Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: TCM Movie Location Bus Tour Cruises Los Angeles

Posted on March 25, 2014 by lmharnisch

 

img_BusTour_LA3


Over the decades, motion picture producers have unknowingly documented historic and outstanding architecture surrounding Hollywood and Los Angeles while filming their movies. These visual representations often stand as the only documentation of long-gone buildings, residences and businesses, a celebration of the historic built environment and daily lives of ordinary citizens of bygone days.

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) salutes this sometimes forgotten but hallowed past in an engaging three-hour bus tour of movie locations, highlighting classic and contemporary films, as a way to celebrate its 20th anniversary on-air. The free tour, offered once a day through co-sponsor Starline Tours, celebrates the joys of moviemaking and movie-going as it travels the streets of Hollywood and Los Angeles.

Reserve a TCM tour here.

Mary Mallory’s “Hollywoodland: Tales Lost and Found” is available for the Kindle.

Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Location Sleuth, Mary Mallory | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: TCM Movie Location Bus Tour Cruises Los Angeles

1944 on the Radio — Roy Rogers on ‘Command Performance,’ March 25, 1944

Posted on March 25, 2014 by lmharnisch

radio_dial_1944

March 25, 1944

It’s Saturday in 1944, which means we have:

— Jim is wounded while fighting the Japanese in Malaya in “The Adventures of Jungle Jim.”  Courtesy of Otrrlibrary.or via Archive.org.

— Don Ameche is the host with Carmen Miranda, Fay Mckenzie and Roy Rogers on “Command Performance.” Courtesy of Archive.org.

— “Drums of Death or Nick Carter and the Mystery of the White Witch Doctor” on “Nick Carter: Master Detective.” Courtesy of Archive.org.

Posted in 1944, Film, Hollywood, Radio | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on 1944 on the Radio — Roy Rogers on ‘Command Performance,’ March 25, 1944

1944 in Print — Hollywood Gossip by Louella Parsons, March 25, 1944

Posted on March 25, 2014 by lmharnisch

March 25, 1944, Louella Parsons

March 25, 1944

HOLLYWOOD, March 24 — The ink was hardly dry on the galley proofs of Mrs. Irving Berlin’s book “The Land I Have Chosen” when Jack Warner bought it. Ellin wrote the book, a story of the American way of living and the importance of sound democracy after the war, while Irving was in England with “This Is the Army.” Doubleday-Doran plans to bring the book out May 19. There is a strong possibility Ellin will come here to work on her story, but that depends on whether Irving again goes overseas.

Jack says there are two strong women characters, and these two roles will probably go to Ida Lupino and Barbara Stanwyck. At the time Ellin married Irving the newspapers were full of the romantic story of the heiress and the songwriter who got his start in life on the East Side. Her father was bitterly opposed to the match. But he couldn’t intimate that Irving was interested in the Clarence Mackay fortune for Irving said he could give his bride a million dollars if she wanted it.

From the Milwaukee Sentinel.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, Books and Authors, Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on 1944 in Print — Hollywood Gossip by Louella Parsons, March 25, 1944

1944 in Print — Walter Winchell on Broadway, March 25, 1955

Posted on March 25, 2014 by lmharnisch

March 25, 1944, Walter Winchell

March 25, 1944

A Broadwayite in Italy

Mel Diamond files this report from Italy:

Ernie Pyle was with us for about six weeks and a simpler and more unpretentious celebrity I have never known. In fact, if you didn’t happen to know that he was a newspaper personage he’d strike you, if at all, as being an obscure private with an inferiority complex. He says very little, and is scrupulous about minding his own business. He’s courteous to a fault and shy. Perhaps that’s why it came as a jolt to most of us when he walked up to Doris Fleeson during our Christmas night supper and kissed her square on the mouth. He may have been feeling emotionally high, which would account for it, but whatever it was it certainly started something. Six other correspondents gleefully lined up and followed suit. For the record, let it be cited that Doris was the only lady present at our shindig that night, she was very flushed, and very beautiful.

From the St. Petersburg Times.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, Columnists, World War II | Tagged , , | Comments Off on 1944 in Print — Walter Winchell on Broadway, March 25, 1955

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on March 24, 2014 by lmharnisch

image
This is “Mr. Wu,” directed by William Nigh, starring Lon Chaney, with Louise Dresser, Renee Adoree, Ralph Forbes and …

image
“Mr. Wu” was based on a play by Henry Maurice Vernon and Harold Owen, adapted by Lorna Moon with titles by Lotta Woods. Designed by Cedric Gibbons and Richard Day, with costumes by Lucia Coulter and edited by Ben Lewis and photographed by John Arnold.

This isn’t the first time I have criticized a score added to a silent movie (I did hear from a Robert Israel fan who took me to task about my comments), but the score by Maria Newman is just awful.

To add authenticity, some of the titles are apparently in Chinese. These go by pretty fast, so I’m not even sure I have them in the correct order.

image

image

image

image

"Mr. Wu"

Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 38 Comments

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Samuel S. Hinds, Pasadena Playhouse Founder, Movie Actor

Posted on March 24, 2014 by lmharnisch

Samuel S. Hinds


Samuel S. Hinds, courtesy of Mary Mallory.


Some people are lucky enough to work in a profession doing something they love, offering both pleasure and satisfaction. Others work at jobs that allow them to make a living while pursuing hobbies and passions. Samuel S. Hinds ended up doing both, performing in theatrical productions as a passionate hobby before turning it into his avocation and career.

Born on April 4, 1875, Hinds grew up in an educated, successful family. His father, Joseph, a lifelong friend of Mark Twain and Thomas Alva Edison, owned and operated a successful printing and lithography business in New York, later serving as president of the United States Playing Card Co. and the lithography company Russell-Morgan in Cincinnati. His New York printing company became the first business illuminated with electric lights by Edison in 1881. The senior Hinds proudly exhibited one of the three first lighted globes in his Pasadena house.

Mary Mallory’s “Hollywoodland: Tales Lost and Found” is available for the Kindle.

Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory, Pasadena, Stage | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

1944 on the Radio — Victor Moore Visits ‘Amos ‘N’ Andy,’ March 24, 1944

Posted on March 24, 2014 by lmharnisch

radio_dial_1944

March 24, 1944

It’s Friday in 1944, which means we have:

— Victor Moore is the guest on “Amos ‘N’ Andy.” Courtesy of Archive.org.

— “The Lone Ranger.” Courtesy of Archive.org.

Posted in 1944, Radio | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on 1944 on the Radio — Victor Moore Visits ‘Amos ‘N’ Andy,’ March 24, 1944

World War II on the Radio — March 24, 1944

Posted on March 24, 2014 by lmharnisch

radio_dial_1944

March 24, 1944

image
Background on T. Sgt. Fred Welker, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Feb. 5, 1942.

— “A Night in a Foxhole” recorded on one of the Marshall Islands. The names are a bit difficult to discern, but the recording was apparently made by Marine combat correspondent T. Sgt. Fred Welker and engineer T.Sgt. Keen Hepburn. The audio quality isn’t great, but it does capture the insanity of war. In the middle of heavy fighting, a chicken wanders past.

Posted in 1944, Radio, World War II | Tagged , , | Comments Off on World War II on the Radio — March 24, 1944

1944 in Print — Hollywood Gossip by Louella Parsons, March 24, 1944

Posted on March 24, 2014 by lmharnisch

March 24, 1944, Bill Robinson

Bill Robinson: “The Dark Cloud of Joy!”

Louella Parsons, March 24, 1944

March 24, 1944

SNAPSHOTS OF HOLLYWOOD COLLECTED AT RANDOM: Staff Sgt. Jack Foisle, the 24-year-old writer who revealed the yarn about Americans shooting down their own planes, was guest at a newspaper dinner. He is very shy and blushes easily; an amusing sight — two little fans watching Herbert Marshall dozing at the wheel of his car while Lee (Mrs. M.) was inside a market shopping. The youngsters were as quiet as mice waiting for Bart to awaken and sign their autographs; Jennie Lee is the name of the wealthy Texas beauty who has been doing the night spots with Red Skelton; Wallie Beery has been smiling at Jackie Glass, a comely showgirl; Benny Baker has joined Skeets Gallager in the road company of “Good Night Ladies.” He is taking Stu Erwin’s role. The Erwins return to Hollywood.

From the Milwaukee Sentinel.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, African Americans, Columnists, Film, Hollywood, World War II | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on 1944 in Print — Hollywood Gossip by Louella Parsons, March 24, 1944

1944 in Print — Walter Winchell on Broadway, March 24, 1944

Posted on March 24, 2014 by lmharnisch

March 24, 1944, Walter Winchell

March 24, 1944

Soldiers of the Press

Under fire from some members of Congress, Walter Winchell says: Every crusading newspaperman has discovered that his life is just a bed of thorns. Truth is as a red flag to the bull in certain groups … During the Revolution a great American aimed his pungent pen at those who obstructed the battle for freedom. The powerful men he irked launched a campaign of vilification against him and drove him out of the country. He later returned and died in poverty … Now he is remembered as one of the most eloquent voices of American liberty: Thomas Paine.

From the St. Petersburg Times.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, Columnists | Tagged , | Comments Off on 1944 in Print — Walter Winchell on Broadway, March 24, 1944

When the Nation Pulled Together — Another Good Story Ruined

Posted on March 24, 2014 by lmharnisch

image

March 24, 1944

In the popular imagination, World War II was a time of national unity, the era of the “Greatest Generation,” when the nation put aside its differences to defeat a common enemy. Everyone loved President Roosevelt and no one complained about paying their taxes.

Then we turn to the old newspapers, which present a far different picture of the same partisan divisions and bitter political fighting that we have today. As for the myth that nobody complained about their patriotic duty of paying taxes – this story shows it just ain’t so.

From the St. Petersburg Times.

Posted in 1944, Another Good Story Ruined, World War II | Tagged , , | Comments Off on When the Nation Pulled Together — Another Good Story Ruined

1944 in Print — The Lyons Den, March 23, 1944

Posted on March 23, 2014 by lmharnisch

March 23, 1944, Leonard Lysons

March 23, 1944

When Walter Winchell didn’t file a column, the St. Petersburg Times ran Leonard Lyons’ “The Lyons Den” instead. All of which will be explained in a few days.

At Mrs. Evelyn Walsh McLean’s party in Washington, Rep. Clare Luce discussed some Republican candidates with Henri Bernstein, the dramatist. “Willkie and Dewey will lock horns,” said Representative Luce. “neither will be able to budge the other and then MacArthur will come up as the dark horse.” When Bernstein made no comment, Mrs. Luce asked: “Don’t you think so? Such things have happened before, you know. Don’t you think MacArthur will come up as the dark horse?” … “What I was thinking,” replied Bernstein, “is that if such a thing should happen it will be the first time a dark horse came up on a white horse.”

From the St. Petersburg Times.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, Columnists, Film, Hollywood, Politics | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on 1944 in Print — The Lyons Den, March 23, 1944

1944 on the Radio — Linda Darnell Visits ‘Abbott and Costello,’ March 23, 1944

Posted on March 23, 2014 by lmharnisch

radio_dial_1944

March 23, 1944

It’s Thursday in 1944, which means we have:

— Linda Darnell is the guest on “The Abbott and Costello Show,” with the current popular hit “Speak Low.” Courtesy of Otrrlibary.org via Archive.org.

— “The Dinah Shore Program.” Courtesy of Archive.org.

Posted in 1944, Film, Hollywood, Music, Radio, World War II | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on 1944 on the Radio — Linda Darnell Visits ‘Abbott and Costello,’ March 23, 1944

1944 in Print — Hollywood Gossip by Louella Parsons, March 23, 1944

Posted on March 23, 2014 by lmharnisch

image

“Two pictures that search into the truth behind today’s moral menace!”

March 23, 1944, Louella Parsons

March 23, 1944

MAUREEN O’SULLIVAN’S $2,500 PIN WASN’T intentionally stolen after all. It was all an accident — but it should be a lesson to fans who make a habit of grabbing flowers and handkerchiefs from movie stars. This morning Father Moran of St. Benedict’s church called Maureen to explain what had happened. One of his parishioners, who is a movie fan, had been standing in line when Maureen came out of a broadcasting station. She was wearing a corsage and the little fan reached out and grabbed it for a “souvenir” and then ran. She didn’t realize until she was several blocks away that the valuable pin was dangling on the corsage. She took it immediately to her priest, who returned it to Maureen.

From the Milwaukee Sentinel.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

LAPD Scrapbook: Police Crime Laboratory Beats Best Exploits of Sherlock Holmes, March 10, 1946

Posted on March 22, 2014 by lmharnisch

March 10, 1946, LAPD Crime Lab

March 10, 1946, LAPD Crime Lab

March 10, 1946

Here’s a feature from the LAPD scrapbooks at the city archives on police chemist Ray Pinker and the LAPD crime lab, which in those days was at the old Central Police Station on 1st Street.

Bloodstain pattern analysis in 1946? Yes, the LAPD was doing it.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1946, Crime and Courts, LAPD | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on LAPD Scrapbook: Police Crime Laboratory Beats Best Exploits of Sherlock Holmes, March 10, 1946

1944 in Print — Hollywood Gossip by Louella Parsons, March 22, 1944

Posted on March 22, 2014 by lmharnisch

March 22, 1944, A Guy Named Joe

March 22, 1944, Louella Parsons

March 22, 1944

SNAPSHOTS OF HOLLYWOOD COLLECTED AT RANDOM: The Dick Powell–Joan Blondell rift is expected to reach the courts soon; Mrs. John Jacob Astor and her 9-year-old son were in Hollywood for the day en route home after spending the winter in Tucson; Mary Carlisle Blakely expects her baby the middle of June. She will leave as soon as she is able to travel to join her husband in Brazil. Bob Hope reported in a hospital in Porto Rico following a collapse; Judy Garland and Peter Lawford are a dancing twosome; Claudette Colbert has bought Peyton Hall, the apartment house built on the old Joseph Schenck–Norma Talmadge estate. She must have paid a pretty penny for it; Bobby Breen, believe it or not, showed up at the Clover Club with pretty Marjorie Weiss on his arm. He has been studying hard since he left the screen;

From the Milwaukee Sentinel.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on 1944 in Print — Hollywood Gossip by Louella Parsons, March 22, 1944

1944 on the Radio — Betty Hutton Visits ‘Orson Welles Radio Almanac,’ March 22, 1944

Posted on March 22, 2014 by lmharnisch

radio_dial_1944

March 22, 1944

It’s Wednesday in 1944, which means we have:

— Betty Hutton is the guest on “Orson Welles’ Radio Almanac.” Courtesy of Archive.org.

— Earl Wrightson is the guest on “To Your Good Health,” a musical program, from the House of Squib. Courtesy of Otrrlibrary.org via Archive.org.

Posted in 1944, Film, Hollywood, Music, Radio | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on 1944 on the Radio — Betty Hutton Visits ‘Orson Welles Radio Almanac,’ March 22, 1944

1944 in Print — Walter Winchell on Broadway, March 22, 1944

Posted on March 22, 2014 by lmharnisch

image

March 22, 1944

Man About Town

Lyle Talbot is getting used to civilian life with Judy Cook … Vaughn Paul, the ex of Deanna Durbin, is trying to make Joy Barlow his next … The Humphrey Bogarts are gunning for alleged friends who are trying to divide them.

Free Advt: Rep Martin Dies, as announced, will be given radio time next Sunday eve’g (March 26th) to reply to statements by this reporter, which Mr. Dies claims he can refute, etc… Mr. Dies, not long ago, got careless with his remarks (while not enjoying house immunity) and was sued in a libel action for $75,000 — the costs of which the taxpayers had to pay for him. His big humiliation is this: We recently reported that the Dies Committee (which was formed to uncover subversive activities) had nothing to do with the indictments of the 30 persons now waiting trial for allegedly conspiring against the country. The FBI, the Dept. of Justice and newspapers did the job the Dies Committee was supposed to do.

From the St. Petersburg Times.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1944, Columnists, Film, Hollywood, Politics | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on 1944 in Print — Walter Winchell on Broadway, March 22, 1944

LAPD Scrapbook: Los Angeles Crime Down for 1948

Posted on March 21, 2014 by lmharnisch

January 1949

January-February 1949

Here’s another item from the LAPD scrapbooks at the city archives: Los Angeles records a decrease in crime for 1948 compared to 1947, according to figures in the Pacific Coast International Law Enforcement News.

Posted in 1948, 1949, Crime and Courts, LAPD | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on LAPD Scrapbook: Los Angeles Crime Down for 1948

1944 on the Radio — Rita Hayworth on ‘Burns and Allen,’ March 21, 1944

Posted on March 21, 2014 by lmharnisch

radio_dial_1944

March 21, 1944

It’s Tuesday in 1944 and today we have:

— Rita Hayworth is the guest on “Burns and Allen.” Courtesy of Otrrlibrary.org

— “Fibber McGee and Molly.” Courtesy of Archive.org.

Posted in 1944, Film, Hollywood, Radio | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on 1944 on the Radio — Rita Hayworth on ‘Burns and Allen,’ March 21, 1944