In the Beginning
Culver City always has been a home for film studios.
Founder Harry H. Culver had watched Thomas Ince film a western on Ballona Creek and subsequently he convinced Ince to move his Inceville Studios from the beach to Washington Boulevard.
Incorporated in 1917, Culver City quickly became the Heart of Screenland.
Culver City has been the home to Thomas H. Ince Studios, Hal Roach Studios, DeMille Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Selznick International Studios, RKO Pictures, Pathe, Desilu and, currently, The Culver Studios and Sony Pictures Studios. Made in Culver City is a film festival celebrating the film legacy of a unique city.
Family Theatre
The 200-seat Council Chambers will be transformed into a family theatre for this anniversary event.
A program of Tom and Jerrys The Cat Concerto, from 1947, as well as Laurel and Hardy shorts Putting Pants on Philip, from 1927, Hog Wild, from 1930, and County Hospital, from 1932, will be screened throughout the afternoon at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
The famed studios of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera were based at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios in Culver City when the Academy Award-winning Tom and Jerry cartoon was produced.
Culver City in 20s and 30s
All three Laurel and Hardy shorts showcase footage filmed on the streets of Culver City shots of Washington Boulevard, Main Street, the Culver Hotel, the original City Hall and residential Madison Avenue.
The Laurel and Hardy films were produced in Culver City by the Hal Roach Studios, known in those days as the laugh factory to the world.
Putting Pants on Philip is a silent film. Hog Wild and County Hospital are early talkies.
A Double Bill
The Courtyard at City Hall will be transformed into an open-air theatre in the evening for a 7:30 screening of The Cat Concerto and MGMs 1951 musical classic An American in Paris, featuring the music of George Gershwin, starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron and Nina Foch.
Kelly choreographed An American in Paris, which was directed by Vincente Minnelli and shot on an MGM sound stage. Fifty-five years ago, it received the Academy Award for Best Picture.
City Hall is at 9770 Culver Blvd. Parking and dining are available in Downtown. Made in Culver City is presented in association with the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Additional permission has been provided by Warner Bros. Classics.
No reservations are required for the film festival. Visit www.culvercity.org or call the Cultural Affairs hotline at 310.253.5716.
