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Home , Denise Darcel, Eddie Cantor, Lorna Gray, Selig Polyscope Company

Hollywood Heritage is a non- profit organization dedicated to preservation of the historic built environment in Hollywood and to education about the early film industry and the role its pioneers played in shaping October 2009 www.hollywoodheritage.org Volume 28, Number 2 Hollywood’s history. Cultural Heritage Ordinance Update Passes the City Planning Commission By Brian Curran cultural monuments, early notifi ca- tions, as a rollback of vital protections major victory for preservation tion of property owners of the desig- of historic interiors many of which Aoccurred last month with the nation process, and the increase of the are not accessible to the public. Under approval of the updated Cultural Cultural Heritage Commission from the current ordinance all interiors are Heritage Ordinance. On September 5 to 7 members, which will include at protected and subject to regulation. 10th the City Planning Commission, least one owner of a designated resi- In order to address these concerns, after hearing the testimony of over 50 dence and one owner of a designated the Planning Department and the speakers, approved the revised updat- commercial building. Offi ce of Historic Resources held ed ordinance in a vote of 7 to 1. The Approval of the revised ordinance a series of public and private meet- ordinance update, which has been in was not without diffi culty. A small ings resulting in hours negotiations the works for two years, seeks to add number of monument owners lead by between property owners and their greater protections to the city’s histor- the Central City Association, whose representatives and a coalition of ic cultural monuments while encour- membership includes four HCM preservation organizations including aging greater participation of proper- owners, delayed the approval process. Hollywood Heritage, the LA Con- ty owners in the designation process. Disagreement largely revolved around servancy, the West Adams Heritage The most signifi cant change in the issue of the regulation of interi- Association and the Highland Park the revised ordinance is the ability ors, both commercial and residential, Trust. The result was an agreement, of the Cultural Heritage Commis- which the property owners wanted which dropped a newly proposed Cer- sion to completely deny a demolition restricted to only publicly accessible tifi cate of Appropriateness procedure permit for a designated monument, spaces such as theaters, lobbies, res- for interior alterations in exchange for rather than just delay the action for taurants etc. or in the case of private the current, more fl exible, system of 180 days as is stipulated in the cur- residences, traditionally public rooms review, which covers all interiors. rent ordinance. Other changes to the such as foyers, living rooms or dining During the fi nal hearing, several of ordinance include the clarifi cation of rooms. The preservation community the property owners fl ip fl opped on the the designation criteria for historic denounced these proposed restric- agreement opposing it at the eleventh hour, citing procedural and Environmental Quality Act concerns Evenings @ The Barn as well as continuing to try to make the argument that interiors regulation Returns for New Season would hinder development and re-use ollywood Heritage resumes its comic Eddie Cantor in November, of historic buildings despite the fact Hpopular Evening @ The Barn on and the launch of Marc Wanamaker's that hundreds of historic structures Wednesday October 14th at 7:30 PM new book Hollywood 1940-2008 in have been restored and adaptively re- with a program celebrating the 100th December. Separate stories on pages used in Hollywood, downtown and anniversary of L.A.'s fi rst movie stu- 5, 7 and 11 offer detailed descrip- throughout the city. In the end the dio. Two other programs have been tions. We look forward to seeing you commission decided for the compro- announced – an evening devoted to on these Evenings @ The Barn mise and the retention of the current legendary , movie and TV rules on interiors noting their success continued on page 6 Creating Museum Awareness Through www.hollywoodheritage.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cooperation Andrew Schwartz Richard Adkins President Much in the tradition Empress Ma- ria Theresa established when she sent Richard Adkins her children as husbands and wives Vice President to the crowned heads of Europe in the 18th century ("Let others wage Marc Wanamaker war; you, happy Austria, marry!"), Secretary The Hollywood Heritage Museum has embarked on an active program Aaron Epstein of loaning artifacts from our perma- Treasurer nent collection to institutions who mount Hollywood history exhibits. Robert S. Birchard This is due to limitations of size and facilities at our own museum. Claire Bradford The first such loan was in Janu- ary, to the ", the Brian Curran First King of Hollywood" exhibit Marian Gibbons jointly assembled by the Los Ange- A recent donation – by Mrs. Jan Severeid of les Natural History Museum and the Fairfax Station, Virginia, is a newspaper related Laurie Goldman Academy of Motion Picture Arts and to Dorothy Gish, a period shawl won by her Sciences at the Academy's Wilshire aunt, Monna Hall (pictured). David Greim Blvd. fourth floor gallery. Holly- Randy Haberkamp wood Heritage Museum Items from Calling All (Potential) "The Iron Mask" were displayed Doug Haines along with Watson family artifacts Volunteers! from The Thief of Bagdad and The ollywood Heritage is currently George Kiel Black Pirate previously displayed at offering volunteer opportunities H Christy Johnson McAvoy the museum. for museum docents, walking tour In July we loaned guides, and many other positions. If Alan Simon items to the Natural History Muse- you have (or can make) some free um's special display accompanying time, want to meet like-minded pres- Stan Taffel the Alex Film Society's screening of ervationists, and have a passion for Sparrows. bringing Hollywood’s history to the Valerie Yaros Currently we have artifacts from public, please call our office at (323) Randy Haberkamp the silent version of Ben Hur on 874-4005, or call George at (323) Silent Society Director display for the Academy's "Irving 465-6716. Mary Sullivan Thalberg – Creating the Hollywood Volunteer docents are asked to Director of Membership Development Studio System, 1920–1936." work one day (or more) a month for John Clifford Loaning items promotes coopera- about 4 hours. We have visitors from Newsletter and Web Site Editor tion between institutions and creates around the country and around the awareness of our organization and world who are drawn to early Hol- Printed by Nonstop Printing 6140 Hollywood Blvd., museum to audiences we may nor- lywood. Hollywood, CA 90028 mally not reach. With that increased Don’t worry if you aren’t an expert Hollywood Heritage Newsletter is published awareness, viewers at those exhibits on Hollywood history. Just come in periodcally by Hollywood Heritage, Inc., may visit our site and participate in and see what you’ve been missing. P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078 our programs and become members. See you at the Barn! 323 874-4005. 2 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 Ted is our “go to” guy – always there in a pinch. He has been instrumental Meet the Hollywood in working with the LAPD in reliev- ing vagrancy problems at the Muse- Heritage Docents! um. Ted is currently using his high s an all-volunteer organization Hollywood Heritage is entirely dependent tech skills to restore the badly de- Aon the generous donations of time given by our volunteer Museum do- graded introductory film created for cents. We would not be able to keep our Museum open, much less survive as Hollywood Heritage 25 years ago. an organization, without their dedication. Here is a brief introduction to our Tracy Terhune – Tracy is an avid corps of volunteers. Rudolph Valentino historian and col- Richard Adkins – three-time president and current vice president of Hol- lector and has authored 2 books on lywood Heritage, Richard came to from Holyoke, Mass. as a Valentino. He loves classic movies boy (an “Air Force brat”). He worked in commercials as a child actor and and is an avid reader. Tracy currently came to love old Hollywood. Today, Richard works as a graphic designer for works for Universal Studios and is a a film prop house specializing in vintage and historic period productions. former cast member of – He is currently writing a book on the life and career of the famous costume The Happiest Place on Earth. If you designer Adrian. stop by the Museum when Tracy is Nick Beck – Nick is a retired journalism professor who has also worked for there, you will be sure to meet his UPI, covering boxing in the Olympic Games in 1960, 1964 and 1968. Nick “co-docent”, Brody, the wonder dog! collects books and has world-class collections of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Johnathon Daugherty – Anoth- Hemingway, Christopher Isherwood and Gore Vidal, including many signed er native of Hollywood, Johnathon and inscribed first printings of each. He is the author of Budd Schulberg: a was an early volunteer for Holly- Bio-Bibliography. Nick docents at the Museum every Thursday. wood Heritage in the 1980s, and Mary Mallory – Mary arrived in Los Angeles 18 years ago after receiv- we’re delighted to have him back. ing a Master’s Degree in Film from the University of Texas at Austin. She Johnathon’s early experiences lead- is currently employed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ing walking tours for Hollywood Mary loves silent movies! She is a photo archivist and writes theatre reviews Heritage inspired him to create a for local papers. successful business as a tour guide, George Kiel – Born and raised in Alliance, Ohio, George always knew the specializing in customizing tours stork should have dropped him in Hollywood, and he got here as fast as he for individual groups. Johnathon has could. He has worked for 25 years in film and T.V. as a costumer and draper, worked for the Los Angeles Opera, and currently works for the Disney Channel. George also manages the Hol- and most Friday and Saturday nights lywood Heritage Museum, and gives walking tours of Hollywood Boulevard you can find him country dancing. on Saturday mornings. Megan Close – Megan grew up Dave Greim – Hailing in Silver Spring, Maryland, and at- from Natick, Mass., Dave tended the University of Hartford. came to LA eleven years She has been in Los Angeles the last ago to pursue his love of three years and currently works for classic films. Dave has E! Entertainment News as a con- helped the cause of film tracts coordinator. She is also a free- preservation through his lance scriptwriter. Megan loves all work at the UCLA Film things Hollywood, especially Wil- Archive, and currently liam Holden movies! works for the Autry Mu- Kathy Page – Kathy is a our new- seum of Heritage. est volunteer and we are lucky to He is a past president of have her! A native of Southern Cali- the International fornia, Kathy was raised in Mission Society, and is a member Viejo and attended Cal State Fuller- of Sons of the Desert, cel- ton. In her civilian life, she is a legal ebrating all things Laurel billing specialist. In addition to her and Hardy. passion for movies, Kathy is a vora- Ted Otis – When Ted cious reader whose varied interests isn’t busy editing films, include archaeology and ancient his- he’s trying to save Holly- tory. Call (323) 465-6716 to book your tour wood’s historic buildings. Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 3 Preservation Issues Columbia Square, Wattles, and Hollywood Community Plan Top Preservation Efforts By Brian Curran mby Fees. The 1975 Quimby Act re- legacy of the film industry. In the CBS Columbia Square quires that developers set aside land, case of the Fairfax Theater, Holly- Studios donate conservation easements, or wood Heritage has joined with local pay fees for park improvements. The residents, the LA Conservancy, the he development process con- improvements at Wattles Gardens Art Deco Society and the Los An- tinues on the site of the former T Park will include “restoration of pav- geles Historic Theater Foundation to CBS Columbia Square Studios. ing, walls, irrigation, drainage, fenc- create the Friends of the Fairfax The- Representatives of AREA partners ing, planting areas, structures and ater to help save the endangered Art including Los Angeles architect related elements”. All work is to be Deco structure. For more informa- Scott Johnson of Johnson and Fain done in accordance with the Secre- tion please contact friends.fairfax@ Architects have been making the tary of the Interior's Standards for gmail.com http://www.facebook. rounds of Hollywood neighborhood the Treatment of Historic Proper- com/group.php?gid=128831043933 councils, Council district 13 offices ties and will be overseen by a quali- and Hollywood Heritage in a public fied historic preservation consultant, Survey LA relations campaign to gain support while the work itself will be carried Attention Hollywood! Survey LA for their new development. The proj- out by Department staff. Hollywood is coming! The Survey LA program ect seeks to adaptively reuse the 1938 Heritage has prepared a series of is the most extensive survey of the International Style William Lescaze reports and documents, which will city’s historic and cultural resourc- designed CBS studios which are a help guide the future work. es ever undertaken. The program, designated monument. Hollywood under the direction of the Office of Heritage has articulated several is- Historic Neighborhood Historic Resources with technical sues with the project such as the pro- Theaters assistance by the Getty Conservation posed demolition of Studios B and The recent boom and bust cycle Institute will seek to survey each of C as well as the scale and massing has hit Los Angele’s historic neigh- the city’s 880,000 parcels to create a of the project which is incompatible borhood movie houses hard. The comprehensive list of potential his- with the existing low rise historic once ubiquitous single screen and toric resources. Sites identified in the buildings on the site as well as with small movie theaters have been in survey do not automatically become the historic Selma-LaBaig neighbor- decline for decades, but many have monuments, they are only identi- hood to the east composed of sin- been kept in business by smaller the- fied as those sites considered eligible gle family bungalows. Hollywood ater chains and independent organi- due to architectural or cultural sig- Heritage continues to work with the zations. A startling recent trend in nificance for national, California, or developers and their agents to find a metro LA started with the demoli- local designation. The Hollywood suitable compromise, which respects tion of the Beverly and the Beverly Community Planning Area was cho- the needs of Hollywood’s future Canon Theaters in 2005 followed by sen for one of the first area to be sur- while respecting its past. the demolitions of the pristine 1970s veyed next year. Wattles Mansion era National Theater in Westwood Hollywood Heritage is helping to The Department of Parks and Rec- and the 1921 Raymond Theater in organize neighborhoods and volun- reation have kept things quiet at the Pasadena in 2008. Now it seems teers for the first phase of the survey, Wattles Mansion since Hollywood there is a series of closures includ- which will seek to draw information Heritage’s vacation of the property ing the Westwood Village and the about those sites each community in May. Now its seems that work Bruin theaters on the west side while finds to be their most significant and is about to begin to get the prop- in the Wilshire district, the Show- stories from community residents erty in shape for public rental and case has closed and the Fairfax The- about little known cultural sites, events once more. In an August 12th ater is threatened with demolition. which should be included in the sur- report to the Board of Recreation The future for these four theaters vey. Hollywood Heritage is begin- and Parks Commissioners a total of is uncertain. Hollywood Heritage ning the process in partnership with $1,003,553.93 was allocated for im- is committed to engaging this issue the East Hollywood Neighborhood provements to the Wattles mansion of endangered neighborhood movie Council, but is looking for volunteers and gardens from Subdivision/Qui- houses as part of the architectural continued on page 7

4 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 Silents Under The Stars Wraps 22nd Season ILENTS UNDER THE STARS, Sa program of the Silent Society of Hollywood Heritage in conjunction with the Paramount Ranch National Park in Agoura concluded its 22nd the -based Selig Polyscope year of outdoor screenings with The Company. Boggs promptly left town Cameraman (1928), starring Buster Hooray for on a location jaunt that took him and Keaton, on July 19 and When The his troupe to Yosemite, Oakland, Clouds Roll By (1919), starring Edendale! and the Hood River Valley in Ore- Douglas Fairbanks, on August 16. vening’s @ The Barn return after gon – but he returned to L.A. in the The near-capacity crowds enjoyed Ethe Hollywood Bowl summer hi- fall and began producing pictures on a pre-show tour of the Ranch led by atus on Wednesday, October 14th, at the Edendale lot in October 1909 – a Marc Wanamaker before settling 7:30 pm with Hooray for Edendale!, century ago. down under beautiful star-fi lled skies a program celebrating the 100th an- Hooray for Edendale! will take for these classic fi lm presentations niversary of the fi rst permanent fi lm you behind the gates of the Edendale with live musical accompaniment by studio in Los Angeles. Bob Birchard studios, and offer a unique look at Michael Mortilla. The best way to and Marc Wanamaker will host an the place where “Hollywood” was make sure you don’t miss next year’s evening devoted to the place where born. Be sure to save the date, and screenings is to become a member the fi lm studios fi rst planted roots. join us for a new season of Evenings or keep your Hollywood Heritage When the movies came to south- @ The Barn. membership current to make sure ern California--they didn’t come to you’re among the fi rst to receive pro- Hollywood. For several years the gram updates. center of motion picture produc- tion in Los Angeles was the district Visit the Hollywood Heritage Museum of Edendale along what was then Allesandro Street and is now Glen- dale Boulevard. Within a few blocks were the west coast studios of the Selig Polyscope Company, the New York Motion Picture Company and its famed Keystone brand, the Amer- ican branch of the French fi lm com- pany Pathé, the Norbig rental studio, and Mixville, the lot where made many of his Fox Westerns in the late and early . L.A.’s fi rst entertainment dis- trict began in the spring of 1909 open Wednesday through Sunday when director rented the grandly named but rather un- from 12 :00 noon until 4:00 pm imposing Edendale Hall and sev- Ample free parking. Adults: $7; seniors $5; children under 12 free eral surrounding lots to establish Members free a permanent west coast home for Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 5 Evening @ The Barn DeMille’s 1913/1914 Eddie Cantor: Squaw Man Rental Home American Still Standing in Hollywood by Valerie Yaros es, around Mr. [Jacob] Stern’s barn t was quite the pre-Christmas were perhaps less trustful of her ad- Igift last year when my fellow vertised virtues than was I. Because Hollywood Heritage board member, she made them rather uneasy, I kept Claire Bradford, and I were invited her at home except when she was inside 6136 Lexington Avenue on working, when she accompanied me December 21, 2008. Two blocks to the studio at the end of a leash. northeast of Vine St. and Santa 6136 was never bothered by burglars. Monica Blvd., and cur- rently the home of the New Hope Hollywood Community Church, in December 1913 the oc- cupants were first-time filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille and – a wolf! According to informa- tion on the City of Los Angeles’ ZIMAS data­ Night after night, after the wolf and base [http://zimas.lacity.org], the I had dined on my cooking, I turned house was built in 1904 although it her loose in the living room. While I has been altered and enlarged since. read and as often as not fell asleep in Eddie Cantor as a private eye Claire and I were escorted through my easy chair, the wolf would pace ddie Cantor, the “Apostle of the building by a young man named the four sides of the room, silently, EPep,” makes a re-appearance Barry Baskerville who works for intently, hour after hour through the at the Lasky-DeMille Barn on the church, and he was as aston- night. I suppose she slept sometimes, November 11, 2009, appropriately, ished as his colleagues to learn of but never while I was wakeful.” Veteran’s Day. Cantor was very the DeMille connection. Although Hollywood Heritage docent, Ted proud of his America. During World extensively altered since DeMille’s Otis, has volunteered to look up prop- War II, he rallied around the troops, tenancy, Claire and I saw that some erty records to discover who owned traveling to Europe to entertain, par- original details remain in the central the house while DeMille rented it, taking in fundraisers on his radio part of the structure. and board member Marc Wanamaker show and making America smile DeMille briefly described living hopes to find a photograph of it as it with his films and humanitarian ef- there in his Autobiography: “Inside looked when still a private residence, forts. Eddie Cantor also coined the the front cover of the [Squaw Man] as its appearance would have then with Franklin D. notebook are the two addresses that been very different. If you pass by Roosevelt. formed the two poles of my Holly- 6136 Lexington Avenue, take note of Marc Wanamaker will open this wood world. One reads: ‘Studio its still-remaining large front lawn – very special Evening @ the Barn – 6284 Selma Ave.’ The other is perfect for exercising a pet wolf! with one of his world-famous slide- ‘Home – 6136 Lexington.’ Though shows, followed by a film presenta- Mrs. DeMille and Cecilia were still ORDINANCE Continued from page 1 tion. in New York, I did not live alone. since the ordinance’s original pas- For more information on how you My companion was young, faithful, sage in 1962. Planning Commission can join the Eddie Cantor Apprecia- graceful, and so I was assured by the President William Roschen said, “It tion Society, contact us at info@ed- newspaper advertisement through is nice to be able to say that Los An- diecantor.com, or by mail: The Eddie which I found her, quite tame. She geles has done something right for Cantor Appreciation Society P.O. was a gray prairie wolf. I bought 40 years.” Box 4521 Valley Village, CA 91607. her for a scene in The Squaw Man. The battle for the Cultural Heri- The people, not to mention the hors- continued on page 7 6 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 PRESERVATION Continued from page 4 nearly brought the house to collapse. Council’s Planning and Land Use Having completed a multi-million Management Committee. Its pas- in each of the Hollywood Commu- dollar stabilization project, the foun- sage by the City Council is still not nity Neighborhood Councils to help. dation, which owns and operates the certain.Hollywood Heritage asks If you would like to volunteer please house has decided that it cannot gen- those interested in protecting the contact Janet Hansen in the Office of erate the needed funds going forward city's architectural heritage to con- Historic Resources at (213) 978-1191 to complete the restoration and is tinue lobbying their councilperson or via e-mail: Janet.Hansen@lac- looking for a buyer who will be will- via letters and email, and to attend ity.org. ing to take on the Herculean task of public hearings in support of the re- Hollywood Community Plan finishing the restoration. vised ordinance. The long awaited draft of the Hol- Hollywood Heritage remains lywood Community Plan is now in ORDINANCE Continued from page 6 committed to being involved in the circulation. This Plan seeks to pres- tage Ordinance is far from over. process to ensure that Los Angeles ent policies to guide and encourage The ordinance now heads to the and Hollywood continue to have one the commercial and residential de- City Attorney’s office for legal re- of the strongest preservation laws in velopment of Hollywood and will view before it is sent on to the City the country. be used by city planners going for- ward to shape the form and function of Hollywood’s future. Hollywood Hollywood Heritage Heritage, concerned that the new plan does not sufficiently take the Receives Two Grants! community’s historic resources into By Claire Bradford account, has begun discussions with he Hollywood Chamber sorship, and would like our mem- the authors of the plan to improve Tof Commerce Community bers to be aware of the Chamber’s its treatment of historic resources. Foundation received many applica- involvement in our success. A big Among HHI’s concerns are that se- tions for their annual Community thank you to the Community Foun- lective up-zoning to allow for greater Award Grant. Hollywood Heritage dation for this award! density is a direct threat to Holly- was one of only four local organiza- Hollywood Heritage ALSO was wood’s endangered historic low den- tions that were awarded a Grant for the recipient of an annual award from sity housing. Also the plan fails to 2009. Time Warner Employee Volunteer identify several potential historic The Hollywood Chamber's June Grants Program, which provides a monuments and districts and must be mixer was hosted by Hollywood Bil- monetary award for employee volun- integrated with the historic resource liards, located at 5750 Hollywood teer hours. One of Hollywood Heri- surveys of the Hollywood Communi- Blvd. Hollywood Heritage was pre- tage’s wonderful volunteers, Janet ty Redevelopment Area and the new sented a check for $1500.00 for the Hoffman, qualified in this program, Survey LA program to begin in Hol- Evenings @ the Barn 2009-2010 se- and our application was approved. lywood next year. Hollywood Heri- ries. Thank you to both Time Warner, and tage will continue to work with the We take pride in having such spon- to Janet for her continuous efforts! planning department to ensure that Hollywood’s vital historic resources are recognized and protected in the future development of Hollywood. Own A Hollywood Landmark For just $15 million dollars you can own one of Hollywood’s most signif- icant and distinguished houses. The 1924 Ennis House in Los Feliz is the largest and most elaborate of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous textile block houses. For years the house has been one of the movie industry’s favorite location sites having been featured in Bladerunner and The House on Haunted Hill. But years of benign Hollywood Heritage board members Bob Birchard, Claire Bradford, and Marc Wanamaker (all at neglect, seismic and water damage left of photo) receive grant at Hollywood Chamber of Commerce mixer. Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 7 Cinecon: The Best Film Festival on Earth Imagine what it was like to see from the primitive days of silent pic- ner Oland, best remembered for his bigger than life, riding tures and early talkies to the studio many appearances as Charlie Chan, the range on a movie screen in a big, system of the and film made starred in Good Time Charley, a ornate theater palace. How about before and during WWII. Silent rare 1927 silent feature in which trying to stop the con- films are screened with live piano ac- the versatile performer plays a sea- federacy as an audience of movie go- companiment, adding to the excite- soned trouper who sees ers cheer along with you in the dark. ment of the presentation. The goal of his own decline as his daughter’s What fun it must have been to spend Cinecon is to show many films that star rises. The Younger Generation enjoyable hours at the movies with haven’t been seen on the big screen (1929), a part-talkie directorial effort , Humphrey Bogart, in a long while or haven’t been shown by Frank Capra was shown featur- Claudette Colbert, James Mason, since they were first released. They ing as the patriarch of Carole Lombard, and are equally proud to present recent a Jewish family toppled by his career Boris Karloff. That was a time ... but restorations of films once believed driven son, played by Ricardo Cor- the time being referred to isn’t from lost. With the help and encourage- tez. Trial Marriage (1929) features over a half century ago; it all hap- ment of the archives of the world, Norman Kerry at the end of his star pened in September 2009 on Holly- Cinecon has displayed more rare mo- power and the lovely Thelma Todd wood Blvd! tion pictures than any other film fes- in strong support. The Miracle Man For forty five years, the Society tival of its kind. This gives Cinecon (1932), a sound remake of the now for Cinephiles has presented motion the reputation for being one of the lost Lon Chaney film, was screened pictures of yesteryear to enthusias- most important film retrospectives in to the delight of all. One laments the tic audiences from coast to coast. existence. Their unofficial motto: "If loss of the silent version even more From its humble beginnings in 1965 it’s rare, we’ll show it". after seeing how good the talkie is. at Holiday Inn’s Indiana, Pennsylva- Cinecon also sheds light on tried Chaney wasn’t left behind as the nia location, the annual Labor Day and true film classics. In recent recently discovered early feature weekend conclave, called Cinecon years the roster has included Charles Broadway Love (1918) was projected. has nestled itself in the motion pic- Chaplin’s The Circus (1928), Harold From the archives of Columbia Pic- ture capital of the world, Hollywood, Lloyd’s Speedy (1928) (with grand- tures came a new lab print of an early U.S.A. The presentation has grown daughter Suzanne Lloyd providing two reel musical comedy featuring a from a small screening hall showing the introduction), Douglas Fairbanks very young Betty Grable as well as 8mm prints provided by fellow film in Robin Hood (1922) and you can’t an entry in their long running Screen collectors to the historic Grauman’s do better than watching Rudolph Val- Snapshots series. In the short were Egyptian Theater, where virtually entino do battle for love and honor in rare glimpses of , Mary all films are presented in archival The Eagle (1925). One look and you Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, 35mm prints. know why Valentino was admired by Joel McCrea and an 11-year-old The latest five day festival, Cine- legions of fans and to see him on the . Cinecon audienc- con 45, was held from September larger than life Egyptian screen in a es got to see the comedian Charley 3rd. to 7th. and consisted of no less dazzling 35mm restoration print pre- Chase in South Of The Boudoir, a than forty films, features, shorts, served by proves newly restored film that hasn’t been cartoons and serial chapters. In ad- this assertion. This year was no ex- seen since its release in 1940. A com- dition, special programs were held at ception with the Paramount "chest- plete listing of titles can be found on the Renaissance Hotel at Hollywood nut" Easy Living (1937) starring Jean their wesite: www.cinecon.org and Highland including several deal- Arthur and Ray Milland and the In past years, Cinecon has honored ers rooms consisting of rare and Fox feature, Thanks For Everything a veritable who’s who of motion pic- highly sought after movie posters (1938) with Jack Haley, Jack Oakie ture stars. Some of the celebrities and other paper memorabilia, props, and Adolphe Menjou. honored have been, Mickey Rooney, videos and other film ephemera. The Among the rarities seen this year Robert Stack, Ruby Keeler, Myrna culmination of the weekend is the was The Dawn of a Tomorrow, a 1915 Loy, , , Ann annual Celebrity Banquet which fea- Mary Pickford feature that has been Rutherford, Evelyn Keyes, Jane Rus- tures Career Achievement Awards lost for decades until a nitrate release sell, , Patricia Neal, Ann presented to some of the greats who print was found with Swedish titles. Savage, Celeste Holm, Elanor Pow- have graced the movie screens of the The print made its North American ell, Claire Trevor and Lew ­Ayres. world. re-premiere at Cinecon, courtesy of This year’s honorees featured ac- The selection of movies ranged the Mary Pickford Foundation. War- tress, director, writer Stella Stevens, 8 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Octobercontinued on 2009 page 9 Adrian Booth aka Lorna Gray; most handed her the award. famous for her work with The Three Richard Sherman, one half of the Stooges and in movie serials, Denise writing duo who has given the world Darcel; called the French answer to the songs, It’s A Small World, A Marilyn Monroe and Oscar-win- Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifragilis- ning composer Richard M. Sherman tic ... among others, was treated to a (Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang musical collage of his masterworks Bang). The three actresses were in by pianist Frederick Hodges. Then attendance at the Egyptian Theater actor Johnny Whittaker, came up to to see one of their films and obliged the microphone and sang one of the the audience with answering ques- songs he introduced as Tom Sawyer, tions afterward. At the banquet, they another Sherman Brothers creation. were further honored to receive their It was his proud duty to hand Mr. awards from fellow colleagues and Sherman his Career Achievement friends. Among those present to wit- Award. ness the honors: Jane Withers, Ann After the banquet, celebrity guests Rutherford, Carla Laemmle, June and honorees were seen mingling Legendary actress Stella Stevens answers questions at Cinecon Foray, Jean Kean, Joe Bologna, Re- with the rest of the crowd, signing nee Taylor, Robert Forster, Janet autographs, sharing memories, tak- in terms of numbers, they more than Waldo, Marvin Kaplan, Francine ing photos. All wonderful and a little make up for in loyalty. York. sad as it would be another year be- Among the fondest memories fore they would gather once more. made at Cinecon, Eddie Albert, upon To the delight of the stragglers, Fred- receiving his award, broke down in erick Hodges began an impromptu tears and thanked the audience. "I sing along concert that would last an don’t get out too much and to receive amazing two hours. Celebs like Jane this is really something – Thank you Withers stood by the piano and belt- for remembering me". Lew Ayres ed out song after song. "What song remarked that this was the first time do you want, Jane?", asked Hodges. that he was ever honored for his work "Anything", said Jane. When Sunny as an actor. Academy Award win- Denise Darcel reacts to crowd at Cinecon as Side Up was played, Ms. Withers ex- ning director Delbert Mann, con- moderator Stan Taffel looks on. claimed, "That was my radio theme fined to a wheelchair, was in tears Denise Darcel, long out of the Hol- song!" after a screening of Marty and could lywood spotlight was both surprised Organizers who put on Cinecon hardly speak. The audience was in and delighted when up to the podium don’t get paid for their efforts; it is tears as well. Ann Rutherford wasn’t came William Wellman Jr. the son done out of love and regard for classic sure she’d make the long walk from of her favorite director, "Wild Bill" film. Each year attendees are treated the hotel lobby to the banquet hall. A William Wellman. The junior Well- to a collection of motion pictures few bellmen were summoned, a chair man interrupted a vacation just to be that have been shipped from all parts was placed on a movable hanging there to let Ms. Darcel know that she of the world and presented on one rack and Ms. Rutherford was rolled was one of his father’s favorite ac- screen for one showing. While other through the hallways waving like a tresses and loved working with her, festivals concentrate on one particu- queen at a parade. Her entrance to not once but twice. Looking moved lar genre or theme, Cinecon runs the the banquet was hysterical. and in awe of the proceedings, Ms. gamut on the unusual and rare to the Plans for Cinecon 46 have already Darcel smiled at the adulation and "warhorse" or classic entry. As some begun and we are promised more declared to the audience, "I’m Back!" modern day celebs receive lifetime rarities from archives near and far. Adrian Booth received her award achievement honors in their twenties, The dates will be September 2nd from actress Peggy Stewart. During Cinecon remfembers and encourages through 6th 2010. The Renaissance the banquet, Ms. Booth pretended others not to forget those whose im- Hollywood Hotel offers a discounted to "duck" under the table as the au- prints on entertainment have had a rate for Cinecon attendees. Admis- dience was jokingly encouraged to lasting influence on the performers sion to the festival is by full festival throw their dessert at her; a nod to of today, whether some of the cur- pass or individual day passes, which her work with . rent box office champs know it or may be purchased in advance or at Stella Stevens was very moved by not. These legendary individuals still the door. For more information visit her honor as the lovely Nuyen have their fans. What they may lack http://www.cinecon.org.

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 9 Agnes McFadden & Richard MEMBERSHIP Colville Fall Fundraising Myron Meisel By Claire Bradford UPDATE Gary Nestra – Outpost Homeowners ith the 2009 year rolling to- n grateful recognition of their gen- Association Wwards the fall season at the Ierous support, we sincerely thank Mr. & Mrs. Chapin Nolen Barn, there’s no time like the present the following renewing members Lisa & Paul Norling to steer your thoughts to Hollywood who have made contributions at the Dale C. Olson & Eugene Harbin, Jr. Heritage. Betty Petitt $100 level and above as of August Not only do we have some wonder- Fran & Bill Reichenbach 2009. Category titles are names of ful topics planned for the Evenings historic Hollywood Studios. Kelly Ruf William Self – Self Productions at the Barn, we continue our ongoing KEYSTONE $1000+ Don Taylor efforts to protect and preserve the Andrew Colquitt – Alliance Christian Trinker many historical structures and arti- Residential Co. Marc Wanamaker facts in and around Hollywood. Leron Gubler – Hollywood Chamber Jan Westman With these things in mind, we have of Commerce Community Lon Weyland & Alan Paull an exciting “Challenge Grant” that Foundation Patrick S. Young we are hopeful you will participate Joan Witte – Talma Zelitzki in. This is a GREAT opportunity to BISON $500+ help Hollywood Heritage in a time Donelle Dadigan – Max Factor WELCOME NEW where we need to raise funds. Building Here’s how it works. It’s as easy as Christy & Steve McAvoy MEMBERS! 1 – 2 – 3 ! TimeWarner Employee Grant Charles Amrhein 1. You dust off the old check book Program Paula Bertik and write a check to Hollywood John Bertram Heritage for any amount that fits KALEM $250+ Elissa Braitman Joan & Joel Adler into your budget ($10.00, $50.00, Joan Brenner Peter Dodson – MANN Theatres $100.00.. Whatever works for Diana Cavanaugh Marjorie L. Fasman you). Jerry Cole Stephen Lesser 2. In the memo section of your Ellen Connors Los Angeles Fire Department check, write CHALLENGE John Cox Historical Society GRANT, and mail it back to Hol- John Gloske Steve Scott & Robert Eicholz lywood Heritage: Doug Haines David & Carin-Anne Strohmaier Paul Hunt Hollywood TRIANGLE $100+ Roman Hryniszak 3. Your contributionPO Box 2586, will Holly be- Alice Allen Heritage, Jazmin Aminian Jordan woodMATCHED, CA 90078 dollar for dollar! Leith Adams Steven Lasker Dan Barham This is a GREAT way to help Hol- Agnes McFadden & Richard THERE’S Nick Beck lywood Heritage, and Colville MORE .. Sharon & Dennis Blunk Allen H. Meyer Timothy Brandt Catherine Meyer • The contribution is Tax De- Leo & Dorothy Braudy Clyde Nelson ductible Elizabeth & Richard Brill Deborah Painter • Your name will go into a drawing Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Bulk Vivian Partridge for several VERY nice prizes, in- Bert Cassan Vivian Perez – in memory of Glenn cluding a $500.00 goodie basket Violet & William Cavitt Dismuke with champagne etc., donated by Bill Condon & Jack Morrissey Mario Prado Thad Smith and the Music Box Allan Ellenberger Sara Pratter Theatre. The prize winners to be Randy Haberkamp Mike Riner announced at the end of Season. Barbara Enloe & Douglas Hadsell Dr. Olivier & Andreia Schreiber • You will be listed as a gener- Joanna Erdos Janis Simon ous contributor to the Challenge Susanna Erdos Stan Singer Grant in the First Quarter (2010) Maria Fant-Schellhardt Maureen Solomon Hollywood Heritage Newsletter. Neill Foster Tegan & Molly Summer We look forward to lots of partici- Allison Denman Holland Gerald Turbow pation in this exciting event! Todd Holland & Scotch Ellis Loring Beverly Valen * Until Grant cap James Karen & Francesca Alba 10 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 Evenings at the Barn Marc Wanamaker Program: HOLLYWOOD 1940-2008 n December 9th 2009 Marc that shows Griffith Park and its years. The use of historical photo- OWanamaker currently Secretary amusements, Hotels and Motels, fa- graphs never seen before or pub- for Hollywood Heritage will be giv- mous residences, film studios, a look lished will illustrate this program. ing a program and book signing of at the business community and its HOLLYWOOD 1940-2008 at the landmarks. The last half of the pro- ‘Evening at the Barn’ that Wednesday gram will concentrate on the restau- night. The program is a visual pre- rants and nightclubs, the radio and sentation of historic photographs and television industry in Hollywood and information on Hollywood during the theatres. that sixty years of the town’s devel- The last chapter in the program is opment and its landmarks. Some of the issue of Hollywood redevelop- the landmarks have been forgotten ment and its effects over the decades. and some are gone altogether. This The repercussions of the earthquake program is a tour of Hollywood the on Hollywood and the famous land- obvious and Hollywood the forgot- marks that were empty, derelict and ten. what happened to some of them will The program follows the table of be discussed in this program. contents such as a general Holly- All in all one will take away from wood pictorial of streets, intersec- this program a sense of what Holly- tions and landmarks. Following that wood was like in its heyday and what is the Parks and Recreation section happened to it over the succeeding

PRESERVING OUR HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE FOR OVER 25 YEARS • Hollywood Heritage Museum/Lasky-DeMille Barn • • Silent Society: Motion Picture History and Preservation • Architectural Preservation, Advocacy, and Education •

Membership Application

YES! I would like to become a member of Hollywood Heritage, Inc. r $2,500 Majestic r $1,000 Keystone r $500 Bison Name: ______r $250 Kalem r $100 Triangle** r $50 Household Address: ______r $40 Individual r $25 Senior 65+/ Full Time Student City:______State:_ ___ Zip: ______**Join at the $100 Triangle level or above, and receive a 24”x36” collectable re- Phone: ______production poster, A Map of Hollywood from the Best Surveys of the Time c. 1928. E-mail Address: ______Membership Benefits Include: I wish to pay by: • Free admission to the Hollywood Heritage Museum for two  Check adults and two children. Please make checks payable to Hollywood Heritage, Inc. • Ten percent discount at the Museum Store. • Advance notification of special member programs. Charge my:  Visa  MasterCard • Discounts on Silent Society film programs at the Hollywood Heritage Museum, UCLA, and the Paramount Ranch. Card Number:______Exp. Date:______• Quarterly Hollywood Heritage Newsletter. Signature:______Clip and mail to: Hollywood Heritage, Inc., P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | October 2009 11 Place Postage www.hollywoodheritage.org Here P.O Box 2586 Hollywood, CA 90078 Hollywood Heritage Parking Lot Sale lean out your closets, your attics, Cyour garages, your basements! (Does anyone in L.A. have a base- ment?) Hollywood Heritage will be holding a GIANT parking lot sale at the Barn on Saturday, November 7th, and Sunday, November 8th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will be accepting donations at the Barn from November 1st to November 7th from noon to 4:00 p.m. All donations and purchases are tax-deductible. All proceeds will benefit the Hollywood Heritage General Fund. You know with a group like Hollywood Heritage behind this sale, there will be lots and lots of great stuff on hand – See you there!!

SAVE THESE DATES Upcoming Hollywood Heritage Events

Wednesday October 14, 2009 – Evening @ the Barn: 100 Years. of Filmmaking in Hollywood (Selig Polyscope) Wednesday, November 11, 2009 – Evening @ The Barn: Veteran's Day with Eddie Cantor. Date to be Announced – Hollywood Heritage Annual Meeting 7:30 pm. at The Barn Wednesday, December 9, 2009 – Evening @ the Barn – Hollywood 1940s to Now. Book signing with author Marc Wanamaker Thursday, January 14, 2010 – Evening @ the Barn – Universal Studios - Bob Birchard Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Evening @ the Barn – (Tentative) Richard Dix (Booksigning, film & clips) Wednesday, March 10, 2010 – Evening @ the Barn – (Tentative) All Evenings @ The Barn events are held at the Hollywood Heritage Museum at 7:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Seating limited to the first 120.