Mulholland Drive: Lynch in Hancock Park

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.

Marmont Monday: Entrance Changes

This recently acquired vintage 1987 shot of the exterior of my fantasy home-away-from-home (and Willis’, too), the Chateau Marmont, initially shows very little change (other than growth of the landscaping) from the photo below that I snapped in 2016.



Upon closer look, other subtle differences come to light. A small portion of the brick wall at the entrance still remains, mainly the pillars on both sides. The light globes are gone though, and the wall to the right seems to have been completely rebuilt (as well as painted). The neon sign seems identical, other than its placement. I am guessing that the growth of the vines/trees necessitated the movement so that it could still be visible to those entering the hotel. I believe the sign stays on 24 hours now, rather than being turned off during the day (don’t quote me on that one). The small table/stand at the entrance has been replaced with the valet/check-in stand and a tent where guests can hide from the paparazzi as they await their limos.





In the 1987 image, TV antennas clutter the chimney stack:



By 2016, POOF! They are no longer necessary and have been removed. 



These are the details that I obsess over. What are yours?

See more Chateau Marmont hotel on Sunset Boulevard photos at my main website.

Columbia State Park in 3D!

Although it may not be as famous as some other Ghost/Gold Rush/Mining Towns, visits to Columbia State Park were a staple of my childhood. I still recall riding the stagecoach which was magically held up by bandits of the Old West each time. Even though I knew what was coming, it never failed to disappoint…especially the time my smart-ass brother decided to heckle the bandit. Back to this post… By 1852 (only 2 years after gold was first discovered here) there were 8 hotels, 4 banks, 17 general stores, and over 40 saloons. The images presented here are from 3D strips of film from the 1970s, presented to you in genuine FauxD©! Let’s start with a visit to the old Columbia School House, bult in 1860. While less ornate than the one you might see at Calico or Knott’s Berry Farm, it still gives a feel of the era. The school had 368 students in attendance in its first year and was staffed by two teachers and a principal. It was open for biz until 1937 when it was closed for not meeting earthquake safety requirements. Renovated in 1960, it is open for tours.

Saint Anne’s Catholic Church was the first brick church built in California back in 1856. Brick…not adobe!

Here is a recreation of the original Columbia Gazette Printing Office, which was lost to fire in 1857.

The historic Wells Fargo Express Office, built in 1858.

The last one for today shows the Fire House, Drug Store, and Dentist's Office:

I still remember the candy store in Columbia, where you could get rock candy (which looked like rocks) wrapped in a metal mining dish. What a thrill! See more Columbia State Park photos at my main website.

Monday at the Marmont

As you can see I made it back, despite all the stories about my favorite hotel (and possibly place) on earth being converted to a private club at the end of 2020. Chatting with a friend one night who was also “got” this place, he asked if it was still open. Huh...what a novel question. I decided to email them and next thing you know, I was on my way up to Sunset Boulevard for a mini Chateau vacation. This would be the fourth time staying in Room 34; no complaints about that, as it’s one of my favorites.



The view from my room:



Looks like Kurt and Goldie have been busy. I guess since they’re in the same household it’s ok to make movies.

Willis hadn’t been to the Chateau in two years...he was way overdue.



He does love sleeping there…but he missed the cashmere blankets that once graced the end of each bed. Probably one of the pandemic cutbacks.



Like many of the other areas of the hotel, the pool looked great albeit empty. Just the way I like it!





Willis obeyed the rules and marveled at the calm and beauty of the pool.



Fortunately the bolognese was still on the menu:



The chocolate mousse was a new one for me, and well worth the calories (I don’t want to know).



I can’t put it into words, but late nights/early mornings are my favorite time at the hotel when it is quiet and I can wander around by myself. There’s just something about these fabled walls that keep bringing me back.





The staff didn’t seem to have any new information about the potential conversion and whether it was going to happen or not, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Willis and I can return.



See more Chateau Marmont photos at my main website.

The Upper Main Line Y

Growing up near Philadelphia, I lived in an area called the Upper Main Line, which refers to the "Main Line" of the Pennsylvania Railroads, which ran parallel to Route 30, aka Lancaster Avenue. One of the jewels of this area was the Upper Main Line YMCA, which was built around the 1908 Cassatt Mansion.

Out for a walk one day when home last month, I decided to take the back route to the "Y." As a child, I have many happy memories of this wooded area where I attended summer camp, played Capture the Flag, and also participated in Indian Guides.



The beauty of this area still remains; it was wonderful to leisurely stroll through the paths that I had romped through some 40 years ago.



Once through the wooded area, the Cassatt Mansion becomes visible, still impressive in its ornately detailed style. The modern YMCA facilities that have been tacked on around it make me cringe, but I am still grateful that the historic Mansion has been able to survive.





I recall racing through the interior of the Mansion, whose once grand rooms were converted into classrooms.







What a change from the Southern California landscape I have become accustomed to over the last 15 years. Being completely surrounded by these majestic trees gave me a welcome feeling of peace and tranquility.



And then my allergies kicked in. Oops. Forgot about those. I guess every Eden has its drawbacks!

See more Daveland Upper Main Line photos at my main website.