From left to right: film producer Louis B. Mayer, Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin, and Bishop Bertrand Stevens in the luncheon room at the Biltmore Hotel where 400 leading Californians had gathered to discuss the campaign to raise funds for the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Mr. Mayer spoke at the meeting saying, "this battle is not for greed or power, but for human good without distinction of race or creed" and acknowledged the presence of Rabbi Magnin and Bishop Stevens (among others) as a sign that we live in a "land where men of different faiths combine to aid humanity"
Screenshot from a film used by the prosecution at the murder trial of DeWitt Clinton Cook. The film showed Cook (right) re-enacting his murder of dancer Anya Sosoyeva, who he hit on the head with a 2x4. Cook willingly confessed to the murder, as well as the assaults of two other women, Delia Bogard and Myrtle Wagner. This was the first time sound motion pictures were used during a trial in California history. The trial was also considered very unusual because Cook never denied the murder, personally offer a not guilty plea, or put up any defense. Cook was sentenced to death and executed in the San Quentin gas chamber on January 31, 1941, at age 21
William A. Dessert, juror at the Paul A. Wright "white flame" double murder trial. Wright is accused of shooting his wife, Evelyn, and best friend, John B. Kimmel, after allegedly finding the two in an embrace on a piano bench in his home. Wright was ultimately found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity.
Accused murderer Paul A. Wright on the witness stand. A court stenographer is visible, recording Wright's statements. Wright, an airport executive, shot his wife and his best friend while they sat together on a piano bench. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Kynette can be seen wearing eyeglasses. 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.
Elsie the Borden Cow, the unofficial mascott for Borden dairy products, with Donna Larson(?). After appearing at the New York World's Fair, Elsie was chosen by R.K.O. producer Gene Towne to star in the 1940 film "Little Men," based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Elsie arrived in Los Angeles on July 12, 1940
Politician and attorney Kent Parrot sits in a courtroom. Parrot was a politician and attorney who was heavily involved in municipal politics in Los Angeles
Hollywood mystery man and "golf wizard," John Montague, battles extradition charges. New York's Essex County Sheriff's Department charged Montague, real name LaVerne Moore, as being one of three burglars suspected of robbing a road house of $700 on April 5, 1930. While living in Los Angeles, Montague became incredibly popular with celebrities such as Bing Crosby, due in large part to his prowess at golf. At the time of his arrest, Oliver Hardy was his roommate. Montague, left, is pictured with his lawyer, Jerry Giesler, right. Circa July 10, 1937.
Burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee holds her small dog by a train. Lee, originally named Rose Louise Hovick, worked in burlesque, starred in five Hollywood films, wrote for the New Yorker, and published two novels.
Funeral service for longshoreman Norman Gregg, who was known as "Big Bill." Gregg was shot by Patrolman W.H. Redding, and his death created an uproar amongst longshoremen. Traffic was blocked by demonstrations, and a shrine was constructed around the scene of the shooting.
Airline executive Paul A. Wright, defendant the "white flame" double homicide trial, photographed at his trial. Wright was charged with the shooting deaths of his wife Evelyn and best friend John Kimmel, whom he claimed to have caught in an "inappropriate" embrace in the Wright home. A map of the Wright home is visible behind the defendant.Wright's defense team, led by famed Los Angeles defense attorney Jerry Giesler, argued that Wright was not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury found Wright guilty of two counts of manslaughter, and subsequently ruled that he had been insane at his sanity trial.
Accused murderer Paul A. Wright on the witness stand. A court stenographer is visible, recording Wright's statements. Wright, an airport executive, shot his wife and his best friend while they sat together on a piano bench. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Colonel Arthur N. Jorgensen from the 160th Infantry watches for air raids during a military show for National Defense Week. The show was held at the Los Angeles Airport and more than 60 officers and men participated.
Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins (left) with Antoinette Jones, wife of lawyer Mattison Boyd Jones, during the opening of the first airplane apprentice school at the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Perkins visited Los Angeles for two days to welcome the new class of 37 junior employees who were to begin the program.
Swiss chauffeur Fred Stettler, accused of the arson murders of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Barbour, showing Capt. Bert Wallis of the police homicide (right) squad $34 in silver hidden in a potato sack at Stettler's home. Stettler confessed to stealing the money from the Barbours after murdering them with a heavy object and setting a timing device which would set the bodies on fireNote: text on the nitrate sleeves and handwritten on the negative likely transcribed "Bert Wallis" incorrectly as "Bert Wallace"
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.
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.
Juror James D. Kelly 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.
Albert Dyer and his lawyers William Neeley and Ellery Cuff at 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. From left to right is Albert Dyer and public defenders Neeley and Cuff.
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.
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.
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.