Close to the original MGM studios, this still elegant brick hotel in downtown Culver City was the part-time home of Keaton, Fairbanks and Garbo. Laurel and Hardy shot here, as did the little Rascals.
Built in 1906, the iconic Pink Palace predates the town which bears its name. Garbo frequently hid out here and took her (allegedly nude) exercises in the famous pool.
This reemerging venue’s Palm Court, with its exquisite ceiling, was the site of an epic smackdown. Louis B Mayer punched Charlie Chaplin in the face over his treatment of 1st wife Mildred Harris.
Debauchery has reigned on the infamous rooftop patio since 1927. The site of the 1st Academy Awards, original investors in this lavish hotel included Pickford, Fairbanks, Mayer and Lowe.
The acrobatic antics of the Keystone Kops were filmed here in Edendale. Normand, Arbuckle and Keaton boozed between takes, while bathing beauties auditioned on Mack Sennet’s infamous casting couch.
Director DW Griffith acquired Triangle Studio just north of Sunset Blvd in the early teens. Here he produced Birth of a Nation and Intolerance, landmark films that created the language of cinema.
Regular Walt (the 1st Disney studios were nearby) was inspired by the pubs wood-frame Tudor building. Mary Pickford and Tom Mix were also fans of the hearty Scottish menu which has changed little.
Since 1927 this pioneering theme eatery has been marketing itself with pig masks, pig storybooks, and its exterior mural-of a pig playing a whistle. It also hosted the first-ever Oscar after-party!
Since 1919 this dark eatery, with its mirrored bar and red booths, has been pulling in the lush set including Mix, Chaplin and writers who tied one on before teetering across the street to the WGA.
Keaton was one of the most innovative, influential actor-directors of his era. He displayed unreal acrobatic abilities “stone-faced” in films like The General and The Navigator. His star is close by.
Tom Mix was the 1st superstar cowboy. With his equally famous horse Tony, he made over 300 pictures and helped shape the western genre as the hero who always saves the day. His star is close by.
Colleen Moore was a chic modern flapper, staring in mega-hits like Flaming Youth and the million dollar picture Lilac Time. Her autobiography Silent Star recounts her life. Her star is close by.
Gay heartthrob Navarro was one the biggest sex symbols of the 20s. He starred in the blockbuster Ben Hur and with Greta Garbo in Mata Hari. But studios kept him in the closet. His star is close by.
Mary Pickford was America’s sweetheart and a powerhouse. She produced, directed, acted and wrote, and co-founded United Artists, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her star is close by.
Douglas Fairbanks was an international megastar. He co-founded United Artists, pioneered the adventure-costume feature and as the 1st president of AMPAS hosted the 1st Oscars. His star is close by.
