As a kid, in 1963, it was magic for awhile, living in The City Of Angels, walking up to Hollywood, getting free tickets to a new TV program called The Regis Philbin Show. It was broadcast on a UHF channel, about a block away from Sunset Market. Across from the Capitol Records building, off Hollywood and Vine, free tickets were available for another popular program called, Hollywood Palace. A few months later, at the same location, it was quite an experience to see the last show Jerry did at The Jerry Lewis Theatre (because the series did not become as popular as anticipated). One evening at The Egyptian Theatre, on the star studded boulevard, some of us more daring types were able to sneak in when the back door was left open because it was so hot outside. And who should one see stumbling about with that famous smile, trying to find his seat? None other than Red Skelton. Of course, we were quickly escorted out before the premiere began.
Although I never did see New Westminster’s Raymond Burr, the Perry Mason Studios were a two minute stroll across from Hollywood High and the place where I boarded for free! All that was expected of yours truly was to set up chairs once a week and then take them down and clean up a bit after a meeting at this clubhouse. Why free? Because ART Centre, a school off Third and Las Palmas, where I was a photography student, arranged the deal.
Nevertheless, after a while I became so homesick for B.C., cedar trees, wonderful rain, custard puddings at The White Lunch, White Spot burgers, and the interplay between The provincial N.D.P. and Social Credit government, and drove home in an old clunker bought for $275!
WHEN YOU’RE AWAY, B.C. PULLS YOU BACK, EH.