Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Pavarotti in ‘La Boheme’

Posted on June 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

    June 6, 1980: With the skill of a surgeon, Martin Bernheimer dissects a performance by operatic sensation Luciano Pavarotti (d. 2007). “He conquered. He came. He sang. In that order,” Bernheimer says. Notice that in return for agreeing … Continue reading →

Posted in #opera, classical music, Stage | 1 Comment

On the Frontiers of Medicine, 1910

Posted on June 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Anne Blanche in “Freckles” at the Los Angeles Theater.  June 6, 1910: Exhibit 1 in the argument that the past was not a kinder, simpler time is Abraham Flexner’s book “Medical Education in the United States and Canada.” The Times … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, health, Stage | Comments Off on On the Frontiers of Medicine, 1910

Voices — Jerry Clark, 1940 – 2010

Posted on June 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

   KTLA’s Stan Chambers, left, Times reporter Nieson Himmel, center, and Jerry Clark.   Note: Jerry Clark, who died Tuesday, was a longtime newsman who ran an informal group of retirees called the “Old Farts of The Times” (or in … Continue reading →

Posted in Obituaries | 2 Comments

Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, June 5, 1940

Posted on June 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 5, 1940: “MGM's new Adonis, who'll be given a romantic tint, is Cliff Anderson, ex-Ciro's waiter, who was studying civil engineering while tray-pushing,” Jimmie Fidler says.

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, June 5, 1940

Movieland Mystery Photo

Posted on June 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

     Los Angeles Times file photo    Update: As most people realized, our mystery guest is Hollywood nightclub owner Earl Carroll, who died in 1948 plane crash. In the above photo, he’s the young fellow with Elbert Hubbard (sorry, folks, … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo, Photography, Stage | 26 Comments

Cheryl Crane Escapes

Posted on June 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 5, 1960: Cheryl Crane and two other inmates escape from El Retiro School for Girls, where she had been committed for killing Johnny Stompanato. "This was a big change from the meek and mild little girl who came … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Film, Hollywood, Homicide | 2 Comments

Unions, Employers ‘Ready for War’ in Metalworkers’ Strike

Posted on June 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Kilflea Dog Soap does the job! June 5, 1910: The battle lines are becoming increasingly firm in the metalworkers’ strike and the attempt to unionize Los Angeles’ foundries, rolling mills and machine shops. The Times says: "There is no … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Los Angeles Times Bombing | Comments Off on Unions, Employers ‘Ready for War’ in Metalworkers’ Strike

John Wooden at UCLA

Posted on June 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

April 21, 1948: The Times reports that John Wooden is coming to UCLA as “head cage mentor.”  On the jump, Wooden takes UCLA to the NCAA title for his last game, March 31, 1975.

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on John Wooden at UCLA

Found on EBay – Haggarty’s

Posted on June 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

Items rarely show up from Haggarty’s, an upscale chain of Southern California women’s shops that opened in 1917 and closed in 1970. An Australian vendor has listed this dress with bids starting at $25 AU (note shipping costs). As with … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion | 1 Comment

Matt Weinstock, June 4, 1960

Posted on June 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 4, 1960: The odd fate of Richard M. Kelley is a story worthy of Rod Serling, Alfred Hitchcock or John O’Hara…. CONFIDENTIAL TO 'NEEDS TO KNOW': You have been misinformed. There is no law which compels unmarried mothers … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, June 4, 1960

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, June 4, 1960

Posted on June 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 4, 1960: “The other day (Monday, I think it was) I was listening to the ballgame between the Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals. Vin Scully is the regular announcer and, as usual, he was giving us fans … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Dodgers, Front Pages, Paul Coates | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, June 4, 1960

Jimmie Fidler, June 4, 1940

Posted on June 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 4, 1940: “Well, it's come more quickly than I expected! For months I've warned Hollywood producers against the peril of anti-Nazi films,” Jimmie Fidler says. Variety says: “Belief is strong in some circles that Uncle Sam will crack … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Jimmie Fidler, June 4, 1940

Kennedy, Reagan Take California Primaries

Posted on June 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 4, 1980: Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and former California Gov. Ronald Reagan take the California primaries in the presidential race. A Times poll finds that two-thirds of the Democrats who voted in the primary say Kennedy should … Continue reading →

Posted in broadcasting, Politics, Television | Comments Off on Kennedy, Reagan Take California Primaries

Watts Shootout Ends in Suicide

Posted on June 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

June 4, 1910: Friends and neighbors in Watts told Mrs. Taple that she should leave her husband, Chris, a pleasant, industrious man except when he was drinking. She always ignored their advice, saying that she needed to stay so he … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Watts Shootout Ends in Suicide

Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, June 3, 1940

Posted on June 3, 2010 by lmharnisch

    June 3, 1940: Tip to ladies: Ida Lupino smears honey on her face before retiring — says it's tops as a beauty aid, Jimmie Fidler says.

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, June 3, 1940

Matt Weinstock, June 3, 1960

Posted on June 3, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 3, 1960: Matt Weinstock writes a few lines about Fairly Honest Joe, a bartender at a Hill Street saloon called the Rainbow. It’s gone and so is Fairly Honest Joe. CONFIDENTIAL TO SANDY: "Silence is not always golden … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, June 3, 1960

Posted on June 3, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 3, 1960: How to pay for the proposed national healthcare program? Paul Coates writes about a campaign by congressional candidate William H. Ware Jr. for a national lottery.

Posted in Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates, Politics | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, June 3, 1960

Pomona Boys Die in Crash of Stolen Plane

Posted on June 3, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 3, 1960: James A. McDonald, 14, and his 12-year-old brother, Thomas, of Pomona took their dog and ran away from home, determined to steal a plane – destination unknown. Several months before, someone had caught them hot-wiring a … Continue reading →

Posted in Obituaries, Transportation | 2 Comments

The Times’ Court Reporter Files a Story in Dialect

Posted on June 3, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 3, 1910: The Times’ court reporter files a story in dialect about two African American women who are charged with fighting. Ouch. And police arrest newsboys shooting dice behind the offices of Los Angeles Record (1886-1931).

Posted in #courts, classical music, Countdown to Watts, LAPD, Music | 2 Comments

Matt Weinstock, June 2, 1960

Posted on June 2, 2010 by lmharnisch

  June 2, 1960: Matt Weinstock tells the story of Los Angeles reporter Jack Emmit, whose career ended up on skid row. CONFIDENTIAL TO 'HAD IT': Any husband who will lock his 25-year-old, attractive, immaculate, affectionate wife out of the … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, June 2, 1960