Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Who Can Spot the Mistake?

Posted on January 18, 2016 by lmharnisch

This illustration by Los Angeles artist Jeffrey Smith appeared in the New York Times on Jan. 16, 2016, accompanying a story about an elaborate hoax that occurred in 1941. Who can spot the mistake?

Posted in 1941, Art & Artists | Tagged , , | 45 Comments

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on January 18, 2016 by lmharnisch

This week’s mystery movie has been the 1946 picture “Cloak and Dagger,” starring Gary Cooper, Robert Alda, Vladimir Sokoloff, J. Edward Bromberg, Marjorie Hoshelle and Ludwig Stossel, and introducing Lilli Palmer.  The screenplay was by Albert Maltz and Ring Lardner … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 30 Comments

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: The Priscilla Dean Tam – Fashion Statement and Marketing Ploy

Posted on January 18, 2016 by lmharnisch

Priscilla Dean and her tam, Photoplay, January 1921   The entertainment industry mastered the use of publicity and cross promotion from its very beginnings, creating elaborate ballyhoo campaigns to build word of mouth and huge box office receipts. It quickly … Continue reading →

Posted in 1921, Fashion, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Jan. 16 in L.A. History

Posted on January 16, 2016 by lmharnisch

Jan. 16, 1910: The Times recaps Aviation Week.   A Week of Aviation Triumphs, Jan. 16, 1910 Library Officials May Remove Books on Making Alcohol, Jan. 16, 1920  TV Writers Go on Strike Over Residuals, Jan. 16, 1960 Matt Weinstock, … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910, 1920, 1960, Aviation, Columnists, Libraries, Television | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Jan. 16 in L.A. History

Black Dahlia: Photo of Not Elizabeth Short Listed on EBay

Posted on January 15, 2016 by lmharnisch

Apparently nobody fell for this photo the first time around, so a vendor on EBay has listed it again. For $499.99. Seriously. The vendor (ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE ON EBAY WHO HAS NO IDEA HOW TO TURN OFF THE CAPS … Continue reading →

Posted in 1947, Black Dahlia, Found on EBay | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Today is Jan. 15 — Trim Your Roses

Posted on January 15, 2016 by lmharnisch

Today is Jan. 15, and the Daily Mirror marks the anniversary of Elizabeth Short’s death by pruning back the roses.

Posted in 1947, Black Dahlia, Cold Cases | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Today is Jan. 15 — Trim Your Roses

The Brain Trust Mourns a Loss

Posted on January 13, 2016 by lmharnisch

We were saddened to learn from B.J. Merholz that his wife, Julie, has died. B.J. writes: “Julie was a long-time fan of the Mystery Photo and determined contributor who followed it as long as her health permitted. After a recent … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystery Photo, Obituaries | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Movieland Mystery Photo (Update + + + +)

Posted on January 11, 2016 by lmharnisch

This week’s mystery movie has been the 1952 MGM picture “Above and Beyond,” starring Robert Taylor and Eleanor Parker, with James Whitmore, Larry Keating, Larry Gates, Marilyn Erskine, Stephen Dunne, Robert Burton and Hayden Rorke. The screenplay was by Melvin … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 43 Comments

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Stand-Ins Honor Themselves With the Elmers

Posted on January 11, 2016 by lmharnisch

William Hoover, left, doubled for Edward Arnold, Silver Screen, August 1939. Since 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized best acting performances in motion pictures by male and female stars. They began recognizing best supporting performances … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Ambassador Theatre Entertains Hotel’s Guests

Posted on January 4, 2016 by lmharnisch

The Ambassador Theater, as shown in the Exhibitors Herald, 1921. On February 9, 1919, the Los Angeles Times reported that the California Hotel Company would soon begin construction on a luxurious hotel on twenty one acres adjoining Wilshire Boulevard between … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory, Theaters | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on January 4, 2016 by lmharnisch

This week’s mystery movie has been the 1931 RKO picture “Way Back Home,” which was based on a popular radio program starring Phillips H. Lord, who later created the radio shows “Gang Busters” and “Mr. District Attorney.” It was directed … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 47 Comments

L.A. Daily Mirror Retro Drinking Guide — Pisco Punch

Posted on December 31, 2015 by lmharnisch

Note: This is a repost from 2013. Just in time for New Year’s, we’ll take a look at a “lost drink,” making a brief inquiry into San Francisco’s Pisco Punch, made famous by Bank Exchange saloon owner Duncan Nicol (often … Continue reading →

Posted in 1915, 1934, 1939, Food and Drink, San Francisco | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

L.A. Daily Mirror Retro Drinking Guide — The Bronx Cocktail

Posted on December 30, 2015 by lmharnisch

Note: This is a repost from 2013. Dec. 20, 1934: In case you doubted me (but you wouldn’t, would you?), here’s a recipe for the Bronx Cocktail, from the Amsterdam Evening Recorder, courtesy of FultonHistory.com. In case you plan to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1934, Food and Drink, Suicide | Tagged , | 1 Comment

L.A. Daily Mirror Retro Drinking Guide — The Brooklyn Cocktail

Posted on December 29, 2015 by lmharnisch

Note: This is a repost from 2013. Yes, the Manhattan cocktail once had competition from drinks named for the other boroughs. Here’s a recipe for the Brooklyn Cocktail, from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 7, 1937. The Brooklyn Cocktail as … Continue reading →

Posted in 1937, Food and Drink | Tagged , | Comments Off on L.A. Daily Mirror Retro Drinking Guide — The Brooklyn Cocktail

L.A. Daily Mirror Retro Drinking Guide: The Harvey Wallbanger

Posted on December 28, 2015 by lmharnisch

A vintage 1972 iron-on transfer of Harvey Wallbanger himself, on EBay for $12. Note: This is a repost from 2013. We have been looking at some historic drinks for this holiday season. To the millennials in the audience: This is … Continue reading →

Posted in 1971, Food and Drink, Music | Tagged , | Comments Off on L.A. Daily Mirror Retro Drinking Guide: The Harvey Wallbanger

L.A. Daily Mirror Retro Drinking Guide: A Brief History of the Tom and Jerry

Posted on December 28, 2015 by lmharnisch

A recipe for the Tom and Jerry from the San Francisco Call, June 30, 1912. Note: This is a repost from 2013. Over on Facebook, Christopher McPherson asked whether the Tom and Jerry was named for the MGM cartoon characters. … Continue reading →

Posted in 1862, Books and Authors, Food and Drink | Tagged , , | Comments Off on L.A. Daily Mirror Retro Drinking Guide: A Brief History of the Tom and Jerry

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on December 28, 2015 by lmharnisch

This week’s mystery movie has been the 1957 MGM picture “I Accuse!” The film stars Jose Ferrer (who also directed), Anton Walbrook, Viveca Lindfors, Leo Genn, Emlyn Williams, David Farrar, Donald Wolfit and Herbert Lom.  The screenplay was by Gore … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 51 Comments

Mary Mallory: Hollywood Heights – Mary Pickford Day

Posted on December 28, 2015 by lmharnisch

Note: Mary Mallory is taking this week off, so I’m running a post from several years ago. Los Angeles in 1923 was a bustling, growing, optimistic place.  The town recognized all sorts of interesting people and topics, saluting them with … Continue reading →

Posted in 1923, Downtown, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory | Tagged , | Comments Off on Mary Mallory: Hollywood Heights – Mary Pickford Day

‘Valley of Gwangi’ on TCM Dec. 29!

Posted on December 23, 2015 by lmharnisch

Set your DVRs! TCM is airing “The Valley of Gwangi” on Dec. 29 at 9:45 a.m. (ET). Like “King Kong,” only it’s a dinosaur. With cowboys!

Posted in Film, Television | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Samuel Steward and Rudolph Valentino: Another Good Story Ruined

Posted on December 22, 2015 by lmharnisch

I may have retired, but I haven’t lost any of my annoyance over b.s. when it comes to historical figures. The case in point is today’s review in the New York Times by Jennifer Senior of “Philip Sparrow Tells All,” … Continue reading →

Posted in 1926, Another Good Story Ruined, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment