CULVER CITY, LAUREL AND HARDY, HAL ROACH--THEN/NOW

Here's one of those before/after looks at LA in the 30s (and earlier) as seen in Hal Roach comedies and the same exact locations now. In this case it's not movie locations themselves that we're seeing but the site of the Hal Roach studio. The main building is a handsome colonial number which was demolished in 1963. The view of what's there now has sort of spoiled my afternoon but no matter. It's just progress and I'm thankful that the steps that Laurel and Hardy haul the piano up in 'The Music Box' still exist. See the before/after video of the steps below. Better yet, watch 'The Music Box' (posted below the below, in color yet). It will make you forget the events of the day that are unfolding as I write this.



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