St. John's Confidential File

HELLO AMERICA!—There are so many positive things one can say about the general press, no matter what some of the politicians living on the edge expose in Washington. For example, because I am known to be open and upfront concerning films, people and life in America, a place where I have been taught and nurtured about one’s hopes and...

HELLO AMERICA!—He was basically educated as an electrician, but his dream was always to perform as an actor-musician in front of the camera in America. “When I was very little, I use to watch and listen to old songs from Frank Sinatra, Frankie Avalon, The Beatles and even Ricky Nelson and so many more great singers. I also loved...

HELLO AMERICA!—I must admit once learning that writer and filmmaker Daniel Gross was also an alumnus of U.S.C., where I had my beginning years before, I immediately was interested in his view of the book by a mutual friend Sofia Lvsh. Once reading Gross’ review I contacted him asking if I might republish it in my column with the...

HELLO AMERICA!—Millions of Americans sat shocked listening to President Donald Trump’s rhetoric concerning Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election. His put-down of the nation’s highest and most powerful investigative agency, the FBI was something which rocked folks from coast to coast. Documentary filmmakers from coast to coast had their new-aged cameras rolling at every point. Without a doubt, it...

HELLO AMERICA!—Since there is a major film in the planning based on my book “Hollywood Through the Back Door,” one of the highlighted scenes, of course, will focus on the fire-bombing of my dorm room when first attending Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana during the early 50s. Should it be decided to that the focus of "Hollywood Through the...

HELLO AMERICA!—When hearing the latest report concerning the opening of the Pre-Broadway play with music, “I Feel Sin Comin’ On,” it is reminiscent of one of MGM’s films that before the big opening, there were so many stumbling and surprising issues to face; it always turned out as a miracle why and how the show actually made on a...

HELLO AMERICA—When many of you read that I had been featured in the Broadway play, “The Desk Set” which starred Oscar-winning star Shirley Booth, who is remembered for her hit series “Hazel,” they begged me to hear about my relationship with the great lady. Like many of the stars or those in filmdom or theatre-power, we had our ups...

HELLO AMERICA!—When reflecting on the days that I grew up during the early 1940s when radio was an intense source of inspiration and hope, I suddenly feel sad and terribly disillusioned focusing on what we are forced to endure on radio as well as the advent of television today. When able to tune in on shows like Jack Benny,...

HELLO AMERICA!—It pains me tremendously, but the truth must be told, that our so-called Black stars of film and stage today who are touted having so much power and dedication in giving back to the ever-struggling artistic community is a complete fallacy. During the 40s and 50s, people of color who were fortunate enough to have doors of opportunity...

HELLO AMERICA—His name is Levi Miller, he is the man who keeps radio station WLMR RADIO live from week to week in Atlanta. He is a man who seriously believes that radio is still an extremely powerful medium in our dizzy world of today. “I remember as a young boy growing up in the south when listening to great news...