The Angelenos we can see lining up out front of the Orpheum Theater at 842 S. Broadway in downtown LA must have really wanted to see Cab Calloway perform because they had to brave an unusual snowfall to do it. It looks like it’s barely an inch thick on the sidewalk, which is nothing for you hale and hardy New Englanders, but is enough for us Californians to think twice before leaving the house. The caption on this photo said the photo was taken on February 20, 1944.
For those of you who would like to speak fluent Cab, here is his Jive Dictionary:
Having undergone a huge renovation in the 90s, the Orpheum Theater is still around and still a vibrant venue. This image is from February 2023.
Liking L.A. snow photos from the past, as I do, I have seen a couple from 1944, but I’ve not seen this one! Love it!
It also reminds me that I attended a Hollywood Bowl evening one night in the ’80s. It was a theme night at the Bowl, so I was unaware of all the guests who’d be performing, and lo and behold I got to see Cab Calloway perform Minnie the Moocher! I also recall Burgess Meredith was there and he recited some passages from The Reivers by William Faulkner while the orchestra played some music from the film version. (What the heck kind of night was that?)
As for The Orpheum, a good friend of mine, who works in a high-end Beverly Hills restaurant, told me the other day a customer who comes in often enough was wearing a shirt that had The Orpheum embroidered on it and my friend said something about it and the customer revealed, “I own the place.” He then told my friend if he wanted to come to anything there he’d “hook him up!” Nice.
Thanks for the photos, Martin, and allowing some of my memories to bubble up, too!
Absolutely love this sight and all the knowledge everyone has. I live in the Midwest and just love anything to do with Old Hollywood, from the 1920’s-1940’s. I have learned so much from this sight! Thanks Martin, and to all who contribute their knowledge. It is most appreciated!
I too love all these contributions that Martin sends us except when I see all of the old history being destroyed by PROGRESS!!! So much is long gone now (Thank God for photo’s) and people like Martin.
Yes, John, some of those “now” shots are awfully disappointing, but I’m always glad someone thought to take those vintage shots so that we have a record of what it used to be like to be in Los Angeles and Hollywood during its heyday.