Category Archives: Animals

From the Vaults: ‘Cat People’ (1982)

Posted on October 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

Remake time! Although apparently director Paul Schrader ("American Gigolo"; also the writer of "Taxi Driver") insisted that he didn't intend "Cat People" as a remake of the 1942 film. Still, it's got main characters named Irena, Oliver and Alice, who … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Film, From the Vaults, Hollywood | 4 Comments

From the Vaults: ‘Cat People’ (1942)

Posted on October 11, 2010 by lmharnisch

I really didn't plan a cat theme, but someone mentioned this movie a few months ago and I thought "hm, if I ever ditch the idea of sticking to movies from specific years, I will have to write about that … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Film, From the Vaults, Hollywood | 1 Comment

A Notable Absence – Updated

Posted on September 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

Note: A bloodless bullfight at Schuetzen Park. [Update: Schuetzen Park was renamed Rose Hills Park about 1923.] Sept. 16, 1910: Many writers have noted that Gen. Harrison Gray Otis wasn’t in Los Angeles when The Times was bombed but … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910 L.A. Times bombing, Animals, Parks and Recreation | 1 Comment

Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, Aug. 29, 1940

Posted on August 29, 2010 by lmharnisch

Aug. 29, 1940: Add strange mishaps: The hundreds of dollars of damage done to furnishings in the Beverly manse of Ann Sothern's mamma when Ann's dog fell into a bucket of paint and ran wild through the house, Jimmie Fidler … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off

Found on EBay: ‘The Equine Detective’

Posted on August 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

I don’t usually mention reproduction items and I’ve ignored similar posters for other Selig Polyscope films. But "The Equine Detective”? What was it, the “Sherlock Holmes of the Stable” going undercover pulling a wagon? The possibilities are almost endless. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Film, Hollywood | 1 Comment

Brave Officer Halts Runaway Horse

Posted on August 2, 2010 by lmharnisch

Aug. 2, 1910: Patrolman R.M. Green was directing traffic at 3rd and Main streets when a runaway horse pulling a light wagon plunged toward the intersection. Green jumped into the back of the wagon and made his way to … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Downtown, LAPD, Transportation | Comments Off

Death of a Mad Dog

Posted on June 8, 2010 by lmharnisch

The dealer says this Arts and Crafts furniture will last for a century, June 8, 1910: A Wyoming rancher tracks down and kills a wolf nicknamed “One Toe,” a notorious killer of cattle that was too wary for traps … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Architecture, art and artists, LAPD | 1 Comment

Found on EBay – Alligator Farm

Posted on June 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

Although the ostrich farms get more attention, Los Angeles also had alligator farms, shown above in an image from USC’s digital archive. The postcard at left showing alligators at play has been listed on EBay. Bidding starts at $5.95.

Posted in Animals, Parks and Recreation | Comments Off

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

Man Hospitalized After Shooting Himself

Posted on June 1, 2010 by lmharnisch

Not one, but two ostrich farms in the Los Angeles area! June 1, 1910: "The next thing I knew, I heard a shot and I ran to where he was. I saw him, blood all over, and his shirt … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Suicide | 1 Comment

Man Saves Life by Killing Runaway Horse

Posted on May 22, 2010 by lmharnisch

Arlington Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. via Google maps’ street view. May 22, 1910: In a century-old version of “flipping,” a developer says speculators can make money on lots in Arlington Square, at Santa Barbara Avenue (Martin … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Architecture | Comments Off

Found on EBay – Giant Turtle

Posted on May 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

I came across an EBay listing of a postcard showing a leatherback turtle that was caught off Santa Catalina Island. According to a May 9, 1906, story, the turtle was netted by Jerry Marincovich and died trying to free … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals | Comments Off

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 5, 1960

Posted on May 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

May 5, 1960: Ruth and Betty Lawrence are looking for a good man to marry one of them and take on their 13 cats.

Posted in Animals, Columnists, Paul Coates | 1 Comment

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

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

Mule Driver Doesn’t Swear – Even When Kicked in the Head

Posted on April 12, 2010 by lmharnisch

April 12, 1910: The geometry of the eternal triangle is particularly complicated in the case of David Perry Doak, who kept a home in Los Angeles with Jessie May Doak – and a ranch at Klamath Falls, Ore., with … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Animals | Comments Off

Air Force Studied Antimissile Ray Gun

Posted on April 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

April 4, 1960: A little boy, a dog, an ice cream cone … and an ice bag? Very cute. No, we don’t do this anymore. On the jump, the Air Force discontinues work on a light ray that would … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Film, Hollywood, Photography, Science | 1 Comment

Dog Show Stages Bloodhounds’ Chase of African American Boy

Posted on April 1, 2010 by lmharnisch

April 1, 1910: The Mississippi Valley Kennel Club dog show concludes with a demonstration of bloodhounds chasing an African American boy through the streets of St. Louis and trapping him in the coliseum. “The hounds, Fanney and Queen, are the … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Countdown to Watts | 2 Comments

From the Vaults: ‘The Wasp Woman’ (1960*)

Posted on March 22, 2010 by lmharnisch

Note: Larry is posting items from 1920 and 1960 this year, and I will be watching movies from those years and writing about them, alternating weeks. This week is 1960's turn. And I owe you people something of an apology, … Continue reading →