Why The Ultimate "Old Hollywood" Mansion Was Destroyed: Rudolph Valentino's "Falcon Lair"

[@oldmoneymansions]

COMMENT: Do you think the city of Los Angeles should have fought to preserve Falcon Lair for all time - or is this just another case of the “invisible hand” of capitalism paving the way for an even grander estate someday?

[@csfan65]

Yes, they should have fought to preserve Falcon Lair, just like they are trying to do for Marylin Monroe's house now. Valentino was THE man back then. Thank you for posting this video here. I will be watching it often!

[@pamparker4047]

Yes most definitely

[@Meow99999]

Yes, and Los Angeles should be a museum of its past. Valentino’s DNA & spirit is still at Falcon Lair.

[@natalieangelo54]

Absolutley this land is legendary 😢

[@anniem.4204]

1000% should have been preserved ! Los Angeles has zero respect nor care of its Hollywood history....small or large.

[@brober]

I visited Falcon Lair several times. Last time it was merely a frame. Sat on the ground where Valentino's bedroom had been at sunset. A hawk circled slowly along the hill top. Magical.

[@Dana-fn5zt]

What's the address?

[@garylefevers]

Sounds magnificent for sure.

[@randyneilson7465]

It was probably a vulture circling slowly overhead.

[@robertverrege8202]

Such over the top crap, an American version of Valentino’s life!

[@mfranssens]

Love old Hollywood. And the stars, homes and stories of that time. Thank you

[@Manticore2024]

Definitely should have been preserved!

[@thomashenebry8269]

For what reason?

[@williammathesius4543]

We have lost so much of our history, heritage and exceptional entertainment!

[@williamcordell38]

It shouldve been turned into a museum. It kills me that americans spend millions traveling to europe to see huge castles, palaces n country estates in europe because we dont have that here in the states when the truth is we did have them. We just tore them all down to build sky scrapers n office buildings. Just tragic

[@bluxe7372]

We have plenty ... just google Newport, RI. Visit the Biltmore Castle in NC. Mark Twain's house still stands, exactly as it looked in the 1800's. Isabella Gardner Museum, Colonial Williamsburg, Boldt Castle, Belvedere Castle, Lyndhurst, Thornhill, etc. etc. ... walk Boston's Freedom Trail. Don't say that we don't have grand manor homes, castles, etc. in the US. We do! They are just few and far between in Los Angeles.

[@susanb2015]

We have Lizzie Borden's Bed and Breakfast.

[@blackpinups]

Agreed. This is just another reason why I want to leave this country and move to England or Europe. They preserve history, and we tear it down.

[@Vivaldilover]

​@blackpinups so what's stopping you

[@PincoPallino-zh8wm]

You are whining over an old house of a Hollywood star. There are far better of more important buildings and monuments to visit in the US.

[@claymccleery9451]

Valentino was an icon. Falcon Lair should have absolutely been saved and restored!

[@JohnLargo-k8g]

In 1979I was 18 years old and my best friend and eye took a 1970 Monte Carlo he just bought to Hollywood from San Bernardino to "ring it out". We got lost in the hills and we had to stop around 2am to take a leak and I looked up and read "Falcon Lair".Out of respect, I moved away and did my business off a cliff. And then it hit me, "Valentino!"

[@giakatz4471]

Fantástico ❤🇧🇷

[@RATCLIFFE-LISTENS]

THE PRESERVATION OF A HISTORIC HOME ILLUSTRATING THE DREAM OF A GREAT STAR AND TIME SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN DEMOLISHED. NOR SHOULD OTHERS OF SUBSTANTIAL SIGNIFICANCE. THE CITY OR STATE SHOYLD HAVE A HISTORIC REGISTER OF WORTHY PROPERTIES. THEREAFTER ANY WORK TO RESTORE MUST BE COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORIGINAL PLANS. THE CHOICE WAS MADE FOR A FEW PIECES OF GREEN PAPER TO DESTROY IT MAKING WAY FOR INSIGNIFICANT STRUCTURES.

[@trudigoodman4825]

Tragic that these beautiful old estates are gone.

[@acatal2919]

I agree with you!😢

[@JohnnyDanger36963]

an in and out burger is there now.

[@acatal2919]

@@JohnnyDanger36963 Wow!

[@JohnnyDanger36963]

@@acatal2919 ebt only!

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

Pickfair is gone too.

[@lesleymaner2851]

Rudy’s nephew Gene once wrote how he and Rudy would play with toy ships in the fountain in front of the house.

[@robertcarter3768]

This magnificent estate should have preserved AT ALL COSTS!!!!! Being one of the FIRST Hollywood star homes and having such a legacy!!!! We are going through this again with Marilyn Monroe's home, but it is nothing next to mansions of this magnitude!!!!

[@xanderpromeo]

I live in Hollywood and during the 70’s lived in his old apt building which had a tunnel from the building, to the Paramount Pictures lot. There were a lot of very old stars from the 30’s and 40’s living in the bldg still. I wish they would not tear down these beautiful old buildings. Peace.

[@TMendocino]

Los Angeles has never loved its history. A history known around the world. SAD

[@doloresbriseno2567]

Exactly. Historic preservation for the city of Los Angeles is a sign or a gate to a historic home or building, not the structure itself.

[@vanessahenry7238]

A TRUE Statement! The historic home of Pickfaire was also destroyed and it was just as iconic as this one! BUT other places like the famed Brown Derby and much more also have disappeared! If it wasn't for Alice Cooper and a few others buying the letters of the famed Hollywood Sign, it too would have been gone! Recently Marilyn Monroe's home was also slated to be destroyed and somehow the historical societies were able to stop that from happening! Thank you for this beautifuly done vid!

[@kathleenrogers10]

@@vanessahenry7238 The destruction of Pickfair, for a 2-bit tart…please don’t get me started. Thankfully, the demolition of Monroe’s home has been halted. Hopefully, no loopholes will be found, for its tacky buyers.

[@michaelwalter3399]

@@kathleenrogers10 Some questions remain about MM's death. Murdered by Sam Giancana, or maybe by the Kennedys?

[@cuda426hemi]

What history?? Movies?? LOL These houses mean nothing. They have nothing to do with the pubic. They don't contain your life or your memories so who cares. Meanwhile it's just another fire hazard in a dry canyon.

[@brianmiller4983]

It was a stupid mistake. The architecture of that time was charming, romantic and fun, every time we lose a structure like that our world becomes a little duller.

[@Linsmith571]

It should have been preserved. Hollywood doesn’t care though.

[@tmmartinesq.6216]

Soul-less

[@elissaschornstein9399]

Sad demise of Falcon Lair. Hollywood never valued anything .

[@keithrobertson9075]

Remember who rules Hollywood. Greed is their religion, and culture.

[@thomashenebry8269]

And don't forget the piles of human waste on just everywhere, so beloved by Angelinos

[@Seeklip196T]

Not just greed but political power and sex also.

[@ndog2005]

A Huge loss, taking down Falcon Lair, what was the city of Los Angeles thinking, Greed??

[@twistoffate4791]

Always. Greed is their chief concern at all times. It's unfortunate. All the old famous soundstages are gone, as are the sets from the Golden Age of television. Nothing is sacred to those with the most money, and they care not that future generations will never see these historic places.

[@sharksport01]

What does the city have to do with it?

[@ndog2005]

@@sharksport01 Watch, LISTEN to the video, DUH..

[@annegrogan3945]

@@twistoffate4791 And the Ambassador Hotel should still be standing.

[@debbylou5729]

How does greed enter into not wanting to remove an eye sore?

[@maryhirsch2909]

They just tear everything down. Such a shame.

[@JaniceVineyard-kf6wm]

Money, money.

[@Ephemeral2023]

@@JaniceVineyard-kf6wm You're right. If it was a historic landmark, then it probably wouldn't generate taxes. And there wouldn't be any money.

[@jcg9998]

That is the MO and ignorance of the left. "Tear it all down"... today they say that or something similar in every movie to send their message...

[@ellennewth6305]

L.A. should have fought to save Falcon Lair and Pickfair as well! Thank God we still have the Greystone Mansion!!!

[@barrymccall2482]

Too many of our historic buildings and homes have been destroyed because of the abject greed of real estate developers! Falcon Lair could have been converted for other uses.

[@ConnieHeartsValentino]

Agreed!

[@SuperCaliforniaBarbi]

Having escaped Los Angeles for Arizona I fear those greedy investors are destroying AZ one building after another

[@karenokeane6461]

How tragic this storied residence met the same unnecessary fate as Pickfair. We Americans are so incredibly dense in regards to the importance of preserving such dwellings. If it were in the UK, it would not have been demolished. Then again, it would likely be considered a 'new build'. LOL

[@billgreen1861]

I was going to comment about, Pickfair, but, you beat me to it. When, I, was younger and lived in Beverly Hills, I used to dream about one day owning the estate and living in that house. Then along came, Pia Zadora and her husband and started destroying the house and I couldn't stop them. They kept saying "it couldn't be repaired it had to be knocked down." It wasn't true. There is no sense of history in Beverly Hills !

[@karenokeane6461]

@@billgreen1861 Yes, I read about the whole ghastly affair. For what it's worth; I saw an old interview Pia Zadora gave; don't know when it was, but do recall it was a long while after Pickfair's demolition.. She said the REAL reason they opted to raze it had nothing to do with 'excessive termite damage' as had apparently been stated initially.; but because the home was 'well and truly haunted' with an apparition both she and her two young children would see regularly. She stated it was a woman wearing 1920's era attire; who was NOT Mary Pickford, since of course Pia knew what she (Mary) looked like. She said this ghost woman would awaken her children in the middle of the night and try to 'come at them'. Pia also had the same type of 'visits' from it/her, but not as often as the kids. The other part of her statement I recalled was how research was done attempting to identify this ghost, and the best match in appearance they could find was a woman who had a brief affair with Mary's then husband Douglas Fairbanks, then somehow died in the house. Doesn't get any more HOLLYWOOD BABYLON than this, wouldn't you agree? LOL Anyway, Pia concluded how covering up the true reason for their decision to raze the iconic house was to spare her family ridicule. They hadn't counted on the tremendous backlash which ensued, but felt it the only option to protect her family. HER words....many years after the fact. Take from it what you will LOL :)

[@RED-cy7ig]

I

[@drstevej2527]

What is important about this property? He was a film star not a Nobel laureate or president.

[@karenokeane6461]

@@drstevej2527 That's a very good point. :) Suppose the 'big thing' about this place and others in the area like Pickfair represent those embryonic days of the Movie Industry...which remains a mammoth and deeply ingrained part of their ethos. Also suspect its unique style, and how it is.....by American Standards....old. Those symbols of a bygone era.

[@M3LTUP]

Should have preserved it and made it a Hollywood Museum for people to tour. Like the Hearst Mansion.

[@hangtimedangjang]

I visited Falcon Lair in May. What I didn't know is that it's on Cielo Dr, and you can see what was the Sharon Tate Murder house from there. Also, a Lautner house (Schwimmer Residence) shares a driveway with Falcon Lair. An amazing place to visit!

[@oldmoneymansions]

Thanks! Here is it a funny (if morbid) video on the rebuilt Tate House: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpjOfGOlfb1qpas&pp=ygUYZW5lcyB5aWxtYXplciB0YXRlIGhvdXNl

[@broeheemed32]

Falcon Lair was not on Cielo Dr..... it was on Bella Dr, and yes..... you could see 10050 Cielo from there, which is another home that was destroyed for money reasons. The original house was beautiful and understated, charming and peaceful, now replaced with another repulsive faux-Mediterranean mansion that looks more like a hotel than a home.

[@fabergeegg1722]

I'm 9th generation Californian and what is happening to the state of California as a whole, pisses me off completely!! Its despicable!! Los Angles doesn't give a damn about preserving their history. I was also told that Los Angles has an avalanche of developers removing anything and everything that is old and historic. The tech Millennials and Gen Zs want everything totally new. They hate anything and everything old or historic they want MOD, Minimalist, lifeless, boring!! . I was told beautiful old buildings are being replaced by totally ugly, lifeless, boring, minimalist, MOD buildings in Los Angles. I was thinking the Los Angles tourist industry must be hit hard because why would people want to go to Los Angles now? To look at a building that look like they belong in the story "1984" by Orwell? Thank you very much you miserable developers!! I live in northern California and the developers are doing the same thing here. I think these developers are from other states and even globally. They don't give are darn about California's heritage. They view California as a place to exploit and defile any way they want to. However, if you pull this type of BS where they originally come from, all hell breaks loose. There are many, many people here in California wish these developers would get the hell out of here! BTW, the developers also get their way because the governor is on their side, local city officials lean in their favor, possibly there are payoffs made, local officials love the fact that they will benefit through an increase in tax revenue coming. I think we are also witnessing a great increase in reckless greed more than ever in the history of the state of California.

[@waldemarcomas5149]

I agree with all you are Saying

[@normamcmanus1139]

They replace beautiful, historical architecture with ugly box shaped, modern homes. Old Hollywood is fast disappearing while being replaced with the same garbage as its movies.

[@garryferrington811]

I think you're right.

[@bdpage2023]

It seems there's an overall decline in the sentiment of empathy.

[@shereemorgan1430]

It's truly sad, I am older and love the old Spanish homes in Hollywood and other areas in California. Everything modern isn't always better, you need both for history.

[@toserveman9265]

Erich von Stroheim, famous silent movie director, made a house in Brentwood, another enclave of the Hollywood elite at the time, in 1932, complete with a basement Speak Easy. Still there.

[@TeriLynn923]

That’s really cool.

[@myramartinez450]

Please fight to keep it.

[@clah399]

It's crazy to knock it down. It would have been an amazing museum, and people paying would have given funds to keep it up to shape.

[@clairwaucaush7225]

A bona-fide American HISTORIC mansion torn down. The mayor, governor, no one did anything to stop it. It would have been a great Hollywood museum to tour like the Hearst Mansion. Americans have to get A LOT BETTER at preserving their past!!

[@ConnieHeartsValentino]

Sadly, it seems that those with money and power ultimately have the final word, at least in this case. Miraculously, Marilyn Monroe's home was ultimately preserved due to fervent protests recently.

[@FrankiesFancy]

Anything in California that makes it to the 20 year mark is lucky beyond belief. The politics and greed is out of control. Cali makes new laws every six months and they could care less about anyone or anything that does not garner millions of dollars in tax revenue. This is a very sad place, California...

[@ConnieHeartsValentino]

@@FrankiesFancy That is sad. Soon there will be nothing left from the past, at the rate it's going.

[@kathleenrogers10]

Breaks my heart. 4th generation Angeleno here, with H’wood history on both sides of the family. Such is the way of Hollywood. No respect for the past.

[@thomashenebry8269]

Why are you still here?

[@thomashenebry8269]

Why are you still here?

[@thomashenebry8269]

Why are you still here?

[@evepeabody4738]

What's your family Hollywood history? Would love to hear some stories!

[@1922BluePhoenix]

LA is a embarrassment for tearing this down

[@thomashenebry8269]

LA is the laughingstock of the world.

[@markmower1746]

Los Angeles never tore this building down. The owners did.

[@ThatsJustPeechy]

I’m watching several channels of French chateaus being saved and restored yet here in America we continue to constantly tear down our history.

[@Blandinemax]

Thanks for your comment. And I happen to be French…. I feel exactly as you do. America is fairly young (compared to Europe), but I’ve noticed how even the little history is removed. Because of my profession, I have researched the birth of Hollywood. It troubles me to realise that I know more about it than most Americans… I mean, who remembers what “nickel odeon” even means. Or the Mack Sennett comedies. Or Theda Bara, Clara Bow (the it girl), Marie Prevost. Or D.W Griffith. And let’s not even talk about the Golden Age…. If I ask any American friend who Gloria Swanson is, or John Gilbert, or Jean Harlow, or even more “recent” ones such as Lana Turner…..how come they look at me as if I’m speaking Chinese? America has roughly 200 yrs of history. Yet they can’t even keep up with it. It saddens me.

[@Vivaldilover]

So who cares about Hollywood stars, they were people who acted, big deal.

[@PincoPallino-zh8wm]

Are you really comparing centuries old castles that go back as far as 800 A.D. with some house where a Hollywood star lived in the 1920s? They would tear down those houses in Europe too.

[@mickinmich8877]

I understand Jayne Mansfield’s home was torn down too for a modern home. It was quite lavish too. Sad to see it go.

[@Ephemeral2023]

Jayne's house was ugly inside. That thing was torn down in 2002.

[@mickinmich8877]

@@Ephemeral2023I thought it was cool

[@patriciamiller7595]

Oh no ! Not the pink palace!

[@nromanov2150]

Its very strange Americans seem to lov old history but dont know how to retain it

[@Duke_of_Prunes]

Many of the investors in Hollywood and Beverly Hills are NOT Americans! My father's wealthy family in Los Angeles left ages ago. Taxes are too high.

[@Daniel-sh3os]

Yeah, we tore down the old Penn Station in NYC in 1965. Beautiful historic building. I think that is what motivated people to start preserving buildings and probably saved Grand Central Terminal.

[@bluxe7372]

The Breakers Mansion and others in Newport, RI. Biltmore Estate in NC, Boston's Freedom Trail, Wayside Inn, Mount Washington Resort, Oheka Castle, Isabella Gardner Museum, Union Oyster House, Monticello, Breakers in Palm Beach, Boca Resort, Mount Vernon, Salem, MA, Colonial Williamsburg and countless Inns and buildings across New England ... It's not the entire US. That is ignorant to say. Los Angeles seems to be the worst offender ...followed by NYC ... probably because they are the two most populous and expensive cities in the US. The East Coast has preserved a lot of its original buildings and important historical structures. Los Angeles has been around for 100, or so, years as we know it ... and tears down a majority of its 'historic' buildings. Throughout the East Coast tere are buildings which still stand similar to how they did since the 1600's!

[@danielhowell1640]

Which Americans? There are a lot of us and not all of us are tik tok turds.

[@vanillaexplosion99]

@@bluxe7372 Very few, thats all you can name. They tear down everything of beauty where I live(not far from Biltmore). Now its cookie cutter Lego block buildings everywhere that have no charm at all. Our country is not as attractive as it once was and getting worse(same with the people as well).

[@rdhawke]

@ the 11:10 minute mark was Buster Keaton by the car’s running board. That this estate wasn’t kept whole is a travesty. Being from Chicago, I’m familiar with the preservation movement there, which also sometimes fails. It’s always a hard fight whether won or lost.

[@davidoman]

I live directly across from Falcon Laire and have now for 22 years. I was on the property and took some photos of the interior before it was completely gutted. It was one spectacular property when it was in its prime but it was long since past that time when they demolished it. It is still undeveloped as well after 18 years and was sold off to a new owner. Should have been saved and updated. David Oman

[@joelonzello4189]

Architectural Digest had a great issue years ago of Old Hollywood Star's Homes including Errol Flynn's....

[@TheOtherPath1]

Thank you for this channel. I appreciate the research and posting of these excellent videos. Bravo!

[@oldmoneymansions]

Our pleasure!

[@vickisawyer7405]

I love the story of Rudolph, I've read many of his biographies. But the biggest memory I have of him is when I was watching his biography on tv (don't remember which one) when I was attacked by a kidney stone. To this day, almost 20 years ago, I will never forget that pain. I was hooked up to morphine for almost 12 hours. I never got to finish that biography, so I'm glad I'm watching this one, first one since that awful day, feel better now...

[@Criticalthinker0515]

Ouch

[@myramartinez450]

Vicky I am hope you are better now. What a memory.

[@Honeymoon1988]

That’s terrible. I wouldn’t want to tear that beauty down.

[@frankflstf]

Absolutely disgusting that the historic house was demolished how could they

[@johnvonundzu2170]

"Taking morning rides across his vast domain" - which we've just been informed was a massive four acres. It certainly started out as a beautiful house.

[@oldmoneymansions]

😂

[@lemorab1]

That footage of a lone horseman galloping over a vast green mountain wilderness looks like Scotland. It most definitely doesn't resemble the Hollywood Hills. At least, not to those of us who grew up there!

[@lorihoop3831]

I thought the same thing. That was Europe, not California😂

[@maizie9454]

​@@lorihoop3831there are many pics of valentino on his property and riding in benedict canyon.

[@Wanamaker1946]

There were other estates that also had horse stables and riding on shared bridle paths was common place for the wealthy all over the USA especially on the East Coast. I remember Hunts taking place in Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships,Pa. as a boy 1970’s. Those estates are development tracts of houses today. Even in England this happens to those large estates. In the USA we don’t have Land Granted by the Crown as in old England. Those land Grants are for ever as long as you have an Hire to carry on and has enough money to do so. The landed Gentry become poor too. Ie, land rich, cash poor. Rudolph Valentino may well have had Public land of great expanse to ride through and with development then too, there were shared paths to ride on. In those early days, horses dominated the roads and cars were curbed to grant way to the horse traffic. As for waste, LA is about fast money and the new money pretending to be old money. It’s a surface and no substance. I lived there for 34 years. Covid forced me to leave as it squashed my interior painting work. And that all phony too. Look up Whitemarsh Hall if you really want to see a grand loss. Fans of Whitemarsh Hall on fb

[@shadowfilm7980]

Great video! Great narrator! Well done! 👏👍

[@timr32]

You would think the city would preserve history???

[@maxlinder5262]

... AGREE 💯👍..!!!!

[@nicolejennings8389]

Los Angeles is dying

[@waldemarcomas5149]

Money the ROOT OF ALL EVAL😢😢😮

[@luigiperrone8169]

New York, Chicago, Los Angeles - all have a sad history of destroying their beautiful, old and significant buildings. The Europeans don't do this. It's very sad.

[@StokedToker]

Falcon's Lair and Pickfair should both have been presrved for future generations. Fortunately, the restaurant/casino where Thelma Todd was found is still standing on the PCH.

[@Theresawinner]

SO SAD Hollywood is supposed to be filled with creative idea people yet no one who lives and works there manages to value or preserve their rich history. The house could have served as a permanent movie set or B&B Something Just very sad

[@avalon1108]

Thank goodness Marilyn Monroe’s homeowner has been denied permission to demolish her home.

[@mindriot69]

Los Angeles/ Hollywood is like no other place. And I dont mean that as some sort of brag about the city I have lived in all my life (I’m 61). Los Angeles is a dichotomy unto itself for the good and for the bad. And sure you can say it’s all about money and to an extent that’s true. But there’s this feeling that stretches across the various neighborhoods & towns in the L.A. area that at any moment everything can change for the good and bad.. Be it winning a lottery, making a big money deal, getting killed in an earthquake or some random homicide. Much of the ethos of L.A. noir permeates the psyche of people who live here. You definitely dont have to be born here. You may even struggle or hate living here… But that vibe will become apparent somewhere along the way. The tearing down of old buildings fits in with the idea and need to reinvent even if it isnt needed. I wish they couldve saved the complete Falcon Lair. Some people wish that L.A./ West Hollywood couldve saved the Tower Records building. If every building was to be saved then nothing new would ever spring up. Dont get me wrong. I wish this city would preserve more of its past. But then we would remain stuck in that past. L.A. as a modern city is a creative dream that’s both pleasant and a nightmare. I love this city so much and yet I hate it with the same passion. As a suggestion for a video of an old mansion… I live a block & a half from the old Charlie Chaplin Studios. His old mansion used to be Nextdoor to the studio. Most of the mansion grounds has been taken over by a Ross Dress For Less store. Could you do a video of the history of Charlie Chaplin’s mansion (and studio)? I love this channel. Keep up the great work.

[@cforestmills]

Wise and eloquent take on it all.

[@elwoodblues9613]

At least his studio was saved. A&M Records bought it, and many great recordings were made there in the 1970s-80s. Our last time in LA before escaping Commiefornia before its inevitable collapse, I took my family down La Brea to see it - and my daughter laughed seeing Kermit The Frog standing on top of the main gate! Yes, it's owned by Jim Henson Studios now. So this part of Old Hollywood has been preserved.

[@mindriot69]

@@elwoodblues9613 I agree. Sadly the Jim Henson Company is selling the studios. They’ll stay there for a while but eventually they’ll move out. I do hope whomever they sell it to keeps the studio as a studio. But this being L.A. anything can happen. One of the things I love about living close to Chaplin’s old studio is that there are a variety of pictures of Charlie hanging out in front of the studio right at the corner of La Brea & De Longpre on some steps. And those steps are still there. It’s incredibly cool to know you can sit where Chaplin did over 100 years ago. The studio is much smaller now than it was back then. With the houses/ condos/ apartments along Sycamore taking up areas where the studio and Chaplin’s mansion properties used to be. But it’s still nice to have a some of the studio still intact.

[@waldemarcomas5149]

Wonder why so many people travel to Europe to visit all those marvelous cities and countries???❤

[@paulyricca3881]

😫zzzzzzzzZZZZZ 😫 YAWN

[@tubularblonde]

In the 1920's there were many "early Spanish/Moorish California homes in existence, especially in Westside areas. My family owned such a house and the decor was very similar to what one sees in black and white photos of Falcon Lair. The scenes of the property alone are historic, with acreage in all cardinal points. The landscape, like the house and its attached out-buildings are fascinating historical glimpses, becoming all too often just a faint memory, especially with the way developers buy up land and build and sell for more and more cash. I must say that the feeling of time stopping at Falcon Lair, gives visitors a chance to feel that aura of silent films, of houses and decor once owned by stars, and, truly, Rudolph Valentino was one of the most well-known lead actors of his day. To THIS day his name still holds the power of romantic and tragic allure. He worked hard to become such a well-known person, and all that work, and all the elements surrounding his life, hold testament to him. What a story! To come to the United States, poor, non-English speaking, but giving it his all to succeed. Yes, I think his home should be preserved. Neff was the architect. That fact alone should get some attention. We do not have many jewels from the 1920's, especially ones with Rudy's personal flair. I wonder why, for example, there are no tango evenings held in his honor, and I haven't seen even soft-bound photo collections of what was in his home. Arabian horses and all the land you need for a morning jaunt! A professional dancer's home before the age of the marvelous dancers of talking films, Mr. Bojangles Robinson, Eleanor Powell, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, the Nicholas Brothers, Rita Casino Hayworth and so many more! If there were any worry about Rudy's voice, you can listen to him singing on a rare record, and I find his voice fine for talkies. This estate is a time capsule. Everything about it explains so much about Southern California and its era of silent film-making, life in long dresses arrayed in black jet, gaucho pants and boots with spurs, and, we haven't even talked about the menus! Yes, it should be preserved and let those old stories about all aspects of life then emerge. Thank you.

[@johnrencher442]

They absolutely should have saved this marvelous mansion… The History of this place should have been enough to keep it standing… So sad…

[@lauriewarner4848]

Why and how sad it is that these beautiful historic homes are torn down, and ugly large monsters are built in their place. Sad sad sad indeed.

[@maxlinder5262]

America destroys it's history...of any kind .... It should be preserved as Europe does Most of theirs.... especially landmarks from another Era ... Very sad situation .... just my opinion 😮..

[@maizie9454]

one hundred years later valentino is still breathtaking beautiful. he changed how we think of men and race -for the better. its criminal how LA trashed all that.

[@S.L.S-407]

I don't think any actor reached the level of adoration that Valentiono attained. This home definitely should have been preserved.

[@BigBirdy100]

Any excuse used to tear it down was bullshit. Should never have been torn down. Such crocodile tears over maintenance. It was low maintenance. Tile roofs last a hundred years or more. A tragic loss to film and LA's history.

[@rivkasherman3906]

Yes, it should have been restored

[@rossdrysdale7875]

Hey, horrible loss.But so typical of what is going on in America. Here in Florida, the tearing down every.Thing they can get their hands-on. No. Matter how beautiful or historic

[@richardpatricelli5495]

Yes, the city of LA should have made it a historical landmark and preserved.

[@dissidentfairy4264]

They should have fought to preserve it. Sad that they chose to demolish it instead.

[@shadowfilm7980]

Sad they tore it down. Surprised they didn’t put up a 7-11 there! Anything that is deemed old is worthless in todays society. Also people!

[@waldemarcomas5149]

Or burger king or popies wow or pizza hut???😮

[@rofenton168]

Its so sad no one with money could not save this beautiful Home. So much history destroyed by a recking ball.

[@lisad476]

Excellent video

[@oldmoneymansions]

Thanks!

[@singularseeker]

Always nice to know why ThankYou..

[@lesleywillis8710]

It should have been preserved.

[@Phyllis-gf7oe]

Should have preserved it...its like words we should not speak....once they' re out.we cannot take them back

[@naomiweaver1855]

Save the house. With the house and land, it could be an attraction of old Hollywood. It could have a cafe, shop, etc.

[@corrineagnello4584]

It should have NEVER been torn down. Pickfair also should have survived. These houses were instrumental to the wonderful age of Hollywood. What a tragedy!

[@msnice8729]

There was once an old website back in the 1990s that was doing a virtual tour. It was ahead of its time and featured beautiful pictures and rooms. It was filled with amazing antiques. It's too bad they didn't save this home. Thank you for the video.

[@deeztang7497]

Very sad that it was torn down. So many places in LA have suffered the same fate.

[@lornainlondon4527]

A now famous quote from a regular American tourist in Scotland that had us cringing here in the UK, asked WHY COULDN’T EDINBURGH CASTLE HAVE BEEN BUILT CLOSER TO THE TRAIN STATION❓😳(True‼️) & another one dismayed in the former Notre Dame because EVERY ONE WAS SPEAKING FRENCH‼️(Also true….) America gets rid of its old for NEW NEW NEW on a vast commercial scale, to be BETTER - BIGGER! An American drove me nearly 200 miles in the U.S. to view a 125yr old church, when I have a 13th Century one just up the rd in my own area…. It’s a completely different mind set to ours in Europe. Perfect examples are the commercial bastardised version on the true meaning of Hallowed’een & Meghan Markles narcissim over our thousand of yrs of European Royal Families means NOTHING ‼️ Our non commercial Halloween has been destroyed with aggressive Trick or Treat’n & EXPECTION (& don’t get me started on the vacuous ‘Prom Dress’ -we truly dont need the Superficiality of it… Americans MUST DECIDE for themselves if they truly want to hv a History in such matters of architecture whether they want Brand New Meghan Markle Jam OR eventually >Ye Olde Marmalade 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@tinyfrog919]

Well said.👏

[@carolclark5776]

It goes to show what might happen later to the new mansions of today

[@DianaCarrillo-g1n]

Hollywood wouldn’t even be there without the actors such as Valentino. He helped start everything. Yes they should have restored it. They could have actually made $ from it using it for movies and then later opening part of it just like William Randoff Hearst did. Setting it up for demolition was just a waste.

[@jorusnak1998]

Ita sad we destroy our old things.

[@fastted9390]

The estate on "Magnum P. I." was bought by a developer and totally demolished as well. Sad.

[@trilbywilby7826]

Obama did that. He owns it bow. 😢

[@debbiep4647]

Wow. Unbelievable!

[@maggiemcclurg5308]

I read that because it wasn’t on the historical registry it could be torn down plus had fallen into disrepair. Was built in 1933. I think 3 homes are being built on the property one of which is the Obamas. It’s sad when historic buildings aren’t preserved.

[@nativetexson]

As an architect and historic preservationist, It should have been preserved by obtaining historic recognition. However, the american mindset is that "newer is better". I now live and work in Europe where the significance of properties such as this are recognized and revered.

[@shuntalefairbanks6931]

They could have fought to keep all of the Estate. That is Hollywood's history of the Golden Age of Hollywood. It should be a tourist attraction. ❤

[@gailbader8149]

I wonder what happened to all it's furnishings...

[@ConnieHeartsValentino]

I believe that most furnishings were sold at auction.

[@juliedepaolo9971]

Love the documentary. I enjoy old estates combined with old Hollywood. Nice. So interesting!! Thanks!

[@sherriianiro747]

His real name was Rodolfo Alfonso Raffaello Guglielmi Di Valentina D'Antonguela. His mother was french.

[@gmaddocks]

Los Angeles is like Atlanta; they find excuses to tear down historic structures in order to build something even bigger or more modern.

[@bevygaines]

People are buying $1 houses in Italy, but they demolish this grand place, which is so special.

[@apolloxbacalaycapili2516]

What a shameful loss of a cultural treasure.

[@zzzjjj33]

Thanks for sharing, great story and they should have kept it !!!

[@bennybongosbigolebonanza894]

Have to wonder what became of the contents of it. Lots of cool stuff in there.

[@SteffiReitsch]

I still don't understand why the place was torn down. That was sort of glossed over.

[@caroletimberlake9524]

I'm 86 grandma born Los Angeles. Thanks for 🚶‍♀️ going down memory Lane. Keep As long as you can. ❤😂 Arkansas Usa 🇺🇸 19:20

[@oldmoneymansions]

Love it!! :)

[@sharongreaves7756]

I love old hollywood❤❤❤i would love the estate to be preserved😊😊😊

[@williamcovarrubias1070]

Love videos like this !

[@bbdc1977-sg8dc]

L.A. has always been bad about saving history !

[@gterrymed]

They're keeping Marilyn Monroe's house, turning Marilyn's into a historic landmark

[@Ephemeral2023]

She lived there for 6 months, and it becomes a historic landmark because she died there?

[@gterrymed]

@Ephemeral2023 it's still her house. Think further outside the box. I don't understand people with imaginations as small as their dicks. 😆 😆 😆 smoke some pot or something, do something daring.

[@gterrymed]

@Ephemeral2023 grow your imagination. Smoke pot or something and then you might find the meaning of preserving her house.

[@bobbyrazo4149]

No the history here in Los Angeles is precious and should be preserved

[@mikebaird6788]

There's now a fight to tear down Marilyn Monroe's house that she died in

[@davidmckinney6577]

I wish it was still there it's a shame it got torn down it must have had structural problems or something but it should have been restored.

[@chevalvivant]

He bought the house it was already built. He did redesign all the fabrics, carpets furniture, etc. at the house already existed when he bought it.

[@debbiep4647]

That house NEVER should have been torn down. They could have gave tours, rented for parties and/or hotel/ B&B. I think it us a SIN that city let it be demolition!!!

[@anital5020]

So sad that this historic home was not saved. Makes me thing of Graceland In Memphis Tennessee home of Elvis Presley. Thank goodness it was opened to the public and saved for his daughter Lisa Marie. Now her daughter, Riley is looking after it. Valentino was an important part of film history. Very sad that these old Hollywood homes are not saved.

[@tomcooper6108]

Yes, and Graceland is so garrashly ugly and overblown. No class at all. Not like Falcon Lair.

[@gregoryagogo]

OF COURSE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SAVED.

[@debrastanford8761]

TRAGIC, YES, BY ALL MEANS, THEY DIDN T DO ENOUGH TO SAVE THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE....HE WOULD HAVE WANTED IT SAVED....SO VERY SAD....😮❤

[@stevesloan56]

Even in Beverly hills, the new owners are not protecting the old houses. All the rich people are trying to leave a legacy behind. But the next buyer could care less. So they tear down these magnificent palaces and replace them with a modern so-called mansion. A pitiful shame on Beverly hills and Hollywood

[@RobertBrown-s4i]

Now days in Hollywood if it’s not new and shiny it’s gone for the plastic people….sad 😮😮

[@gforceeatingcorrect]

I many times visited the stables which had become the house of the Director Joel Schumacher, and it was a pretty amazing amazing house adjacent to it of course was the lairs home . What a shame.

[@jeffwarren6906]

It seems a though the older our country and cities get , the less we care about their history . Remember that when you destroy something physical , it's gone & there is no bringing it back .