Recap – 2008 Convention
Every year we break attendance records and 2008 was no exception. The largest crowd we had and yes, we broke that again in 2009. People has difficult getting through the aisles because of the attendance, but thankfully that has been taken care of since we moved to Hunt Valley. Aberdeen had everything you could ever want. Burger King, Taco Bell, Olive Garden, Little Caesars, Subway, McDonald’s, and the hotel itself had one of the nicest restaurants in the city — including a buffet breakfast.
Edd Byrnes (from 77 Sunset Strip) told stories about Warner Brothers. Kathleen Hughes revealed a bit of trivia about the movie, It Came From Outer Space. Remember how she is featured in the closing credits? That was actually taken from her screen test! Jon Provost was one of the nicest guests we ever had and talked all about Lassie, answering questions for fans. His autobiography is really, really great and comes with our highest recommendation. Larry Storch loved the event so much that he asked to get up on stage and do his old nightclub routine complete with an impersonation of Rodney Dangerfield. Abbott and Costello impersonators performed on stage and they had both the looks and the personalities that you could have sworn it was really Abbott and Costello doing “Who’s On First?”
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
* Author Francis M. Nevins delivered video clip presentations about The Cisco Kid and Hopalong Cassidy featuring behind-the-scenes trivia.
* Michael Hayde offered a back-stage glimpse at Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis on film and radio.
* Author Jim Rosen offered presentations about the TV shows, Wagon Train and Naked City.
* Blooper reels from You Bet Your Life with Groucho Marx was hilarious and very popular.
* Home movie footage from the 1939 New York World’s Fair was screened in the movie room!
* Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the War of the Worlds panic broadcast was a special offering of rare film and audio clips of the past decades.
* Pete Klaus offered us a huge display of Phantom memorabilia and a presentation about the history of The Phantom.
* Author Brian Taves offered a fascinating look at the screen career of P.G. Wodehouse.
* A huge drive-in theater was installed outside the hotel and a 1950s sci-fi classic was screened with cartoons and intermission break starting at sunset.
ACTORS SIGNED AUTOGRAPHS FOR FANS WHO ATTENDED!
Jon Provost (Timmy on Lassie)
Edd Byrnes (Kookie on 77 Sunset Strip and Grease)
Kathleen Hughes (It Came From Outer Space)
Margaret Kerry (model for Disney’s Tinkerbell and member of The Little Rascals)
Larry Storch (F-Troop and The Real Ghostbusters)
THE REVIEWS ARE IN!
This e-mail confirms my pleasure to announce the excitement my husband continues to display. We are back from your event and has not stopped talking about it. Tho I admit the drive-in was a personal thrill for me, I cannot shut him up. Rob talks of nothing but the fun he had at your event and if this continues, I may send him to your home so I can get a good night’s rest. I know he will return next year. He attended two other events in past months and neither caused him to be this excited. You did a good job. – Sandy Kennel-Benton, Baltimore, Maryland
Never could I have imagined that the Kathleen Hughes film would be shown on the big screen. It was the first horror film I saw when I was a kid and one scene I remembered all these years was revisited. If you have any way of screening The Enchanted Forest among your events next year, a Disney style movie from PRC Studios in 1945, I will be in your debt. – Robert Konopka, Lexington, Kentucky
At the banquet on Saturday night, they had an Abbott and Costello act who were spectacular. Not only did they have the routines down, but they had the look, voices, and even gestures down. Really well done. I can strongly recommend that everyone find a way to MANC next year. When other conventions seem to be winding down, it’s exciting to be part of one that’s just getting started and growing like crazy. – Chris Holm, Saginaw, Michigan
Martin, I met you briefly at the Aberdeen conference — many thanks for a most enjoyable long weekend! – Thomas J. Mann
Although we were only able to attend Friday night, my wife and I had a great time. The interview with Jon and Margaret was truly a gem. Hopefully we can spend the whole weekend next year. Thank you! – Liz and Roger Harkins
Once again Rosemary and I really enjoyed the Convention. You and Michelle and the whole team are to be congratulated for a super job. I’m glad people got a kick out of my little talk, too. – Paul Adomites
Martin this is Rich, it was an excellent convention. I found some magazines that I could use in the near future for autographs. I had a great time talking to the guests, and the Phantom presentation that Pete and Ed did was great. Thanks again for a great show and the pass. – Richard Dickinson
Dear Martin and Michelle,
Every year I think,”Well, they’ll never be able to top this year’s convention”, and every year you do. Thanks again for all you do to make MANC the best young convention around. I had a blast! And thank you for everything you did for me at this year’s convention. Can’t wait for MANC ’09! — Ken Stockinger, Clifford Beach
Wanted to tell you I had a great time Friday – you all did a good job – had a good selection of vendors and stars. Larry Storch was tops!!! — Cindy Shank
First time visitor. I looked back at my childhood with flash forwards and couldn’t sleep at night with excitement. You did a great job and you can be certain I will be returning year after year. The drive-in theatre screen outside was impressive. Having the opportunity to talk on the radio about my favorite programs of the past was a walk down memory lane. Where did you get the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair Buck Rogers film? Keep the rare films coming. – Mendel Conrad, Temple, Texas
I’m on the road coming back from it now. Had a Lot of fun. Got to meet the model for the Tinkerbell character – that was super since she’s the nicest lady in the world. And my wife and I are big Disney fans. I got to meet the legendary Jack French again, and nice guy actor/writer (Route 66) Jim Rosin. Anyway, this is a con highly recommended and I’ll be going back as often as possible. – Ben Ohmart of Bear Manor Media
