Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle’s Plantation Café, Washington Blvd., Culver City, was opened by Fatty Arbuckle on August 2nd, 1928, six years after his rape scandal. The nightclub was designed by Cedric Gibbons from MGM. On opening night, Mabel Normand sent her former co-star a life-sized model of herself made of flowers and her husband, Lew Cody, emceed the show while Tom Mix led the orchestra. Some of the first-nighters were Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks Snr, Buster Keaton, the three Talmadge Sisters, Harry Langdon, and Bebe Daniels. Was a huge success at first but by 1930 the Depression had hit and he sold his interest.
Plantations Cafe advertisement 1934:
Very interesting to know
Sounds like a lot of fun to be had at Fatty’s cafe.
Here’s a couple of old ads:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5916832886_ea447bce82.jpg
http://www.sonypicturesmuseum.com/public/uploads/figuresaccordion/image/old-culver-city-ad-for-fatty-arcbuckle-plantation-cafe.jpg
Thanks, Martin.
Jean
While we were attending La Ballona elementary school in the 50’s, this nightclub was right across the street, abandoned and shabby. We used to catch frogs from the fountain in front of it. We all thought the place was haunted, and dared each other to touch the front door. ( No takers at night ). A pity it was torn down.
Oh wow, David! That’s sounds like the basis of a horror movie that someone needs to write!