A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

Posted on September 24, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 24, 1942, Movies

Sept. 24, 1942: "Wake Island" opens in Los Angeles. 

Posted in Film, Hollywood | 1 Comment

Black Dahlia Revisited

Posted on September 24, 2009 by lmharnisch

Jan. 16, 1947, Examiner Cover

I need to make a few points about the coverage of the Black Dahlia case before I move on. The killing and the subsequent investigation are incredibly complicated and the false claims, ridiculous "true crime" books and crackpot websites have only muddied the waters even further. So I'll keep this brief.

The Los Angeles Examiner was Hearst's morning competition to the Los Angeles Times. Hearst's afternoon paper was the Herald-Express, created in the early 1930s in the merger of the Herald and the Express. There was also the Daily News (not related to the current Daily News of Los Angeles), which was founded in the 1920s. 

After World War II, The Times acquired the Daily News and incorporated it into the Mirror, which became the Mirror-News, an afternoon paper competing with the Herald-Express. The Mirror (where I got the name for the blog) was intended to be a more sensational counterpart to the staid, traditional Los Angeles Times.

In 1962, The Times folded the Mirror-News and Hearst folded the Examiner, leaving The Times as Los Angeles' sole morning paper and the new Herald Examiner as the sole evening paper. (Of course the region had many other suburban papers–but I'm keeping this simple). Because the names Herald-Express and Herald Examiner are similar, many people, especially younger folks who don't remember the Examiner,  confuse the two.

Paul Cardinal writes:

"I am a 73-year-old who was about age 10 when the Black Dahlia murder
happened. The actual name of the paper then which was an afternoon
paper was, the "Herald Express." What most people today would not
believe, is, when the Dahlia murder happened, initially, the Herald
actually had front page photos of Elizabeth Short's Torso and Morgue
photos. Yes, they actually did that in 1946 or 47.
The morning delivered Times nor the Examiner would never have anything
to do with printing those photos and of course the Herald in their eyes
printed them to boost circulation.
I don't make this stuff up.
The former Examiner Reporter either wasn't around at that time or
doesn't have much of a memory."

As Vincent Bugliosi says: "The palest ink is better than the best memory." Actually, the Examiner ran a Page 1 photo of Elizabeth Short's body with a blanket painted over it, shown above. The Herald Express and the Daily News followed with heavily retouched morgue shots on Page 1 in an attempt to identify her.

The Times, in one of its most questionable news decisions, ran the story inside every day with one exception: The arrest of Joseph Dumais as a suspect.

Here's more on the early history of Los Angeles' newspapers, from 1932.

Sept. 4, 1932, Newspapers

Sept. 4, 1932, Newspapers

Posted in #courts, @news, Front Pages, Homicide, LAPD | 1 Comment

UCLA Fires Angela Davis; Meet Halo Harry

Posted on September 24, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 24, 1969, B.C.

Sept. 24, 1969: Johnny Hart on the new incivility.

Sept. 24, 1969, Angela Davis
The late Ken Reich interviews Angela Davis. 		Sept. 24, 1969, Angela Davis
Reich writes: Angela Davis, 25, says her role in the "struggle for black liberation" had marked her as a special target for the University of California regents. She accused them of "fascist encroachment" on her rights.

"As a black woman, my politics and political affiliation are bound up with and flow from participation in my people's struggle for liberation, and with the fight of oppressed people all over the world against American imperialism," she says.

Sept. 24, 1969, Movies

Rex Harrison and Richard Burton play two hairdressers who live together in "Staircase." No, it's not on Netflix.

Sept. 26, 1969, Staircase

Sept. 26, 1969: Charles Champlin reviews "Staircase," saying that Harrison and Burton do a credible job of portraying two gays. 

Sept. 24, 1969, Sports

Before the Rally Monkey there was  Halo Harry.

The Angels didn't have many fans in 1969 but they did have a cheerleader of sorts, a regular guy who got fed up with his fellow fans acting as if they were in a library.

"I just got sick and tired of watching everyone just sit there," Jay Freese told The Times' Dave Distel. So one day he started wearing a straw hat with a halo attached by a wire.

I remember seeing Harry at the Big A, walking through the ballpark trying to get people to clap or cheer, anything. He certainly wasn't an in your face cheerleader, threatening your manhood because you didn't want to help him start The Wave. I hate those guys.

Distel pointed out that Harry seemed to have a winning effect on the team, just as today's Angels broadcasters love to trumpet the Rally Monkey's impact.

He certainly wasn't improving the attendance. A day after the story appeared, the Angels played their final home game in front of only 5,728 people.

–Keith Thursby
Posted in #gays and lesbians, art and artists, Comics, Education, Film, Front Pages, Hollywood, Politics, Sports | 1 Comment

Dodgers Tie for First!

Posted on September 24, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 24, 1959, Cover

The Dodgers and Braves were sprinting to the finish. The Giants were
stumbling and wishing it had ended a week ago, when they still have a
shot to reach the World Series.

Roger Craig, who lost 17 games in the minors a season ago, pitched a
five-hitter to lead the Dodgers to a 3-0 victory over the Cardinals in
St. Louis. That put Los Angeles in a first-place tie with Milwaukee.
San Francisco was in third, two games out.

Only three games to play.

–Keith Thursby

Posted in Dodgers, Front Pages, Sports | Comments Off on Dodgers Tie for First!

48,000-Acre Lankershim Ranch Sold to Developers

Posted on September 24, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 24, 1909, Lankershim Ranch

Sept. 24, 1909: The 48,000-acre Lankershim Ranch is sold to investors who will subdivide it for homes.

Sept. 24, 1909, Lankershim Ranch

The Times says of this milestone in the development of the San Fernando Valley: "This is the largest and most notable real estate transaction ever made in Southern California. The ranch just sold is the largest undivided piece of property in Los Angeles County, having a length of 15 miles and a width of more than 6 1/2 miles."

Posted in Architecture, San Fernando Valley | Comments Off on 48,000-Acre Lankershim Ranch Sold to Developers

Found on EBay — Bullock’s Wilshire

Posted on September 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

Bullock's Wilshire Toy Catalogue _toys_ebay
 This 1946 toy catalogue from Bullock's Wilshire has been listed on EBay. Of all the Bullock's items that have turned up on EBay since I have been posting about them, this is one of the more interesting. It's a time capsule of postwar toys for people who had money. Bidding starts at $5.
Posted in art and artists, Fashion | Comments Off on Found on EBay — Bullock’s Wilshire

September 23, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Posted on September 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

September 23, 1959: Mirror CoverSeptember 23, 1959: To folks who think traffic in Los Angeles is a new problem, please read the stories on 1) freeways 2) new buses 3) moving sidewalks. Bonus story 4) drunk drivers.

Matt Weinstock on the complaint that teachers spend too much time maintaining order in the classroom and too little time teaching. “And yet I happen to know that on the third day of school a knife with a 3-inch blade was taken from an arrogant 9-year-old by a child welfare and attendance officer, who says grimly: “It looks like another tough year.”

 

Posted in Columnists, Education, Front Pages, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on September 23, 1959: Matt Weinstock

September 23, 1959: Paul V. Coates — Confidential File

Posted on September 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

September 23, 1959: Mirror Cover

September 23, 1959: In Iowa, a host tells Nikita Khrushchev: “We have a saying — the Lord helps those who help themselves.”

Khrushchev replies: “God is helping us too, because we are developing quicker, and God therefore is on our side. He helps the intelligent.” One thing that struck me in reading the old stories about Khrushchev’s visit is how often he made biblical references. There’s no question that religion was against communist teachings and Soviet policy, and yet his conversation is dotted with Christian references.

The Air Force cancels the F-108 and North American Aviation announces plans to lay off 2,000 employees, divided evenly between plants in Los Angeles and Columbus, Ohio.

Paul Coates on how not to start a conversation … and Abby’s advice to a widow who wants to meet a good man and get married.

Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates | Comments Off on September 23, 1959: Paul V. Coates — Confidential File

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

Posted on September 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 23, 1941, Yank in the RAF

Sept. 23, 1941: Tyrone Power in "A Yank in the R.A.F."

Posted in Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

Coming Attractions — ONE Archives

Posted on September 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

Cruising Protest
"Cruising Protest" by A.J. Epstein, showing a 1980 rally against the movie "Cruising." 		ONE Archives Gallery & Museum will present "Queer Culture: The Photographs of A. J. Epstein" with an opening on Sept. 26, 2009, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The exhibition, at 626. N. Robertson Ave. in West Hollywood, will continue to Jan. 10, 2010. The hours are Fridays 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturdays  and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free but donations are requested.

Posted in Coming Attractions | Comments Off on Coming Attractions — ONE Archives

Naked Men Found in Women’s Spa

Posted on September 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 23, 1919, Comics

Sept. 23, 1919: “Movie of a Man Holding the Wire,” by Clare Briggs.

Sept. 23, 1919, Tan

How to get rid of that summer tan.

Sept. 23, 1919, Massage

There’s a small problem with Kate Carpenter’s bath and massage emporium for women: Authorities keep finding naked men there. Alvin C. Hammer pleads guilty to drunk driving. This story implies that before July 1919, drunk driving was legal. I’ll have to look into that.

Posted in #courts, art and artists, Comics, Fashion, Food and Drink | Comments Off on Naked Men Found in Women’s Spa

Circus Performer Charged With Animal Cruelty

Posted on September 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 23, 1909, W.D. Deeble

Sept. 23, 1909: Cartoonist Edmund Waller "Ted" Gale draws W.D. Deeble.


Sept. 23, 1909, Circus

Now wait a minute. We had a story yesterday about two women hobos who were arrested because they dressed like men. Here we have Albert Hodgini, who dresses up like a woman to perform stunts on horseback for Ringling Bros. circus. According to Times' clips, the Hodgini family was known for its trick riding.

Posted in #courts, Animals, art and artists | Comments Off on Circus Performer Charged With Animal Cruelty

Cooking With the Junior League — Ginger Cookies

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Ginger Cookies

 In the latest post on Cooking With the Junior League, Mary McCoy makes Til McCutcheon’s Ginger Cookies from the Rochester, NY, Junior League cookbook, "Applehood and Motherpie."

The introduction begins: My mother’s aunt Til had a bake shop in Valois, New York, in the mid-1800s. This is the ginger cookie recipe from her shop.

Read more>>>

Posted in Food and Drink | Comments Off on Cooking With the Junior League — Ginger Cookies

Found on EBay — Engineer Bill

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Engineer Bill Poster

This bit of memorabilia for "Cartoon Express" TV show host Engineer Bill Stulla has been listed on EBay.  Bidding starts at $10.
Posted in broadcasting, Television | Comments Off on Found on EBay — Engineer Bill

September 22, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

September 22, 1959: How the city library saves money in tough times.

“Sometimes I think many people only think they think for themselves,” Matt Weinstock says. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Columnists, Countdown to Watts, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on September 22, 1959: Matt Weinstock

September 22, 1959: Paul V. Coates — Confidential File

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

September 22, 1959: Los Angeles Mirror CoverSeptember 22, 1959: Mayor Poulson deliberately “shoved the knife” into Soviet Premier Khrushchev, two television newscasters charged today.

Paul Coates takes a survey on what people think about the visit of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.

Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates | Comments Off on September 22, 1959: Paul V. Coates — Confidential File

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 22, 1940, Marjorie Rambeau

Sept. 22, 1940: Hedda Hopper writes about Marjorie Rambeau, one of our former mystery guests!

Marjorie RambeauLos Angeles Times file photo

Marjorie Rambeau in "The Night Duel," 1926.

Posted in Film, Hollywood | 1 Comment

U.S. Tightens Border; DiMaggio and the Angels?

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 22, 1969, Cover

Sept. 22, 1969: The U.S. tightens inspections at the border as part of Operation Intercept.

Sept. 22, 1969, Hippies

And hippies gather at Griffith Park.

Sept. 22, 1969, Akron

Akron had everything for the swinging bachelor pad — including armor.

Sept. 22, 1969, Li'l Abner

Al Capp satirized all sorts of people and popular culture in the 1960s. In this panel, he makes fun of Philip Roth's bestseller "Portnoy's Complaint." 

Sept. 22, 1969, Paint Your Wagon

An ad for "Paint Your Wagon" by Peter Max, an artist who helped define the look of the 1960s. His artwork used to be everywhere.

Sept. 22, 1969, Sports

The Yankee Clipper as Angel manager in 1970?

Joe DiMaggio's name surfaced in a story by The Times' John Wiebusch
on potential replacements for Angel Manager Lefty Phillips. DiMaggio
was in the mix but only because he was telling associates he wanted no
part of a managerial job. Smart man.

Others rumored to be possibilities included another former Yankee
player, Hank Bauer, and Red Schoendienst, who had been a player, coach
and manager with the Cardinals.

Of course, none of those potential managers actually took over.
Phillips stayed for the disaster that became the Angels' 1970 season.

–Keith Thursby

Posted in art and artists, books, Comics, Film, Hollywood, Parks and Recreation, Sports | 1 Comment

George ‘Evil Genius’ Hodel Rides Again II

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

“Most Evil,” Page 190, photos shown to support Stevel Hodel’s contention that his father was Zodiac.

I turned on the computer this morning, made a pot of coffee and cracked open Steve Hodel’s “Most Evil.” And I sighed. For anyone who knows anything about historic crimes, this book is a joke. If “Black Dahlia Avenger” was seeing the face of Jesus on a tortilla, then “Most Evil” is the whole enchilada — with rice and beans.

Here’s an example. On Pages 191-192 of “Most Evil,” Steve Hodel gives his father’s shoe size as 10E to support his contention that his father was the Zodiac killer. And, as anyone who isn’t steeped in the minutia of old crimes will ask, “What’s wrong with that?” Continue reading →

Posted in books, LAPD | 18 Comments

Bullet Claims an Innocent Victim

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Sept. 22, 1919, Vigilantes


Sept. 22, 1919: "The Vigilantes" is playing at the Victory Theater, 838 S. Broadway.

Sept. 22, 1919, Shooting

Sept. 22, 1909:
Nicolas Rodriguez is killed when a bullet ricochets several times and strikes him as he rides his bicycle near 3rd Street and Traction Avenue.

"It was just one of those ordinary sordid tragedies that every now and then find their way into the police records. The same dismal combination of motives and elements marked its formation: The woman whose youth and beauty are fading, the drink-crazed lover, the bottle of liquor and the loaded gun.

Posted in #courts, LAPD | Comments Off on Bullet Claims an Innocent Victim