lemiThe land of the free—for good reason! Home to some of the world’s most famous landscapes, cityscapes, and great escapes
Scenes of Old Hollywood
Los Angeles
The magic of black and white productions, silent era films, and glamorous movie stars continues to shine along Hollywood Boulevard and its nearby streets. Trot along the sidewalks, and step back in time as you enter long-standing institutions that have played starring roles in episodes of Hollywood’s glorious past.
Since opening in 1919, The Musso & Frank Grill has been the go-to restaurant of the film industry’s movers and shakers. The red-jacketed, bow-tie wearing waiters have served silent movie legend Charlie Chaplin ("Modern Times," 1936) his favorite Roast Lamb Kidneys; the worn-leather boots have witnessed arch-rival gossip writers Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons interview stars; and the mahogany bar has welcomed “To Have and Have Not” (1944) husband-and-wife actors Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall for a drink. Sidle up to the counter, and ask Ruben Rueda—who has been slinging cocktails since 1967—to concoct the Musso & Frank Grill’s famous martini, recognized as one of the USA’s best. Take it easy, though, unless you want to find yourself making pretend film deals on the old payphone.
- +1 323 467 7788
6667 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA
- https://mussoandfrank.com/
The place to be seen for stars of movies past, The Hollywood Roosevelt has hosted actors like Clark Gable ("Gone with the Wind," 1939) and Carole Lombard ("My Man Godfrey," 1936)—who even have a room named after them—among others. Los Angeles’ oldest operating hotel was also home to the first Academy Awards, which was held in a banquet hall right off the lobby. Outside, follow the palm trees to the famous Tropicana Pool, and dive in to revel at the multi-million dollar mural by famed painter David Hockney at the bottom. The palm-tree lined poolside was a favorite of “All About Eve” (1950) actress Marilyn Monroe, who kept a cabana for herself for almost two years.
- +1 323 856 1970
7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA
- https://www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com/
Columbia Pictures co-founder Harry Cohn once said, “If you must get into trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.” Known for being a troublemaker’s haven, the hotel was the answer of studio executives for their pristinely reputed stars to let off steam, supposedly in seclusion. However, stories of borderline scandalous celebrity antics have escaped the chateau’s halls. Here, actor James Dean jumped out off a window while auditioning for “Rebel Without A Cause;” “Scarface” (1932) director Howard Hughes rented a penthouse to spy on bathing ladies by the pool; and comedian John Belushi (“The Blues Brothers,” 1980) overdosed. Walk through Chateau Marmont, and try to resist the temptation to cause a ruckus. Instead, focus on spotting a famous face from today’s Hollywood hotshots. Remember, though, photographs are forbidden!
- +1 323 656 1010
8221 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA
- https://www.chateaumarmont.com/
Pay homage to the shrine of Hollywood stars at the TCL Chinese Theatre! Formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, they’ve recently teamed up with “The Creative Life,” China’s biggest electronic manufacturers to help preserve and upgrade the cinema. While here, either catch the latest movie on IMAX, or head to The Forecourt of the Stars right in front of the movie house. Spot hand and foot imprints with matching autographs of your favorite celebrities, including legendary film personalities of the past. Look out for a crowd outside the TCL Chinese Theatre; there may be someone walking down the red carpet for a movie premiere!
- +1 323 461 3331
6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA
- http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com
A speakeasy during the Prohibition era, Frolic Room is the oldest bar in Hollywood marked by its now-famous bright neon sign. Situated right beside the Pantages Theatre, the site became the after-party venue of the Academy Awards in 1949 to 1954. It was also occasionally used as a movie set for “The Black Dahlia” (2006), since it is said that aspiring actress Elizabeth Short (of whom the movie is about) was last seen alive in the tavern. Sit on one of Frolic Room’s red vinyl bar stools, just like actress Judy Garland (“Wizard of Oz,” 1939) and musician Frank Sinatra, and see photos of screen royalty (and a mural by Al Hirschfeld, famous celebrity caricaturist) on the walls. Shots and bottles of beer are the weapons of choice here, so pick your poison wisely.
- +1 323 462 5890
6245 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA
A dream for film enthusiasts and vintage book lovers, Larry Edmunds Bookshop houses more than 500,000 movie photos, 6,000 original film posters, and 20,000 motion picture and theater books. Rummage slowly through their inventory to find biographies of your favorite actors, genre history publications, and memorabilia of old Hollywood! Strike up a conversation with one of the staff members; they’ll be happy—and knowledgeable enough—to answer your questions.
- +1 323 463 3273
6644 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA
- https://larryedmunds.com/
In 1917, Charlie Chaplin built his own movie studio, aptly named Charlie Chaplin Studios, on the south of Sunset Boulevard. The state-of-the-art facility was used to shoot most of his films, including “The Great Dictator” (1940), his first “talkie” (a term used to describe the first movies that used recorded sound, specifically music and sound effects), and “The Gold Rush” (1925), one of the highest grossing movies of the silent era. After retiring, Chaplin handed over the property to multiple owners. In 2000, Jim Henson Productions acquired the studio, and renamed it the “Jim Henson Company Lot.” The creators of The Muppets honored the silent film icon with a statue of Kermit the Frog dressed as The Little Tramp, one of Chaplin’s most memorable on-screen characters from the film "City Lights." Tours are currently unavailable for the Jim Henson Company Lot, but seeing one of the world’s favorite childhood characters waving hi to you is enough reason to visit.
- +1 323 802 1500
1416 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA
- http://www.henson.com
Before becoming a senior community, Hollywood Knickerbocker Apartments (formerly The Knickerbocker Hotel) was one of the oldest accommodations in Hollywood. Packed with history, the ex-hotel has seen its fair share of unfortunate histories, making it a hotspot for spiritual activity. In Halloween of 1936, magician Harry Houdini’s widow tried to contact him via a seance at the rooftop. In 1948, “The Birth of A Nation” (1915) director D.W. Griffith dropped dead in the hotel lobby. In 1962, costume designer Irene Gibbons (who create Ginger Rogers’ gowns for “Shall We Dance,” 1937) jumped to her death from a bathroom window, after confiding to actress Doris Day ("Love Me or Leave Me," 1955) that she was in love with actor Gary Cooper ("High Noon," 1952) who died a year before. Before you take out your ghost hunting gear, know that you’re probably prohibited from entering the premises unless you have a relative checked-in. Still, drop by the building, and feel your arm hair raising in alarm at the haunted vibe that continues to lurk within.
- +1 323 870 9109
1714 Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA
- https://www.hollywoodknickerbocker.com/
Watch your favorite old Hollywood actors on-screen once again at the historical Egyptian Theatre! Founded in 1922 by showman Sid Grauman, the cinema held its first ever movie premiere: "Robin Hood" (1922) starring Douglas Fairbanks. The cinema’s exterior screams Egyptian Revival-style, evident in the massive columns, the hieroglyphics on the walls, and large busts of Egypt’s gods. Its interior is up-to-par as well, equipped with 21st century technology for a remarkable viewing experience. Visitors interested in the ins-and-outs of the theater, from Grauman’s staging to the story of the structure’s revival, watch out for the Historic Egyptian Theatre Tour that happens once a month!
- +1 323 461 2020
6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA
- https://www.americancinemathequecalendar.com/egyptian_theatre_events
The Hollywood Museum features four floors of memorabilia to satisfy all your old Hollywood interests: props, scripts, vintage collectibles, stars’ personal artifacts, and more! See hoards of costumes at the top two floors, from “King of Rock and Roll” Elvis Presley’s personal bathrobe to Marilyn Monroe’s million-dollar dress. On the first floor, learn how stars like Bette Davis (“Jezebel,” 1938), Katharine Hepburn (“The African Queen,” 1951), and Lucille Ball (“Yours, Mine, and Ours, 1968) got their signature looks at “Hollywood Makeup King” Max Factor’s makeup rooms. End your tour with a shock at “The Dungeon,” the lowest floor of the museum, where you’ll find exhibits of horror film relics, such as Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell from “Silence of the Lambs” (1991).
- +1 323 464 7776
1660 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA
- https://thehollywoodmuseum.com/
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