The Villa Carlotta apartment building at 5959 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood is the rare sort of apartment building you expect to find in Hollywood but rarely do anymore. It was built in 1926 by Elinor Ince, the widow of early studio head Thomas Ince—the one who died after a party on William Randolph Hearst’s yacht in in 1924. The place is a Churrigueresque wonder of late Spanish baroque and filled with detailing they just don’t do anymore. Judging by the car parked out front, I’d say this photo was taken not long after the place opened.
Below is an interior shot of one of the apartments:
Love, love, LOVE!!! Now this is real Hollywood glamour!! I can just transport myself right into this apartment. All that would be missing are your books on my bedside table. “Jeeves, please make that reservation at the Brown Derby for lunch with Thelma Todd for 2 and check on my gown for the party on Saturday!”
To be, oh, 20 years old in those days and maybe be a writer or assistant to a director– somehow nominally employed in the industry– is my idea of heaven,
coming home to an apartment like this. 25 years ago I lived in three different apts
right off Franklin, N. Ivar, N. Edgemont, N. Gramercy. Would have dinner at La Poubelle or Prizzi’s right across the street from the Scientology Celebrity Center on Franklin. Occasionally would take a free Scientology tour. Surprisingly, really wasn’t proselytized. Even had breakfast at the cool old hotel once. Sadly, pretty much everything that could destroy paradise has been undertaken. But we have you, Martin, to keep us dreaming. Thank you. We were born in the wrong era.
I opened my talent agency next to Carlotta, across from the big chateau, then representing Rudy Vallee, Bob Cummings,and Edd Musso Frank,l The Brown Derby, The Windsor and Perinos, you see my wife owned Fatty Arbuckes home on Muirfield road, Barbara Dulien was a Prjncess of Fashion and received the Coty American critics fashion award. What a life, nights with Garbo and gaylord hauser at the mountainside, and picking roses in toluca lake. Later talking with Cary Grant in front of my beach house on my morning Jogs.
Let us start with the Houdini Seance produced at The Ravenswood. Vincent Munden English physic led the opening prayer and Patrick Culliton a Houdini expert and actor graciously read the Poem Houdini had left in a safe to be released by his attorney, Two Egyptian guards in ancient costume guarded the locked doors,
Let us start with the Houdini Seance produced at The Ravenswood. Vincent Munden English physic led the opening prayer and Patrick Culliton a Houdini expert and actor graciously read the Poem Houdini had left in a safe to be released by his attorney, Two Egyptian guards in ancient costume guarded the locked doors,
Dear Mr. Turnbill stop awaits your visit to my ship in Newport bay stop ready to dictate Bio for your stop, let us begin with a magical relationship with Mrs. Alan J Lerner aka Micheline, then Ann Warner, and the Mansion on Angelo! stop EArly performances at 10 years old for The Andregivw Maclaglen Family and The Micelis, Nick Adams and Gig young and Harry lewis kids, The Great Ricardo Manzagical extravaganza. western just like the 1920s and My friends Ben Silberstien and The Beverly Hills Hotel Pool and Polo loung adventures. stop await your reply
here is the new song! Were going to Hollywood to see Lassie! I hope she’s not Sassy like my duck, my donkey, and me. we’ve got a show and will have some Joe and laugh and swim all day, tonight the Moulin Rouge, then the Mocambo and a steak at Ciros, see you at the Polo lounge!
Richard deGrandcourt announces INDUSTRY the exciting drama of Irving Thalberg’s life and the challenges and changes he implemented, such as the Studio Code of ethics, then his mastery of Universal studios with Carl Lamelle. His marriage to Norma Shearer and MGM production of over 4OO features, including Gone with the Wind, The Good Earth, and Mutiny on the Bounty.
Is this an actual book you’re written? My first note is that he had nothing to with GWTW other than knocking back the chance to secure the screen rights.
Dear Mar -Tee perhaps a Martini soon? My Scenario is about Irving Thalberg and his wonderful life at Universal and MGM. Carl Lemelle. then Louis Mayer. His working with Clark Gable and Greta Garbo and his marriage to Norma Shearer. I am trying to interest Barbra in doing the Love theme for this Picture. The Working title is Industry, however it deals with his conflict with Erick von Stroheim. and leadership as a young man at MGM.
I understood that Gable had to be talked into playing in Gone with the Wind. The deal was that if he did it, he could make his own choices, also Although Swlznick produced, It was Thalberg that ran the Studio as I understand it. thanks for sharing.
Thalberg did head up production at MGM, but only until 1936, when he died suddenly. That was the year the novel of GWTW came out, so Thalberg had nothing to do with the movie version (other than to decide against making the movie.)
Martin, you are correct about Irving Thalberg. Houdini woke me up last night to inform me that it was Mutiny on the Bounty that Irving Thalberg worked out with Clark Gable. you are a wonderfully accurate and precise scholar, sorry for the error. Richard deGrandcourt. ” Victoria the Great” my Grandfather Charles deGrandcourt wrote
Dear Mar -Tee perhaps a Martini soon? My Scenario is about Irving Thalberg and his wonderful life at Universal and MGM. Carl Lamelle. then Louis Mayer. His working with Clark Gable and Greta Garbo and his marriage to Norma Shearer. I am trying to interest Barbra in doing the Love theme for this Picture. The Working title is Industry, however, it deals with his conflict with Erick von Stroheim. and leadership as a young man at MGM.
A SPIRITUAL VISIT from HOUDINI Last night Christmas evening, while turning the pages in my old Scrapbook, I noticed the photo of my two doves used in my magical show named Houdini and Bess, they were in every show and had a birdcage hutch with lots of room behind our home on Toluca Lake. I looked closely at the houdini article about his show and suddenly an image quite bright appeared, I heard these words,,” I am the Great Houdini”and a spirit guide dear Richard, My favorite movie producer was Irving Thalberg before I passed in 1926. Your project of this time is important to the spirits and our home in the heavens for now, but we will be back again soon in a different body. Now some of us have returned as actors and are able to help in this marvelous imaginative adventure you are undertaking. I like Josh Flagg a jewish boy like me and Irving to play the part, he looks just like Irving and has the same attitude and ideas and ideals, then Drew Barrymore the grand princess of the Family of which they are all proud of. Greta Garbo, and Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, and others would like ‘Tory Spelling, they call her Victoria here” and Paris Hilton, Cornelia Guest the little one who loves animals and is a bombshell. then Lindsay lohan a favorite of the angels,and her sister in Hollywood acting Shannon Doherty, I also like Dwayne Johnson for a key part in Hallejuah Thalberg’s joy for all. ‘The Magic Spirit world is with you now We of the Stars in heaven are with you dear Richard”
Martin, you are correct about Irving Thalberg. Houdini woke me up last night to inform me that it was Mutiny on the Bounty that Irving Thalberg worked out with Clark Gable. you are a wonderfully accurate and precise scholar, sorry for the error. Richard deGrandcourt. ” Victoria the Great” my Grandfather Charles deGrandcourt wrote
The Villa Carlotta apartment building at 5959 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood is the rare sort of apartment building you expect to find in Hollywood but rarely do anymore. It was built in 1926 by Elinor Ince, the widow of early studio head Thomas Ince—the one who died after a party on William Randolph Hearst’s yacht in in 1924. The place is a Churrigueresque wonder of late Spanish baroque and filled with detailing they just don’t do anymore. Judging by the car parked out front, I’d say this photo was taken not long after the place opened.
Love, love, LOVE!!! Now this is real Hollywood glamour!! I can just transport myself right into this apartment. All that would be missing are your books on my bedside table. “Jeeves, please make that reservation at the Brown Derby for lunch with Thelma Todd for 2 and check on my gown for the party on Saturday!”
I know, right??? And I hope Thelma doesn’t mind, but I’ll be crashing your booth at the Brown Derby. Bottoms up!
To be, oh, 20 years old in those days and maybe be a writer or assistant to a director– somehow nominally employed in the industry– is my idea of heaven,
coming home to an apartment like this. 25 years ago I lived in three different apts
right off Franklin, N. Ivar, N. Edgemont, N. Gramercy. Would have dinner at La Poubelle or Prizzi’s right across the street from the Scientology Celebrity Center on Franklin. Occasionally would take a free Scientology tour. Surprisingly, really wasn’t proselytized. Even had breakfast at the cool old hotel once. Sadly, pretty much everything that could destroy paradise has been undertaken. But we have you, Martin, to keep us dreaming. Thank you. We were born in the wrong era.
Hey Rich, my sentiments EXACTLY. We could car-pooled to Paramount or Warner Bros!
I opened my talent agency next to Carlotta, across from the big chateau, then representing Rudy Vallee, Bob Cummings,and Edd Musso Frank,l The Brown Derby, The Windsor and Perinos, you see my wife owned Fatty Arbuckes home on Muirfield road, Barbara Dulien was a Prjncess of Fashion and received the Coty American critics fashion award. What a life, nights with Garbo and gaylord hauser at the mountainside, and picking roses in toluca lake. Later talking with Cary Grant in front of my beach house on my morning Jogs.
Good heavens, Richard! What I life you’ve lived. You should write a memoir!
Let us start with the Houdini Seance produced at The Ravenswood. Vincent Munden English physic led the opening prayer and Patrick Culliton a Houdini expert and actor graciously read the Poem Houdini had left in a safe to be released by his attorney, Two Egyptian guards in ancient costume guarded the locked doors,
Let us start with the Houdini Seance produced at The Ravenswood. Vincent Munden English physic led the opening prayer and Patrick Culliton a Houdini expert and actor graciously read the Poem Houdini had left in a safe to be released by his attorney, Two Egyptian guards in ancient costume guarded the locked doors,
Dear Mr. Turnbill stop awaits your visit to my ship in Newport bay stop ready to dictate Bio for your stop, let us begin with a magical relationship with Mrs. Alan J Lerner aka Micheline, then Ann Warner, and the Mansion on Angelo! stop EArly performances at 10 years old for The Andregivw Maclaglen Family and The Micelis, Nick Adams and Gig young and Harry lewis kids, The Great Ricardo Manzagical extravaganza. western just like the 1920s and My friends Ben Silberstien and The Beverly Hills Hotel Pool and Polo loung adventures. stop await your reply
I’ll be there as soon as a can stop I just need to finish up cocktails with Tallulah Bankhead stop
Cary Grant and I are working on a new Piano song with Olive Cornelia Guests terrior. It’s called ooh ooh Olive olay!
here is the new song! Were going to Hollywood to see Lassie! I hope she’s not Sassy like my duck, my donkey, and me. we’ve got a show and will have some Joe and laugh and swim all day, tonight the Moulin Rouge, then the Mocambo and a steak at Ciros, see you at the Polo lounge!
Richard deGrandcourt announces INDUSTRY the exciting drama of Irving Thalberg’s life and the challenges and changes he implemented, such as the Studio Code of ethics, then his mastery of Universal studios with Carl Lamelle. His marriage to Norma Shearer and MGM production of over 4OO features, including Gone with the Wind, The Good Earth, and Mutiny on the Bounty.
Is this an actual book you’re written? My first note is that he had nothing to with GWTW other than knocking back the chance to secure the screen rights.
Dear Mar -Tee perhaps a Martini soon? My Scenario is about Irving Thalberg and his wonderful life at Universal and MGM. Carl Lemelle. then Louis Mayer. His working with Clark Gable and Greta Garbo and his marriage to Norma Shearer. I am trying to interest Barbra in doing the Love theme for this Picture. The Working title is Industry, however it deals with his conflict with Erick von Stroheim. and leadership as a young man at MGM.
I understood that Gable had to be talked into playing in Gone with the Wind. The deal was that if he did it, he could make his own choices, also Although Swlznick produced, It was Thalberg that ran the Studio as I understand it. thanks for sharing.
sorry for the cc Selznick
Thalberg did head up production at MGM, but only until 1936, when he died suddenly. That was the year the novel of GWTW came out, so Thalberg had nothing to do with the movie version (other than to decide against making the movie.)
Martin, you are correct about Irving Thalberg. Houdini woke me up last night to inform me that it was Mutiny on the Bounty that Irving Thalberg worked out with Clark Gable. you are a wonderfully accurate and precise scholar, sorry for the error. Richard deGrandcourt. ” Victoria the Great” my Grandfather Charles deGrandcourt wrote
Dear Mar -Tee perhaps a Martini soon? My Scenario is about Irving Thalberg and his wonderful life at Universal and MGM. Carl Lamelle. then Louis Mayer. His working with Clark Gable and Greta Garbo and his marriage to Norma Shearer. I am trying to interest Barbra in doing the Love theme for this Picture. The Working title is Industry, however, it deals with his conflict with Erick von Stroheim. and leadership as a young man at MGM.
A SPIRITUAL VISIT from HOUDINI Last night Christmas evening, while turning the pages in my old Scrapbook, I noticed the photo of my two doves used in my magical show named Houdini and Bess, they were in every show and had a birdcage hutch with lots of room behind our home on Toluca Lake. I looked closely at the houdini article about his show and suddenly an image quite bright appeared, I heard these words,,” I am the Great Houdini”and a spirit guide dear Richard, My favorite movie producer was Irving Thalberg before I passed in 1926. Your project of this time is important to the spirits and our home in the heavens for now, but we will be back again soon in a different body. Now some of us have returned as actors and are able to help in this marvelous imaginative adventure you are undertaking. I like Josh Flagg a jewish boy like me and Irving to play the part, he looks just like Irving and has the same attitude and ideas and ideals, then Drew Barrymore the grand princess of the Family of which they are all proud of. Greta Garbo, and Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, and others would like ‘Tory Spelling, they call her Victoria here” and Paris Hilton, Cornelia Guest the little one who loves animals and is a bombshell. then Lindsay lohan a favorite of the angels,and her sister in Hollywood acting Shannon Doherty, I also like Dwayne Johnson for a key part in Hallejuah Thalberg’s joy for all. ‘The Magic Spirit world is with you now We of the Stars in heaven are with you dear Richard”
Martin, you are correct about Irving Thalberg. Houdini woke me up last night to inform me that it was Mutiny on the Bounty that Irving Thalberg worked out with Clark Gable. you are a wonderfully accurate and precise scholar, sorry for the error. Richard deGrandcourt. ” Victoria the Great” my Grandfather Charles deGrandcourt wrote