In Memoriam
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MATTEA PIAZZESI, IVAN J. HOUSTON, AND FLAVIO GROSSI
COMMENTARY
Joe, Many thanks for your wonderful tribute to Ivan. I was very surprised and shocked to hear of his passing. Hi to Dayle. Andy P. Sorry to hear that Joe...glad you had the opportunity to work with him. Joe S. Sad news. Glad you could document his achievements while he was alive. Best, Ann C. Yes Mr. Hartnett. I was very saddened to hear about Mr. Houston's passing. What an extraordinary human being. We are so grateful for his presence at our A.C. Bilbrew Library on several occasions. Thank you! Thank you for the wonderful documentary that allowed so many of us to learn about this great American hero. I applaud you for the beautiful tribute on your website. Thank you for all that you do with your incredible storytelling on film. Regards, Rose C. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can work through the issues. The world needs to know about Mr. Houston. What an amazing story! Lauren S. So sorry to hear this, Joe and Dayle. Thank you for letting us know. He would be worth an article on the Pershing Foundation website when we finally get it worth looking at again. Best, Jack L. Sincere condolences, Dayle and Joe, for the loss of your friend and collaborator. - A long, rich life, now documented for the world to know and admire, April and Ron D. Thank you, Joe for sharing this poignant news about a life well lived. You helped create the meaning in his legacy - thank you again. Sending love to you and Dayle, Mary Z. What a wonderful surprise receiving your letter. I'm a history nut and most certainly will look up Mr. Houston's documentary. I know that Marilyn will be thrilled that we heard from you, as she often talks about your mom, she was a great and wonderful friend. Marilyn is now under Hospice care, not really doing well but she's a fighter and that really counts. Hope all is well with you, please give regards to all.. Very, very best.....Lou P. Joe, absolutely awesome!!! You & your lovely wife are my Heroes. See you soon my Friend. General Freddie V. Thanks Joe. He was a great man. Marina A. Thanks for letting us know, Joe and Dayle. Ivan had an incredible run. Sharon & Yoram J. Such a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. THANK YOU for capturing his very important story in your documentary!!!!! Stephanie R Thanks Joe. I wonder if he was one of the very nice people, we met at your showing a couple of years ago? A real old-fashioned Hero. So great you have told this story to the World. Joe W. Such a moving tribute. Thank you for sharing this! Love, Sally S. Joe and Dayle, Sending my condolences on the death of Ivan J. Houston---although this really should be a celebration of his long, amazing, heroic life. What a family heritage! Thank you also for sharing the clip of your film about Pershing---another true hero and a man so far ahead of his time. So good to know that you, Joe, have fulfilled your life-long ambition to make films, and are making truly meaningful documentaries. Like the men whose lives you have recorded, you prove that every act of life, even the late ones, can be full of achievements, adventures, even surprises. Best to you and your essential partner, Dayle. Karin C. I’m sorry to hear this. But I’m so glad for having met him. Thank you for including me on this project and please send my love and support to Ivan’s family. Gratefully, Ellie B. Joe — great to hear from you….Fascinating duality of lives with Pershing and Houston….amazing stories for sure. Hope all is well in your world. I’m still teaching…my 24th year — a lot of time has passed…many students, great friends and teachers I’ve been privileged to know. Thanks for the heads up on your documentary, Robert L. Joe, Sorry to hear this. BTW, I really like your website. Duke O. Joe & Dayle, Good to hear from you! Sorry to hear about Ivan Houston. Please let us know about any screenings of With One Hand Tied. Hope you're well and enjoying making these films All the best, Cyndee K. & Macey L. Dayle and Joe, Thanks for keeping me in the loop. I took a look at your website. Wow! Impressive work. Hope you and your family are all well and happy. Cheers, Janet C. Dear Joe and Dayle, You guys did a wonderful job on the film. What a tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers! What an inspiring story! Sheldon & I still talk about the unforgettable evening when we saw the film & met Ivan et al. His memory will live on thanks to your good work. Hugs, Emily & Sheldon L. Joe & Dayle: A moving tribute to Houston. Thanks for sending it. Stay well, Alan L. Dear Joe and Dayle, We often forget what it takes to keep a democracy alive. Well done. Regards, John C. REVIEWS: WITH ONE TIED HAND PREMIERE SCREENING IN FEBRUARY 2017 (BLACK HISTORY MONTH)
“I was privileged to serve as moderator for the discussion that followed the premiere screening of With One Tied Hand in Long Beach. “There were 150+ in attendance, and when the screening was over the reaction was immediate: everyone rose and there was sustained applause. Later, individuals approached me to say how profoundly they had been affected by the film. No one left after the film. It was obvious that everyone in attendance wanted to know more of the story and the men who made it. “The reasons were obvious: First, almost no one is aware of the triumphant contribution made by the Black Warriors, the all-Negro Buffalo Soldiers, in the late days of World War II as infantrymen in Italy. It is as much an untold story as that in the recent award-winning film, "Hidden Figures,” which recounts the astonishing contribution of three black female mathematicians to NASA’s space program. Second, the character of both Ivan J. Houston and Andy Pollard, GIs who served with distinction and were wounded in action against the Nazis, shines through; in their nineties, they remain men of great strength, warmth, humility, and vivid memories who were treated badly in a segregated army during wartime and yet, after 70 years, carry no bitterness toward the fellow Americans who denigrated them despite their courage under constant fire. Third, the enduring respect and love of the Italians who were liberated by the Black Warriors and who have never forgotten their presence and continue to honor their efforts all these decades later. No one can watch and listen to an Italian man in his seventies tell how the American “black giants” treated him as a child, and what their behavior meant to him, will forget that scene in the film. And finally, the fact that the Italians of Tuscany have continued, without publicity or widespread attention, to recreate each year the American actions that freed them from the grasp of Fascism is testimony to our black warriors and to the people who learned of this unknown piece of history and made the film.” Gordon Cohn Author “The film was really, really great. I learned so much!” Sanaa Johnson, 14 “Joe, on my way to the screening I was afraid I might be bored by your film. Instead, I really enjoyed it and watched every minute with great interest. Well done!” Mike Keston Builder and Investor “Congratulations. With One Tied Hand is completely transformed from the cut you showed me in October, last year. It was worth working on more to get the best out of the material you shot. I think the film works well now. Good luck with film festivals. There are so many films out there these days that it's becoming more and more competitive. I think PBS is ultimately the best venue for the film. You should also try KCET and BET. Happy New Year and congratulations again on completing the film.” Mark Jonathan Harris, Three Time Oscar Winner “I want to tell you how much I enjoyed With One Tied Hand. It is such a great tribute to all our Black soldiers who fought in WWII. It is such a "Heart Warming” film describing Death, Destruction, and Discrimination. It fully captures the Horrors of those years with little Venom. The kindness and respect there was (and is) between the U.S. Forces and the Italians who were trapped in their Villages is very "Special." It made me very “Proud" and "Sad" at the same time. Keep me apprised of what is next for the proposed WWI Documentary.” Sandra Pershing Widow of Jack Pershing, Grandson of General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing “We watched With One Tied Hand and thought it was great. Loved the intertwining of how they fought and liberated the Italians and yet were not truly liberated themselves at that point. The surviving Buffalo Soldiers who were featured were wonderful spokespeople and gave the film an authenticity and warmth that could not be transmitted by a disembodied narrator and film clips by themselves. That older Italian who talked about receiving chocolate from the soldiers really gave it an emotional boost. The extent to which the Italians remember what the soldiers did for them and how much they still are appreciated is a story that more people need to know. In fact, I think you are doing a great service by bringing this story to film. It's so relevant to our times, given America's continued struggle to overcome racism.” Jack McPhee Former Peace Corps Executive “OH MY GOODNESS Dayle!!! This is brilliant. Really brilliant. I cried. Several times!! Thank you for capturing this piece of history before it is gone. You did a fantastic job of finding so many subjects to support why the Buffalo Soldiers are still important in Italy (and why they should be honored here in America!!!). Angelo's recollections of being 5 and seeing these "angels open their arms"...giving him chocolate for the first time had me in tears again. Ivan J. Houston is an amazing subject - and to even see how his ancestors fought in previous American wars! He is so well spoken. Loved the scenes of he and his friend in the diner. Loved seeing him finally enter the gates of Lucca! I cried seeing him finally appreciated for all he risked. Can I share this with two friends? One, Eve, age 85, just returned from France, where on May 30, 2016, this small town erected a memorial to her brother and his crew mates who were shot down by the Germans in 1944. Two of the Frenchmen were small boys at the time and saw the plane crash. They have lobbied their whole lives to not develop the land of this forest, saying it is sacred. I know she would really appreciate and love what you have done. The second, Byron, has a father (now 89) who is the only still-living umpire of the Negro leagues. He is also a WWII vet of the Pacific. What an incredible piece of history. When is it airing on the History channel??? So impressed! Thanks for letting me see it.” Stephanie Rosen Writer and Educator “I decided to hook the video up to the screen and have the entire office finish watching with me. That way we controlled distribution. I cried. Yes. I am a cry baby and the documentary is powerful.” Karen Joyner Marketing Consultant “It was very sad to learn the plight of the Buffalo Soldiers during the first half of the film. I cried throughout the final scenes. Great film.” Brian Dee Filmmaker/Cameraman “Congratulations! I finally had a chance to sit down and watch With One Tied Hand. A very moving tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers and Ivan Houston's legacy. I wish you the best of luck with this documentary. It's an amazing story.” Linda Alvarez Former KNBC Anchor Woman “Great job. I really enjoyed the dialog between Ivan & Andy in the restaurant. There were some very emotional scenes.” Ed Elliott Retired Healthcare Executive “It's very well done, and sets quite high professional standards. I especially enjoyed the touching scene with Angelo! Overall, a wonderful, warm, emotional story.” Steve Aronoff Retired Film Financier “Perhaps the best documentary film I’ve ever seen!” Al Markovitz Physician and Art Collector “I just viewed your wonderful inspirational film. How much it has evolved! I was so moved watching it. Shocking to hear Gen. Almond's document/comments on Black soldiers. Moving to hear the narrative of the man who remembers when he was 5 years old and saw the Buffalo Soldiers coming to save the area. I loved the work you did. It is a great service to Ivan who is beyond remarkable. I also enjoyed the scenes with his military peer at Pann's and loved the final dance with his new Italian ‘daughter.’ Kudos to your effort and product!” Sharon Jaffe Professor “Congratulations. A magnificent accomplishment. There is so much there, so many moments. Beautiful. It is a wonderful tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers, to Ivan, to his family, and to the appreciative people in Italy. Passion and perseverance have won.” Dave Boule Public Relations Executive and Author “We have now viewed With One Tied Hand, and consider it a privilege to have followed its (and YOUR) progress, all these months and years. What a fine achievement. We wish you success, wide distribution, awards, etc etc!” April Damman, Author Ron Damman, Art and Antiquities Dealer “Wow, Fantastico! Very touching, interesting and beautifully shot and edited!” Janice Dolan Restaurateur “Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful, touching film. It is SO well done and so moving. All the hard work you and Joe have put into this has come to fruition, and we could not be more delighted or supportive. Are you now going to be showing it at festivals? We hope to see "Tied Hand" in wide release. Every American (and everyone everywhere) should know this amazing, heartwarming, hope-engendering story. The archival footage is incredibly impressive. Ivan Houston is an incredible treasure. You are fortunate to have gotten to know him, and I'm sure he and his family are indebted and grateful to you for bringing the story to light & helping cement the reconnection with the Italians he helped liberate. Thank you again! Kudos! Emily Lodmer Professor “Thanks for sending me the link to the Buffalo Soldier documentary. Very nicely done...the editing, content and research. It must have been a very gratifying experience as well a lot of fun putting the story together and working with all the people involved. The documentary has a very positive feel to it.” Csaba Essoe Realtor/Broker “You guys did such beautiful work! I just watched it, and really loved it.” Danielle Whittaker Actress “The timing of his film is powerful with respect to the current state of race relations in the United States. It allows Non-African American viewers to connect and relate to individuals like Ivan and the rest of the Buffalo soldiers.” Jake Webber U.S. Marine “Congratulations on finishing an excellent film! I naturally watched it as soon as I received your news. I liked the end when you came back to the very emotional fellow who talked about ‘angels opening their arms.’ Truly I liked the entire film. Thank you for allowing me to share it with my literary agent, who also thought it was very good.” Solace Wales Sheets Author, Sommocolonia, Italy “OK. Where do I begin to tell you how amazing this film was. I am so happy to hav been a very very very small part of it which I wish I could have done more. This film is on its way to great recognition and admiration by anyone who sees it. In my opinion you guys better hang onto your hats because it's going to be a great ride. I can see accolades and awards and stars and red carpets OK OK I'm getting a little over board here. In other words I really really really really did like it. No, I LOVED IT.” Toni DiModica Italian Cookbook Author “Very very impressive work.” Lauren Sands Producer |
Premiered on November 11, 2018: PERSHING'S PATHS OF GLORY