Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Pan-Pacific Auditorium — Hollywood Magic

I was watching “Johnny Eager” the other night and spotted this. Did they actually use the Pan-Pacific Auditorium?

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Location Sleuth | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Watch TCM for Our Friends

Hey look who’s on TCM in “TCM Fanatic: Film Noir!” It’s Joan Renner…. Mary Mallory! Karie Bible! Watch for it!

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

Black Dahlia: Hodel Murder House Soil Samples? You Must Be Kidding!

You may recall the pop media frenzy back in February that “Buster the wonder dog” had found “something” at the Sowden House that was possibly, maybe, kind of, perhaps, sort of, related to the Black Dahlia case proving, oh, you … Continue reading

Posted in 1947, Black Dahlia, Books and Authors, Cold Cases, Film, Hollywood, LAPD | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

The Death of Ted Healy — Part 7

Sept. 20, 1934: The Cafe Trocadero opens at “8610 Boulevard de la Sunset.” Before going further into the death of Ted Healy, I thought it would be interesting to look at the club where the incident occurred,  The Trocadero, which … Continue reading

Posted in 1934, 1937, Film, Food and Drink, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Death of Ted Healy — Part 6

After the breakup: Betty Braun Healy with Stan Laurel in “Our Relations” (1936). In case you just tuned in: We have been focusing on the life of Betty Braun Healy, Ted Healy’s first wife. She is the only one to … Continue reading

Posted in 1937, Film, Hollywood, Stage | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Death of Ted Healy — Part 5

Dec. 28, 1937: A photo of Betty Braun Healy in the Daily News. In case you just tuned in, I have spent a long time dissecting the death of comedian Ted Healy, starting with the yarn about him being beaten … Continue reading

Posted in 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, Film, Hollywood, Stage | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

No Carole Lombard Body Photos Here!

The all-time top 25 search terms for the L.A. Daily Mirror include “Carole Lombard body,” “Carole Lombard death photos,” “Carole Lombard plane crash,” “Carole Lombard crash” and “Carole Lombard body found.” Stop it. They’re not here. I don’t have any … Continue reading

Posted in Film, Hollywood | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated ++++)

And for Monday, a mystery woman…..

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 23 Comments

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: ‘Adventures of Kathlyn,’ Hollywood’s First Cross-Promotional Stunt

“The Adventures of Kathlyn,” courtesy of Mary Mallory. Between 1910 and 1920, filmmaking exploded in Los Angeles and Hollywood, with production companies flocking to the sunlit mecca of Southern California. Populations surged as men and women traveled here pursuing fame … Continue reading

Posted in 1912, 1913, 1914, Animals, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

‘The Sheik’ – Found on EBay

A location photo that the vendor says shows filming of “The Sheik” on “Hueneme Beach near Oxnard” has been listed on EBay. Bidding starts at $49.99.

Posted in 1921, Film, Found on EBay, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on ‘The Sheik’ – Found on EBay

The Death of Ted Healy — Part 4

Jan 28, 1932: Betty Braun Healy sues Mary Brown Warburton for alienation of affection, via the Milwaukee Journal. The most interesting person in the whole Ted Healy drama is his first wife, Betty Braun, his former vaudeville partner. Everyone else … Continue reading

Posted in 1927, 1932, 1937, Film, Hollywood, Nightclubs, Stage | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

The Death of Ted Healy — Part 3

Dec. 23, 1937: The funeral of Ted Healy as reported by the Daily News. Today’s installment was supposed to be a look at Jack Marcus, Ted Healy’s manager. Marcus picked up Healy and took him home after he was treated … Continue reading

Posted in 1937, Film, Hollywood, Obituaries | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

The Death of Ted Healy — Part 2

Dec. 22, 1937: Ted Healy’s death is reported in the Los Angeles Examiner. Before we get into Healy’s last days, let’s take a look at some of the people who were involved in the story. There’s Jack Marcus, his manager, … Continue reading

Posted in 1937, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Los Angeles Theatre — Business and Preservation

In passing the Los Angeles Theatre last night, I saw a notice of June 6 hearing on several business being proposed for the structure. The big question is what exactly would be done to the interior and how much the … Continue reading

Posted in Broadway, Film, Food and Drink, Nightclubs, Preservation, Theaters | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

A Note on Music for Silent Films

A Blackhawk film in all its low-tech glory is for sale on EBay with bids starting at $9.99. Note the lack of a ZIP Code in the address, which would peg the film as dating from the 1950s or early … Continue reading

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Music | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

The Death of Ted Healy — Part 1

Dec. 22, 1937: Ted Healy’s death is reported in the Los Angeles Examiner. In the days leading up to his death, comedian Ted Healy had been under continuous observation  by his sister, Marcia, and manager, James Marcus, to keep him … Continue reading

Posted in 1937, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated +++)

Here’s our mystery chap for Monday!

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , , | 55 Comments

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Hollywood’s Little Country Church – Emblem of Bygone Days

Throughout its history, the city of Hollywood has seen much come and go in the name of “progress.” Instead of remodeling and reusing a historic structure, as is done in Europe or the East Coast, most builders simply tear down … Continue reading

Posted in Architecture, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Radio, Religion | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Harold Lloyd — ‘Now or Never’

Harold Lloyd’s “Now or Never,” directed by Hal Roach and Fred Newmeyer, includes a memorable sequence in which he appears to be caught on top of a train. The final impression is stunning and we might pass it off as … Continue reading

Posted in 1921, Film, Hollywood, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Women’s History — Gertrude S. Reynolds McMullen

This postcard of the Southwest Turquoise Co., 113 N. Broadway, has been listed on EBay. The shop would have been roughly across the street from the old Times Building at 1st and Broadway. Bidding on the postcard starts at $8. … Continue reading

Posted in 1909, 1910, Broadway, Found on EBay, Obituaries | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments