Visitor Center for Palm Desert & Palm Springs

Movie Colony

Silent Film Stars Who Became Locals

Silent Film Stars Who Became Locals

  Silent film stars sought solace from the glamour and strains of the entertainment industry in Palm Springs. Palm Springs at that time served as a perfect and beautiful getaway away from Hollywood’s hustle and bustle. Hollywood studios were drawn to the Coachella Valley’s stunning view as early as the late 1910s, and they used the region’s expansive regions as the setting for Western films. During that time, the beauty of the valley was highlighted in Zane Grey films directed by Frank Lloyd in particular. Famous performers like William Powell and Rudolph Valentino found brief refuge at Nellie Coffman’s Desert Inn. Stories of these celebrities being enamored by the Desert Inn on Tahquitz Canyon Way gave rise to the name “Palm Springs” before Palm Springs became a city in 1938. Hollywood superstars like Clara Bow, Billie Dove, and Harold Lloyd were among the celebrities drawn to Palm Springs by its attractiveness. Even though these celebrities had diverse lives, they all wanted to get away from the demands of the film business. Palm Springs provided them with an escape where they could experience the magic they had experienced in the West before. Clara Bow Famously referred to as the “It Girl,” Clara Bow was more than just a star in Hollywood. Her desire for a more quiet life away from the sparkle and glamour of the film industry was evident in her decision to reside in Palm Springs. Bow was comforted by the quiet of the Mesa neighborhood with her husband, the well-known actor Rex Bell. The couple’s Winterhaven Manor served as a permanent haven and a release from the demands of celebrity. Here, in the gorgeous surroundings of Palm Springs, Clara Bow cherished the outdoor experiences she shared with her two sons and relished the blessings of motherhood. Her resolve to establish a peaceful location in the middle of the desert was demonstrated by her choice to leave the spotlight and concentrate on raising her family. Harold Lloyd Famous for his daring feats and humorous abilities in cinema, Harold Lloyd came to Palm Springs looking for a different type of pleasure. Though smaller than his Beverly Hills mansion, his Movie Colony getaway became a major hub for social events and entertainment. Lloyd enjoyed the bustling community spirit of Palm Springs by participating in sports, especially tennis and golf, with his family. Lloyd was well-known for his generosity, and his participation in charity baseball games attracted the attention of Hollywood celebrities, elevating these occasions to a public level. The renowned silent cinema star’s devotion to recreational activities and community involvement revealed a different side of him and demonstrated his desire for a balanced and contented life off the screen. Billie Dove After bidding farewell to her Hollywood career, Billie Dove who was acclaimed for her captivating beauty and on-screen prowess found peace in Palm Springs. After moving to the quiet neighborhood of Tahquitz River Estates, Dove decided to pursue her artistic goals and get involved in the neighborhood. Her days in the spotlight as a movie star were over, but in the calm atmosphere of Palm Springs, her love of painting and poetry continued to grow. Billie Dove actively participated in the social life of the city by taking part in a variety of philanthropic activities such as fundraisers and charity events. She left a lasting legacy in Palm Springs that went well beyond her career in movies thanks to her commitment to artistic pursuits and volunteer work. Her life was enhanced by generosity and inventiveness. Beyond their accomplishments in film, Clara Bow, Harold Lloyd, and Billie Dove left behind a lasting legacy in Palm Springs. Palm Springs brought comfort, happiness, and a fresh sense of purpose to these silent film icons. The legacy of these stars and many others serve as a constant reminder of the wide range of influences that have molded Palm Springs into the thriving and beloved destination it is today.

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Hollywood Stars in Palm Springs

Hollywood Stars in Palm Springs

Palm Springs, a desert oasis nestled about 110 miles away from the Hollywood studios, holds a unique allure for the stars of yesteryears. Despite the myth about “morals clauses” restricting stars from this area, the truth is that the abundant sunshine and picturesque landscapes attracted many early film productions to this sunny paradise. During those golden days of Hollywood, numerous cottages sprung up, especially in the Movie Colony, housing both actors and crew members. These cozy abodes became a convenient getaway for actors due to contractual obligations requiring their proximity for potential reshoots, leading many to opt for Palm Springs as a short-term escape. As time passed, many Hollywood legends not only visited but also chose to make Palm Springs their home. The list of film industry names tied to this desert town is as extensive as a phone book. Jack Benny Radio and TV luminary Jack Benny adored Palm Springs so much that he even filmed episodes of his renowned show right from his desert home, showcasing his deep affection for this desert retreat. Bob Hope Bob Hope, along with his wife Dolores, fell in love with Palm Springs in the 1930s. Despite early career setbacks, Hope’s rise in radio and film coincided with his growing affinity for the desert. Eventually, the couple exchanged their rented Honeymoon Cottage for a permanent residence in the Movie Colony East, solidifying their connection to this oasis. Hope became an integral part of the Palm Springs community, passionately contributing to charitable events and investing in the region’s real estate. Named Honorary Mayor in 1948, he left an enduring legacy through philanthropy, notably contributing to the Eisenhower Medical Center and organizing the famed Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Golf Tournament. Marilyn Monroe: A Brief Encounter with Stardom in the Desert Although Marilyn Monroe’s time in Palm Springs was brief, it coincided with visits from President John F. Kennedy, marking a momentous chapter in the town’s history. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz: Hollywood’s Iconic Couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, America’s beloved TV couple, frequented Palm Springs. They became regulars at Charlie Farrell’s Racquet Club and even headlined the grand opening of the Starlite Room at the Chi Chi Club. These Hollywood luminaries have left an indelible mark on Palm Springs, adding to its allure as a glamorous yet serene desert haven that continues to captivate both residents and visitors alike.

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