. We produced the music video which is now on YouTube. Check the link.
I am shooting a new short film this week Details upcoming.
There is also growing interest in some of my scripts. I could very likely even get one or two of the less expensive films made if an investor willing to full fund them. I've been told by insiders several could be made for under $250k each and they are among the best of the 17 scripts I've written. So if anyone out there has an extra quarter of a million dollars laying around they need to find a place for (and are willing to take a risk) let me know. It is probably too much to ask for a crowdfunding venture though.
I am in the process of trying to finish Lancer Hero of the West; The Santa Fe Affair, before the Cowboy Festival in Santa Clarita in April. I want to have it available for the event.
I'm also in the process of writing a couple more scripts and hoping to finish a TV script for the holidays which I'd like to offer to Lifetime for next season. It's kind of a fun idea. I also have an idea for a play I'd like to write. It's pretty far down the list since I've never tackled a play before but I'm looking forward to doing it.
All the while KNX remains my main employer, every weekend morning and sometimes during the week. For now, stay tuned and stay well. And keep your fingers crossed I get an agent. Of course all my books can be purchased at www.bobbrillbooks.com.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
My Newest Book is "Live" Right Now!
MY NEW BOOK IS "LIVE" BUT IT'S NOT THE LATEST "LANCER; Hero of the West."
I am working on "Lancer; Hero of the West; The Santa Fe Affair," we decided in the interim to write a memoir. "Tales of My Baseball Youth; a child of the 60's" is a book filled with 15 chapters of stories about relationships and growing up in the turbulent 1960's. The common theme is "baseball."
I hope you enjoy the book which is available now on Amazon for both Kindle and Paperback version. Soon it will be available on my web site Bob Brill Books. As soon as I get my own copies of the paperback I will begin selling them on my own site as well.
I dedicated it to my best friend Marty Aproian, with whom I spent many a morning, afternoon, evening and an occasional late night/early morning playing baseball in one form or another. Whether it was Whiffle Ball, over the line, organized baseball or Strat-O-Matic Baseball, we did it all for hours upon hours. And we still remained best friends.
Coaches, players, friends, not so friends, teachers, parents and well, you name it, it's in there. And that doesn't count the stuff I forgot or was reminded of after I published, which I could have put in the book. Is a sequel planned? If this sells, yes, Tales will extend to the 70's, disco ball and all. For now, let's keep it in the 1960's.
Please pick up a copy, review it if you buy on Amazon, and spread the word on your social media accounts. I will be grateful. It's a fun read and you may even be in there somewhere. Or not. Either way I know at least one thing; if you grew up then, you will relate.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest. Please spread the word and share. It is appreciated.
I am working on "Lancer; Hero of the West; The Santa Fe Affair," we decided in the interim to write a memoir. "Tales of My Baseball Youth; a child of the 60's" is a book filled with 15 chapters of stories about relationships and growing up in the turbulent 1960's. The common theme is "baseball."
I hope you enjoy the book which is available now on Amazon for both Kindle and Paperback version. Soon it will be available on my web site Bob Brill Books. As soon as I get my own copies of the paperback I will begin selling them on my own site as well.
I dedicated it to my best friend Marty Aproian, with whom I spent many a morning, afternoon, evening and an occasional late night/early morning playing baseball in one form or another. Whether it was Whiffle Ball, over the line, organized baseball or Strat-O-Matic Baseball, we did it all for hours upon hours. And we still remained best friends.
Coaches, players, friends, not so friends, teachers, parents and well, you name it, it's in there. And that doesn't count the stuff I forgot or was reminded of after I published, which I could have put in the book. Is a sequel planned? If this sells, yes, Tales will extend to the 70's, disco ball and all. For now, let's keep it in the 1960's.
Please pick up a copy, review it if you buy on Amazon, and spread the word on your social media accounts. I will be grateful. It's a fun read and you may even be in there somewhere. Or not. Either way I know at least one thing; if you grew up then, you will relate.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Lancer the TV Pilot
Don't forget to Follow us on FaceBook.
Yes, I have finally given into my hearts desire (and the urging of others/fans) to go ahead and write a TV Pilot script for Lancer; Hero of the West. In fact, I've written half of the one hour drama draft.
While I'm slowly working on the third novel in the Lancer; Hero of the West series (The Santa Fe Affair), which itself will have some interesting new twists, mainly on the social level, the pilot will go in a new direction. There isn't much I can say about where I'm going with this for now for a lot of reasons, but to say Lancer fans will enjoy the new take I think will be an understatement. Lancer will remain Lancer.
The question of TV westerns is a big one. As you can see they are few and far between and those which have been on TV lately (AMC's Hell on Wheels for instance and HBO's Deadwood) are quite different than what we've been accustomed to. They are not, obviously, the John Wayne style westerns we grew up with. Nor are they the television westerns of the 1950's and 60's.
Since Lancer; Hero of the West is based on a compilation of the latter and my own inspiration, it is difficult to see through the trees as television executives have not been really open to characters of that ilk. The good news is however, is that everything goes in cycles. Is it time for a return to the 50's and 60's? Is the Quentin Tarantino western (Django Unchained and Hateful Eight) the new normal for the old west? Tough questions.
In addition, two new western series are being shopped around and one of them includes one of my all time favorites, Kurt Russell. He's teaming up with Mel Gibson. So it seems with the recent successes with various western genre, there may be a resurgence. Maybe the cycle is coming 'round.
I can only say when it comes to a Lancer TV pilot and series, if we are indeed lucky enough to get there, it will not be full of "F" Bombs if it's for main stream TV. If it goes the route of HBO or other such outlets there may be some expansion into that realm, although not for the man himself. This is not the way I'm writing it though.
While the cable networks (HBO, ShowTime and others) seem more open to period pieces, the mainstream networks don't seem to be. They seem more open to high tech and all that goes with it. This is a good thing. Don't worry Lancer fans, a reincarnation of "The Wild, Wild West" (the Will Smith version) is not where I'm going.
As soon as I can say more (when it's finished and registered/copyrighted) I will unveil more of the secrets of Lancer. It may be a few weeks, but more like a few months. Stay tuned and keep your thoughts and prayers with us as we move forward with this venture. Hopefully some TV executive will say "by golly, we have to do this!"
Yes, I have finally given into my hearts desire (and the urging of others/fans) to go ahead and write a TV Pilot script for Lancer; Hero of the West. In fact, I've written half of the one hour drama draft.
While I'm slowly working on the third novel in the Lancer; Hero of the West series (The Santa Fe Affair), which itself will have some interesting new twists, mainly on the social level, the pilot will go in a new direction. There isn't much I can say about where I'm going with this for now for a lot of reasons, but to say Lancer fans will enjoy the new take I think will be an understatement. Lancer will remain Lancer.
The question of TV westerns is a big one. As you can see they are few and far between and those which have been on TV lately (AMC's Hell on Wheels for instance and HBO's Deadwood) are quite different than what we've been accustomed to. They are not, obviously, the John Wayne style westerns we grew up with. Nor are they the television westerns of the 1950's and 60's.
Since Lancer; Hero of the West is based on a compilation of the latter and my own inspiration, it is difficult to see through the trees as television executives have not been really open to characters of that ilk. The good news is however, is that everything goes in cycles. Is it time for a return to the 50's and 60's? Is the Quentin Tarantino western (Django Unchained and Hateful Eight) the new normal for the old west? Tough questions.
In addition, two new western series are being shopped around and one of them includes one of my all time favorites, Kurt Russell. He's teaming up with Mel Gibson. So it seems with the recent successes with various western genre, there may be a resurgence. Maybe the cycle is coming 'round.
I can only say when it comes to a Lancer TV pilot and series, if we are indeed lucky enough to get there, it will not be full of "F" Bombs if it's for main stream TV. If it goes the route of HBO or other such outlets there may be some expansion into that realm, although not for the man himself. This is not the way I'm writing it though.
While the cable networks (HBO, ShowTime and others) seem more open to period pieces, the mainstream networks don't seem to be. They seem more open to high tech and all that goes with it. This is a good thing. Don't worry Lancer fans, a reincarnation of "The Wild, Wild West" (the Will Smith version) is not where I'm going.
As soon as I can say more (when it's finished and registered/copyrighted) I will unveil more of the secrets of Lancer. It may be a few weeks, but more like a few months. Stay tuned and keep your thoughts and prayers with us as we move forward with this venture. Hopefully some TV executive will say "by golly, we have to do this!"
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
COWBOY FESTIVAL WRAPS UP IN SANTA CLARITA 2016
A good time was had by all. The best way to sum up the 2016 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.
For me it was a time to meet a bunch of folks with similar interests and goals in mind. For them it was time to hear some of my stories, and in response I got a lot of good stuff headed my way. It was also a time to take a little hit (no a pretty big hit) from good-natured friends and relatives about my head gear.
I chose to wear my new favorite hat on Saturday (commonly now being called a "pork pie" hat from my friends, especially those in Scotland who love westerns) instead of my Cowboy Hat. I'm not a cowboy and while I love the West, I write good stories about the west, I'm not a cowboy. As much as I loved the era, I'm not sure where I'd fit in in 1885.
(Eric Heisner, Al Bringas and me)
So I chose not to wear THE hat. Bad mistake. Anyone who was looking for a good book hit the first table with some great coffee table books on Western ranches which drew a lot of attention with some slick colorful pages, passed right by me and moved directly to my two new good friends Eric Heisner and Al Bringas. Now these two guys (pictured with me above) are two good looking western actors who have quite a biz going. Eric is a full-time actor with some credits who is the author of their books while Al is the illustrator.
Together they make quite a pair and dressed in their western digs, folks made a bee line past me to them (especially the ladies). Actually I greeted a few of the women with my positive charm hoping to engage them with my guy, "Lancer; Hero of the West" and after answering the greeting they moved right on to Eric and Al. I was surprised most of the ladies passed on Lancer's favorite treat "Turkish Delight," while men usually tried it quite readily. One couple was very excited when they saw it, "we haven't seen this since our trip to Istanbul!"
Al's artwork is super by the way and the guys make and sell replica movie bandana's which are costly but absolutely a must have if you are gonna dress the part. (Next year for me).
After Eric and Al, they moved onto Dale Jackson, Jim Christina, J.R. Sanders, Gary Williams (I know I missed someone) and if they came in the other way they were posing for selfies with the well known Peter Sherayko who looked like he was right out of "Lonesome Dove." So next year, I'll break down and buy the boots, something leather, a much better hat and I'd love one of those frock coats but it might be too hot in Santa Clarita for that. At least the second day I did wear my western hat which turned the world upside down -- I wish. I am a guy who admittedly always wears a hat well - just not a cowboy hat. Although some of my Face Book Friends did change their tune Day 2.
No guns (akin to the covers of my Lancer novels with the gun-less holster covers) but you can't bring guns in anyway. And don't even think of getting me on a horse. I am a dog lover and horses and me just don't get along. Although I guess if this were 1875 or so, I'd have to break down and learn to ride one. An employer asked me once "Bob, what do you want to be when you grow up?" My answer was quickly, "The Lone Ranger." Not because of the story but because of the man and his mission as well as his code.
The really great thing about the festival and the Buckaroo Bookstore set up by Bobbi Jean Bell and husband Jim (who took care of their authors in a way it makes you want to come back) is the friendliness and camaraderie. And that was part of what the Old West was about. Sure there was a lot bad stuff mixed with the good but the fellowship and camaraderie outshone it all.
(me and the always smiling Bobbi Jean Bell)
And I for one appreciated that. Sure I would like to have sold more books, everyone could have, but that is the world we're dealing in. Hopefully, we've made a dent in the next chapter in our lives and the dent is positive. And if you're looking for a younger touch, Eric and Al produced a wild west coloring book as well.
ON another note, the Peach Cobbler was great as usual, but no sign of the Native American Fry Bread this year; Bummer.
Looking forward to next year and other such events. And for all of us Keep It Going.
For me it was a time to meet a bunch of folks with similar interests and goals in mind. For them it was time to hear some of my stories, and in response I got a lot of good stuff headed my way. It was also a time to take a little hit (no a pretty big hit) from good-natured friends and relatives about my head gear.
I chose to wear my new favorite hat on Saturday (commonly now being called a "pork pie" hat from my friends, especially those in Scotland who love westerns) instead of my Cowboy Hat. I'm not a cowboy and while I love the West, I write good stories about the west, I'm not a cowboy. As much as I loved the era, I'm not sure where I'd fit in in 1885.
(Eric Heisner, Al Bringas and me)
So I chose not to wear THE hat. Bad mistake. Anyone who was looking for a good book hit the first table with some great coffee table books on Western ranches which drew a lot of attention with some slick colorful pages, passed right by me and moved directly to my two new good friends Eric Heisner and Al Bringas. Now these two guys (pictured with me above) are two good looking western actors who have quite a biz going. Eric is a full-time actor with some credits who is the author of their books while Al is the illustrator.
Together they make quite a pair and dressed in their western digs, folks made a bee line past me to them (especially the ladies). Actually I greeted a few of the women with my positive charm hoping to engage them with my guy, "Lancer; Hero of the West" and after answering the greeting they moved right on to Eric and Al. I was surprised most of the ladies passed on Lancer's favorite treat "Turkish Delight," while men usually tried it quite readily. One couple was very excited when they saw it, "we haven't seen this since our trip to Istanbul!"
Al's artwork is super by the way and the guys make and sell replica movie bandana's which are costly but absolutely a must have if you are gonna dress the part. (Next year for me).
After Eric and Al, they moved onto Dale Jackson, Jim Christina, J.R. Sanders, Gary Williams (I know I missed someone) and if they came in the other way they were posing for selfies with the well known Peter Sherayko who looked like he was right out of "Lonesome Dove." So next year, I'll break down and buy the boots, something leather, a much better hat and I'd love one of those frock coats but it might be too hot in Santa Clarita for that. At least the second day I did wear my western hat which turned the world upside down -- I wish. I am a guy who admittedly always wears a hat well - just not a cowboy hat. Although some of my Face Book Friends did change their tune Day 2.
No guns (akin to the covers of my Lancer novels with the gun-less holster covers) but you can't bring guns in anyway. And don't even think of getting me on a horse. I am a dog lover and horses and me just don't get along. Although I guess if this were 1875 or so, I'd have to break down and learn to ride one. An employer asked me once "Bob, what do you want to be when you grow up?" My answer was quickly, "The Lone Ranger." Not because of the story but because of the man and his mission as well as his code.
The really great thing about the festival and the Buckaroo Bookstore set up by Bobbi Jean Bell and husband Jim (who took care of their authors in a way it makes you want to come back) is the friendliness and camaraderie. And that was part of what the Old West was about. Sure there was a lot bad stuff mixed with the good but the fellowship and camaraderie outshone it all.
And I for one appreciated that. Sure I would like to have sold more books, everyone could have, but that is the world we're dealing in. Hopefully, we've made a dent in the next chapter in our lives and the dent is positive. And if you're looking for a younger touch, Eric and Al produced a wild west coloring book as well.
ON another note, the Peach Cobbler was great as usual, but no sign of the Native American Fry Bread this year; Bummer.
Looking forward to next year and other such events. And for all of us Keep It Going.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
COWBOY FESTIVAL This Weekend April 23-24
Be there!
The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, an annual event, is taking place in Old Town Newhall right now between the 14 and 5 Freeways in the Santa Clarita Valley. I'll be there on Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 6pm, sooner if I can make it.
Park in one of the off site parking lots (no parking in Old Town) and take the FREE Shuttle to Hart Park. Admission varies depending on age but it's from $7 to $10 and lots of vendors, music, great food you don't normally see except here and just a great time.
Visit me and seven other Western Authors at the Buckeroo Bookstore on the walk in Hart Park. We'll be there signing and selling our books. As a Cowboy FEST Special we'll be selling soft cover copies of both Lancer; Hero of the West books for $10 each (tax included). We'll take cash and credit/debit cards for purchase.
C'mon out and have a great time. I am especially thankful to the promoters to providing us with volunteers to get food because I can't take the time away to go stand in line for the best PEACH COBBLER you'll ever taste. That and Cowboy Coffee will stand out on the day as well as the Native American Fry Bread (one of my favorites). So take it from a guy who likes to eat his way through these type of things, enjoy while the enjoying is good.
Me at last year's Festival with a nice piece of Peach Cobbler ala mode and some down to earth and tasty gritty Cowboy Coffee. Lancer couldn't have done it any better. Which is something readers will find out in the upcoming "Lancer; Hero of the West - The Santa Fe Affair." Due out in late Fall, early Winter.
The weather is expected to be excellent and if you haven't tried it yet, check out Southern Smoke, a new eatery in Old Town. Make sure you try the fabulous Ho Cake. And the micro beer. Ask for a taste and they'll give it to you. We'll probably be there on Sunday night after the Festival closes down unless the line is long and the wait is too much. Which it might be, but then again remember most vendors want to get out and gone after a several day event so this might be the best time to try the restaurant.
See you THERE and remember, if you can't make it you can always order downloads from Amazon and paperback copies from us directly at www.bobbrillbooks.com.
Howdy!
The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, an annual event, is taking place in Old Town Newhall right now between the 14 and 5 Freeways in the Santa Clarita Valley. I'll be there on Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 6pm, sooner if I can make it.
Park in one of the off site parking lots (no parking in Old Town) and take the FREE Shuttle to Hart Park. Admission varies depending on age but it's from $7 to $10 and lots of vendors, music, great food you don't normally see except here and just a great time.
Visit me and seven other Western Authors at the Buckeroo Bookstore on the walk in Hart Park. We'll be there signing and selling our books. As a Cowboy FEST Special we'll be selling soft cover copies of both Lancer; Hero of the West books for $10 each (tax included). We'll take cash and credit/debit cards for purchase.
C'mon out and have a great time. I am especially thankful to the promoters to providing us with volunteers to get food because I can't take the time away to go stand in line for the best PEACH COBBLER you'll ever taste. That and Cowboy Coffee will stand out on the day as well as the Native American Fry Bread (one of my favorites). So take it from a guy who likes to eat his way through these type of things, enjoy while the enjoying is good.
The weather is expected to be excellent and if you haven't tried it yet, check out Southern Smoke, a new eatery in Old Town. Make sure you try the fabulous Ho Cake. And the micro beer. Ask for a taste and they'll give it to you. We'll probably be there on Sunday night after the Festival closes down unless the line is long and the wait is too much. Which it might be, but then again remember most vendors want to get out and gone after a several day event so this might be the best time to try the restaurant.
See you THERE and remember, if you can't make it you can always order downloads from Amazon and paperback copies from us directly at www.bobbrillbooks.com.
Howdy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)