“Brad Meltzer’s Decoded” to explore secrets of history
Brad Meltzer
There are mysteries hidden throughout the history of the United States. And although we have more information at our fingertips than ever before, says author Brad Meltzer, there are still compelling mysteries waiting to be cracked. That’s the premise of “Brad Meltzer’s Decoded,” a new television program developed by the author.
The first of the 10-part series debuts Thursday on the cable channel History.
The premiere episode, “The White House,” explores a 200-year-old mystery that goes back to the first days of the building.
“In 1792, the very first piece of the White House is put down in a Masonic ceremony,” Meltzer said. “And within 24 hours, that very first piece supposedly goes missing.”
Other mysteries explored during the run of “Decoded” include those of DB Cooper, who is credited with stealing $200,000 and leaping from a passenger jet; and Abraham Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth. The Booth mystery has an Oklahoma connection.
“A couple of years back, I got an e-mail from a guy who said he was the great-great-great, however many greats, grandnephew of John Wilkes Booth,” Meltzer said. “And then right after that, a guy contacted me through my website and said, I’m representing John Wilkes Booth’s family, as a lawyer, and we’re trying to exhume the body and dig it up, and do you want to hear the story?”
Meltzer said when “the universe starts whispering to you like that, you gotta pay attention.”
The “Decoded” team looks at the theory that Booth wasn’t killed in a barn after assassinating President Lincoln in 1865. A man who claimed to be Booth died in Enid in 1903.
“To me the best part of the show is that we get to tell these stories,” Meltzer said. “People don’t realize that (Booth) was like the George Clooney of his time, with, obviously, apologies to George Clooney.”
Booth made the 2010 equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars as an actor and was highly recognizable.
“And then there were all these people who saw the (body), that everyone knew what he looked like because he was so famous, and said, ‘That’s not the guy. That’s not the guy.’”
Meltzer is working with a team of investigators on these mysteries. Meltzer’s team of experts includes Buddy Levy, a professor and journalist; Christine McKinley, a mechanical engineer, and Scott Rolle, a trial lawyer. Meltzer said he and the show’s producers went through dozens of candidates for these research positions, which was a grueling process.
“The results brought us some really incredible people who, most importantly, have skills I don’t have,” he said.
Meltzer is the author of seven novels, The New York Times nonfiction best-seller “Heroes For My Son” and two acclaimed comic books. His newest thriller, “The Inner Circle,” will be released in January.
Meltzer’s attention to research even gained the attention of the Department of Homeland Security. The department’s Red Cell program tasked him with exploring new ways terrorists might attack the United States.
Other episodes of “Decoded” will look at the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, and the mystery of what became of the Confederate gold reserves after the Civil War.
- By Matthew Price
From Tuesday’s The Oklahoman
What’s your favorite “Dead Universe”?
The Valiantfans.com message board has a fantastic section on “dead” comic book universes, including Defiant, Broadway, the Ultraverse, Triumphant and more. If you want to find out more about defunct comic book worlds, that’s a great place to start.
For those of you who once read or still collect comics from universes no longer with us, please vote for your favorite in the poll!
Leslie Nielsen on comedy, whoopee cushions, and Oklahoma
Leslie Nielsen with Nicollette Sheridan, promoting "Spy Hard" in 1996.
Former Oklahoman entertainment reporter Sandi Davis called me to tell me about meeting Leslie Nielsen in 1996, when the actor was promoting the film “Spy Hard.” She said he was very funny, and had a soft spot for Oklahoma. Sandi encouraged me to share the story, originally printed on May 24, 1996, in The Oklahoman, with current NewsOK readers. Nielsen died Sunday in Florida. Check out the story below.
- Matt Price
Comedy Irresistible Lure for Dramatic Actor
By Sandi Davis
LOS ANGELES – Leslie Nielsen quit playing it straight years ago.
Once a respected dramatic actor, Nielsen walked away from that to become one of today’s best loved buffoons, starring in send-ups of disaster movies, police dramas and now action thrillers.
His latest incarnation is as Dick Steele, Agent WD-40, in Hollywood Pictures’ “Spy Hard,” which starts today in Oklahoma City.
The Walt Disney Co. paid for reporters to come to Los Angeles to see the movie and interview the stars.
The movie, a daffy spoof of movies like “Cliffhanger,” “True Lies,” “In the Line of Fire” and all things James Bond, is full of slapstick, low humor and bad puns – and is good for some real belly laughs.
Nielsen good-humoredly went through his interviews squeezing a hand-size “whoopee cushion” at inappropriate times.
“I’m going for laughs and fun,” he said. “I’m through making serious decisions.”
The actor has a formula for his characters like Steele.
“They always must look credible, no matter how stupid,” he said. “Frank Dreben (from the ‘Naked Gun’ series) didn’t ever react because he didn’t see any of it happen. Steele is that way.”
Nielsen admits that the intoxicating sound of laughter was what lured him away from straight drama.
“I’ve found people with a great sense of humor don’t take themselves too seriously, but the switch to comedy from drama still took some courage,” he said.
Another actor, Andy Griffith, makes the leap in “Spy Hard,” playing the villain, the armless General Rancor. Rancor’s arms were blown off in an explosion caused by Agent WD-40. He’s come back to exact his revenge on the agent and all involved.
It’s strange to see Mayberry’s sheriff play a wicked man, but he pulls it off with a great sense of fun.
“I originally met Andy Griffith in 1960, but we hadn’t worked together,” Nielsen said. “You know he just finished a gospel album.”
Nielsen is no stranger to Oklahoma. His close friend, Jack “Duffy” Martin, has designed several golf courses in the metro area. Most recently, Martin opened Cimarron Trails in Guthrie. The actor comes to Oklahoma to play golf with his friend and enjoys the time he has spent here.
“I miss Oklahoma,” he said. “I’m looking forward to coming back and playing at Cedar Valley and Cimarron Trails and seeing the Martin family.”
He’ll probably bring his little noisemaker. Be prepared.
Ultimate Comics Captain America #1 preview
Marvel Comics has provided a preview of “Ultimate Comics Captain America” #1, by Jason Aaron and Ron Garney. Garney is of course known for his popular 1990s run on “Captain America” with writer Mark Waid. Aaron is one of the best modern Marvel writers, with books like “Ghost Rider” and “Wolverine: Weapon X” (where he worked with Garney) to his credit.
I thought the “Weapon X” run by Aaron and Garney was woefully underappreciated, and I look forward to seeing their take on Cap. I’m not as big a fan of “Ultimate” Cap as I am the Marvel Universe version, but this is a strong creative team. The comic will be released in stores and on the Marvel app on Jan. 5.
Here’s how Marvel describes the story: The Super Soldier project was a secret and mysterious undertaking that took a frail young man named Steve Rogers and forged him into the Captain America of World War II…but Rogers wasn’t the only one to emerge from the program. Enter the Captain America of the Vietnam War! Prepare for a battle between two Captain Americas…and only one living legend is walking away!
Click past the cut for the preview.
- Matt Price
RIP “Empire Strikes Back” director Irvin Kershner
Irvin Kershner is seen during the making of "Robocop II." (AP)
NewsOK has the AP report on the death of “Empire Strikes Back” director Irvin Kershner.
Kirshner, who also directed the James Bond film “Never Say Never Again” and “Robocop 2” died at age 87. Kershner directed what is generally considered to be the best of the “Star Wars” films and told Vanity Fair in October he tried to bring more depth to the “Star Wars” saga.
Read the full report at NewsOK.
- Matt Price
Monday movie quote challenge #106
“I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley.”
Identify who said the above quote in what film in the comments of this memorial edition of the movie quote challenge.
Holiday gift ideas for comic-book fans include art books, anniversary titles
Paul Levitz with his book, "75 Years of DC Comics."
WORD BALLOONS
With Black Friday upon us, those with comic book fans in their lives might be considering what items relating to the hobby would make good holiday gifts. There are several items, from archival reprints to art books and histories, that might make good selections.
2010 marks the 75th anniversary of DC Comics, so several items are available celebrating that landmark. Paul Levitz has written the enormous “75 Years of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Mythmaking” ($200) from Taschen, recounting the company’s history with lots of beautifully presented art. The hardcover book “DC Comics Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle” ($50) takes fans on a chronological tour through important events in DC Comics’ publishing history.
For those who may be fans primarily of DC Comics’ artwork, “DC Comics: The 75th Anniversary Poster Book” ($40) provides a look at some of DC’s greatest covers, which can be pulled out as posters if desired.
Another DC Comics-related book of interest is “Icons: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee” ($39.95), which recounts the post-Marvel comics art of the DC Comics co-publisher, who has drawn story lines including “Superman: For Tomorrow” and “Batman: Hush.” Fans of classic comics may want to try out “Shazam!: The Golden Age of the World’s Mightiest Mortal” ($35), which looks back at the phenomenon of Captain Marvel from comics’ Golden Age.
Aspiring comic book artists might be interested in “Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics” ($24.99), which covers essential elements in comic book creating, or “Bryan Hitch’s Ultimate Comics Studio” ($24.99), which shows the techniques of the popular comic book penciller.
If your comic fan’s taste runs more toward the indie, Oni Press has released a complete box set of all of the “Scott Pilgrim” graphic novels. Called “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Box Set” ($72), this slipcased collection contains all six of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Pilgrim” graphic novels, in which a slacker must defeat all of his new girlfriend’s evil exes.
Marvel Comics fans may enjoy “Marvel Avengers: The Ultimate Character Guide” ($16.99), which gives a rundown on the various characters that were part of “The Avengers” over the years.
- Matt Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
Happy Black Friday and Small Business Saturday!
As part of the retail “celebrations” Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, I’m sure your local comic book shop would love it if you dropped in and dropped some cash. Even if you’re not Richie Rich, I know consistent and loyal customers are very much appreciated by comics retailers.
If you get any great deals or have any cool comic-book purchase stories, feel free to share them in the comments!
- Matt Price
Happy Thanksgiving 2010!
Happy Thanksgiving everybody! Have a great time with your family — or friends — or whoever you are spending your day with!
- Matt Price
Green Lantern vs. Green Hornet; looking for Superman; Bale’s last Batman in Planet 46 comics podcast
GREEN LANTERN, GREEN HORNET GET NEW TRAILERS
The first trailer for Ryan Reynolds’ “Green Lantern” and the latest for Seth Rogen’s “Green Hornet” hit the internet recently. Which “green” movie are you more excited for?
Ryan Reynolds (AP)
CHRISTIAN BALE SAYS BATMAN 3 IS HIS LAST
At junket for “The Fighter” in Los Angeles, “The Dark Knight Rises” star Christian Bale tells E News Online that he expects the upcoming film will be the last time he portrays the Dark Knight, unless “Chris (Nolan) says different.”
“The Dark Knight Rises” would wrap the planned Bat-trilogy, and Nolan has previously said he plans on stepping aside from the Batman world after the third film. Bale was deferential to Nolan in multiple interviews for “The Fighter,” saying he only knows what Christopher Nolan has told him.
LOOKING FOR CLARK
Deadline reports Warner Bros. has begun looking for an actor to portray Superman in the “Man of Steel” reboot. The studio isn’t seeking a major star for the role. The age range, according to Deadline, will be around 28-32. “Watchmen” star Matthew Goode could be on Zack Snyder’s short list. Movienewz reports the 6-2 Goode is a candidate to play Clark Kent. Goode played Ozymandias, aka Adrian Veidt, the smartest man in the world, in Snyder’s “Watchmen” adaptation. Anne Hathaway, star of “Love and Other Drugs” has been kicked around as a possible Lois Lane.
REVIEW FILE
Kyle and Matt review The Traveler, Uncanny X-Force #2, Teen Titans #89 and Amazing Spider-Man #649.
