Category: Film

October 9, 2012 /

This week is going to be light on text and heavy on pictures as I reassemble my kitchen (and put my household back in order). Saturday my breakfast companion was aghast when I turned up at our weekly dim sum rendezvous wearing black slip on sandals, jeans, a black T-shirt,…

October 7, 2012 /

As you might have gleaned by now, when there’s a story to tell about Hollywood, I’m inclined to change the names and mix it up a bit to protect the innocent. What follows is mostly true, except what’s not. “Okay. No baseball. What you’ve got to do is barge back…

October 7, 2012 /

As you might have gleaned by now, when there’s a story to tell about Hollywood, I’m inclined to change the names and mix it up a bit to protect the innocent. What follows is mostly true, except what’s not. Bill Aagard, a first time film director, met Tessa Moynihan, a…

October 6, 2012 /
October 6, 2012 /

Musso’s on Wilshire: And, Frank’s was on Hollywood Blvd. Frank Toulet’s restaurant was on Hollywood Blvd. since 1919. When John Musso joined him they moved next door – where the restaurant is still located. I recommend sitting at the counter and sipping the perfect martini while watching pure artistry as…

October 6, 2012 /

Hettem’s on Vermont opening day 1931: Look at those light fixtures! If the Depression hadn’t wiped me out I may have gotten my De Soto out of the garage and headed over to the store. Another of the lesser known buildings by Morgan, Walls, and Clements – a car dealership…

October 5, 2012 /

Even the grocery stores were glamorous – designed by Morgan, Walls & Clements (also designed the Chapman Market) – this firm designed some of the most iconic buildings of early Hollywood (and I promise we’ll get to these landmarks) but for now we’ll roll with my fascination with the mundane…

October 2, 2012 /

From the tips of your toes to the top of your head – elements of style from hats to escalators: –

September 30, 2012 /

As you might have gleaned by now, when there’s a story to tell about Hollywood, I’m inclined to change the names and mix it up a bit to protect the innocent. What follows is mostly true, except what’s not. Once upon a time a gifted comedienne, Marion Davies, fell hard…

September 29, 2012 /

Okay, it was my intention when I started this blog never to be crass, or destructive, or part of the weird gawker aspect of a fame driven news cycle; and to that end I’ve tried to write pieces mostly on Hollywood history – which means I usually write about people…