His alluring wit, attractive looks and undeniable charm have marked Tony Curtis as one of Hollywood's most admired actors in film history.
To honor his achievement the Jules Verne Festival and the Los Angeles Historic Theater Foundation hosted a day-long celebration on Saturday June 13.
The tribute took place a distance from Hollywood, in downtown Los Angeles, at the historic Million Dollar Theater.
The event commemorated Curtis’s outstanding work and his influence over the Hollywood film industry.
The Magic of Tony Curtis was a fitting name for the event that opened with escape artist Curtis Lovell II recreating one of the actor’s most popular roles.
Emulating the great Houdini, Lovell executed Houdini's water torture escape.
His act was enticing.
He had the audience on edge when he donned a pair of handcuffs and was submerged into a tank of water.
With the suspense heightened by a ticking clock, both the crowd and Curtis were relieved to see Lovell successfully conquer Houdini's famous act.
Later, Lovell had the opportunity to talk with Curtis on stage. He thanked the actor for having been a strong influence in his life ever since, as a youth, he saw Curtis enact the life of Houdini on the big screen.
Curtis spoke to the audience about his experiences as an actor in Hollywood and how it afforded him the opportunity to work with many marvelous people.
Curtis said he was humbled by the extremely large turnout of his fans.
His sincere gratitude was felt as he asked for the lights to be put on the audience. He said he wanted to see the faces of all those who had come out to support and celebrate him. As was to be expected, Curtis received a standing ovation.
When the lights were dimmed, he exited the stage and Curtis’s well-remembered rendering of “Houdini” began to play on the theater’s big screen.
It truly was an amazing experience watching a classic Tony Curtis film with the legend himself present.
Before screening another Curtis blockbuster, “Some Like It Hot,” in honor of its 50th anniversary, later in the evening, VIP guests were invited to the Los Angeles Athletic Club for cocktails and dinner.
Guests had the opportunity to meet Curtis for the booksigning of his new autobiography, “American Prince: A Memoir.”
Invitees also were treated to more daring stunts by the escape artist Lovell. I
And now on a personal note:
The entirety of the occasion truly was astounding.
Being 21 years old, one of the youngest in attendance, I felt a great sense of gratitude for having been introduced to Hollywood cinema at a young age.
It is in thanks to my Mom and Dad that while most other parents were putting magical, animated Disney movies into the VCR, mine were putting in classic films from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s, many starring the honoree himself, Tony Curtis.
Ms. Landfield may be contacted at hlandfield@yahoo.com
