The Dash

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Karie Bible

A lady took my tour the other day and sent me the poem below. I thought I’d share it with you.

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

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Cinematic Legacy

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Karie Bible

Each time I give a tour, I always stop at some point and tell the audience that while I can show you the graves of the stars and tell you stories about their lives–the movies are really how they continue to live on. That is their lasting legacy. Now with Turner Classic Movies, DVD and repertory/revival theaters it has never been easier to see old movies!

This week the UCLA Film and TV Archive (in the Hammer Museum) will start a new retrospective entitled “SPENCER TRACY: THAT NATURAL THING”. While Mr. Tracy is buried elsewhere, many of his collaborators are residents of Hollywood Forever! Their names are mentioned below along with the film title they worked on.

By the way, many of the early 1930s films in this series are NOT ON DVD and may never be available. This is a really rare opportunity, so take advantage!!! Click HERE to see a full schedule for this series.

.

FACE IN THE SKY (1933)
Directed by Harry Lachman

MAN’S CASTLE (1933) / THE LAST HURRAH (1958)
Columbia Pictures – Harry Cohn

THE POWER AND THE GLORY (1933)
Produced by Jesse L. Lasky

SHANGHAI MADNESS (1933)
Co-starring Fay Wray

DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE (1941)
Directed by Victor Fleming

CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS (1937)
Directed by Victor Fleming
Cinematographer: Harold Rosson

THE ACTRESS (1953)
Cinematographer: Harold Rosson

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Día de los Muertos 2011

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Karie Bible

On Saturday, October 22nd the Hollywood Forever Cemetery will be celebrating Día de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead”. If you’ve never been before, it is an extraordinary cultural event celebrating the lives of friends and family who have passed away. Traditions include building elaborate shines that include orange marigold flowers and sugar skulls. People also cook up their loved one’s favorite food and bring it to the grave as a tribute. There is so much creative talent that is put into making these alters!! They are filled with colorful artwork and detail.

This year they are selling tickets to the event online and I really encourage you to buy in advance! There is limited parking, so get there early.

Check out the below video from last year.

I hope to see you there! By the way, due to the festivities, I can’t do any tours on Saturday, but I do have a tour scheduled for Sunday, October 23rd at 2:00pm.

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The Art Deco Living History Tour at Hollywood Forever

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Karie Bible

This Saturday, October 8th the cemetery tour will be conducted by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. Instead of having me guide you around for 2 hours, you will have a host of different people and personalities from the past take you on the journey. I will be appearing as the “Lady in Black” and speaking all about the life and legacy of the great Rudolph Valentino. Historian Sara Henderson will be dressed in Victorian clothing and will discuss the scandalous deeds of Griffith J. Griffith—who gave the city Griffith Park—and his wife a bullet in the head. Titanic expert Don Lynch will also be on hand to discuss the mausoleum of Walter Miller Clark who was lost at sea on that fateful voyage. My friend Sherri Snyder provides the big finale of the tour as she brings silent screen vamp Barbara Lamarr gloriously back to life. She has done a tremendous amount of research on this talented, intelligent and complicated woman. Many other fantastic art deco society members will be speaking and sharing their expertise along the way. Don’t miss this event!!

Saturday, October 8, 2011
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard
Hollywood 90036
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Tours depart every 20 minutes until noon.)
$20 per person — ADSLA Members FREE!
You can also buy tickets online!

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The duck takes a cemetery tour!

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Karie Bible

One day last year I was doing a small group cemetery tour when we got a surprise guest. One of the white ducks at the cemetery emerged and waddled to the front of the group and stood right at my feet. The duck listened with rapt attention while I finished talking about Marion Davies and then decided to take the rest of the tour as well even following us into the mausoleum! Perhaps after residing at the cemetery for many years, the duck got curious to take the tour and learn more about the surroundings. I love animals and this was such a fun encounter! Fortunately there was a photographer on the tour that day to document everything. Enjoy!

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7th Annual Johnny Ramone Tribute

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Karie Bible

Photograph from "Laughing Squid"

7th Annual Johnny Ramone Tribute

Saturday, October 1st, 2011
Doors: 5:30 pm / Show: 5:30 pm (event ends at 12:00 am)

Click HERE for tickets!

Hollywood Forever
Los Angeles, CA
$10.00
Tickets

LINDA RAMONE AND JRA CHIEF OF STAFF JOHN CAFIERO PRESENT

THE 7TH ANNUAL JOHNNY RAMONE TRIBUTE

SPECIAL GUESTS:
THE MISFITS
and
MISFITS RECORDS RECORDING ARTISTS
JUICEHEAD
SIGNING THEIR NEW ALBUMS
“THE DEVIL’S RAIN” & “HOW TO SAIL A SINKING SHIP”
GET THEM BOTH—3 DAYS BEFORE THEY ARRIVE IN STORES!
+ EXCLUSIVE MISFITS VINYL
AVAILABLE ONLY AT THE EVENT

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER & RNR HALL OF FAMER: TOMMY RAMONE
DRUMMER, PRODUCER & FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE RAMONES
MEET & GREET WITH FANS
ON-SITE INTERVIEWS

*** DOUBLE FEATURE – OUTDOOR SCREENING – AFTER DARK ***

THE RAMONES: JOHNNY, JOEY, DEE DEE & TOMMY
LIVE ON DON KIRSHNER’S ROCK CONCERT
FILMED IN 1977 & SCREENED IN
ITS ENTIRETY FOR THE 1ST TIME IN DECADES
COURTESY OF HISTORIC FILMS

AND

BELA LUGOSI, VAMPIRA & TOR JOHNSON STARRING IN ED D. WOOD JR.’S 1959 B-MOVIE CULT CLASSIC:
“PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE” —NOW IN 3D!

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Upcoming cultural events at Hollywood Forever

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Karie Bible

Hollywood Forever is not only a historic cemetery, but also a community space and cultural hub for Los Angeles.  I can’t think of any other cemetery in the world that routinely hosts movie screenings and concerts!!

Here are some upcoming events that may be of interest:

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

Patrick Wolf in the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
Admission is $20. PARKING IS FREE ON SITE

Purchase tickets at hollywoodforever.ticketfly.com 
Questions? email events@hollywoodforever.com

________________________________________________________

September 16th 2011

SUSPIRIA
Directed by Dario Argento (1977, 98 mins)
A classic of the supernatural horror genre starring Jessica Harper.

Outdoors on the Fairbanks Lawn at Hollywood Forever
Gates 6:30 pm / movie 8:00 pm NEW TIME !!!
No reservation necessary
$10 donation tickets available at gate
Picnic Reservations and Parking Passes online

Parking $10
DJ Mahssa spins before and after the screening
Bring blankets, drinks and picnic dinner for this screening below the stars. as a courtesy to other moviegoers: NO TALL CHAIRS!!!

For more information on Cinespia visit www.cinespia.org
If you have any questions please e-mail: events@hollywoodforever.com

________________________________________________________

September 17th, 2011

FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH
Directed by Amy Heckerling (1982, 90 mins)
Starring Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason Leigh

Outdoors on the Fairbanks Lawn at Hollywood Forever
Gates 6:30 pm / movie 8:00 pm NEW TIME !!!
No reservation necessary
$10 donation tickets available at gate
Picnic Reservations and Parking Passes online

Parking $10
DJ Gaslamp Killer spins before and after the screening
Bring blankets, drinks and picnic dinner for this screening below the stars. As a courtesy to other moviegoers: NO TALL CHAIRS!!!
For more information on Cinespia please visit www.cinespia.org

____________________________________________________

September 24th 2011

E.T.
Directed by Steven Speilberg (1982, 111 mins)
Starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore

Outdoors on the Fairbanks Lawn at Hollywood Forever
Gates 6:30 pm / movie 8:00 pm NEW TIME !!!
No reservation necessary
$10 donation tickets available at gate
Picnic Reservations and Parking Passes online

Parking $10
DJ Cut Chemist spins before and after the screening
Bring blankets, drinks and picnic dinner for this screening below the stars. As a courtesy to other moviegoers: NO TALL CHAIRS!!!
For more information on Cinespia visit www.cinespia.org

________________________________________________________

September 27th 2011

Thurston Moore
In the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever

Doors: 8:00 pm / Show 9:00 pm
Admission is $25. PARKING IS FREE ON SITE
Purchase tickets at hollywoodforever.ticketfly.com
Questions? email events@hollywoodforever.com

To keep up with the latest list of concerts, movies and cultural events at Hollywood Forever, click on their official website!

 

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Mark your calendars!

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Karie Bible

I love going to events where I can explore my interests and have fun with my friends.  Below is a list of some super cool events coming up in September and October.  Put them on your calendar and plan ahead—as many of them will sell out!

September 14th – October 31st

Grier Musser Museum-Halloween and Wizard of Oz exhibit
This cute Victorian house has year round exhibits and tours.  On October 30th they have a Haunted House Tour at 1pm and 2:30pm.  Make sure to call them for a reservation.

September 24th

Angelus Rosedale Cemetery Living History Tour 2011
I’ve already mentioned this in my last post–but it is worth repeating.  This tour is fascinating!  I’ve taken it many times and I always learn something new!  The West Adams Historical Association does an outstanding job of putting on this annual event!

October 8th at 6:30pm

Drama After Dark: A Night of the Macabre with Poe and Gorey-This is an excellent Halloween time event for the more sophisticated audience who has long since tired of being chased by zombies at Universal Studios.  The actors are all uniformly excellent and watching them perform by candlelight in the beautiful Huntington Library Gardens is a delightfully creepy experience.  They also serve cookies and apple cider there too.  This always sells out and fast so hurry and get your tickets!

October 29th, 30th

Victorian Mourning Tours-The Heritage Square Museum is a strip of stunning old mansions that you may have only seen in passing from the 110 freeway.  If you’ve never been there, please go!  You’ll be glad you did!  They museum has a very dedicated staff of volunteers and they do events all year long.  The Victorian Mourning Tour explores multiple facets of grief, mourning and rituals surrounding death during the Victorian era.  I took this tour last year and found it fascinating!  The museum also has a haunted movie night, safe haven trick or treating and much more!  I’d encourage everyone to visit and even consider becoming a member.

October 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th

Beyond the Grave Tours-The Homestead Museum is located in City of Industry just outside of Los Angeles and is considered a cultural and historic landmark.  This tour explores American attitudes toward death from the 1840s through the 1920s and also includes a visit to the El Campo Santo cemetery.  The tours are free and multiple tours are offered.  This historic location also hosts unique events for various holidays throughout the year and it is well worth the trip!

October 22nd at 2pm and 8pm only

PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE-The film’s co-star Vampira (Maila Nurmi) is buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery so come see her on the big screen at the beautiful, historic Alex Theatre (built in 1925) in Glendale.  There are plenty of great shops and places to eat before or after the film if you’d like to make a day of it.  (By the way Ed Wood’s wife Kathleen Wood is buried at H4E too!)

October 22nd from 12pm – 12am

L.A. Day of the Dead-Each year this event seems to get bigger, so this year the cemetery is selling advance tickets online.  The tickets will also be for separate time periods.  This may help cut down somewhat on the huge crowds and the difficulty in finding parking.  I would suggest getting your tickets online asap!  Make sure to bring your camera, as this event is visually spectacular.

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Welcome to the Cemetery Tour Blog

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Karie Bible

To quote Bela Lugosi in Dracula “I bid you welcome!”

I’m the official tour guide at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.  I’ve been there since 2002 and I LOVE it so much!  It is really a joy to share my passion for history with people from all over the country and even the world.

Photo courtesy of Joe Oesterle author of "Weird Hollywood" Joeartistwriter.com

This blog will include a plethora of things.  I may share the occasional story of something that happens on the tour.  There will also be postings about the various “residents” at the cemetery and where you can see their films.  I am fortunate to have several friends in the grave hunting community (yes there are lots of us!) and they may contribute posts as well.  Look for photos, videos and even suggestions for activities outside the cemetery gates that may appeal to those who share my interests.

Until then…..

Happy Grave hunting!

-Karie

 

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Hollywood Forever Cemetery Walking Tour

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Karie Bible

Come experience Hollywood’s past and present.
See the final resting place of Hollywood’s most legendary stars.
Visit Rudolph Valentino, John Huston, Peter Lorre, Jayne Mansfield, Johnny Ramone, Cecil B. DeMille, The Little Rascals “Alfalfa”, Tyrone Power and many more.

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