How Cinematic!

My moment of demi-celebrity above comes from my participation in an MSN short series "re: discover".  I show off the Hollywood Heritage Lasky DeMille barn to Barney Burman and Amy Gray.  If you are so inclined you can see it here.

You've Got A Lovely Week For It!

Dateline:  Los Angeles, Thanksgiving Week

I just checked the weather.  Mid 70s to low 80s all week and through the weekend.

Are you visiting here?  Do you live here and have friends or relatives in for the holiday?  Or are you having a life-as-usual week and looking for a little something to brighten it up?  Well then this is probably the ideal week to find out exactly what "The Best Hollywood Walking Tour" is all about!

It's brainy, it's funny, it's fascinating and there's not a cheesy tourist-trap on the whole darn thing.  I will be closed on Thanksgiving day because even a researcher likes a little cranberry sauce but, other than that - tours, tours, tours!

So why not join Fred, Rita, Van, Me and all the other spirits that we'll awaken from the legendary days of Film, Radio, TV and Records for a walk.  You could use a walk in the fresh air with all you'll be eating this week anyhow.

Click here for all the info!

We're Simply The Best!

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Something To Know.....

There was a time before the interwebs, before television actually, that magazines were a major and constant source of entertainment and information.  Everybody subscribed, read and discussed the latest issues.

Magazines themselves were larger, heavier, more substantial than they are now.  None of this People or Us crap!  And many contained extraordinary cover art.

One of the best examples of this was a magazine from out here on the Left Coast.  It was generated by the American Automobile Association or, more specifically, the Automobile Club of Southern California.  It's name.......

Westways

1939

1953

1955

1969

1978

Nothing lasts forever.  Westways went to cover photography in 1981.  And while the Great Magazine golden era has passed, the venerable Westways  still  enjoys the 10 largest circulation in the US - larger in fact than People, Time and Newsweek!

Current Jan/Feb 2012 Issue

Why, you ask, the sudden interest in Westways.  Well I'll tell ya kiddies, for starters it's not sudden.  I've been a fan for years.  Oh, and also, the just called The Felix In Hollywood Tour  "The Real Scoop"!  Thank you Westways.

I Walk The Line....

Even though I feel like the first couple of months were kind of a warm up rehearsal period, and I really consider the first of the year as the beginning of my company, it was about a year ago that I first announced here that I was starting it.

Holy cow, a year!  So I figured I should give you guys an annual report.

Miss Crawford, will you please bring in the annual report?

It's a funny thing that, living this thing day to day, it doesn't feel like things are growing fast enough.  Or even at all.  But to look over the big picture, it ain't so bad!
Without so much as a dime for publicity/marketing/advertising here's how things look:



**  I received a very small mention in The Los Angeles Times.

**  I was interviewed on "The List" a 30-minute web radio show.

**  I was invited to join an elite group of independent tour companies, 7 Days In LA

**  The tour has earned a 5-star rating on Yelp. 

**  I was interviewed and given a rave write-up in The Advocate Magazine.

**  There is another press piece coming at the beginning of the year I'll tell ya about later.

**  The Facebook page is on it's way to 500 followers.

**  Am preparing remarks for my participation in a swell historical/literary salon in January.

**  To date over 1000 people have taken the tour.

All in all, a swell year!  I'm looking forward to a slam-bang finish to 2011, and a banner 2012.

And I'd love to meet you guys on the tour really soon (Angelinos) or as soon as your next visit (everyone else)!

I've Been Advocated!!!

What a lovely thing it was to wake up yesterday and discover that the online version of an interview I did in Advocate magazine is out! (to coin a phrase)

The magnificently gifted writer Christopher Harrity reviews my tour and then we cozy up for a little Q & A.  It's great fun and I hope you'll all read it.  After which, doubtless you'll be planning your trip to Hollywood to take the tour for your self!

There are several photos from the Felix In Hollywood Facebook Page in the article including a snappy little photo of yours truly the was shot by the ever-elegant George Snyder, novelist extraodinaire.

Simply click the Advocate logo below and dazzle your selves:

Myself.  (as captured by George Snyder)

A Great Face For Radio....

Blogging - it's not just for keyboards anymore!  I am being interviewed tonight on the John W. Smart show "Talking With...."  If you would like to listen live, it will air at 6pm (PST), 9pm (EST).  But through the magic of the intertubes you can always download it after the fact and listen at your leisure. 

"Talking With...." is a new show and I'm his first guest.

For quite some time now, John has had a very popular (and compelling) blogtalk radio show on Mondays and Tuesdays called "The List".  It's politics, baby.  Like all commentators, he has a definite set of principles and beliefs, and is not above having guests on with opposing ideas.  But what sets his format apart and makes for a rewarding  listen is that, he doesn't humiliate and shred those guests!  In a rare (these days) move, he performs like a grown up, keeps the discourse civil, and thanks these guests for their time!  As a result, I find that I am caused to actually think through and own my own opinions, rather than just having the knee-jerk 'jump to the left, jump to the right' reaction that I experience with more divisive interviewers.

Though a self described "Political Junkie", Smart has many areas of interest and wanted a forum to explore them.  Hence the decision to continue doing  "The List" on Mondays and start the new "Talking With...." on Tuesdays.

Here's the link for the show tonight:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/johnwsmart/2011/06/15/the-list--talking-with

Here is Smart's blog:  http://johnwsmart.wordpress.com/

You Say You Want A Revolution, Well You Know....

It's a good thing I was raised to root for the underdog.  When I started my tour company a few months back I had no idea how much of an underdog I was to become, and how much rooting would be required for both me and my fellow underdogs.

There was an article several weeks ago in the L.A. Times announcing that the largest tour bus sightseeing company in town and an enormous, successful gossip website/tv show organization were teaming up to offer some sort of stalker/paparazzi tour.

Umm.....Ewwwww!

I was interviewed for the article (which I was told was going to be about various new tours opening in the area).  The published article however, mentioned only them and me.  I was given two sentences and framed as sort of the 'don't-bother David' with the rest of the article focused on there 'OMG-how-fab Goliath'.  When I read this, I remember thinking, "how am I ever supposed to compete with the massive, corporate driven, publicity machine of these people!"

What I offer is as opposite to them as a game of  marbles is to Grand Theft Auto but nonetheless, we are both competing for the same sightseeing tourism audience.

Turns out the article shook more than just me up!  In short order a call to arms went out (arms of loving support) and the result is:

For a good time, click!

7 Days In LA is a brand new website/calendar offering 14 different independent tour operators that can give you a variety of was to explore Los Angeles!  We are all, in our different ways, 'Artisans of the Tour'.  I'm just crazy about my fellows in this endeavor and would recommend any of the tours they do.  What's your interest:  Hollywood History, Architecture, True Crime Stories, Gay History, Film Locations, Grave Yards?  We got 'em and more! Each company has a bio page and there is an updating calendar of tours being offered.  Just find something you want and from there you can go to the individual company's website for contact info and ticket purchases.

One day after launching we've been garnering quite a bit of notice already but my favorite is crime novelist Christa Faust tweeted this to 1700 followers:

"Think L.A. is all fake tits and Ferraris? Think again. http://www.7daysinla.com/"

So, a revolution?  Perhaps not, but I'll be satisfied with a more level playing field!

Do You Like Me, Really, Really 'like' Me?

Philip Mershon.....

By now, I think you know, I have a tour company.  Yep, Felix is the name - Hollywood history is the game.

and his nemisis partner in crime Jennifer Coolidge

I have been learning the harsh reality that it's hard to get visibility and publicity when you can't afford a publicist.  Of course what I can do, as all my friends have told me since starting the company, is throw my self through the gates of social media.  They're all like, "Oooo, you gotta do facebook, you gotta do Twitter, you gotta do Yelp, you gotta do youtube, you gotta do linkedin.

With each 'gotta' I would cringe.  See, I'm basically an old fashioned, non-tech brained, single task kind of fellow.  I mean, I walk and tell interesting stories for a living!  It took  breaking down a lot of resistance just to start this blog.

So I do facebook, and then I do a facebook page for the company and funny thing happens - I'm enjoying it! (Archie Bunker voice in my head, "aw jeez")

Then another funny thing happens.  One day on my news feed I see that Actress and Comedienne Jennifer Coolidge has started a fan page.  The first thing that came to mind was not how ridiculously talented and funny she is with her legion of spot on performances.  No, the first thing that came to mind was that a few years ago I was briefly introduced to her when I was doing some work for a friend who has a marvelous gift/paper/boutique printer shop on Beverly Blvd.  She came into the store and I found her to be lovely and kind.  And with that memory I wanted to support her.

So I go to her page and hit the 'like' button at the top.  Turns out that we were tied in our number of 'likes' that day, and I mentioned that I would race her in the contest of 'likes'.  Of course she's killin' me, I mean, she's a beautiful, funny celebrity; I'm a history storyteller who posts cool pictures.  But just like my first meeting with her she's lovely and kind in cyberspace too.  And she wants to take my tour!

Now that I'm doing facebook, and Twitter, Yelp, youtube and linkedin, I'm having to admit, maybe this social media networking thing isn't so horrible after all.  Maybe I'm a closet cyber guy.  Psych!

So why don't you 'like' me here

And while you're at it go ahead and 'like' Jennifer here .  She's gonna win our race anyway, and that's cool, she's a swell dame!

You'll Be Dancing On Rooftops Too!

As the song says, "Ain't it funny how time slips away".  I just looked at the calendar and realized that summer is practically upon us!  With that, I just went into the magical cyber world of Brown Paper Tickets, my official ticket seller, and loaded in all tour dates through the end of August.

Now if you already live in SoCal, I can't imagine for the life of me why you haven't taken the tour yet**

If you're planning a visit this summer, well tickets are now available.  With small tour groups like this, don't let 'em get away.  Get yours today!

You can access BPT directly via the link above, or though the official tour website.

** Authors comments do not apply to the many fabulous folks who already have taken the tour.

Tag, I'm It....

Yesterday I gave a tour to my wonderful friend Steve and members of his magnificent family that included his adorable infant daughter Sofia, his Mom and Dad, Sister and Brother-in-law, and recently relocated cousin.  Joining us was also my dear friend and neighbor Donato.  Despite the unexpected 90 degree weather, a great time was had by all.

After the tour Steve and family walked to a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf that is on the tour route for a little refreshment.  Upon leaving the establishment they came across a site that, while I walk by it every day, I'd never noticed:

I swear I didn't do it.  If I had, it would have been much neater.

In related news, I received a two-sentence mention in today's LA Times.  Not really an article that I would have chosen to be associated with.  It seems the Starline Tours (the company that crams you 50 onto a bus and drives you around to show you the walls that block the views of celebrities' homes) is teaming up with TMZ to produce some sort of 'celebrity/reality show star/paparazzi/stalker tour'.  My company seems to be mentioned as juxtaposition and alternative to that, so I'm cool with it.  And, after all it's the first mention I've received in the press, so I'm also very thankful. 

Hey all you journalists, editors and TV segment producers:  It's not too late to get on The Felix In Hollywood Tour Company bandwagon!

The Reviews Are In....

....And It Looks Like I'm A Hit!!!

Below are some of the reviews I've received on the tour.  They're culled from Yelp, the Goldstar Ticket Service, and emails sent to me directly.  Oh my god, I couldn't do better if I'd written them my self.

"My Family has been is the "biz" for a long time. we all love old hollywood and thought we knew so much information about how hollywood started but after taking the Felix  Hollywood Tour we realized we know only a little! The stories about how this town began are so riveting and exciting I felt like I was back in the 30's at one point!!! I have recommended this tour to all my friends. It's a lot of fun!!!"
-David Deluise
Actor, Director


"We went on this tour last weekend and had a real blast. It's a great mix of old Hollywood trivia and locations with connections to the current. You'll have a small group, so it's VERY easy to interact and ask questions. It was such a good time I'm recommending it to friends and thinking about doing the tour a second time!"
-Helen Simmins-McMillin


"NewsFlash: In Hollywood? Going there? TAKE THIS TOUR/sidestep the traps. My friend Philip will show you the real deal."
-John Wesely Shipp
Actor

 

"We see the buildings, new and old, the cracked sidewalks with the names of long-ago stars beneath our feet.
What lies unseen and unheard are the stories that happened in old Hollywood. That mute testimony comes to life in Philip Mershon's engaging, well-researched 90 minute walking tour of the heart of old Hollywood. He takes us from the very beginnings of Tinseltown, through its heyday in the 30's to 50's, and to its modern incarnations of skyscrapers juxtaposed with the less-than-glamorous. Highly recommended, especially for locals who want to learn some history beyond the Gray Line tours."
-Rob M.
Los Alamitos, CA


"What a great experience! As a Native Angeleno who grew up in Hollywood I remember many of the places on the tour. What I did not know was the history behind the buildings, and the people who created "the industry." Phillip provided a real master class that was informative, interesting and (like its topic), entertaining. Great for residents and tourists alike."
-Mark


"The best tour of Hollywood I've ever had!"
-Carol Arthur Deluise
Actress and wife of the late, great Dom Deluise


"Driving in this area will never be the same.  I'll now be thinking about the rich history and fascinating stories that made Hollywood the entertainment capitol of the world."
-Travis Quentin Young
Actor, Los Angeles


"This tour was great! The pace was relaxed, and Philip is very knowlegable about true Hollywood history. I learned a lot about the history of the entertainment industry, and had fun doing it!"
-Jym 'Wizard' DeNatale
Retired Stuntman

"Having attended Hollywood High school and after living and working in film and tv for the last 20 years, I thought I knew all the histories of my town.  I was wrong. Philip's tour is exciting and informative.  The route is rich with stories and Philip is the right guy to tell them.  I will never look at my home town the same again!"

-Charlie Nicholson 

Set  Decorator

As you can imagine, I'm a little bit over the moon these days and wish to thank you guys for seeing me through from the very beginning.

Happy Daylight Savings everybody. 

Ooops, almost forgot - we need a picture!  How 'bout this:

Between takes on "The Yank At Oxford" Robert Taylor is all wet.  Yes he is!

 

Old Friends, New Friends, Desert Dreams.

Perhaps I gave the impression that my brief visit to Palm Springs was strictly about a little getaway vacation.  Well, yes and no.

Ostensibly the trip was planned to help the ever-lovin' kabuki zero unload his worldly lucre from the U-haul upon his arrival to neighboring Desert Hot Springs.  It was hard work but also a joy, as I haven't physically laid eyes on 'the kabook' since 1987.  I'm delighted that he is safely ensconced in his new headquarters and only two hours away from me!

As luck would have it another very dear old friend of mine George, just happened to have rented a place in South Palm Springs for the same week and so the decision was made to extend the visit by another couple of days on the front end before kabuki's arrival.

Then, as even further luck would be conferred on me, (interwebs research is a wonderful thing)  I stumbled upon a cyclonic force by the name of Shirley Claire.

The Unsinkable Shirley Claire!

The singer/actor/showgirl/trooper has lived in Palm Springs for the last twenty years or so, but she debuted on my computer a couple of weeks ago in a role that she played over sixty years ago:  That of a showgirl at the Earl Carroll Theater here in Hollywood.

Shirley is on the far right.

As the former Carroll Theater is on my tour route, and discussed at some length, you can imaging my thrill at finding Ms. Claire.  With the typical nerves that come with any schoolboy crush, I sent her an email describing myself, my tour, my upcoming visit and asked if we couldn't perhaps meet for an interview.  Her reply kicked off a series of emails and phone calls and culminated in a three hour visit that left me both dazzled and flummoxed!

The indefatigable Shirley (she eschews the phrase 'Senior Citizen' for the more appropriate 'Seasoned Citizen') made time for me after a morning of household chores (she maintains a very large home by herself with no help) and taking her four little beauties to the doggie park.  She said she would simply cancel her regular yoga class and stretch at home instead, but she would need to be wrapped up in time to go to the theater that evening.  Just hearing about her schedule wore me out.  Oh, and did I mention, she's 83 years old.

Charity Fashion Show 2009

Charity Fashion Show 2010

Having returned from the dog park moments before, she greeted me all hugs and smiles, with her knock-out body clad in a black V-neck sweater, fitted black slacks and black leather ballet flats.  Her first order of business was to have me follow her back to her dressing room so she could get out of those flats and put on a pair of black sandals with a 3" heel!  Once a Showgirl....

We then went to her office where she showed me several scrapbooks.  I got to see the original contract she signed with the Carroll organization.  Finally we settled at poolside for an extended period.  From the moment I walked in till the moment I left, we were both talking a blue streak like two people that had known each other (or had been looking for each other) for ever.  She was frank, forthcoming, wise and funnier than hell.

I don't think either one of us wanted the visit to end.  After we came back into the house for me to take off, more things to talk about came up and we found ourselves sitting side by side on a black leather bench in the living room.  It was an awkward set up to communicate sitting side by side like that.  At one point, feeling the need to face me, in mid sentence she did a fan kick with her left leg that went over my head and resulted in her straddling the bench facing me!

Apparently Shirley never got the memo that we live in a youth oriented culture.  She has never stopped (and doesn't intend to) working.  Since her move to Palm Springs she has appeared in a few seasons of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies and done numerous club dates and one woman shows.  Please take a moment to scroll through her website, you be glad you did.

And rest assured, Palm Springs hasn't seen the last of me, Shirley Claire hasn't seen the last of me, and you haven't seen the last of Shirley Claire!!!

It's A Daily Thing...Everyday!

My dearest friends and ardent supporters, I told you I would keep you updated on developments with the tour business, so I'm filing the following report.



All is Fantastic!

As the tour continues to grow in popularity, I've decided to take the major step of clearing my schedule of any other commitments and expand the tour schedule.  Starting this Friday, I'll be offering tours 7 days a week!  Monday - Thursday at 1:30 pm, Friday - Sunday at 1pm and 4pm.  Yep, 10 tours per week.  It's a little scary but every time I've taken a leap of faith in life, it's always worked, so keep your fingers crossed, here goes...

Gloria Swanson's reaction when I told her the news.

Showtime!

It's the weekend 

and I've got tours to do!!!

Now A Brief Message From Our Holiday Sponsor...

 

Just kidding.  You know who the real sponsor of this blog is, dontcha:

Fancy lettering by Cool Cookie!

And now just in time for the Holidays (or any day) you can give the gift of Felix!
That's right, beautiful Gift Presentation Certificates are available from
The Felix In Hollywood Tour Company!!!

"At last, Hollywood History is at hand.....On Foot."

Everybody loves a present.  Now you can purchase a tour pass for one or up to eight people.

*Here's the answer for that "hard to buy for" friend, family member, boss or associate.

*Know someone who's planning a trip to Southern California?  This makes a perfect bon voyage present.

The best part is, the certificate is valid for use for the next three months.  That way the recipient can schedule their tour at their own leisure.

If you're buying a certificate, go straight to the "Buy Your Ticket" tab.  Then just send an email to philip@felixinhollywoodtours.com and give me the name of the recipient(s), the name of the gift giver(s), and whether you want me to email the certificate jpeg, or have me mail a printed copy to you.

Pretty snappy idea, huh?

The Good Things In Life...

It's such a relief to have Graham Kerr in the kitchen preparing my Thanksgiving feast.

And while he's busy stuffing my bird, drinking all the hooch, making dinner, I thought I take a moment to count my thankful blessings:

* I'm very thankful to all of you who stop by here every day.

* I'm thankful to have my new tour business, which has brought me more happiness than anything I've ever done.  If you haven't been to the website for it yet-do have a look

* Most of all, I'm ever thankful to each host of each blog listed to the right in the "The Ones To Watch" category.  Truth is, I'm madly in love with all of you guys.  All year you have given me nothing but laughs, love, support, enlightenment, education and encouragement.

What a lucky guy I am this Thanksgiving!

Givin' Tours And Takin' Names!

I said I would be keeping you updated on the Tour Company, so I figure it's time I file a report!

I have yet to do any advertising or marketing other than this bloggy thing, yet here's where I stand:

* In the last two weekends I have given four tours, and have five more scheduled between now and the middle of November!  Two of the five come from readers of this blog.

* My dear friend David Deluise (of TVs "Wizards of Waverly Place" and son of the late, magnificent Dom Deluise) twittered, I mean tweeted about the tour for me, and encouraged his fans to take it.  

* The Tour website has only been up for 14 days and has already been viewed 367      times!

* I have filed a DBA for the company and, through the help of one of the inner circle of readers of this blog, have been connected and enrolled in the Small Business Development Center to learn more.

* My best friend Chad (the other felix) took the tour and invited a PR person who has given me a list of emails for concierge people of various LA hotels, and the aforementioned inner circle person arranged a list of emails for reporters from various business and general publications.

* I googled 'how to write a press release' but I've been scared to send one out without it being reviewed by a professional, since the last thing I want is to send out something with a format flaw and have press people dismiss me from the gate.

* My next immediate needs are, a telephone number dedicated to the tour, business cards, and fancy bi or tri-fold brochures to leave at hotels and such.

Being a complete believer in signs and the old axiom, "there are no coincidences", I had a wild day on Wednesday.

By complete happenstance, I met Sunhee and Chinhee Park, Korean-Identical Twin-Psychics.  Through chit chat, they revealed what they do, and I revealed what I was starting to do.  They got that psychic-y look in there eyes and started babbling away.  And they had nothing but fabulous things to say about the company's eminent success and they were genuinely excited that I was doing it.  They're pretty cool, check 'em out.

Then, driving home from work that evening I saw a gorgeous double rainbow in the sky.  Remarkable since it hadn't been raining where I was! (and I wasn't hallucinating, there was a picture of it in the paper the next morning)  I was stopped at a red light when I first saw it.  the second arc was pretty faint, but the main arc was bold and unbelievably vibrant.  Now the trippy part:  from my vantage point it appeared to have it's one end coming from the mid point of my tour route, and the other end coming from my house!!!

All in all, I think I'm doing the right thing...

The Website Is Up, The Website Is Up!!!

It's been a very busy couple of days around here, what with selling tickets (oh yes I have!) and trying to stretch my nontechnical mind to wrap around building a website:

But at long last -- SUCCESS!  Now, before you get too excited and rush over to have a look, I have to say; it's a pretty uninspiring website.  But let's think on the bright side shall we.  The more tickets that are purchased, I'll be that much closer to being able to hire a web designer to spruce things up over there!

So before you hop in the car to come and take the tour:

You have to go to the new website and shop for your tickets!