You oughta look at pictures.

Earlier this year, the UCLA Library placed its entire photo collection online for vintage image enthusiasts (like moi) to happily peruse. Going through the site is an absolute thrill for anyone interested in the history of Los Angeles, and Hollywood in particular. I'd planned on using the site's search feature to scope out a few photos or particular landmarks that I love, but about a half-a-day later, I was still hunched over the laptop soaking up all the awesome rare images.

Here are a few of my favorites, found on the expansive site (click for larger view):




Images: The Pan-Pacific Auditorium as seen in 1956, but it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1989. My sister and I used to go roller skating outside the building when we were little, pretending we were Olivia Newton-John in Xanadu, which was filmed here. / The grand lobby of Downtown's gilded movie palace The Los Angeles Theatre, as seen in 1987 (it is still as stunning today). / Marilyn and Arthur Miller arriving at LAX airport (1959). / A 10 year old Tatum O'Neal holding her Academy Award for Paper Moon (1974). / Jayne Mansfield and husband Mickey Hargitay in their new home, which was soon to be dubbed The Pink Palace (1958).  / Warhol and Jane Forth signing autographs in Los Angeles (1972).