here is an aerial view looking across the former courthouse site towards the exact location of the image of mickey and johnny walking on broadway.

http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics46/00042941.jpg
Source: LAPL

here's a photo, i know i have never seen before...........................


looking north on hill towards the tunnels while they and the hill are being demolished 1955. that's the broadway hotel beyond the pile of remnants of the hill on the right'

http://jpg1.lapl.org/00092/00092850.jpg
Source: LAPL

i can't beleive they allowed traffic to continue use of the west tunnel, this far into the demolition process. :eek:


here is the same view the year before, just prior to commencement of the destruction

http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics35/00067353.jpg
Source: LAPL

You have a eagle eye connecting that photo of Cohen & Stompanato with the aerial.
You can clearly see the CAFE and car park......good job gsjansen!

Those two tunnel photos are new to me as well. They're very interesting.

another photograph of the hill street tunnel being demolished 1955

this time we are looking more north easterly with the hall of justice looming beyond the hotel broadway. (note the sign on the far left announcing the new court house)

http://jpg1.lapl.org/00092/00092851.jpg
Source: LAPL

the same view once again a year earlier

http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics37/00068279.jpg
Source: LAPL

here is an image of the tunnel in 1928

http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics17/00028090.jpg
Source: LAPL

just add water!

i'm glad you were finally able to post this, well worth the wait!

a very interesting image taken from city hall during the demolition of the courthouse.

if you look to the right of the hall of records, you can make out the north onion dome of the beth israel olive street shul. the turreted building to the right of the shul is the st. angelo at grand and temple.


http://jpg2.lapl.org/pics17/00018445.jpg
Source: LAPL

I watched the noir-ish film "Sudden Fear" for the first time a few nights ago. I thought it would be campy (being that Joan Crawford was already in her late 40s when she did this film but whose character, I assume, was supposed to be younger), but it was actually a well-done movie, I thought. Jack Palance was great in his role, too, as was Gloria Grahame (Crawford and Palance both received Oscar nominations for this film; the film was also nominated for its cinematography and costume design). Anyway, the film takes place in San Francisco, and there are numerous outdoor shots where it's obvious they're in San Francisco, but the climactic scenes toward the end of the film look like they were actually shot on Bunker Hill. I've already returned the DVD to Netflix, otherwise I'd try to look at those scenes more carefully, but can anyone confirm this?

Joan Crawford as Myra
http://filmfanatic.org/reviews/wp-co...r-crawford.png
filmfanatic.org

Jack Palance as Myra's homicidal husband, Lester
http://filmfanatic.org/reviews/wp-co...ar-palance.png
filmfanatic.org

Gloria Grahame as Irene
http://filmfanatic.org/reviews/wp-co...ar-grahame.png
filmfanatic.org

The dictaphone scene where Myra finds out Lester's true intentions
http://filmfanatic.org/reviews/wp-co...dictaphone.png
filmfanatic.org

The great noir cinematography
http://filmfanatic.org/reviews/wp-co...matography.png http://filmfanatic.org/reviews/wp-co...ar-running.png
Both images from filmfanatic.org

Not San Francisco, but Bunker Hill?
http://filmfanatic.org/reviews/wp-co...-francisco.png
filmfanatic.org

I believe the history of the pronunciation of "Los Angeles" was discussed on this thread before, but here's an LA Times article about it, which I thought was interesting:

Devil of a time with City of Angels' name

Proper pronunciation has perplexed a plethora of people.

By Steve Harvey
Only in L.A.
June 26, 2011

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2011-06/62780935.jpg
Former Mayor Sam Yorty pronounced the city's name as Law SANG-lus. (Los Angeles Times / April 7, 1968)


Texas Gov. Rick Perry, President Theodore Roosevelt and Bugs Bunny might appear to have little in common, but they do share one distinction:

They've all mispronounced Los Angeles.

Perry committed his gaffe the other day at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena when he greeted a Latino group with the words, "Buenos dias, Los Angeles!" He rendered the city's name as Loce AN-guh-leeze, as though it contained a hard G and rhymed with "fleas."

It was somewhat reminiscent of the time President Roosevelt referred to the City of Angels as Loss AN-jee-leeze during a 1903 visit, according to historian John Weaver.

Bugs Bunny would later use the hard-G pronunciation as well, though it is probable that the rabbit was just being mischievous.

Mispronouncing L.A. is an old tradition.

"There is no other city in the world whose inhabitants so miserably and shamelessly, and with so many varieties of foolishness, miscall the name of the town they live in," author Charles Lummis wrote in 1914.

As early as 1880 the Chamber of Commerce issued this reminder to visitors (and residents):

The Lady would remind you, please

Her name is not Lost AN-jie-lees."

But what is the lady's name? It depends, of course, on whether one is talking about a Spanish or Anglicized pronunciation.

In the early 1900s, The Times advocated the Spanish version, carrying a box by its editorial page masthead that proclaimed the way to say Los Angeles was Loce AHNG-hayl-ais.

English speakers who found that difficult could only be thankful that the city had shortened its original name, which some scholars believe was El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula.

The Times' campaign aside, the United States Board on Geographic Names decreed in 1934 that the name should be Anglicized to Loss AN-ju-less.

The Times said the federal agency's decree made the city "sound like some brand of fruit preserve." It detected a conspiracy to rob California cities of their "soft, sibilant Spanish syllables" and asked whether San Jose would next be pronounced San JOCE and San Joaquin would become San JOK-kin.

The newspaper predicted that the change to Loss AN-ju-less would "find no favor with the people of Southern California." The Times was correct, to a point, but not in the way it meant.

While the Spanish version lapsed into disuse, a debate arose over newcomers using an alternative Anglicized version with a hard G — something along the lines of Loss AN-guh-less.

So, in 1952, Mayor Fletcher Bowron impaneled a jury of experts to determine an official pronunciation, once and for all, for the city. After all, Los Angeles was approaching its 171st birthday. It was time to figure out what to call it.

A Times reporter noted, incidentally, that in Bowron's remarks, "the mayor carefully steered clear" of trying to say Los Angeles, "referring to it as 'our city.' "

[...]

Read the rest by clicking on this.

I used to work with a Chinese guy from Hong Kong, who actually spoke English with somewhat of a British accent, and he would pronounce Los Angeles as "Los AN-juh-leeze."

that is so gret S_EJ

i myself always say

Loce AHNG-hayl-ais, (much to the bemused looks of folks, who only recognise, Loss AN-ju-less)

never ever do i ever say L.A......(even though i love it!)

as for the photo from the joan crawford flick......................is that the dome viewed looking west on 2nd?

http://filmfanatic.org/reviews/wp-co...-francisco.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/...d623eb9d_o.gif
Source: ON Bunker Hill

Growing up in the east San Gabriel Valley in the '60s, all the kids of my generation (including the Hispanics) pronounced it "loss-SAN-juh-luss' (loss as in toss, juh as in duh, luss as in plus). Often, the syllables were run together so it sounded more like a single, four-syllable word, rather than two words.

As a side note, I have postcards from the first decade of the 20th century where the writers refer to the city as simply "Los."

-Scott

parker center was just way to sterile to ever be considered noir. you want lapd noir? then ya gotta go here................

the old central station at 1st and hill...(hell's yeah! even the meter maid trike looks noir!)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/...7a7c52f3_b.jpg
Source: Hollywood historic photos

^^^That is such an excellent photo. It's the first time that I've seen the old police station up close.




below: The Saint Angelo Hotel at 237 N. Grand Ave.



http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/284...otel237ngr.jpg
lapl






http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/1...ohotel1939.jpg
lapl

Bunker Hill residents registered to vote here. -no address given-


http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/528...tersregist.jpg
lapl

The photo is dated 1951.




Link to a slide show on Bunker Hill set to music. (It will start on it's own...it takes a couple seconds)

http://americanfilmnoir.com/page22.html




____________________

Bunkerhill HOTEL at 116-120 Hope Street in 1952.




http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/454...elat116120.jpg
lapl

A week or so ago gsjansen was researching the old wooden walkway over the rail yards.
I noticed the Capitol Mill Co. on one of his maps.

Here is the elevated line next to the Capitol Mill Co.

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5272/0flourb2a.jpg
usc archive




......another view, this time from above.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1...lourb2lapl.jpg
usc archive



below: The Capitol Milling Co. across from the gate to new Chinatown on Broadway.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/8...ur1939lapl.jpg
lapl





below: A screen grab by Robby Cress from the movie 'Save the Tiger' circa 1973.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7599/...yacrossfro.jpg
Robby Cress at dearoldhollywood




below: Surprisingly it is still standing today (you can make out a wing of the eagle behind the bank/pagoda).


http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7...yacrossfro.jpg
Robby Cress at dearoldhollywood



Here is a link to Mr. Cress' exceptional blog.
http://dearoldhollywood.blogspot.com...locations.html



_________________

Wow! My inner transient tells me that would have been an appealing spot in which to seek oblivion. They don't have places quite like that any longer.

a great mid 40's Kodachrome of hollywood and vine from life magazine

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/...06d89652_b.jpg
Source: Life Magazine

an absolutely horrifying image of the demolition of nbc at sunset and vine 1964

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._3319068_n.jpg
Source: Photograph by Randy Nauert posted at vintage los angeles album on facebook

Interchange at Night
 

The four-tier downtown interchange in 1953. I love this shot for the noorish quality and the architectural value, even though I will always be sad about what was sacrificed to clear paths for the freeways.

It is also refreshing to see it free from hellish traffic and grafitti:)
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/486...nterchnage.jpg
credit USC Archive/Examiner Photos

My (biological) mother was living at 116 when I was born in 1934...at that time it was a shelter for young unmarried mothers...I would be interested if anyone had information about the shelter at that location.

That is very elderly to be starting a family, but that generation was tough as nails. I salute her!

He meant the old Bunkerhill HOTEL at 116 Hope Street.

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/454...elat116120.jpg
lapl

I don't know much about 116 Hope Street 'rbpjr'.....hopefully someone can dig up some information for you.

I, of course, was referring to 116 South Hope Street...so am hoping that you are trying to be funny...but as they say, you may be funny...but looks aren't everything!

miracle mile noir in color!

prudential building 1958

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/...53dc6c29_b.jpg
Source: Life Magazine

Photo
 

I love everything about that photo! The shades of orange, gold, black and white are stunning. I also love the front palm, which in daylight probably looked a bit ratty having only four fronds, is striking against that backdrop. Thank you for sharing gsjansen!

~F3

demolition of the hollywood hotel, august 1956

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5158/...6a59cc19_b.jpg
Source: Scanned from the book Hollywood a pictorial history

and....
 

[QUOTE=gsjansen;5332548]demolition of the hollywood hotel, august 1956

That one I don't love! Sad....

During World War II the Army Corps of Engineers needed to hide the Lockheed Burbank Aircraft Plant to protect it from a possible Japanese air attack. They covered it with camouflage netting to make it look like a rural subdivision from the air.

Before

http://stories-etc.com/hid/image001.jpg

After

http://stories-etc.com/hid/image002.jpg

Setting up the camouflage netting

http://stories-etc.com/hid/image004.jpg

Above the netting

http://stories-etc.com/hid/image005.jpg

Below the netting

http://stories-etc.com/hid/image007.jpg

Source: Stories-ETC.Com

116 S Hope
 

Hello again rbpjr,

I looked through a bunch of adoption search related records that I have and found that in 1935 the shelter at 116 S. Hope was called the Brandon Guest House for Women. Unfortunately, I don't have any information other than that on the shelter.

~F3

[QUOTE=Fab Fifties Fan;5332851]Hello again rbpjr,

I looked through a bunch of adoption search related records that I have and found that in 1935 the shelter at 116 S. Hope was called the Brandon Guest House for Women. Unfortunately, I don't have any information other than that on the shelter.

Thanks, FabFifties...I am curious about the adoption search records you have...have you been searching for someone? Perhaps we can compare notes via email....

116 S Hope
 

[QUOTE=rbpjr;5332897]Hey rbpjr,

I used to co-own an adoption search website but sold it in 2002. I just have a bunch of miscellaneous records on CDs and found that information on a list of shelters that we kept.

~F3

Another wonderful example of streamline modern architecture:
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/3...udiosantam.jpg
The first Merle Norman Studio at 2525 Main St in Santa Monica. Designed by H.G. Thursby, it opened in 1936.

The buidling, though somewhat modernized, is still there and has historic designation. Anyone for a tree cutting party? I can't tell if the beautiful art deco reliefs are in tact.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3918/2525maintoday.jpg

photos courtesy Nethercutt Museum

Hollywood noir
 

Another noirish night photo:

Hollywood Theater 1938
http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/3...oodtheater.jpg

^^^ Excellent photos of the Merle Norman Studios Fab_Fifties_Fan!



A view of the Prudential Building from the La Brea Tar Pits circa 1950s.

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/7...tarpitspru.jpg
frank j. thomas

Wow!!!
 

Its kind of like Alice in Wonderland builds her dream home

"The Enchanted Castle" a private residence at 4857 Melrose in 1935
http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/9...ntment4857.jpg

and today a Thai restaurant. Supposedly it is in there somewhere.
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7...lrosetoday.jpg

Photo one courtesy jalopyjournal.com

Hollywood Recreation Center
 

Wow, that camouflage netting over Lockheed is amazing! I'd heard about that project, but never realized it was so elaborate.

The Merle Norman Studio building is a beauty.

it was Here's an interesting section of Vine Street, between Sunset and Hollywood Blvds. I believe the big streamline deco building, then housing gift shops and a bowling alley was built in 1937.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...vineSt1941.jpg
personal collection

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...SunsetVine.jpg
Warner Home Video

You can get a glimpse of it in "Mildred Pierce".

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...riedVineSt.jpg
personal collection photo by Bob Plunkett

Here's a view after Tom Breneman moved in, broadcasting his popular "Breakfast in Hollywood" radio program from the site. Before the mid forties, he occupied the former Hollywood Tropics nightclub, the neighboring building just south of 1539 Vine St. Mmmm, "Glorifried Ham 'n' Eggs"! Yessir!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...9/MDY_orig.jpg
Warner Home Video

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o..._AhFongs_1.jpg
Warner Home Video

Both buildings can be seen in back projection shots in "My Dream is Yours", a 1949 Doris Day movie.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...DY_ahFongs.jpg
Warner Home Video

It looks like the ghost image of "Breneman" can be seen behind the dimensional letters sign for "Ah Fong's" restaurant.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...ineStStart.jpg
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...589/VineSt.jpg
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

The block makes an appearance as a matte in the 1991 "Bugsy", a biopic about Los Angeles mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...VineSt1991.jpg

I visited the spot in the early '90's. At that point, the old recreation center building was used for taping "The Love Connection".

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...St_08_2010.jpg

When I visited the area last summer, I was surprised the see the building had been repurposed as a condo project. At least the beautiful facade was preserved and incorporated into the new (but overwhelming) construction.
I don't know what the deal is with the Schwab's sign.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...eBasRelief.jpg

The bas relief detail on the corner has held up well.

^^^Excellent post Kelton Verdugo!

I've always loved that streamline building. It's a small miracle that they didn't tear it down for the condos.
That said, I wish the condos were set back 10 or more feet from the street (like you said, they're overwhelming).

If that's the original Schwab's Pharmacy sign...all I can say is BRAVO!

Schwab's Sign
 

I read recently that the Schwab's sign is an exact replica of the sign that was on the Sunset Blvd. Schwab's Drugs. When the rehab'd building opened, a restaurant went in named Schwab's, in honor of the famous drug store, and that's why they had the sign recreated.

According to the article the restaurant was pricey, the food so-so and the service terrible, so it only lasted a little over a year. There is a controversy brewing right now over the fate of the sign.

That all aside, that is a wonderful building and I love that they integrated so much of the original design asthetic into the re-development project.

~F3

Club Cafe Society
 

Hi ethereal_reality,

I just came across the top photo in a different archive with the caption:

"Before this entrance to the swank Club Cafe Society in the heart of the Sunset Strip, 400 club "members" in their fashionable evening gowns and full dress watched as officers broke in the club and arrested eight men in an early morning raid. The eight were held on charges of selling liquor without a license. Photo dated: January 10, 1942.

No exact address but at least we have heart of Sunset Strip!

^^^Very interesting 'Fab Fifties Fan'.

I find it somewhat odd that a 'private' club would have a NEON sign stating 'for club members only'.
Wouldn't a lack of signage make it more private? The sign is superfluous for any members.....and taunting to any non-members.

I like how they put members in quotes for that caption. Looking at the entrance it really appears like it was on the back or side of another business.

They probably thought by saying it was for members only, the police would leave them alone. Wrong...

and now for some Noir....
 

A little LA Noir, well Los Angeles County Noir actually, Arcadia

See the LA Times blog here about it here:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thed...in-arcadi.html

The Tracy home 1957:
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5...urderscene.jpg
1821 Alta Oaks Ave, Arcadia

Mr. Albert W. Tracy Sr.
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4492/albertwtracy.jpg
Without necktie

Mrs. Marian Frances Tracy
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9375/mrstracy.jpg
She looked like a nice lady.

Ruled "Death by Suicide" really? Tell me, how does one tie a necktie around their own throat so tightly that they hemorrhage out their left ear?

Turning 49 is no reason for offing oneself, I've personally turned 49 eight times, so far.

~F3

Photos courtesy LA Times

and a lil more....
 

Man dies on street car ("P" line) , 23 September 1958. No identification.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/766...nstreetcar.jpg
Ambulance Attendant J. Logan, bends over victim who died on street car at 11th & Broadway.

~F3

Photo courtesy LA Times

Bad Girl Noir
 

Maura Fitzgibbons, 21-year-old redhead arrested with actor Errol Flynn on a drunk charge.
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/2...itzgibbons.jpg
She is shown at the Lincoln Heights jail wearing a scanty costume that she wore to the costume party the Hollywood Publicists held at the Riviera Country Club.

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/3...tzgibbons2.jpg
Maura describes how special officer showed Flynn his pistol worn on hip.

~F3

Photos courtesy LA Times

Marsden Apartments
 

Another beautiful example of streamilne modern design. The Marsden Apartments at 1745 N. Gramercy Place. Hailed by critics as both beautiful in architecture and function, the building featured underground parking and an elaborate penthouse. All apartments were designed as corner apartments with corner windows. The Marsden was designed in 1930 by Frank Green.

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/8...apartments.jpg


The building is still there and still beautiful. It is now a senior living residence named Bethany Towers.
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/4773/bethanytowers.jpg

~F3

Photo credit jalopyjournal.com

"Follow Me Quietly"
 

Anybody catch the RKO police procedural "Follow Me Quietly" on TCM the other day? Directed by Richard Fleischer with Anthony Mann on the screenplay, it wasn't a noir since the hero was a hard working police officer and you don't know much about the bad guy. But it featured plenty of darkness and rain, two noir staples. The reason I ask is that I believe one scene takes you throughout the labyrinth of a gas works, possibly the one on Commercial. You don't get a real good view of the tanks but you see a piece of one in the background.

I was howling as the cops fire wildly at the bad guy without any regard of where they are. One lets loose with a sub-machine gun, poking about a half dozen holes in a large pipe. Luckily it was a water pipe! Who knows, maybe you can't do damage to a gas works with a gun (don't tell Cody Jarrett). Not only do the cops not hit anything but gas works, the bad guy gets hold of a loose gun and shoots down a stairwell hitting a cop in the wrist like he was Annie Oakley.

the 80's rock homage musical Rock of Ages, which takes place on the sunset strip, centered around a club known as the bourbon room, (a thinly disguised whiskey), is currently being filmed in........................(unfortuantely not west hollywood), but in the spirit of mildred pierce, (peekskill ny), and ask the dust, (south africa)................ the overtown neighborhood of miami fl.

and of course, as there are no hollywood type hills in south florida, where else does one put up the hollywood sign in flatland?

why a landfill along the turnpike in pompano beach, (affectionately referred to by locals as mount trashmore)

http://activerain.com/image_store/up...5311683239.jpg
Source: CBS Miami

http://www.ongo.com/89/2011/05/18/95...c5c9f85d3a.jpg
Source: Ongo.com

kinda puny if you ask moi, why ms. entwhistle wouldn't have suffered more than a sprain leaping from that H

some of the set building which is currently undergoing in overtown, (or is that overgoing in undertown..............................................?)

fredericks on sunset boulevard?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5119/...338a720a_b.jpg
Source: Culture designers.com

the roxy....(or more appropriately roxiette)

http://culturedesigners.files.wordpr...6410.jpg?w=460
Source: Cultuer Designers.com


the bourbon room (whiskey a-go-go)

http://culturedesigners.files.wordpr...6415.jpg?w=460
Source: Culture Designers.com

of course, what is the whiskey, (or is it bourbon?), without a nearby shell station

http://culturedesigners.files.wordpr...6406.jpg?w=460
Source: Culture Designers

Gazzarri's

http://culturedesigners.files.wordpr...6387.jpg?w=460
Source: Culture Designers.com

Tower records..........next to gazzarri's?

http://culturedesigners.files.wordpr...6395.jpg?w=460
Source: Culture Designers.com


and of course, what's the strip without a night view

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QacAhEZ8dp...nmiami_010.jpg
Source: Rock of ages blog

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/cross...nmiami_007.jpg
Source: Miami New Times

considering that the west hollywood strip does not look that drastically different today then it did in the 80's......why not film it there?


"i've got a bad feeling about this"

Fab_Fifties_Fan....all your recent post have been great! I really enjoyed them.....and keep all those old photos coming!

gsjansen.....wow just wow....they're reproducing Sunset Strip with a mishmash of buildings.
Whiskey-Go-Go is so iconic to me that it's difficult to see it as anything else.
I wonder why didn't they make an original design for the fictional Bourbon Club and leave the Go-Go as the Go-Go?
And placing Frederick's of Hollywood on Sunset is a big time FAIL. The Tower Records building looks spot on though
(except that it's placed next to Gazzarri's (the old Sherry's).

__________


Have a great Fourth of July everyone! (July 4th is also my birthday) :)

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4...ortionofpo.jpg
portion of an old poster from ebay


See you in a few days

before you go celebratin' E_R, here's a nifty 1873 photograph of july 4th celebration commorating the veterans of the 1812 war outside the bella union hotel

http://jpg1.lapl.org/spnb01/00007111.jpg
Source: LAPL

happy 4th to all!

(btw, the 1812 war is when F.S. Key wrote.....oh say can you see.............)

and more
 

[QUOTE=ethereal_reality;5336116]Fab_Fifties_Fan....all your recent post have been great! I really enjoyed them.....and keep all those old photos coming!

Hope you had a great bithday and fourth of July e_r!!! My birthday is exactly one week away (7/11)

So, laid up at home with a back injury and going through my volumes and volumes of pictures. Get ready for a whole lot of posts to the thread when you get back!:D