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episode 2

The Hollywood Sign

The story of how a real estate advertisement erected in 1923 became an international symbol of fame, fortune and the American dream.    

Episode 2

Did You Know?

 A Letter to Hollywood

Spotify Playlist

Can You Guess?

How much do you really know about your favorite icon? Sharpen your #2 pencil and get ready to test your talent for trivia. You may begin now.

How many light bulbs did it take to light the original Hollywood sign?

  • 2000
  • 3000
  • 4000
Answer
Hollywood sign, Photo by De'Andre Bush on Unsplash

c. 4000

4000 light bulbs were timed to blink so that the words “HOLLY,” “WOOD,” and “LAND” each lit up consecutively before the entire word lit up. Talk about flashy.

The Hollywood sign went permanently dark in 1939–why?

  • Film premieres using searchlights no longer wanted to share the night sky with the sign.
  • Los Angeles no longer wanted to foot the bill for electricity.
  • Blame it on the Depression.
Answer
Above the Hollywood Sign, Photo by Blake Carroll

c. Blame it on the Depression

The stock market crash of 1929 put an end to real estate development. Since lots in Hollywoodland were no longer being purchased, developers no longer needed a flashing sign to advertise the enclave. The sign’s caretaker, Albert Kothe, stripped the copper wiring from the sign and sold it for scrap.

Which celebrity had his star installed on a wall in Hollywood, rather than on the actual Walk of Fame?

  • Donald Trump
  • Muhammad Ali
  • Bruce Lee
Answer
Hollywood walk sign, Photo by Aman on Unsplash

b. Muhammad Ali

Boxing great Muhammad Ali got a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2002. Unlike the other awards, however, Ali’s star isn’t on the footpath. His is installed on the wall of the Dolby Theatre. Reportedly, Ali didn’t want his name stepped on by “people who have no respect for me.”

Which is not a real place?

  • Bollywood
  • Dollywood
  • Nollywood
  • All are real places
Answer
Steam Train at Dollywood Amusement Park, photo by Adam Kring on Unsplash

d. All are real places

While Bollywood and Nollywood refer to the star-studded film production hotspots of India and Nigeria, respectively, Dollywood shines its spotlight on one star only: Dolly Parton!

CLIPS FROM THIS EPISODE

Power Not Afforded Equally

Could Hollywood Be Successful Again?

The Hollywood Sign Preview

Often Imitated, Never Duplicated

Hollwood Gets its Start

 Hollywood as the Ultimate LA Symbol

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE

Alana Mayo
Alana Mayo
Alison Martino
Alison Martino
Amy Nicholson
Amy Nicholson
Bryan Lourd in conversation with David Rubenstein
Bryan Lourd in conversation with David Rubenstein
David Rubenstein
David Rubenstein
Darnell Hunt
Darnell Hunt
Irena Medavoy
Irena Medavoy
Kim Masters
Kim Masters
David Rubenstein outside of Grauman's Chinese Theatre
David Rubenstein outside of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Eric Aliva
Eric Aliva
Christopher Hawthorne with David Rubenstein
Christopher Hawthorne with David Rubenstein
Josh Flagg
Josh Flagg
Jonathan Kuntz
Jonathan Kuntz
James Elroy
James Elroy
Nancy Yuen
Nancy Yuen
Sam Wasson
Sam Wasson
Leo Braudy
Leo Braudy
Sherry Lansing
Sherry Lansing

Episode Producers

Alexandra Nikolchev

Alexandra Nikolchev

Alexandra Nikolchev is a documentary filmmaker passionate about creating space for unexpected voices to emerge in our media landscape. Her credits as director, producer and cinematographer include HBO, NBC, and PBS. Alexandra has produced two feature films with national broadcast premieres and won Peabody and Emmy Awards for her work.  Alexandranikolchev.com