Easy Riders on the Flipside

EASY RIDERS ON THE FLIPSIDE

Luana Anders and Peter Fonda meeting up

In the continuing research into the flipside, Jennifer Shaffer and I meet up weekly to discuss the latest news from our pals on the flipside.  

In this case, I decided to see if it was possible to interview Peter Fonda.  For those of you who don't know Peter, this interview gives some intimate details about him.

Jennifer and I have been doing this for some years now, meeting weekly to see who comes forward. My questions are in Italics, and Jennifer's answers are in bold. This is an excerpt from the upcoming book; "Backstage Pass to the Flipside (Part three) "Class is in Session." (tentative title)

I will be talking about this new book on COAST TO COAST WITH GEORGE NOORY this Friday night.  Tune in if you want to hear the latest updates on the flipside.

Book one: Backstage Pass

https://www.amazon.com/Backstage-Pass-Flipside-Book-One-ebook/dp/B07FR38DQB

Jennifer Shaffer

Luana Anders is an actress with over 30 films and 300 TV shows to her credit.  She and I met at USC film school in the 70's, and spent the next 20 years together.  After leaving the planet in 1996, she started appearing in my dreams; visually, audibly, and at a younger age.  I began to wonder how it could be that she was still in contact with me, which began my journey into the flipside.

As recounted in the book and film "Flipside" - Luana guided me in a number of ways, to meet people who were well versed in "how to communicate with the flipside."  I began my journey with the work of Michael Newton, a hypnotherapist in Los Angeles who catalogued his 7000 cases where people under deep hypnosis were able to see, hear, experience a number of things, including previous lifetimes, and the between lives realm.  That book "Flipside" became a best seller after my first appearance on "Coast to Coast." (Followed by best sellers (kindle in their genre) "It's a Wonderful Afterlife," "Hacking the Afterlife" and "Backstage Pass to the Flipside.")

It also brought me to the attention of medium Jennifer Shaffer, who works with law enforcement nationwide on missing person cases.  About four years ago, I began filming our conversations with folks on the flipside. 

We interviewed people that I knew, or Luana knew, who were no longer on the planet.  Luana facilitated those conversations - she helping her friends to "communicate" with us (via Jennifer) and Jennifer helping to translate what she was seeing/sensing/hearing into answers.  Sometimes she wouldn't know what the image or reference meant, and I would do the forensic research to tie the strings together. (It's always a bit startling when someone says "look up Erik Estrada" and I actually find a link to them.) 

We often learn "new information" from people on the flipside (as detailed in "Hacking the Afterlife") and in the case of "Backstage Pass to the Flipside" the title itself was suggested by none other than Tom Petty (Happy Birthday Tom) who said "Luana is like the person at the back door with the backstage passes. She hands them out to us so we can communicate with you."  Hence the title of the book.

Backstage Pass Two

Like anyone, I take whatever I hear, see, gather with an idea of "Wow, that's wild. I wonder if that's true?" and then piece it together. In this fashion, I reached out to Aretha Franklin's niece at her insistence (she said her niece was handling her estate, and it turned out she was. She said her niece would find her hand written will, and it turned out she did.) These interviews (starting with Aretha) will be part of an upcoming book, "Part Three" of this series, tentatively titled "Class is in Session." I interview numerous people - not all celebrities - but sometimes religious figures, icons from the past, sometimes friends of friends, sometimes close friend's parents who are no longer on the planet.

I've found that not everyone is open to this research - which is understandable. After all, we've seen our loved ones die in our arms, we've grieved for them, and we've put them into the rolodex of our memory.  My suggesting that they can "still talk to us" or that they're accessible brings up old wounds, and a fear that we're being "observed" when we don't want to be.  All I can say is - sorry.  It's not my fault that they show up in our sessions, ask me to pass along information to their loved ones. As Jennifer's father suggested to us from the flipside; "tell people to move grief to nostalgia.  Grief has only sad memories; nostalgia has both sad and happy memories. When you move grief to nostalgia you begin the healing process."

I find it interesting when their loved ones are skeptical, doubtful, even upset at hearing that their loved one reached out to me through Jennifer.  Why wouldn't they just reach out to them directly? 

Well, it appears to be a frequency issue. They can't just speak, or talk to their loved ones - without practice, without the loved ones opening themselves up to the possibility of communication.  So out of frustration, I guess, they show up on our doorstep. And what they impart to us is not what they would impart to their loved ones - they "consider the source" when passing information. They know (and warn us) how skeptical their loved ones are - but that doesn't stop me from passing along what I hear.

Luana in a still from the film "The Trip" a film that brought
Dennis, Peter and Luana together with Luana playing a trippy waitress

In this case, I asked this person to show up - and as we'll see, Jennifer wasn't aware of who he was, and did not recognize him straight away.  (Which demonstrates that I haven't prepped her in advance in any way shape or form.)

Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in Cannes with Easy Rider

This was filmed on 9-27, and the next day, I discovered that Easy Rider was playing at my local cinema, the Aero.  A 4K print that is pristine, that really highlights Lazlo Kovacs amazing work, Dennis Hopper's realistic direction and acting as "Billy" and Peter Fonda's laconic yet profound performance as "Captain America."  

After the screening, I met three young folks who had never seen the film. (Tucker!) I asked their opinion:  "It's so timely, it really speaks to what's going on in the country now."  For those who haven't seen "Easy Rider" in awhile, it's about prejudice, it's about judging people for the way they look, it's about realizing that we talk about freedom in a way that we think is settled law - and that it isn't on many levels.  With the rise of fascism in the country, or misplaced xenophobia, the film speaks directly to those issues in a way that is startling.

If you haven't seen it - see it.  If you have seen it - see it again.

In light of this interview - people who know me know that I just keep filming whatever pops into my mind, and that Jennifer is kind enough, and generous enough to offer her services as a cellphone to the flipside.  In this case, Luana Anders (who is in Easy Rider) is the person who says that this interview is a "9 out of 10" with regard to this research.

That won't be apparent at first - because Jennifer did not know who Peter was, was not familiar with his work or career, never saw Easy Rider, was not familiar with his father's work either.  I took that opportunity - knowing that she did not know who we were speaking with - to demonstrate how one can learn "new information" during an interview with someone on the flipside.

In particular, Peter had a "near death experience" when he was 11, something that wasn't called it back then.  What Jennifer didn't know, was that his mother committed suicide when he was ten, and no one told him that until he was 15. But when he was 11, he accidentally shot himself - and in this interview reveals (for the first time ever anywhere) what he saw during that near death event.

I also asked his mother to come forward, briefly, to also demonstrate that our loved ones don't die - we don't die - we just move into "another room" or "another form of reality."  In this case, Peter mentions the same "construct" that Harry Dean Stanton shared with us (in "Backstage Pass to the Flipside" and in posts previously on this page that point to his proving that he still exists.)

Harry Dean Stanton and friend

Harry makes a surprise appearance in this interview as well - I didn't know he did a film with Peter, but Peter references him.  So - in honor of the 50th anniversary of "Easy Rider" I bring you an interview with Peter, Dennis, Luana and others:

Flipside Explorers Club

Rich: Hi Jennifer.

Jennifer: Hello.

I did have a couple of people I wanted to talk to and Luana, I don’t how important they are to talk to. I’ll leave it up to you.

She says “They’re a 9 out of 10 for whatever research you’re doing.”

(Note: Jennifer doesn’t know who I’ve invited, but in terms of how Luana views this next guest; he’s a “9 out of 10.”)

Let’s start with the 9. This is someone Luana worked with and knew.

And is related to Jack Nicholson.

Yes. (ding!) This is someone who recently moved to the flipside.

And is also friends with our class member from “Big Love.”

Harry Dean Stanton? Okay, I didn’t know that. I was quoting Harry yesterday.

Harry Dean (back right) along with costars Jack Nicholson, Randy Quaid, Freddie Forrest
Luana appeared in films or TV shows with all of them

(Note: Six Degrees of Luana. The writer of “The Missouri Breaks” (starring Marlon Brando, where Harry Dean and Luana had roles) Thomas McGuane wrote and directed a film with Peter and Harry called “92 Degrees in the Shade.” Harry Dean, at the funeral of his close friend Warren Oates, “told an anecdote of his comrade’s encouragement when a mutual scene from Peter Fonda’s “92 degrees in the Shade” was near the brink of collapse.” (Medium.com) Peter Fonda, whom Jennifer has no clue who I’m talking about, is telling us from the flipside that he and Harry Dean were friends.)

Harry showed me a flower.

Okay there is something that Luana and Jack were involved in that this person I am calling forward was part of. Does he want to come and speak with us?

“He doesn’t know how. He didn’t know how to communicate when he was here.”

Well, Luana can help him. Is he ready to talk to us?

I saw Anthony Bourdain.

(Note: When Anthony died, Peter was filmed (YouTube) saying “I was so sorry to hear that. I really liked him. It’s so sad.” I don’t know if they met, or he was just a fan, but now they can chat.  The topic of suicide comes up in a few minutes.)

Then I saw the karate guy – from Kung Fu.

David Carradine. Indeed, he looked a bit like him. Let’s put him in the chair. Can we bring him forward? 

She’s showing me that room where everyone met each other?

Jack Nicholson with his former acting teacher Jeff Corey

(Note: Jennifer is referring to Jeff Corey's “classroom” where Luana met Jack Nicholson, Sally Kellerman, Roger Corman and other close friends – all actors who worked for Roger in films.  Peter’s career began as Jack and Luana’s did – working in Roger Corman movies.)

Her acting class. Yes, he was there around that time. He’s in a movie with Luana.  Luana, show her what this guest did in this movie.

I saw him driving... (or)... on a motorcycle?

Focus on that motorcycle if you can. What color is it? You guys, show her the motorcycle from the movie.

I’m seeing white... which doesn’t make any sense.

And some red and blue – I can’t believe you don’t know this movie but it demonstrates how I’ve not spoken to or helped you in any way. Luana appeared in a movie with Dennis...

Hopper.

Correct. The guy in our interview chair passed over a few weeks ago.  You never saw their movie?

I’m sorry. Is it called “Freedom” or something about freedom?

Close. “Easy Rider.” 

Never saw it.

Well, it is a film about freedom. That’s fine – you don’t know who starred in Easy Rider, do you? His name is Peter Fonda.

(Note: Indeed, having seen the latest 4K print after this interview, there’s a speech at the end that Jack Nicholson gives Dennis saying “They don’t fear your hair. They fear what you represent; freedom.” )

Is that Jane Fonda’s dad?

Ask him. Peter, what’s your relation to Jane?

Brother and sister. (Jennifer frowns)

Don’t be disappointed; it just shows you have not been prepped.

Sorry. I would not have known.

Luana is this the 9 out of ten person?

“Yes.” (Jennifer aside:) Did he have throat cancer? I felt his throat.

Could have been...possibly.

(Note: Yes, the throat area; Peter died of lung cancer.)

“It went through his whole body,” he says.

So Peter, that reply shows that you can converse with us. Tell me, how does he appear to you?  

They’re saying “She didn’t (even) know who she was talking to!” That’s what they’re saying.  I kept seeing James Dean, but I didn’t think that he might represent the motorcyle. He (Peter) has this wavy hair, and looks.. well, you already described David Carradine.

A tall thin guy. Let’s invite Dennis to join us as well.

They’re all there.

Peter, who was there to greet you when you crossed over?

“His mother.”

Peter with family, with his wife, Peter’s mom; Frances Seymour Brokaw. She reportedly was bi-polar, and when hearing they were going to divorce, took her own life. Reportedly, Peter wasn’t told what happened for five years after the event.

She’s short, like tiny – I saw Jane’s face in hers, something somewhere in her looks -  felt like she died 30 years ago or something. Felt like she had something wrong with her brain... her heart... I saw pills. 

(Note: His mother, Frances Brokaw was petite compared to husband Henry. She died in 1950, so if the comment "she died 30 years ago" is enough to stop a person from reading on, as I'm fond of saying, "Now's the time to get off this bus."  Jennifer is reporting - and her feeling was that it was "30 years ago" when it was 70. People on the flipside give images that represent events, like “pills” for “suicide.” I don’t know if she was taking pills for her condition, but it’s been widely reported she was manic depressive or bi-polar which may have led to her suicide.)

What was that like to see your mother again?

He says “Bliss... and questions.” He had so many questions, a script of unanswered (ones).. a list of questions; she left too early." She said to him “It was going to be okay,” and then his dogs came to him (on the flipside.)

Peter, have you had a chance to see your father?

“Yeah, but he was in the back.”

(Note: “Staying back” is often reported when people aren’t sure what the reception to seeing them will be like. Again, Jennifer has no idea who his father is.)

Is he able to converse with you or is he still working out his journey?

He says “They missed levels.” I don’t know what the levels are.

(Note: In this context, it may be that something prevented them from greeting each other at first.)

So he’s not conversing?

“He’s in a different place (mentally), trying to think about how to come back.”

(Note: This is in the "flipside" research as well, people under deep hypnosis talking about the process of planning their return, gearing up so to speak, to make that return.)

Peter, your mom was there to greet you, but she left the planet in a startling way – did you talk about that with her? Did she explain why that happened?

Was there a sudden impact to her chest, like a force?

(Note: Having done a number of these with Jennifer,  I've heard from her before that "sudden impact" may refer to as a “sudden or unexpected passing” – like it wasn’t expected or planned. She may be seeing the gunshot that Peter speaks of in a few minutes. But in the case of his mother, Frances, it was a few days after hearing of her impending divorce that she committed suicide.)

Well, in a way. But Peter, she was the first person to greet you – have you since conversed with your dad?

“Yeah.”

After your mom passed away, you had an incident that happened when you were 10 or 11 years old.

(Jennifer, after a pause) He saw her.

What happened to you that you saw her?

He showed me being angry and couldn’t breathe.

It’s been reported there was an accident, but I don’t know if it was puproseful or not.

He’s saying “He had a near death experience.” (Jennifer aside:) Did he have a near death experience?

Do you want to show Jennifer what happened?

“It was a gun.”

That’s correct. (Ding!) Was that an accident or on purpose?

He says “He was out of his mind, it was both – the safety wasn’t on.”

So it was an accident that you shot yourself?

He’s showing me the bullet went straight through him... (gestures to her body).

But then you saw your mom?

“Yes. He shows me crying and just loving her and understanding everything she went through all the sadness she went through.”

And then you came back?

He says “He felt like he was ten years older after that.”

(Note: From a biography of Peter: “Peter... played Captain America in... Easy Rider (and gained an Oscar nomination) for Ulee’s Gold (1997). In his 1998 memoir, Don’t Tell Dad, he chronicled his difficult, distant relationship with his famous father. Describing Henry’s role in John Ford’s Fort Apache (1948) as “an unsmiling, bitter, strict hard-ass...” when asked about his father, he'd say "Have you seen the film?" Born in New York, he and Jane were sent to live with an aunt and uncle in Nebraska following the suicide of their mother, Frances Ford Seymour, in 1950, when Peter was 10. On his 11th birthday, he accidentally shot himself in the stomach and nearly died. Years later, he told John Lennon, during an LSD session, that “I know what it’s like to be dead”, a phrase which ended up becoming part of the lyrics for the Beatles’ song She Said, She Said. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/aug/17/peter-fonda-obituary)

Someone in our class you’ve spoken to – you reportedly said to him “I know what it’s like to be dead.”

Is that Dennis?

No, it’s a musician in our class that we’ve interviewed.

I’m going through my mental rolodex of whom we’ve talked to, I’m seeing Tom Petty, Prince... Jimi Hendrix.

No. I’ll just tell you. When they talk about Peter’s life, they include this anecdote; John Lennon had dropped LSD, and Peter was whispering in his ear “I know what it’s like to be dead.” It creeped John out, but he put it in a song “She said, She said.”  However, what Peter is reporting was that he was telling him something accurate – he had a near death event, and actually “knew what it was like to be dead” because he had an NDE and saw his mother?

Correct.

Peter now you can see what we’re doing. I have more questions for you; what was it like to see Luana on the flipside and where did you see her?

They were backstage for that concert – do you remember the car ride to that concert we spoke of?

(Note: She’s referring to the Harry Dean Stanton story of how Luana had built upon the memory of their trip to the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.  Harry reported to Jennifer the details of the trip (which I was able to forensically verify,who was driving the car, who they saw the first night, etc).  Harry referred to that experience – he was an atheist who thought there was no afterlife, or that people “fell into a happy dream” – and thought that was the case.  He said “Luana gave me a soft landing.”  This is the about the sixth time we’ve heard of someone “walking into a concert event” when they appeared on the flipside.  Often it’s on stage, in this case, it’s backstage.)

But this time he was already backstage with her at the concert – some type of concert.

Let’s ask; was it the Monterey Pop concert?

They’re saying “Yeah.”

Well, why not? Once you can construct or create a CGI of the Monterey Pop festival why not use it again to bring in other friends? So Peter, at some point after you stepped into the flipside, you found yourself backstage at Monterey Pop festival?

“Yeah.  It was like...in a grassy area. I saw (Luana) blowing bubbles.”

Besides Luana, who did you see?

“Robert Kennedy.” I don’t know why he showed me him.

Well, it was 1967; he might have been there. Were you a fan of his?

Record Producer Lou Adler and Mama's and Papa's John Phillips
arriving for the Monterey Pop Festival.

Peter says “He disliked the war...” -- Something about how “He hated the war,” but Peter says "He didn’t trust the government at all."

When you see Luana, she’s blowing bubbles; what’s she wearing?

“Like a 60’s dress, with a headband, hair down, playing a tambourine.”

You recognized her as Luana, correct?

Backstage at Monterey Pop

“Yeah, but it felt like it was that moment in time – that it existed then.” He says “He knew it wasn’t a memory though.”

How did you know it wasn’t a memory?

“Because of the landscape, it wasn’t tangible.” He showed me that scene (in the film) "Twilight," when they go out in the sun...

An unusual landscape?

“He thought he was on the best acid trip of his life.”

Who did you see at the festival?

“Jimi Hendrix.”

Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix Monterey Pop

(Note: In our interview with Harry Dean Stanton, he mentioned that they saw Jimi Hendrix at the festival. When I contacted Fred Roos, the Oscar winning film producer who drove with Luana and Harry Dean to the festival, I asked him what acts they saw, and he said the same; "Jimi Hendrix.")

When did you see Dennis?

“A little later, he was coming back, towards the back of a stage... to the side, looked like Dennis was there controlling things on the stage – something backstage.”

Dennis Hopper and Brian Jones, Monterey Pop Festival

(Note: Dennis was there with Rolling Stone’s founding member Brian Jones. From “Michael Bloomfield: If you Love these blues” (Backbeat Publishing 2000 by Jan Mark Wolkin) “Our first job was the movie score for “the Trip.” We went to LA to record it, that’s where we met Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda. they were always in the studio with us, and Jack Nicholson was involved in that. Then, after the film score, we played the Monterey Pop Festival. (as “Electric Flag”))

How was that reunion?

“Quick.”

(Note: She said “Quick” before I could finish the question.)

“When he walked away, that’s when I realized more what was going on... seeing Dennis, that was the defining moment when he knew he was on the flipside.”

Peter, I know your daughter – can you put that in Jennifer’s mind? Bridget Fonda; she worked with Bill Paxton.

Bridget Fonda in a still from the film I
wrote and directed"You Can't Hurry Love" (Vestron)

“Yes. He says “He goes and sees her in her dreams. Two days after he passed she had like a full apparition, like she saw him.”

Anything you want to tell her?

Something to do with paperwork, “Dot your i’s cross your t’s” – almost feels like property issues. He wants to say “Dot your i’s and cross your t’s.” Tell her “Everything’s going to be okay.” He says "She remembers the dream, but she’s discounting it. He wants her to know that he was there in that dream state with her."

Were you friendly with Bridget’s husband?

He says “Of course; anyone that can handle Bridget...” He’s very funny.

She’s married to Danny Elfman, the composer.

(Jennifer aside: From “Oingo Boingo?”)

Composer Elfman: IMDB

Yes, and many film scores. So Peter, were you close to Danny?

He says “Of course he is...” (A pause) (Jennifer aside:) something about his shoes... something about him “Doing what he wants to do and not what others want him to do.” Like “get bigger shoes” as a metaphor.

Like “Don’t let others define you?”

“Yes.”

Because he wants to compose bigger scores or do something else?

“Like something else completely – and he should.”

What about Bridget? How is she doing?

"Her children are older now... but... She’s really busy with her family."

She’s kind of retired from acting, but I did put her in her first speaking role in a film.

He’s saying “You gave her the confidence.”

I don’t know about that.. but Luana was in it too – isn’t that odd Peter? What’s odd is that it never came up – never discussed. Luana was hilarious in “You Can’t Hurry Love” and Bridget was a bit nervous at first.

He says “Luana helped her.”

Well, maybe he means her career. Luana showed the film to her pal Francis Coppola, and he cast her in Godfather Three.

Is she the one with blue eyes?

Bridget circa Godfather 3

Yes, terrific actor, did a film with Bill Paxton, who called me and said “I finally got to work with Bridget.” Bill was going to star in “You Can’t Hurry Love” with Bridget and Luana – but enough about me – Peter back to you, what do you miss about being on the planet if anything?

He says, “The food.”

(Note: It's a common refrain. People claim to be able recreate many things on the flipside as a mental construct - from playing golf to riding horses, but it's harder to construct the actual taste of things, or tangible things like touch.)

Anything you want me to tell your sister Jane?

Jennifer laughs. He says “Tell her it’s not scary up here.”

What’s that mean?

“That it’s not scary up there! She’s afraid of death.”

She thinks it’s all going to end? Well let’s bring your mom here for a second... I forget her first name.. (Frances). Let’s ask her a question; mom what do you want to say to your daughter Jane?

“Take your time; there’s no rush.”

(Note: There's an iconic scene in "Easy Rider" shot in the cemetery in New Orleans, where everyone was improvising an acid trip. In Peter's scene, he holds onto a statue and refers to it as his mother, telling her he hated her for "leaving so soon." She's with him on the flipside, so I wanted her to come forward and remind us of that fact.)

Peter?

He says “Time doesn’t exist up there.”

Peter, do you remember your last moments on the planet? Was Jane with you?

“Yeah.” He said, “He looked up and said he saw their mom.” He says “At first I was nervous... and then she just... he saw these beautiful lights.”

Were you smiling?

He was, but at first he was terrified.

What were your last words here, first words on the flipside?

I’m not getting the right interpretation, but something like “I’ll see you soon... at lunch.” Something like that.

Meaning?

Like “There’s not going to be any time between the next time I see you.”

Okay, it'll feel like a few minutes later when they see each other again - like "lunch." Anything you want me to tell her to focus on? Have you tried to visit her?

Jennifer laughs, rolls her eyes. He’s showing me her face doesn’t move and she can’t close her eyes completely (when sleeping). He is so funny. He says “She’s felt him. Definitely felt him around her.” He says, “She can smell him, there’s a certain scent.” (Jennifer aside: I’m asked “Is she going to miss you?” and he laughed and said “no.”)

Jane Fonda, Wikipedia

Peter can we bring your dad forward? I don’t think Jennifer knows who your dad is. Luana is that possible to bring him?

(Jennifer shrugs; she does not.) What’s his name?

Henry... or Hank.

Was he a director or a producer or something?

Kind of. Right business.

Why did he just show me the show Chips? With Erik Estrada?

(Note: This is an odd reference, and I had no idea if Henry knew Erik. However, a casual search of the internet reveals they did “Midway” together, where Henry was an officer, and Erik a young sailor. ("Midway" starring Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, and Robert Wagner) It’s a subtle yet clear way of “proof of concept.” I had no idea he knew Erik, nor did Jennifer, but he’s showing us something that I can look up and verify – and did.)

Hank, can we talk to you? Who was there to greet you when you crossed over?

He’s showing me a horse.

Was this your horse? Did you work with this horse? Or did you own this?

Henry Fonda, "My Darling Clementine" 1946

“Owned it. It was like a racing horse.”  He said, “He had a lot of them.” I was getting the color gray. He owned him when he was young or his family did.

You had a long career and Jennifer is not aware of it... but I am.

He’s showing me... the theater (plays).... and movies.

That’s correct. He was an actor – let me ask you Henry; what was your favorite role?

(Note: According to his Broadway Theater Credits, he did 18 shows on Broadway starting in 1929 and 125 feature films, nominated for two Oscars (“12 Angry Men” and “Grapes of Wrath,” he won for “On Golden Pond”)

There’s a lot of them that he just showed me. One with Robert Redford.

Robert Redford giving Henry Fond an Oscar

(Note: While it’s not widely known, Robert Redford’s career began with an appearance with Henry Fonda: “Redford, began his TV career at 22 with a small part in the NBC drama “The Last Gunfight” with Henry Fonda. (LA Times. “Robert Redford the TV kid.”)  Also Robert Redford presented Fonda an honorary Oscar in 1981.)

Is there one with a lot of men... (“12 Angry Men” was one film he was nominated for.)  Did he play in a movie where he was the President?

Yes, it was called “Fail Safe.”

Henry Fonda; Fail Safe

(Tapping her nose) That’s the one.

(Note: I know when Jennifer is tapping her nose, she’s doing it to say “yes.” “Fail Safe” was made in 1964, directed by Sydney Lumet. Fonda plays a President in the middle of an accidental nuclear attack. “American planes are sent to deliver a nuclear attack on Moscow, but it's a mistake due to an electrical malfunction. Can all-out war be averted?” It’s currently got a 95% rating at Rotten Tomatoes)

You were also in “The Grapes of Wrath,” directed by John Ford, written by John Steinbeck. It was an iconic film; your dialog about the era is the one they usually quote. It was an amazing performance (nominated for Oscar). I know when Jennifer looks you up she’ll see how many films she’s seen you in.

(Jennifer shrugs) I’m sorry.

That’s fine – really, that’s great; it shows that you haven’t thought or heard of any of this in advance.

Fonda in "Grapes of Wrath"

He says “He felt that Grapes of Wrath was a different kind of story telling; he felt it wasn’t acting.”

Indeed. And “Fail Safe” was low budget, shot on a confined set, like a stage play; Henry was brilliant in it.

I’m sorry, but he keeps showing me this guy from Chips...  Erik Estrada?

Okay, who is showing her Erik Estrada and why?

Luana.

Lu, why are you showing her Erik? We know you guys you don’t drop random references. Is there some connection with Peter and Erik?

(Jennifer aside:) Maybe it’s about Peter.

Erik Estrada on Twitter

Well; both played motorcycles guys... Peter, they had a new 4K version of Easy Rider a few weeks ago at at Radio City Music Hall, were you aware of it?

Peter leading the way

He said, “They were all there. He loved it, he loved to be celebrated and remembered.”

If I may ask, why is that important?

“Because that celebration connects them to here, more – people start thinking about them and then they can “work their magic.” (i.e. connecting to them)

About Erik Estrada, do you want us to say something for him?

They’re saying “You’re going to connect it in some way.”

Okay. I’ll try. Thank you Peter for stopping by.

(Note: Indeed, there is a link between Henry, Peter and Erik.  Erik worked on on the film“Midway” with Peter’s father Henry, then later in life, after “Chips” and “Easy Rider” made both Erik and Peter “America’s motorcycle actors” he and Peter were the co-chairs of the 2000 March of Dimes Motorcycle Ride in Shreveport. “American Motorcyclist, Oct. 2000” (New information) They’ve also both hosted the Hollywood Christmas Parade.)


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Copyright Richard Martini 2019 All Rights Reserved. An excerpt from "Backstage Pass to the Flipside: Talking to the afterlife with Jennifer Shaffer: Class is in Session."