Steve Masino and Charles Bronson

Actor, writer and director Steve Masino was born in Philadelphia, PA, where he received his primary schooling, then moved to Atlantic City, N.J., and graduated from Atlantic City High. Upon graduation, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII where he continued his education at Iowa State College and The University of Florence, Italy. He served a tour of duty in North Africa and Europe, working as an electrical engineer repairing ships and submarines. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Steve enrolled and graduated from the prestigious American Foundation of Dramatic Arts in Philadelphia, PA and the renowned Pasadena City College of Theater Arts in Pasadena, CA. Steve appeared in numerous theater productions, television and feature films throughout his career. Steve also taught acting at two prominent Hollywood drama schools and wrote the very successful acting course, "You Can Learn to Act." Steve directed numerous theatrical productions, and appeared in about 30 of them portraying a variety of characters.

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With close friend Charles Bronson, Steve co-authored a western teleplay titled "Shoot Out." Producer Aaron Spelling plagiarized it and made it into a television show on "Playhouse 90." Steve and Charlie sued Spelling and compensation was awarded. Steve then penned a sci-fi teleplay titled "Carbon Copy" and submitted it to Cayuga Productions, which produced Rod Serling's television series, "The Twilight Zone." They returned it a short time later and Serling then televised the same story, and called it "The Parallel." Cayuga Productions settled the lawsuit for $6,000 when they could have purchased it for $500.

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Steve went on to form E.M Productions, Inc. with a partner to produce a screenplay they co-wrote titled "Blueprint for Crime." They teamed up with Albert C. Gannaway Productions, Inc., and Joseph D. Blau, financier and C.E.O. of Continental Thrift Investments, Inc. to co-produce the project. Pre-production work was in its final stages and principle photography was scheduled to begin in about 6 weeks when E.M. Productions, learned that another production company, Edward Small Productions, Inc. who had offices at the same studio released a movie with the same story. The only difference was they used an armored car to transport stolen money from Las Vegas casinos to Los Angeles whereas "Blueprint  for Crime" used a train. Earlier, an Edward Small Executive asked if he could have a copy of "Blueprint for Crime" to read, indicating their company might be interested in participating in the financing. He returned the script about a week later, saying they would pass on it. That's how they gained access to "Blueprint for Crime." A lawsuit was filed and E.M. Productions won a hefty settlement. As a result, the project was then cancelled, and "Blueprint for Crime" was never made. 

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With the plagarism awards and other endeavors, Steve decided it was time to invest in the business world. He had two young daughters, who would require all the things growing girls would need if they were going to have a chance of being sucessful adults. So he decided to build a Cocktail Lounge/Nightclub and invest in some income properties. In 1966, he built a very plush and successful bistro called the "Crying Towel." The name was inspired by customers who were known to come in and air-out their problems to the bartender. Others would quip, "Here comes Joe. Get out the crying towel." The Crying Towel was a popular night spot in Granada Hills, CA, that featured top bands and entertainers, plus delicious drinks and a great ambiance.

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After 22 years of a great journey, Steve sold the "Crying Towel" and now lives in the Bahamas. He's been spotted on occasions, lying on the beaches with a blonde and a pina colada. Oh! Steve's two daughters grew up to be beautiful, successful young ladies, earning college degrees.

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