Until just last week, I thought there was only one funicular in downtown Los Angeles: Angel’s Flight. But then I learned there was a second one. Known as Court Flight, it opened on September 24, 1904 mid-block between Temple and First Streets, which would put it where Grand Park now is. Rising 189 feet, it was a steeper ride than Angel’s Flight, which must have been an easier way to get to the top of Bunker Hill than the 140 steps, which you could take for free. Unlike Angel’s Flight, this one was a two-car track, with each car counterbalancing the other and only charged for the ride up. On October 20, 1943, a fire damaged the wooden ties badly enough that Court Flight would never run again.
That car sitting out front in both photos looks to be the same car. However, you can tell by the way the trees have grown that photos were take at different times.
Well spotted, Gordon!
I’m sure I’ve seen this in a 1940s movie, where the character is going up a funicular, and we see all these old apartment buildings through the windows. I keep thinking it had something to do with Orson Wells. Not sure… sorry. I wish I could place the movie title. It was probably a popular background for crime stories, film noir…
I think it was probably Angels Flight. I’ve seen very few photos of Court Flight, and never any footage. (But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, of course!)