The Formosa Gets Revamped

The Formosa Cafe is an historic Hollywood hangout that has been around since 1925. In Hollywood, that's the equivalent of 200 years or more on the East Coast. Sinatra, Monroe, Bogie, Gable…they all had a few libations here whenever they were finished filming at the studios. There's a lot of history in this place; or at least there was.

One of my favorite quirky films, "Still Breathing," had a few key scenes shot at the Formosa:



Here's a vintage shot of me hanging at the Formosa.



This place used to be dark. Even the glow of this light didn't brighten the place much. No complaints here; it's called atmosphere.



I LOVED this mural that was in one of the back rooms.



On my most recent trip to Hollywood, I had to stop by.



No longer dark, no longer atmospheric.



With a little snooping around the net, I found out that the place had been gutted. An uproar from the regulars caused the owners to decide to restore it to its former glory. I'd say it still has a long way to go. How do you restore atmosphere?!?

For more Formosa, head on over to my main website.

Chaplin on Formosa

While out shooting photos on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, I stumbled upon this very cute historic quartet of tudor cottages.

Reading the for sale sign, I noticed that these 1923 Storybook Bungalows claimed silent movie comedian Charlie Chaplin as the builder.



Some online articles claim the connection is dubious, but it's not surprising since Chaplin's Tudor-style movie studio still remains nearby (currently the home to the Muppets).



Is it all true? Who knows. I do know that at night they certainly look magical.



Hoping to get a better gander at this piece of history in the near future. Anyone have a spare $2.5 million?

More Hollywood photos (vintage and contemporary) on my main website.