Harris - Father of the Blob : The Making of a Monster Smash and Other Hollywood Tales

The Making of a Monster Smash
and Other Hollywood Tales

By Jack H. Harris

For Judith
Who came into my life to
teach me about really loving,
letting go, and allowing my
emotions to flow.

I am sadly the sole survivor of my original family of six, having lost my Mother early on and my three sisters to various forms of cancer: Mitzie at age fifty-six, Claire at age seventy-one, and Dotzie at eighty-one years of age. I mourn them sincerely.

Yet, Im a perennial optimist. I never quit or became overwhelmed, tirelessly overcoming all obstacles. My crystal-clear memory has unobstructed speed in calling up past traumas and disappointments. There is joy and pride in my good fortune, to be part of the creative, demanding, frustrating and rewarding life of show biz. I enjoyed my ninety-sixth birthday, un-retired, in good health and sound mind. I continue daily, joined by my soul mate, Judith, to devote my time and attention to a life and a business that has rewarded me so handsomely.

One of my most important accomplishments was to father a worthy family dynasty. When I was forty-six, my darling daughter Lynda, the now famous POM Juice Queen, made me a grandfather. Her son, Jonathan, was joined by her son, Jason, two years later. My son, Anthony, a successful composer, author, and music conductor, and his dear wife, Alizon, presented me with two grandsons, Kris and Zach, and two gorgeous granddaughters, Jordanna and Gavrielle.

My guitar-playing grandson, Jason, fathered two adorable great-granddaughters, Danielle and Scarlett. Jasons sincere wish is to someday introduce me to his grandson.

Stewart Resnick, Lyndas second husband, added step-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Ilene and Bill. Ilene and hubby Daniel added a bright and beautiful step granddaughter, Lucy, and handsome step-grandson, Oliver, to the brood.

Not to understate my accomplishments, my lucky star led me to the relationship with my beautiful, witty, and intelligent mate-for-life, Judith Parker Harris, who happily fell into being a step-mom, step-grandma and step great-grandma when she married me.

We make a formidable group when we are together, especially at mealtimes. While my business relationships have always been built on loyalty and trust, business trust is intellectual. It comes from the brain. What Judy taught me, was how to trust the people I love with my heart. Judy, if youre reading this, I love you every day for it. I hope my family and friends know that you made me as successful in love and in life as I had been in pictures. To my Grandkids, to their Grandkids, and to everyone reading this, I hope you all meet (if you havent already) someone who will love and change you in all of the ways that Judy has loved and changed me. :

Sarah Liebowitz Harris, Mom, gave me her engagement ring converted to a lions head ring which never leaves my hand.

Ben Harris, Dad, taught me to do right by not emulating his way.

Shia Liebowitz, Gramps, introduced me to pomegranates from his fruit-peddling cart.

Jacob Harris, Gramps, blessed me with his name.

Bill Liebowitz, Uncle, gave me my first boy hair cut at age three.

Miss McCandless, my third grade teacher, enabled me to skip fourth grade.

Melvin Fox, theatre owner, appointed me manager of his new Mayfair Theatre, I was eighteen and he hounded me until I won a trip to Hollywood for my promotional stunts.

Pete Smith, self-appointed guide on my Hollywood trip, advisor for eventual permanent return to Hollywood.

David E. Millgram, theatre magnate, made me Publicity Manager for his twenty theatres.

Edna R. Carroll, awarded me the first PA censor Board approval for a sex movie.

Captain Arnold Patterson, recommended my transfer from combat field artillery to Officer Conversion School instructor in North Ireland.

General Bershon B. Sommerville, transferred me from the Officer Conversion School in Northern Ireland to U.S. Officers Candidate School in New Jersey, U.S.A.

Lou Kellman, for partnering with me in a Philadelphia area distributing film exchange office.

Allan Freedman, N.Y. lab owner, who connected me to numerous film producers.

Irvine H. Millgate, for his original, original monster idea.

Irvin S. Yeaworth, for his excellent direction, THE BLOB, 4 D MAN and DINOSAURUS.

Jackson Truax, for his love of the movies and facile editing that always helped to pull out the story and cut the fluff.

Jacquie Jordan for believing in this book enough to expertly guide it through the publishing and promotion process always patient, always there.

Brian Witten and Richard Saperstein, for their most thorough preparation of THE BLOB sequel.

Lynda Pom Queen Resnick, darling daughter and great supporter.

Anthony R. Harris, swell son and marvelous music guide.

Judith P. Harris, great wife, without her no book, no star, no BLOB gaming machines.