For eight weeks in June and July of 1953, Paramount’s “Shane” played Grauman’s Chinese Theatre sandwiched between Fox’s “Titanic” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” before the theater closed down to remodel for “The Robe” which was the first CinemaScope movie. Across the street is a billboard for The London Shop, which was a mini chain of three three stores located in the Roosevelt Hotel on, Hollywood Boulevard, next to the Brown Derby on Wilshire Boulevard, and on Rodeo Drive. But I’ve not been able to establish what they sold. Does anybody reading this post recall?
Seems they were mainly an agent for Aquascutum, upmarket London men’s tailor and clothing store. The name derives from the latin for watershield and their trenchcoat was quite popular; Bogie wore one offscreen and on, most notably as Sam Spade.
Hey Alistair, you’re never too late to this party. Especially if you arrive at the party wearing Aquascutum (which sounds more like something a nurse would clean up after a messy operation.)
For eight weeks in June and July of 1953, Paramount’s “Shane” played Grauman’s Chinese Theatre sandwiched between Fox’s “Titanic” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” before the theater closed down to remodel for “The Robe” which was the first CinemaScope movie. Across the street is a billboard for The London Shop, which was a mini chain of three three stores located in the Roosevelt Hotel on, Hollywood Boulevard, next to the Brown Derby on Wilshire Boulevard, and on Rodeo Drive. But I’ve not been able to establish what they sold. Does anybody reading this post recall?
The London Shop was a conservative menswear establishment. Very tweedy.
Thanks Carole! My first thought was that they were a British food importer but your explanation sounds more feasible.
The London Shops were bespoke men’s haberdashers.
Thanks David! I figured you’d know.
Late to the party…
Seems they were mainly an agent for Aquascutum, upmarket London men’s tailor and clothing store. The name derives from the latin for watershield and their trenchcoat was quite popular; Bogie wore one offscreen and on, most notably as Sam Spade.
Here’s a view of the shop windows:
Hey Alistair, you’re never too late to this party. Especially if you arrive at the party wearing Aquascutum (which sounds more like something a nurse would clean up after a messy operation.)