LA MESA TO HONOR ITS TINSELTOWN ROOTS AUG. 12-13

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Historical Society Honors 100th Anniversary of Flying A Movie Studio

 

August 11, 2011 (La Mesa)-- Hollywood’s long-forgotten roots in La Mesa will be commemorated on the 100th anniversary of San Diego County’s first movie studio with two events honoring the Flying A Movie Company studios.

 

On Friday, August 12, on the studio’s 100th anniversary, the La Mesa Historical Society will dedicate a centennial plaque at the studio's historic site. On Saturday, August 13, UC Santa Barbara film professor Dr. Dana Driskel will show excerpts of films made at the Flying A studio. (Scroll down for details.)

 

The events culminate efforts by a committee that has been working to revive La Mesa’s silent movie heritage, with dreams of someday holding a silent film festival, as ECM previously reported: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/5484#comment-19065 . View a video with Flying A Studios historic film footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TDR9xcLgyI.

 

Friday, August 12, 10 a.m. Dedication of the “Flying A” Movie Company Centennial Plaque at the historic Wolf Building (current home of Mostly Mission Store), 8360 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa. The dedication will be held outside the historic home of the Flying A Studio on La Mesa Boulevard (across from Third). The date coincides with the 100th anniversary of the day the Flying A Movie Studio opened its doors in La Mesa on August 12, 1911. The Flying A Movie Company produced 100 films until it moved to Santa Barbara in July 1912.

 

Saturday, August 13, at 10 a.m., UC Santa Barbara film professor Dr. Dana Driskel willpresent a lecture and show excerpts from some films made at the Flying A Studio. Dr. Driskel is an expert on early filmmaking in California and the “Flying A.” The presentation will take place at the Grossmont Health Care District Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa. It is open to the public.

 

The studio produced more than 100 films while in La Mesa.  Director Allan Dwan went on to achieve fame in Hollywood after talking pictures came along, directing stars such as Shirley Temple and Ronald Reagan, as well as John Wayne in the landmark film "The Sands of Iwo Jima."

 

August's events mark a preview of upcoming celebrations planned for next year, when the City of La Mesa will celebrate its centennial. To learn more about plans and the City's historic past, see ECM's coverage here:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/3397

 


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