I love L.A.
I’m third generation Angeleno. My grandparents built a house on Nichols Canyon Road in Hollywood back in the early 20’s (it’s still standing). My dad went to Hollywood High and UCLA (where he played baseball with Jackie Robinson).
I grew up at Dodger Stadium, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Zuma Beach and the San Fernando Valley, just up the street from the Harry Warner (of Warner Bros. fame) ranch. I still live here because, quite simply, it’s my home. It’s in my bones, the same way Hannibal, MO was for Mark Twain.
Sure, there’s some love/hate going on, as in any other town. The infamous traffic, for example. It’s bad, yes, but you adjust. You learn how to pick your spots, take your side streets, even utilize the bus and subway. (I know, it’s difficult to use Los Angeles and subway in the same sentence, but it’s really a pretty cool system).
It’s also the greatest noir city ever. The possibilities for suspense, intrigue, mystery and thrills are endless. You can find any kind of character you want here. You can, in fact, create the craziest of characters and set them in L.A. and they’ll seem perfectly at home.
From time to time I’ll share some favorite locations in my town. For now, here’s a short visit to some L.A. locales—starting with the house they used in the 1944 film Double Indemnity. Enjoy.
Nice house. Thanks for keeping alive that writing dream. : )
Thanks for the tour. You didn’t show us the little room under the eaves where you labor by candle-light to produce your masterpieces.
I tried to find some shots of Southfork so I could show you our “little old country place outside of Dallas,” but ran out of time.
Nice house, Jim. A bit cozy for my tastes, and of course, we have little need for fireplaces in South Florida. But you’re right, the rewards of writing a few books are well worth the time and effort. In the spirit of sharing, I’ve linked to a snapshot of modest home; my wife and I are always coping with the cramped layout, but we still call it home, none the less.
http://tinyurl.com/yfozrzt
Come down and see us sometime; we have a spare bedroom.
Jill, keep typing. It’s within reach.
Doc, the little rooms are for the servants.
Joe, it looks like I can come with my whole entourage. See you soon.
Great video! As a fellow Angeleno, I look forward to more of your tours.
I’ve ben planning to come out to LA and write a book. Got a spare suite in there, Jim? To take pictures of my house we have to hire an airplane.