Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Walt Mason, the People’s Poet

Posted on April 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

  April 19, 1910: The Times’ Albert Jean Taylor draws a cartoon to give East Coast expatriates a self-satisfied laugh … And Uncle Walt the Warbler takes a jaded look at the love poem: O come, my pet, and cook … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, books, Comics | Comments Off on Walt Mason, the People’s Poet

From The Vaults: ’13 Ghosts’ (1960)

Posted on April 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

Oh William Castle, I love you so. I cannot resist your theatrical gimmicks, even when they hopelessly slow the pacing of your movie. I adore your lengthy and unnecessarily elaborate introductions. I cherish your perfect jump scares. I want to … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, From the Vaults, Hollywood | 3 Comments

Matt Weinstock, April 18, 1960

Posted on April 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Brave New World     A young lady named Joan got a bright vision of the future a few days ago while driving over Coldwater Canyon.  As she reached Mulholland Dr. she was fascinated to see a helicopter land in … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, April 18, 1960

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, April 18, 1960

Posted on April 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Southern Lawyer Still Fights for Son     Charles Lee Guy Jr. is a man who takes disappointment with a minimum of emotion.       I learned that 2 1/2 years ago, when I met him for the first time. … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Columnists, Homicide, Paul Coates | 1 Comment

Baseball Commissioner Visits Dodger Bullpen

Posted on April 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  April 18, 1960: And now warming up in the Dodger bullpen—the commissioner of baseball?

Posted in Dodgers | Comments Off on Baseball Commissioner Visits Dodger Bullpen

Charles Champlin on ‘The Tin Drum’

Posted on April 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  April 18, 1980: “ ‘The Tin Drum’ is, in fact, almost everything anybody could ask a film to be. It is strikingly original and continuously surprising, compliments of the novelist, whose large and densely packed book has been translated … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Charles Champlin on ‘The Tin Drum’

Sunday Drunks

Posted on April 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  The Reduso corset reduces measurements of hips and abdomen from one to five inches. April 18, 1910: Police round up 23 drunks on Sunday and the ones who are too intoxicated to give their names have a number stamped … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Fashion, Food and Drink, LAPD | 1 Comment

Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, April 17, 1940

Posted on April 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

  April 17, 1940: “Stage door Johnnies besieging the Florentine Gardens to date a blond shapely, while down the street, in a battered flivver, her boyfriend smiles — and waits,” Jimmie Fidler says.

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | 1 Comment

Daryl Gates in His Own Words

Posted on April 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

Photograph by R.L. Oliver / Los Angeles Times March 29, 1978: Sima Gates checks the new badge of her husband, Daryl F. Gates, after he was sworn in as the city's 49th chief of police during ceremonies at the Police … Continue reading →

Posted in LAPD, Obituaries | Comments Off on Daryl Gates in His Own Words

Blessing of the Animals at the Old Plaza

Posted on April 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Someone’s Trying to Blow Up the Eliza Ann!” April 17, 1960: In a 19th century Holy Week custom revived in New Mexico in 1930, a group of animals led by a Holstein cow is blessed at the Old Plaza. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Religion | Comments Off on Blessing of the Animals at the Old Plaza

Woman Dresses as Man to See Prizefights

Posted on April 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

     April 17, 1910: As I have said before, early 20th century Los Angeles is an acquired taste. Many people prefer the ill-defined “noir” period that is written in smoke and shadows – and just as elusive.  Quite honestly, … Continue reading →

Posted in Countdown to Watts, Sports | Comments Off on Woman Dresses as Man to See Prizefights

Matt Weinstock, April 16, 1960

Posted on April 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Hibachi Rebellion     The other night a man I know stoked up his hibachi for the first time this year.  He did so with certain qualms, having read not long ago that authorities in Pennsylvania were considering a proposal … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, April 16, 1960

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, April 16, 1960

Posted on April 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

  These Easter page toppers were a regular feature in the Mirror. Mash Notes and Comments     (Press Release) "Secretary of Defense Thomas S. Gates, a man of few words, has no sympathy for the Pentagon's famous red tape.     … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates, Religion | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, April 16, 1960

Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, April 16, 1940

Posted on April 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

  April 16, 1940:    Jimmie Fidler says, If Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman are still blushing, here's why: The other eve, they emerged from a preview theater to find the usual swarm of sidewalk gapers choking the lobby. "Autograph hunters!" … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, April 16, 1940

Voices: Daryl Gates, 1926 – 2010

Posted on April 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

 March 29, 1978: Daryl F. Gates becomes police chief. ( George Holliday / Courtesy of KTLA via Associated Press ) Four Los Angeles Police Department officers charged in the videotaped beating of Rodney G. King on March 3, 1991, were … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, City Hall, LAPD | Comments Off on Voices: Daryl Gates, 1926 – 2010

Movie Star Mystery Photo

Posted on April 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

   Los Angeles Times file photo Our mystery guest is Janice Jarratt, who may be the biggest thing that never happened.  Please congratulate Bronski for identifying her! April 30, 1932: Janice Jarratt wins a trip to Los Angeles.    Just … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo, Photography | 42 Comments

Kitty Doner’s Mystery Admirer

Posted on April 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

 Los Angeles Times file photo July 19, 1925: “Lady Be Good” at the Mason. Several people asked whether this fellow with Kitty Doner in “Lady Be Good” might be Bing Crosby. I had the same question, so I thought I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystery Photo, Photography, Stage | Comments Off on Kitty Doner’s Mystery Admirer

Headstrong Girl Runs Off With Motorcycle Racer

Posted on April 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Pearl Clark, young runaway …  … who climbed out her bedroom window … … and into the arms of Jake De Rosier, French motorcycle racer. Doctors examine the girl after her brief adventure and confirm certain parts of her … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, LAPD | 1 Comment

Matt Weinstock, April 15, 1960

Posted on April 15, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Bottleneck     It's one of the little ironies of our town that the current event which probably affects more people than any other isn't even newsworthy.  Meaning, of course, the installation of the center divider on Hollywood Freeway from … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, April 15, 1960

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, April 15, 1960

Posted on April 15, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Even Mother Thinks Bev's Been Around     If there was ever any humor in the frenzied escapades of Beverly Aadland and her mother, it's long gone now.     It's buried with the body of William Stanciu, blurred by grim … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Columnists, Film, Paul Coates | 1 Comment