Cocktails in Historic Places
Friday, November 20 - 6pm-8pm
Cognac Room at the Biltmore Hotel
506 S. Grand Avenue
Downtown Los Angeles, 90071

When the Biltmore Hotel opened in 1923, it served as a calling card to the haughty East Coast Brahmins that Los Angeles had finally "arrived." An instant success, this Beaux Arts Beauty has been intimately connected with L.A. legend, lore, and history since then, as a watering hole for the best and brightest, a preferred aerie for high-flying guests, the home of the first Academy Awards and the Black Dahlia's last evening.

Join the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles at our final Cocktails in Historic Places for 2009 as we revisit an ADSLA favorite, the Biltmore's Cognac Room, a chic, sleek Deco lounge, located just behind the Gallery Bar. Never heard of it, you say? That's because it's tucked out of the way, just behind the hotel's central bar-and its Art Deco murals set the perfect ambience for our year-ending gathering.

No reservations required; just the desire to meet and mingle with like-minded individuals in a casual, friendly atmosphere! As always, feel free to come straight from work, or slip into something more Deco. Either way, plan to join us.

Parking at Pershing Square, entering off of Olive. Valet parking available at the Biltmore, but it can be quite expensive. Map

The ADSLA Lecture Series Presents: Marc Vieira - Irving Thalberg: Creating the Hollywood Studio System 1920 - 1936

Sunday, November 22 - 2:00 PM
The Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028

Co-presented with the American Cinematheque In collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences exhibit "Irving Thalberg: Creating the Hollywood Studio System 1920 - 1936" (Sept. 17 - Dec. 13, 2009)

Irving G.Thalberg expert Mark Vieira will present an illustrated lecture based on his extensive research on the legendary film producer known as "The Boy Wonder" in 1920s and 30s Hollywood. Vieira wrote not one, but two books on Thalberg who, during his brief career (he died at the age of 37), controlled production on many of the great films of the silent and early talkies era, including THE BIG PARADE which premiered originally at the Egyptian in 1925. The talk on Thalberg is followed by a double feature of two of Thalberg's pre-code films from 1932 and coincides with a special exhibit at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Thalberg Pre-Code Double Feature: SKYSCRAPER SOULS, 1932, Warner Bros., 99 min. Dir. Edgar Selwyn. This pre-code gem is a surprisingly modern treatise on sex and money: Warren William plays a married skyscraper magnate who sleeps with his secretary (Maureen O'Sullivan), while another suitor (Norman Foster) tries to win her heart. Look for future gossip columnist Hedda Hopper as William's wife! The incredible Art Deco sets are by art director Cedric Gibbons.

FAITHLESS, 1932, Warner Bros., 88 min. Dir. Harry Beaumont. Tallulah Bankhead plays Carol Morgan, a spoiled young woman whose father's fortune is wiped out by the depression. She refuses to accept reality, however, and refuses to accept the love of middle-class suitor Robert Montgomery, who's baffled by the way she prioritizes money over romance.

Hosted by Mark A. Vieira, author of Hollywood Dreams Made Real. Between films Vieira will tell M-G-M stories from his new book, Irving Thalberg,and his previous book Irving Thalberg and the Rise of M-G-M. Book signing with both Vieira's Thalberg books at between the films in the American Cinematheque lobby.

Advance tickets available at Fandango and at the door. $10 general admission, $7 ADSLA and Cinematheque members and $8 seniors and students.

The Academy recognizes legendary film producer Irving Thalberg (1899 - 1936) with a major gallery exhibition featuring photographs, documents, poster art, props and costumes from many of the famed motion pictures overseen by Hollywood's original "Boy Wonder." Exhibit curated by Mark Vieira is open through December 13th. Free admission. Information: www.oscars.org

This event is a co-presentation with the American Cinematheque.

Tickets are available for $38 for ADSLA members and $48 for non-members.
Table sponsorships are also on sale now.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Avalon Ball.

Not a member of ADSLA? Since 1983, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles has welcomed people with an interest in the many facets of Art Deco. More recently, we have refined our efforts into three major areas: education, preservation and socializing with other "Deco-Philes" in beautiful environments throughout the Los Angeles area. 

Our members are our most significant asset, supporting the organization with both time and money. The ADSLA has joined with local organizations, as well as Art Deco Societies around the world, to protect our architectural treasures and better educate the public on the importance of historic preservation to our communities at large. We believe it is important to preserve our Deco history for future generations to enjoy.

Help us bring our mission into the 21st century by joining today.

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