Every morning I pass Charlie Chaplin’s studio. And I hate myself for letting it have become routine. When I first moved to Hollywood five years ago, it was reverent Holy Ground. And, oh, it still is! When I remember it’s there, that is. Rushing to work with a head full of figures and deadlines succeeded in, momentarily, dulling its wonder.
Well. Penance is being paid for such disrespect.
These Autochrome photographs were taken during the construction of Charlie’s studio empire. The studio is still there, fully functional and quite unchanged these past 85 years since its dedication.
In a city where history is so easily and readily disposable, it is quite a testament indeed that the Tramp has so truly triumphed against time.
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The Kitty Packard Pictorial 
Fantastic! You live in a prime location, I must say! I love the old film studios, and knowing there is so much histry in those places makes them doubly special. Fab photos of Mr. Chaplin, as well! I currently live in his old neighborhood in London 🙂
Great post- any time i pass by this Kermie, it jsut makes me smile. 🙂
I have a little video inside the studio in this post
http://elisesramblings.blogspot.com/2010/09/chaplin-studio-tour.html
It’s rough, but you can see some fun stuff. It’s from almost exactly a year ago when I visit the Henson studio.
Love your blog!
Love the “now” and “then” photos of the studio in its hey-day! So nice to have some context for the historic (and storied 🙂 grounds that I take for granted everyday! Keep up the good work!
This space amazes me. Inever knew that it had so much history behind it and and how incredible the enery was…. Thanks Charlie for creating it and Thank you Jim for keeping it alive.!
C-Lite