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Hollywood’s first 50 years, until the freeway changed the landscape forever


Ciro’s on the Sunset Strip
“The most attractive nightclub Hollywood has ever known” opened its doors at 8433 Sunset Boulevard in 1940.
Feb 22


Edna Cudahy’s Hollywood House of Death
Did the curse of “Jinx Mansion” follow Edna Cudahy to her next Hollywood home?
Feb 4

Was Norma Talmadge’s Hollywood Home “Jinxed”?
Everyone who lived under the red-tile roof at 7269 Hollywood Boulevard suffered some misfortune, from divorce to death.
Jan 6


Christmas 1932: Hollywood Takes Over Santa Claus Lane
Instead of the traditional Christmas tree decor, 178 famous faces festooned Hollywood Boulevard from La Brea to Vine.
Dec 23, 2024


L. Frank Baum’s Ozcot (1910-1954)
It’s truly wicked what became of “Ozcot,” the Hollywood home of L. Frank Baum.
Nov 13, 2024


Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Hollywood
“The Star Who Would Not Go Hollywood,” Frances Farmer ultimately went out kicking and screaming in 1943.
Sep 18, 2024


Chateau Rossmore, Mauretania Apartments, Jack Haley -- and the Truth
The iconic apartment buildings on Rossmore Avenue share an interesting architectural past.
Jul 26, 2024


Cafe Montmartre: Hollywood’s First Nightclub
Uncover the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's golden age at Cafe Montmartre. Discover its star-studded history and iconic celeb clientele.
Jun 13, 2024


Marilyn Monroe’s Childhood Home
Marilyn Monroe’s troubled childhood had a brief bright spot in 1933, when her mother purchased a home near the Hollywood Bowl.
May 31, 2024


Cinegrill: Roosevelt Hotel’s Film-Themed Hotspot
Hollywood Roosevelt hotspot Cinegrill paid tribute to the motion picture industry of past, present, and future.
Dec 18, 2023


Outpost Estates: Hillside Homes of Happiness
Go back in time to Charles E. Toberman's Hollywood hillside residential park in the late 1920s.
Dec 10, 2023


The Hoodoo House of Hollywood
Is this a house of evil destiny? The famous occupants of 2183 Argyle Avenue all seemed cursed in the early 1920s.
Oct 29, 2023


The Jade on Hollywood Boulevard
On any given night, you could rub elbows with Hedy Lamar or watch Peggy Lee perform.
Aug 17, 2023


Ivar House: A Garden in the Heart of Hollywood
Just steps from the bustling Boulevard, Orsina Gray created a tranquil outdoor dining atmosphere surrounded by fruit trees.
Aug 15, 2023


Marilyn Monroe Leaves Handprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell put their hands in wet cement at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
Jun 26, 2023


Opening Night at Pantages Theatre
The Pantages Theatre formally opened on June 4, 1930 with the premiere of MGM’s The Florodora Girl starring Marion Davies. Hundreds of...
Jun 6, 2023


Hollywood Canteen
During World War II, servicemen on liberty passes in Los Angeles could stop by the Hollywood Canteen on Cahuenga Boulevard for a night of...
Jun 4, 2023


Earl Carroll Theatre: Hollywood’s Entertainment Palace
Earl Carroll built Hollywood’s premier entertainment palace for his princess: singer-dancer-actress Beryl Wallace—whom he immortalized...
May 26, 2023


6-Year-Old Marilyn Monroe at the Hollywood Bowl (Photo Exclusive)
In 1933, little Norma Jean was selected by her elementary school to be one of the children who form the event’s “living cross.”
Apr 7, 2023


A Tale of Two Castles
A man’s home is his castle. But for Dr. A.G. Castles, his home was quite literally a castle: The eccentric art collector built a pair of...
Jan 25, 2023
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