HOOD – Laurel & Hardy’s Culver City
[youtube width=”590″ height=”420″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qkv9ZbmMAk[/youtube] “Many scenes in the Hal Roach comedies were shot on the streets of Culver City. The brilliant designer and pop culture historian Piet Schreuders creates a computer model of Culver City as it looked in the 20’s – and matches-in scenes from Laurel and Hardy comedies that were shot on site.”
I saw this a few years ago and it just blew me away. The amount of loving and precise effort this one man put into matching up the scenery is so impressive. Unfortunately, some of it isn’t subtitled, but it doesn’t really matter.
For a 13-page PDF of background about this clip, click here.
FLASHBACK – War on the Sunset Strip, Daddio!
Original post 10/19/09
The google video embed directly below is being inexplicably temperamental, so if the video doesn’t play for you, please click here to view it directly on google.
[googlevideo width=”590″ height=”420″]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3472800140109729771&hl=en#[/googlevideo]
This eight minute video shows the culture clash cç one of the Sunset Strip curfew riots (AKA the “LA hippie riots”), a series of crowd control confrontations which occurred in the mid 1960s to early 1970s between insubordinate hippies and angry grown-ups (via the LAPD). Basically, the kids weren’t big on authority… and authority didn’t like that the kids weren’t big on authority. Soooo, drama ensued.
You know how it is… the Man’s always trying to keep us down!!!
Anyhoo, as a little treat… after the jump, please enjoy Hollywood’s far more entertaining and groovy take on these same crazy hoodlum youngsters of our city’s past… behold a few scenes from the 1967 film, Riot on The Sunset Strip.
Can you dig it? I knew that you could! (more…)
SCREENING – Santa With Muscles
I know, I know. Posts have been sparse this month, mainly due to lingering illness and preparations for an overseas holiday (more on that in a few days). I feel like I’ve dropped the ball on passing along so much of the holiday goodness that this town has to offer… gee, I hope this makes up for it! :)
WHAT: Horrible Movie Night screening of the 1996 Hulk Hogan holiday less-than-classic, Santa With Muscles! Whachya gonna do, when Santamania runs wild on YOU?
WHEN: This Thursday, December 17, 8pm (Doors open at 7:15)
WHERE: The Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood
PRICE: $8. Includes screening, extra live entertainment, beer, wine, and snacks. RSVP to: horriblemovie@pacbell.net
“…a film so bad, the original screenwriter sued to have his name removed from the credits. This cheesy Christmas disaster features the Hulkster as a millionaire of questionable morals (a stretch –?) who, during a run from the law, is knocked out cold and wakes up thinking he is Santa Claus. He somehow hooks up with an orphanage bedeviled by evil scientists (the head baddie is played by Ed Begley Jr.), and proceeds to do good. You will notice Mila Kunis in one of her first film roles as an orphan. But no rotten movie is complete without the inimitable Clint Howard! This one has got it all.”
[youtube width=”590″ height=”470″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmPgWz85Us0[/youtube]
EVENT – Summer Camp Night at Cinefamily
Need an escape? You’re never too old to run away to summer camp!
What: An all-night summer camp movie marathon! Click on the image at left for more details on the film line-up!
Where: Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theater, 611 N Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, 90036, 323-655-2510
When: This Saturday, August 29, starting at 8pm
Price: $12.00 admission, FREEEEEE breakfast to those who survive!
Details: Two kegs of Pabst Blue Ribbon, s’mores and DJs out on the back patio, and the aforementioned free breakfast. No word on whether or not people will be dared to eat live goldfish, but attendees should beware of falling asleep mid-film and waking up on the roof with their hand in a bowl of warm water.
EVENT – Soundtrack For A Revolution
[youtube width=”590″ height=”420″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4PPJi3yNvc[/youtube]
What: A special advanced screening of the film “Soundtrack For A Revolution” including lecture and live music
Where: Otis College of Art
When: Friday, August 27, 2009 – Bands start at 5pm, Screening begins at 7pm
Price: For more info, contact (310) 846-2586 or IL@Otis.edu.
Details: Part of Otis’ “Movies that Matter” series, Oscar-winning filmmaker Dan Sturman will also be present for a Q&A session.
“Soundtrack for a Revolution tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music–the freedom songs protesters sang in their fight for justice and equality. The film features vibrant new performances by top artists, including John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone and The Roots; riveting archival footage; and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond and Ambassador Andrew Young. Directed, produced and written by Bill Guttentag & Dan Sturman; Executive Producer Danny Glover. Official Selection 2009 Tribeca Film Festival and 2009 Cannes Film Festival.”
ONGOING – Just Two More Cemetery Screenings!
*Click on the small box below left for a captioned photo gallery*
Paper Moon at Hollywood Forever
There’s something so Southern California about watching movies outside on a summer night. I’ve been *dying* to experience Cinespia movie screenings at the Hollywood Forever cemetery, but friends continually refused to go. Some said they were worried about sitting “on top of dead people,” others said they didn’t feel like dealing with crowds. I finally went last weekend so let me just tell all of you the following: the audience does NOT sit on graves, and the crowd and traffic control is far more organized, relaxed and stress-free than expected. It’s a great time all around. If you go just be sure to bring a sweater… it does get cold in the cemetery at night. And bring a nice bottle of wine. Just because life’s more fun that way.
The movie is $10, and it’s $5 extra to park on the cemetery grounds which we did. As I said, it was very organized and our cars ended up being a *very* short walk to the screen. There are two more screenings left in the season according to the Cinespia website. This Saturday night is Singing In The Rain and August 29th is American Werewolf in London.
SUNDAY MATINEE – It Happened One Night (1934)
[googlevideo width=”590″ height=”420″]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=469537997522665739[/googlevideo]
This seriously adorable Frank Capra classic starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert was filmed in Franklin Canyon, the literal center of Los Angeles (we’ll be talking more about the park and adjoining lake later in the week). Not only was It Happened One Night the first comedy to ever win serious film awards, it was the very first film in history (of any genre) to sweep the Oscars completely, winning Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Director and Writing.
COVET THIS – 20th Century Props Auction
*To launch a captioned photo gallery of crazy stuff, click on the little image below labeled LOT #4030*
Sigh. After over 40 years in business, Harvey Schwartz, owner of Twentieth Century Props, will be closing shop and putting 113,000 square feet of tangible movie history up for auction from July 28 to August 1.
Cool Movie Props YOU Can Own!!!
This closing is incredibly sad to see on many many levels, but you *know* you want to sit in Dr. Evil’s pod (aka LOT #504) while you’re watching television. So because I’m nice, I took a moment to go through the online catalog and pull out a few things you might not even realize you need, BUT DO. You’re welcome. Just click on the beer keg at left.
You can also inspect the merchandise in person at 11651 Hart Street in North Hollywood through Monday (9am-4pm) and after 8am on the mornings of the sale.
FILM – Hogwarts and Heinekens
[dailymotion width=”590″ height=”300″]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7kien_harry-potter-half-blood-prince-trai_shortfilms[/dailymotion] What: ARCLIGHT 21+ MOVIE SCREENING – Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Where: Arclight Cinema, Sherman Oaks
When: July 24-25 10:50pm, July 26 & 30 10:55pm
Price: $13.50, not including alcohol. Oh, and you have to have ID saying you’re over 21. Duh.
Details: Wanna see the new Harry Potter movie… but not enough to cancel a night of cocktails with your friends? Well now you can have your Snape and Muscat too! You may be a mere muggle but at least *you’re* old enough to legally down a beer! Take THAT, witches!
EVENTS – The Close Up 7/23-26
Note: this listing will be updated during the week as we see fit, and we try to include FREEEEE events whenever possible. :)
THROUGH 7/26 – US Open of Surfing
7/23 – Latin Dance Championship; Summer Nights on the Boulevard in Atwater
7/24 – Disco Dancing Downtown Under The Stars; Classic Rock Night at the LA Zoo
7/25 – Battle of the Tribute Bands; Heritage Park Silent Movie Night
7/26 – Dessert Decadence
THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 26
What: U.S. OPEN OF SURFING New and improved with added skateboarding!
When: Daily through July 26
Where: Huntington Beach Pier, PCH & Main Street, Huntington Beach
Price: FREEEEE!
Details: I’m allergic to the sun and have a fear of the ocean and large crowds. Some lame native Southern Californian I am, huh? Although this event sounds like it would be everything I don’t like, I grew up around surfers so I love the peoplewatching at surfing competitions. Plus the ocean’s always pretty to look at… I just don’t want to get in it ‘cuz there are bitey things in there. Yeah, I’m a complex girl.
From the event site: “What’s the closest thing to watching the world’s best surfers compete in a full-on stadium atmosphere? Look no further than Huntington Beach in July, when up to 500,000 people will find their way to the real Surf City, post up in the sand and cheer on their heroes at the Pier. It’s been that way for 50 years now, starting with the US Championships in 1959 and evolving to today: the Hurley US Open of Surfing.” (more…)
ONGOING – The Punum of Superman
ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938–1950
Where: The Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. (310) 440-4500
What: Rare Superman Films
When: Sat., July 18, 2pm
Price: $6 Gen, $5 Members/Students
Details: “Fans of the Man of Steel won’t want to miss this afternoon of rare Superman footage. At this matinee screening, view episodes from the famed Kryptonian’s big-screen debut in the 1948 Hollywood serial. Also see The Adventures of Superpup and The Adventures of Superboy, two never-broadcast pilots meant to replace the Superman television series after lead actor George Reeves’s untimely death.”
What: Exhibit
ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938–1950
When: Ongoing through August 9, 2009
Price: Included in admission (tickets at the door): $10; $7 seniors/students; $5 kids 2–12; Free to members/kids under 2; FREEEEE TO ALL ON THURSDAYS
Details: “Through never-before exhibited art and objects culled from private and institutional collections, ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938-1950 explores the genesis of cultural icons such as Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, and Wonder Woman. (more…)
MATINEE – Muscle Beach Party
FULL FILM AFTER THE JUMP! YAY!
In honor of the upcoming festivities celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Venice’s Historic Muscle Beach and the crowning of Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach 2009, we would like to take this moment to present a true piece of Southern California movie nostalgia, the star-studded 1960’s beach classic… MUSCLE BEACH PARTY!!! WOOO HOOOOO!!!!
Okay, so it’s no Beach Blanket Bingo, I’ll admit… but if you have doubts about the cheesy, iconic goodness of this hormonal-teens-on-the-beach saga then dig this, chickies:
- The film was directed by William Asher, who besides being a driving force of the beach movie genre was the lead director on both I Love Lucy and Bewitched (he was also Elizabeth Montgomery‘s husband). All of which by default brands him as permanently awesome.
- The cast of this little flick included the following people: Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Don Rickles, Dick Dale, Morey Amsterdam, Buddy Hackett, Dan Haggerty (aka Grizzly Adams), Bill Graham (!!!), Peter Lorre (!!?) and LITTLE STEVIE FRIGGIN’ WONDER (he’s towards the end).
Yes that’s right. Stevie Wonder was actually in Muscle Beach Party. Learned something today, didn’t you? Well, don’t worry… school’s over now. Time to hit the beach, moondoggie! (more…)
SERIES – The Jim Henson Experience
My very first memory in life, very literally, involved Sesame Street. I was a toddler who was getting too big for her crib and I wanted out. I actually remember looking through the bars of my little jail, deciding this was not working for me, climbing out, wandering down the stairs, turning on the television and plopping myself down to watch Big Bird. I also remember looking up at my mother and wondering what her problem was as she freaked out while I was sitting there enjoying myself very contentedly. I still look at her that way sometimes.
Point of the story… Jim Henson made stuff that was actually worth breaking out of jail for. So I’m looking forward to this:
Muppets™, Music & Magic: Jim Henson’s Legacy
Fridays in July at Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre
“In conjunction with The Jim Henson Legacy and the Jane Henson Foundation, The Cinefamily pays tribute to one of the world’s most inspired and innovative film and puppetry artists, Jim Henson. A visionary TV producer and a world-class puppeteer, Henson and his team created indelible, hilarious, vulnerable and crazy characters like Kermit The Frog, Bert and Ernie, the Gelflings and the Skeksis, and The Swedish Chef (one of our personal favorites), and brought a unique combination of childlike wonder and adult sophistication to their groundbreaking work. This month-long series will explore all facets of Henson’s prolific output, including experimental work, rarities and some of his most beloved feature films.”
FOCUS – The People of Silver Lake
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPiuwgCDQek&feature=PlayList&p=1CD11BBE54DDF535&index=0&playnext=1[/youtube] I hate to break so many fantasies… but quite a few Americans who’ve never stepped within the city limits of Los Angeles have an awfully tough time believing that the typical “LA person” isn’t a shallow, illiterate, wanna-be fame whore who flashes their crotch at strangers and opens fire on other cars in traffic whenever possible. Admittedly, perhaps it seems less fun to acknowledge that the vast majority of our neighbors are actually just average, decent, hard working folks who are more focused on feeding their families than world fame, who regularly wear underwear and who don’t take sawed-off shotguns along to commute the 101. (Well, unless we’re having a really bad day.)
Sometimes the reality is interesting too, though. The People of Silver Lake is a sweet little documentary made by the Silver Lake History Collective in an effort to document and explore the human mixing pot of their neighborhood. The film is divided into four YouTube parts and follows five long-time locals as they tell their stories, exposing the diversity of personalities and cultures that make up a Los Angeles neighborhood. Note: No crotch flashing or violence shown. (Sorry!) Storytellers include: artist Alberto Hernandez, resturauteur Larry Nicola, Marion Spencer, Don Jarvis, and Dr. Sekaye Shigekawa (who tells of her stay in a Japanese internment camp at Santa Anita during WW2).
In case it doesn’t autoplay the clips in order, here is the full playlist for all four parts. Also, a map of Silver Lake is after the jump for those who don’t know the area.
FOCUS – Inspired by Sunset Boulevard
Note: A link to the entire film is after the jump.
May I present the most kickass stoplight you’ve ever seen. Well okay, your mileage may vary but I’ve been digging on this stoplight since the first moment I saw it. (And yes, I *am* easily entertained.) This was a typical sight on Sunset Boulevard in 1949, as captured in the iconic film Sunset Boulevard just moments before a pivotal flat tire changes Joe Gillis’ life forever, forcing him to hide out in Norma Desmond’s driveway.
I’m normally not one for traffic signals, but I love love love this stoplight. The technology was still relatively new… clearly people couldn’t be counted on to pay attention to simple colored lights yet so they made sure to add an automated sign that announced “Stop” and “Go” as well, just to make sure you were doubly aware of what green and red meant. No excuses, buddy.
Sunset Boulevard is, hands down, my number one top favorite film for sentimental reasons and has been ever since I first saw it with roommates just days after moving to Los Angeles from San Diego by myself. I loved everything about the movie… the noir cinematography; the incredible dialogue (My favorite line? “Funny how gentle people get with you once you’re dead.” Just wow.); the total sexy hotness of William Holden in his vicuna; the batshitinsaneness of Gloria Swanson’s iconic portrayal of Norma; Erich VonStroheim’s accent; Betty’s smart sassiness; seeing Detective Joe Friday as a skinny party boy; and of course, the monkey funeral… but most of all, I LOVED being able to witness vintage Los Angeles in its glory. The magic of the film hooked me completely.
A few days after seeing the movie, I remember driving around town with my friends in search of the filming locations… it was so exciting to just imagine we were breathing the same air as William Holden and Gloria Swanson had, albeit decades later. Sunset Boulevard was the first film that inspired me to take to the streets and explore old Los Angeles, because the film captured it and showed it to me in real time. It’s a time capsule of the Los Angeles that has since been paved over and considered forgotten… but there are still very tangible traces of that city if you look for them.
EVENTS – The Close Up 6/16
EVENT LISTING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18th
A CONVERSATION WITH PENN & TELLER, presented by Writers Bloc
Where: Writers’ Guild Theater, 135 Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Time: 7:30 pm Price: One ticket is $20.00. Cash or personal checks accepted at the door. Please no credit cards. Online RSVP required.
“Penn & Teller, known for their magic and performance wizardry, are as fun to listen to as they are to watch. Their art is avant garde, the banter is provocative and funny. And now’s your chance to see Teller talk! In conversation with Eddie Goredetsky, writer for Late Night With David Letterman, SNL, Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, and more. Eddie also wrote for Penn & Teller’s specials, Don’t Try This at Home, as well as Penn & Teller’s Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends.”
SUNDAY, JUNE 21th
FATHER’S DAY WITH CHARLIE CHAPLIN – THE KID
Where: Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theater, 611 N Fairfax Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90036
Time: 8pm; Price: $12 – Tickets can be reserved online
“In celebration of Father’s Day, The Cinefamily presents one of Chaplin’s most moving and beloved films. The Tramp adopts an abandoned baby he discovers in an alley, and raises him to become his sidekick in a variety of schemes and cons. A moving and hilarious film about paternal love, or as Chaplin’s first title says, “A picture with a smile, and perhaps a tear…” Children under 18 get in half price to this special “kiddie” matinee.” Dir. Charles Chaplin, 1921, 16mm, 68 min