Evenings @ The Barn: #1 Chartbuster

by Kay Tornborg

For sheer enjoyment it’s hard to beat the atmosphere at the Barn during the current season of Evenings…Member Anne Epstein cited December’s Art Laboe and his Friends as “our best, ever!” Especially for those who came of age listening to Laboe and chums Frank Bresee, Johnny Hayes and Charlie Tuna spinning tunes from the late ’40s to today, the Evening… was, indeed, special. The high good humor of Johnny Grant brought frequent outbursts of laughter.

The era’s performers were represented by (to the thrill of our members and Anne E.) Cleve Duncan of The Penguins (who gave a remarkable impromptu performance of Earth -Angel which he had recorded in 1954), the inimitable Trini Lopez and Val Poliutoe of The Jaguars. Tying it all together was the easy charm of Art Laboe, who told some wonderful and hilarious tales of his early days in radio, and afterwards autographed his Oldies But Goodies CDs for the crowd. Pal Don Barrett autographed his book, LA Radio People, which is available in the Museum shop. Special thanks to Denise Voyles for her assistance in putting together this program

January’s program offered a sold-out double-bill of director Ronald Neame and actress/author Patricia Hitchcock O’Connell (Alfred’s daughter). The occasion was a celebration of 75 years of British talking films, observed with a screening of Hitchcock’s Blackmail (1929), on which Neame had been the assistant cameraman. Although now in his 90s, he seems to have total recall when it comes to his multi-faceted career and regaled the audience with delightful stories from his many films. The always-elegant Pat Hitchcock contributed her valuable insights on her father’s work and his unique viewpoint on directing. Both authors graciously signed their books afterwards and there are a few remaining copies in the Museum shop. His is: Straight From the Horse’s Mouth and her’s is: Alma Hitchcock: The Woman Behind the Man.

There were lots of surprises swirling around the February 18th Tribute to Eddie Cantor, not the least of which is the sheer number of Cantor fans in LA. The Barn was SRO for Roman Scandals (1933) even though co-star Gloria Stuart was ailing and unable to appear. Margaret Kerry-Willcox (If You Knew Susie) (1948) did share ‘Cantor moments’ with the crowd afterwards as did Cantor’s granddaughter, Amanda Abel. The Evening… was the brainchild of Hollywood Heritage members Dave Griem and Michelle Malik, the latter president of the Eddie Cantor Appreciation Society. Both spoke about Cantor’s work and life with great affection. If Cantor had written a book we would have sold it out that night.

The Cantor Evening… marked the debut of our new video-taping ‘crew’, Alan Simon, who joined Hollywood Heritage recently and was recruited to videotape by board member Aaron Epstein. He is filling a much-needed slot because many of our Evenings… include persons important to Hollywood’s history and the topics under discussion should be preserved. Thanks, Alan.

Although not an Evening… as we normally think of it, the January 17th post Vertigo screening reception for Kim Novak (hosted by the American Cinematheque) was, to all observers, a rousing success. The Barn never looked better, with elegant buffets, tall cocktail rounds and lavender roses in floor vases. Amongst the crowd to celebrate Ms. Novak were her friends Tippi Hedren, Patricia Hitchcock O’Connell, and Johnny Grant who assisted Councilman Tom LaBonge in presenting her with a City Resolution. The Barn proved an excellent party venue and will be offered as such starting in April. Special thanks to Hollywood Heritage member Thad Smith, from the Music Box Theater, who donated the desserts for the event.

Photos are top-to-bottom: Art Laboe at the center of the panel, Patricia Hitchcock O'Connell, Bob Birchard, and Ronald Neame, Singer, Marea Boylan from the Eddie Cantor program, Councilman Tom LaBonge, Kim Novak, and Johnny Grant. All pictures were taken at the Hollywood Heritage Museum in the Lasky-DeMille Barn.

Below are more photos from these programs.

Panelists at the Art Laboe Evening

Panelists at the Art Laboe Evening (from left: Trini Lopez, Cleve Duncan, Frank Brazee)

Marea Boylan, from the Eddie Cantor Evening	David Greim hosting the Eddie Cantor Evening
Marea Boylan, f rom the Eddie Cantor Evening	From the Eddie Marea Boylan, f rom the Eddie Cantor Evening
Marea Boylan, f rom the Eddie Cantor Evening	Michelle Malik, president of the Eddie Cantor Society
Pianist Brad Kay, and Banjo accompaniest Tom Marion from the Eddie Cantor Evening
Ronald Neame, with Arnold Schwartzman in the foreground	An overflow crowd to see Blackmail.
Bob Birchard introduces Ronald Neame and Patricia Hitchcock O'Connell	Patricia Hitchcock O'Connell
Patricia Hitchcock O'Connell	Bob Birchard and Ronald Neame
Bob Birchard and Ronald Neame	American Cinematheque Director Barbara Smith and Johnny Grant at the Kim Novak reception.
Kathy Garver and Robert Nudelman at the Kim Novak reception.	Johnny Grant and Kim Novak at the Kim Novak reception.
American Cinematheque's Nancy Winter at the Kim Novak reception.