Filming at the track in 1935: The building was designed by Architect Gordon B. Kaufmann (who also designed the Los Angeles Times building) in a fluid Art Deco style – 1936: The entrance and the paddock – 1936: A view of the stands the year it was completed – 1934:…
Author: Vickie Lester
Susannah Corwin is a screenwriter and novelist (under the pen name of “Vickie Lester”). She started her career as a production assistant after studying Film at an east coast university. Her first duties behind the scenes in Hollywood included locating actors who had wandered away from set for romantic assignations. One particularly memorable roundup involved chivying said actors back into the makeup trailer where she picked up a sponge to help reapply their fake tans as they were required onset faster than all hands could paint them. Susannah Corwin’s screenplays have been optioned by David Matalon, Alan Blomquist, A. Kitman Ho, and Kevin Spacey. Her first novel, “It’s In His Kiss”, a modern Hollywood Noir, was published May 2014. She writes the blog “Beguiling Hollywood” (vickielester.com) peeking into the glittering past of Tinseltown with the witty eye of an educated observer. Susannah is now writing her second novel, “You Don’t Own Me” about a Hollywood babysitter who rises to studio boss.
Marion Davies 1927: Bing Crosby at Del Mar – 1937: Joe E. Brown and Mrs. Edwardo Blackburn in the 1940s: Tony Curtis, Carol Burnett, and Cary Grant at Hollywood Park – 1978:
The Sowdon House is the Lloyd Wright designed residence most people are familiar with on Franklin. I thought it looked creepy even before I knew its history – this one I much prefer – built in 1927: http://www.trulia.com/property/1092276255-858-N-Doheny-Dr-Los-Angeles-CA-90069
This is how I kit myself out to clean the fireplace… Imagine how I’d react if the kitchen weren’t sealed off, I’d probably be in a haz mat suit. And, since we’re having temperatures in the 95-105 range that wouldn’t be at all pleasant. Last time it was a great…
When I was young (the year was 1989) I got to see Ella Fitzgerald at the Hollywood Bowl – I’d never heard her before, and I was enchanted. I think she must have been in her eighties and at one point she stepped too far and stumbled off the stage…
I don’t want to post pictures of the exterior because it’s been modified, and quelle surprise, I don’t like it. But, this living room with furniture designed by the architect and lake views is fabulous.
April 18th, 1961 Elizabeth Taylor arrives at the Academy Awards in a gown designed by Dior with her husband Eddie Fisher: Best Actor to Burt Lancaster for “Elmer Gantry, and Best Actress to Elizabeth Taylor for “Butterfield 8”:
Leon Shamroy – Oscar for color cinematography: . . James Wong Howe – Oscar for black and white cinematography: . . Winners with Jimmy Stewart at the 1964 awards ceremony: .
“His Girl Friday” starring Rosiland Russell and Cary Grant: Hildy Johnson: Now, get this, you double-crossing chimpanzee: There ain’t going to be any interview and there ain’t going to be any story. And that certified check of yours is leaving with me in twenty minutes. I wouldn’t cover the burning…