The David Lynch film “Mulholland Drive” (2001) takes place in Hollywood, the land of dreams. Star-struck Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) arrives at LAX, full of dreams and the ambition to become a movie star. How about that shot of the Hollywood sign? Been there, done that…
Betty stays at her Aunt’s apartment, located in a historic complex complete with ivy-covered walls and a ton-o-charm. Auntie is conveniently out of town.
Can you feel Betty’s wide-eyed amazement, as if she just arrived in Wonderland?
The building’s landlady, Coco (Ann Miller), brings a sharp dose of reality as she leads Betty to her new digs. One of the resident’s dogs has taken a crap in Coco’s beloved courtyard. She threatens to “bake his butt for breakfast!” Don’t mess with Coco! Or Ann Miller, for that matter.
I have been obsessed with this place, and just had to see it in person. Located in the Hancock neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Il Borghese condos were built in 1929.
Over twenty years later, the building looks about the same. Unfortunately, Coco didn’t leave the gate unlocked for me.
I’d move here in a heartbeat! Designed by architect Charles Gault, this place is full of history and legend. The rumor mill claims that Shirley Temple lived here, Errol Flynn partied here, Ann-Margret visited her publicist here, and Lionel Richie found his current wife here.
Although I couldn’t get in (this time!), I was able to peek into the building’s well-maintained courtyard.
Yup, the same place where Betty & Coco resided.
Nobody could deliver this line better than Ann Miller: “Honey, you’re a good kid, but what you’re telling me is a load of horse puckey.” Again…don’t mess with Coco. Or Ann Miller.
Il Borghese has 23 residences, consisting of one bedrooms (634 - 800 sq. ft.) and two bedrooms (996 - 1,412 sq. ft.). The exterior:
Betty does nab an audition at Paramount Studios. Just look at her excitement when she gets out of the cab…
and views the entrance gates:
Yawn…been there done that.
Still on my “to-do list” is a visit to the fictional Sierra Bonita apartments featured in the movie. Stay tuned…
See more of my Hollywood photos at my main website.
3 comments:
Once again, your pics make anything look like a palace. Checking this on Google Earth it actually does look like a small palace. I'm glad it was used for a filming location because that courtyard and entry wall on N Sycamore make it look like an exterior set from a good murder mystery movie. I hope places like the Il Borghese Condominiums weather the march of disposable-architecture "progress."
Yeah, I'm always glad when a real location is used in a movie, because it means maybe something of it will live on after it's gone. What a gorgeous place.
Try finding a place in LA where Errol Flynn DIDN'T party! ;)
Thank you, Bryan! Although I think any photographer could make this place look great!
Melissa - agree on both counts! Errol should be glad cellphones were not around during his lifetime!
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