Chaplin Studios

While doing a project on the late Red Skelton , I came across the fact that Skelton bought the old Chaplin studio on Sunset and=A0 La Brea in Hollywood. Apparently he idolized Chaplin and wanted the privilege of sitting at Chaplin's desk.

Skelton felt that Chaplin's aura was still in the studio from the dressing room to the catwalks above the stage. He wanted to rule his destiny as Chaplin did. It was his very emotional reason for buying the studio against sound business advice.

The studio lost Skelton hundreds of thousands of dollars. Sitting at Chaplin's desk was costing him $10,000 per week, due to the fact that no one was willing to rent the obsolete facilities. But Skelton hung on until a sharp business deal with his employers, CBS bailed him out.

Good Night and God Bless

Margarita Lorenz

I can understand how Skelton felt. Although I do not have the resources to buy Chaplin's former studio, it was one of the first places I went after I arrived in LA last week for business. What I was struck most by was how the neighborhood had changed. There's not an orange grove in sight anymore! I also planned to visit the park where the Keystone 'park' comedies where filmed, but I didn't have time to locate it before I left. Does anyway have that address?

For the information of those of you who do not subscribe, the last issue of 'Limelight' had a very nice article about the history of the Chaplin studios and its various owners. Much info on the Red Skelton buy/sell was included.

Leslie (patiently waiting for the Fall issue)

that Skelton bought the old Chaplin studio on Sunset and  La Brea in Hollywood. Apparently he idolized Chaplin and wanted the privilege of sitting at Chaplin's desk...

Skelton's wanting the Chaplin Studio and his emotional reason, was recounted in a volume of Earl Wilson (or if not Wilson, then someone who wrote a similar breed of books). American-International subsequently leased the facility when their production of schlock drive-in movies increased; A-I made their choice on the basis of simply getting a good deal. An A-I release of 1959, 'Diary of a High School Bride,' has a lengthy chase on a movie sound stage (on catwalks, across the floor, etc.); presumably it is Chaplin's sound stage.

'Limelight' had a very nice article about the history of the Chaplin and its various owners. Much info on the Red Skelton buy/sell was

hmmm. I need to subscribe don't I? (mental note to ask how to after Christmas)

Any truth to the story I hear, that the studio is being demolished in 1998 to be a parking lot? What is the building currently housing?

Steven Rowe

Well, the building was deemed an historical landmark by the city - this means that it can't be torn down. Any building that is deemed historical must be keep the front structure in tact. I live in Torrance and used to work in the old Telephone & Telegraph building, which by coincidence is also an historical landmark. Another building I know about in Torrance is the old train depot. It is now the Depot restaurant - but it is also deemed histornical and they had to keep the front of the building exactly the same. So, the story you heard couldn't have been true. Besides - where would A&M go!?!

Lori

Chaplin Studios.

Ah-ha! At last the proof that the Chaplin Studios were run by a Red!

George Shelps

Go to your room ! (:

To Steve Rowe

The Chaplin studios were bought by Skelton after 1959 from American International.

They are considered an historic landmark and have been reconstructed under great pains. They have received several awards for this reonstruction including The Golden Palm, so I doubt there are any plans to tear it down Steve. Although Hollywood has such a poor record in presevation who knows.

Margarita Lorenz

My understanding that status as a historical landmark means that there is a longer and more-complicated approval process entailed for any plans to demolish a structure to put in something else. The process will dissuade property owners from making plans to tear down the landmark-designated facade or building, but if the owner is really determined and is willing to fight for his plans for the long haul, he can get what he wants.

George Shelps rhapsodized...

Just another Skelton in Chaplin's closet.