Like many here, I enjoy watching movies and programs where Arts and Crafts homes are featured or used as backdrops. Awhile back, there was a thread in here on what specifically those movies and television programs are/were, but I've recently discovered another source...only these movies are the "Real Thing."

I've come to appreciate the early Charlie Chaplin/Laurel & Hardy movies especially those shot before 1920. Not only do you see many A & C-styled homes in the background, but many interior scenes actually show period decor...and it's fascinating to see them at the time of their popularity...they're like living postcards!

Since many of these old movies were mainly slapstick gags, it wasn't necessary to change the scenery and they just shot streets and buildings as they were. While some of the footage is grainy or poorly lit, you can still make out things like Art Nouveau fabric patterns on wallpaper and curtains, Mission-style furniture, and period fixtures.

For us [Los] Angelenos, a bigger treat is seeing neighborhoods that seem strikingly familiar as many of these films were shot around the Los Angeles area. I bought a DVD simply titled "Charlie Chaplin" that contains 51 shorts filmed between 1914 and 1919 and was watching one called "Making a Living" and it sure does look like the West Adams District. Other scenes feature downtown Los Angeles as well as Venice Beach just after the turn of the 20th century.

Does anyone here know where these were specifically filmed? I know that one of the L & H shorts was filmed in Lincoln Heights http://www.lincolnheightsla.com/laurelhardy/.

Viewing tip: You might want to turn the sound down and maybe put on some classical music in the background as the repetitive player piano music on the DVD gets pretty monotonous.

Oscar,

Have you seen the book "Silent Echoes: Discovering Early Hollywood Through The Films of Buster Keaton"?

It is fantastic. The authors have puzzled out many, many locations, sometimes from the smallest clues. It's not just Hollywood either, but all over Los Angeles.

It's got quite a few "then & now" photos, as well.

Worth checking out.

Kevin

Ah yes, and there was also a recent presentation at Hollywood Heritage by a guy whose pastime is tracking down unknown locations from Three Stooges shorts.

There was an article in the Daily News a couple of weeks ago.

I helped him find a location from the short "The Three Beers" which features beer barrels rolling up & down the streets of Echo Park.

Kevin

Yet another book to add to my collection! I hope [the author] Bengtson decides to tackle the Chaplin, The Little Rascals/Our Gang, and L & H films as well.

Thanks for the tip, I'll be picking up the book soon!

SMALLVILLE! It has bingalows, except for Lex's place. I always pay attention to the details of the home to see how authentic it is.

I know someone brought this movie up earlier but I couldn't find the thread but the move Zithura has got the most beautiful bungalow I've seen in a while. I could hear some of you out there screaming when it got demolished but was still exciting to see the details.

tanya