Hollywood

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up the first film studios in what had been horse-stables. At that moment was born the "film capital" of Hollywood, which offered ideal conditions - patent regulations, relating to Edison film cameras, could be more easily overcome here. From the daily treks of immigrants from the east of the USA - the novel "Grapes of Wrath" documents this trend - they could recruit cheap labor, including extras for the mammoth productions then becoming popular. In addition, there was the almost unbroken sunshine and the short escape route to Mexico - this latter possibility has to be borne in mind, for the venturesome film people did not enjoy a good reputation on account of their low moral standards.

Signs such as "No dogs or actors admitted" (golf course) were not rare by any means.

"HOLLYWOOD"

On entering Hollywood you are welcomed by the famous name-sign in giant letters 50ft/16m high, which is brightly illuminated on festive occasions. These letters, reminiscent of pop-art, were erected in 1923 on wooded scaffolding by real-estate brokers as an advertising gimmick. Since then they have won cult status, so that splinters and pieces which broke off when the sign was renovated in 1977 were sold as relics.