Category Archives: Film

1944 in Print — ‘Walter Winchell on Broadway,’ February 11, 1944

Posted on February 11, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 11, 1944: Sherman Billingsley, the Stork Club owner, has mike fright. Last year, frixample, he agreed to appear on “Duffy’s Tavern,” but at the last moment ran out, scared stiff. Ed Gardner went dizzy seeking a substitute, and was very irked with Mr. B, who said he’d rather pay plenty than appear on the radio, Walter Winchell says. Continue reading →

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on February 9, 2026 by lmharnisch

For Monday, we have a mysterious fellow. Continue reading →

Posted in 1929, Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

1944 on the Radio — ‘His Butler’s Sister,’ February 7, 1944

Posted on February 7, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 7, 1944: On the radio dial, Hop Harrigan and Lux Radio Theater presents Deanna Durbin and Pat O’Brien in “His Butler’s Sister. Continue reading →

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February 5, 2009: Burbank Time Capsule Revisited

Posted on February 5, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 5, 2009: Burbank opens its 1959 time capsule to discover black and white photos of the city as it was then, plus local newspapers. Continue reading →

Posted in @news, Architecture, City Hall, Education, Environment, Film, Freeways, Real Estate, San Fernando Valley, Science, Transportation | Leave a comment

February 5, 1959: Burbank Finds 1959 Time Capsule

Posted on February 5, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 5, 2009: Burbank workers find the time capsule implanted in the Magnolia Boulevard bridge in 1959. Continue reading →

Posted in @news, Film, San Fernando Valley | Leave a comment

February 3, 1959: Rock Stars Die in Plane Crash

Posted on February 3, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 3, 1958: Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens are killed in a plane crash. Continue reading →

Posted in broadcasting, Film, Hollywood, Music, Obituaries, Rock 'n' Roll, San Fernando Valley, Television, Transportation | Leave a comment

February 2, 1938: Jelousy slaying

Posted on February 2, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 2, 1938: After watching The Times twist and turn to avoid saying exactly what the victims in the Paul Wright case were doing when they were shot, we finally get around to it–sort of. Hint: All had been drinking heavily. Continue reading →

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February 2, 1932: Voices — Christine Collins

Posted on February 2, 2026 by lmharnisch

February 2, 1932: Walter Collins, imprisoned husband of Christine Collins writes that he wants to be put on the road crew but can’t until a parole date is set. Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Changeling, Film, Hollywood, LAPD | Leave a comment

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on February 2, 2026 by lmharnisch

For Monday, we have two mysterious guests. Continue reading →

Posted in 1994, Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

January 31, 1959: Paul Coates — Confidential File

Posted on January 31, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 31, 1959: Paul Coates has the story a drug addict who graduates from Synanon and an update on the postmortem drama about the body of Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer, which was stranded at the morgue. Continue reading →

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1944 on the Radio — ‘Random Harvest’ on ‘Lux Radio Theater,’ Jan. 31, 1944

Posted on January 31, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 31, 1944: On the radio, we have the Lux Radio Theater with “Random Harvest,” starring Ronald Colman and Greer Garson. Continue reading →

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1944 on the Radio — ‘Nick Carter, Master Detective,’ January 29, 1944

Posted on January 29, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 29, 1944: On the radio: Nick Carter, Master Detective! Continue reading →

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Shirley Temple’s Tempest — Celebs Tee Off on Golf Course Over Star

Posted on January 27, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 27, 1950: Actor Kirkwood Jr. and singer Johnny Johnston get into a fight at the Riviera Country Club over … Shirley Temple. Continue reading →

Posted in 1950, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

January 27, 1928: Voices — Christine Collins

Posted on January 27, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 27, 1928: Christine Collins, whose tragedy inspired the Clint Eastwood film ‘Changeling,’ writes to prison officials seeking the release of her husband, Walter. Continue reading →

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: ‘Don’t Be a Sucker’ Promotes American Values

Posted on January 26, 2026 by lmharnisch

Mary Mallory on the Signal Corps’ short “Don’t Be a Sucker,” produced in 1945, initially for GIs returning from World War II and in general release in 1946. “Don’t Be a Sucker,” a documentary on tolerance, describes the founding principles of the United States’ Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Continue reading →

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on January 26, 2026 by lmharnisch

For Monday, we have a woman of mystery. Continue reading →

Posted in 1990, Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

January 24, 1959: Paul Coates — Confidential File

Posted on January 24, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 24, 1959: Paul Coates has the story about the fight over the body of Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer between his parents and his ex-wife. In the meantime, Switzer’s body remains in the morgue. Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood, Homicide, Paul Coates, Television | Comments Off on January 24, 1959: Paul Coates — Confidential File

1944 on the Radio — ‘Casablanca’ on ‘Lux Radio Theater,’ Jan. 24, 1944

Posted on January 24, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 24, 1944: On the radio, we have “Casablanca,” with Alan Ladd and Hedy Lamarr, “Information Please” and “Hop Harrigan.” Continue reading →

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January 22, 1959: ‘Our Gang’ Star Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer Dies in Fight Over $50

Posted on January 22, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 22, 1959: Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer dies in a fight over $50. Continue reading →

Posted in 1959, Baseball, Crime and Courts, Dodgers, Film, Hollywood, Keith Thursby, LAPD, Obituaries | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on January 22, 1959: ‘Our Gang’ Star Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer Dies in Fight Over $50

January 20, 1947: Virginia Mayo Disappears!

Posted on January 20, 2026 by lmharnisch

January 20, 1947: With the city in the grips of the Black Dahlia murder, Los Angeles wonders: Where is Virginia Mayo? Or at least some publicist worries enough to feed the item to Louella Parsons at the Examiner. Continue reading →

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