“There are some things which cannot be learned, though they can be studied. Among them are the laws of art—and the lawlessness of it, as well.” — Josef von Sternberg, posing next to a bronze bust of himself, created by Rudolf Belling in 1930. The Casa von Sternberg, built in 1935 by Richard Neutra. […]
“This business is so uncertain that you never know where you are, never know what’s going on, or what is going to happen to you next.” — Genevieve Tobin in 1932. Source: Columnist Robbin Coons: Hollywood Sights & Sounds.
“But I knew no English then. In fact, my English is just six weeks old. Of course, I took lessons back in Germany but made no headway. Then I come to America again six weeks ago and live in Michigan and study and study because I want to be real Hollywood actress.” — Nora Gregor […]
“Offers to come to Hollywood have been many. But I always refused unless I could play an important dramatic role. I did not wish to be just the dancer in a picture.” — Tilly Losch, pictured here in 1929 while in Great Britain.
Los Angeles: Snapshots of the 1940s. Above photo: An aerial view of city hall in 1940. Another view of City Hall, circa 1940. Photographer: Ansel Adams/ LAPL 00085775 Night view of Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory, circa 1940. Photo taken by Ansel Adams in 1940. To the left is the Hotel […]
Life in Los Angeles in the 1930s Above photo: Downtown Los Angeles in 1930. Howe’s “At the Sign of the Indian” Complete Motor Service, located at 7456 Melrose Avenue, circa 1930. Proprietor: Leon D. Howe. (Photo: LAPL 00057621) The Umbrella Service Station, General Petroleum Gas, circa 1930, once located at 830 South La […]
“This is the age of insincerity. The movies had the misfortune to come along in the twentieth century, and because they appeal to the masses there can be no sincerity in them. Hollywood is tied hand and foot to the demands for artificiality of the masses all over the world.” — Lionel Barrymore “Hollywood […]
“Unfortunately, before I realized that I was supposed to be a mysterious person, now that I’m in pictures, I had told several New York reporters and fan magazine writers the true story of my life – and now it’s too late to change it. I never starved in attics when I was a little girl […]
“Everything good comes to Hollywood, but nothing originates here. It’s a melting pot for talent developed in other parts of the world.” – Kay Francis Source: Dorothy Woolridge (1934) “I seldom wear low heels and never slouch when I’m standing. If I am tall I’m going to be tall. Personally, I consider myself lucky not […]
“Why I probably have the dearest, most domesticated parents in the world. They’ve been married 44 years and still adore each other. And they’re still on the road, too. Mother used to send away for the kindergarten instruction system and tutor me in the dressing rooms. I learned to count with lentils. I never missed […]