Born in Romania on April 23, 1904, Duncan Renaldo (birth name Vasile Dumitru Cughieaneas) was orphaned at an early age and never knew his birth parents. He was raised and educated in various European countries and arrived in the United States in 1917 as a stoker on a Brazilian coal ship. After his ship caught fire at the docks in Baltimore, Maryland, he was stranded and overstayed his 90-day seamen’s permit. He moved to New York, where he found a job as a janitor at a film studio. His attention to detail on movie sets earned him a promotion to set designer, and eventually, he began acting in [Read More]

Originally owned by the legendary aviatrix and entrepreneur, Pancho Barnes, this station wagon automobile originally was used to transport guests between Los Angeles and her Happy Bottom Riding Club dude ranch located in the Mojave Desert, where they were treated to laughter, camaraderie, live music, excellent meals, drinks and adventure.  It was later gifted to one of Pancho’s hostesses as a wedding gift to ensure safe cross-country driving to Connecticut, where the automobile spent many years.  It was well cared for by the hostess and her family, and eventually was sold to a car collector in Southern California. [Read More]

Vince Barnett (1902-1977) was an American film actor and comedian who specialized in playing practical jokes on his audiences. He was a licensed pilot since 1921.  His initial involvement in Hollywood was writing screenplays for two-reeler silent movies of the late 1920s. He began appearing in films in 1930, playing hundreds of comedy bits and supporting roles. After World War II Barnett became a familiar face on television.

A master of disguise, Vince Barnett for years was known in Hollywood as a professional ribber, appearing at banquets and parties as a paid practical joker. His most famous prank was to show up at an event as “the worst waiter in the world.”  He would insult the guests in a thick [Read More]