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Crossroad of the Stars

by Dennis Sarniske

145 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #05-0586; ISBN 1-4120-5688-8; US$15.50, C$19.38, EUR12.59, £8.73

The memoir of Stanley John Sarniske...64 years in the entertainment industry.

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About the Book      About the Author      Excerpts      Catalogue Information

About the Book

CROSSROAD OF THE STARS is a journey within the entertainment world presenting more than 300 events from the years 1940 until 2005. Our travel begins when Clark Gable befriends Stan Sarniske at his Blue Front Café in 1940. Taking Clark’s advice, Stan began working in security at M.G.M. Studio in 1942. Stan details his years at M.G.M. from 1942 until 1983. He worked his way up the ladder to Inspector, Assistant Chief of Security, and Acting Chief of Security. Furthermore, after M.G.M. sold Lot 2, the new owners of Lot 2 made Stan their manager for years on a handshake.

In 1971 Stan was asked by Allen Rivkin to help correct problems he had with the Writers Guild of America, West Film Society. Stan’s personal interaction with each writer from 1971 until 2005 resulted in a special chapter written on what the professional screenwriter desires in their movie viewing experience. His very well developed observational skills enabled Stan to create his three stages of development theory that occurs deep within the writer.

In 1975 Stan was asked by Marie Windsor to develop the security rules and procedures for the newly created Screen Actors Guild, West Film Society. His observation of the actor was more thoroughly analyzed during this period while he personally greeted each actor to the private screening room. Stan’s two-part evaluation of the actor is the result of his sixty-four years within the entertainment industry.

The final chapter of this book presents major lessons learned from some of the most interesting individuals associated with the entertainment industry. CROSSROAD OF THE STARS is a journey whose finale bequeaths hope for the future of civilization. Its final vision is for civilization to transcend to a higher level of consciousness through the use of the media and film.

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About the Author

Dennis Sarniske received a B.A. in Psychology from U.C.L.A., a Professional Clear Social Science Teaching Credential from C.S.U.L.B., and a M.S. in Oriental Medicine from Dongguk Royal University. He has worked as a stockbroker in the Brentwood area, and as a real estate agent in Beverly Hills. Dennis began working with his father in 1982 and continues to work with him at the Writers Guild of America, West Film Society. He is a practicing Acupuncturist and a Diplomate of both Acupuncture and Herbology with national certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dennis is also an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist with his certification from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.

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Excerpts

“It is the intention of this book to inform the reader about the real M.G.M. studio; stories of actors, and those involved in the industry whose lessons should be shared. I’ve met thousands of people, however, it is my hope to share the reality of a time and describe the character that brought us the films from what I consider the Golden Age of movies.”
p.11
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“M.G.M. security in 1945 was one of the best in the United States. L.B. Mayer had brought in Whitey Hendry as Chief of Police to make sure the actors were protected properly. His security force was as follows: 125 policemen, 40 watchmen, an Assistant Chief, 3 captains, 3 sergeants. At this time, L.B. Mayer had the best security that existed. Even the secret service from the White House stated to me at one of the premiers, “It was easier to get into the White House then it is to get into M.G.M.” First …”
p. 9
* * * * * * * *

“Since Dr. Mitchell had some of the most famous people in the world coming to see him, I would double-park many patients to accommodate both the patient and still allow the executives their parking spot. I had parked Johnny Longden’s car when he went to see Dr. Mitchell. On his way out, I asked Johnny, “What’s the best tip you can give me about horse racing?” Johnny replied …”
p. 24
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“I had met Michael Todd on many occasions. He and his writer would drive up in a small sports car and they were very nice individuals. Many a times I watched Michael and Elizabeth Taylor walking up to the Thalberg building, hand in hand just like two love birds.”
p. 24
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“I was patrolling Lot 3 when this station wagon driven by Frank, L.B. Mayer’s chauffeur, stopped. Mr. L.B. Mayer rolled down his window and I saluted him. He saluted back and said, “Young man, you are new, my name is L.B. Mayer.” I said, “Yes sir, I know.” Mr. L.B. Mayer smiled and in a gentle low voice asked, “Have you ever had any previous police work?” I replied, “No sir.” He inquired, “What part of the country are you from?” I stated, “I am from Pennsylvania and I worked in the coal mines there.” At this point he laughed and said, “I got my start …”
p. 40
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“It was just after I met Howard Koch that I met Marlon Brando while he was filming Julius Caesar. I was in charge of the door, and nobody was allowed to enter the stage. Everyone whispered that there was this young man who had been thought of as a tough street character, and he was attempting Shakespeare. The lines that Marlon had to recite and act would prove once and for all whether he was an accomplished actor. I was selected to work the door because they knew I would not allow anyone past the door to cause a disruption, this included the studio President. Marlon Brando was …”
p. 57-58
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“Sometime in the late 1950’s one of my assignments was to work for Stanley Kubrick’s screening. When I arrived, Mr. Kubrick was showing his movie to only invited guests, and when we were about to start the movie Mr. Kubrick said, “Under no circumstances is anyone to be allowed into the theater after I start the movie. Do you understand, nobody is allowed in late.” I said, “Yes sir, I assure you nobody will be allowed in late.” The movie had started and Ben Thaw came to the door late. Now, Mr. Thaw was one of L.B. Mayer’s top dogs, and I was in a bad situation. Mr. Thaw reached for the door and I said, “No, no, the picture has started and Stanley Kubrick said nobody is allowed in late.” Mr. Thaw said, “Do you know who I am?” I said, “No entry regardless who the person is, these are orders of Stanley Kubrick. He said no one, and I mean no one.” I didn’t budge and Mr. Thaw was very nice and smiled. Just then, …”
p. 61
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“Through the years, I decided to examine the changes in actors and writers. There are differences within each group, but for Clark Gable, I can definitely state for the record that he was happy and in love when I first met him in 1940. After Carole’s death, …”
p. 73
* * * * * * * “In the beginning of this book I described how I first met Elvis Presley. I met Colonel Parker when he first came to M.G.M. This was before I worked for Elvis in the recording studio. The Colonel was …”
p. 73-74
* * * * * * *

“Ted Richmond was a good friend of mine; I met him in 1960 when he was filming Bachelor in Paradise with Lana Turner. Ted had a beautiful house up in the hills, and I worked all of his parties, which were small gatherings. While I was working a party one night for Ted, he asked, “Stan, would you be available to work a special assignment? I have a picture coming up starring Elvis Presley; there are certain things that I want you to keep me informed on. You would be paid well; we are going to be in Washington shooting. Would you be interested?” I said, …”
p. 74
* * * * * * *

“Sometime in 1960 Chief Whitey Hendry had requested to see me at the hospital. He had become very ill and I was told that both Chief Hendry and Clark Gable were talking and they wanted to see me. I realized that these two people were very close friends, and I respected both of them. Our M.G.M. police officers were put in charge of their security. When I approached the door to Chief Whitey Hendry, Kenneth Hollywood was in the hallway sitting on a chair, which was located between the two doors. No visitors were allowed into either room unless they were cleared. I checked in with Officer Hollywood and asked, “Is the Chief awake?” Hollywood responded, …”
p. 79
* * * * * * *

“In September of 1967, Mr. Ray Klune asked me to take over as the Chief of Security. I got sick at his request and, …”
p. 85
* * * * * * *

“The movie Mutiny On The Bounty was being filmed overseas. It was just after it was finished that I met Marlon Brando’s first wife. She came to the studio with a parking clearance and was very friendly. It was during this time period that I met Marlon again. He was …”
p.90
* * * * * * *

“Ted Sherdeman was one of the most intelligent writers that I met while being associated with the entertainment industry. One day in 1975 we were talking about politics and I asked Ted, “Who do you think would be a good President of the United States?” Ted responded, “Well Stan, when I did a movie with Ronald Reagan called The Winning Team, he was able to emotionally connect with the character. He would …”
p. 110
* * * * * * *

“One day, I said to Iron Eyes Cody, “I have this apple tree in my backyard and the roots are always plugging up the pipes that lead to the sewer. I hate to cut it down, but I have to use a plumber twice a year to cut through the roots for they stop the drainage. Can you suggest anything that will help stop the roots from growing into the drainage pipe?” Iron Eyes Cody smiled replying, “You don’t need to cut down your apple tree. Just go to the hardware store and …”
p. 123-124
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“Interacting with thousands of actors within my life, I have come to some basic conclusions about why a person wants to act. First, …”
p. 125
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Catalogue Information

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