Category Archives: Stage

Tango Craze Invades Pasadena

Posted on October 8, 2009 by lmharnisch

Jan. 14, 1913: That wicked dance, the “Tango Argentine,” is coming to Pasadena! These poses, among the most modest in the tango, are demonstrated by Oscar and Suzette, who “brought the sensational dance to America.”

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Cafe Orchestra Fiddles While Kitchen Burns

Posted on October 3, 2009 by lmharnisch

Oct. 3, 1909: What the modern woman is wearing. $22.50 is $532.68 USD 2008. Here’s a bit of theater history: The Orpheum announces that it will no longer have advertising on its curtain, despite the loss in revenue of $500 … Continue reading →

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Man Haunted by Jesuit Spies

Posted on September 29, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 29, 1909: Billie Burke in "Love Watches." Ernest Ritter's mind may be unbalanced over a sad love affair, doctors say.

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Found on EBay — Vintage Bongo Drums

Posted on September 17, 2009 by lmharnisch

These vintage Valje bongo drums have been listed on EBay. Perfect for re-creating the mood of the Beats of Venice West. Listed as Buy It Now for $375.

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Larry Gelbart’s 1951 ‘My L.A.’ Found

Posted on September 15, 2009 by lmharnisch

Nov. 25, 1951: Rehearsals of "My L.A.," sketches inspired by Matt Weinstock's book, with a script by Larry Gelbart, Laurence Marks and Bill Manhoff. You may recall this photo from the posts I did about the death of Larry Gelbart. … Continue reading →

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Voices — Patrick Swayze, 1952 – 2009

Posted on September 14, 2009 by lmharnisch

Nov. 30, 1983: Patrick Swayze dances "Without a Word." From the Bayous to the Catskills 'Dirty Dancing' Takes to the Screen With Some Smart and Funny Steps August 21, 1987 By SHEILA BENSON, Times Film Critic By being smart and … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Obituaries, Stage | 9 Comments

Jack L. Warner Ankles Studio; Tough Times for the Padres

Posted on September 12, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 12, 1969: Al Capp features a wrestling promoter named William Fastbuckley. Jack L. Warner, 77, ends his association with the family studio to concentrate on a Broadway musical titled "Jimmy," starring Frank Gorshin as New York Mayor Jimmy Walker. … Continue reading →

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A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Jazz Mad Morals

Posted on September 10, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 10, 1928: "Once Overs" by Clarence Daniel Batchelor, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 1937 for this cartoon: "Come on in, I'll treat you right. I used to know your daddy." Ronald Colman and Vilma Banky in "Two Lovers," … Continue reading →

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Don’t Underestimate Khrushchev

Posted on September 10, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 10, 1959: A tidy little piece showing just how much Americans feared Nikita Khrushchev. "So Long, Mom. I'm Off to Drop the Bomb." "We'll All Go Together When We Go" At left, Tom Lehrer performs at UCLA. His satirical … Continue reading →

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A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

Posted on September 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 6, 1924: We're celebrating at the Daily Mirror HQ! It's not every day you have Julian Eltinge AND Trixie Friganza on the same page! … and Fanny Brice at the Orpheum!

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Stage | 1 Comment

Chinese Troops Cross India Border!

Posted on August 28, 2009 by lmharnisch

Aug. 28, 1959: The Times brings out an extra as Chinese troops cross into India. Are these girls really supposed to be chubby? At left, strange occurrences at the Gas House (d. 1962), 1501 Ocean Front Walk in Venice. "Mrs. … Continue reading →

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Theater Troupe Near Riot Over Pay

Posted on August 27, 2009 by lmharnisch

Aug. 27, 1899: Alexandra Dagmar at the Orpheum … and at base-ball at Fiesta Park. Ladies free. The backer of a theatrical troupe is taken to the police station for protection after performers threaten to riot because they … Continue reading →

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Baseless Prosecution of Homeless Addict

Posted on August 24, 2009 by lmharnisch

Aug. 24, 1899: The Orpheum presents barrelistic wonders and rag time comedians, plus Joseph Adelman, master of the xylophone. The Times reports "baseless prosecution" of Richard Woodward, a homeless drug addict who accidentally broke a pane of glass at a … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Film, Hollywood, Music, Stage, travel | 1 Comment

Preston Sturges Dies

Posted on August 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

Preston Sturges by Bruce Russell, 1932 "Sullivan's Travels" and "Mr. Bug Goes to Town," Feb. 12, 1942. Aug. 7, 1959 in The Times: Preston Sturges, renowned Hollywood film producer-writer-director and Broadway playwright, died of a heart attack yesterday in … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Obituaries, Stage | 1 Comment

Russian Leader to Visit L.A.! A.L. Wins All-Star Game

Posted on August 4, 2009 by lmharnisch

Bruce Russell's editorial cartoon is appalling today, but this style is typical of the 1950s, when artists frequently relied on a small repertory company of characters that included the Peace Dove, the Russian Bear, Mr. A-Bomb, Uncle Sam, the … Continue reading →

Posted in @news, art and artists, classical music, Comics, Current Affairs, Dodgers, Front Pages, Hollywood, Music, Politics, Religion, Richard Nixon, Sports, Stage | Comments Off

Pilgrimage Play Opens

Posted on July 31, 2009 by lmharnisch

May 31, 1920: Preparations are underway in El Camino Real Canyon for "The National Pilgrimage Play." Aug. 26, 1938: Joe Seewerker and Charles Owens visit what was then Pilgrimage Play Theater for Nuestro Pueblo. The play wasn't presented … Continue reading →

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From the Daily Mirror Files: Merce Cunningham, 1980

Posted on July 27, 2009 by lmharnisch

April 4, 1980: The late Daniel Cariaga interviews Merce Cunningham for a Times feature story. One line reads: "When career over, how do you want to be remembered?" Note: Several months ago I rescued several boxes of old ephemeral … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, Music, Obituaries, Stage | 1 Comment

Nuestro Pueblo — Gage Mansion

Posted on July 24, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 24, 1939: Gov. Henry T. Gage's home was such a well-known landmark that The Times rarely said where it was in writing about it during his term in office, from 1899 to 1903. The answer is yes, the Gage … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, art and artists, Music, Nuestro Pueblo, Politics, Stage | Comments Off

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Theatre

Posted on July 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 23, 1945: Gee, what do you suppose happens in "Motel Wives?" July 26, 1945: Luckily, we don't have to guess. We can look it up.

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Man Thrown Off Yacht for Singing

Posted on July 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 22, 1889: A man nearly drowns after being thrown off a yacht returning from Santa Catalina Island because he insisted on singing the tune "White Wings," which was evidently considered bad luck. Note: If you search on the … Continue reading →