Discover Hollywood Spring 2020

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SPRING 2020 COMPLIMENTARY

HOLLYWOOD discoverhollywood.com

DeLongpre & Redmond

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MAGAZ I NE

Art Endures

Dark Past, Bright Future

Formosa Restaurant Revisited

Whitley Heights

Spring Reading Book Reviews

Visual Arts • Theatre • Music • Film • Places of Interest • Calendar of Events

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HOLLYWOOD

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MAGAZINE

Features

SPRING 2020 www.discoverhollywood.com

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Paul DeLongpre & Granville Redmond Art Endures

16 A Tree Grew in Hollywood 32

One Magical Day...

20 Heart of Hollywood A Makeover for Hollywood Boulevard

32 The Formosa Dark Past, Bright Future

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36 Whitley Heights Revisited

42 Rushing to The Future Abandoning the Past?

Departments 6 From the Editor 10 Places of Interest 44 Family Fun 47 More Museums 50 Worship

24 Arts & Entertainment 24 26 27 34 38

Music Theatre Comedy Visual Arts Film

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8 28 30 39 41 45 46 48 48 49 53 54

L.A. After Sunset Map: Hollywood from A-Z Dining Book Reviews Why I Love Hollywood Oscar’s Hollywood Event Venues Shopping Around TV Tickets Getting Around Tours & Sightseeing Crossword Puzzle On The Cover: Flowers Under the Oaks by Granville Redmond Courtesy of the Irvine Museum

From the Editor

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S

uch strange times we’re in. As we go to press, we’ve been on lockdown for a month and it could be another month (or more!) before we are set free again.

In planning for this issue, it was obvious that any date-sensitive information had to be cut, but to keep the promise that we will be able to gather and enjoy the creativity and entertainment we’re known for, our venue listings are included.

When you can, enthusiastically support them.

The future for this magazine and other print publications is uncertain, but if we’ve learned anything from all this, uncertainty is a fundamental truth.

Yet, through it all, we know we humans will prevail.

So, in putting together this issue, we’ve kept one foot in the past and another in the future. When it first appeared, Olga Clark’s byline was omitted for her Whitley Heights article and I’m happy to correct this oversight.

We lost the late Judy Raphael years ago, but her story of a young girl’s adventure has always been one of my favorites.

Needing a breath of fresh air, the art of Granville Redmond again graces our cover and Russell Jackson’s article about two famous artists, one of whom was Hollywood’s first tourist attraction, reminds us that art is the only thing that lasts in this world.

Looking to the future, our City Council member’s initiative “Heart of Hollywood” may take longer to accomplish due to extenuating circumstances but his, and his deputy in charge—Dan Halden’s resolve that it will go forward has not dimmed.

And, because as editor I can share my concern about the future and preserving the essence and authenticity of this most famous, important and beloved of places, I wonder where we’re heading and if it’s the best path to take, on page 42.

Lastly, and so it is, in this time of uncertainty, a time to care, a time to get reacquainted with our loved ones, a time to read that book we’ve saved for so long, to watch old movies and new series, a time to discover what’s really important. We have an opportunity like none other to face the future as a new creation and boldly go forward.

Publisher Oscar Arslanian Editor Nyla Arslanian Assistant Editor Kathy Flynn Social Media & Research Mathilde Francois Contributing Writers Olga Clark, Russell A. Jackson Judy Raphael Design & Production The Magazine Factory Website Consultants COP Web Solutions Sales & Marketing Shana Wong Solares, Steve Meek Out and About Online Correspondents Susan Hornik, Valerie Milano Special Thanks John Bengtson, Connie Conway, The Irvine Museum, 1933 Group

Discover Hollywood is published quarterly by

Arslanian & Associates, Inc. Oscar Arslanian, President Nyla Arslanian

P.S. We are deeply grateful to our advertisers for their support during this difficult time.

Direct advertising inquiries and correspondence to: Discover Hollywood Magazine 6671 Sunset Blvd., Suite 1502 Hollywood, CA 90028.

323-465-0533 or email oscar@discoverhollywood.com

www.discoverhollywood.com

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Copyright 2020 Discover Hollywood Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way without prior written permission. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, with schedule changes, etc., it is impossible to make such a guarantee. We recommend calling to avoid disappointment.

Attention Readers

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e are living through the most unusual of circumstances. The only thing that’s certain is uncertainty. We do not know exactly what the future will bring or in what form. But there is one thing that we do know for certain:

Discover Hollywood is committed to providing information to illuminate and inform you about the unique culture and lore of this most wonderful place—Hollywood. We will continue to fulfill on this mission as long as we are able.

Residents: You receive the magazine in your mailbox in a blanket distribution in key zip code areas. Your comments and feedback through the 35 years we’ve mailed our publication have kept us going. We know that Discover Hollywood is read and appreciated.

This is a costly undertaking but worth it to reach you, our faithful readers.

Important: We are happy to continue mailing Discover Hollywood to you. To continue receiving this magazine free, we ask that you (1) call, (2) write or (3) email your address.

Also, please support our advertisers and let them know you saw their ad in this magazine.

Visit our website. Soon our daily calendar will be filled with the many opportunities to take advantage of the wealth of music, live theatre and comedy available in the greater Hollywood area. Sign up to receive our weekly E-News on what’s happening in Hollywood.

Find us on the web at

www.discoverhollywood.com Call: (323) 465-0533 x 305 Email:

office@discoverhollywood.com Social Media:

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SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 7

L.A.

After Sunset

By photographer Connie Conway from her book L.A. After SUNSET, containing images that capture the beauty and essence of Los Angeles’ dramatic transformation after sunset. www.connieconway.com

ABOVE: The Ivar Theatre opened in February 1951 with a production of The Barretts of Wimpole Street.

It’s rumored that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were in the audience opening night.

ABOVE: Hollywood & Vine. Famous since the 1920s, this corner was once the epicenter of the radio, television and movie industry.

LEFT: Sunset & Ivar. The exciting part of making these images is what happens while you’re there. Thank you bus, for passing by.

RIGHT: 6233 Hollywood Boulevard. Opened in 1930 as part of the Pantages Theatre, known at the time for its vaudeville acts—the Frolic Room was rumored to have been a speakeasy during Prohibition.

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Places

of interest Cahuenga Pass / US101 Called “Cahuenga” or “Little Hills” by the Tongva tribe of Native Americans, the ancient way through the hills was travelled by Spanish explorer Don Gaspar de Portola in the 18th century and later by the American frontiersman Kit Carson. In 1886, Kansas prohibitionist Harvey Wilcox and his wife, Daeida, bought 120 acres of the Cahuenga Valley and named their home “Hollywood.”

1930’s Hollywood Blvd. post card Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Mary Pickford Center 1313 N. Vine St. (310) 247-3000. Built in 1949, first Hollywood studio designed for television show production. Early TV shows and sitcoms including Queen for a Day and I Love Lucy were broadcast from here. Includes 286seat Linwood Dunn Theater, Academy offices and Academy Film Archive. www.oscars.org/about/facilities/linwood-dunn-theater Alto Nido Apartments 1851 N. Ivar Ave. (323) 469-1868. William Holden’s apartment in the 50s film noir classic Sunset Boulevard costarring Gloria Swanson. www.altonido-apt.rentals American Film Institute 2021 N. Western Ave. (323) 856-7600. Historic Immaculate Heart College’s campus buildings now house famed institute and one of the best film and video libraries in the world. www.afi.com

Capitol Records 1750 N. Vine St. World’s first circular office building was built in 1956, the light on its rooftop spire flashes “H-O-L-LY-W-O-O-D” in Morse code. Gold albums of its many artists displayed in lobby. John Lennon and other Capitol artists’ stars on sidewalk. Artist Richard Wyatt’s LA Jazz mural in tile depicts jazz greats. www.capitolstudios.com Château Élysée/Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International 5930 Franklin Ave. (323) 960-3100. Built in the late 1920s, Hollywood’s first residential hotel, guests included Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Carole Lombard, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and Ginger Rogers. Now owned by Church of Scientology; periodic tours available. www.manor-scientology.org Charlie Chaplin Studios/The Jim Henson Company 1416 N. La Brea Ave. (323) 802-1500. Built in 1918 to resemble a row of English country homes, Chaplin made many of his films here including Modern Times and City Lights. Formerly A&M Records, the studio was purchased by Jim Henson Productions, who honored Chaplin with a statue of Kermit the Frog dressed like the Little Tramp.

American Society of Cinematographers 1782 N. Orange Dr. (323) 969-4333. Built in 1903, this classic Mission Revival residence has been lovingly cared for by the Society since 1936. www.theasc.com

Autry National Center Cinerama Dome 6360 Sunset Blvd. (323) 464-1478. Restored as part of the Arclight Hollywood movie-going experience, the unique geodesic-shaped theatre designed by Buckminster Fuller was built in 1963. www.arclightcinemas.com Columbia Square 6121 Sunset Blvd. Originally a CBS broadcasting center for many early radio and TV shows, the development features a 20-story residential tower, new office buildings and underground parking. www.columbiasquare.com Crossroads of the World 6671 Sunset Blvd. (323) 463-5611. Historical landmark built in 1936 as “the world’s first modern shopping center.” An architectural potpourri with Streamline Moderne, Tudor, Moorish, French Provincal and pseudo Spanish styles.

Used for locations for films L.A. Confidential, Indecent Proposal and Argo. Now an office complex and Discover Hollywood’s home! www.crossroadshollywood.com De Longpre Park 1350 Cherokee Ave. (323) 664-1407. A lovely old “pocket” park in neighborhood one block south of Sunset Blvd. Jerry Fuller wrote Travelin’ Man (recorded by Rick Nelson) here.

Features sculptures honoring Rudolph Valentino.

Autry Museum of the American West 4700 Western Heritage Way. (323) 667-2000.

Founded by Gene Autry, The Singing Cowboy museum is a tribute to the spirit that settled the American West. Closed Mon; Free second Tues of every month Free. www.theautry.org (See VISUAL ARTS, FAMILY, MUSIC)

Dolby Theatre 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 308-6300. Inside the Hollywood & Highland complex. Home of the Academy Awards. Guided tours daily from 10:30am-4pm. www.dolbytheatre.com (see THEATRE, MUSIC)

Avalon Hollywood (formerly The Palace) 1735 N. Vine St. (323) 462-8900. Opened in 1927 as the Hollywood Playhouse, was the El Capitan in the 40s and hosted the famed Ken Murray’s Blackouts and Hollywood Palace TV show in the 50s. www.avalonhollywood.com (See MUSIC).

Chase Bank/Millard Sheets 1500 N. Vine St., (323) 466-1121. Unusual mosaics, murals and stained glass created by noted California artist Millard Sheets depict Hollywood personalities.

Bronson Caves 3200 Canyon Dr. (818) 243-1145. Used as backdrops for countless movies and TV shows such as Gunsmoke and Bonanza, the jungle island in the original King Kong, Gene Autry’s first serial, The Phantom Empire, a distant planet in Star Trek: The Movie, and the entrance to Batman’s Bat Cave in TV’s Batman and the first Batman movie.

Chateau Marmont 8221 Sunset Blvd. (323) 656-1010. Since 1929, this castle-like hotel has been popular with stars for its privacy. From secret romances to untimely deaths, guests include Errol Flynn, Bob Dylan, Paul Newman, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Jim Morrison, Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger, and John Belushi who died there. www.chateaumarmont.com

Charlie Chaplin/Jim Henson Studios

Larry Edmunds Book Store 6644 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 463-3273. Believed to have the largest collection of theatre and film related books in Los Angeles, offers photographs, posters and other memorabilia from the movies. www.larryedmunds.com Egyptian Theatre 6712 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 461-2020. Built in 1922 by impresario Sid Grauman. Egyptian décor inspired by 1920’s King Tut craze complete with hieroglyphics and murals. Site of Hollywood’s first movie premiere, Robin Hood with Douglas Fairbanks. Cecil B. DeMille premiered The Ten Commandments here in 1923. Home of American Cinematheque. Tours available once a month. www.egyptiantheatre.com (See FILM)

Places continues on page 18 10 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

Paul DeLongpre & Granville Redmond Painting Hollywood onto the Map

by Russell A. Jackson Images courtesy of the Irvine Museum

H

ollywood is famous for celebrating celebrity. Hundreds of media notables are memorialized along its Walk of Fame, and the hand- and footprints of scores more in the the forecourt of the Chinese Theatre. But two of Hollywood’s most well known artists are absent. To see tributes to Paul DeLongpre and Granville Redmond (who— although unfamiliar to many—helped put Hollywood on the art map in the early years of the 20th Century and who added considerable legitimacy to its cultural heritage), you need to visit the art museums and private collections to see their work. Paintings now recognized as among the finest in the world.

Granville Redmond, a transplanted Pennsylvanian known as one of California’s first resident Impressionists, is famous for his landscapes full of

ABOVE: Paul De Longpre’s French Bridal Roses, 1900 CENTER: California Poppies RIGHT: Portrait of the artist

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poppies, our state flower, and purple lupines although, interestingly, he’s said to have preferred darker, moodier subjects, often painting moonlit scenes. And Paul DeLongpre, a native of Lyon, France, who earned the title “le roi des fleurs” for his full blown renditions of botanicals, especially roses. Neither artist worked in the movies as a scenery painter or special effects artist, although many of their colleagues did to support themselves during lean times. But each, nonetheless, made a mark on Hollywood’s beginnings.

DeLongpre did it by combining tourism and land lust into a market for his detailed, known-all-over-Europe floral designs. He began his career as a watercolorist as a teenager, joining the family business of providing “anatomically correct” flower patterns for the textile mills that provided much of the employment in his home town. He died here in Hollywood in 1911. While he was famous for his flowers, he didn’t make enough from them to survive a bank failure in France, so he crossed the Pond and settled in New York in the very late 1800s. But like many working in film today, he left the frosty East when Los Angeles beckoned with year-round sunshine and—from his perspective—a year-round supply of flowers to paint. He arrived in 1898 with his wife and three children, started showing his work and soon achieved the financial success that had eluded him in Europe.

But his impact on early Hollywood didn’t come solely from his paintings. continues

ABOVE: Flowers Under the Oaks by Granville Redmond

Granville Redmond, above, and his Lupines, right.

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 13

DeLongpre & Redmond

continued

He later traded three paintings for the parcel of land next door and built a Moorish mansion with a three-acre, 3000-bloom rose garden...

to stop at the DeLongpre mansion to visit the famous artist, see his gardens and view his paintings. If you returned home without visiting the painter’s gardens, you had not seen Southern California properly.”

Beveridge was so taken with the artist, in fact, that she tried to rename Prospect to DeLongpre instead of the more popular Hollywood Boulevard, having to settle for a street a few blocks away named for him shortly after his death.

Redmond, for his part, is not known for charming the Mother of Hollywood; he made his mark instead through his ties to the man who could be called the Father of Hollywood. In fact, in addition to maintainABOVE: Redmond in a scene of A Dog’s Life with Charlie Chaplin.

Charlie Chaplin official website: www.charliechaplin.com Charlie Chaplin Archives Online: www.charliechaplinarchive.org/en DeLongpre’s success allowed him to move from Los Angeles to Hollywood when he received a tract at the corner of Cahuenga and Prospect, now Hollywood Boulevard, as a gift from his prime patron, Daeida Wilcox Beveridge, the Mother of Hollywood.

He later traded three paintings for the parcel of land next door, and built a Moorish mansion with a threeacre, 3,000-bloom rose garden that became, notes Hollywood historian Gregory Williams, the area’s first tourist attraction. In true Southern California fashion, it also became a fulcrum in the region’s burgeoning real estate boom. “Today, our great local visual artists, such as David Hockney, do not court the public as DeLongpre did,” Williams explains. “But as DeLongpre promoted himself, real estate agents used him to encourage visitors to buy property in idyllic Hollywood after a visit to his home.”

And visit they did. “A lot of local businesses were established just to cater to the DeLongpre tourists,” Williams points out. “The house was part of a tour called ‘The Balloon Excursion Route’ that used the Pacific Electric Railway line. So many visitors came to visit that a separate spur track was added up Ivar to load and unload them.” Indeed, Williams notes, “people came to Hollywood from across the country to see the exotic gardens that residents had around their homes. They all had

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Illustration of DeLongpre’s Hollywood residence. Courtesy of Hollywood Heritage Inc. ing his studio on the grounds of Charlie Chaplin’s expansive self-titled movie lot at the corner of Sunset and La Brea, Redmond acted in half a dozen or so of the master’s films, including A Dog’s Life, in which he played the owner of the restaurant where much of the action takes place, and the iconic City Lights, in which he played an artist—but not a painter; instead, he played a sculptor.

Because he was deaf and mute since a bout of scarlet fever as a small child, the silent movies were a medium seemingly made for the multitasking artist.

Acting in the movies was, in fact, the reason he moved to LA in 1917, reports Jean Stern, executive director

of the Irvine Art Museum, which holds one of the world’s finest collections of Redmond’s art. But his Hollywood ties also furthered his painting career. “He was fortunate that Chaplin provided a painting studio on his movie lot,” Stern explains. “By having his studio right there, he met a lot of movie people who eventually became his clients.” Redmond is also credited with helping The Little Tramp perfect his use of American Sign Language, Stern adds. Chaplin had learned the broader art of pantomime as a young man, he notes, but “the idea of communicating in sign is something that would not have happened if Redmond hadn’t been in Chaplin’s life as a good friend.”

Born in 1871 in Philadelphia as Grenville Richard Seymour Redmond, he moved to California with his family just a couple years later, settling in the Bay Area. After a stint in Paris—where his lush landscapes really began to tickle the fancy of art lovers—he returned to the Golden State, moving eventually to Los Angeles, and changed his name to Grandville S. Redmond, and then to the even simpler Granville. That’s also the period when he married and started a family, eventually raising three children.

He died in Hollywood in 1935. There’s no street bearing his name, and no sidewalk star heralding his accomplishments in film. But you don’t have to have a star to be a star in Hollywood, and there are tributes more enduring than concrete handprints. Indeed, Redmond will always be a part of Hollywood history because his fame lies not only in the hearts of the fans of Chaplin’s films but in the collectors and art lovers who treasure the painter’s timeless renditions of California's natural beauty. DH

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 15

A Tree Grew in Hollywood

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by Judy Raphael

e lived above the Boulevard. Past Franklin Avenue, on La Brea Terrace, where the road forked to the right. It was an old-fashioned two story house with storybook windows, built in 1910 nearly 40 years earlier (by a producer named Schulberg whose son became a screenwriter). And trees to climb.

A towering tree reached the westernmost upstairs window, shading a sloping ledge, big as a balcony.

It was the ledge outside my room.

I had passed early childhood shyness and it was brief window of time that curiosity forged a new boldness in me.

I could stand across the road, outside the ivycovered mansion of the actress, Linda Darnell, cajoling her to come out, as she sunned herself on the patio, while my brother stood by with his nervous crush.

He was eleven, and it was he who Mother armed with two quarters to walk us down to the Egyptian Theater to see the latest John Wayne matinee on Saturdays. With his superior knowledge of life, he knew where Superman hid in the canyons of Outpost Drive—though each time he led me there, the caped crusader had mysteriously fled.

But he who could be my protector could also turn tormentor and taunt me with the scariest verses of Ghost Riders In the Sky, changing them so that the souls of bad sisters forever roamed the sky.

Or, as this one time, when the teasing got to be too

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One magical day... much, my mother was resting with a book. No anguished plea on dramatic cries of “punish him, mommy!” swayed her.

There was a blueprint for running away set by TV and movie children in shorts like The Little Rascals. They would tie ropes or knot sheets from an upstairs window to the ground.

I didn’t have a rope, but I did have a tree.

The tree would be my escape.

One thick leafy branch of the tree had grown so that it hung onto the ledge, within grasping distance. Could I? I shook my piggybank of its lifetime savings (100 pennies), and wrapped them up into the red bandana and tied it to a stick, hobo-style (another blueprint set by movie children and especially wily cartoon animals).

I ran to the window, opened it and gingerly climbed out onto the ledge. I reached for the sprawling shelter of the uppermost branch, and swung out onto it, and to the branch beneath, grasping the trunk I went. And down and down. I shimmied down, skinning my knees in my blue gingham sundress as I went—landing on the soft plot of earth below. Freedom!

Down the driveway I ran, past the blue, flower-bearing hedges that shielded the gates to the Spanish courtyard apartment house below, and its longing tenants in Hollywood sunglasses. And down to the foothills, past rows of bungalows. I was on a mission.

T

he Boulevard. In trips with my elders, I’d witnessed the treasures that lay beneath the hill: the cigar store with its wooden Indian out front, the red and white-striped barber pole, and right near Woolworth’s, where writing pads of every color and pencils with odd-shaped erasers could be bought for a penny.

Just went of the Egyptian theater, its door opening into the courtyard, sat a fancy restaurant, The Pig’n Whistle, where Mother often took us for special lunches and children’s “Shirley Temple” sodas. Later, I’d learn all kinds of movie stars came there after premieres. But my main attraction to it was the pigs—flute-playing plaster pigs on the marquis, carved pigs on the wooden bench backs and best of all, pig-faced menus with strings to turn them into masks.

The restaurant also had an ice-cream parlor and candy counter up front. That would be my destination.

I ran to the Boulevard, and then one, two, three, four,

Coke in hand, I happily watched the passing parade of Boulevard regulars and freaks... five, six blocks, seven blocks down… I was there. I straight-arrowed toward the soda fountain and climbed up on a stool.

Amazingly, no one found in strange to see a small child alone carrying a hobo’s knapsack. The waitress, seriousfaced, took my order for a cherry coke, as I carefully counted out ten pennies from the bandana.

Coke in hand, I happily watched the passing parade of Boulevard regulars and freaks: the dwarf who sold the Citizen News and his friend, a giant, the Boulevard “Buffalo Bill”, in old-west regalia, who greeted passersby ringing a cowbell, and countless bearded, sandaled nature boys, and cowboys (probably extras from RKO and all the nearby studios).

Thus I sipped away the afternoon, accepting refill after refill, taking in the new world, but shielded by plate glass.

T

hen I saw the little girl. “She” was in a frilly pink pinafore, huge pink bow atop yellow curls, and patent-leather dress-up shoes. We often saw her from the distance of the car, walking around the Boulevard, the back of her head to traffic. But I’d never seen her up close. Now she was coming my way from across the street, her patent-leather Mary Janes audibly tip-taptapping against the pavement.

Tippedy-tappedy tapedy. Tappedy-tappedy-tip. Closer and closer she came, and… as she turned her head toward the window… why—it wasn’t a little girl at all! As she turned, she revealed the painted-on eyebrows of a Raggedy Anne Doll, and a mouth garishly swiped scarlet. The hair was a yellow cotton wig! She was old—maybe 50!

I stared at this Boulevard Baby Jane as politely as I could, as Mom and Dad had taught me—awe and fear overridden by a child’s fascination and amusement. Her eyes, vacant,

seemed to zero in on me. I kept looking. The scarlet mouth opened into a grin that turned into a silent laugh, as she seemed to be looking at me. Then into a scowl. I closed my eyes tight, opened them, shut them again, she was gone, tiptap-tapping her back up the street, away from the plate-glass window, growing smaller and smaller. Tappedy-tappedy-tap.

Had she really said, “Go home, little girl?” before she tip-tapped away?

Outside, the afternoon sun had begun to wane, casting long shadows out onto the street. The scene’s cast of characters had drifted off, each one slowly metamorphosing into normal shoppers returning from the London Shop or tobacco store, stopping for a newspaper at the stand on their way home.

“I bet your mother’s thinking about you right now,” said the waitress as she pushed the ‘cherry’ button and squished liquid into a glass, her light remark cutting into my resolve.

“I better go,” I said, to nobody in particular. I got down, scraping the floor with the stool, leaving a look of surprise on the waitress’ face, I went out the door. Then I was out and back on Hollywood Boulevard.

I wound my way up the hill—a steeper and far harder trip going back, and slipped in through the front door. From the hall entrance, I could see Mommy in the kitchen. She looked up and greeted me vaguely. If she’d noticed that I’d been gone, she did not show it.

I gripped the banister and made my way upstairs, where my brother was nowhere in sight—a strangely hollow victory.

Back in my room, I lay down on the red and white spread, and clicked on the pink portable radio, where Sky King was just beginning. Soon, Daddy would be home.

I glanced out the window. The sky was darker now, and the leaves of the tree silhouetted against it, made patterns against the pane if you half-closed your lids, in the dim light, you could see worlds beyond the Boulevard, worlds filled with every kind of character imaginable—hobos, actresses, midgets, friendly strangers and cowboys, Superman, and any number of caped Crusaders. Someday I would find where they hid. DH (Editor’s note: Through the years, the late Judy Raphael wrote several articles for this publication. This was her last. We shared a deep love of Hollywood and its quirks. She is missed.)

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 17

Places

of interest

Continued from page 10

Freeman House 1962 Glencoe Way. (323) 851-0671. Built in 1924

by Frank Lloyd Wright, the textile-block house has a unique history as a salon of the avant-garde and a haven for artists. www.arch.usc.edu/freeman-house Frances Howard Goldwyn Public Library 1623 N. Ivar Ave. (323) 856-8260. Designed by world-renowned contemporary architect Frank Gehry. www.lapl.org/branches/hollywood (See FAMILY) Gower Gulch Sunset Blvd. at Gower adjacent to Sunset Gower Studio (formerly Columbia Pictures). Studio cowboys would practice tricks and “spinning yarns” on the corner between scenes. Now a western style shopping center.

See the Marilyn Monroe exhibit at the Hollywood Museum El Capitan Theatre 6838 Hollywood Blvd. (818) 845-3110. Built in 1925 as a stage and movie theater, Orson Welles‘ Citizen Kane premiered here in 1941.

Renovations in 1942 concealed its lavish interior restored in the 1980s. Serves as the venue for most Disney film premieres. elcapitantheatre.com (See FILM & FAMILY) Emerson College Los Angeles 5960 Sunset Blvd. (323) 952-6411. West Coast branch of Boston institution; futuristic design by noted architect Thom Mayne. www.emerson.edu/ela Ennis House 2607 Glendower Ave. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1924. For years in a serious state of decay, it is privately owned and restored. www.ennishouse.com The Original Farmers Market 6333 W. 3rd St. (323) 933-9211. World-famous market, a Los Angeles tradition for more than 80 years. The Grove shopping and entertainment complex was added adjacent to the market in 2002, making this a first-rate attraction and shopping destination. www.farmersmarketla.com (See DINING & FAMILY) Ferndell Trail and Nature Museum Ferndell Dr. & Los Feliz Blvd. 5375 Red Oak Dr, Los Angeles (323) 666-5046. Populated by Gabrielino Indians over 10,000 years ago, now a quarter-mile walking trail set along a stream banked by tropical plants imported from all over the world. Used often as a film and TV location, most recently for La La Land. www.laparks.org/griffithpark#attractions Ford Theatre 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. (323)850-2000 . A historic gem originally built in 1920 and known as the Pilgrimage Theatre. Every year until 1964, The Pilgrimage Play was performed by notable Hollywood actors. A facility of the LA County, the Ford has undergone extensive renovation of the 1,200-seat outdoor amphitheater. www.fordtheatres.org (See MUSIC)

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Griffith Observatory 2800 Observatory Rd. (213) 473-0800. Art deco landmark located in the popular Griffith Park features a state-of-the-art planetarium, sweeping city views, and various exhibits. Film buffs will recognize the location for final scenes from Rebel Without a Cause. Closed Mon. Free. www.griffithobservatory.org (See FAMILY) Griffith Park 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. (323) 913-4688. This is not only Los Angeles’ historic park but also the largest city park in the U.S. Provides hiking and riding trails, golf, tennis, playgrounds, pony rides, travel museum, zoo and majestic hilltop observatory. www.laparks.org/griffithpark (See FAMILY)

Hollyhock House (Barnsdall Art Park) 4800 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 913-4030. Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall and built between 1919 and 1921. Wright’s abstract geometric motif based on the hollyhock flower. A UNESCO World Heritage site. Open Thu-Sun 11am-4pm. Admission $7. www.barnsdall.org/hollyhock-house Hollywood American Legion Post #43 2035 N. Highland Ave. (323) 851-3030. Glittering example of Egyptian Revival/Moroccan art deco was built in 1929 and perhaps one of the most spectacular Veterans’ facilities in the U.S. Still active, past members include Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Gene Autry, Ronald Reagan, Ernest Borgnine and Adolph Menjou. www.hollywoodpost43.org Hollywood Athletic Club 6525 Sunset Blvd. (323) 460-6360. Built in 1924 as an ultra-exclusive club, it was the site of the first Emmy Awards in 1949. Members included Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Buster Crabbe, John Wayne, Walt Disney, Abbott and Costello, and Bela Lugosi. www.thehollywoodathleticclub.com

Guinness World Records Museum 6764 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 463-6433. Located in the former The Hollywood movie theatre built in 1938.

Open daily. www.guinnessmuseumhollywood.com Hudson Apartments (formerly Hillview Apartments) 6533 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 860-7404. Built by movie moguls Jesse Lasky and Samuel Goldwyn in 1917. Broadway actors who left New York for Hollywood had a difficult time finding housing.

Most boarding houses had signs “No Actors and No Dogs Allowed.”

Historic Hollywood The serious explorer can read John Pashdag’s Hollywoodland U.S.A., Charles Lockwood’s Guide to Hollywood, Rosemary Lord’s Hollywood: Then & Now, Ken Schessler’s This is Hollywood, The Movie Lover’s Guide to Hollywood, The Ultimate Hollywood Tour Book by William A. Gordon, Hollywood: The First 100 Years pictorial history by Bruce Torrance and Early Hollywood

by Marc Wanamaker and Robert W. Nudelman.

The vacant First National Bank awaits restoration.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Storer House Hollywood Boulevard The famed Boulevard is a designated National Historic Register Entertainment and Commercial District. Many Hollywood hopefuls have walked “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and imagined their names embedded in the sidewalk stars.

Hollywood Bowl 2301 Highland Ave. (323) 850-2000. An important piece of Los Angeles performing arts history and world-class cultural attraction, the 60-acre site, famous for its acoustics, opened in 1921. Note the Art Deco fountain at the Highland Ave. entrance with the figure of a harpist sculpted in granite by George Stanley (who also sculpted the original Oscar statuette as designed by Cedric Gibbons). www.hollywoodbowl.com (See MUSIC) Hollywood Bowl Museum 2301 N. Highland Ave. (323) 850-2058. Located on the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl. Features photos, footage, programs and artifacts on the history of the Bowl. Open Tues – Fri 10am – 5pm. Free entrance, free parking. www.hollywoodbowl.com/museum (See FAMILY)

Hollywood Center Studios (See Sunset Las Palmas Studios) Hollywood Farmers’ Market 1600 Ivar Ave. Ivar & Selma Ave. between Hollywood & Sunset. (323) 463-3171. Sundays rain or shine 8am-1pm. Farmers, artisans, food vendors & entertainment. www.seela.org (See FAMILY) Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 469-1181. The final resting place of many Hollywood legends including Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Cecil B. De Mille, Marion Davies, Tyrone Power, Peter Lorre, Peter Finch, “Bugsy” Siegel, John Huston, Johnny Ramone and others. Noteworthy are the Mausoleum’s stained glass windows, possibly by Tiffany. www.hollywoodforever.com (See MUSIC) Hollywood Gateway/The Four Silver Ladies La Brea Ave. at Hollywood Blvd. Gazebo depicts Dolores Del Rio, Anna Mae Wong, Mae West, and Dorothy Dandridge. Designed by Catherine Harwicke and sculpted by Harl West.

Hollywood Heritage Museum 2100 N. Highland Ave. (323) 874-4005. This barn served as the studio for Cecil B. DeMille & Jesse B. Lasky’s The Squaw Man, the first feature length motion picture. Declared a California Historic Monument, it is operated by Hollywood Heritage, Inc. as a museum of early Hollywood and silent pictures. Open Sat & Sun 12 to 4pm. www.hollywoodheritage.org (See FILM) Hollywood & Highland 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 817-0200. Features the re-created scale set of D.W. Griffith’s 1916 classic film Intolerance. Its Dolby Theatre is the home of the Academy Awards. Note artist Erika Rothenberg’s Road to Hollywood in Babylon Court. www.hollywoodandhighland.com Hollywood High School 1521 N. Highland Ave. (323) 993-1700. Famous alumni include James Garner, John Ritter, Jason Robards, Jr., Stefanie Powers, Jean Peters, Rick and David Nelson, Sally Kellerman, Charlene Tilton and Carol Burnett. Alumni Museum exhibits memorabilia donated by former students. WPA-built Art Deco science and liberal arts buildings. (See listing, “Murals in Hollywood”) www.hollywoodhighschool.net Hollywood Hills From Los Feliz to Beverly Hills, developed in the 20s, intriguing secluded neighborhoods offer historical perspective above the city that hums and shimmers below.

The Hollywood Museum in Max Factor Bldg. 1660 N. Highland Ave. (323) 4647776. Make-up studio on ground floor restored to its art deco splendor plus four floors of elaborate displays of movie memorabilia. Admission: $15 General, $12 Seniors and Students, $5 for children under 6. Contact info@thehollywoodmuseum.com for Group Tours. WedSun 10am-5pm. www.thehollywoodmuseum.com Hollywood Palladium 6215 Sunset Blvd. (323) 962-7600. Opened October 30, 1940 with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and his vocalists, including Frank Sinatra. Hollywood's dance and music venue for over 70 years. www.hollywoodpalladium.com (See MUSIC)

Places continues on page 22

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 19

Heart of Hollywood T

he Hollywood Walk of Fame Master Plan’s initial findings were rolled out last August at a community event presenting various concepts for Hollywood’s famed boulevard and Walk of Fame. On January 30, the Concept Plan was released.

Gensler, one of the country’s leading urban architectural firms, was retained to work on a “Master Plan” for the historic Walk of Fame with the goal of designing a more pleasant, cohesive, and enjoyable experience along the world-renowned thorofare. Based on the recommendations now being vetted in weekly stakeholder meetings, the desired result is that the City will support the targeted area improvement construction projects.

“The Walk of Fame Master Plan is the signature project of the ‘HEART of Hollywood’ initiative, and the concept plan is just the first step,” according to Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. “We are working to update the area in a balanced, holistic, cohesive way.”

He went on to state the importance of building a sense of consensus and collaboration encouraging Hollywood stakeholders to view the concept plan, provide feedback and join in the process.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a National Historic Land-

20 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

by Nyla Arslanian

ABOVE & BELOW: Renderings for concepts of the planned revitalization of Hollywood Boulevard. mark and the Hollywood Boulevard Historic District was included in the National Register of Historic Places thanks to the efforts of Hollywood Heritage over 40 years ago.

According to Hollywood Heritage, the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District is one of the most significant historic districts in the country: “Its buildings tell the story of Hollywood’s famous ‘main street’ during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the period when the community received worldwide attention as the motion picture capital of the world. Between 1915 and 1935, Hollywood Boulevard was transformed from a residential street of stately Victorian homes to a bustling commercial center. This concentration of buildings on the Boulevard is a microcosm of the era’s significant architectural styles, and the massing, scale, and continuity of the streetscape are an excellent example of development patterns of the period.”

The concept plan proposes reduced traffic lanes, wider sidewalks, better lighting and

“

”

The idea for a Master Plan to improve Hollywood Boulevard is not new. As early as the late 1970s, Skidmore-Owens-Merrill embarked on a similar venture.

landscaping. Although significant, parking on Hollywood Blvd. would be eliminated, however, startling that seems, it would impact only 114 parking spaces in an area with more than adequate public and parking lots available.

The plan states: “Pedestrians, tourists, vendors, and performers compete for space with necessary infrastructure, along with street furnishings, street lighting, landscaping, signage, bicycle parking, scooter parking, as well as other authorized and unauthorized uses. Not surprisingly, the star attraction— the Walk of Fame—gets lost in the clutter.”

The idea for a Master Plan to improve Hollywood Boulevard is not new. As early as the late 1970s, Skidmore-Owens-Merrill embarked on a similar venture. It was followed by another plan initiated by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. In 1999 the Urban Land Institute took a turn and made recommendations for improvements. When the now-curtailed Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency named Hollywood as one of its project areas, Hollywood Boulevard and its environs were slated for improvement as a blighted area.

The Hollywood “renaissance” was well underway when the Agency was disbanded by then-Governor Jerry Brown. The $4 million to embark on a new Master Plan are Hollywood designated funds initially generated by the CRA activities.

As the Concept Plan, under the direction of Councilmember O’Farrell’s deputy, Dan Halden, continues the vetting process through weekly meetings open to individual stakeholders, it has been presented to the board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Preservation Committee of Hollywood Heritage, the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission, neighborhood councils and other organizations.

From an earlier effort launched in 1978 but never executed.

Indeed, the Hollywood Walk of Fame was an early improvement project for Hollywood Boulevard. By 1960, Main Streets throughout the country started to decline as shopping centers and suburbs were built away from town centers. When luminaries Stanley Kramer and Joanne Woodward first received their stars, what started as a promotional gimmick grew to be an internationally recognized landmark that draws millions of annual visitors. What previously had been a street lined with shops and strolling “window shoppers,” has evolved as Los Angeles’ Number One tourist attraction.

In 2021, the long process to reap the benefit of its famous name, capture its designated historic essence, bring residents pride of place and satisfy the yearnings of millions will mark its 60th year.

Can the Heart of Hollywood initiative fulfill on the promise?

Well, it is Hollywood after all, where dreams can come true. DH

Excerpts From the Plan

The Streetscape Concept is inspired by a simple, but transformative idea: the street is for everyone.

he street is the most democratic public space in our city. It is a place that everybody from all walks of life is free to use, congregate within, and enjoy together. As an international attraction and local resource, Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame cater to a highly-diverse audience of users from a multitude of places including the local neighborhood, the region, and the world.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Concept Plan transforms Hollywood Boulevard from a traffic artery to a place for people. Today, 70% of the existing right-of-way is devoted to cars with just 30% for everything else. The Concept Plan flips that ratio, more than doubling the amount of space available for people and alternative mobility and creates new opportunities for community gathering, to become one of the world’s great streets.

A street that is for everyone needs to to include something for everyone. These qualities can come in the form of icons, but many times also come in the form of the everyday.

The Walk of Fame itself is an icon with its many gems stretching from the TCL Chinese Theatre on its west end to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre on its east end. Hollywood is also a diverse and dynamic neighborhood. With new housing and additional residents, there is a growing demand for neighborhood retail and open space that serves families and people of all ages and abilities, in addition to the traditional touristserving businesses.

The Concept Plan recognizes Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame as an icon, and as a neighborhood Main Street. It is an organizational and visual framework to adapt to changing neighborhood demographics, without sacrificing those communities that are already present or the historic character that makes this global icon unique.

T

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 21

Places

of interest

Continued from page 19

Hollywood Wilshire Y.M.C.A. 1553 N. Schrader Blvd. (323) 467-4161.

Serving Hollywood for over 75 years. www.ymcala.org/hollywood L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition 6331 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 960-3511. Permanent exhibition retracing the life of the founder of Scientology. Learn about one of the most acclaimed and widely read authors of all time. Open daily 10:00am—10pm.

Janes House 6541 Hollywood Blvd. The last surviving Queen Anne style Victorian residence along the Boulevard. From 1911-1926, it was the Misses Janes Kindergarten School where children of Cecil B. DeMille, Jesse Lasky, Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin attended.

Griffith Park Hollywood Post Office 1615 Wilcox Ave. (323) 464-2355. Built in 1936 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Wood relief The Horseman, carved by Works Progress Administration artist Gordon Newell in 1937.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel 7000 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 856-1970. Built in 1927, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks were among the original owners. The first Academy Awards banquet was held in the hotel’s Blossom Room in 1929. Recently renovated to reflect 21st century taste and honor its illustrious history, the Roosevelt is Hollywood’s favorite hotel. www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com (See EVENT VENUES) Hollywood Sign Built on Mt. Lee in 1923 for $21,000 as a temporary sign to promote Hollywoodland real estate development, the 50-foot-high letters were made of wood and with 20-watt bulbs around each letter. In the 70s the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce spearheaded the campaign to rebuild the sign with support from a diverse group of people (including Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner, rock star Alice Cooper, cowboy Gene Autry and singer Andy Williams) each pledging $27,000 per letter for a new, all-metal landmark. Recently, a global fundraising campaign to preserve 138 acres adjacent to the world-famous sign reached its goal. Hugh Hefner, a key figure in the 1978 restoration effort, donated the last $900,000 of $12.5 million for city to purchase. The land is now part of Griffith Park. www.hollywoodsign.org Hollywood Tower Apartments 6200 Franklin Ave. (323) 466-4040. Recently renovated historic apartments with French-Norman architectural details appeal to those with a taste for glamour, romance, mystery and fine craftsmanship. www.thehollywoodtower.com Hollywoodland Stone Gates Beachwood Dr. at the entrance of Hollywoodland real estate development. Built of rock quarried from Griffith Park, the gate was designated a monument in 1968. Beachwood Village was immortalized in the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers as the set for a town of zombies.

22 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

The Knickerbocker Hotel 1714 Ivar Avenue. (323) 463-0096. Built in 1925, it was a glamorous hotel popular with celebrities.

Errol Flynn lived here when he first came to Hollywood and both Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley stayed many times. Harry Houdini stayed here and his widow held a séance on the roof in 1936.

Director D.W. Griffith (Birth of a Nation and Intolerance) lived here a mostly forgotten man until his death in 1948. Now a senior residence.

KTLA TV (See Sunset Bronson Studio) Lake Hollywood A glimpse of this mountain “lake” nestled in the hills will make you forget that you’re in a major city.

Used as a location for countless movies and TV shows—a replica of the dam cracked and burst in the movie Earthquake. Superb view of Hollywood Sign. Walking, hiking, biking from 5am–Sunset.

Las Palmas Hotel 1738 N. Las Palmas. Julia Roberts’ digs before business with Richard Gere moved her “uptown” to Beverly Hills in Pretty Woman. Also Kramer’s residence when he moved from New York to Hollywood on TV’s Seinfeld.

Los Angeles Fire Department Museum & Memorial 1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 464-2727. The LAFD houses its historic fire fighting collection dating back to the 1880’s in the 1930 Hollywood Fire Station No. 27. Outdoor sculpture memorializes fallen firefighters.

Open Sat 10am-4pm. www.lafdmuseum.org Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Dr. (323) 644-4200. At Griffith Park.

Where the real wildlife is! One of the world’s finest zoos. Advance tickets recommended. Open daily. www.lazoo.org (See FAMILY)

Hollywood & Highland

The Hollywood Bowl will sparkle again.

Lovell Health House 4616 Dundee Dr (213) 304-5548. An International style modernist residence designed and built by noted architect Richard Neutra between 1927 and 1929. The home listed on the National Register was built for physician and naturopath Philip Lovell, an early proponent of a healthy lifestyle. Saturday tours available..

Madame Tussauds Hollywood 6933 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 798-1670. Hollywood branch of famed wax works. www.madametussauds/Hollywood Magic Castle 7001 Franklin Ave. (323) 851-3313. 1909 Gothic mansion once home to actress Janet Gaynor, now world-famous private club for magicians. Operated by the Academy of Magical Arts, a nonprofit organization of 5,000 magicians and magic fans for over 40 years. www.magiccastle.com Max Factor Building (See Hollywood Museum listing) 1660 N. Highland Ave. Opened in 1935 with a “premiere” attended by Claudette Colbert, Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich and Judy Garland.

Melrose Avenue A unique collection of restaurants, nostalgia shops, and boutiques with the newest and best of fashion for a hip and trendy look at what’s hot in L.A. Between Santa Monica Blvd. & Beverly Blvd. and La Cienega Blvd. & La Brea Ave. Montecito Apartments 6650 Franklin Ave. Fine example of art deco style with Mayan influence, listed in National Register of Historical Places. Was home to James Cagney, Mickey Rooney, Geraldine Page, Rip Torn, GeorgeC. Scott, Ben Vereen and Ronald Reagan. Now a residence for seniors.

Mulholland Fountain Los Feliz Blvd. and Riverside Dr. Dedicated August 1, 1940, as a memorial to William Mulholland who engineered the 238-mile-long aqueduct that brought water to L.A. from the Owens River Valley. Its location marks the spot where the young Irish immigrant lived near the L.A. River.

A glimpse of the Janes House, remnant of Hollywood’s Victorian past.

Murals in Hollywood An array of murals provide diversion to the urban streetscape. Eloy Torrez Legends of Cinema graces the front of Hollywood High’s Auditorium on Highland Ave. On Hudson north of Hollywood Blvd. see Alfredo de Batuc’s A Tribute to Delores Del Rio. Thomas Suriya’s You Are The Star is at southwest corner of Wilcox and Hollywood Blvd. For a mural that requires a little more thought, travel two blocks north on Argyle and Franklin and see an untitled mural by the late Dan Collins. Noted marine artist Wyland has “gone Hollywood,” painting a whale mural on Gower at Willoughby (on a Paramount soundstage wall). See George Sportelli’s Nancy Sinatra steps away from Hollywood Blvd. on Wilcox, Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash (look up) on Las Palmas just south of Hollywood Blvd., Tony Curtis and Charles Bronson (on utility box) at Bronson and Hollywood Blvd. McNeilly's Jim Morrison and Marilyn are near LaBrea and Hollywood and Hector Ponce’s mural Tribute to Hollywood faces west near Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilton.

Museums Refer to listings for The Autry, Hollywood Bowl Museum, Hollywood Heritage Museum, the Hollywood Museum at the Max Factor Building, L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition, Museum of Death, Dearly Departed Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. (Also see MORE MUSEUMS) Musso & Frank Grill 6667 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 467-7788. Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, celebrating its 100th anniversary (see article in this issue,) it was a popular hangout for writers. William Faulkner, F. ScottFitzgerald, Raymond Chandler, Nathaniel West, Ernest Hemingway and Dashiell Hammett. Featured in Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood.

Open Tue-Sun. www.mussoandfrank.com Ozzie & Harriet Nelson’s House 1822 Camino Palmero. Home of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson for about 40 years and where David and Rick Nelson grew up. Hollywood High School, their alma mater, is only a few blocks away. (Do not disturb occupants.)

Orchard Gables 1277 Wilcox Ave. A Historical and Cultural Landmark, this arts & crafts European- style cottage built in 1904 is one of the early homes built before moviemakers arrived in the pastoral Cahuenga Valley. This section of Hollywood was known as Colegrove, founded by U.S. Senator Cornelius Cole.

Pacific Design Center 8687 Melrose Ave. (310) 657-0800. West Hollywood’s famous “Blue Whale” is a multi-use facility for the design community. www.pacificdesigncenter.com

Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 468-1770. The last theatre built by magnate Alexander Pantages is historical and cultural landmark and the first art deco movie palace in the U.S. Opened in 1930 with The Florodora Girl starring Marion Davies and a live show featuring Al Jolson as MC. Hosted the Academy Awards from 1949-1959 and Emmy Awards in the 70s. Howard Hughes once had offices upstairs. www.hollywoodpantages.com (See THEATRE) Paramount Pictures 5515 Melrose Ave. (323) 956-1777. Longest continuously operating film studio in Hollywood. The original gates can be seen at Bronson entrance. The most famous film featuring Paramount is the classic Sunset Boulevard where Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond was “ready for her close-up.” www.paramountstudios.com (See FEATURED TOURS) Plummer Park 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 845-0172. Historic Eugenio Plummer Estate where Helen Hunt Jackson, author of Ramona, once visited. Originally part of the Rancho LaBrea land grant, the family home, deemed the oldest residence in Hollywood, was moved to Calabasas in 1983 to save it from demolition. Park includes recreational facilities.

Farmers Market every Mon 9am-2pm. (See FAMILY) Raleigh Studios 5300 Melrose Ave. (888) 960-3456. Dates back to 1914 and Pickford, Fairbanks and Chaplin. Classic feature films such as The Mark of Zorro, The Three Musketeers, and In the Heat of the Night, and early TV series Hopalong Cassidy and Superman series were made; and more recently TVs Castle and Straight Outa Compton. www.raleighstudios.com Red Studios Hollywood 846 N Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 463-0808. Was Metro Pictures Back Lot #3 in 1915. From the Golden Age of Television to The Golden Girls, from MTV to WB, from High Noon to True Blood, the studio continues a grand Hollywood tradition. www.redstudioshollywood.com RKO Studios Corner of Melrose & Gower. Formerly owned by Joseph Kennedy, Howard Hughes, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Gary Cooper films were made here. Acquired by Paramount, the familiar world globe is still visible and its historic sound stages are still in use.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum 6780 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 466-6335. Over 300 different exhibits of the strange, unusual and bizarre.

Look for the dinosaur on the roof. Open daily 10ammidnight. www.ripleys.com/hollywood

Places continues on page 40 SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 23

A rts Entertainment &

For day-by-day list of events in Hollywood, visit www.discoverhollywood.com/calendar

Music

Amoeba Music.

6400 Sunset Blvd. (323) 245-6400. www.amoeba.com Autry Museum of the American West 4700 Western Heritage Way. (323) 6672000. www.theautry.org (See PLACES) Avalon Hollywood 1735 Vine St. (323) 462-8900. www.avalonhollywood.com (See PLACES) Canter’s Kibitz Room 419 N. Fairfax Ave. (323) 651-2030. www.cantersdeli.com/kibitz-room

El Cid 4212 Sunset Blvd. (323) 668-0318. www.elcidsunset.com

Ford Theatre 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., East. (323) 461-3673. www.fordtheatres.org

Dolby Theatre 6801 Hollywood Blvd, (323) 3086300. www.dolbytheatre.com (See THEATRE)

El Floridita Cuban Restaurant 1253 N. Vine St. (323) 871-8612. www.elfloridita.com

Dresden Restaurant 1760 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 665-4294. www.thedresden.com (See DINING)

The Fonda 6126 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 464-6269. www.fondatheatre.com

Gardenia Restaurant & Lounge 7066 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 467-7444. www.facebook.com/Gardenia206785766025734/

Catalina Jazz Club 6725 Sunset Blvd. (323) 466-2210. www.catalinajazzclub.com

Genghis Cohen Restaurant, Bar & Live Music 740 N. Fairfax Ave. (323) 653-0640. www.genghiscohen.com The Greek Theatre 2700 N Vermont Ave (844) LAGREEK www.lagreektheatre.com Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. (323) 850-2000. www.hollywoodbowl.com (See PLACES) Hollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 886-0181. www.hollywoodforever.com/culture (See PLACES) Hollywood Palladium 6215 Sunset Blvd. (323) 962-7600. www.hollywoodpalladium.com (See PLACES) The Hotel Café 1623 1⁄2 Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 461-2040. www.hotelcafe.com Largo at The Coronet 366 N. La Cienega. (310) 855-0350. www.largo-la.com (See COMEDY)

24 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

LEFT: Fall Out Boy will be returning to Southern California with Green Day and Weezer for the Hella Mega tour once touring resumes.

Photo by Kathy Flynn

Lucky Strike Live 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 467-7776. www.luckystrikesocial.com/locations/ hollywood Miceli’s Restaurant 1646 N. Las Palmas Ave. (323) 466-3438. www.micelisrestaurant.com (See DINING) Pig ‘n Whistle 6714 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 463-0000. www.pignwhistlehollywood.com (See DINING) Rockwalk 7425 Sunset Blvd (323) 874-1060. www.guitarcenter.com/rockwalk.gc (See PLACES) Rockwell: Table & Stage 1714 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 669-1550. www.rockwell-la.com (see DINING, THEATRE) Roxy 9009 Sunset Blvd. (310) 278-9457. www.theroxy.com Sassafras Saloon 1233 N. Vine St. (323) 467-2800. www.sassafrassaloon.com The Sayers Club 1645 Wilcox Ave. (310) 278-9457. www.sayersclub.com Three Clubs 1123 Vine St. (323) 462-6441. www.threeclubs.com Tramp Stamp Granny’s 1638 N Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 498-5626. www.trampstampgrannys.com Troubadour 9081 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 276-1158. www.troubadour.com Viper Room 8852 Sunset Blvd. (310) 358-1881. www.viperroom.com Whisky A-Go-Go 8901 Sunset Blvd. (310) 652-4202. www.whiskyagogo.com

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 25

A rts Entertainment & Theatre L

ive theatre is particularly challenged during these times but bringing life to the written word has endured throughout the ages. Whether presented in a spectacular art deco masterpiece or in a 99-seat intimate theatre, in Hollywood, it brings art to life.

Fountain Theatre 5060 Fountain Ave. (323) 663-1525. www.fountaintheatre.com Greenway Court Theatre 544 N. Fairfax Ave. (323) 673-0544. www.greenwaycourttheatre.org The Hudson Theatre 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 856-4249. www.hudsontheatre.com Independent Shakespeare Company 3191 Casitas Ave. #130. (818) 710-6306. www.iscla.org LA LGBT Center Theatres Village at Ed Gould Plaza -1125 N. McCadden Pl. (323) 860-7300. www.lalgbtcenter.org/theatre Lounge Theatre 6201 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 469-9988. www.theatreplanners.com

Although dates not confirmed at press time, a return of Hamilton at the Pantages is planned. Photo by Joan Marcus Actors Co-op Theatre Company 1760 N. Gower St. (323) 462-8460. www.actorsco-op.org Stella Adler Theatre and Academy of Acting 6773 Hollywood Blvd. 2nd floor. (323) 465-4446. www.stellaadler.la Arena Stage at Theatre of Arts 1625 N Las Palmas Ave. (323) 856-1168. www.toa.edu Atwater Village Theatre 3269 Casitas Ave. Three companies Echo, Open Fist, www.atwatervillagetheatre.org

New American Theatre 1312 N. Wilton Pl. (310) 424-2980. www.newamericantheatre.com Matrix Theatre Company 7657 Melrose Ave. (323) 852-1445. www.matrixtheatre.com The Ricardo Montalban Theatre 1615 Vine Street. (323) 871-2420. www.themontalban.com Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 468-1770. www.hollywoodpantages.com (See PLACES) Rock of Ages at The Bourbon Room 6356 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor. ww.rockofageshollywood.com

Barnsdall Gallery Theatre 4800 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 644-6272. www.barnsdall.org

Sacred Fools Theatre 1076 Lillian Way. (323) 207-5605. www.sacredfools.org (see Broadwater Theatre)

The Blank Theatre/2nd Stage 6500 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 871-8018. www.theblank.com

Studio/Stage 520 N Western Ave. (323) 591-4849. www.stagecraftsllc.com

The Broadwater 1076 Lillian Way. (323) 207-5605. Home of Sacred Fools. www.thebroadwaterla.com

Skylight Theatre Company 1816 1â „2 N. Vermont Ave. (213) 761-7061. skylighttheatre.org

Celebration Theatre Company (at The Lex) 6760 Lexington Ave. (323) 957-1884. www.celebrationtheatre.com The Complex 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 465-0383. www.complexhollywood.com (SEE COMEDY) Dolby Theatre 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 308-6300. www.dolbytheatre.com (See PLACES)

26 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

Son of Semele Ensemble (SOSE) 3301 Beverly Blvd. (213) 351-3507. www.sonofsemele.org Theatre of NOTE 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 856-8611. www.theatreofnote.com Theatre West 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West. (323) 851-7977. www.theatrewest.org Zephyr Theatre 7456 Melrose Ave. (661) 670-8328. www.zephyrtheatre.com

&

www.discoverhollywood.com

Comedy

For day-by-day list of events in Hollywood, visit www.discoverhollywood.com/calendar

Improv & Sketch and Performance Theatres

Spoken Word and Author Events

Boobietrap LA 6555 Hollywood Blvd. www.boobiela.com

Book Soup 8818 Sunset Blvd. (310) 659-3110. www.booksoup.com

Comedy Central Stage at the Hudson Backstage Theatre 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 960-5519. www.comedycentralstage.com

Chevalier's Books 126 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 465-1334. www.chevaliersbooks.com

Groundlings Theatre 7307 Melrose Ave. (323) 934-4747. www.groundlings.com The Second City 6560 Hollywood Blvd. 2nd floor (323) 464-8542. www.seondcity.com/ hollywood Upright Citizens Brigade 5919 Franklin Ave. and 5419 W Sunset Blvd. (323) 908-8702 www.ucbtheatre.com

Da Poetry Lounge at Greenway Court Theatre 544 N. Fairfax Ave. (323) 673-0544. www.dapoetrylounge.com Golden Age Radio Hour at the L. Ron Hubbard Theatre 7051 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 798-1635. www.galaxypress.com/theatre Skylight Books 1814 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 660-1175. www.skylightbooks.com

The Groundlings are masters of mirth!

Stand-Up Comedy Clubs The Comedy Store 8433 Sunset Blvd. (323) 650-6268.www.thecomedystore.com Hollywood Improv Comedy Club 8162 Melrose Ave. (323) 651-2583. www.improv.com/hollywood Largo at the Coronet 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. (310) 855-0350. www.largo-la.com Laugh Factory 8001 W. Sunset Blvd. (323) 656-1336. www.laughfactory.com Oh My Ribs! Entertainment at The Complex 6468 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 207-8243. www.ohmyribs.com The Pack Theater at The Complex 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. (424) 442-9450. www.packtheater.com The Virgil 4519 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 660-4540. www.thevirgil.com

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 27

24

5

52

2

3 57

12

18 19 62

50 54

70 16 10 63

11

6

68

58

67

61

53

65 21 28 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

15

71

HOLLYWOOD: FROM A TO Z

77 7 27 73 4

9

28

26

22

72

56

51 20 17 59 55

23

33

8

14 21

13

66 18

69

25

64

60

1. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS 1336 N. La Brea Ave. AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE (See Egyptian Theatre #18) 2. AMERICAN MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC ACADEMY 6305 Yucca Ave. 3. STELLA ADLER ACADEMY/THEATRE 6773 Hollywood Blvd.

4. AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE 2021 N. Western 5. AMERICAN LEGION POST 43 2035 N. Highland Ave. 6. AMOEBA RECORDS 6400 Sunset Blvd.

7. AUTRY AT GRIFFITH PARK 4700 Western Heritage Way (See #27) 8. BARNSDALL ART PARK 4800 Hollywood Blvd.

9. CAPITOL RECORDS 1750 N. Vine St. 10. CATALINA BAR & GRILL 6725 Sunset Blvd.

11. CHAPLIN STUDIO/JIM HENSON COMPANY 1416 N. La Brea Ave. 12. CHINESE THEATRE 6925 Hollywood Blvd.

13. CINERAMA DOME/DOME ENTERTAINMENT CTR 6360 Sunset Bl. 14. COLUMBIA SQUARE 6121 Sunset Bl. 15. THE COMPLEX (on Theatre Row) 6476 Santa Monica Blvd.

16. CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD 6671 Sunset Blvd.

DOLBY THEATRE (See Hollywood & Highland #30) 17. DRESDEN RESTAURANT 1760 N. Vermont Ave. 18. THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE 6712 Hollywood Blvd.

19. EL CAPITAN THEATRE 6838 Hollywood Blvd.

20. EVERLY HOTEL 1800 Argyle Ave. 21. FARMERS MARKET & THE GROVE 3rd St. & Fairfax Ave. 22. FERNDELL Western Ave & Ferndell 23. THE FONDA 6126 Hollywood Blvd.

24. FORD AMPHITHEATRE 2580 Cahuenga Blvd.

25. FOUNTAIN THEATRE 5060 Fountain Ave. 26. GREEK THEATRE 2700 N. Vermont 27. GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY 2800 E. Observatory Road 28. GRIFFITH PARK Entrance at Riverside Drive to Museum & Zoo 29. GROUNDLINGS THEATRE 7307 Melrose Ave. 30. HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND 6801 Hollywood Blvd.

31. HOLLYWOOD ATHLETIC CLUB 6525 Sunset Blvd.

32. HOLLYWOOD BOWL 2601 N. Highland Avenue 33. HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 6255 Sunset Blvd.

34. HOLLYWOOD FARMERS MARKET Ivar St. (Hollywood to Sunset) 35. HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY 6000 Santa Monica Blvd.

36. HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM 2100 Highland Ave. 37. HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 1521 N. Highland Ave. 38. HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave. 39. HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM at Max Factor Bldg. 1660 N. Highland Ave. 40. HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM 6215 Sunset Blvd.

41. HOLLYWOOD POST OFFICE 1615 Wilcox 42. HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT HOTEL 7000 Hollywood Blvd.

43. HOLLYWOOD TOYS AND COSTUMES 6600 Hollywood Blvd.

44. HOLLYWOOD WAX MUSEUM 6767 Hollywood Blvd.

45. L. RON HUBBARD LIFE EXHIBITION 6331 Hollywood Blvd.

46. JANES HOUSE 6541 Hollywood Blvd.

JAPAN HOUSE Hollywood & Highland (See #30) 47. JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE 6840 Hollywood Blvd.

48. KTLA-TV/TRIBUNE BROADCASTING 5800 Sunset Blvd.

49. LAUGH FACTORY 8001 Sunset Blvd.

50. LACE/L.A. Contemporary Exhibitions 6522 Hollywood Blvd.

51. LOS FELIZ Vermont Ave. and Los Feliz Blvd.

LOEWS HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1755 N. Highland (See #30) 52. MAGIC CASTLE 7001 Franklin Ave 53. MATRIX THEATRE & MELROSE AVENUE 7657 Melrose Ave. METRORAIL STATIONS: Hollywood & Highland; Hollywood & Vine; Hollywood & Western; Sunset & Vermont; Universal City 54. MICELIS 1646 N. Las Palmas Ave. 55. RICARDO MONTALBAN THEATRE 1615 N. Vine Street 56. MULHOLLAND FOUNTAIN Los Feliz Blvd. at Riverside Drive 57. MUSSO & FRANK GRILL 6667 Hollywood Blvd.

58. ORCHARD GABLES 1577 Wilcox Ave. 59. PANTAGES THEATRE 6233 Hollywood Blvd.

60. PARAMOUNT PICTURES 5555 Melrose Ave. 61. PINK’S HOT DOGS 709 N. La Brea Ave. 62. RAFFALLO’S PIZZA 1657 N. LaBrea Ave. 63. ROCKWALK 7425 Sunset Blvd.

64. SACRED FOOLS/BROADWATER 1076 Lillian Way 65. GEORGE STERN GALLERY 8920 Melrose Ave. SUNSET-BRONSON 5800 Sunset Blvd. (See #48) 66. SUNSET-GOWER STUDIO 1438 N. Gower Street 67. SUNSET-LAS PALMAS STUDIO 1040 N. Las Palmas 68. SUNSET STRIP (Crescent Heights to Beverly Hills) 69. TAGLYAN CULTURAL CENTER 1201 Vine St. 70. THEATRE OF NOTE 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

71. THEATRE ROW ON SANTA MONICA BLVD. UNIVERSAL CITY WALK (See Harry Potter) UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD (See Harry Potter) VISITOR INFORMATION/L.A. Inc. Hollywood & Highland 72. UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE 5919 Franklin Ave. 73. VILLA CARLOTTA 5959 Franklin Avenue 74. VILLAGE PIZZERIA 131 N. Larchmont VISITOR INFORMATION HOLLYWOOD & HIGHLAND (See #30) 75. VISTA THEATER 4473 Sunset Blvd.

76. WALK OF FAME Length of Hollywood Blvd. and Vine St. 77. WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR (behind the hill in Burbank) 78. WEST HOLLYWOOD GATEWAY 7110 Santa Monica Blvd.

79. WHITLEY HEIGHTS Hills above Hollywood Blvd. at Whitley Ave. 80. YAMASHIRO 1999 N. Sycamore Ave. 81. ZOO 5333 Zoo Dr. (in Griffith Park, See #27) (Editor's Note: The map stars are arbitrarily chosen from listings and advertisers by the editorial staff.)

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 29

Dining

where to eat Support your favorite restaurants. Many offering takeout; and dine out often when they reopen.

The Cat & Fiddle 742 N. Highland Ave. (323) 468-3800.

Offering brunch, lunch, dinner daily, and a lovely Sunday Roast. Homemade British Specialties like Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Burgers, and more!

Vegan and Vegetarian options available as well as delivery and catering. www.thecatandfiddle.com

Rockwell 25 Degrees 7000 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 856-1970 Named after the temperature between a medium rare and well-done hamburger, 25 Degrees introduces a glam twist on the traditional American burger joint. 24-hours menu fills every craving from rancher’s eggs and griddle favorites in the wee hours to draft beers and spiked shakes at night. Open 24/7 daily, walkins welcome. www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com

Dresden Restaurant 1760 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 665-4294.

Los Feliz Village. Features “Certified Angus Beef” and a wide selection of traditional entrees. “Marty and Elayne” perform in the lounge. Dinner daily. www.thedresden.com (See MUSIC) Formosa Café 7156 Santa Monica Blvd., (323)8501009 An Old Hollywood landmark that's been freshly restored, with a reinterpreted Chinese-American menu added as well. Noir at its finest.

Tam O’Shanter Hollywood & Highland Center 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 817-0200.

Iconic destination in the heart of Hollywood offering an eclectic mix of 60 top retailers, ten restaurants, nightclubs and entertainment venues. Featuring the Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars®). www.hollywoodandhighland.com (See EVENTS) La Pergoletta 1802 Hillhurst Ave & 2827 Sunset Blvd.

(323) 664-8259. Authentic Trattoria Italiana & Deli from the regions of the Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. Lunch & Dinner. Not your ordinary Italian fare. Nextdoor Neighborhood Winner three years in a row. www.lapergoletta.com Miceli’s Italian Restaurant 1646 N. Las Palmas Ave. (323) 4663438. Hollywood’s oldest Italian Restaurant. Owned and Operated by the Miceli Family since 1949. Lunch. Dinner. Takeout. Free delivery. Banquet Facilities. Full Bar. Live Piano. Singing Servers. www.micelisrestaurant.com Musso & Frank Grill 6667 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 467-7788.

Once you savor the superior food and drink, soak in the unparalleled history, you’ll understand why tastemakers and power brokers keep coming back. Ready to be wowed by legendary service and savoir-faire? Step into our door and into another time. Tue-Sat 11am-11pm. Sun 49pm. Closed Mon. www.mussoandfrank.com

30 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

The Original Farmers Market 3rd St. & Fairfax Ave. (323) 933-9211. A Los Angeles favorite for over 75 years. Enjoy over 30 eateries ranging from Japanese to Texas barbecue.

The ultimate in casual dining. www.farmersmarketla.com (See FAMILY) Pig ‘n Whistle 6714 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 463-0000. Hollywood Landmark Since 1927 offers a feeling of classic Hollywood with a vaulted ceiling, mahogany woodwork and cozy booths. Delicious American & British Fare including spicy calamari, juicy steaks, gourmet sandwiches, healthy salads and English pub favorites like Fish & Chips.

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-6pm. www.pignwhistlehollywood.com Pink’s Hot Dogs 709 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 931-4223. The ultimate Mom and Pop hot dog stand. It's a Hollywood love story, starting with Paul & Betty Pink selling hot dogs from a cart on a neighborhood street corner at La Brea & Melrose in 1939. Pink’s is renowned for its delicious variety of hot dogs and hamburgers, huge portions, and affordable prices.

Its historic, fun atmosphere is considered a quintessential Hollywood experience, particularly for the late-night club crowd. Hours: Sun-Thurs 9:30am-2am, Fri- Sat 9:30am to 3am. www.pinkshollywood.com Rockwell 1714 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 669-1550. Open air coral tree patio dining and lounge. Lunch & brunch on weekends, daily Happy Hour 3-7pm, dinner nightly and kitchen open until 1am on Friday and Saturday. DJs on Friday & Saturday nights as well as Sunday Brunch.

Cali-American Cuisine. We have a dog friendly patio. Nightly specials: Monday - Grilled Cheese Night, Tuesday - Burgers and Wine, Wednesday – 50 percent off the Wine List, Thursday - Street Tacos, Saturday - Ceviche & Cerveza. www.rockwell-la.com (See MUSIC) Tam O’Shanter 2980 Los Feliz Blvd. (323) 664-0228. Delighting diners for 95 years, the Tam O'Shanter is Los Angeles' oldest restaurant operated by the same family in the same location. Ask to see Walt Disney's and John Wayne's regular booths. Enjoy good cheer, warm hospitality and exceptional food in a cozy old world atmosphere.www.lawrysonline.com/tam-oshanter Village Pizzeria 131 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 465-5566. Pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, soup. Free delivery. Catering, party needs for your group, office, team. Dine in or take out. Homemade meatballs, sausage, sauces, dressings, hand-spun dough prepared daily. Larchmont location includes sit down waiter service with beer and wine. From Brooklyn to San Francisco to Los Angeles. Merrill Schindler, Zagat listing, "All we are saying is give a piece a chance.” www.villagepizzeria.net

Pink’s SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 31

Formosa The

C

ontinuing Discover Hollywood’s articles on favorite historic restaurants, following the venerable former Disney favorite, Tam O’Shanter, dating back to 1926, and Hollywood’s oldest restaurant Musso & Frank’s which celebrated its 100th Anniversary last year, we add to this list the incomparable Formosa Café.

To say that The Formosa has a dark and speckled past would be an understatement. Situated at Formosa Avenue and Santa Monica Blvd., it withstood encroachment by the adjacent West Hollywood Gateway shopping center. Founded in 1925 by prize-fighter Jimmy Bernstein, it became a popular watering hole for nearby United Artists Studio which evolved into Samuel Goldwyn Studio, then Warner Bros. and now is known as “The Lot.” Around 1939, Lem Quon went into partnership with Bernstein, eventually taking full ownership in the mid-70s, remaining in the family with Quon’s grandson, Vince Jung, managing. Its history includes a long list of celebrity imbibers from Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner to Bono and Johnny Depp. Adding to its mystery, rumored mob connections included a book making operation and names like Bugsy Siegel and Mickey Cohen. Mystique and film noir personified.

Thanks to restauranteurs, Bobby Green, RIGHT: The attention to detail of the restaurant’s restoration is incredible. Not just a gastronomical adventure but a feast for the eyes as well.

32 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

Dark Past, Bright Future

Dimitri Komarov, and Dmitry Liberman of the 1933 Group, not only was this classic Chinese with film noir overtones brought back to life, their attention to detail following its demise is remarkable. This project wasn’t their first foray into restoration. They’ve tackled the Highland Park Bowl and the barrel-shaped Idle Hour bar in North Hollywood. Capitalizing on a historic theme, the team has developed newer spots across the city: Harlowe in West Hollywood, Bigfoot Lodge in Atwater Village and Oldfield’s Liquor Room in Culver City. These savvy entrepreneurs know what that their millennial and Gen-X clientele prefer.

Re-energizing the Formosa meant a lot more than restoring the familiar colors and photographs. Green and team wanted to dig deep by telling and honoring a story about the building, its neighborhood, and its colorful past.

ABOVE: Mobster Bugsy Siegel was a frequent enough diner here to have a personal safe installed for his ill-gotten loot in 1940. It still remains.

LEFT: The ornate carved wood bar was relocated and restored from the remnants of Chinatown’s legendary Yee Mee Loo restaurant.

In the National Historic Trust’s Preservation Magazine, an article about this project by Lynell George detailed the step-by-step process that was taken to resuscitate the restaurant. Swinging into action following the acquisition of the restaurant property, The Los Angeles Conservancy encouraged the owners to apply for a preservation grant to restore a vintage 1906 Pacific Electric trolley car that had been added around 1940 to serve as additional dining space.

In her article, George writes “Working with designers, master craftspeople, historians, fabricators, mixologists, and chefs, the 1933 Group, bit-by-bit, is giving back parts of our specific past to history-hungry Angelenos. Re-energizing the Formosa meant a lot more than restoring the familiar colors and photographs. Green and team wanted to dig deep by telling and honoring a story about the building, its neighborhood, and its colorful past. Two years and a little over $2 million later, they’ve unpacked a gold mine of hid-

ABOVE: The last extant 1906 Pacific Electric trolly car had been repurposed as additional seating at Formosa in 1940, and was painstakingly restored.

LEFT: Contemporary outdoor patio seating offers a more casual experience. den history, and the Formosa is ready for its close-up.”

As if their painstaking research and collection of memorabilia from the original Formosa wasn’t enough, thanks to Vince Jung, there’s a new piece d’resistance—another beloved piece of Los Angeles’ historic fabric. Again, George writes,”Pulling the room— and the story—together is the ornate backbar from another one of L.A.’s vanished nightspots, Chinatown’s Yee Mee Loo restaurant. The carved wood piece is now one of the elegant focal points of the Formosa’s back room. It was made as a prop shrine for the 1937 film The Good Earth and had somehow landed in Chinatown. After Yee Mee Loo closed, the shrine was installed at another area restaurant, Cinnabar, until it shuttered in 2005.”

Thanks to the folks at 1933 Group, once again we can experience the allure and the mystery of The Formosa and revisit a lost and beloved Chinatown treasure. DH SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 33

A rts Entertainment & Visual arts

Hollywood Sign, enhanced photography by Joel Thurm to be on exhibit at ART Gallery.

Hollywood offers a selection of galleries to satisfy art lovers and collectors. Full description and schedule of exhibits available at www.discoverhollywood.com/visual AA|LA 7313 Melrose Ave. (323) 592-3795. www.aala-gallery.com ART Gallery 8000 Sunset Blvd. Opening soon. www.joelthurm.com

Gallery 1988 7308 Melrose Ave. (323) 937-7088. www.nineteeneightyeight.com Gallery 825 (LA Art Association) 825 N. La Cienega Blvd. (310) 652-8272. Founded in 1925, LAAA has launched the art careers of many celebrated artists and played a central role in the formation of Los Angeles' arts community. www.laaa.org

Artplex Gallery 7377 Beverly Blvd. (323) 452-9628. www.artspacewarehouse.com

Gemini G.E.L. 8365 Melrose Ave. (323) 651-0513. www.geminigel.com

Artspace Warehouse 7358 Beverly Blvd. (323) 936-7020. www.artspacewarehouse.com

Hamilton-Selway Fine Art 8678 Melrose Ave. (310) 657-1711. www.hamiltonselway.com

Autry Museum of the American West 4700 Western Heritage Way at Griffith Park. (323) 667-2000. www.theautry.org (See PLACES

Japan House 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Level 2. (800) 516-0565. An innovative project of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, fosters awareness and appreciation for Japan around the world by showcasing the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, technology, and more. www.japanhouse.com

Barnsdall Art Park 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Includes L.A. Municipal Art Gallery, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, Gallery Theatre, Junior Arts Center and Barnsdall Art Center. www.barnsdall.org (See PLACES) Michael Benevento 3712 Beverly Blvd. (323) 874-6400. www.beneventolosangeles.com Tanya Bonakdar Gallery 1010 N Highland Ave. (323) 380-7172. www.tanyabonakdargallery.com Bridge Projects 6820 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 591-2771. www.bridgeprojects.com Corita Art Center 5515 Franklin Ave. (323) 450-4650. The Joyous Revolutionary, a chronological overview of activist, artist, teacher and former nun Corita Kent. Reservations recommended. www.corita.org Deitch Projects Gallery 925 N Orange Drive. (323) 925-3000. Former MOCA director Jeffrey Deitch returns to LA with a gallery for museum-scale exhibitions.deitch.com/los-angeles Fahey/Klein Gallery 148 N. La Brea Ave. (323) 934-2250. www.faheykleingallery.com

34 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

Kohn Gallery 1227 N. Highland Ave. (323) 461-3311. www.kohngallery.com KP Projects Gallery 633 N. La Brea Ave. (323) 933-4408. www.kpprojects.net LA><ART 7000 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 871-4140. www.laxart.org Launch Gallery 170 S. La Brea Ave., upstairs. (323) 899-1363. www.launchla.org La Luz de Jesus Gallery 4633 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 666-7667. Located inside the Soap Plant/Wacko. www.laluzdejesus.com Leica Gallery Los Angeles 8783 Beverly Blvd. (424) 777-0341. www.leicagalleryla.com Libertine 6817 Melrose Ave. (213) 454-0995. www.libertine.org

&

www.discoverhollywood.com

For day-by-day list of events in Hollywood, visit www.discoverhollywood.com/calendar

Hope by Corita Kent courtesy of Corita Art Center

Los Angeles Center of Photography 1515 Wilcox Ave. (323) 464-0909.

Hosts classes, workshops, and shows. www.lacphoto.org Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) 6522 Hollywood Blvd.

(323) 957-1777. Cutting-edge multi-media exhibitions. www.welcometolace.org Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery (LAMAG) 4800 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 644-6269. A facility of L.A. Dept. of Cultural Affairs in Barnsdall Park. www.lamag.org (See Barnsdall Art Park) M+B 612 N. Almont Dr. (310) 550-0050. www.mbart.com Mak Center at the Schindler House 835 N. Kings Rd. (323) 651-1510. Preserves the vitality of the Rudolf M. Schindler House and Studio (1922). www.makcenter.org

Moskowitz Bayse 743 N. La Brea Ave. (323) 790-4882. www.moskowitzbayse.com Mr. Musichead 7420 Sunset Blvd. (323) 876-0042. Celebrating 20 years! The first gallery in Los Angeles devoted exclusively to the art and images of music. www.mrmusichead.com Shulamit Nazarian 616 N La Brea Ave. (310) 281-0961. www.shulamitnazarian.com New Image Art 7920 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 654-2192. www.newimageartgallery.com Nonaka-Hill 720 N Highland Ave. (323) 450-9409. www.nonaka-hill.com Overduin & Co. 6693 Sunset Blvd. (323) 464-3600. www.overduinandco.com Pacific Design Center 8687 Melrose Ave. (310) 657-0800. www.pacificdesigncenter.com Radiant Space 1444 N Sierra Bonita Ave. (323) 522-4496. www.radiantspacela.com

Matthew Marks Gallery 1062 North Orange Grove and 7818 Santa Monica Blvd.

(323) 654-1830. www.matthewmarks.com

Regen Projects 6750 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 276-5424. www.regenprojects.com

Meliksetian | Briggs 313 N. Fairfax. (310) 625-7049. www.meliksetianbriggs.com

Diane Rosenstein Gallery 831 N. Highland Ave. (323) 462-2790. www.dianerosenstein.com

Nino Mier Gallery 7277 Santa Monica Blvd. (#1)/7313 Santa Monica Blvd. (#2)/1107 Greenacre Ave. (323) 498-5957. Three West Hollywood locations. www.miergallery.com

George Stern Fine Arts 501 N Robertson Blvd. (310) 276-2600. Specializes in California Impressionism and American Scene painting. www.sternfinearts.com

Morรกn Morรกn 937 N La Cienega Blvd. (310) 652-1711. www.moranmorangallery.com Morrison Hotel Gallery 1200 Alta Loma Rd. (310) 881-6025. Features inspiring and iconic images of famous musicians. www.morrisonhotelgallery.com

Louis Stern Fine Arts 9002 Melrose Ave. (310) 276-0147. www.louissternfinearts.com Steve Turner Contemporary 6830 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 460-6830. www.steveturner.la VSF (Various Small Fires) 812 N. Highland Ave. (310) 426-8040. www.vsf.la SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 35

Whitley Heights

by Olga Clark

T

raveling along Franklin Avenue, the east/west thoroughfare north of Hollywood Blvd., you might not notice the most historic enclave of 1920s residences from the Golden Era of silent films and speakeasies, aka The Roaring Twenties, rising above Franklin Avenue. And roar they did in those days of high living, laughter and a new industry

The style, the elegance, the optimism of the Roaring 20s live on in the exclusive homes up on the hill.... that seemed to have no bounds. Ethel Barrymore, Charlie Chaplin, Marion Davies, W.C. Fields, Harold Lloyd, Carole Lombard, Rudolph Valentino and many others lived and held legendary parties that marked an era and the early Hollywood film industry.

Named for the developer Howard Johnston “H.J.” Whitley, Whitley Heights was considered his crowning achievement. He had employed architect A.A. Barnes to create a Mediterranean village and to ensure its authenticity sent him on a tour to study the architecture and landscaping of Spain and Italy. The beauty and seclusion of Whitley Heights’ architecture and terrain quickly made it the most desired residential area of the Hollywood elite of the day.

Fashionable Hollywood Boulevard with its shops, restaurants and nightlife lay at their feet. The studios that employed them were also just a brief automobile trip away.

The First Family of Hollywood: H.J. Whitley, his wife Virginia and their two children. This photograph dates from the 1880s.

Historic photos courtesy of Gaelyn Whitley Keith author of "The Father of Hollywood: The True Story."

36 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

ABOVE: The construction of a brand new neighborhood, c. 1920. Most of these structures are still standing.

LEFT: Newer development in Whitley Heights replicates the Mediterranean villa atmosphere.

Paramount, Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros were a few miles away.

While the names of filmdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past and the lifestyle they enjoyed are scintillating indeed, the story of H. J. Whitley is a story in its own right.

Born in Toronto, Canada in 1847, Whitley moved to Chicago where he founded a number of enterprises including a hardware store and a candy store. He became interested in land development

In the Jazz Age, life was a party, and Whitley Heights was Party Central for the Hollywood set.

and was elected to the board of the Chicago Rock Island Railroad.

During the westward construction of frontier railroads from the late 1870s to the early 1890s, he founded scores of towns in the Oklahoma Territory, Dakotas, Texas and California. It is estimated that he founded over 140 towns in his lifetime. In each town, he built a bank and a hotel, schools, churches, parks and other civic improvements followed.

Continues page 52 SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 37

A rts ntertainment E &

For day-by-day list of events in Hollywood, visit www.discoverhollywood.com/calendar

Film

Keep up with Film Festivals on the Discover Hollywood website: www.discoverhollywood.com/Arts-and-Entertainment/Film-Festivals AMC Sunset 5 8000 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood. (323) 654-2217. www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/los-angeles/amc-sunset-5 AMC Universal Cinema at CityWalk. www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/los-angeles/universal-cinema-amc-at-citywalk-hollywood

ArcLight Hollywood's famed Cinerama Dome IMAX Theatres State of the Art film experiences. See TCL Chinese Theatres and Universal Cinema at City Walk.

Linwood Dunn Theater at the Mary Pickford Center for Motion Pictures 1313 Vine St. (310) 247-3600. www.oscars.org/about/facilities/linwood-dunn-theater Los Feliz 3 1822 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 664-2169. www.vintagecinemas.com/losfeliz New Beverly Cinema 7165 Beverly Blvd. (323) 938-4038. www.thenewbev.com

Vista Theatre American Cinematheque (Egyptian Theatre) 6712 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 461-2020. www.americancinematheque.com ArcLight Hollywood 6360 Sunset Blvd. (323) 615-2550. www.arclightcinemas.com Arena Cinelounge 6464 Sunset Blvd. lobby level (323) 924-1644. www.arenascreen.com Egyptian Theatre (see American Cinematheque)

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) 1139 South Hill St. (323) 521-7385. www.newfilmmakersla.com Pacific Theatres at The Grove 189 The Grove Dr. (323) 615-2202. www.pacifictheatres.com/grove Rooftop Movies at the Montalban 1615 Vine St. (323) 871-2420. www.themontalban.com Rooftop Cinema Club at Neuehouse Hollywood 6121 Sunset Blvd. www.rooftopcinemaclub.com/los-angeles

Cinespia at Hollywood Forever 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. www.cinespia.org

TCL Chinese 6 Theatres 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 461-3331. www.tclchinesetheatres.com (See PLACES)

El Capitan Theatre 6838 Hollywood Blvd. (818) 845-3110. www.elcapitantheatre.com.

(See PLACES)

Vista Theatre 4473 Sunset Blvd. (323) 660-6639. www.vintagecinemas.com/vista

38 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

Spring Reading Editor’s Picks

ayden Herrera’s groundbreaking biography and screenplay written for the outstanding 2002 film Frida starring Selma Hayek brought the artist to life in a cinematic tour de force.

Since that time, numerous documents have surfaced allowing for a fuller understanding of Frida and her art. In Frida in America: The Creative Awakening of a Great Artist, Celia Stahr details a riveting story of how three years spent in the United States transformed Frida Kahlo into the artist we know today. Using letters from Frida’s correspondence, the writer provides a deeper understanding of these pivotal years from 1930-1933. With vivid detail, Frida in America examines the transformative journey that made Senora Rivera the world famous Frida Kahlo.

ever been; director Roman Polanski, both predator and prey, haunted by the savage death of his wife at the hands of Charles Manson; the deal making of Robert Evans, the most consummate of producers; and Robert Towne’s fabled Chinatown script, widely considered the greatest original screenplay ever written. In this intoxicating and revelatory new book, New York Times best-selling author Sam Wasson peels off layers of myth to provide the true account of the making of Chinatown, one of the greatest American movies of all time.

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n the first biography of Joan Harrison, one of the most influential women of Hollywood’s Golden Era, film studies professor and author Christina Lane retraces Harrison’s life, returning her to her rightful place in film history. Beginning her career as Alfred Hitchcock’s secretary in 1933, she went on to work as a screenwriter on many Hitchcock classics. As showrunner for “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”, Harrison helped pioneer the new medium of television and blazed a new trail for women in Hollywood. Phantom Lady: Hollywood Producer Joan Harrison, the Forgotten Woman Behind Hitchcock is an absorbing biography of a woman succeeding on her own terms challenging the male-dominated world of film.

hen Harry Met Cubby pays tribute to the two men who made James Bond a household name. Although Harry Saltzman and Albert “Cubby” Broccoli had few things in common, apart from both having come from nothing, they shared a love of show business. Robert Sellers tells the comprehensive story of their relationship. Beyond being the producers behind the timeless Bond series, the two had a hand in giving Michael Cain his start and creating the children’s classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It’s a delightful look into a powerful partnership turned toxic, that fans of Hollywood and James Bond alike will undoubtedly savor.

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ward-winning TV comedy writer Kari Lizer’s memoir about the challenges of being a woman of a certain age and all that comes with it: empty next, post #MeToo dating, aging parents, menopausal rage, unrealistic expectations, and eternal optimism. The creator of The New Adventures of Old Christine book speaks to those who lament the invisibility of the middle-aged woman. With selfdepreciating humor and sharp wit, Lizer finds wry, bittersweet humor in (almost) all situations. The result is Aren’t You Forgetting Someone? Essays from My Mid-Life Revenge is an honest and hilarious read. he Big Goodbye: Chinatown and The Last Years of Hollywood follows the trials and triumphs of four of the most influential men in the history of Hollywood: Jack Nicholson at the height of his powers, as compelling a movie star as there has

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multi-billionaire banker and philanthropist has just been murdered, and there's only one person who can uncover the mystery behind this international banking scandal: Louise Moscow. Written by former Hollywood finance exec Lorraine Evanoff who uses classic mystery storytelling to spin complex tales of international finance with a sexy female heroine. Louise Moscow novels, Foliage and the newly released and awardwinning Pinot Noir, are high concept noir thrillers inspired by real-life banking scandals. No stranger to finance or Hollywood, Evanoff is a master of suspense and is currently at work on a screenplay. DH SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 39

Places

of interest

Continued from page 23

Sunset Gower Studios 1438 N. Gower St. (323) 467-1001. Formerly Columbia Pictures (1926-1972). Classic It Happened One Night with Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington with Jimmy Stewart were made here as were The Three Stooges movies. I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, The Flying Nun and later TV shows filmed here. Still a working studio lot for independent productions. New building at Sunset entrance houses iconic Technicolor. www.hppsunsetstudios.com

Los Angeles Zoo Rock Walk 7425 Sunset Blvd. (323) 874-1060. Founded Nov 13, 1985, handprints, signatures, and memorabilia from the greatest musical performers and innovators who contributed the most to the growth of Rock ‘n Roll. www.guitarcenter.com/rockwalk.gc Runyon Canyon Park 2000 N. Fuller Ave. (818) 243-1145. Historic city park. Hike the trails and explore the relics and ruins of a Hollywood estate. Parking lot entrance on Mulholland Hwy. Pedestrian entrance end of Fuller St. www.runyoncanyonhike.com Samuel-Novarro House 2255 Verde Oak Dr. Lloyd Wright translates the textured pre-cast concrete Mayanesque block into pressed metal. The result hints at pre-Columbian Revival and Zigzag Modern composition. (Please do not disturb occupants.)

Schindler House 833 N. Kings Rd. (323) 651-1510. Rudolph Schindler’s home, considered to be the first house built in the Modern style, now a center for study of 20th century architecture. Self-guided tours WedSun. Fri 4- 6pm FREE. www.schindlerhouse.org Shakespeare Bridge Franklin Ave. between Myra Ave. & St. George St. Joins Los Feliz, Franklin Hills and Silverlake neighborhoods. This beloved 1925 Gothic beauty is one of L.A.’s historic landmarks.

Shumei Hollywood Center 7406 Franklin Ave. (323) 876-5528. Built in 1920, Joan Didion’s former Hollywood home is now a spiritual center fostering health, happiness, and harmony for all. www.shumei.us The Storer House 8161 Hollywood Blvd. The second of four Hollywood area textile-block designed houses by Frank Lloyd Wright was built in 1923. Do not disturb occupants. www.franklloydwright.org/site/john-storer-house Sunset Bronson Studios 5800 Sunset Blvd. (323) 460-5858. Original Warner Bros. Studio where the first sound movie The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson, was made in 1927.

After the advent of sound, needing more space, Warners moved to Burbank, but continued using the studio for production of Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons. In the late ‘40s, the studio became KTLA-TV, one of the nation’s first TV studios. The iconic “mansion” building and new multi-story facility are now home to Netflix www.hppsunsetstudios.com

40 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

Sunset Las Palmas Studios 1040 N. Las Palmas Ave. (323) 860-0000. Formerly Hollywood Center Studios and located in the Hollywood Media District, it is a recent addition to Hudson Pacific’s holdings. Home of early Harold Lloyd movies and later Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope. Jean Harlow began her career here in Howard Hughes’ 1927 film Hell’s Angels. www.hppsunsetstudios.com Sunset Strip Doheny Dr. to Crescent Hts. Once-favorite night spots such as the Trocadero, Mocambo and Ciro’s were located here outside the city limits in unincorporated county land. Today the pleasant assortment of boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and hotels such as art deco landmark The Argyle and historic Chateau Marmont are part of West Hollywood.

Sunset Tower Hotel 8358 W. Sunset Blvd. (323) 654-7100. Completed in 1931. Was originally 46 apartments, and home to such stars as Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, the Gabor Sisters and many more.

Now a 64-room luxury hotel and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. www.sunsettowerhotel.com Sunset Vine Tower 1480 Vine St. (833) 650-9952. . L.A.’s first “skyscraper,” built following removal of 14story height limit in 1960, was the skyscraper in Earthquake and now converted to spectacular apartments. www.sunsetvinetower.com Tours (See Featured Tours page 61) TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s) 6925 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 461-3331. Built

by Sid Grauman in 1927 and a Hollywood icon. The famous footprint ceremonies were inaugurated in 1927 by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Tours are offered 7 days a week excluding special events. www.tclchinesetheatres.com (See FILM)

Lloyd Wright’s Samuel Navarro House

TV Studios (See TV Tickets page 55) Universal CityWalk 100 Universal City Plaza. (818) 622-9841. Los Angeles’ landmark urban entertainment, shopping and dining complex, located adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood. Open daily. www.citywalkhollywood.com Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza. (800) 864-8377. The Entertainment Capital of L.A. A full-day moviebased theme park featuring rides and attractions including the world-famous Studio Tour. Offerings include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the completely reimagined Jurassic World Ride. www.universalstudioshollywood.com Vedanta Society Hollywood Temple 1946 Vedanta Pl. (323) 465-7114. Founded by Swami Prabhavananda in 1929, preaches the philosophical basis of Hinduism in historic setting.

This temple has long attracted many Hollywood luminaries to pray and meditate including Aldous Huxley, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. Open daily. www.vedanta.org Visitor/Tourist Information Hollywood & Highland at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.

(323) 467-6412. 2nd level, #209. Open daily.

Walk of Fame Created by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in 1960, the world’s most famous sidewalk contains nearly 2,000 stars embedded along Hollywood Blvd. from La Brea to Gower, and on Vine St. from Yucca to Sunset Blvd. Stars are awarded in five categories: motion pictures, television, recorded music, radio and live theatre. About 15 new stars are dedicated each year. www.walkoffame.com Warner Bros. Studios 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank. (818) 977-8687.

Where legends such as Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Bette Davis and James Cagney made their mark. Three-hour Studio Tours daily in English, Spanish, French and Mandarin. ($69) Also a sixhour Deluxe Tour ($295), and a Classics tour with a focus on the Golden Age of film and tv ($79).

All tours require Valid ID and reservations and end with a visit to Stage 48: Script to Screen interactive museum which features DC Universe: Justice League, Harry Potter and more. No two Warner Bros tours are ever alike. Open daily. www.wbstudiotour.com (See FEATURED TOURS) Woman’s Club of Hollywood 1749 N. La Brea Ave. (323) 876-8383. Founded in 1905, the club has occupied its current building since the 1930s. www.wchollywood.org Wattles Mansion 1824 N. Curson Ave. (323) 969-9106. Private mansion completed in 1909. May be rented for private events. Gardens behind the mansion are open to the public.www.laparks.org/historic/wattles-mansion-and-gardens

Places continues on page 44

Why I Love Hollywood

Discover Hollywood Special Report

by Laurence Juber

G

rowing up in London, England, I understood that Hollywood was the movie capitol of the world, but as a budding guitarist, it was its recorded music that captured my imagination. London had The Beatles’ Abbey Road Studios, but LA had Sunset Sound, Radio Recorders, Western, Capitol—studios with a magical resonance, which fueled my own intention to become a studio musician.

I went from London studio work, to being a member of Paul McCartney’s Wings— a rare experience! After the band folded, I settled in ‘Hollywood-adjacent’ Studio City in 1981. My first stop was the Local 47 Musician’s Union building on Vine Street.

Exiting the 101 at Vine, I felt the gravitational pull of Hollywood and its roots in entertainment. Hollywood and Vine is symbolized by the iconic Capitol tower, built in 1956. It’s a location where I’ve spent countless hours recording in the basement studio with its highly-prized Les Paul-designed reverb chambers, hidden beneath the parking lot.

My wife Hope is the daughter of the late Sherwood Schwartz, creator of Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch. The latter show was filmed at the historic Paramount lot on Melrose. The Stage M sound stage there was the location of my first Hollywood studio sessions—my entree to composing, performing and recording the music for TV and movies.

When Sherwood was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—a rare honor for a TV writer/producer—it was Photo by Michael Lamont a proud moment for the family. Gilligan and Brady fans can find it on the north side of Hollywood Blvd between Whitley and N Hudson.

I still experience a thrill after navigating the automotive ballet of Laurel Canyon as it unfolds onto Sunset. Turning right toward the Strip, brings memories of playing Tuesday jam night at The Central—now the Viper Room—across from The Whiskey, with its storied rock music history. Turning left brings me to the pocket of guitar stores, anchored by the original Guitar Center, with its Rockwalk of handprints of rock musicians, emulating the collection of movie star handprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

Speaking of theaters, Hollywood is brimming with small spaces where writers, directors and performers can refine their craft. There is nothing like seeing a musical at the art deco masterpiece Pantages, with a pre-show dinner at Musso and Frank Grill for me to feel like I’m in the heart of Hollywood. DH Editor’s Note: Grammy-winning guitarist Laurence Juber, recording artist, composer/arranger and former member of Paul McCartney’s “Wings”. “The Fab 4th” is his new Beatles-inspired solo guitar recording. The first of the series, “LJ Plays The Beatles”was voted one of Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s all-time Top Ten albums.

Your Palapa is

waiting for you!

Catalina Beach Resort Playa La Ropa Zihuatanejo, Mexico

CatalinaBeachResort.com SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 41

SPECIAL EDITORIAL

Rushing to the Future...

Abandoning the Past?

I

by Nyla Arslanian

t wasn’t that long ago “We’re building the Hollywood of the 21st Century” was a catch phrase for hoped-for and long-awaited redevelopment. It was first used when the community banded together in the late 1970s to advocate for the subway coming into Hollywood. Today it seems incredulous but there was a time when the subway line was going to bypass Hollywood in favor of a Wilshire Blvd. route to Fairfax Avenue and then under the hills to North Hollywood.

While the proposed Hollywood Center (above) and Crossroads Project (left) are striking, are they what’s best for Hollywood’s future?

The community was unified in its resolve not seen again to this day, and by the late 80’s Hollywood Blvd. was a construction site as tunneling gradually made its way from Barnsdall Art Park to Western, Vine, Highland and on to North Hollywood. As Hollywood enjoyed being the main and some would say only destination for the Red Line, Hollywood became a project area for the now defunct Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency which provided a catalyst to attract investment to build the “new” Hollywood—the one for the 21st Century. At that time, few realized the consequences as we celebrated the building of Hollywood & Highland and a home for The Oscars. During the last 20 years, Hollywood has been named a commercial hub and, in spite of promises to the contrary, highrise development north of Sunset have been proposed and Hollywood’s historical relevance dimmed.

For nearly 100 years, Hollywood has been an attraction.

It’s first building boom was the result of its burgeoning new industry. The single-family homes and apartment buildings

42 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

throughout Hollywood were mostly built during that era.

Indeed, it was thought that Hollywood was built-out. Except for its many parking lots, that was true—until the 21st Century, that is.

Since the opening of Metrorail and the inauguration of Hollywood’s first major development, Hollywood & Highland, in 2001, the inconvenient subway construction was nothing compared to what’s occurred in recent years. Over 10,000 new apartment units and millions of square feet of office space, 15 new hotels either already built or in the pipeline, new industry giants such as Viacom and Netflix have joined the iconic Paramount Pictures pumping out commercials, cable, film and TV projects in numbers not seen in generations.

Still we’re at a crossroads. In the rush to the future, it might be time to reflect on the past, the distant past rather than on building sites and numbers. In our rush to the future, the remnants of our past may be lost.

As pointed out by London-based writer Pamela Hutchinson for an article in The Guardian, “There’s a short alley in Hollywood, running east-west between Cahuenga Boulevard and Cosmo Street, which has more than 100 five-star reviews on Google. One user describes visiting the street as “akin to a Catholic entering the Vatican.” Another calls it “the Holy Grail of Hollywood sites” and others have hailed it as “iconic,” “legendary,” “of monumental significance” and “sacred ground.”

On this small section of Cahuenga Boulevard just south of Hollywood Boulevard, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd shot more films on this stretch of road than any-

where else in Los Angeles. The point being that in this town, in the most nondescript site, something happened that impacted the world. Not only that, it continued for decades as the town grew up around it. That is our legacy and it’s in our hands.

Film historian John Bengtson has spearheaded an effort to have the street named Chaplin Keaton Lloyd Alley. This easily identifiable passage is featured prominently in three silent classics: Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid (1921), Buster Keaton’s Cops (1922) and Harold Lloyd’s Safety Last! (1923).

Bengtson usually works by consulting aerial photographs of Hollywood from the 1920s comparing them against film scenes. In this case, a festival screening of another silent film,

ABOVE: Buster Keaton is chased in Cops (1922) down Cosmo Alley.

BELOW: The same spot today.

The Last Edition (1925), tied a few unsolved cases together.

“That movie filmed many scenes at the alley, from many different angles,” says Bengtson. “I nearly fell out of my seat.

Finally, the pieces all fit, it all made sense. It was close to the Continues page 51 SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 43

Places

of interest

Continued from page 40

West Hollywood Its irregular shape makes it hard to know exactly when you are within its limits.. Its Avenues of Art & Design, an exciting district of interior resources, art galleries, design showrooms, antiques, specialty shops and restaurants are all within an easy stroll of the landmark Pacific Design Center. www.weho.org Whitley Heights Whitley Ave. A few blocks north of Hollywood Blvd. Built in 1918 by H. J. Whitley to resemble an Italian hill town. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In the 20s Maurice Chevalier, Bette Davis, Rudolph Valentino, Wallace Beery, Jean Harlow, Rosalind Russell, Janet Gaynor, Francis X. Bushman, William Faulkner, Carmen Miranda and Norma Shearer lived here. www.whitleyheights.org Frank Lloyd Wright in Hollywood Master architect designed four residences in Hollywood. See listings for Ennis House, Hollyhock House (open for tours), Freeman House and Storer Residence.

Hollyhock House: 4800 Hollywood Blvd (323) 913-4030 Ennis House: 2607 Glendower Ave Samuel Freeman House: 1962 Glencoe Way (323) 851-0671 John Storer House: 8161 Hollywood Blvd

AMDA COLLEGE AND CONSERVATORY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS 6305 Yucca St. (323) 603-5915. When you attend AMDA Los Angeles, you become a part of Hollywood's creative community; the studios, theatres and landmarks are your inspiration. Hundreds of films, television shows and live performances take place here each day. With Hollywood as your classroom, you'll get a real understanding of how show business actually works. Rising to the top of entertainment is rewarding, but getting there takes more than just talent: You need discipline, determination and-most importantly-the right training. For over50 years, AMDA has been transforming talented performers from all over the world into respected, working professionals. Your journey to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree all begins with an audition. www.amda.edu

THE LOS ANGELES FILM SCHOOL 6363 Sunset Blvd. (323) 860-0789. The Los Angeles Film School, located in the heart of Hollywood is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), VA-approved, and offers entertainment-focused Bachelor of Science degrees in Animation, Audio Production, Digital Filmmaking, Entertainment Business, Film Production, Graphic Design, and Writing for Film & TV as well as Associate of Science degrees in Audio Production, Music Production, and Film. The L.A. Film School has been an academic leader in the entertainment community since 1999. Our goal is to equip every student with the necessary skills they need to succeed in this industry. Whether our students choose to take classes online or on campus in Hollywood, we train the next generation of creative professionals. Students thrive in our experimental environment under the instruction of seasoned faculty members, many of whom are still actively involved in the entertainment industry. www.lafilm.edu

STELLA ADLER ACADEMY OF ACTING & THEATRE 6773 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 465-4446. World renowned acting school located in the heart of Hollywood since 1985 offers extensive training for the serious actor in theatre, film, and television. The Technique grew out of Stella Adlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work with Stanislavski, the father of modern acting and has been studied by many of the world's most notable actors including: Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, Salma Hayek, Benicio Del Toro to name a few. stellaadler.la

Yamashiro Restaurant 1999 N. Sycamore Ave. (323) 466-5125. Built in 1911 as a private residence, this replica of a Japanese palace has one of the most spectacular views in the city and a perfect place to watch a Hollywood sunset. 600-year-old pagoda and authentic teahouse in garden open to visitors during the day. www.yamashirohollywood.com

family fun Art Works Studio & Classroom 660 N. Larchmont Blvd. (323) 463-2562. Art Works Studio and Classroom offers fine arts classes for all ages. www.artworksstudio.org Autry Museum of American West 4700 Western Heritage Way. (323) 667-2000. Pan for gold Sat & Sun Sun 11:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:00 pm; visit Imagined West Studios and Investigating Griffith Park. www.theautry.org (see VISUAL ARTS, PLACES) Barnsdall Art Park (Junior Arts Center and Barnsdall Arts Center) 4800 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 644-6295. Music, visual and performing arts classes for young people and adults. Barnsdall Arts Sundays: Free Family Arts Workshops with a different theme weekly held at Junior Art Center every Sun at 10am. www.barnsdall.org Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood 850 N. Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 467-2007. Field trips, sports, music, and arts activities. www.bgchollywood.com El Capitan Theatre 6838 Hollywood Blvd. (818) 845-3110. Shows Disney family features. www.elcapitantheatre.com Original Farmers Market 6333 W. 3rd Street. (323) 933-9211. Fun browsing and free celebrations throughout the year. www.farmersmarketla.com (See PLACES) Griffith Observatory 2800 E. Observatory Rd. (213) 473-0800. .Peek through a telescope and tour the universe. Free. www.griffithobservatory.org (See PLACES) Griffith Park Ideal place for picnics, hiking and family fun. Use new free shuttle to access park attractions (see PLACES) Hollywood Bowl Museum 2301 N. Highland Ave. (323) 850-2058. Free admission and free group tours. www.hollywoodbowl.com/museum

Places continues Page 47 44 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

Oscar’s Hollywood

Discover Hollywood Special Report

Hollywood & Wilcox

T

Oscar Arslanian, Publisher

he Hollywood Renaissance continues, as evidenced by the influx of hotels, apartment complexes and mixed-use buildings.

The Heart of Hollywood project is in its early stages and will focus on a grand vision for the Walk of Fame. The eastern end of the Boulevard at Hollywood & Vine and the western end at Hollywood & Highland are in pretty good shape. The middle of Hollywood Boulevard, on the other hand, has maintained its dark, dank, depressing look for decades. That will soon change and leading the way is the Hollywood & Wilcox 15-story mixed use development of 260 multi-family units with 10% devoted to workforce (moderate) units. There will be almost 18,000 square feet of commercial space, 5 parking levels and plenty of common, planted space. The historic Attie building on the corner and the iconic “You Are The Star” mural on its west wall will be restored and rehabilitated to its original luster.

Developed by the LeFrak Organization out of New York, a preeminent, family-owned property company committed to community development and long-term ownership, the company is no stranger to Hollywood. The LeFrak brand is synonymous with excellence in design, construction, engineering, and urban planning. Their building at 7060 Hollywood is an award winner and the firm is acclaimed around the globe for the quality of its projects and properties..

Kudos to LeFrak for delivering needed housing, respecting Hollywood’s history and enhancing the neighborhood. DH

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 45

Event venues Hollywood is one of the best party towns in the nation. Here’s a selection of some of the best party venues to hold your event!

Cat & Fiddle 742 N. Highland Ave. (323) 468-3800. Have your event with us! Our location boasts a large, hand-crafted pub bar with community tables and booths. Our intimate lush garden patio is perfect for your gathering.

Contact us today for our events package. www.thecatandfiddle.com

Hollywood Hotel 1160 North Vermont Ave. (310) 746-0395.

Ballroom and meeting rooms available for your event with over 100 guest rooms for your attendees. On-site parking and accessible to the Metro Red Line. Contact Mandy Rassuli: mandy@hollywoodhotel.net. www.hollywoodhotel.net

The Hollywood Museum 1660 N. Highland Ave. (323) 464-7776. In the historic Max Factor Building, The Hollywood Museum rolls out the red carpet and delivers the authentic Hollywood experience for custom special events (for 20- 500) amid the glamour of the 10,000 real show biz treasures on display. www.thehollywoodmuseum.com

where to party Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Pig ‘n Whistle

7000 Hollywood Blvd. 7000 Hollywood Blvd.

(323) 856-1970. Having recently undergone a 25 million dollar renovation, the hotel sets the scene for a luxurious Hollywood experience. Ideal for any event, The Hollywood Roosevelt’s 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space have been the setting for decades of Hollywood milestones; from the Blossom Ballroom, home to the first Academy Awards, to the mezzanine-level junior ballrooms overlooking the Walk Of Fame, to the famed Gable & Lombard Penthouse. www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com

6714 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 463-0000.

One of the few remaining staples in Los Angeles that still offers patrons a true taste of “Old Hollywood,” sharing its rich history with the world famous Egyptian Theatre next door. Join the VIP club to receive exclusive offers, discount coupons and special events invitations. www.pignwhistlehollywood.com (See DINING)

Miceli's ltalian Restaurant 1646 N. Los Palmas Ave. (323) 466-3438.

Hollywood’s oldest Italian restaurant operated by the Miceli family since 1949. Cozy banquet facilities. Singing waiters and waitresses serenade you with Italian arias, musical show tunes and classical standards while you dine. www.micelisrestaurant.com

Paramount Pictures Studios 5555 Melrose Ave. (323) 956-1777. 5555 Melrose Ave. (323) 956-8398. Hosts a variety of special events including award shows, movie premieres, conventions, parties, corporate events, etc. Gain access to awe-inspiring effects, spectacular lighting and astonishing AV systems of the sort only Hollywood can provide. Unique event spaces include New York Street, the Blue Sky Tank, The Alley, versatile sound stages and plush theatres. Turn your special event into a momentous occasion. www.paramountstudios.com/special-events-main.html (See TOURS)

Rockwell 1714 N. Vermont. (323)669-1550. This electric neighborhood restaurant with sleek bar and open-air patio serves up delicious new American while showcasing unique performances for small or big parties. Featuring wellprepared fare, excellent drinks and a buzzing friendly atmosphere. www.rockwell-la.com (See DINING)

Warner Bros. Studios Special Events Warner Bros. Studios (818) 954-2652. The world’s busiest motion picture and television studio can double as your own private event venue. With (3) screening rooms, (13) backlot sets, fine dining room, museums and premier theater, they have the capacity for an intimate retreat for 20 guests or an extravaganza for 5,000. Warner Bros. Studios is a full service event venue providing production support for corporate meetings, trade shows, product launches, teambuilding activities, weddings, holiday galas, social and charity events. Let them roll out the red carpet for you! www.wbspecialevents.com

Rescore Hollywood is proud to invest in the revitalization of Hollywood. The RISE project, just south of Hollywood Boulevard, will bring more than 360 apartment units and commercial space to Hollywood.

46 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

Places

of interest Continued from page 44

Travel Town Museum 5200 Zoo Dr, Griffith Park (323) 662-5874. Over 35 locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars, streetcar and a miniature train ride. Open daily. Free. www.traveltown.org Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza. 1-800-UNIVERSAL. A Jurassic World Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Super Silly Fun Land, and the The Simpsons Ride™. www.universalstudioshollywood.com Yucca Community Center 6671 Yucca St., (323)957-6339 www.laparks.org/recreationcenter/yucca-community

Yamashiro Restaurant Hollywood Farmers’ Market Ivar & Selma Ave. between Hollywood & Sunset. (323) 463-3171. Every Sun at 8am-1pm. www.hfm.la Hollywood Recreation Center 1122 Cole Ave. (323) 467-6847. Open daily. Closed on Sunday. www.laparks.org/reccenter/hollywood Las Palmas Senior Center 1820 N. Las Palmas Ave. (323) 465-7787. Activities for adults. www.laparks.org/scc/las-palmas Los Angeles Branch Libraries: • Cahuenga Branch Library 4591 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 664-6418. www.lapl.org/branches/cahuenga • Will & Ariel Durant Public Library 7140 W. Sunset Blvd. (323) 876-2741. www.lapl.org/branches/durant • John C. Fremont Library 6121 Melrose Ave. (323) 962-3521. www.lapl.org/branches/john-c-fremont • Frances Howard Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Library 1623 N. Ivar Ave. (323) 856-8260. www.lapl.org/branches/hollywood • Los Feliz Public Library 1874 Hillhurst Ave. (323) 913-4710. www.lapl.org/branches/los-feliz Los Angeles City College (Community Services) 855 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 953-4000. See schedule for adults and children at www.lacitycollege.edu Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Dr. (323) 644-4200. At Griffith Park. www.lazoo.org (See PLACES,) Plummer Park 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 848-6530 www.weho.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/6/773 (See PLACES) Poinsettia Recreation Center 7341 Willoughby Ave. www.laparks.org/reccenter/poinsettia Storybook Theatre 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. (323) 851-4839. At Theatre West.

Presenting fun, age appropriate interactive theatre and musicals for 35 years. www.theatrewest.org/onstage/storybooktheatre.

more museums Annenberg Space for Photography 2000 Avenue of the Stars. (213) 403-3000. www.annenbergphotospace.org The Broad 221 S. Grand Ave. (213) 232-6200. Contemporary Art Museum. www.thebroad.org California African American Art Museum 600 State Dr. (213) 744-7432. www.caamuseum.org California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Dr. (323) 724-3623. www.californiasciencecenter.org Chinese American Museum 425 N. Los Angeles St. (213) 485-8567. www.camla.org

MOCA: Museum of Contemporary Art 250 South Grand Ave. (213) 621-2766. Closed Tue. www.moca.org

Craft Contemporary 5814 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 937-4230. (Formerly Craft and Folk Art Museum.) www.cafam.org

Museum of Tolerance 9786 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 772-2505. Permanent Exhibitions: Anne Frank Exhibit, Holocaust Exhibit, and Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves. Free parking. www.museumoftolerance.com

Forest Lawn Museum 1712 S. Glendale Ave. (888) 204-3131.

The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 North Central Ave. (213) 625-4390 Los Angeles, CA 90012. www.moca.org The Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr. (310) 440-7300. Free; parking reservations required. www.getty.edu The Getty Villa 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy. (310) 440-7300. Free; parking reservations required. www.getty.edu The GRAMMY Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd. (213) 765-6800. Closed Tue. www.grammymuseum.org UCLA Hammer Museum of Art & Culture 10899 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 443-7000. Made in L.A. 2020: a version Jun 7 – Aug 30.Free. www.hammer.ucla.edu Hollywood Bowl Museum, Hollywood Heritage Museum and The Hollywood Museum (see PLACES) Japanese American National Museum 100 N Central Ave. (213) 625-0414. www.janm.org Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

5905 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 857-6000. www.LACMA.org Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust 100 S. The Grove Dr. (323) 651-3704. The first Holocaust museum in the U.S. www.lamoth.org

Natural History Museum of L.A. County 900 W Exposition Blvd. (213) 763-3466. First Tue free. www.nhm.org Norton Simon Museum 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. (626) 449-6840.

Closed Tue. www.nortonsimon.org Pacific Asia Museum 46 N. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena. (626) 449-2742.

Dedicated to the arts and culture. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits 5801 Wilshire Blvd. (213) 763-3499. Mammoths and mastodons spotlight extraordinary Ice Age giants. Open 9:30am to 5pm daily. www.tarpits.org The Paley Center for Media 465 N. Beverly Dr. (310) 786-1000. Explore 100,000 radio and TV programs. Free. www.paleycenter.org Pasadena Museum of History 470 W Walnut St, Pasadena. (626) 577-1660. www.pasadenahistory.org Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 930-2277. History of automobile and its impact on American life and culture. Uncompromised Design thru Oct 2020. Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection thru Nov 1. www.petersen.org

Places continues page 50 SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 47

Shopping around

where to shop

Baller Art Ware and Hardware 2505 Hyperion Ave. 323-668-7420. An art store across from neighborhood favorite hardware store celebrating 60 years known for supporting the arts and schools. Fine art supplies and custom framing Home Improvement, tools, paint, screens, keys. www.BallerHardware.com

Dome Entertainment Center 6360 Sunset Blvd. (310) 652-3620. A Hollywood icon, featuring new restaurants & retail stores, a fitness center, ample parking, the state-of-the-art Arclight Cinema and historic Cinerama Dome. The Dome Entertainment Center is Hollywood’s entertainment destination.

Original Farmers Market

Hollywood

offers an amazing array of shops along its boulevards and avenues. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or souvenir, retro fashion or rock star leather, movie posters or an experience to write home about, there’s a tantalizing array of shops along Hollywood Boulevard.

At Hollywood & Highland, browse fun kiosks and specialty shops. Near Sunset and Cahuenga Boulevards, there’s music at Amoeba Records and find movie themed books and gifts at Arclight and stop and browse shops along the Cahuenga Corridor. For fun and shopping, you can’t beat the legendary Farmers Market. And don’t forget to shop specialty gift shops at the Hard Rock Café and MadameTussauds. At Griffith Observatory and the L.A. Zoo you can avoid the crowds and find the perfect gift for that special someone.

Amoeba Music 6400 Sunset Blvd. (323) 245 6400. World’s largest independent record store! Over one million new and used CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, LPs , turntables, band Shirts, books, more! Mon-Sat: 10:30am11pm. Sun 11am-9pm. Free shipping always on www.amoeba.com.

6333 West Third St. (323) 933-9211.Over 100 shops, grocers and restaurants, including dozens of specialty retail stores and kiosks offering everything from high fashion, to designer jewelry, souvenirs, soaps and scents, and one-of-a-kind collectibles. 2 hours free parking with validation.

Hours: 9am-9pm daily. www.farmersmarketla.com

Fred Segal 8500 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 9069. (310) 4320560. With over five decades of history behind it, Fred Segal Sunset continues its legacy with a 13,000 square foot one-stop lifestyle shop. The flagship features permanent shops-within-a-shop, a pop-up and event space, and a café. Locations also in Malibu, LAX, Switzerland and Taiwan. www.FredSegal.com

Grammy Museum Store 800 W. Olympic Blvd.

(213) 765-6800. Discover hundreds of unique museum gifts and music-related items inspired by the GRAMMY Museum’s exhibitions, including jewelry, modern and contemporary books, home and lifestyle products, apparel, wall art, stationary, and more.

Open Sunday – Thursday 10:30am – 6:30pm, Friday – Saturday 10am – 8pm. Closed Tuesdays. www.grammymuseumstore.com

Free

TV Tickets

Hollywood & Highland 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 817-0200. A one-of-akind destination in the heart of Hollywood offering an eclectic mix of 60 top retailers, ten restaurants, hip nightclubs and entertainment venues. Featuring the Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars®). www.hollywoodandhighland.com

West Hollywood Gateway 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 785-2560. This extraordinary Shopping Center houses arguably the most popular Target in the U.S. where celebrities and the Hollywood elite shop. Also includes Best Buy and numerous restaurants and shops.

While there, stop by the historical Formosa Café located on the original Route 66 Highway! You might run into Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio or a number of other local celebs who frequent there! www.westhollywoodgateway.com

You are the studio audience!

Audience Associates Free tickets to ABC, NBC, HBO, Paramount, Nickelodeon and more. www.tvtix.com

Audiences Unlimited, Inc.

Free tickets to live tapings of TV shows on CBS, Fox, NBC, Disney Channel, Netflix, Nickelodeon and more. Call (818) 260-0041 or go online www.tvtickets.com

Jimmy Kimmel Live! El Capitan Entertainment Center, 6840 Hollywood Blvd. Free Tickets! (323) 570-0096 or www.1iota.com

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy Order tickets online at wheeltickets.tv and jeopardytickets.tv

On Camera Audiences Tickets for America’s Got Talent, The Price is Right, Dr. Phil and more! www.ocatv.com

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GA ollywood

A

lthough our transportation systems are in a state of flux as a result of the current health emergency, hopefully it won’t be too long before we’re on the move again. Getting around Hollywood will again involve more choices than a car.

As local residents and tourists become more familiar with the convenience of DASH Hollywood and Metro Rail, getting to their destination has become easier. The regional transportation system has evolved, and now, natives and newcomers alike can simply use the easy-to-follow map and arrive at any, number of Hollywood locations with ease. Also, with rent-by-the-mile scooters and bikes scattered throughout the area, there are more choices than ever to get around.

DASH Hollywood shuttle runs between Highland and Vermont Aves., Franklin Ave. and Navigate Hollywood with ease Santa Monica Blvd. Anyone can hop on DASH shuttle and for the time being the service is free at one of the many Hollywood stops where the shuttle bus arrives approximately every half hour. DASH Beachwood Canyon connects Argyle & Hollywood Red Line Station and runs north to Beachwood & Westshire with 18 stops along the route.

When it returns, the DASH Observatory bus service to the Greek Theatre, the Observatory and Mt. Hollywood Drive link with Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz. The service connects to the Metro Red Line Vermont/Sunset Station enabling riders from across the region to use public transit. This service runs every 20 minutes daily from 10am-10pm.

No doubt the suspended Griffith Parkline Shuttle will return to service once we get back to normal. Operating Saturday and Sundays from noon until 10pm, the FREE shuttle stops throughout Griffith Park, hop on/hop off and links both Metro and DASH stops in addition to stops at Travel Town, Autry Museum, LA Zoo, Griffith Observatory, pony/ train rides, Park Center, Greek Theatre and more!

DASH Hollywood runs from 6am to 7:50pm Monday-Friday and 9am to 7:20pm Saturdays. DASH Beachwood runs from 6:45am to 7:57pm Monday-Friday, 7:10am-6:12pm Saturdays and 9:03am6:21pm on Sundays. No service on major holidays. Questions? Call (323) 466-3876. Schedules and maps at www.ladottransit.com/dash For longer routes, there is the Metro Rail. The $1.75 ticket is obtained at the self-service machines located within the stations. An allday pass, good for DASH, Metro buses, and the Metro subway, is only $7.00. The Metro Rail Red Line goes between North Hollywood and Union Station, with trains in both directions arriving approximately every ten minutes at the three Hollywood stops. From Hollywood, Universal Studios can be reached in five minutes and downtown in 15 minutes. The Metro Subway Red Line operates from 4:31am to 12:30am and ‘till 2am on Friday and Saturday. Schedules and maps at www.metro.net/riding/maps Connections can be made to Pasadena on the Gold Line, LAX via the Green Line, and to a number of other locations from downtown’s Union Station via Metrolink trains. Maps are available on site which clearly mark distances and appropriate transfers.

Also available is the Metro 24-hour Owl Service. LAX FlyAway® providing bus service between Hollywood and LAX has been suspended until further notice. We hope it will resume departing from 1627 N. Vine Street (about a block south of Hollywood Blvd.) making hourly trips to and from LAX. (866) 435-9529. www.flylax.com/en/ flyaway-bus for updates.

H

etting round in

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 49

Places

of interest

Continued from page 47 Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. (310) 440-4500.

Through a Different Lens: Stanley Kubrick Photographs and “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli; Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds thru Sep 6. www.skirball.org Southwest Museum 234 Museum Dr., Arroyo Campus (323)2212164. Ongoing: Four Centuries of Pueblo Pottery and Making a Big Noise: The Explorations of Charles Lummis. Open Sat 10am-4pm. Free. www.theautry.org

worship Hollywood’s churches and synagogues play an important role in the community life of Hollywood.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 6657 Sunset Blvd., (323) 462-6311 www.blessedsacramenthollywood.org Chabad of Greater Los Feliz 4640 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 660-5177 www.chabadlosfeliz.org Church of Scientology of Los Angeles 4810 Sunset Blvd., (323) 953-3200 www.scientology-losangeles.org Eckankar: Religion of the Light and Sound of God 6669 Sunset Blvd., (323) 469-2325 www.eck-ca.org First Baptist Church of Hollywood 6682 Selma Ave., (323) 464-7343 www.fbchollywood.com First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood 1760 N. Gower St. (323) 463-7161 www.fpchollywood.org Hollywood Lutheran Church 1733 N. New Hampshire Ave., (323) 667-1212 www.hollywoodlutheranchurch.net Hollywood United Methodist Church 6817 Franklin Ave. (323) 874-2104 www.hollywoodumc.org Hope Lutheran Church - Hollywood 6720 Melrose Ave. (323) 938-9135 www.hopelutheranchurch.net Founders Metropolitan Community Church 4607 Prospect Ave. (323) 669-3434 www.foundersmcc.org Kadampa Meditation Center Hollywood (Buddhist) 4953 Franklin Ave. (323)486-7074 www.meditateinhollywood.org Mosaic – A Non-denominational Christian Community 7107 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 391-2930 www.mosaic.org Mount Hollywood United Church of Christ 1733 N. New Hampshire Ave. (323) 300-4066 www.mounthollywood.org Protection of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church 2041 Argyle Ave. (323) 466-4845 www.pokrovchurch.org Self-Realization Fellowship Hollywood Temple 4860 Sunset Blvd. (323) 661-8006 www.hollywoodtemple.org

50 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

St. Mary of the Angels Church 4510 Finley Ave. (323) 660-2700 www.stmaryoftheangels.org St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 6125 Carlos Ave. (323) 469-3993 www.ststephenshollywood.org St. Thomas the Apostle Hollywood 7501 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 876-2102 www.saintthomashollywood.org Temple Israel of Hollywood 7300 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 876-8330 www.tioh.org Temple Knesset Israel 1260 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 665-5171 www.templeki.org Vedanta Society of Southern California 1946 Vedanta Pl. (323) 465-7114 www.vedanta.org West Hollywood United Church of Christ 7350 W. Sunset Blvd. (323) 874-6646 www.wehoucc.org

Answers to Spring 2020 Crossword Puzzle Page 54 ACROSS:

1. GABLE 4. PINKS 5. GRIFFITH 8. WHISKY 10. AMOEBA 12. DODGERS 14. LAX 15. WATTLES 21. WALKOFFAME 22. KIMMEL 24. PANTAGES 25. CAPITOLRECORDS 26. CINERAMA 27. CATNFIDDLE 28. KATSUYA 29. WHISTLE 30. DEADMANS

DOWN

2. AUTRY 3. OSCARS 6. THEJAZZSINGER 7. HOLLYWOOD 9. SUNSET 11. OFARRELL 13. JOHNNYGRANT 16. COMEDYSTORE 17. STARLINE 18. HOLLYWOODLAND 19. FARMERSMARKET 20. PETERSEN 23. MARMONT

Rushing to the Future...

Abandoning the Past?

Continued from page 43

studios. It faced south, so it was lit by the sun most of the day, so it makes perfect sense film—makers knew this was the place to go.”

And, it’s not only an obscure, but culturally significant, alley, its an entire place whose essence and authenticity is at risk in our rush to the future. Because, whether it’s a proposed monolithic high rise proposed to over-

ABOVE: Charlie Chaplin on set in Cosmo Alley during filming of The Kid (1921).

LEFT: The same spot today.

shadow one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks, Capitol Records, or another at the opposite side of town planning to cast a long shadow over Crossroads of The World, another of our treasures, the rush to the future at the expense of the past and the true essence of this important, world-renowned place is in danger of being lost.

However, a new generation is emerging, one that respects what’s gone before as these Millenials seek their own relevance, creating the future through innovation and technology. It should be for them and for their children that we work to preserve and build with love and respect.

Because, once gone, it will be lost forever. DH SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 51

W H

hitley eights

Continued from page 37

In the mid 1880s, HJ arrived in Southern California. He was well known as a land developer and many tried to follow on his coattails. As president and major share holder of the Los Angeles Pacific Boulevard and Development Company, he orchestrated the building of the Hollywood Hotel, and construction of a bank which were located on the corners of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland.

According to Margaret Virginia “Gigi” Whitley's memoir, her husband, H.J., known as the "Father of Hollywood," coined the Hollywood name while on their honeymoon in 1886. The story goes that the name caught on and was documented by H. H. Wilcox when he subdivided his 160 acre farm in 1887 and registered it as the Hollywood Tract. However, historians credit Wilcox's wife, Daeida, for the naming.

Whitley did not limit his land holdings to Hollywood. From the moment Whitley saw the San Fernando Valley, he was engaged in another venture. By 1909 Whitley had pulled together a group of the most powerful men in Los Angeles. They purchased a 47,500 acre ranch for $2,500,000 from wheat magnate Isaac Newton Van Nuys that comprised nearly the entire southern half of the San Fernando Valley. From this land, he built the towns of Van Nuys, Reseda (formerly Marian) and Canoga Park (formerly Owensmouth).

But it was the beauty of Hollywood that held his fascination and his heart. He had a quest to make a very fine residential development on the hill of his share of the Hollywood property.

He had to bring new ideas to create a premiere development on the side of the hill in the fast changing times. This was at the end of the Victorian culture. Homes were built with the living up stairs for the views of the ocean and valley. He employed architects to go and study the hill developments of Spain and Italy.

He sought to create a masterpiece of architecture to be preserved for all times. In 1982 the U.S. Government named Whitley Heights a National Historic District.

Today, Whitley Heights is all that remains to remind us of those halcyon days and the triumph of building a dream. Rising above the humdrum of Hollywood, one knows they have come upon a very special place when they happen upon the winding streets of Whitley Heights. Progress took part of the Heights when the Hollywood Freeway was built in the mid 1950’s, but it still retains its charm and it’s not hard to imagine the clinking of cocktail glasses and music of the notorious Jazz Age wafting from the open windows onto flower-filled courtyards below. DH 52 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

ABOVE: Stately homes from the Roaring 20s and Art Deco era still loom proud on the hillsides.

BELOW : Rambling roads twist and turn through the Heights, lending a quaint European chatacter.

BOTTOM: Rooftops and balconies poke through the lush foliage and create a topsy-turvy charm.

FEATURED TOURS & SIGHTSEEING Architectural Tours See listings in PLACES for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House (recently named UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Neutra-designed Lovell Health House (National Register of Historic Places).

Big Bus Tours (877) 323-4285 Los Angeles is one of the most creative and colorful cities in the world. Hop on and off as live guides show you around LA’s playground of the rich and famous. From star spotting to star gazing, markets to feed the soul and museums to feed the mind, marvel at a Van Gogh in the Getty Center, find you favorite star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and hit the shops on Rodeo Drive; the City of Angels is waiting to roll out the red carpet.

Paramount Pictures (323) 956-1777 5555 Melrose Ave. Longest continuously operating film studio in Hollywood on 65 acres. Two-hour Studio Tour $55 per person (must be at least 10 years of age). Daily 9:00am-4pm. (Weekend schedule may vary) Tours start every 15 minutes.

VIP Studio Tour including gourmet lunch (4 ½ hr) $178 per person. Mon–Fri 9:30am. Paramount After Dark walking tour on select weekend evenings (21⁄2 hr) $78 per person. All tours by reservation only www.paramountstudiotour.com

Starline Tours/Tourcoach Charter (800) 959-3131 6801 Hollywood Blvd. #207. Discover the best of LA with Starline Tours Hollywood! Celebrity Homes Tour, City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off, Grand City Tour in 9 languages, TCM Movie Locations Tour, Attractions, San Diego, Tijuana and more. Private charters also available. The fun starts here! www.starlinetours.com

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (818) 977-8687 Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood offers a 3-hour visit inside a real working Hollywood Studio. Step onto the legendary Warner Bros. Backlot for an authentic sneak peek at how Hollywood magic is made. Our knowledgeable tour guides take you behind the lens of this incredible motion picture studio to bring you closer to the entertainment you love as you touch, tour and explore our 110-acre backlot. With productions happening all around, fans get an in-depth look the outdoor sets, props, costumes and soundstages that brought to life iconic films and TV shows like Friends, Ellen, Casablanca, Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, The Big Bang Theory, Batman, Wonder Woman, Pretty Little Liars, Gilmore Girls and so many more. Tours offered in English, Mandarin, French and Spanish. Book your tickets now at wbstudiotour.com

SPRING 2020 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 53

®

Crossword Spring 2020

ACROSS

1. This Clark wasn’t Superman, but a super actor 4. Best hot dogs in Hollywood 5. World renown observatory 8. ...A-Go-Go 10. World’s largest independent record store 12. The local baseball team 14. Nearby international airport 15. This mansion, built in 1909, can be rented for private events 21. One of Hollywood’s main tourist attractions 22. The comedian hosts a live late night show from a Hollywood Blvd studio 24 Historic, 2700-seat art deco theatre 25. Famous round building 26. Iconic geodesic dome-shaped theatre 27. This restaurant has an animal and a string instrument in its name 28. The restaurant currently at the corner of Hollywood and Vine 29. Last word in the name of this restaurant whose name is an animal and wind instrument 30. Name of the curve in Jan & Dean’s 1963 song about a Corvette racing a Jaguar XKE 54 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2020

DOWN

2. Premier museum of American Western heritage and history 3. The top Academy Award for film 6. The first “talkie.”

7. The most famous sign in the world 9. The long, winding bloulevard through the heart of Hollywood 11. 13th District Councilmember 13. The late Honorary Mayor of Hollywood 16. Nightclub where many comedians got their start 17. Their double-decker busses take tourists all over Hollywood 18. The original name of the real estate development that became Hollywood 19. Favorite outdoor shopping and dining spot since 1934 20. One of the finest automotive museums in the world 23. Chateau where John Belushi died

Answers on Page 50