Thank you for providing us with these wonderful and often tragic glimpses into "recent" history. You do an excellent job researching and constructing your videos!
Hearst was a bit of a disrespectful selfish man building on property that was his mother’s behind her back ,Cheating on his first wife . Avery egotistical man . However Hearst Castle is a Beautiful place . As a person he wasn’t what I call nice.
Ken, you really outdid yourself with this one. Beautifully told and edited, this might well be your best video yet. Granted, you had a great story to tell, but you really came through.
Wonderful narrative and fabulous pictures. I researched Hearst and Davies, one of my favorite actresses, while studying fashion history in grad school. You did an amazing job connecting the story of the architecture with their tumultuous history. I always felt for Marion, her amazing acting talents were erased from Hollywood history.
I love this video!! I'd love more long videos like this one that mix a more in-depth history of the owner(s) along with histories of their multiple homes. This one was so interesting... I was riveted!! 🏠❤
Wyntoon. That would be cool to see now. Maybe you could get special access to make a video. Worst case scenario is they say no. Your videos are soothing. From your voice to the old, handcrafted architecture, it's like stepping into a warm bath. ahhhh. Thank you!
Ken, I really enjoyed this episode. It's so incredible that so many of his properties are still standing. I'm surprised that you made no mention of Orson Welles' amazing film, Citizen Kane. The film is clearly based on Hurst, first and foremost. Even the reference to Rosebud is rumored to have been Hurst's petname for a part of Marion's anatomy. Welles' screenwriter clearly meant it to be a personal attack on Hurst, and even after much rewriting by Welles, he succeeded at enraging Hurst in the end. I'm still not clear if Orson shared Mankiewicz hatred of Hurst or just saw it as a great story. The portrayal of Marion as devoid of talent must have really scalded Hurst. Marion retired four years prior to the film's release, so she might not have even cared. Technically, it's an amazing film. Personally, technical accomplishments aside, I much preferred The Magnificent Ambersons.
"Kane" is a composite figure, made up of several famous people.The opera singer portion is based on Jules Brulatour, and there's a third person whom I can't recall.
Hearst’s and Davies Palm Springs getaway house is now The Willows Historic Inn, a bed and breakfast home. A friend worked on a transformation there and I found Marion’s personal scrapbook, I believe it is now kept where the guests may look through it. I had my only paranormal experience there. Clark Gable honeymooned there, Einstein stayed there. It’s extraordinary.
Hearst demonstrated a track record of hiring the best talents in the Bay Area for his CA residences, and I must admire their perseverance with what must have been an extremely unpredictable client. Morgan evidently was the most adept at pulling something together to meet his ever shifting fascinations. I most regret the loss of the Pleasanton residential compound, said to be A. C. Schweinfurth's most inventive work, and the main lodge at Wintoon by Maybeck and Morgan. I believe Morgan's work with Maybeck stretched her, showing what she was capable of when she was not solely under the thumb of such an extremely demanding client.
I’ve been to San Simeon only once. A lot to see there. Phoebe Appleton Hearst was a regent member of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and was very generous in helping preserve the home. I admire her a lot more than her son. Sounds like Marion Davies was the perfect “ husband sitter” for Mrs. Hearst. 😂
Whose to say He didn't...because WRH did not build it. These beautiful structures are all over the realm...at least the one that the masons didn't destroy
What is the Greek Structure @ 3:54? How pleasing the Clarity and form. William Randolph Hurst was an eclectic man in all subjects. (Each are here to live their own Life Journey Experience).
Ever seen Nitwit Ridge? Supposedly partially built with discarded materials junked after the construction of Hearst Castle? Falling to ruin now because someone bought the property and they're letting the structure collapse so they can develop the real estate.
That is the most Amazing! Extended! Though! Story from u I've seen and never knew any of it just about sane someone, 🎉🎉🎉🎉, those are all great homes IAM glad she was the good one in the end and still had too give her money to the bad, but always be careful who you marry. THANKS!
The King of yellow journalism......before Murdoch. He lost more $ than he inherited and had 4 sons who he never bothered with. They sorely lacked a father figure and had over a dozen wives between them. All but one had a sad life story. He ran for President and lost, ran for mayor and lost. Hearst Castle was donated because it was too expensive to keep up but it's nice that many people can now enjoy it.
You can tell I don't come from wealth (inherited or new) because any one of those homes is too much home for me. I don't see the point. I have visited the Castle 4 times. I've also read Marion's book. I guess I should read it again because I don't recall her saying in her book, 'The Times We Had" what she wrote to Chaplin's wife, about all his faults and apparently no more redeeming quality he had other than he cherished her.
As always, another masterful overview, Ken! I must admit, of course, that I personally (for whatever my opinion matters, lol!) find Hearst Castle kind of...well, if not exactly, UGLY, certainly heavy, and really rather graceless; as Spanish-American mansion house museums go, it just doesn't do it for me like James Deering's Vizcaya in Miami. But that's me, Hearst Castle is certainly an essential part of Gilded Age history.
KEN THIS IS ONE SICKENING AND SORDID BUNCH OF TABLOID ORIENTED MUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, AT LEAST WE STILL HAVE SOME OF THESE MANSIONS, AND LONG LIVE THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cary Grant (a frequent guest at Hearst castle) once said that 'the dirt road to hearst castle was so bad...' - Hearst Castle was not built by Rudolph Hearst...it was 'inherited' (or squatted) old world buildings like many of his other acquisitions. There was no way that he got the materials or skilled craftsman out to that rural place in that time period
I mean…he did. What do you mean it’s impossible to get the workmen out there in that time period? Hearst castle took over THIRTY years to build and it’s not even finished. The casa grande still has its concrete base exposed. And when guests were visiting they often talked about construction men in the middle of building the house. The foundation laying started in 1919 and only stopped in 1947 after Hearst went bankrupt.
@@henrylivingstone2800 Aside from the 'years' it would have taken to build, where exactly do you think he got, housed and fed the skilled craftsman during this time period?...there was no close city or village in this location. And with zero to extremely poor road conditions how did they transport lift and built with 'thousands of tons of marble'...logistically it couldn't of happened. If the road conditions were horribly poor when Cary Grant visited (after completion), then there is a good chance it was already there
@@jayrosenthal3343 By 1939 he was bankrupt and most of his business assets were owned by creditors. The only reason he wasn’t completely insolvent was because Davies gave back all the property and gifts Hearst had bought her in previous years that and he sold off his massive collection of art and antiques.
@@mdorn6592 No…….you’re completely wrong. Hearst’s father owned the mountain and the land. And prior to the castle the entire property was ranch land and farm land. The area surrounding Hearst castle is still a ranch and it’s still owned by the Hearsts. Not only that but San Simeon is a coastal town and Hearst had built a port for a massive fleet of transport ships. Julia Morgan filmed most of the construction and the footage still exists. And it took about 30 years. He imported hundreds of workmen from Mexico and skilled craftsman from Europe who were usually immigrants escaping the First World War. And he fed them using the food coming from his farms and ranches below the mountain. He built the workmen village at the foot of the mountain. Logistically it could happen and it did happen. There’s literally tons of evidence on its construction. Carrie Grant did NOT visit when construction was finished because construction NEVER finished. The castle is still not finished today, casa grande still has its concrete facade exposed because it wasn’t clad in limestone. There isn’t a chance in hell it was “already there”. That’s complete nonsense. There’s so much evidence that it was built by Morgan and Hearst it’s not even a point of debate. There is no argument to the contrary.
Hearst Castle is Such an Amazing and Beautiful Place to Visit
Yes it is. So glad I made it there.
Hearst Castle is a beautiful place, I am glad they saved it, and it survived all the fires
I love these old homes structural styles- such beautiful workmanship.
Thank you for providing us with these wonderful and often tragic glimpses into "recent" history. You do an excellent job researching and constructing your videos!
Hearst was a bit of a disrespectful selfish man building on property that was his mother’s behind her back ,Cheating on his first wife . Avery egotistical man . However Hearst Castle is a Beautiful place . As a person he wasn’t what I call nice.
He could be nice, he could be a mean SOB. The only thing he couldn't be was ordinary.
Ken, you really outdid yourself with this one. Beautifully told and edited, this might well be your best video yet. Granted, you had a great story to tell, but you really came through.
I'd love to see more longer videos like this, mixing the history of the owners with looks at their multiple homes.
I love San Simeon! It stands on such much land, that at one time it took 20 minutes to drive from the entrance to the house!
Wonderful narrative and fabulous pictures. I researched Hearst and Davies, one of my favorite actresses, while studying fashion history in grad school. You did an amazing job connecting the story of the architecture with their tumultuous history. I always felt for Marion, her amazing acting talents were erased from Hollywood history.
I went to Hearst castle. We did so much walking my back started to hurt and nice tour guides allowed me to sit on Hearst’s furniture to rest myself.
I love this video!! I'd love more long videos like this one that mix a more in-depth history of the owner(s) along with histories of their multiple homes. This one was so interesting... I was riveted!! 🏠❤
I'm surprised his mother left him any money in her will!
Ken that was one of your top 5 best videos.
Thank you for covering Wyntoon!!!!!!! Love all the pictures
William Randolph Hearst, the original Rupert Murdoch.
Except that he wasn't trying to destroy democracy.
Wyntoon. That would be cool to see now. Maybe you could get special access to make a video. Worst case scenario is they say no. Your videos are soothing. From your voice to the old, handcrafted architecture, it's like stepping into a warm bath. ahhhh. Thank you!
Thank you 🙏 Ken ☺️
Ken, I really enjoyed this episode. It's so incredible that so many of his properties are still standing.
I'm surprised that you made no mention of Orson Welles' amazing film, Citizen Kane. The film is clearly based on Hurst, first and foremost. Even the reference to Rosebud is rumored to have been Hurst's petname for a part of Marion's anatomy. Welles' screenwriter clearly meant it to be a personal attack on Hurst, and even after much rewriting by Welles, he succeeded at enraging Hurst in the end. I'm still not clear if Orson shared Mankiewicz hatred of Hurst or just saw it as a great story.
The portrayal of Marion as devoid of talent must have really scalded Hurst. Marion retired four years prior to the film's release, so she might not have even cared.
Technically, it's an amazing film. Personally, technical accomplishments aside, I much preferred The Magnificent Ambersons.
"Kane" is a composite figure, made up of several famous people.The opera singer portion is based on Jules Brulatour, and there's a third person whom I can't recall.
Hearst’s and Davies Palm Springs getaway house is now The Willows Historic Inn, a bed and breakfast home. A friend worked on a transformation there and I found Marion’s personal scrapbook, I believe it is now kept where the guests may look through it. I had my only paranormal experience there. Clark Gable honeymooned there, Einstein stayed there. It’s extraordinary.
Marion's Beach House a true wonder of the Jazz Age. What stories it could tell!!
I would love to see a piece on J Morgan.
Hearst demonstrated a track record of hiring the best talents in the Bay Area for his CA residences, and I must admire their perseverance with what must have been an extremely unpredictable client. Morgan evidently was the most adept at pulling something together to meet his ever shifting fascinations. I most regret the loss of the Pleasanton residential compound, said to be A. C. Schweinfurth's most inventive work, and the main lodge at Wintoon by Maybeck and Morgan. I believe Morgan's work with Maybeck stretched her, showing what she was capable of when she was not solely under the thumb of such an extremely demanding client.
Crazy when it hits close to home, I live in pleasanton and phoebe played a big part in our towns history and culture
Her home in santa monica is now a private beach club with only the main part of the home remaining.
I’ve been to San Simeon only once. A lot to see there. Phoebe Appleton Hearst was a regent member of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and was very generous in helping preserve the home. I admire her a lot more than her son. Sounds like Marion Davies was the perfect “ husband sitter” for Mrs. Hearst. 😂
Why is it so hard to spell "Hearst?"
@@garryferrington811 Thanks for catching that - there are other families that spell it Hurst.
I love the Malibu Mansion!!!!!❤
Marian supposedly never appreciated Wyntoon. She called it "Spittoon."
😆!
Hearst Castle: What God would have built if he had the money
Whose to say He didn't...because WRH did not build it. These beautiful structures are all over the realm...at least the one that the masons didn't destroy
@@mdorn6592
You’re dumb
God's not too good with his finances. Haven't you ever noticed that he's always broke?
@@mdorn6592
Such nonsense
What is the Greek Structure @ 3:54? How pleasing the Clarity and form.
William Randolph Hurst was an eclectic man in all subjects. (Each are here to live their own Life Journey Experience).
Ever seen Nitwit Ridge? Supposedly partially built with discarded materials junked after the construction of Hearst Castle? Falling to ruin now because someone bought the property and they're letting the structure collapse so they can develop the real estate.
Will you do a video of just the New York Penthouse and what became of it. Also one of Wyntoon!
Enjoyed.
That is the most Amazing! Extended! Though! Story from u I've seen and never knew any of it just about sane someone, 🎉🎉🎉🎉, those are all great homes IAM glad she was the good one in the end and still had too give her money to the bad, but always be careful who you marry. THANKS!
I love the library in the Clarendon apartment.
He was a true monster, and she was… well, you know.
"Rose....bud....."
The King of yellow journalism......before Murdoch. He lost more $ than he inherited and had 4 sons who he never bothered with. They sorely lacked a father figure and had over a dozen wives between them. All but one had a sad life story. He ran for President and lost, ran for mayor and lost. Hearst Castle was donated because it was too expensive to keep up but it's nice that many people can now enjoy it.
You can tell I don't come from wealth (inherited or new) because any one of those homes is too much home for me. I don't see the point. I have visited the Castle 4 times. I've also read Marion's book. I guess I should read it again because I don't recall her saying in her book, 'The Times We Had" what she wrote to Chaplin's wife, about all his faults and apparently no more redeeming quality he had other than he cherished her.
Both he and Marion were dreadful individuals.
As always, another masterful overview, Ken! I must admit, of course, that I personally (for whatever my opinion matters, lol!) find Hearst Castle kind of...well, if not exactly, UGLY, certainly heavy, and really rather graceless; as Spanish-American mansion house museums go, it just doesn't do it for me like James Deering's Vizcaya in Miami. But that's me, Hearst Castle is certainly an essential part of Gilded Age history.
15:35 she should've quit the drinking & married an awesome guy who was in love with her
KEN THIS IS ONE SICKENING AND SORDID BUNCH OF TABLOID ORIENTED MUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, AT LEAST WE STILL HAVE SOME OF THESE MANSIONS, AND LONG LIVE THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hahaha! what a horrible person.
Cary Grant (a frequent guest at Hearst castle) once said that 'the dirt road to hearst castle was so bad...' - Hearst Castle was not built by Rudolph Hearst...it was 'inherited' (or squatted) old world buildings like many of his other acquisitions. There was no way that he got the materials or skilled craftsman out to that rural place in that time period
I mean…he did. What do you mean it’s impossible to get the workmen out there in that time period? Hearst castle took over THIRTY years to build and it’s not even finished. The casa grande still has its concrete base exposed. And when guests were visiting they often talked about construction men in the middle of building the house.
The foundation laying started in 1919 and only stopped in 1947 after Hearst went bankrupt.
@@henrylivingstone2800he wasn’t bankrupt in 1947. He had gotten sick and had to leave San Simeon to get adequate medical care. He never returned.
@@henrylivingstone2800 Aside from the 'years' it would have taken to build, where exactly do you think he got, housed and fed the skilled craftsman during this time period?...there was no close city or village in this location. And with zero to extremely poor road conditions how did they transport lift and built with 'thousands of tons of marble'...logistically it couldn't of happened. If the road conditions were horribly poor when Cary Grant visited (after completion), then there is a good chance it was already there
@@jayrosenthal3343
By 1939 he was bankrupt and most of his business assets were owned by creditors. The only reason he wasn’t completely insolvent was because Davies gave back all the property and gifts Hearst had bought her in previous years that and he sold off his massive collection of art and antiques.
@@mdorn6592
No…….you’re completely wrong. Hearst’s father owned the mountain and the land. And prior to the castle the entire property was ranch land and farm land. The area surrounding Hearst castle is still a ranch and it’s still owned by the Hearsts. Not only that but San Simeon is a coastal town and Hearst had built a port for a massive fleet of transport ships.
Julia Morgan filmed most of the construction and the footage still exists. And it took about 30 years. He imported hundreds of workmen from Mexico and skilled craftsman from Europe who were usually immigrants escaping the First World War. And he fed them using the food coming from his farms and ranches below the mountain. He built the workmen village at the foot of the mountain. Logistically it could happen and it did happen. There’s literally tons of evidence on its construction.
Carrie Grant did NOT visit when construction was finished because construction NEVER finished. The castle is still not finished today, casa grande still has its concrete facade exposed because it wasn’t clad in limestone.
There isn’t a chance in hell it was “already there”. That’s complete nonsense. There’s so much evidence that it was built by Morgan and Hearst it’s not even a point of debate. There is no argument to the contrary.
Rosebud.
I know.
Lol...Of course...Should have read the comments before posting.