Manos Hands of Felt Kickstarter

The Manos: Hands of Felt puppet show will be appearing on stage in Seattle Washington for two weeks starting August 9th.  There are so many of you that won't have the opportunity to see the show live but you will have the opportunity to get a DVD of this awesome event.  Rachel Jackson, the creator of Hands of Felt     plans to have the show professionally filmed and will offer it for purchase.  She has begun a Kickstarter to raise the needed funds and is already doing great in such a short time.  More than halfway to her goal, in fact.  There are some cool items for backers including dinner with me before the show on August 10th. Well, I think it's cool. Lol.  Anyhow, Check it out and pitch in if you can and come to the show if you can.  It'll be a blast!

Manos: Hands of Felt Kickstarter

How It All Began

I'm re posting my first stories for new readers and to refresh continuing readers.  Thank you all so much for being here.

The Inside Story of Manos.  Part One

Hello all,
If you know Manos, The Hands of Fate, you know me.  I was Debbie, the little girl who became a wife of The Master in the end.  For any of you that I just gave the ending away to...Sorry, but really, it's not that great a film to begin with.  As fans know, it's the total experience of sitting through it that counts.  Certainly not the plot.
     Manos was truly a family film.  For me personally...not the poor hapless audience.  My father Tom Neyman played the role of The Master (He still quite hale and hearty, by the way).  The Master's demon dog was played by our family dog, Shanka.  My mom made the costumes for the Master and the wives.  She also made the dress I was wearing but that came from my own closet.  My mom made all my clothes back then.  The convertible car that carried the Micheal, Maggie, Debbie family was the Neyman family car.  Torgo's coverall, jacket and hat all came from my father's closet.   That's just a piece of our involvement.  My dad, Tom is an amazingly talented artist and had been in his "hand" phase for several years when Hal Warren asked him to help make the film.  Initially, the film was to be titled, "Finger's of Fate" but in a production meeting, my dad suggested the new title of "Manos, The Hands of Fate"  He reasoned that since he had been asked to not only star in the film but to provided sets, costumes, and artwork (all on a promise of future payment), that he could better put his time to work if he could use some of the art he already had.  Hands, lot's of them.  I haven't actually counted the pieces in the film but all the art, the sculptures and the Master's painting were created by his hand.  Sadly, some of those item's were never returned to my dad.  But hey, I got paid something.  I received a shiny red bicycle with training wheels and my dog, Shanka got a 50 lb. bag of dog food.
     That's it for now.  Thanks for reading and come back soon.  I've got lots to say about Manos, The Hands of Fate

The Inside Story of Manos.  Part Two

Here’s the story of how we re-discovered Manos more that a quarter century from it’s original release...

     As friends of my youth will attest to, I had talked about a film I had done with my dad when I was small and wanted very much to see it again.  It was a point of nostalgia for me considering how involved my whole family, including our dog, was in the making of Manos.  You must remember.   These were the days before personal computers and before the internet. 

     I called around, asking and searching for years.  Libraries, university film departments,  film archives, any place I could think who might be able to give me a lead.  I had pretty much given up when my phone rang 1993.  My dad was calling and said, “You’ll never believe what I just saw.  I was dozing off while watching the Comedy Central channel and heard some strange but familiar music.  When I opened my eyes, there I was on the television.  They just showed Manos, The Hands of Fate!”. He had been so shocked that he didn’t call me until it was over.  I immediately turned on Comedy Central and saw they had an 800 number on the screen to call for information.  So I called the number.  I had reached the HBO offices in Manhattan and a young man named Mathew.  I told him I had an unusual request.  “My dad just saw an episode of Mystery Science Theater featuring the film, Manos, The Hands of Fate.  I’ve been looking for that film for years.  My dad and I were in it and if at all possible I would do just about anything for a copy.”  Next came a looong pause and then “Oh My God!  Are you Debbie?”  I was simply stunned as I pulled the phone from my ear to look at it while my mouth hung open.   He then said “That is our favorite bad movie here in the office.  I just had a copy on my desk the other day.  I would love to send it to you and am so happy to talk with you”.

     And now, as we all know…the rest is history.

The Blessings of Manos

I haven't been posting as regularly as I should but not because I've run out of things to say about Manos but because I've been so busy just living Manos.  I'm also attempting to learn how to make this blog easier to navigate.  For instance, I need to figure out how to have the blog titles displayed so you can find the story you wish to read.  I mean, sheesh, even I can't find some of the stories I'd like to review.

As you know from my last couple posts, I've been involved in a play about Manos in Portland. https://www.facebook.com/CapitalIProductions?fref=ts

. This is the third out of four weeks of the show.  7 more performances to go. All is going great. This show is tremendously funny whether or not you are a Manos fan although the Manos and MST jokes do add another dimension.  So if you are anywhere in the Portland, Oregon area before May 5th, be sure to come.  I get to play the voice of Debbie with my on stage character being played by a puppet.  Poetic justice when you realize that my voice was dubbed by a grown woman in the 1966 original Manos: The Hands of Fate.  Now I'm the grown woman dubbing myself.  I also painted my version of my dad's famously sinister Master and Dog portrait for the set of the play.  For a limited time, I'm offering 11" X 14" prints individually signed and quite suitable for framing.  If you've ever dreamed of having this on your wall or need the perfect gift for your favorite Manos fan, here it is.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230968389196#ht_500wt_1203

 Besides that, I need the help, please.  This play is community theater which is not a paid gig and I must fund my own meals, travel, etc and being a poor artist type, it's a challenge, but one I must do, for my heart and my soul.

 I'm having some of the best times of my life.  One of the cast members has very generously offered the use of an adorable small short term rental in a very cool part of Portland so that I don't have to drive 70 miles home each night.  I've taken advantage of this opportunity to find new venues for my art, to make connections and create friendships with other motivated, successful creative people.   I can honestly say that Manos has opened up my life in the last couple of years in ways that could never have been imagined or planned, and without going into it much, Manos has helped heal and create new kind of relationship between me and my dad, The Master.

It is truly incredible to think that something that happened so many years ago could come to impact a life so much now.  How can it be that the Worst Movie Ever Made could be the catalyst  to bring my life's work and purpose as a creative being to public consciousness?  As many artists can tell you, a creative nature can be a real detriment to cultural standards of worth.  Fulfilling to the spirit perhaps but not to the stomach.  I cannot help who I am, no matter how often I may wish I could be content with a soul sucking job that at least pays the bills. Not really.  I just wanted to try out that last sentence but truthfully, I never regretted my choices because in the end, being an artist is not a choice, it just is.  I only wish society could recognize the value of what I do.

To see some of what I do, please click the "Jackey's Art"  tab at the top of the page.  If you are interested in any of my work or wish to commission a custom piece please contact me directly at jackeyraye@msn.com
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Debbie does Portland

What a week!  Manos: The Hands of Fate https://www.facebook.com/CapitalIProductions?fref=ts  stage production began with a dress rehearsal performance on Wednesday April 11th.  Opening night was the next night and it also ran Friday and Saturday.  Great audiences and pretty full theater each performance so far.
There were some awesome special guests, besides me of course. Lol.

 Rachel Jackson, Puppet Master with Vox Fabuli  https://www.facebook.com/voxfabuli drove down from Seattle and brought the Master with her. They are pictured here with Paul Glazier who plays the Master in the stage production of Manos.

Bryon Jennings, the son of the original Manos Sheriff drove over from Boise, Idaho with his wife Wanda for several performances and is pictured here with me, The Master (puppet), Rachel Jackson from Seattle, and Ben Solovey  https://www.facebook.com/ManosinHD?fref=ts of the Manos restoration flew in from Los Angeles.

Snuggling up to the Master.  Can't wait to meet Debbie in Seattle for Rachel's Puppet Show.

 ...and here are a couple of great reviews.
Oregon Arts Watch
http://www.orartswatch.org/tag/manos-the-hands-of-fate/

Theatre Reviews by Dennis Sparks
http://www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com/2013/04/manos-hands-of-fatecapital-i.html

Not only do I get to voice Debbie for this play, I was asked to re create the Master's painting for the set.  My dad, who played the original Master in 1966 also created the art and props for the original set and I am honored to follow in my dad's artist footsteps in this way.  Many people have asked me to do this for some time and the play gave me the final motivation. So for those of you who would like this for your very own, 11" X 14" high quality signed prints are available for a limited time.  Suitable for framing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230965406566?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

We are raffling off my painting during the run of the show and are donating 40% of proceeds to help buy art supplies for a Youth Art Program in my community.  If any of you would like to get in on the raffle, let me know and I'll get you some tickets.  The rest is to cover some of my expenses so I can do this show.  It's a 2 hour drive to Portland for me and I'm a poor artist type, so need all the help I can get.

Thanks again for reading.  Lots coming up and new (old) things revealed in a recent interview with my dad.  Stay tuned.

The Masters Other Life

I want to share with you a family photo that no one outside of a few people in my family has seen until now.  I thought you would want to know what The Master looked like without the robe and make up.  Not only that, but this photo truly encapsulates who we all were.  In a nutshell, so to speak.  

From the left, my mother Jackey Reace, Dad Tom and my dad's grandparents Big Mimi and Pop.  They pretty much raised my dad, and Pop is where our Native American side came from.
My parents either created or built nearly everything in our house.  In this photo alone you can see one of my dad's sculptures with steel wool hair peeking out between Big Mimi and Pop.  One of his paintings of a nude is behind mom.  Too bad all the good stuff is covered up, huh?  Dad also made the chair to the left and scavanged the wood that's paneling the back wall from the desert.  My mom made the cushions for the chair, the drapes behind her and both of our dresses.  I'm pretty sure our underwear was store bought, but knowing my family, it could have come from the sewing room.

This photo was taken on November 15th 1966 as we were on our way out the door to go to the Manos: The Hands of Fate  premiere. It just this second occured to me in one of those odd ways that new thoughts surface from old or familiar things...I absolutey have no memory of my Great Grandparents being at the premiere and no photos have been found of them being there.  They were not in the limo with us when we arrived in front of the Capri Theater and yet here they stand all dressed up.  Hmmm.


Fast forward 46 and half years.  Things change.  My great grandparents and my mother are gone and my dad has had another family for many many years.  I grew up, got married had two handsome boys, got divorced, raised those boys and am now on my own again.

Here is a couple photos of my dad and I last summer.  He's still a very handsome man and at least now I don't have that goofy slack jawed look I seemed to perfect in Manos.

This week begins Manos: The Hands of Fate on Stage in Portland, Oregon.  It is tremendously funny and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved.  Come to the show if you can and be sure to visit with me in the lobby or afterward.

Trailer for Play

Brian Koch, Little Debbie and Big Debbie

http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/2013/04/blitzen_trappers_brian_adrian.html

May the Hand of  Manos be with You Always

Manos Fame Continues

Here are a few of the many  highlights and milestones that Manos: The Hands of Fate has enjoyed in just the last few years.  After it's initial release, the 1966 film was remembered only by those who took part in it and was quickly forgotten by those who had actually bought and paid for a ticket to see it.  Many years passed until  in 1993, Mystery Science Theater 3000 brought it to public consciousness on Comedy Central where it quickly became a cult movie favorite lovingly referred to as "The Worst Movie Ever Made".  It maintained it's status through the years as more people shared it or forced their friends to watch all or at least part of it. Alcohol was often involved in the coercion.

In Jan 2006, Brian Koch presented his  stage production of  Manos.  It debuted to friends and family and ended up playing to sold out crowds in Portland Oregon. Manos: on Stage in Portland

 In 2010 Rupurt Munch cast a Manos sequel that included all the original living able bodied Manos cast members and a few other notable folk. www.torgolives.com (That project appears to be on hold indefinitely)

 Rachel Jackson adapted the film for puppet theater. In April 2011 Manos: The Hands of Felt played to audiences in Seattle, Washington.   Manos: The Hands of Felt Big Finish

July 2012 A retro Mario Bros. style Manos: The Hands of Fate game was released for iPhone and now for iPad, Android and PC Manos: The Hands of Fate Game

August 4th 2012 Ben Solovey's Restoration of Manos premiered at the Manos birthplace of El Paso, Texas  Manos in HD

and later that month on August 16th, Rifftrax did a live riffing of Manos in Nashville Tennessee and simulcast it to 500 theaters nationwide. Rifftrax Live "Manos" The Hands of Fate

I've heard of this one.  Manos: Rock Opera of Fate in Chicago but don't currently have any more info.  I'm inquiring however, and will keep you posted.  Manos: Rock Opera of Fate

The stage production is back in Portland Oregon again and this time, I get to be involved.  The character of Debbie will be played by a puppet (not to be confused with the puppet theater version).  For the first time in 46 years I get to do the voice of  Debbie.  Of course, now I'm the middle age woman dubbing myself.  Poetic justice.

Manos On Stage April 11 - May 5th 2013

Manos: The Hands of Felt will also be back on stage this year in Seattle, Washington in August.  I will absolutely be there.  Maybe, if I'm really lucky, I'll be allowed to have a hand in it somehow.

Manos: Hands of Felt August 9 2013

My deepest thanks to all you followers of Manos and readers of my blog.  Interestingly, for the last few days, the country with the most readers after the United States is Latvia. Hmmm.  My readers are all over the world and I'm simply stunned at the interest, creativity and community this film has inspired. Thank you so very much!  The Master Approves.

Diane The Texas Beauty Queen

Hey all.  I had another great phone visit this weekend with Diane Mahree who played the part of Margaret in the iconic and classically bad 1966 film, Manos: The Hands of Fate, and am hoping to visit with her in person at the up coming Manos: The Hands of Fate stage production  in Portland, Oregon next month  capitaliproductions.com .  In the meantime, she was gracious enough to tell me another great story I would like to share with you Manos fans.

This one is about how Hal Warren signed Diane Mahree up for a beauty pageant without her consent in order to gain publicity for his up coming film, Manos: The Hands of Fate.  For a bit of background, first read my post  How Diane Met Hal  and then come back.

During the filming of  "Manos: The Hands of Fate", in the summer of 1966, Hal Warren, ever the salesman, decided that presenting Diane Mahree as the Texas Beauty Queen would make some pretty good publicity for his movie.  So he signed her up for a regional West Texas beauty pageant that would lead to Miss Texas and then to Miss America but he neglected to tell her about it until she was accepted as an entrant.  She went along with it and soon found herself onstage as one of the finalists.  In those days, after the formals, the bathing suits, the talent displays and everything else, they would ask each girl a different question.  Usually, they were rather simple to answer in a way that would make everyone smile and feel good.  When it came to Diane's turn, the question was, "What part do you feel religion should play in your life?"

Alright.  So now lets take a pause for a moment and put it all in context.  This is West Texas in 1966.  This is a beauty pageant that leads to Miss America who, by definition MUST believe in God. O.K.  Here's Diane, a young adult who was raised as a Christian and who has just spent her summer questioning her family and her communities long held beliefs. In fact, not just questioning but actively seeking out church leaders for help only to be told "You must have faith".  Of finding herself being answered with the claim of truth while they contradicted one other. Of becoming completely unsatisfied with the results of her queries.

Back on stage, she didn't hesitate.  She knew she was throwing the contest but didn't care.  They asked a question and she would answer.  She began giving her opinion on the hypocrisy of the church and just what she thought of  religion in general.  Fortunately, her mother was out of town and unable to attend but her father, who was in the audience told Diane later that while she was talking, the audience went dead silent and when she finished, you could have heard a pin drop for a few seconds...until the audience erupted in the loudest and longest applause of the evening.  Afterward each of the judges came to her individually and said they had really wanted her to go on and win but were not able to vote for her under the circumstances.  The  contest had been televised and broadcast to all the cities in the region which greatly increased the fallout that began the next day.  Probably not of the type that Hal had been hoping for in terms of publicity.  There were stories in the El Paso Times, editorials, preachers preached, letters sent and phones ringing off the hook.

Diane told me that the strangest thing for her was that of all the questions, they gave that particular one to her.  The girl after her was asked. "If you were traveling at 90 miles an hour and a truck was coming at you what would you do?"  The girl answered sweetly (Texas sweetly), "Well.  First of all, I would never be going 90 miles an hour but if I were, I would try to avoid the truck at all costs."

Thanks for reading and see you next week.