"Hollywood, Then and Now"

Actress and best-selling writer Rosemary Lord recently spoke about Hollywood at the Burbank Central Library author event, spell-binding an audience of fifty for nearly two hours.

"Hollywood has always been magical to me," Rosemary began, and then went on in her appealing British accent to reveal many of the juicy tidbits that can be found in her beautifully illustrated and narrated book, "Hollywood Then and Now"

She began with the history of what is now the "Glitz and Glamour Capitol." Did you know it was founded by a religious campaigner and promoter of prohibition? Originally known as the "Land of Churches," Harvey Wilcox wanted to call his new town, "Figwood," but his wife insisted on "Hollywood" after the pretty bushes she loved.

Mrs. Wilcox and Women's Club of Hollywood were instrumental in creating the Hollywood Hospital, the first library, and an outside entertainment venue where religious tableaux could be presented while families picnicked. The familiar shell-like structure became known as the Hollywood Bowl.

And then Cecil B. DeMille arrived on the scene. For $75 a month, he rented a barn and turned it into the first silent movie studio in Hollywood. Later, actors Charlie Chapman, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks created United Artists.

Did you know that Peter Lawford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. were sent to the Hollywood School for Girls as punishment for misbehavior? One wonders if this plan to humiliate and embarrass the young actors worked! After all ... Jean Harlow and other gorgeous young ingénues also attended.

Did you know that Rudy Valentino was the first actor to have a Golden Star with his name - painted on the ceiling of the Hollywood Hotel dining room? When the hotel was torn down, these "Stars" were transferred to the sidewalk on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."

Prospect Ave was renamed Hollywood Blvd, and classy theaters like the Egyptian and the Chinese were built. Rosemary told how the tradition of placing hand and footprints in the cement outside the Chinese Theatre got "accidentally" started.

Across the street, the Roosevelt Hotel quickly became an icon. Many people believe the landmark hotel is haunted. People swear they've seen Marilyn Monroe's reflection in windows and mirrors, and heard trumpet music coming from upstairs. One wonders if Johnny Grant's ghost will now inhabit the penthouse suite.

Rosemary told of a mysterious "Lady In Black" who visited Rudy Valentino's old house before it was torn down (to make way for the 101 Freeway). She gave details about the first Academy Awards Ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel - it took all of five minutes to hand out the awards!

Her book is filled with Hollywood history and legend, but she was only able to give a peek in the time allotted her. After fielding many questions from the eager audience, Rosemary spent a few minutes speaking individually and signing copies of her book.

"Hollywood Then and Now," as well as her "Los Angeles Then and Now," can be purchased from Barnes & Noble Booksellers and on Amazon.com. To contact Rosemary about her books or speaking engagements, email: Qualityst@earthlink.net.