September's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual gathering of regional ghost hunters and those that just like ghost stories. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.” All those who attend will receive a free G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you.

NOTE: This bar is normally closed on Mondays, but they have made a special exception for the 13th, and will be opening their doors just for our group. So bring your cameras, bring your EMF meters, and bring your friends. For those hours, the place is ours.

THE DATE: September 13th, 2010 (Monday)
THE PLACE: 1642
(1642 West Temple Street) Map
THE TIME: 7:00pm to 10:00pm (closing time)

THE GHOST(S):

Although no one knows what business originally occupied this space when this building opened its doors to the public in 1914, it has been a neighborhood bar for as long as anyone can remember (at the very least going back to the 1940's). As such, over the decades, it has had many owner changes, many name-changes, and many clientele changes. For better or worse, this simple tavern has also reflected the changes in the surrounding neighborhood, and in one of its previous incarnations, it was a notorious hang-out for a local street gang. To just step through that door (at that time) and have a drink was not an action to be taken lightly. It is said that during this era, many people were murdered and/or died within these four walls. Luckily, those rough and tumble days are now history. This year, the bar reopened under new management, and has been respectfully restored to represent its earlier, and much simpler, roots.

Strangely, for all the violence this place has known throughout its "life," there is only one ghost (a "man") that resides inside the building. Ironically, he seems to be from that previous, and much simpler, time. Perhaps, the new decor (and the vintage jazz commonly played there) has enticed him to come out into the open. Witnesses claim that his style of dress appears to be from the 1920's, and he seems very happy. Although his presence is most often felt in the "ladies room," he has been seen (and felt) throughout the bar room. It is not uncommon for this apparition to bump into other patrons. One bartender has felt him push up against her as he tried to squeeze past in the narrow space behind the counter. Another patron once backed into him, accidentally stepping on his foot. Because of his jovial demeanor, and his apparent disregard of people's "private space," as well as his lack of shame spying on women in the rest room, some have theorized that he may be just as inebriated as some of the other living visitors. Yes, he is a "Spirit" who apparently (in life) enjoyed "spirits," himself. So, this may be our first "SPIRITS with SPIRITS" with a "Spirit on Spirits."

Earlier, it was mentioned that there is only one ghost inside the building, the reason for making that distinction is that the building has another ghost that stands outside (and stays outside). "He" is descibed as unhappy (staring forward), and has been seen in the adjoining alley-way, at the South-West corner of the building. Years ago, a local man's murdered body was dumped (over the fence) in the area behind the building. It is believed his ghost still lingers there, never leaving that position.

(to see last month's location...)

83rd Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial

Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about. As such, docents and staff at this event may not wish to discuss this landmark's haunted history.

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard (map)
Date: August 23 (Monday)
Time: 12:10 pm

One can read about Valentino's many achievements and super stardom elsewhere, but what is of interest to local ghost hunters about this silent film celebrity is the ubiquitous nature of his ghost. Valentino is said to repeatedly haunt many buildings and places throughout Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Downtown. Even the ghosts of his horse and favorite dog have been spotted over the years

The reason for these many sightings probably stems from two facts from his time in Southern California. First, because of his popular and fun-loving nature, there are not many places locally that he didn't visit, stay at, dance at, entertain at, or was entertained at (both before and after stardom). Secondly, he (along with his wife) were outspoken believers in the spirits, and participated in many demonstrations of seances. Incidentally, he has also been known to show up at many more seances after he departed.

Although Hollywood Forever Cemetery is easily one of the most haunted local cemeteries, ironically his ghost has not been seen there. But, it has been seen in the neighboring Paramount studios (some have even claimed his ghost goes through the adjoining wall as if going into the cemetery). Though Valentino may not haunt the premises, the ghost of a "women in black" has been seen periodically visiting his marker. The identity of this "woman" is difficult to determine, since over the decades, many women (including one who does these duties today) have also donned that same mourning outfit and repeated the ritual of visiting his final resting place. The idea of Valentino's "woman in black" seems to be a local tradition past down through the generations (as well as something often imitated).

So, come out and celebrate the life (and after-life) of one of the silver screen's most unique stars.

For more info...

http://blog.allanellenberger.com/book-flm-news/83rd-annual-valentino-memorial/

(Ghost-assisted) Art!

Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost-related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about.

Date: August 20, 2010

Time: 9pm

Place: Human Resources (510 Bernard St.)

Spectral Psychography is a form of psychic mark-making invented by Los Angeles based artists Christian Cummings and Michael Decker. The Psychographer uses an adapted Ouija device (a planchette) to collaborate artistically with unseen forces. Blindfolded, the hand forms an image while the mind remains unaware of what the hand is doing. Since 2004 Cummings and Decker have been collaborating with ghosts in the service of drawing, painting, poetry, sculpture and musical composition. To date they have created hundreds of Spectral Psychographs and have collaborated with the likes of Barnett Newman, Paul Klee, Walt Disney, Kieth Harring, Tony Smith, David Smith and Norman Rockwell (to name a few).

"Fright Night in the Heights" Film Fest

Date: August 21

Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Place: Linda Vista Hospital
610 S. St Louis Street, Los Angeles (map)
Movie: The Haunting (1963)

When the good people at the BHPP (Boyle Height Paranormal Project) asked GHOULA to participate in this event, we jumped at the chance. "The Haunting" is one of the greatest "haunted house" ever made. This movie is #1 on Martin Scorsese's 11 Scariest Horror Films Of All Time, and it also served as inspiration for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion attraction. (for more Disneyland info...)

The film's tale is so complex that even the filmmakers disagree whether it is a "ghost story" or a movie about one woman's descent into madness. Is it about the paranormal or is it about psychosis? Either way, what better place to see this film than in a haunted hospital. (for more hospital info...)

Note: This BHPP fundraising event is a private by invitation/RSVP only. there will be only 150 seats available, so be quick to rsvp and secure your seat, BHPP will go down the list of RSVP's and select the first 150. Tours of this historic hospital will be offered after the movie for a $20.00 donation. (for event more info...)

Highlights from August's SWS

(an early photo of the Derby)

Thank you to all who came out to the Derby. There was such a large turn-out, at first the restaurant had nowhere to put all of us. That was quickly solved for those that didn't leave because of the initial crowds. Thus, a special thank you also goes out to the staff of the Derby for not only accommodating our large numbers, but for also walking around and sharing their personal encounters with the old tavern's ghosts.

Some of the stories told that night included...

A woman (working late) saw a man walking down the hall to the bar on one of her surveillance TV monitors. Knowing that she was alone, and that the restaurant was locked, she called the police. After a thorough search of the empty restaurant, they consulted the video tape. The "man" is seen walking down the hall, and into the bar, where he sits on the last stool at the end of the bar (the stool even swiveled as he sat), and then he disappears into thin air. Apparently, that stool was where George Woolf sat (and still sits?) when he used to visit the restaurant.

A man painting the walls of the bar (after hours) kept hearing footsteps and knocking sounds in other parts of the restaurant. Knowing that he should be the only one there, he would investigate, but obviously never found anyone else in the locked restaurant. The sounds and searches went on all night. The next day, when talking to the bartenders, they told him of the ghost stories. They purposefully did not mentioned any of this the night before, because they wanted to see if he would have his own encounter. From that night on, when the painter worked in the restaurant, he would shout out a greeting to George Woolf, with an assurance that he was beautifying the restaurant. He never had another problem with the ghost.

A waiter told a story that one night (after closing time), he went around blowing out the candles on the tables. He went clockwise around the perimeter of the large dining room, blowing out each candle. However when he circled back to his first candle, the flame was still there. He then looked around the room, and each candle had re-lit itself.

The current owner of the Derby even confided to our group that he doesn't like to be alone in the restaurant. Thus, he always makes another employee close, and lock up, the restaurant after he leaves.

(to read more ghost stories from the Derby...)

August's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual gathering of regional ghost hunters and those that just like ghost stories. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.” All those who attend will receive a free G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you.

THE DATE: August 13th, 2010 (Friday the 13th!)
THE PLACE: The Bar Room @ The Derby Restaurant
(233 East Huntington Dr., Arcadia) Map
THE TIME: 8:00pm to 11:00pm (closing time)

THE GHOST(S):

It is hard to imagine now what a little horse named Seabiscuit meant to the American public during the depression. This unlikely beaten-down equine hero showed the world what he was made of when given a second chance (he won race after race), and thus became a symbol of the untapped potential we all have inside us. It was an ideal that the poor, unemployed masses grasped a hold of to get them through our country's worst economic time. When Seabiscuit was finally granted permission to race (one on one) War Admiral, the "best" horse in the nation, it was an event that everyone listened to on radio. Not only did all business stop in America for the length of the race, the gears of government also came to a halt, as President Roosevelt joined the millions of listeners. If Seabiscuit's jockey, George Woolf, felt the pressure, you would have never known it to look at him. Because of this trait, Woolf, the greatest jockey at that time, was said to have ice water in his veins, and was nick-named the "Iceman."

The same year that Seabiscuit won that historic race (1938), George Woolf purchased a gambler's hang-out called "Proctor Tavern" (also know as "Proctor Chicken House"), and turned it into "The Derby Restaurant," a gathering place for local jockeys and race fans. Sadly, in less than a decade of that purchase, Woolf died from a fatal brain injury caused by a fall from a horse at nearby Santa Anita Race Track (its said that the accident was the only time in his career when he wasn't using his "lucky" saddle). Over 1,500 people attended the funeral, where Gene Autry sang "Empty Saddle" to the mourners.

George Woolf may have died in 1946, but his spirit seems to have never left this Arcadian neighborhood. Stories of George's ghost haunting the Derby go back at least to the 1960's when a reporter for the L.A. Times mentioned it in an article. In addition, this ghost might be the only athletic apparition to be featured in the pages of Sports Illustrated. Although, never seen outright, his spirit makes his presence known by moving the oil paintings of famous horses, as well as turning the lights on and off, including the chandelier that legend has it came from "Lucky" Baldwin's (haunted) home a few miles away. There is even a portrait of George Woolf that past employees have claimed has piercing eyes that follow you as you walk around the room. Although most witnesses can shrug off the eyes as an optical illusion caused by the artist's skill, the distinct patter of horse hoofs racing past the front of the building (and coming from the direction of Santa Anita Race Track) late at night is more difficult for them to explain, especially since that same phenomena occurs a couple of blocks away (or 7 furlongs) at the historic race track, itself, where Woolf died. Is it possible that the investment George hoped would provide security in his retirement years has in fact become a place where he feels secure in his after-life? Come to the world famous Derby in Arcadia and find out for yourself.

http://www.thederbyarcadia.com/

(to see last month's location...)

(to read more stories about this location...)

Marilyn Monroe Annual Memorial Service

Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about. As such, docents and staff at this event may not wish to discuss this landmark's haunted history.

Date: August 5, 2009 (Thursday)
Time: 11:00 am
Place: Westwood Memorial Park,
1218 Glendon Avenue, Westwood, CA 90024 (map)

Tucked away in a small cemetery, which in itself, is fittingly tucked away behind a movie theater, sits the crypt of Marilyn Monroe. Since this blonde bombshell is one of the most ubiquitous ghosts in Hollywood (along side the ghost of silent screen star Rudolf Valentino), it makes perfect sense that her final resting place would also be counted as one of the many places said to be haunted by the spirit of this larger than life sex symbol. Although, her famous form (said to be the inspiration for the Coke's trademarked bottle) has never been seen at this location, witnesses have claimed that a strange fog sometimes appears around her pink-stained marble marker.

So, come out and celebrate the life (and after-life) of one of the silver screen's most unique stars.

REAL GHOSTS with REEL GHOSTS

THE DATE: Friday & Saturday, July 16 & 17

THE TIME: Fri: 7:30; Sat: 3:15 & 7:30 (The Uninvited)

Fri: 9:30; Sat: 5:15 & 9:30 (The Haunting)

THE PLACE: The New Beverly Cinema

(7165 W. Beverly Blvd.) map

THE MOVIE: The Uninvited (1944)

plus second feature The Haunting (1963)

THE ADMISSION PRICE: $7.00

Your chance to see this movie about ghosts in an actual haunted theater!
(Note: this event is not hosted by GHOULA)

The New Beverly Cinema is said to be the home of a phantom projectionist, and an audience member apparition... (read more)

The Uninvited Not Available On DVD - New 35mm Print! 1944, USA, 99 minutes dir. Lewis Allen, starring Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp, Cornelia Otis Skinner. Nominated for the Best Black & White Cinematography Academy Award #3 on Martin Scorsese's 11 Scariest Horror Films Of All Time! #6 on TCM's list of most requested classic movies not available on DVD.

The Haunting 1963, USA / UK, 112 minutes dir. Robert Wise, starring Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, Russ Tamblyn, Fay Compton #1 on Martin Scorsese's 11 Scariest Horror Films Of All Time!

Plus -The Haunting's "stretching doors" inspired Disneyland's Haunted Mansion attraction. (for more info...)

Highlights from July's SWS

Thanks to everyone who came to July's SPIRITS with SPIRITS, and a big "Lizard King" thank you to the staff and management of West Hollywood's MEXICO for giving us the upstairs floor of the restaurant (formerly where the offices were when it was owned by the Doors).

Incidentally, a few of the other local places that are said to be haunted by Jim Morrison are the Whiskey (on the Sunset Strip), the Alta Cienega Motel (across the street), his home (Laurel Canyon), the Morrison Apts. (Venice), and the Cheri Amour Apts. (West Hollywood). For a more complete map to Jim Morrison local locations of interest go to http://www.creepyla.com/.
(to read more about the ghosts of this reastaurant...)

The haunted bathroom.

July's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual gathering of regional ghost hunters and those that just like ghost stories. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.” All those who attend will receive a free G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you.

THE DATE: July 13th, 2010 (Tuesday)
THE PLACE: Mexico Restaurante Y Barra
(8512 Santa Monica Blvd.West Hollywood) Map
THE TIME: 7:00pm to 10:00pm (closing time)

THE GHOST(S):

Near the corner of La Cienega and Santa Monica Blvd, and not far from the hill that local motorists fear, sits what would be a very nondescript building if it weren't painted bright pink, festooned with colorful pinatas, and oozing with Rock n' Roll history. Although, this plain building has had many tenants (and colors) over the years, it is perhaps most famous as the (bright yellow) headquarters (and crash pad) of the quintessential L.A. band, "The Doors." From the late 1960's thru the early 1970's, this simple two-story structure was known as "The Doors Workshop."

The upstairs was their offices, where business was conducted and fan mail answered. The ground floor served as their rehearsal space. After a suggestion from a producer at Elektra Sound Studios, the album "L.A. Woman" was recorded in this building to avoid the time pressures of rented studios (between October of 1970 and February of 1971). A few months later on July 3, 1971, Jim Morrison, The Doors' charismatic lead singer (a.k.a. "The Lizard King") died in a bath tub in Paris.

Ever since, legions of devoted fans make pilgrimages to his grave in France on the anniversary of his death, while ghost hunters journey to this West Hollywood restaurant to make contact with his ghost. The fact that most paranormal investigators head to the restroom inside this Mexican-themed establishment is no reflection on the cuisine, or an allusion to Morrison death (which occurred in a bathroom), but instead is based on the belief that his spirit is felt strongest in this room. Before becoming a unisex latrine, this small chamber was once the sound booth, where Morrison recorded his vocals. Thus, perhaps his frustrated spirit is still trying to lay down one more track since witnesses claim the room's doorknob will sometimes inexplicably jiggle, as if someone where trying to enter (or exit).

Also, throughout the restaurant, employees have noticed lights that turn on an off by themselves, as well as "phantom footsteps" and drinking glasses that shatter for no apparent reason. (Note: on a recent visit, a member of GHOULA witnessed this phenomena as a water glass that had been set down on a table, suddenly split in half, cracking into two equal-sized pieces.)

Although, his ghost has also been seen in his former Laurel Canyon home over the years, and there have been other ghostly claims from many local bars, clubs, motels, and liquors stores he frequented in this small section of town. In a recent interview, The Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger, while visiting this restaurant to reminisce about the "Doors Workshop" said "His spirit is here for sure!"

http://www.gogomexico.com/press.html
(to see last month's location...)

Happy July 4th!

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend from your friends at GHOULA!.

Every year, GHOULA pays tribute to this great country by profiling a ghost from American pop-culture that has ties to Southern California. This year, we celebrate the little 1963 Volkswagen Bug known affectionately as "Herbie" or "The Love Bug." Although the inanimate star of six movies and a TV series may seem like a strange choice, since most people don't think of the lovable "Herbie" as being super-natural, the only way to explain this machine (with a mind of its own) is that it must be a haunted vehicle. Not only is the folklore of Southern California (the true home of car culture) filled with stories of "ghost cars" (from "phantom low-riders" to "James Dean's Deathmobile"), but the mythology of Herbie is also connected to our region. His most recent address (from "Herbie: Fully Loaded") was Riverside. Why, and by whom, this lovable bug was haunted was a mystery until the fifth "Love Bug" movie, which was released in 1997, when his true origin was revealed, and it was even more sinister and dark than anyone could have imagined.

It turns out that not only was Adolf Hitler interested in obtaining artifacts that had super-natural powers (as seen in the Indiana Jones movies), but he was apparently also conducting very unnatural experiments, trying to meld the human spirit with a machine in an effort to create the perfect solider. The results of this unholy alliance (according to the film) was the invention of a "People Car," (half-human, half-vehicle) or as Hitler called it a "Volks Wagon." (There's even actual archival footage of Hitler inspecting a model of the Volkswagen cut into the movie). The film has other bizarre, un-Disney moments, like the death, burial, and resurrection of Herbie, as well as the creation of an "evil Herbie" (using the original Nazi plans). Yes, in turns out that "The Love Bug" was the result of Hitler fascination with the occult. Happy Fourth of July everyone!

The Love Bug can be seen locally at the Peterson Museum (map) as well as Blackhorse Motors. (map).

NEW from GHOULA Press!

The Park After Dark:
An Unauthorized Guide
to the Happiest (Haunted) Place on Earth

Formerly titled "Disneyland After Dark"

By Richard Carradine

Many books have been written about the history, secrets, and design of Disneyland, but this guide looks at the California landmark from a different angle. It explores the little known ghost stories and strange folklore surrounding this famous tourist destination, and offers new insights into this beloved theme park. (130 pages)

Price: $13.00

(To purchase this book...)
(GHOULA Press...)

Highlights from June's SWS

Thank you to everyone, who made the trek out to Monrovia to visit the haunted Aztec Hotel. It was the biggest turnout for one of our gatherings yet (I stopped counting at 75 attendees). Also a special thank you to the owner and staff of this famous roadside attraction for their gracious invitation to our group.

In the haunted room #120, apparently a group of people (on the tour) heard a voice coming from the restroom. When the door was opened to investigate the sounds, the person holding the door knob was shocked (with the possible ambient electricity in the room). It's interesting to note that an paranormal investigation was conducted in that room a couple of weeks before our event, and they concluded that that bathroom was very active. The ghost-hunting team even heard the toilet flush on its own. Is there an "other-worldly occupant" in bathroom, or is it just faulty plumbing? You decide.

We would also like to thank GHOULA-member Damon, who parked his hearse in front (pictured above) as well as the bands that performed that night (Hexam Heads, Future Ghost, and Lost Lake). GHOULA is also working on putting together another ghost-themed concert in the near future.

(to read more about the ghosts of this hotel...)

JUNE'S "Spirits with Spirits"

(for more info on the ghosts of the AZTEC Hotel...)

REAL GHOSTS with REEL GHOSTS

THE DATE: June 11th (Friday)
THE TIME: 8:00pm
THE PLACE: The site of... THE AMBASSADOR HOTEL
(3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles) Map
THE MOVIE: “The Decay of Fiction”(1984)
THE ADMISSION PRICE: Free

Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about. As such, the staff at this event may not wish to discuss this landmark's haunted history.

Here's your chance to see this movie about ghosts in an (formerly) haunted location!

The Ambassador Hotel was said to be the haunted by a woman leaning out a window...(read more)

FILMMOBILE SUMMER SCREENING SERIES:

THE DECAY OF FICTION

Angelenos are invited to discover and explore their changing urban landscape when the Film mobile projects an array of classic films at(actual or implied) cinematic locations across the city. The 2010 EPFC Film mobile Summer Screening Series kicks off with The Decay of Fiction, Pat O’Neill’s haunting meditation on The Ambassador Hotel. “If there were more experimental films as entertaining as “The Decay of Fiction,”Pat O’Neill’s luminous Hollywood ghost story, the notion of a thriving avant-garde cinema might not be so intimidating to the movie-going public. The 73-minute movie is a semi abstract film noir shot largely in the empty corridors and bare peeling rooms of the Ambassador, once-grand Los Angeles hotel that went spectacularly to seed after closing in 1989. The Ambassador was the site of some of the early Academy Awards ceremonies in the 1930’s and of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. But instead of concentrating on that public history, the film uses the building, emptied of its furnishings, to imagine its mythical shadow history and its status as a metaphor for old Hollywood, in all its fabulous glamour and corruption.” — Stephen Holden, The New York Times

INTRODUCTION BY FILMMAKER PAT O’NEILL!

CALL, EMAIL OR FOLLOW @EPFCFILMMOBILE ON TWITTER FOR LOCATION!
http://www.echoparkfilmcenter.org/

Free (Haunted) House Tour

The Date: June 6, 2010

The Location: Charles F. Lummis Home and Garden

200 East Avenue 43, Los Angeles [MAP]

Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about. As such, docents and staff at this event may not wish to discuss this landmark's haunted history.

The Ghost(s):

It is said that Hitler gave orders not to touch the Jewish ghetto in Prague (the only such place not destroyed by the SS). The reason this community was spared was because Hitler was planning to build a museum for "the extinct race" there. Obviously, Hitler never succeeded. However, Charles Lummis did build the American equivalent of that idea (even if this was not its intended purpose), when he started the South West Museum (built not far from his house) using his collection of Native American artifacts.

Although, Charles Lummis was a tireless activist for "Indian" rights, his collection and that museum, sadly is both a treasure trove and a sterile reminder of a culture that really doesn't exist outside of these exhibits (especially back in the museum's hey-day back before the collection was broken up). Legend has it that Native American belongings that were sold to collectors out of desperation, carry with them a curse. Therefore, is it any wonder that this Museum has had a very troubled history of safety issues (located on top of a hill), money issues, and management issues?

Is it also any wonder that both the museum, and the nearby Lummis House are said to have ghosts? Dark figures are said to walk around both properties. The Lummis House was built between 1898-1910, using stones found on the riverbed in the Arroyo Seco. This strange almost folk art-like house is said to be a precursor to the "craftsman" movement in local Architecture. Among the many curiosities of this odd "castle" are the "photo negative" windows, the inaccessible second floor (no stairs or fixed ladders), and the haunted basement (where most of the sighting occur).

http://www.socalhistory.org/

LOST: Haunted Hotel #1

As part of GHOULA's mission to preserve the haunted history of greater Los Angeles, periodically GHOULA will spotlight a haunted building from our great city that is no longer with us, in an effort to prevent these stories from being forgotten (even if their ghosts are also no longer with us).

THE AMBASSADOR HOTEL

(3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles) Map

THE GHOST(S):

Opened in 1921 (demolished in 2005), the Ambassador Hotel (built on swamp land) was one of the first serious threats to Hollywood as a "playground for the stars" as celebrities searched for new areas where they could avoid the growing numbers of tourists. The hotel's own tropical-themed "Coconut Grove" night club (on the ground floor) became the new oasis for movie folk that wanted to be left alone. That said, unfortunately despite the glamour, elegance, and notable guests of this former landmark (and The Coconut Grove), the hotel was most famous for being the site of Robert Kennedy's assassination, which also marked the beginning of the end for this pink palace.

After those tragic events, the Ambassador slid down to the fate of all historic buildings in Los Angeles (before they are demolished), becoming a "film location" with its luxurious ballroom becoming a sound stage. Occasionally however, it did regain its former glory when a production would shoot a "period piece" there, filling the halls with actors in vintages costumes. But, these moments were fleeting. Ironically, the movie "Bobby" about the assassination of Robert Kennedy took so long to get funding, the production was forced to "rebuild" the Ambassador (since the hotel was demolished shortly before production began).

There are two strange stories that have been often repeated about the building. First, The Coconut Grove used to have caged canaries throughout the dinning room. Because of the heat, noise, and gas lighting, many birds would die in the course of a night. So, cages filled with additional (spare) canaries were kept in storage to replace the dead ones as their little bodies were discovered. It is unknown how many hundreds (probably thousands) of birds died in that one room over the years.

Secondly, aside from the usual "cold spots" and electric anomalies, there were tales of a ghostly "woman dressed in white" figure that would appear in a fourth story window (seen from outside), who would lean out that window, and then disappear. Was she a suicide victim? Was she going to climb out the window? Was see trying to get some one's attention outside? Was she calling for help? To this day no one knows who she was, or why she haunted the hotel (and that specific room)... And sadly, since the hotel is gone, no one will probably ever find out the truth? Then again, maybe she'll take up residence in the new building on this site. Only time will tell.

If you know of another ghost story (or another version of a story mentioned), or if you have personally experienced something strange at this theater, please leave a comment.

REAL GHOSTS with REEL GHOSTS

THE DATE: May 28 & 29
THE TIME: Fri: 9:45; Sat: 5:25 & 9:45
THE PLACE: The New Beverly Cinema
(7165 W. Beverly Blvd.) map
THE MOVIE: Ghostbusters (1984)
THE ADMISSION PRICE: $7.00

Your chance to see this movie about ghosts in an actual haunted theater!
(Note: this event is not hosted by GHOULA)

The New Beverly Cinema is said to be the home of a phantom projectionist, and an audience member apparition... (read more)

The Biltmore Hotel, the Central Library, and Dan Ackroyd's former residence are just a few of the local locations that have a connection with this comedy classic. (read more)

LOST: Haunted Theater #2

As part of GHOULA's mission to preserve the haunted history of greater Los Angeles, periodically GHOULA will spotlight a haunted building from our great city that is no longer with us, in an effort to prevent these stories from being forgotten (even if their ghosts are also no longer with us).

THE CARTHAY CIRCLE THEATER
(6316 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles) Map

THE GHOST(S):

Outside of the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, no other movie palace exemplified the glamour of the Hollywood ideal like the Carthay Circle Theater (opened in 1926). The "Chinese" and the "Circle" were the only two theaters in Southern California to host premieres with the over-the-top fanfare (otherwise only seen in the movies, themselves), featuring red carpets, search lights, and bleachers filled with screaming fans. These two theaters set the standard that award ceremonies desperately try to copy to this day. However, unlike its themed Asian counterpart, the Carthay Circle (so named because of the shape of its auditorium) was pure American, with an Old West inspired decor that continued from its interior to the Gold Rush themed fountain located in the traffic island in front, which by the way, still exists today (despite being a subject of vandalism and hate crimes). But, the most bizarre element of this "Spirit of the American West" theme was the giant custom curtain that paid tribute to the tragic Donner Party, who resorted to cannibalism to survive.

Aside from that graphic depiction of one of the most macabre moments of the Golden State's history, there was something even more surreal behind the curtain. It is said that the ghost of a vaudevillian performer, who died of a heart attack during a floor show on that stage, haunted the backstage area of this famous theater. Now, that the theater has been demolished, and an office building has been erected on that spot, unfortunately there have been no further sightings of a ghost in baggy pants with a seltzer bottle.

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/1158/

If you know of another ghost story (or another version of a story mentioned), or if you have personally experienced something strange at this theater, please leave a comment.

EVP's @ The Los Angeles

On October 12 of 2009, A small group of GHOULA members were asked to investigate the ghosts of the Tower Theater in Los Angeles' Historic Theater district. This is a short film from one of the participants about that investigation.

(to read more about the ghosts of the Los Angeles Theater...)
(to read more about that ghost hunt...)