50th Anniversary Coming Up

As you probably know by now, I’m writing a “behind the scenes” book with my co-author Laura Mazzuca Toops about Manos: The Hands of Fate and with a little luck and a lot more work, it will be available by the beginning of 2016 which also happens to be the 50^th anniversary year since Manos was first thrust upon an unsuspecting world.  Good timing, I’d say.  The Restoration of Manos will be released by Synapse later this year in mid October and I’ve learned that an LP of the Manos soundtrack is in the works as well.  In the ensuing years since January 1993 when MST resurrected Manos from a dusty bin of full of bad public domain movies and aired it on Comedy Central, our beloved little film has inspired a number of creative projects and has steadily gathered new fans.  Those fans share it with others and the awareness of Manos expands.   It has leaked into the main stream on a number of occasions and been included in a couple of television programs. “Elementary” which gave John Reynolds and his character Torgo, more than a cursory nod and also a mention on an episode of “How I met your Mother”.  I love what I think of as the Manos revolution and I love that I am able to be a part of it.  To me, it’s one of the quirkier things one could be known for.  Diane Mahree, who played my mother Margaret in Manos once said she thought it very funny to think that out of her entire life and a very successful modeling career, she should be known best for being in Manos.  Such are the ways of cosmic humor.  Suits me quite well.

The process of writing and researching a book like this has been challenging but includes feelings of success when I find people who I thought were not to be found.  I’ve discovered the fate of many of the other originals and uncovered names of participants who were mysteries until now. 

Hint: I now know who the woman was who dubbed all the women’s voices in Manos, including my voice.  I also know the names of all the musicians who played the soundtrack to the film and the identity of the woman who sang “Forgetting You”. 

I’ve learned more about the film and the people behind it than I imagined would be possible.  My own understanding of what makes it the phenomenon that it is, has grown through hearing different perspectives from a variety of people and I would really enjoy hearing from fans what it is about this film that captures and holds your interest.  Please connect with me here or through my Debbiesmanos facebook page and let me know.  I may include some of your responses in the book.

Recently, I was able to connect with Joel Hodgson, the brains behind MST, to interview him for the book.  He has given Manos some thought and has interesting insight that I can’t wait to share it with you.  Since our first talk, he has generously given me advice on my plans to promote the book while attending events in the next year.  I’m sure we will meet in person at one of them as I plan to travel  to a number of Cons around the country and possibly into Canada.  Finally getting a passport at 55 years old.  About time.  I’ve been getting a list together of the events that may be interested in having me.  So again, I rely on the fans to help me with suggestions and contact the organizers to let them know you would like Debbie from Manos as a guest.  I’ll do my part to make it happen, because if anyone enjoys talking Manos, it's me.  I look forward to seeing you!