The Lost Mansions of Golden Age Hollywood (Documentary)

This captivating full-length documentary goes in-depth into the heart of Golden Era “Old Hollywood” mansions by covering the grandeur and eventual demise of some of the most opulent homes that once adorned LA’s streets.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:33 Pickfair: The Ultimate Golden Era Power Couple Mansion
17:39 The Marion Davies Beach House: LA’s Most Opulent Beach House
31:22 Falcon Lair: Rudolph Valentino and Doris Duke’s Luxurious Hollywood Oasis
52:15 Garden of Allah: The Legendary Hollywood Golden Era Hangout
1:13:09 The Ambassador Hotel LA: The Most Iconic LA Hotel
1:34:14 5 Houses From Old Hollywood Demolished With Their Stars

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Although many people interpret Hollywood in an almost permanent state of glamour, opulence, and sumptuous displays of newfound wealth, in truth, the peak of Tinseltown's direct influence on the American populace was in the so-called "Golden Era", where as much as sixty percent of Americans flocked to theaters every single week.

Furthermore, this “Golden Era” saw the rise of monumentally famous stars—figures who didn’t merely act but became icons, emulating the lavish lifestyle that movies of the time portrayed.

Indeed, these “A-listers” were institutions in their own right, molding their fame into physical manifestations through grand mansions and seemingly endless estates that dotted Los Angeles.

Soon, these homes became symbols of ultimate success and opulence, with sprawling gardens, private pools, and architecture that drew from the furthest reaches of glamour.

However, the fairy tale didn’t last.

As the studio system crumbled and new entertainment mediums like television emerged, the financial underpinnings that supported such grandiose mansions faltered.

Consequently - over time - many of these magnificent homes were demolished or repurposed - giving way to modern developments and commercial enterprises, echoing the transient nature of fame and the evolving tastes of a changing America.

Today, we feature a poignant look at the lost mansions of Golden Era Hollywood - reminding us of the shifting sands upon which The City of Angels was built.


Pickfair, Marion Davies Beach House, Falcon Lair, Garden of Allah, and The Ambassador Hotel are landmarks that encapsulate the grandeur of Old Hollywood.

Each of these locations not only reflects the lavish lifestyles of the era's biggest stars but also tells a story of glamour, opulence, and the eventual passage of time which led to their demise.

The Marion Davies Beach House stood as LA’s most opulent beach house, reflecting the extravagant lifestyle of actress Marion Davies and her partner, newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst.

Known for its lavish parties and stunning ocean views, the beach house was a sparkling jewel along the coast, a perfect retreat for the social elite of the Golden Era.

Falcon Lair served as the luxurious Hollywood oasis for Rudolph Valentino and later, Doris Duke.

This estate was not only a testament to Valentino's success but also a sanctuary where he could escape the pressures of fame.

After his passing, Doris Duke cherished the home, making significant additions, until it too, like many historic sites, met its end.

The Garden of Allah Hotel was more than just a hotel; it was the legendary Hollywood hangout during the Golden Era.

It was a place where artists, writers, and actors mingled, sharing ideas and forging friendships.

The stories of late-night parties and day-long script sessions are legendary, with the hotel often at the center of Hollywood’s social scene.

Lastly, The Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles was perhaps the most iconic of all.

Hosting the famous and the powerful, from movie stars to presidents, the hotel was a fixture in LA’s social and cultural life.

Its Cocoanut Grove nightclub was the site of many Oscar ceremonies and hosted performances by greats like Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.