Sunday, October 10, 2010

Haunted Films at Haunted Places (3 of 5)









Date: October 17 (Sunday)
Time: 7:30
Movie: "House on Haunted Hill" (1999)
Location: A real Haunted Hospital

GHOULA is working with the EPFC's Filmmobile to present a series of free outdoor screenings every Sunday in October at a different haunted site. Each evening will consist of a "haunted" movie, guest speaker, a discussion of the location's ghost(s), and maybe some other activities. (Don't forget to bring a chair.)

(Note: GHOULA and the EPFC Filmmobile will only disclose the actual location 24 hours before showtime. So, check out their facebook page for the exact directions to this screening, or just check out the GHOULA site the day before.)

This Sunday's movie, "House on Haunted Hill" (1999) is an odd (but fun) remake of the 1959 classic. In addition to adding more blood in the scenes, the producers inexplicably set the story in a hospital on a hill (as opposed to a "house" like the title suggests). Geoffrey Rush (who must reprise the role created by the great Vincent Prince) delivers his own great scenery-chewing performance that surely would make Vincent Price's corpse smile. It is also interesting to note, that this time around the main character designs theme park attractions for a living. Is this a nod to the influence William Castle (the creator of the original "House on Haunted Hill) had on the development of Disneyland (for more info...)

Future "Haunted Films at Haunted Places" will feature...

October 24th, "House on Haunted Hill" (1959) @ the original haunted hill.
October 31th, "Haunted Silent Shorts" @ a haunted 1920's hotel.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Sunday's Secret Screening Location!


Location: Castle Park

Come out for our second free outdoor screening tomorrow (Sun, 0ct 10, @7:30pm) and see "Haunted Castle" at this actually haunted castle. Also, hear about this local landmark's ghost stories in the very place where the apparitions have been seen. Then, after the picture (its a short movie) join us for a round of "Paranormal Putt-Putt." ($4.50 for 18 holes)

The screen will be within Castle Park adjacent to Course #1

This miniaturized merry-land, originally called GOLF LAND II, first dropped its draw-bridge for the public in July of 1975 at a cost of $705,000, and covered five acres of land owned by the city of Los Angeles, but never developed because of its “undesirable nature." Due to its highly visible site at the north-west corner of the intersection of the 405 and 101 freeway (the busiest interchange in the world), most Angelinos know this place even if they have never set foot inside the fanciful oasis. For the uninitiated, this miniature golf kingdom consists of a mighty castle surrounded by three royal courses designed by the putt-putt savant, William Rameson, who not only figured out each hole, but also designed all the fanciful structures. Over the years, it has been the home to various celebrity miniature golf tournaments.

Monday, October 4, 2010

"Haunted" Films at Haunted Places! (2 of 5)














Date: October 10th (Sunday)
Time: 7:30 Movie: "Haunted Castle" (1921)
Location: An actual Haunted Castle

GHOULA is working with the EPFC Filmmobile to present a series of free outdoor screenings every Sunday in October at a different haunted site. Each evening will consist of a "haunted" movie, guest speaker, a discussion of the location's ghost(s), and maybe some other activities. (Don't forget to bring a chair.)

(Note: GHOULA and the EPFC Filmmobile will only disclose the actual location 24 hours before showtime. So, check out their facebook page for the exact directions to this screening, or just check out the GHOULA site the day before.)

This Sunday's movie, "Haunted Castle" is the earliest surviving example of horror pioneer, F.W. Murnau's work (that has been released to video). Of his 21 films, nine are lost, nine are with us and on video and three exist only in archives. At a weekend gathering in a castle, a man suspected of murdering his own brother (but never convicted) shows up suddenly. His brother's widow also shows up with her new husband and resents the man's presence but for reasons other than what we assume. There are family secrets and our anti-hero is here to expose them and the real murderer.

Check this site 24 hours before this event to get directions to the haunted location of this evening's screening.

Future "Haunted Films at Haunted Places" will feature....

October 17th, "House on Haunted Hill" (1999) @ a real haunted hospital.

October 24th, "House on Haunted Hill" (1959) @ the original haunted hill.

October 31th, "Haunted Silent Shorts" @ a haunted 1920's hotel.

Haunted Lit!


Meet “Weird Hollywood” in a haunted bar!
(Their "ladies room" is said to be haunted)

Date: October 5 (Friday)
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Boardners bar
1652 North Cherokee Ave., Hollywood (map)

The newest in the “Weird” series of books is officially out today, this one focusing on the weirdest city of all… “Weird Hollywood.” (including a section on local ghost stories).

This Friday night, writer Joe Oesterle, a number of the book’s subjects, and other special guests will be at the legendary Boardners bar off Hollywood Blvd. to mingle, sign books, and share some of the weirder tales Los Angeles has been host to.

CreepyLA is co-hosting this crazy shindig and we’d love all of our readers to stop by and check out this free event.

Confirmed appearances so far include:
Karie Bible (from Film Radar, and more notoriously rumored to be the Lady In Black)
Scott Michaels (celebrity death expert, owner/operator of Dearly Departed Tours)
Count Smokula (horror host, songwriter)
Dennis Woodruff (yeah, that guy with the cars)
Richard Carradine (GHOULA founder, author of The Park After Dark: An Unauthorized Guide to the Happiest (Haunted) Place on Earth)
Christopher Dennis (Hollywood Blvd.’s “Superman”)
Steve Goldstein (author of LA’s Graveside Companion: Where the VIPs RIP)
Donna Lethal (sassy Hollywood afficionado and writer)
Lynn Garrett (founder, Hidden LA)
David Markland (creator, CreepyLA)
Pending: Angelyne (billboard queen)
Pending: Legendary celebrity interviewer and public access host Skip E. Lowe
More to be added – feel free to check back here for additional updates, or visit the event’s Facebook page.

Grab a copy of the book at your nearest Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, or directly from Joe at the event.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

The Oct. 3rd Screening.

As the sun set over the boulevard of broken dreams, a group of thirty people braved the weather, and the narrow, winding roads of the Hollywood Hills, only to abandon their cars and walk up a dirt path to a secret location under the haunted "H" of the world famous Hollywood Sign. Their purpose was to enjoy the magic of cinema (courtesy of the EPFC Filmmobile) on the very spot said to be haunted by Peg Entwistle. The tales of her ghost were shared. David Markland, the creator of Creepyla.com (that night's guest speaker) told those in attendance his favorite creepy places in L.A., as well as the Halloween highlights to look forward to this October. Then, as if it were pre-ordered, the fog rolled in, and the wind whistled, to create the perfect atmosphere just as the movie began.

77 years earlier (at the same time of year), a sad, depressed, possibly drunk, unemployed actress left her home on Beachwood Drive and started walking up the road to the Hollywood sign. On that treacherous hike, that probably took her most of the night, she eventually made it to her destination, the fifty-foot letter "H" at the beginning of the internationally recognized Hollywood sign (then the Hollywoodland Sign). She climbed a ladder that was attached to the backside of the flat metal structure, and leaped to her death once she reached the top. It is thought that she did not die instantly, but instead lingered for hours in the brush below, where her corpse was eventually discovered by hikers. For a short time she was simply known as "The Hollywood Sign Girl," until her published suicide note was recognized by her uncle. Her name was Peg Entwistle. Miss Entwistle's note read

"I am afraid I am a coward. I am sorry for everything. If I had done this a long time ago, it would have saved a lot of pain."

When people tell her tale, they always point out the ironic twist that occurred shortly after her death. A letter arrived at her address, stating that she had landed the lead role in a new play about a woman who commits suicide. However, there's seems to be a bigger irony that very rarely is mentioned. This act of desperation over the lack of a show-biz career, ended up making her more famous (or infamous) than any of her working contemporaries. Not everyone can easily name the stars of the early 1930's, but most people know the Hollywood Sign Girl.

Her legend seems to grow with each passing year, and as it does, so do the stories of her restless ghost near the famous landmark. Most people describe her apparition as a young woman dressed in a 1930's style white gown walking along a trail (sometimes dazed). She is most commonly seen by hikers (not unlike those that originally found her body) and dog walkers in the very early or very late hours. Witnesses claim that she is accompanied by the strong scent of the gardenia flower (thought to be her favorite perfume). Some accounts even describe her reenacting her final moments stepping off of the top of the "H" only to vanish as she falls. She seems doomed to repeat the last moments of that last night over and over again, just as we also seemed doomed to repeat those last moments with each retelling of her story.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Sunday's Secret Haunted Location!


The Hollywood Sign is perhaps this city's only true icon (like London has "Big Ben" and Paris has the Eiffel Tower). If you cut to the Hollywood Sign in a movie, it easily establishes the location for any audience. Then again, it does spell it out for them.

This world famous landmark also has a ghost story.

Come out for our free outdoor screening tomorrow (@7:30pm) and hear the Hollywood Sign's ghost story in the actual location where the apparition has been seen.

We will be screening "Haunted Honeymoon" at the end of Canyon Lake Drive, where the trail begins under the Haunted "H." (map)

An easy way of getting there is to take Lake Hollywood Drive from Barham Blvd. in the Cahuenga Pass.

Park on the street, but please be respectful of the neighborhood. See you there!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Real Ghosts with Reel Ghosts!


THE DATE: October 31th (Sunday)
THE TIME: 11:00pm
(611 N. Fairfax Ave.) map
THE MOVIE: House On Haunted Hill (1959)
THE PRICE: $10.00

Come out and see a movie about ghosts in an actual haunted theater!
The Silent Movie Theater is said to be the home of a phantom projectionist and a disappearing/reappearing blood stain in the lobby... (read more)

Real Ghosts with Reel Ghosts!


THE DATE: Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 23, 24)
THE TIME: 9:20
THE PLACE: The New Beverly Cinema
(7165 W. Beverly Blvd.) map
THE MOVIE: Ghost Breakers (1940)
plus second feature Cat and the Canary (1939)
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, and is just an event our members should know about.)

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

Real Ghosts with Reel Ghosts!


THE DATE: October 23 (Saturday)
THE TIME: 8:00pm
THE PLACE: The Alex Theater
216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale (map)
THE MOVIE: Hold That Ghost (1941)
THE PRICE: $13.50

Come out and see a movie about ghosts in an actual haunted theater!
The Alex Theater is said to be the home of phantom bride and ghostly couple... (read more)

Comedy Store Ghost Tours!




GREYSTONE GHOST TOUR!

FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHT NIGHT

Where: Greystone Park (map)
When: Fridays, October 22 & 29, Saturdays, October 23 & 30
Admission: $25 per person (SOLD OUT!)

Do you have the nerve to join the Park Rangers for a scary night time tour of Greystone Mansion? Learn about the strange activities that have occurred in this deserted mansion. Are the haunting rumors true? Find out for yourself…..if you dare.

REAL GHOSTS with REEL GHOSTS!


DATE: October
TIME: Various (check showtimes)
PLACE: Westwood Village Theater
961 Broxton Avenue Los Angeles (map)
MOVIE: The Hereafter (2010)
ADMISSION: $11.50

Your chance to see this movie about ghosts in an actual haunted theater! (Note: this event is not hosted by GHOULA, and is just an event our members should know about. Thus, the event staff may not answer any questions regarding their ghosts.)

The Villiage is said to be haunted by a phantom gunman (to read more about this theater's ghost...)

(for more info on this event...)

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Haunted Fims at Haunted Places!


Date: October 3 (Sunday)
Time: 7:30
Movie: "Haunted Honeymoon" (1986)
Location: Hollywood's most famous haunted landmark

GHOULA is working with the EPFC Filmmobile to present a series of free outdoor screenings every Sunday in October at a different haunted site. Each evening will consist of a "haunted" movie, guest speaker, a discussion of the location's ghost(s), and maybe some other activities. (Don't forget to bring a chair.)

(Note: GHOULA and the EPFC Filmmobile will only disclose the actual location 24 hours before showtime. So, check out their facebook page for the exact directions to this screening, or just check out the GHOULA site the day before.)

This Sunday's movie, "Haunted Honeymoon" is the fourth feature film for which Gene Wilder wrote, directed, starred, and sang. Though it has never achieved the cult status of the other three, it is certainly bizarre enough to warrant a second look. This is the kind of movie that just when you think it can't get any stranger, it does (with the introduction of a were-wolf, or a transvestite, or a musical number). Also, Dom Deluise gives an inspired comedy performance which unfortunately earned him this film's only award, a Golden Razzie, the anti-Oscar for bad work in the entertainment industry. Not only is this movie really just Wilder's love letter to the classic Hollywood horror films of the 1930's, and is about the "show business" of that era, but it also features a "ghost" that is similar to the one seen at our secret haunted screening location.

Check this site 24 hours before this event to get directions to the haunted location of this evening's screening.

Future "Haunted Films at Haunted Places" will feature....

October 10th, "Haunted Castle" @ an actual haunted castle.

October 17th, "House on Haunted Hill" (1999) @ a real haunted hospital.

October 24th, "House on Haunted Hill" (1959) @ the original haunted hill.

October 31th, "Haunted Silent Shorts" @ a haunted 1920's hotel.

Real Ghosts with Reel Ghosts!


THE DATE: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 15&16
THE TIME: Fri: 7:30; Sat: 7:00
THE PLACE: The New Beverly Cinema
(7165 W. Beverly Blvd.) map
THE MOVIE: Rosemary's Baby (1968)
plus second feature Chinatown (1974)
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, and is just an event our members should know about.)

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

Although this is really more a movie about the devil than it is about the paranormal world of ghosts (though some believe they are the same), we mention this film because it is a famously cursed movie. Everyone involved (because of the involvement) had bad luck afterward. That curse has even been tied to Disneyland. (for more info...)

They're heeeeeere!


The So-Cal Para-Con is here! The Southern California Paranormal Convention is the BIGGEST paranormal gathering EVER in So Cal.

(Note: This is not a GHOULA event, but GHOULA will be participating,
so come by our table and say "hello.")

Date: Saturday October 2, 2010
Time: 10:00 am- 9:00 pm.
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
WEST HALL, Rooms 403 A/B.
(1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles)
Park in the WEST HALL LOT. Parking is $12.

General admission: $35 (Investigation + Admission: $75)

SPECIAL EVENTS
Exclusive ghost hunt at LINDA VISTA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL immediately following the convention with special guest investigators Christopher Saint Booth (The Haunted Boy: the Secret Diaries of 'The Exorcist'" documentary), Rex Williams (Destination Truth), Douglas Carnahan (XTreme Hauntings Live), Thomas Durant (occult specialist and demonologist) and David Harvey (both paranormal investigators). Tickets are limited and on sale now with only a few left, so get yours now at www.SoCalParaCon.com!

GUEST SPEAKERS
Christopher Saint Booth- SyFy Channel Documentary Film Maker.
Rex Williams- Medic for SyFy Channel's hit show "Destination Truth."
C.R. Sanders & Courtney Armstrong- Producers of the A&E Biography Channel's #1 tv show "My Ghost Story."
Thomas Durant- Occult Specialist and Demonologist.
Don Staggs- Psychic-Empath and Paranormal Investigator.
Douglas Carnahan- The Haunted Truth Radio Show host and Xtreme Hauntings Live host.
David Harvey- Paranormal Researcher, Investigator and Historian.
Stefan Brigati- Founder of Pacific Coast Paranormal
Mark Nelson- Psychic and Psychometry Readings
Syd Schultz- Founder of City of Angels Paranormal and Paranormal Boot Camp events.
Donn Shy- the Paranormal Publicist and Investigator
Lisa Craft- Author, Investigator, and fellow at the Pangea Institute for Science, Education and Conservation.
Marie D. Jones- Author and Psychic Investigator
Michael & Marti Parry- Spirit Communicators and Gallery Readings
Tuesday Miles- Psychic, Researcher and Case Manager
Gian Temperilli- Author and Investigator.

A vendors hall will be open for shopping, games and photo ops. A Team Showcase area will be available for those wishing to learn more about Paranormal Investigation Teams and meet several located in Southern California and discover some of the evidence they have captured. For a complete list of vendors, please visit http://socalparacon.com/Vendors.html.

For more information, please visit http://www.socalparacon.com/.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Real Ghosts with Reel Ghosts!


THE DATE: Monday, Oct. 25
THE TIME: 9:00pm

(7165 W. Beverly Blvd.) map
THE MOVIE: The Ghost Breakers (1940)

plus second feature The Cat and the Canary (1939)
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, and is just an event our members should know about.)

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

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Highlights from Sept's SWS


Thank you to all who came out (we filled the place). Also a big thank you to the owner for opening her doors on a Monday just for us. A good time was had by all. As it turns out, this little neighborhood bar had another ghost-themed event (a book signing) the night before. So, the spirits were all warmed up for us.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Real Ghosts with Reel Ghosts!


THE DATE: October 23 (Saturday)
THE TIME: 2:00 & 8:00pm
THE PLACE: The Alex Theater
216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale (map)
THE MOVIE: The Haunting (1963)
THE PRICE: $13.50

(NOTE: This is not a GHOULA event. So, the staff may not share the ghost stories connected to this theater. This is just a ghost-themed event that GHOULA wants its members to know about.)

Come out and see a movie about ghosts in an actual haunted theater! The Alex Theater is said to be the home of phantom bride and ghostly couple... (read more)

One of Bud and Lou's best, Hold That Ghost finds the team as gas station attendants who inherit a haunted tavern, where they (along with several travelers) spend a hilariously spooky night complete with murder, dead bodies, and a mysterious moving candle!!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

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...)

Sunday, August 22, 2010

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...



Monday, August 16, 2010

(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).

Saturday, August 14, 2010

"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...)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

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...)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

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.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

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)
(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...)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

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.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

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...)

Friday, July 2, 2010

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).