Pearl Antibus can be seen on the other side of the beam. Mrs. Antibus sued Mr. Warner, Sr. after her home was raided by Buron Fitts and several of his deputies at the request of Mr. Warner, Sr. The raid of Mrs. Antibus' home was conducted in order to search for Mr. Warner's son, Thomas W. Warner, Jr. Mr. Warner, Jr. was found hiding inside the home with his girlfriend Mrs. Jean MacDonald. The pair had been hiding in the home from Mr. Warner, Sr. who was opposed to their relationship and was seeking to end all contact between the pair. Mrs. Antibus served as a private detective for Mr. Warner, Jr. and had previously conducted an investigation into the life of Mrs. MacDonald in attempt to determine whether she was truly in love with Mr. Warner, Jr. Mrs. Antibus alleged that the raid left several of her visitors injured and was unnecessarily violent.
Mrs. Nita Randall, acting as a witness in a murder trial. Mrs. Randall identifed a broken-off blade found in the body of 17-year-old Alice (Jerry) Burns as having been kept in the kitchen of her boarding house. One of her boarders, 25-year-old John Frank Reavis, is accused of the murder.
Actor Ben Lyon with his wife, actress Bebe Daniels, and a friend of the couple, actress Doris Kenyon (standing), during a trial for 36-year-old war veteran Albert F. Holland. Holland's sanity was questioned after he wrote more than 150 love letters to Daniels and claimed to have married her in Mexico. During the case, Holland ran most of his own defense, including a lengthy cross-examination of Lyon. The jury ultimately found Holland to be insane and committed him to the state hospital.
Actor Ben Lyon on the witness stand during a trial for 36-year-old war veteran Albert F. Holland. Holland's sanity was questioned after he wrote more than 150 love letters to Lyon's wife, actress Bebe Daniels, and claimed to have married her in Mexico. During the case, Holland ran most of his own defense, including a lengthy cross-examination of Lyon. The jury ultimately found Holland to be insane and committed him to the state hospital.
Actress Bebe Daniels on the witness stand during a trial for 36-year-old war veteran Albert F. Holland. Holland's sanity was questioned after he wrote more than 150 love letters to Daniels and claimed to have married her in Mexico. During the case, Holland ran most of his own defense, including a lengthy cross-examination of Daniel’s husband, actor Ben Lyon. The jury ultimately found Holland to be insane and committed him to the state hospital.
Lucius Payne at the inquest for his son, Louis Rude Payne, who confessed to murdering his mother and younger brother with an ax. Lucius was supportive of his son at the inquest.
Lucius Payne at the inquest for his son, Louis Rude Payne, who confessed to murdering his mother and younger brother with an ax. Lucius was supportive of his son at the inquest.
Famous and influential motion picture producer and co-founder of Paramount Pictures, Jesse L. Lasky, photographed with an older woman, possibly his mother Sarah.Jesse Louis Lasky was born in San Francisco, California in 1880. He began a career as a vaudeville performer in his 20s, which led him to business in Hollywood. In 1913, he founded the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, with his sister's husband Samuel Goldwyn and close friend Cecil B. DeMille. This company later joined with Adolph Zukor's Famous Players Film Company to release films as Paramount Pictures.
Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Robert S. James standing next to an unidentified man in court. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Widower Robert S. James sitting in a courtroom. James had lost his pregnant wife Mary Emma James after she drowned in their fish pool. A jury was unable to discern whether her drowning was accidental or intentional.
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a plan of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Jurors George Ritchie, Ruth Roth and James D. Kelley in court for the murder trial of crossing guard Albert Dyer. Dyer had lured three Inglewood girls into the hills, where he strangled them with rope and his hands. He was eventually found guilty and executed. George Ritchie is in the foreground while Ruth Roth and James D. Kelley are in the background.
Private detective Pearl Antibus appears in court with her daughter Norma Thelan and son Robert Antibus during her trial against millionaire Thomas W. Warner, Sr. Thomas Warner, Jr. sits next to the Antibus family. Mrs. Antibus sued Mr. Warner after her home was raided by Buron Fitts and several of his deputies at the request of Mr. Warner. The raid of Mrs. Antibus' home was conducted in order to search for Mr. Warner's son, Thomas W. Warner, Jr. Mr. Warner, Jr. was found hiding inside the home with his girlfriend Mrs. Jean MacDonald. The pair had been hiding in the home from Mr. Warner, Sr. who was opposed to their relationship and was seeking to end all contact between the pair. Mrs. Antibus served as a private detective for Mr. Warner, Jr. and had previously conducted an investigation into the life of Mrs. MacDonald in attempt to determine whether she was truly in love with Mr. Warner, Jr. Mrs. Antibus alleged that the raid left several of her visitors injured and was unnecessarily violent.
Captain of Police Earle E. Kynette was charged with conspiracy to commit murder after the vehicle of Harry J. Raymond was bombed on January 14, 1938. Kynette was in charge of a special police intelligence unit that had been conducting surveillance on Raymond’s home from a nearby bungalow. Before the car bombing, Raymond had been conducting investigative work on Mayor Shaw and his possible connections with illegal gambling. Two other officers, Fred Browne and Roy J. Allen, connected with the intelligence unit were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder. However, Fred Browne was eventually acquitted. Kynette and Allen were both found guilty.
Financier F.W. Leistikow, who, along with his wife Esther E. Leistikow and 17 others, will benefit from a settlement with the County Counsel’s Department after claiming that the county illegally collected taxes on luxury homes in 1939, 1940, and 1941. The claims totaled $32,171.35 and, although the Counsel did not admit wrongdoing, they realized it would be more difficult to protest and decided to pay 62.5% of that amount, equal to $20,117.72
American actor and director Slim Summerville (right) with an unknown man. Summerville made the transition between silent to sound films. He was best known for his work in silent comedies but he also acted in dramas, such as All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) and directed over 50 short films.
American actor and director Slim Summerville (right) with an unknown man. Summerville made the transition between silent to sound films. He was best known for his work in silent comedies but he also acted in dramas, such as All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) and directed over 50 short films.
Night club proprietor Homer "Slim" Gordon serves as a witness during a grand jury investigation of gambling operations. Gordon was the proprietor of an Altadena night club.
American artist Rockwell Kent and his wife Frances Lee Kent. Kent lectured at the Philharmonic Auditorium on "Warm Hearts and Cold Feet in Greenland," where he showed motion pictures of the scenes he described.
Heiress Nancy Pierson Brooks Macy Brill eating at a cafe. Her estranged husband William Brill was pressing a suit for the annulment of their marriage. They had separated hours after their elopement and subsequent marriage.
American artist Rockwell Kent at his desk. Kent lectured at the Philharmonic Auditorium on "Warm Hearts and Cold Feet in Greenland," where he showed motion pictures of the scenes he described.
Wrestler Dean Detton supported by the referee during his match with wrestler/football player Bronko Nagurski at Olympic Auditorium. Nagurski injured Detton's left arm during the match and eventually emerged victorious, thus retaining his World Heavyweight title.
Child-murderer Albert Dyer and his public defenders William Neeley and Ellery Cuff in court at Dyer's trial. Dyer lured three Inglewood girls to the hills, where he strangled them to death with his hands as well as rope. From left to right, Albert Dyer, Neeley, and Cuff.
Public defender Ellery Cuff indicating a point on a map at his client Albert Dyer's murder trial. Dyer lured three Inglewood girls to the hills, where he strangled them to death with his hands as well as rope. Albert Dyer is seated wearing a white shirt.
Public defender Ellery Cuff indicating a point on a map at his client Albert Dyer's murder trial. Dyer lured three Inglewood girls to the hills, where he strangled them to death with his hands as well as rope. Albert Dyer is seated wearing a white shirt.
Mrs. Antibus sued Mr. Warner after her home was raided by Buron Fitts and several of his deputies at the request of Mr. Warner. The raid of Mrs. Antibus' home was conducted in order to search for Mr. Warner's son, Thomas W. Warner, Jr. Mr. Warner, Jr. was found hiding inside the home with his girlfriend Mrs. Jean MacDonald. The pair had been hiding in the home from Mr. Warner, Sr. who was opposed to their relationship and was seeking to end all contact between the pair. Mrs. Antibus served as a private detective for Mr. Warner, Jr. and had previously conducted an investigation into the life of Mrs. MacDonald in attempt to determine whether she was truly in love with Mr. Warner, Jr. Mrs. Antibus alleged that the raid left several of her visitors injured and was unnecessarily violent.
Mrs. Antibus sued Mr. Warner Sr. after her home was raided by Buron Fitts and several of his deputies at the request of Mr. Warner. The raid of Mrs. Antibus' home was conducted in order to search for Mr. Warner's son, Thomas W. Warner, Jr. Mr. Warner, Jr. was found hiding inside the home with his girlfriend Mrs. Jean MacDonald. The pair had been hiding in the home from Mr. Warner, Sr. who was opposed to their relationship and was seeking to end all contact between the pair. Mrs. Antibus served as a private detective for Mr. Warner, Jr. and had previously conducted an investigation into the life of Mrs. MacDonald in attempt to determine whether she was truly in love with Mr. Warner, Jr. Mrs. Antibus alleged that the raid left several of her visitors injured and was unnecessarily violent.
Cowboy motion picture extra Jerome "Blackjack" Ward (right), on trial for the murder of fellow cowboy extra John Ainsworth Tyacke (Johnny Tyke) in Gower Gulch. Gower Gulch is the name given to the area near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street where film extras hang out waiting for work; many of the nearby studios produce westerns so often actual working cowboys come here to break into the film business. Ward entered a plea of not guilty based on self defense and temporary insanity. He was ultimately set free after many witnesses attested to Tyacke's violent nature.
Betty Flay Hardaker sits at the Los Angeles County Jail after being taken into custody. Mrs. Hardaker was convicted of murdering her 5 year old daughter, Geraldine Hardaker, in a Montebello park washroom. The jury convicted her of committing the crime while of unsound mind.
Actor Ben Lyon with his wife, actress Bebe Daniels, and a friend of the couple, actress Doris Kenyon (standing), during a trial for 36-year-old war veteran Albert F. Holland. Holland's sanity was questioned after he wrote more than 150 love letters to Daniels and claimed to have married her in Mexico. During the case, Holland ran most of his own defense, including a lengthy cross-examination of Lyon. The jury ultimately found Holland to be insane and committed him to the state hospital.
Actor Ben Lyon with his wife, actress Bebe Daniels, during a trial for 36-year-old war veteran Albert F. Holland. Holland's sanity was questioned after he wrote more than 150 love letters to Daniels and claimed to have married her in Mexico. During the case, Holland ran most of his own defense, including a lengthy cross-examination of Lyon. The jury ultimately found Holland to be insane and committed him to the state hospital.
Actor Ben Lyon on the witness stand during a trial for 36-year-old war veteran Albert F. Holland. Holland's sanity was questioned after he wrote more than 150 love letters to Lyon's wife, actress Bebe Daniels, and claimed to have married her in Mexico. During the case, Holland ran most of his own defense, including a lengthy cross-examination of Lyon. The jury ultimately found Holland to be insane and committed him to the state hospital.
Actor Ben Lyon on the witness stand during a trial for 36-year-old war veteran Albert F. Holland. Holland's sanity was questioned after he wrote more than 150 love letters to Lyon's wife, actress Bebe Daniels, and claimed to have married her in Mexico. During the case, Holland ran most of his own defense, including a lengthy cross-examination of Lyon. The jury ultimately found Holland to be insane and committed him to the state hospital.
District Attorney Buron Fitts and his sister-secretary Berthal Gregory sit with their attorneys, Joseph Scott and Donald McKay, during their grand jury trial for perjury.
"Tappy Walsh," real name Emil Calcagni, fights Jack Rainwater, at LA's downtown Grand Olympic stadium. Calcagni won the match in six rounds. August 3, 1937.
Sandor Szabo and "Big Ben" Morgan wrestle downtown in Los Angeles' Grand Olympic stadium on June 30, 1937. Szabo won the match in 18 minutes in 52 seconds.
Widower Robert S. James sitting in a courtroom. James had lost his pregnant wife Mary Emma James after she drowned in their fish pool. A jury was unable to discern whether her drowning was accidental or intentional.
Widower Robert S. James sitting in a courtroom. James had lost his pregnant wife Mary Emma James after she drowned in their fish pool. A jury was unable to discern whether her drowning was accidental or intentional.
Heavyweight wrestler El Pulpo grappling with an opponent at the Olympic Auditorium. A nearby referee watches closely. He became known as the "Octopus Man" due to his ability to entangle his adversaries.
Samuel Karnes, Sr., Johanna Karnes, Edith Karnes, and Audrey Burns sit in the courtroom during the preliminary trial for Betty Flay Hardaker. Betty Flay Hardaker was convicted of murdering her 5 year old daughter, Geraldine Hardaker, in a Montebello park washroom. The jury convicted her of committing the crime while of unsound mind.
Betty Flay Hardaker sits in an office chair and signs papers at the Los Angeles County Jail. Mrs. Hardaker was convicted of murdering her 5 year old daugher, Geraldine Hardaker, in a Montebello park washroom. The jury convicted her of committing the crime while of unsound mind.
Tony Cornero surrounded by Radio News Reel broadcasting equipment and staff from his newly refurbished gambling ship, the Bunker Hill (also known as the Lux), which was meant to operate offshore of Los Angeles. After the Bunker Hill’s opening night, however, Cornero and five of his aides were arrested on felony charges of criminal conspiracy to conduct gambling games and serve alcohol without a license. After his arrest, Cornero announced that he was ready to go to the United States Supreme court to keep the Bunker Hill running. Cornero was also “admiral” of the Rex, another gambling vessel which was forced to suspend operations in 1938.
Frank Bincia, 29, being arrested in front of Pacific Press, Inc. because of an altercation with John Sullivan. Sullivan was picketing and Bincia was not, Sullivan claimed that Bincia assaulted him and Bincia asserted that Sullivan had called him "vile names"
Frank Bincia, 29, in the back of a police car after being arrested in front of Pacific Press, Inc. because of an altercation with John Sullivan. Sullivan was picketing and Bincia was not, Sullivan claimed that Bincia assaulted him and Bincia asserted that Sullivan had called him "vile names"
Film actress Anna May Wong with District Attorney Buron Fitts, looking over a letter she received which threatened her with extortion. Several other celebrities were targeted as well, such as Dr. A.M. Foote and producer David O. Selznick.
Actress Phyllis Brooks wearing a fur-lined coat and a fedora, with an airplane visible in the background. Brooks was originally known as the "Ipana Toothpaste Girl," and dated leading men such as Carey Grant and Howard Hughes before marrying a close friend of President John F. Kennedy, Congressman Torbert Macdonald.
Rheba Crawford with her attorney Joseph Fainer. Crawford had been dismissed from her post of associate pastor of Angelus Temple by Aimee Semple McPherson, an action which she contested due to specifications in her contract.
LA Daily News city editor Charles Judson participates in a series demonstrating "right" and "wrong" golf swings with local pro golfer and golf instructor Fay Coleman. Judson represents the "wrong" form for each swing.
LA Daily News city editor Charles Judson participates in a series demonstrating "right" and "wrong" golf swings with local pro golfer and golf instructor Fay Coleman. Judson represents the "wrong" form for each swing.
LA Daily News city editor Charles Judson participates in a series demonstrating "right" and "wrong" golf swings with local pro golfer and golf instructor Fay Coleman. Judson represents the "wrong" form for each swing.
LA Daily News city editor Charles Judson participates in a series demonstrating "right" and "wrong" golf swings with local pro golfer and golf instructor Fay Coleman. Judson represents the "wrong" form for each swing
Pearl Antibus can be seen on the other side of the beam. Mrs. Antibus sued Mr. Warner, Sr. after her home was raided by Buron Fitts and several of his deputies at the request of Mr. Warner, Sr. The raid of Mrs. Antibus' home was conducted in order to search for Mr. Warner's son, Thomas W. Warner, Jr. Mr. Warner, Jr. was found hiding inside the home with his girlfriend Mrs. Jean MacDonald. The pair had been hiding in the home from Mr. Warner, Sr. who was opposed to their relationship and was seeking to end all contact between the pair. Mrs. Antibus served as a private detective for Mr. Warner, Jr. and had previously conducted an investigation into the life of Mrs. MacDonald in attempt to determine whether she was truly in love with Mr. Warner, Jr. Mrs. Antibus alleged that the raid left several of her visitors injured and was unnecessarily violent.
Heavyweight wrestler El Pulpo grappling with an opponent at the Olympic Auditorium. A nearby referee watches closely. He became known as the "Octopus Man" due to his ability to entangle his adversaries.
Heavyweight wrestler El Pulpo grappling with an opponent at the Olympic Auditorium. A nearby referee watches closely. He became known as the "Octopus Man" due to his ability to entangle his adversaries.
Montebello Chief of Police Maxwell comforts Samuel Karnes, Sr. at the funeral of his granddaugther Geraldine Hardaker. Betty Flay Hardaker was convicted of murdering her 5 year old daughter, Geraldine Hardaker, in a Montebello park washroom. The jury convicted her of committing the crime while of unsound mind.
Charles Hardaker sits at a table and combs his hair after the arrest of his wife, Betty Flay Hardaker. Mrs. Hardaker was convicted of murdering her 5 year old daughter, Geraldine Hardaker, in a Montebello park washroom. The jury convicted her of committing the crime while of unsound mind.
After the murder and assault convictions of 17 Mexican American youths in the Sleepy Lagoon murder case, the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee advocated for the defendants until the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the convictions as a miscarriage of justice.
William F. Gettle, Beverly Hills businessman and millionaire, is reunited with his four children after his kidnapping. Gettle was kidnapped from the grounds of his Arcadia ranch home during a housewarming party on the eve of May 9th. The kidnapping attracted a great deal of attention in the community, with Mrs. Gettle even addressing the kidnappers through the pages of the Los Angeles Times. The kidnappers demanded a $60,000 ransom for the return of Gettle, which Mrs. Gettle agreed to pay. However, before the ransom was paid, two detectives of the LAPD, Chester Burris and H.P. Gearhardt, broke the case after installing a dictaphone in the home of a bank robbery suspect. Information from the dictaphone led them to a La Crescenta home where Gettle was held. He was returned, unharmed, to his family on the eve of May 14th.
Mrs. Fleeta Gettle, her four children, and an unidentified woman smile for the camera through a window, after the safe return of kidnapping victim (as well as husband and father) William F. Gettle.William F. Gettle, Beverly Hills millionaire, was kidnapped from the grounds of his Arcadia ranch home during a housewarming party on the eve of May 9th. The kidnapping attracted a great deal of attention in the community, with Mrs. Gettle even addressing the kidnappers through the pages of the Los Angeles Times. The kidnappers demanded a $60,000 ransom for the return of Gettle, which Mrs. Gettle agreed to pay. However, before the ransom was paid, two detectives of the LAPD, Chester Burris and H.P. Gearhardt, broke the case after installing a dictaphone in the home of a bank robbery suspect. Information from the dictaphone led them to a La Crescenta home where Gettle was held. He was returned, unharmed, to his family on the eve of May 14th.
Louis R. Glavis (left), director of investigation for the Department of the Interior, as well as for the Civil Works Administration and Publiv Works Administration, is photographed with U.S. Attorney Peirson Hall. Glavis's visit to Los Angeles coincided with increasing indictments relating to accusations that various major oil corporations had violated the National Petroleum Administration's code of fair competition. The government contended, via the offices of Attorney Peirson Hall, that major oil companies such as Shell and Standard oil had planned to create price-cutting wars, cut wages and reduce employment.
The four children of kidnapping victim William F. Gettle are photographed after his safe return.William F. Gettle was kidnapped from the grounds of his Arcadia ranch home during a housewarming party on the eve of May 9th. The kidnapping attracted a great deal of attention in the community, with Mrs. Gettle even addressing the kidnappers through the pages of the Los Angeles Times. The kidnappers demanded a $60,000 ransom for the return of Gettle, which Mrs. Gettle agreed to pay. However, before the ransom was paid, two detectives of the LAPD, Chester Burris and H.P. Gearhardt, broke the case after installing a dictaphone in the home of a bank robbery suspect. Information from the dictaphone led them to a La Crescenta home where Gettle was held. He was returned, unharmed, to his family on the eve of May 14th.
A photograph of "Prince" (not, as captioned here, "Grand Duke") Michael Romanoff, a Hollywood restaurateur and actor, who claimed to be a member of the Russian royal family. This claim was widely known to be false; however, Romanoff kept up the deception throughout his life in Los Angeles.Romanoff was born Hershel Geguzin in Lithuania. He traveled extensively before settling in Los Angeles and into the role of Michael Romanoff. In Hollywood, he acted on stage and in film, but was perhaps most successful as the owner of the restaurant "Romanoff's" in Beverly Hills. The restaurant was popular for its chocolate souffles, and was frequented by many celebrities. It closed its doors in 1962.
Mayor of Los Angeles, Frank L. Shaw, receives a relative of President Franklin L. Roosevelt, Leila Roosevelt (a.k.a. Mrs. Armand Denis, center), on the steps of City Hall. Miss Roosevelt had just completed a trip around the world by motor, but had broken her arm during her arrival in San Francisco. Her companion and mechanic is Miss Edna Olmsted of Long Island, New York.
Young actress Ada Williams Ince, 21, divorces her husband of 5 years, William "W.T." Ince, on claims of abuse due to her husband's violent temper. Williams was granted the divorce in Superior Judge Edmond's court, and attributed it to the date of Friday the 13th, her "lucky number", contrary to popular convention.
District Attorney Buron Fitts(rear left) and his sister Mrs. Berthal Gregory(rear middle) appear with their attorneys (front, left to right) Roland Swaffield, Walter K. Tuller, Joseph Scott, Jerry Giesler, and Jack Gilchrist(rear right) to contend with perjury charges made against them by the grand jury.
District Attorney Buron Fitts meets with his advisors over the charges of perjury brought against him by the grand jury. From left to right in the front, Buron Fitts, attorney Joseph Scott, and in the back, attorneys Jerry Giesler, Jack Gilchrist, and Harold Judson.