Fascinating Notes on July 1927...

I've been wanting to share these notes with you since I posted the July 1927 issue of 'Gaylord Glimpses' last week, but it has been so busy lately. We have it 'going on' here at the Gaylord today, but I sure would have loved to have been around the Gaylord in 1927 for all of this activity... I dug up some GOOD info on the personalities in this issue.

On page 6, Margaret Chute, British entertainment journalist for 'Picture Show' & 'Everybody's Weekly' magazines, threw a dinner party in her apartment with quite the film cast attending. The guests included Ernest Torrence, who was featured in over 50 films between 1918-1933. Ernest was in the 1923 version of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' with Lon Chaney and he also starred with Gaylord resident, Greta Nissen in 'The Lady of the Harem' from 1926. Also attending this dinner, Mr. & Mrs. Clive Brook. Between 1920-1963, Clive appeared in over 100 films & television shows. Of note, with Clara Bow in 1927's 'Hula' and 1932's 'Shanghai Express' with Marlene Dietrich. Clive also starred with Gaylord resident, Greta Nissen and fellow dinner guest, Philip Strange in 'The Popular Sin' from 1926. Clive was married to Mrs. Brook (Mildred Evelyn) for over 50 years and she appeared on the silver screen in 8 films between 1921-1943. Dinner guests, Mr. & Mrs. William LeBaron, William was a songwriter, composer & producer on over 200 films from 1926-1947. He was producer for the Academy Award winning Best Picture film of 1931, 'Cimarron' and was an associate producer on 'The Popular Sin' which featured Clive & Philip. William was married to British Stage musical comedy actress, Mabel Hollins. In attendance on this evening was debonair Ronald Colman who was in over 60 films & television shows from 1917-1957. He was in 'The Winning of Barbara Worth' with Vilma Banky & Gary Cooper in 1926 and starred in one of my favorite movies, from 1937, 'Lost Horizon.' I remember watching this film with my mother on tv when I was just a child. Last dinner guest on the list for Ms. Chute's spectacular evening was Philip Strange. Philip was featured from 1926-1949 in 27 films. Starring with Gary Cooper in 1927's 'Nevada' and with Gaylord resident, Adolphe Menjou in 'The Ace of Cads' from 1926. The stories that must have been told that night! I am sure Margaret went back to London with several months worth of material to write.

On page 7, photo of Constance Talmadge, Gaylord resident and BIG romantic comedy star of the silent era, which I have made note of in past postings. Here, it is stating that Constance was a bridesmaid for fellow actress, Vilma Banky, Goldwyn's biggest money earner in the 1920's. Appearing with such notables as Ronald Colman and Rudolph Valentino in 26 films from 1919-1933. Vilma was marrying Rod LaRoque, who was featured in over 100 films between 1914-1941 and had none other than Cecil B. DeMille as his Best man for the wedding.

On page 9,  Mr. & Mrs. J.B. Alexander are mentioned. J.B. Alexander, at the time, was one of the distinguished directors of the Federal Reserve Bank.

On page 9, there is mention of Gaylord resident & prolific actor, Adolphe Menjou, departing the Gaylord for his new home in Los Feliz Heights. Adolphe starred in 149 film & television shows from 1914-1961. He was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar in 1931 for 'The Front Page.' I would have to say my favorite Adolphe Menjou movie would have to be 'Stage Door' from 1937, which starred Katherine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden & Ann Miller. What a cast!!! Adolphe played the role of an older 'playa' (in today's terms) trying to get with all of these young, up and coming actresses.

Also on page 9, Gaylord residents, May Allison and James Quirk, whom I have made mention of in previous postings. May having starred in 59 films, in the silent days, between 1915-1927 and James being the editor of 'Photoplay' magazine.

On page 12 & 13, a story on the Gaylord Commissary & Room Service. These were located in the basement and I believe the Commissary was where our laundry facility is today.

On page 15, they write of a Mrs. Odell S. McConnell and her son, Odell returning home to the Gaylord from a world tour. Little Odell would later grow up to be a prominent L.A. attorney and eventually had the Pepperdine University of Law School building named after him. Again, such distinguished guests/residents.

and lastly, on page 15, mention of New York stage star, Marion Coakley, who did not have a big film career, but did appear in 2 films.

If any of the other names in this issue ring a bell to you, let me know their story so I may share them with the rest of our audience.