Yes, but these homes also required tremendous amounts of maintenance. Surprising history. I wonder why the original family only lived in it for one year? And then had subsequent owners that didn't seem to want to live in it. Was it haunted? Interesting.
It was also used during the filming of Rebel Without a Cause. The pool was not part of the original property, it was placed there by Paramount, specifically for the filming of Sunset Boulevard.
So many things in life can be so fleeting. Looking back and finding out how they came to be and what swept them away you sometimes have to marvel at how unknowing we were that it was such a gift we got to experience them. Thank you for sharing.
Silent films stars? The film wasn’t silent, nor did any stars have anything to do w this short video. The mayors mansion of Los Angeles is several houses down this street
Classic Video Lover: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (beholden?). Everyone is speaking as if it was just torn down but it happened in 1957 and the home evidently was a pit inside. It’s only value was that exterior shots for SUNSET BOULEVARD were filmed there. If that hadn’t happened would anyone real care? No one can get it up for Max and his organ, so move on.
Actually that office building was very beautiful inside. The original interior must have been very beautiful as the Getty Oil building. . When I saw the inside of the building it still had some original features that were very nice.
IMO, all of the other houses shown pale in comparison to the Paul Getty house. And it had to be the one torn down. Such a shame. Getty was a strange and cruel man.
@@talmadge1926 "Piickfair" was known as the "White House" of the West Coast during the days of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. A true shame a home of such history was ignored and eventually torn down by a "Nobody". Same with the Ambassador Hotel and the Brown Derby. All that is left of significance Is now being preserved by the Margaret Herrick Library
@SEAN PETAIA This film will be watched as long as films from the Golden Age of Hollywood are in existence. People always love films and especially one's that were well made, not to forget even those that were oftentimes considered badly made. Many of those are now cult classics.
I grew up a block north of the mansion. No family ever occupied the house. It stood as a fenced off, ghostly relic looked after by a caretaker. When Rebel Without a Cause was filmed there in the 1950s, we could stand outside to watch James Dean, Natalie Wood and the whole movie crew. Before demolishing the house in 1957, the owners let the public wander through to bid on architectural artifacts, so I've wandered all around the house. Also noteworthy, the house at 610 S Irving Blvd (The Getty House) at the north end of the block was purchased to become the Los Angeles Mayor's Residence in 1975 (time stamp 4:12).
The 1957 shot was taken from Wilshire looking NW up S Irving Blvd. The house faced Wilshire but the driveway came off of S Irving and exited on Wilshire or vice versa. The poolside was hidden from the street view and spilled down into lower garden with a tennis court. Historic aerial shots show that the current highrise building only occupies what was the driveway. The house and pool are now the rear parking lot.
Jesus, that’s even more sad. Literally, a parking lot. Not the only Silent “Film” Star’s Oasis to be torn down. At least the Oasis was converted into a Hotel …of sorts now.
The Ebell women's club a short distance West on Wilshire has some of the same look and features. There is an outdoor staircase up from the garden to a terrace, opposite a colonnade.
Ugg. Makes me sick to think of a historic home was demolished in favor of an office building when it could have be restored and serve as a museum. Imagine the attraction of people coming to your an iconic mansion.. especially for be the sunset Blvd house! Here in Florida the Ringling house was in despair for years(used to film the move Great Expectations starring Gwyneth paltrow) before it was lovingly restored. It is toured as part of the Ringling museum.
The piano music on this is stunningly gorgeous . . . I wish I knew what it was . . . Who composed it . . . The name . . . I had to replay the video just to listen to the music!
@lorac c. That particular staircase only existed in the Warner's studio. Only exterior shots were done at the house. No interiors. But I get what you mean.
They tore down a gorgeous mansion, with character, only to build one of the ugliest, square, plain buildings on the planet? That office building looks like a Soviet-era apartment building! Disgusting!
Love the film "Sunset Boulevard". It's a total tragedy that beautiful house was destroyed. It should have been saved. And to be replaced with just another hideous office building 😝
They demolish everything in Los Angeles. You really need assistance to find old landmarks. They also tore down many single family houses to build small apartments. It really is a shame that Los Angeles has lost sp many landmarks.
Windsor Square clearly has an eclectic mixture of architectural styles. I was especially drawn to the houses shown at 4.05 and 4:32. Does anyone have any further information on these two properties, in particular, or on a listing of historic houses in the area? Many thanks!
I grew up in the next block north. The house at the SW corner of 6th & Irving was bought by the City of Los Angeles to become the Mayor's Residence (time stamp 4:27).
In the 1990s, I lived very nearby on Norton Avenue. Used to drive past that office building every day on my way to work. I had no idea the "Sunset Bl" mansion used to stand there.
So sad 😞 to see so many GRAND historic buildings destroyed 😢 💔 by the greed of big business! At this one will live on, as a significant part of Sunset 🌇 Boulevard. They've taken the idols and smashed them!!!
It was a beautiful house, it's a shame it was demolished and replaced with a boring building, if it were up to me I would have dug it out of the ground and shipped it to Nairobi
@@texas1949 I'm sure Texas is a wonderful state, but when it comes to climate and geographical position Nairobi is better. We don't have any natural disasters and our climate is sub-tropical temperate.
There are beautiful homes near that area. Many homes that were south or east in that area are being revitalized (especially with housing being so limited in LA). There’s a huge historical narrative regarding redlining and hard working professional doctors, attorneys, investors etc. The neighborhoods really saw a major downfall in the late 70s and early 80s.
So the house was only some 30-odd years old when it was demolished. LA has a history of renewal, and there was little interest in a house of that size and location for years before it was demolished. ( If there had been, someone would have bought it from Ms. Getty ). Things can look different through the lens of hindsight. I'm sure it would make a fine house today. But sadly, it's gone.
That’s the point though. It did not have “a life of its own.” It was a derelict building that had been falling apart for decades. You would’ve continued to fall apart.
Its a shame that the hard work of several people went to waste, from the idea to the development to the building of the home only to become a derelict wreck.
The house was done in a Mediterranean style, popular at the time and still (occasionally correctly done) in California. Most of the houses shown at the end of this video are not Mediterranean style.
Very interesting video thank you but the sound of the weed wackers and city traffic was a little unnerving. Sunset Boulevard is one of my all-time favorite movies
In the days before income taxes rich people were rolling in wealth and could afford these palatial mansions along with their team of hired help. By WWII they were dinosaurs of a bygone era. Unfortunately by the '50's and '60's most were in decay and subsequently torn down all over the country. It's fortunate and surprising that any survive today. The upkeep and taxes are tremendous. Most of the rich today would sooner take a luxury condo.
This place was a dinosaur by the time of the Crash in 1929. Also, if the walls were stucco no telling how badly the wood framing was rotted out by a bad roof. So such a wonderful example of architecture was one earthquake away from rubble. The electrical and plumbing systems were probably inadequate as well.
Those remaining homes are some of the priciest residential real estate in that area today. The Beverly Wilshire district still has many historic homes. Those that made it without being condemned were spared.
How very sad that this once lovely mansion was destroyed under the wrecking ball. What a colossal waste. And for what, a useless building to take its place. What a waste.
That music just makes me sad. But I hope someone has to find a different home setting for that "10086 Sunset Boulevard" mansion so that the remake (read: film adaptation of the musical version) of "Sunset Boulevard" can be started sometime later on in "early 2021" or so... assuming that the pandemic can be over.
We seem here in America to not value old things, from homes to people. Sad it was torn down. Most seem to be in the Spanish Villa style, except for the red brick thing with the pointy roof. What’s the deal with that, it’s ugly.
It is sad that this beautiful house was demolished. A house always tells the story not only of thise that lived in, but the story of a whole time
These great old mansions had beauty and character. Compare them to Aaron Spelling's monstrosity.
Well stated!
Yes, but these homes also required tremendous amounts of maintenance. Surprising history. I wonder why the original family only lived in it for one year? And then had subsequent owners that didn't seem to want to live in it. Was it haunted? Interesting.
I love those old homes, the architectural detail & attention to detail. Now homes are cheaply built with no character.
Yep, even when they're expensive, they're cheap. It's depressing to see, I wish Americans understood the value in older architecture.
@@xtinkerbellax3 Agreed 💯
Except for yours, right
@@xtinkerbellax3and we wish YOU understood the value of AC, central heating, modern plumbing and electricity that isn’t coin operated
@@debbylou5729 What is YOUR problem? The poster you replied to is spot on - I'm guessing your crib is tacky as all get out...
Heartbreaking the house was demolished. It was very beautiful. At least some of the other very charming houses still remain.
It was also used during the filming of Rebel Without a Cause. The pool was not part of the original property, it was placed there by Paramount, specifically for the filming of Sunset Boulevard.
Very few people realize that about the movie Rebel Without a Cause that it was the Desmond House. You took my comment!
Didn't know the pool wasn't original- thanks!
Always thought it strange to have the pool in the 'front yard' - thx for the info😉😎
The interiors were done on Paramount sound stages.
@@desertsunman5880 Not the front yard; the actual front of the house was more classic and symmetrical.
So many things in life can be so fleeting. Looking back and finding out how they came to be and what swept them away you sometimes have to marvel at how unknowing we were that it was such a gift we got to experience them. Thank you for sharing.
So sad the house is gone. 😢. Great movie. Much respect to the silent film stars who had the courage to make this film. Especially Gloria Swanson!❤
Silent films stars? The film wasn’t silent, nor did any stars have anything to do w this short video. The mayors mansion of Los Angeles is several houses down this street
Lovely piano music.
What a shame to destroy such a beautiful home...
One of my favorite movies! :)
Agonizing that such a dystopian eyesore should replace that stunning estate.
Classic Video Lover: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (beholden?). Everyone is speaking as if it was just torn down but it happened in 1957 and the home evidently was a pit inside. It’s only value was that exterior shots for SUNSET BOULEVARD were filmed there. If that hadn’t happened would anyone real care? No one can get it up for Max and his organ, so move on.
Actually that office building was very beautiful inside. The original interior must have been very beautiful as the Getty Oil building. . When I saw the inside of the building it still had some original features that were very nice.
Ayn Rand was right, alas. Mediocrity is taking over.
Beholden. Very clever.@@johnpickford4222
How sad. I didn't know it had been demolished.
IMO, all of the other houses shown pale in comparison to the Paul Getty house.
And it had to be the one torn
down. Such a shame.
Getty was a strange and cruel man.
Oh that's tragic... I loved that house... Never got to actually see it in other than pictures, but still loved it.
One of my favorite films!!!
A beautiful historic house was destroyed so that they could build another ugly cookie cutter office building.
It would have been nice if they could have repurposed it into office spaces or apartments.
@SymphonyBrahms. ...my exact thoughts. 😮💨
Hideous.
Que horror
That stretch of Wilshire was already inhospitable to such mansions by the 1960s.
Had the house not been torn down when it was, the later Historic designation of the neighborhood would have saved it. The timing was sadly just wrong.
Hollywood never was interested in its own heritage. "Pickfair" was demolished as late as 1981 without anyone lifting a finger
@@talmadge1926 "Piickfair" was known as the "White House" of the West Coast during the days of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. A true shame a home of such history was ignored and eventually torn down by a "Nobody". Same with the Ambassador Hotel and the Brown Derby. All that is left of significance Is now being preserved by the Margaret Herrick Library
@SEAN PETAIA This film will be watched as long as films from the Golden Age of Hollywood are in existence. People always love films and especially one's that were well made, not to forget even those that were oftentimes considered badly made. Many of those are now cult classics.
@SEAN PETAIA The Only thing left Golden in Hollywood today are the "Golden Showers" they hand out to Each Other each Year!
@SEAN PETAIA I am.
I have passed by the Harbor building not knowing that this was the original location. so sad
A GREAT movie - a story well told and creepy as hell. Made a HUGE impression on me as a young man. One of the reasons I'm still a writer...
I just watched that movie again this week. One of my favorites.
I grew up a block north of the mansion. No family ever occupied the house. It stood as a fenced off, ghostly relic looked after by a caretaker. When Rebel Without a Cause was filmed there in the 1950s, we could stand outside to watch James Dean, Natalie Wood and the whole movie crew. Before demolishing the house in 1957, the owners let the public wander through to bid on architectural artifacts, so I've wandered all around the house. Also noteworthy, the house at 610 S Irving Blvd (The Getty House) at the north end of the block was purchased to become the Los Angeles Mayor's Residence in 1975 (time stamp 4:12).
No wonder the ex didn't move in to the mansion lol he was right next door
STUNNING , INTERESTING AND HEARTBREAKING INFORMATION !
Imagine if the house was still there!!!
“If wishes were horses, beggars would ride”
It was still there until 1957.
Foco de turistas
The 1957 shot was taken from Wilshire looking NW up S Irving Blvd. The house faced Wilshire but the driveway came off of S Irving and exited on Wilshire or vice versa. The poolside was hidden from the street view and spilled down into lower garden with a tennis court. Historic aerial shots show that the current highrise building only occupies what was the driveway. The house and pool are now the rear parking lot.
Jesus, that’s even more sad. Literally, a parking lot. Not the only Silent “Film” Star’s Oasis to be torn down. At least the Oasis was converted into a Hotel …of sorts now.
Terrible that it was demolished but the location was not great. Really beautiful building though.
The Ebell women's club a short distance West on Wilshire has some of the same look and features. There is an outdoor staircase up from the garden to a terrace, opposite a colonnade.
Ugg. Makes me sick to think of a historic home was demolished in favor of an office building when it could have be restored and serve as a museum. Imagine the attraction of people coming to your an iconic mansion.. especially for be the sunset Blvd house! Here in Florida the Ringling house was in despair for years(used to film the move Great Expectations starring Gwyneth paltrow) before it was lovingly restored. It is toured as part of the Ringling museum.
Charlie Hayden-Bupp: Sarasota might have a different philosophy on renovations and uses for old mansions.
Thank You so much for this mini-documentary about the house and the surrounding properties!!
The piano music on this is stunningly gorgeous . . . I wish I knew what it was . . . Who composed it . . . The name . . . I had to replay the video just to listen to the music!
It's called "The Library" by Marc Lonchampt.
Beautiful, first I see of the homes. Beautiful Landscaping❤️
That’s at Wilshire where Crenshaw terminates.
I’ve passed that building a million times without a clue!
It just goes to show ya.
Should be called Horrible House History of Hollywood. A shame it was demolished.
Fascinating! I did not know any of that!
The L.A. mayor's mansion is on the corner of Irving and 6th, around the corner from the Harbor building. It appears at 4:03.
Fascinating look at historical landmark! 🙏🙏
The ghosts of Holden and Swanson probably still haunt the unseen stairs and ballroom. We can only imagine the energy they left there.
@lorac c.
That particular staircase only existed in the Warner's studio. Only exterior shots were done at the house.
No interiors.
But I get what you mean.
great video thank you
They tore down a gorgeous mansion, with character, only to build one of the ugliest, square, plain buildings on the planet? That office building looks like a Soviet-era apartment building! Disgusting!
Why did the original owners only stay there one year?
Love the film "Sunset Boulevard". It's a total tragedy that beautiful house was destroyed. It should have been saved. And to be replaced with just another hideous office building 😝
Such a beautiful mansion, part of LA history and it couldn't be saved. Sad.
Just perfect tres tres chic👌
They demolish everything in Los Angeles. You really need assistance to find old landmarks. They also tore down many single family houses to build small apartments. It really is a shame that Los Angeles has lost sp many landmarks.
The Warner Bros Ranch , is the latest victim .
Gloria Swanson - Watch some of her silent movies. She was a very good actor..
Amusing note: Some film fans drive up and down Sunset Boulevard looking for 10086, as mentioned in the motion picture. There is no such address.
Why was it empty so much of the time?
Windsor Square clearly has an eclectic mixture of architectural styles. I was especially drawn to the houses shown at 4.05 and 4:32. Does anyone have any further information on these two properties, in particular, or on a listing of historic houses in the area? Many thanks!
I grew up in the next block north. The house at the SW corner of 6th & Irving was bought by the City of Los Angeles to become the Mayor's Residence (time stamp 4:27).
What a shame a beautiful house demolished for greedy oil.
Craziness to have destroyed that mansion !!!
I would love to live in a mansion
I can still see the original Italian Cypress tress and palms...
In the 1990s, I lived very nearby on Norton Avenue. Used to drive past that office building every day on my way to work. I had no idea the "Sunset Bl" mansion used to stand there.
Be better silent with the noise of the traffic in modern pictures of the homes
It’s sad that beautiful architecture isn’t valued over an ugly office building.
Nice architectural details
So sad 😞 to see so many GRAND historic buildings destroyed 😢 💔 by the greed of big business! At this one will live on, as a significant part of Sunset 🌇 Boulevard. They've taken the idols and smashed them!!!
It should be said Rebel without cause was also filmed there.
That's truly sad, it was a beautiful house. I was about to say, now that's a mansion. Did they use it for The Great Gatsby?
What a hellacious noisy traffic congested neighborhood
Very sad. What a waste of a beautiful building!
Where the interior shot done on set and i wonder if one could find a copy of the blue prints for some of the old homes that are long gone.
Yes, the interior shots of the mansion were done on a soundstage.
How sad, looks like it was a beautiful home.
So sad nobody really lived in it!
It was a beautiful house, it's a shame it was demolished and replaced with a boring building, if it were up to me I would have dug it out of the ground and shipped it to Nairobi
Or Texas ❤😂
@@texas1949 I'm sure Texas is a wonderful state, but when it comes to climate and geographical position Nairobi is better. We don't have any natural disasters and our climate is sub-tropical temperate.
Stop bangin' on that piana!
There are beautiful homes near that area. Many homes that were south or east in that area are being revitalized (especially with housing being so limited in LA). There’s a huge historical narrative regarding redlining and hard working professional doctors, attorneys, investors etc. The neighborhoods really saw a major downfall in the late 70s and early 80s.
"homes"
I lived in the Los Altos and looked right onto the Getty Building.
What a shame these houses can't be preserved some how. Beautiful architecture just ruined.
thx very interesting.
Getty should have been incarcerated for tearing down this architectural gem ‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼
So the house was only some 30-odd years old when it was demolished. LA has a history of renewal, and there was little interest in a house of that size and location for years before it was demolished. ( If there had been, someone would have bought it from Ms. Getty ). Things can look different through the lens of hindsight. I'm sure it would make a fine house today. But sadly, it's gone.
Sad ending for a beautiful home.
Fascinated 🤩
How is it possible to demolish a beautiful house with character, with a life of its own, for a horrible functional building without any charm?
That’s the point though. It did not have “a life of its own.” It was a derelict building that had been falling apart for decades. You would’ve continued to fall apart.
How sad
Its a shame that the hard work of several people went to waste, from the idea to the development to the building of the home only to become a derelict wreck.
I used to live around the corner and I never knew. 😮😮😮😮
Do you have any footage of the playa del Rey movie star homes,torn down in the 70s?
The house was done in a Mediterranean style, popular at the time and still (occasionally correctly done) in California. Most of the houses shown at the end of this video are not Mediterranean style.
A lot of English Tudor, which I'm not quite so fond of.
So did the mansion sit just outside the zone?
Very interesting video thank you but the sound of the weed wackers and city traffic was a little unnerving. Sunset Boulevard is one of my all-time favorite movies
We had faces!!!!!!!!
Please tell us who owned the houses. Thank you
Getty it says . The oil man
In the days before income taxes rich people were rolling in wealth and could afford these palatial mansions along with their team of hired help. By WWII they were dinosaurs of a bygone era. Unfortunately by the '50's and '60's most were in decay and subsequently torn down all over the country. It's fortunate and surprising that any survive today. The upkeep and taxes are tremendous. Most of the rich today would sooner take a luxury condo.
This place was a dinosaur by the time of the Crash in 1929. Also, if the walls were stucco no telling how badly the wood framing was rotted out by a bad roof. So such a wonderful example of architecture was one earthquake away from rubble. The electrical and plumbing systems were probably inadequate as well.
This place was constructed after national income tax was implemented for WWI.
Is it true the pool was built with no filtration system?
What a shame it was knocked down
Gotta see if this channel has anything on the house in “Lady in a Cage.”
Those remaining homes are some of the priciest residential real estate in that area today. The Beverly Wilshire district still has many historic homes. Those that made it without being condemned were spared.
This one makes me sad - these are the bad new days - tourists & plastic dinnerware 😮🤫😉😎
Thought had been build by the Gilette fortune family ?
I had heard that they built the pool just for the movie scenes.
So sad it was torn down and for what? Another soulless office building.
LA would be good if it stayed exactly how it was in 1957. I’ll stay in New York.
How very sad that this once lovely mansion was destroyed under the wrecking ball. What a colossal waste. And for what, a useless building to take its place. What a waste.
JP Getty shouldv'e had his ass kicked for destroying a grand old house like that!!!
For many other reasons too. Ask his grandson.
@@stevehansen932 Yeah, I know the story, poor kid. Tight fisted Grand father.!!
His family has at least 1 sitting and rotting on Malibu beach.
Who builds a Mansion ($) and decides to leave after one year?
Yep, it is them!
Now you just need to look away.
That music just makes me sad. But I hope someone has to find a different home setting for that "10086 Sunset Boulevard" mansion so that the remake (read: film adaptation of the musical version) of "Sunset Boulevard" can be started sometime later on in "early 2021" or so... assuming that the pandemic can be over.
NOISE !!!!!
LA treats its history like bathroom tissue: wipes the past clean, then dumps it in the toilet.
We seem here in America to not value old things, from homes to people. Sad it was torn down. Most seem to be in the Spanish Villa style, except for the red brick thing with the pointy roof. What’s the deal with that, it’s ugly.
Sad!