The good old days in Hollywood are gone

They don't make movies like they used to. That was how Dan Branson began his talk to the Kiwanis Club last week. He went on to tell about his early days as a screen writer in Hollywood. He feels movies these days are produced by what he calls corporate types who hate to take risks. They rely too much on sequels and remakes and produce more bad movies than good ones.

Kiwanis members were thoroughly entertained with stories Dan Branson related about early days in Hollywood when movies were written and produced by creative people who made more bad movies than good ones.

He indicated there are a few who make it to the top in Hollywood, but a lot of nobodies who make it possible. He considers himself one of those nobodies. In fact, he has written a book titled "Confessions of a Hollywood Nobody."

Bronson had a varied career as a screen writer, an English professor, a story editor, and a writer-producer for HBO. Today he is retired, but he continues writing. He has just completed a novella and is doing research for a book about the workings of Hollywood.

He maintains a blog at Hollywood-Nobody.com.

Kiwanis members were especially pleased to have Dan Bronson as their guest speaker because he had been a Key Club member when he was in high school. It is sponsored by Kiwanis to develop leadership skills among young people. There is a Key Club at Tehachapi High School

Kiwanis meets each Wednesday at noon at Big Papas. Guests and prospective members are encouraged. Call 822-5379 for further information.