Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

1944 on the Radio — ‘Amos ‘N’ Andy,’ Jan. 7, 1944

Posted on January 7, 2014 by lmharnisch

Jan. 7, 1944: Time for “Amos ‘N’ Andy” with guest Pat O’Brien. I debated with myself about posting this show, but coverage of 1944 wouldn’t be complete without it, given its popularity. Courtesy of Archive.org.

Posted in 1944, African Americans, Radio | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Rediscovering Los Angeles — The Baker Block

Posted on January 7, 2014 by lmharnisch

Feb. 27, 1936: This week, Times artist Charles Owens and columnist Timothy Turner visit the Baker Block, one of the huge gingerbread buildings that flourished in downtown Los Angeles, like the Hall of Records. The Baker Block, at Main and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1936, Architecture, Art & Artists, Columnists, Downtown, Main Street, Nuestro Pueblo, Preservation | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Rediscovering Los Angeles — The Baker Block

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + +)

Posted on January 6, 2014 by lmharnisch

For Monday, we have a mystery woman.

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 57 Comments

1944 on the Radio — ‘Abbott and Costello,’ Jan. 6, 1944

Posted on January 6, 2014 by lmharnisch

Jan. 6, 1944: Here’s “Revenge in the Yukon,” a 15-minute episode of “Challenge of the Yukon,” from WXYZ in Detroit.  As far as I can tell, this show was not broadcast in Los Angeles at the time, but it fills … Continue reading →

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights — “ ‘Nice People’ Wear Mallory Hats”

Posted on January 6, 2014 by lmharnisch

Mallory hats, courtesy of Mary Mallory. Not many companies in the United States can claim over 100 years in business, especially clothing manufacturers, who must deal with so many unique variables, and in particular, constantly changing styles. Two purveyors of … Continue reading →

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Movieland Non-Mystery Photo

Posted on January 5, 2014 by lmharnisch

Look who showed up in “Stage Mother” the other day on TCM!

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

1944 on the Radio — ‘Mail Call’

Posted on January 5, 2014 by lmharnisch

Jan. 5, 1944: Here’s “Mail Call,” an Armed Forces Radio Service program featuring Jack Benny, Skinnay Ennis, Judy Garland and Johnny Mercer, announced by Harry von Zell. Courtesy of Archive.org.

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Coming Attractions — Mark A. Vieira on Hollywood Photographer George Hurrell

Posted on January 4, 2014 by lmharnisch

I had the great good fortune of spending several hours Saturday with Mark A. Vieira, a regular commenter on the mystery photos and author of several books, including the current release “George Hurrell’s Hollywood.” I will post more about our … Continue reading →

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World War II on the Radio — The Fall of Ortona, Jan. 4, 1944

Posted on January 4, 2014 by lmharnisch

Jan. 4, 1944: A Canadian Broadcasting Corp. news program, courtesy of Archive.org.

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1944 on the Radio — ‘Duffy’s Tavern’

Posted on January 4, 2014 by lmharnisch

Jan. 4, 1944: “Duffy’s Tavern,” with guest Fred Allen, courtesy of Archive.org.

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1944 on the Radio — Jan. 3, 1944

Posted on January 4, 2014 by lmharnisch

Jan. 3, 1944: We have three programs on today’s schedule: “Information Please,” with John Kieran, Franklin P. Adams, Oscar Levant and Louis Bromfield, hosted by Clifton Fadiman. “Lux Theater,” with the radio version of “Shadow of a Doubt” with Teresa … Continue reading →

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Movieland Mystery Photo

Posted on January 3, 2014 by lmharnisch

And here’s a mystery chap for Friday, courtesy of writer Christopher McPherson.

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

1944 in Print — Life Magazine, Jan. 3, 1944

Posted on January 3, 2014 by lmharnisch

Jan. 3, 1944: Google has thoughtfully scanned Life magazine for 1944. Here’s the first issue of the year.

Posted in 1945, History, Hollywood, Photography, World War II | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Harvey Glatman: The Early Years — Part 2

Posted on January 3, 2014 by lmharnisch

Aug. 26, 1946: Harvey Glatman is arraigned on robbery charges in Albany, N.Y. When he was still a teenager, Harvey Glatman was already displaying the behavior that led to the deaths of three Southern California women in the 1950s and … Continue reading →

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What Happened to the Lindbergh Beacon on L.A. City Hall?

Posted on January 2, 2014 by lmharnisch

Joining us in our question,  blogger Militant Angeleno also asks “What happened to the Lindbergh Beacon on City Hall?” The Militant says: “Leaving the Lindbergh Beacon off during the holiday season makes Huell Howser’s angel cry.” Here’s video.

Posted in Architecture, City Hall, Downtown, Spring Street | Tagged , , | Comments Off on What Happened to the Lindbergh Beacon on L.A. City Hall?

Movieland Mystery Photo

Posted on January 2, 2014 by lmharnisch

And for Tuesday, a mystery woman, courtesy of writer Christopher McPherson.

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

1944 the Year in Radio — ‘Texaco Star Theater’ With Fred Allen

Posted on January 2, 2014 by lmharnisch

Jan. 2, 1944: “Texaco Star Theater” with Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa and violinist Albert Spalding. Courtesy of archive.org.

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Harvey Glatman: The Early Years — Part I

Posted on January 2, 2014 by lmharnisch

Aug. 27, 1946: Harvey Glatman in the Yonkers, N.Y., Herald Statesman. Whenever I am contacted by TV producers about appearing on a crime show, I always caution them that I’m a specialist not a generalist. I don’t do Sal Mineo, … Continue reading →

Posted in 1946, 1957, 1958, 1959, Crime and Courts, Homicide, Television | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Harvey Glatman: The Early Years — Part I

Movieland Mystery Photo

Posted on January 1, 2014 by lmharnisch

And here’s our first mystery photo of the new year, courtesy of writer Christopher McPherson.

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

1944 in Print — The L.A. Daily Mirror Newsstand, January 1944

Posted on January 1, 2014 by lmharnisch

January 1944 Weird Tales, for sale on EBay at $49.99. I had so much fun adding radio broadcasts for Christmas 1943 that I thought I would add radio shows throughout the year, on the days that they aired in 1944 … Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, Books and Authors, World War II | Tagged , , | 2 Comments