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KIP PULLMAN'S AMERICAN GRAFFITI BLOG is the best and most successful web tribute to the 1973 film classic, AMERICAN GRAFFITI. Here you'll find hundreds of original, accurate and well-researched articles by this author on American Graffiti including personal interviews, car information, film analysis, original newspaper clippings and other articles written by me.
Ron Howard & Cindy Williams pose next to her character's 1958 Edsel.
Charles Martin Smith standing behind the '58 Impala
Once filming was completed for
American Graffiti in the Fall of 1972 Transportation Supervisor, Henry Travers was given the task of selling off 8 of the movie cars for the film's production company, LUCASFILM. He was sent a letter which revealed the amount of money the company expected Travers to get for each movie car. (Scroll down to the bottom of this post to view a copy of the letter). The price values ranged from as low as $50 for
the 1955 Studebaker driven by Carol's (Mackenzie Phillips) sister
to as high as $2,000 for theyellow ’32 coupedriven by John Milner (Paul
LeMat). The anticipated amount the company expected Travers to get
for selling all eight movie cars barely exceeded $4,000. Of course, nobody knew American Graffiti would become an enormous success otherwise the anticipated amount would have been a few dollars higher.
John Milner (Paul LeMat) & friend lean on the now world-famous '32 Ford coupe.
To find buyers an advertisement was placed in the
classified section of several local San Francisco Bay Area newspapers
which announced, "SPECIAL SALE OF CARS USED IN MOTION
PICTURES." Response to the ad was slow. Eventually, two cars, the 1958 Edsel driven by Laurie Henderson (Cindy
Williams) and the white ’58 Chevrolet Impaladriven by Steve Bolander (Ron Howard) and Terry
Fields (Charlie Martin Smith) were sold off. Surprisingly, the other vehicles did not generate much interest. To encourage sells,
Travers lowered the price on the cars. However, this did nothing to encourage potential buyers. Even with a reduced price of only $1,500 for the yellow ’32 coupe, nobody bought it. The chopped 1951 Mercury, (driven by gang members, The Pharaohs) with an asking price of $900 shared a similar fate and as a result both movie cars were hauled down to Southern California and put
on display at Universal Studios for several years.
Director, George Lucas leans on the hood of a '61 Ford Falcon while reviewing the script.
The history of the the remaining 4 movie cars is unclear. It is presumed that these cars, which included the ’61 Ford Galaxy cop car operated by Officer Holstein (Jim Bohan), a red 1957 VW driven by Bobby Tucker (Lynne Stewart), the '55 Studebaker, and a 1961 Dodge, did not sell and were hauled to and destroyed at the local junk yard..
Rocky Moreno was the alleged owner of the Studebaker driven by Carol's (Mackenzie Phillips) sister.
Below is a reasonable facsimile of the original letter sent to
Travers with the anticipated amount for selling eight of the movie cars.
(Click on above pic to enlarge)
The beat-up '57 VW convertible, without a title, had the asking price of $200.
A Recording of Wolfman Jack's Goodbye Speech from 4/14/1972, his Last Day on the Border Blaster, XERB
Bob Smith aka Wolfman Jack had been the king of the
high-powered Mexican “X” radio stations for nearly 8 years before he
finally surrendered the throne in 1972. As fans know, he first began
broadcasting as Wolfman out of Ciudad Acuna, Mexico on the 250,000 watt
station, XERF. The powerful signal, which was five times the US limit,
meant at night Wolfman could be heard over much of North America as well as
Europe and the Soviet Union. Wow! Keep in mind this was long before the
internet made it so simple to communicate instantly across the
planet. About 2 years later he became co-manager and DJ of another
Mexican station, this one broadcasting from the Northern tip of Baja in
Mexico. The station, XERB broadcast 50,000 watts and had a nighttime signal
that would blast North all the way up the United State’s West Coast states of
California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska and Canada too. With these two
stations alone, Wolfman captured an enormous nighttime fan base with a demographic that varied from kids on “school-nights” covertly listening under their
bed covers on transistor radios to big rig truck drivers, trying to stay awake, as they hauled freight loads
across the country on dark, lonely interstates.
Wolfman, whose appearance was mostly a
mystery, blasted all kinds of music, sang along with the records, made
outrageous innuendos, broadcast phone call requests from fans and made prank
phone calls outside the studio. He put on an incredible show that sounded like a party being broadcast from the
studio and made the listener feel like (and thus become) a participant in the fun.
It was extremely infectious.
Even to this day, if you listen to some early broadcasts from the ‘60s
with Wolfman yelling and singing along to the words of a song such as, “Hello,
I love you,” by The Doors, one cannot help but get a good feeling inside. Wolfman was having a great time and you
could feel it. In fact, I dare
anyone to seek out and listen to the famous recording of Wolfman singing along
to “Nothing Takes the Place of You,” by Toussaint McCall and not want to smile. It just can’t be done.
Interior of the Mexican studio, XERB from which Wolfman's pre-recorded shows were broadcast 1966-72.
Wolfman would have continued to spread the
news about rhythm and blues and other great music on XERB forever but some
nasty legal maneuverings by the Mexican government forced him to give up control of
the station around 1972. (Please see my“En El Aire Pt.1” post for more about
this.) The last night of his reign
over the Mexican airwaves was Friday, April 14, 1972. Here I’ve posted a recording of the
announcement he made on his last night on the big 1090. By this time the XERB station letters
(which were owned by Wolfman), had been changed to XEPRS. It truly marks the end of an important
time in radio broadcasting history. The following Monday Wolfman
would begin broadcasting from the Los Angeles, California station, KDAY, and then four months later film his
cameo in American Graffiti, and very soon after begin an 8-year stint as the host of the weekly TV program,
Midnight Special, as his syndicated radio show spread his voice across the globe.He was evolving from a cult hero into an international superstar. The recording of his rather rambling
emotional announcement involves Wolfman mentioning, in a very positive, groovy manner, that he is leaving to go to another station and notes that his show will be available in syndication. It lasts about 4 minutes, and was originally played several times
during his last show. Enjoy. The sound check can be found here at XERB website: http://www.xerbradio.com/
"Don't fret if the sun catches you troubled. 'Cause there's gonna be times when trouble will help you find the right direction."
KRUISE OF KLAMATH - SHOW 'N' SHINE Klamanth Falls, Oregon
JUNE 22, 2012 _______________________________________________ JUNE 24, 2012
Its time to shine up your Chevy, detail your '32 coupe, and hustle your hot rod too the celebration of America's love affair with cars. At the Kruise of
Klamath the cars are "cherry," the cruisin is "boss" and the atmosphere
is "too cool!"
This annual, three-day blast from
the past filled with music, food and beautiful cars gives baby boomers
the chance to relive the "happy days" and provides an opportunity for
those who didn't to experience the "good 'ol days" firsthand.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXCITING EVENT PLEASE CONTACT THEM:
The future Pharaoh, Manuel Padilla, Jr. doesn't look so tough in the arms of Tarzan (Ron Ely). 1967.
Most of the main stars in American Graffiti went on to do great things in "Hollyweird" and everybody knows it. I mean, I don't need to tell you about Harrison Ford or Ron Howard's career. However, you might not be familiar with some of the other faces from the film. So here is "Kip baby's" attempt at compiling some brief information on these folks and their careers just before and directly after they starred in Graffiti. Here goes...
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Debralee Scott (Falfa's Girlfriend)
Born April 2, 1953, Elizabeth, NJ
Died: April 5, 2005
The deadpan and plaintive-looking, redheaded character actress, Debralee Scott came from a family of show-business insiders. Her eldest sister, Scott Bushnell, produced many of director Robert Altman films. Scott discreetly entered the film world by being uncredited in her first two roles: The Candidate which starred Robert Redwood, and the 1971 Clint Eastwood classic, Dirty Harry. Ms. Scott was 19 years old when she played one of Falfa's
Debralee Scott on Welcome Back Kotter
girlfriends in American Graffiti.. At the time, it was difficult to tell her comedic potential when her only line in Graffiti was, "Ain’t he neat?"She became a regular during the 1975-76 T.V. season of sit-com Welcome Back Kotter playing the role of Rosalie "Hotzie" Totzie. She was also a regular on the T.V. comedy, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman in 1976. Her outgoing personality and flirtatiousness earned her a regular position as a panelist on the 1970s game show, Match Game. Scott continued to act, appearing in two of the slapstick "Police Academy" movies. In the first Academy film she played Mrs. Fackler (the one on the hood of her husband's car). She signed up as a cadet in "Police Academy 3: Back In Training."Her last acting credit was a bit part in the 1989 movie "Misplaced." After leaving the acting profession, she went into the management side of the industry as an agent with Empowered Artists before ultimately leaving Hollywood. On April 5, 2005, she went to take a nap and sadly never woke up. Autopsies weren't able to reveal what the cause of her death was, and ruled it natural causes. She was only 52-yrs-old.
Del Close in a 1965 TV episode of My Mother the Car.
Del Close (Man in Alley)
Born: March 9, 1934 Died: March 4, 1999
One would never suspect the talent the legendary improv director, teacher, and performer possessed by his brief appearance in Graffiti. As Toad is getting sick in the alley, Del Close isthe man sitting on a Rambler Classic remarking to Debbie that her boyfriend must not have been used to drinking. Before Graffiti, actor, improviser, writer, and teacher, Close made several appearances on the 1960s TV comedy, "My Mother the Car," and appeared in other wacky 60's sit-coms like "Get Smart." A year before Graffiti was released he was featured in the 1972 film, "Beware! The Blob" (Graffiti star, Cindy Williams also appeared in the film). Mr. Close was working as director of the San Francisco improvisational comedy troupe "The Committee" when he and some of the other players were hired to be in Graffiti. After his brief cameo in the film, Mr. Close had parts in films such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," (1986) as the English Teacher and played "Alderman" alongside Graffiti co-star, Charles Martin Smith in "The Untouchables," (1987).
Close got pretty scary looking in his later years.
The importance of his movie career pales in comparison to his contribution to theater. As the driving force behind comedy in Chicago for over 30 years, Close was responsible for devising long form Improv, implementing a technique known as The Harold. He is credited for cultivating and influencing the talents of countless, (a conservative estimate), comedic actors including John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, and Andy Dick. Mr. Close died on March 4, 1999 of heart and respiratory failure. His name and teachings live on through events such as the annual 72-hour-long Del Close Marathon sponsored by the Upright Citizen's Brigade. In 2005, Jeff Griggs published Guru, a fascinating book detailing his friendship with Del during the last two years of his life.
Ed Greenberg (Kip Pullman)
Like several of his co-stars, Ed Greenberg was working with his mentor, Del Close in the theater group, "The Committee" when he was hired to be in Graffiti. Soon after his appearance in the film, Greenberg moved out to Chicago where he co-directed workshops with Del Close, and eventually took over for Close as the director of The Second City.
Greenberg as Kip Pullman. "He's so neat."
Greenberg moved back to LA from Chicago to direct television and to work as a voice over actor for radio and TV. He continues to teach acting and improvisational comedy at local Southern California universities such as UCLA and Pasadena City College. He is the founding director of Laughter for a Change (L4C), an important non-profit program that encourages positive community interaction, personal growth and healing through the use of improvisational theatre games and comedy training. BTW: If you haven't read it already, be sure to check out the previous post: SPEAKING WITH THE REAL KIP PULLMAN to read my interview with the actor.
Jana Bellan (Carhop, Budda Macrae)
Jana Bellan's role as the sexy, tight-bloused carhop practically emitted pheromones from the screen. Bellan's film career was very brief. After Graffiti she played in several low-budget films such as Six Pack Annie and Black Heat. These roles usually typecast her as a sexy waitress (surprise) or a call girl. In addition, Bellan made many guest appearances in '70s crime-dramas such as Barnaby Jones, Cannon, and Starsky and Hutch. Her T.V. and film career ended with the 1976 feature, Kings of the Hill. In the film she guest-starred with her Graffiti colleague, Jim Bohan. Although she gave up acting, these days Bellan, (a mother of four), channels her creative energies into singing and collaborating with Lynn Rd., a contemporary Christian group out of St. Paschal Baylon Church in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Jim Bohan (Officer Holstein) Born 1/17/1946 Died 1/29/1998
Bohan as Officer Childer in Punishment Park
Before playing the local cop in Graffiti, Texas actor, Jim Bohan had a role as a sheriff in the 1971 pseudo-documentary, Punishment Park. After Graffiti was released he had more roles as an unlikeable cop in movies such as the 1975 blaxploitation film, Bucktown, (with Fred Williamson & Pam Grier). Bohan made several T.V. guest appearances in early-70s crime-dramas such as Barnaby Jones, Cannon, and Starsky and Hutch. Bohan continued to remain active in the business as an actor, producer, and writer. In addition, he was active in the pro-gun movement and politics at the grass roots level up until the time of his death on January 29, 1998.
Jody Carlson (Girl in Studebaker)
Born: September 15, 1952
Hot Rodder, John Milner (Paul LeMat) wants one girl, any girl, to cruise with him. But the smile and laugh of JODY CARLSON, make her the scene stealer. She tells him she cant' ride with him because she's going steady. Milner reminds her "If you ever get tired of going steady with a guy who's not around, I'm up for grabs."
Jody's only other screen credit is in another cool car movie, "Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry." In the film Jody portrays a police "telephone operator" that annoys Vic Morrow. Although Peter Fonda is the lead actor of this 1974 movie the real stars are a '66 Impala and '69 Charger.
Joe Spano (Vic Lozier)
Born: July 7, 1946, San Francisco, CA
Spano as Debbie's creepy ex.
Joe Spano is probably the most recognizable face of all the character actors in Graffiti. A native of San Francisco, Spano is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and a classically trained stage actor with experience in improvisational-comedy. He was a member of the Berkeley Repertory Theatre when he was hired to be in Graffiti. His only film experience at the time was in the 1972 feature, One is a Lonely Number (aka Two is a Happy Number). Spano played the part of Vic Lozier, Debbie's sleazy ex-boyfriend in Graffiti. After his bit role in the movie, he made his first T.V. appearance in a 1974 episode of the crime-drama, The Streets of San Francisco. Later, in 1980 he became a regular on the NBC T.V. police-drama, Hill Street Blues. Currently, he plays Senior FBI Agent T.C. Fornell on the TV series NCIS.
John Brent (Car Salesman)
Born: July 14, 1938, Connecticut, USA Died: August 16, 1985
Before he played the obnoxious car salesman in Graffiti, John Brent was one-half of a comedy team with Del Close. Together the duo recorded the 1959 beatnik parody album, "How to Speak Hip." Brent continued to work on stage with Close as a member of Chicago's Second City and San Francisco's hip and popular improvisational troupe, The Committee. Mr. Brent made appearances in several movies including 1970's Catch-22 and The Candidate with Robert Redford. He appeared alongside Candy Clark in the miserable sequel, More American Graffiti and in 1983 made an appearance with Graffiti alumni, Cindy Williams in an 8th season episode of Laverne & Shirley titled, Defective Ballet
Kay Lenz credited as
Kay Ann Kemper (Jane) Born: March 4, 1953, Los Angeles
Talk about a veteran actor, Kay Lenz has been a thespian since she was a baby. Her first role was on TV appearing in the arms of a singer on "Al Jarvis' Hollywood on Television." Her early TV career is prolific appearing on such shows as "The Andy Griffith Show," The Monroes,""Ironside," & "The Tammy Grimes Show." In addition, Lenz acted and sang in a whopping 165 episodes of "My Genie and Me." Her more recent TV appearances have been on popular shows such as Law & Order: SVU, The Closer, ER, & House, to name just a few.
Gratuitous topless pic of Lenz as Breezy (1973)
Lenz's first feature film role was in American Graffiti. She played the student sweetheart of young teacher, Mr. Wolfe. The same year she was in Graffiti, Lenz had a prominent role in the Clint Eastwood directed, Breezy as a free-spirited hippie who has an affair with a much older business man, played by William Holden. She won an Emmy for her work on an ABC Afternoon Playbreak "Heart in Hiding," (1974) and another one in 1988 as an AIDS victim who becomes romantically involved with the nighttime radio host in "Midnight Caller." She was married to teen idol, David Cassidy for 6 years (1977-83). The prolific Lenz continues to grace her presence in both TV, such as recent episodes of HOUSE and movies including the comedy, "The Secret Lives of Dorks" (2013). Currently, Kay lives in Malibu CA with her 2 loves, Mark Brown and their dog Danny. Fans can follow her activities on theKay Lenz Facebook Fan Page.
Lynne Marie Stewart (Bobby Tucker)
Born 12/14/1946
Lynne Marie Stewart has had an extremely prolific career in T.V. and film.Chances are you've seen her in more than one of your favorite films or sit-coms. Before she chauffeured Richard Dreyfuss around in a red VW in Graffiti, Stewart played a cheerleader in the 1971 movie, Drive, She Said. After Graffiti she made several guest appearances during the mid-seventies on the hit T.V. show, M*A*S*H*, usually playing a nurse, (ie., Nurse Baker).
Debbie Celiz, Lynn Marie Stewart & Richard Dreyfuss.
She also made six T.V. appearances with Graffiti co-star, Cindy Williams in Lavern & Shirley. In the 80s the talented actress provided one of the voices in the Superman TV series and she played the role of Miss Yvonne in the critically acclaimedTV show, Pee Wee's Playhouse. In recent years, Stewart has found herself portraying "the mother" role. For instance, she played Charlie's mom in the TV comedy, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-10), and Lillian's Mom in the hilarious film, Bridesmaids (2011). She continues to be very active in the business to this day and occasionally attends autograph signings with her Graffiti co-stars.
Manuel Padilla, Jr. (Carlos The Pharaoh) Born: May 13, 1956
Died: Jan. 29, 2008
Manuel Padilla Jr., (known as BooBoo) to those close to him), began his Hollywood career at the age of 7 with an appearance on the long running, TV-Western, Bonanza. He continued with brief appearances on other TV Westerns including, Gunsmoke and Rawhide, throughout the sixties. In 1966 he was cast as a regular on the short-lived, TV series, Tarzan. He also appeared in four of the Tarzan movies made from 1966-67. After appearing as gang member, "Carlos" in Graffiti he played alongside Graffiti co-star, Ron Howard as gang member, "Squirt" in a 1974 episode of Happy Days. Later he appeared with Graffiti costar, Charlie Martin Smith in the TV movie, "Cotton Candy" (1978) directed by none other than Ron Howard. His last known screen appearance was in "Scarface" (1983) starring Al Pacino where he's credited as "Kid #2."
Padilla, Jr. in the 1967 film, Tarzan & the Great River
Twenty years had passed since his last credited acting role before he began making public appearances at celebrity events and custom car shows. This writer had the pleasure of meeting Padilla briefly when he was signing autographs at the Petaluma Celebrates American Graffiti event in May 2006. At the time he had a frequent smile on his face and appeared to enjoy meeting and talking to his fans. Sadly, less than 2 years after that he died. It has been said that Padilla lived a "troubled" life once his TV career ended in the early-70s. At the time of his death he had been living in a sparsely furnished bedroom at his parent's house with only a few blankets and a pillow for his bed. He was survived by his parents and 4 children. His family has kept the cause of his death a private matter.
Ritchie (Ron Howard) tries to get back a stolen bike from The Dukes, gang member, Squirt (Padilla, Jr.)
Terry McGovern (Mr. Wolfe)
Born 5/11/1942
Terry McGovern got his first film experience providing voices in George Lucas', THX 1138. After that, but before Graffiti, he played a reporter in the 1972 film, The Candidate. After his appearance in Graffiti, he had a role as one of the storm trooper in the first Star Warsfeature. McGovern has had several notable TV guest appearances including a 1979
McGovern & Richard Dreyfuss practice their lines
episode of Happy Days. In the Happy Days episode, (#149) Fonzie's a Thespian McGovern plays Sloan Marlowe, the director and star of a community play who gets slapped in the face by Mrs. C. after he tries to show her his corn dog. McGovern has a long history in the field of radio broadcasting. During the '60s and '70s he was a popular radio host in San Francisco on KSFO 560-AM and other local stations. McGovern has had great success doing voice-overs in animation. He was the voice of various characters on the original 1962 cartoon series, The Jetsons. Much later, during the late-eighties and early-nineties he was the voice of "Launchpad McQuack" in the Darkwing Duck & Ducktalescartoon series. In addition to voicing cartoons, he has lent his magnificent versatile voice to many published video games. McGovern says he's surprised that years later he still gets recognized for his role as the young teacher, Mr. Wolfe. "I had two guys in their twenties come up to me a couple of years ago. You're Mr. Wolfe, right? "Guilty," says I. They then launched in to the dialogue from the scene I'm in with Richard Dreyfuss. Word for word!"
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WHAT, you didn't see your favorite Graffiti actor listed here?????
Trying checking out one of the links to our film & T.V. pages which feature other actors and crew members that were in Graffiti:
Manuel Padilla Jr. Child Actor Tarzan. Final Farewells. submission by Frank Dietz. (Comment about Padilla having a "troubled" life). http://monsterkidclassichorrorforum.yuku.com/topic/14857. Retrieved 12/22/2011.
Manual Padilla Jr. Dead at 51. (March 2008). Gridley Wave #306
Ron Ely. Brian's Drive-in Theater. http://www.briansdriveintheater.com/ronely.html. Retrieved 12/27/2011.
Swanson, Abbie Fentress. (Aug. 12, 2011). Del Close Lives on at the Upright Citizens Brigade Improv Marathon. The Culture webpage. http://culture.wnyc.org/articles/features/2011/aug/12/del-close-marathon. Retrieved 12/28/2011.
Terry McGovern Homepage. http://www.terrymcgovern.com/. Retrieved 12/26/2011
