Well, that chat helped to fill up my afternoon and made me feel that movies were still made in Hollywood after all. That evening after dinner I spent an interesting hour looking at the excellent collection of early photographs of Hollywood environs and movie memorabilia displayed on the balcony surrounding and overlooking the large hotel lobby. Amongst the interesting facts displayed are - at the end of 1928 there were 16 sound recording machines in Hollywood but by the end of 1929 there were 116 - in 1929 there were 9,000 cinemas equipped for sound, by the end of 1930 the number had risen to 13,500 Showboat (1928) was the first feature to use the Western Electric Light Valve - The Perfect Grime (1928) was the first feature to use the RCA Photophone. The Paramount Studio Tour the next day was well worth the effort. I was in a group of ten people led by a plump young lady who seemed to have a good basic training in all the popular historical and technical trivia relating to both RKO and Paramount. In welcoming the group she pointed out that as these were working studios we probably wouldn’t get into any of the stages but we might, as we walked about between the stages, catch glimpses of the stars who were on call that day, adding the warning that, if we did, they must not be approached or photographed. Despite the list of star names she reeled off, glimpses caught during the walkabout were none. I asked if it would be possible to see something of the sound department. Reminding me that it was a working studio, our Guide agreed to see what she could do, perhaps the ADR stage might be possible. 
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above: Views of several of the permanent U.S. city style street sets, all kept in immaculate condition with practical street furniture and lighting facilities. Some are facades built onto sound stage walls. left : A last view of the old gate |
