The Encino-Tarzana Branch Library Salutes “Hometown Girl” Ann Dvorak

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When I contacted the Senior Librarian over at the Encino-Tarzana Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library about doing a program devoted to Ann Dvorak’s Encino ranch house, I thought he would tell me I was an idiot for suggesting something so narrow and esoteric. Instead, he was totally on board and really excited about it. So, on February 6th at 6pm, I will be presenting “Walnuts, Sanka and a Cow Named Garbo: Ann Dvorak’s Encino Ranch.” It’ll be around an hour with a slide show packed full of every photo I have ever been able to find of that property, including ones of subsequent owners that I found in the LAPL Photo Collection. Of course, copies of Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel will be available for purchase. Ann Dvorak never stayed put for too long. Even when living in the same general area (ie Los Angeles, Hawaii), she tended to switch residences often. Ann and husband Leslie Fenton purchased the Encino property in 1934, had the home built, and she resided on the 35 acre walnut ranch until 1946, making it the longest she ever lived in one place. The property has significance for me because it was where I got married in 2007.

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The branch was so enthusiastic about the program that they also scheduled screenings of some of Ann’s films! The showed G Men yesterday and have Scarface scheduled for January 30th,  and Three on a Match sometime in the near future. They generously let me take up prime real estate near their entrance to promote the program.

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If you’re in the L.A. area on February 6th, I hope you’ll come join us in Encino to pay tribute to their “hometown girl!”

4 Comments

  1. Robby January 24, 2014

    Sounds like a wonderful event. I wish I wouldn’t still be working at that time so I could go! Have fun at the presentation.

  2. admin January 24, 2014

    One of these days I’ll get you to an Ann event!

  3. mike January 25, 2014

    Ann during the 30s always looked delectable, but especially so in this outfit.

    BTW, my response the last few months when asked at work what books I’ve been reading/recommend, HFR gets mentioned first.

    Hope you have a great turnout.

  4. admin January 25, 2014

    Thanks for the continued endorsement! I really appreciate it.

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