After writing three books, and nearly 300 blog posts explaining the visual history hidden in silent movies, I’ve learned how to make YouTube videos that show this history directly. I’ve prepared over 15 Blu-ray/DVD bonus programs, and been invited to introduce films using PowerPoint over sixty times, so from this reservoir of material I plan to release YouTube videos regularly. Here’s the link to my new channel, and links to each video below.
If only you were interested in and involved in the Crystal Cove community. Grandpa bought Historic Building Number One, which was built as a movie set for the first American version of Maugham’s “Rain,” 1928. The building was the hotel in the film. Look closely at stills from the movie, compare them with family photos, and you’ll see that even some of set dressing was included in the sale – the Olla jar is pretty obvious. Apparently an AD bought the building, and Gramps bought it from him. It became a center of visitation from Hollywood people, especially Dick Cramer, and at least one future Disney Legend, Bob Broughton, who was a close of Dad’s when they were boys. Dad (and Bob) had some great stories to share, about the Cove and Dick Cramer.
Unfortunately, at about the time the State Park was established, two things happened – SP Rangers became cops, with little interest in historic or cultural resources, and they were proposing a 400 room hotel for the place. (I was a California State Park Ranger but left when the guns came in.)
Fortunately, a woman raised in the Cove in the 50’s, described by one State Park Historian, as “very assertive,” went to battle with the parks and won. Unfortunately, she insisted that the park be themed to her girlhood, and the historic fabric was substantially altered. Historic Structure #1 now looks like a 1950s suburban beach cottage, and is used as an accessible structure for the disabled.
At least there’s not a massive hotel there. And the State Parks allowed our lady to establish a “Crystal Cove Conservancy” to run the place – she’s the Director – so except for the massive alteration of a major film structure it’s ok. But too bad someone doesn’t have the ability to have Historic Structure number one restored and interpreted as a critical part of California, US, and world historic culture.
Chaplin-Keaton-Lloyd film locations (and more) 
Wonderful work, as always.
Don Scott, son of Hollywood (or more accurately, Atwater Village) and teacher of film appreciation
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Thanks for the like, John.
If only you were interested in and involved in the Crystal Cove community. Grandpa bought Historic Building Number One, which was built as a movie set for the first American version of Maugham’s “Rain,” 1928. The building was the hotel in the film. Look closely at stills from the movie, compare them with family photos, and you’ll see that even some of set dressing was included in the sale – the Olla jar is pretty obvious. Apparently an AD bought the building, and Gramps bought it from him. It became a center of visitation from Hollywood people, especially Dick Cramer, and at least one future Disney Legend, Bob Broughton, who was a close of Dad’s when they were boys. Dad (and Bob) had some great stories to share, about the Cove and Dick Cramer.
Unfortunately, at about the time the State Park was established, two things happened – SP Rangers became cops, with little interest in historic or cultural resources, and they were proposing a 400 room hotel for the place. (I was a California State Park Ranger but left when the guns came in.)
Fortunately, a woman raised in the Cove in the 50’s, described by one State Park Historian, as “very assertive,” went to battle with the parks and won. Unfortunately, she insisted that the park be themed to her girlhood, and the historic fabric was substantially altered. Historic Structure #1 now looks like a 1950s suburban beach cottage, and is used as an accessible structure for the disabled.
At least there’s not a massive hotel there. And the State Parks allowed our lady to establish a “Crystal Cove Conservancy” to run the place – she’s the Director – so except for the massive alteration of a major film structure it’s ok. But too bad someone doesn’t have the ability to have Historic Structure number one restored and interpreted as a critical part of California, US, and world historic culture.
Cheers,
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Wow, that is quite a history. Thank you for sharing, and for putting the park on my radar. I hope I can visit it someday.
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