Book Reviews: The Man Who Seduced Hollywood and Hollywood Godfather

The Man Who Seduced Hollywood
The Life and Loves of Greg Bautzer, Tinseltown's Most Powerful Lawyer
by B. James Gladstone
Hardcover
285 pages
9781613745793
Chicago Review Press
2013

"Get me Greg Bautzer!"

Gregson Edward Bautzer was born on April 3, 1911 in San Pedro, California. In 1918, he applied was accepted to USC and never looked back. He was tall and athletic, in addition he excelled in debate, which would later assist him in his career as a lawyer.

Over the years he would represent the Hollywood elite in the courtroom. Even a future United States President and the richest man in the world at the time sought his advice. In 1950, he handled the biggest divorce of his career, Nancy and Frank Sinatra's.

He had a flair for charming men and more importantly, women. He was the Leonardo Decaprio of his day when it came to dating beautiful and famous women. He would marry four times and divorce three.

There were two pivotal events that set his new life into motion. In 1936, he somehow raised $5,000 ($93,000+ in 2020) and purchased, "the best wardrobe in town". Also in 1936 he rented an office in the Equitable Building on the corner of Hollywood and Vine. This was the crossroads of the young movie industry at the time. Just up Vine was the location of the Brown Derby, a popular eatery for the industry. Greg would make it a point to showcase his $5,000 wardrobe at the Derby and never forgot to generously tip the maítre d'. This resulted in seating at the best table which in turn created new and important business relationships.

Bautzer and Wilkerson crossed paths in 1938, when Bautzer and Lana Turner were engaged and their relationship was cemented as both men were obsessed with gambling.

Unfortunately, underneath the movie star good looks, the highly successful lawyer, and the perfect clothes lie an alcoholic. He would inherited his father's predisposition for alcoholism and everyone around him suffered. The high rigors and stress of his busy and demanding law practice accelerated his consumption and he would pass away on October 26, 1987 from a heart attack.

   


Hollywood Godfather
The Life and Crimes of Billy Wilkerson
by W. R. Wilkerson III
Hardcover, 310 pages
9781613736609
Chicago Review Press, Inc.
2018

"Luck always found Mr. Wilkerson at the last minute."

William "Billy" Wilkerson was born on September 29, 1890 in Nashville, TN. He grew up with a doting mother and a physically abusive father. Instead of alcohol, Wilkerson's father was mired in the compulsion of gambling. One story reveals, how William Sr. won the rights to bottle Coca-Cola in 13 states. Unable to see the future of the soft drink, he swapped the rights for a movie theater. Had he held onto this winning lottery ticket it would have been worth today, conservatively, hundreds of millions of dollars. Coca-Cola would play a huge part in William Jr's. life years later as he drank twenty bottles a day!

His clout in the movies started the day The Hollywood Reporter went to print in 1930. Unfazed by autocratic studio bosses, he would print unbiased, truthful reviews of movies. He would use the power of print to his advantage when he needed something. As the paper became more and more successful, the powerful Wilkerson became. He was notorious for screaming at his employees and his short, explosive temper. The success of the trade paper segued into creating some of the most popular restaurants and clubs in Hollywood; The Vendome, Trocadero, Ciro's, and the Sunset House.

He would follow in his father's footsteps in massive gambling losses; $150,000 minimum for years and in the end he lost over $10 million in 2020 money. He even resorting to funneling company revenue to cover his losses. Finally, a friend suggested building a casino to attempt to recoup some of his losses. This led to his involvement in the construction of the ill-fated casino, The Flamingo.

His addiction to gambling, his long work hours, and his commitment to his restaurants and clubs, culminated in five divorces.

In the end, his 3+ a day cigarette habit and his 20 bottle a day consumption of Coca-Cola compounded by intestinal problems caused his death on September 2, 1962.


There were many famous people in the very early days of Hollywood. However, the names of Bautzer and Wilkerson do not resonate like Cagney or Goldwyn. Both men were involved in the fringes of the movie industry, but did not operate entirely in the movie industry. This what makes their biographies so compelling.

Both these biographies are worth the time and purchase price as they are mere glimpse into how old Hollywood was run, with its womanizing, obtaining illegal liquor from the Mob, blackmail, raids on backroom gambling, and payoffs to the police.

Two reviews for Raquel's Summer Reading Challenge #ClassicFilmReading

San Francisco 2017

"I left my heart in San Francisco..."

I lived in San Francisco for 2 years in 3 different apartments. I would have continued to live there, however, but I became homesick and it would have been financially impossible.

My wife and I are always looking for new places to travel. Since we take a yearly trip to Los Angeles, we try to find somewhere to explore afterwards. I had been talking up my experiences in San Francisco for years to my wife. She suggested we travel there after Los Angeles as she has never been. Perfect! We would leave Los Angeles in the early morning, fly to San Francisco, spend the day, and fly out in the evening. In retrospect, we should have spent the night in San Francisco, then flown out the next day. There is simply too much to see in the city in less than one day. Also, she had to make decisions on what she really wanted to see due to the massive time constraint.

She selected a few places that where important enough for her to see. I then chose a few other places that one must see in San Francisco. I bought a map with a list of the places we were to visit in the straightest line possible. This way we would not waste what little time we had backtracking. I was excited as well since I have not been to San Francisco in at least 15 years.

An ultra rare, 5.2 V10 Audi S6. We are off to a good start!

A not-so-rare for California, a Ferrari California.

We started in the Castro and then went to a viewing location under Sutro Tower. This view is high enough to see downtown and across the bay to Oakland.

The first place she wanted to visit was the Painted Ladies. These are a row of Victorian houses in various colors. There are several sets of Painted Ladies through the city, however, these are the most famous with depictions in painting, postcards, and the opening credits of Full House.

Tai Chi Restaurant

This was one of many favorite restaurants in the city! I would eat here as much as my bank account would allow me. 

Whenever I go to a Chinese restaurant I always order Hot and Sour soup. This is only time I will eat mushrooms or seaweed! Best in the city!

No explanation needed why she wanted to visit this location.

The Buena Vista Cafe is famous for introducing the Irish Coffee to the world.

City Lights Bookstore is the most famous Beat bookstore in the world. Even Jim Morrison frequented this store when he lived across the bay in Alameda. 

Sodini's Restaurant 510 Green St. 

After a long day of walking around, we asked a local to recommend a place to eat. Since we were in North Beach, a woman suggested Sodini's. 

There was Rat Pack memorabilia was scattered about.

We went through two baskets of freshly baked Sourdough bread.

What is the most San Francisco thing you can do? Ride a cable car. We rode one from the wharves to California St.

I took some photographs of cinematic significance in the area.  Francis Ford Coppola's Cafe Zoetrope is also located in North Beach. 

This alleyway was used in, "Basic Instinct", where they find the dead policeman and accuse Nick of the murder.

 

Famous San Francisco bar, Tosca, was also used in, "Basic Instinct". They shot the scene where Nick starts to drink alcohol again and leaves with Beth. 

This is the market Lt. Frank Bullitt goes into to buy his groceries in, "Bullitt". The street sign is visible in the movie when he steals the newspaper.

This is Bullitt's residence. The exterior is visible when Del stops by. 

2017 Turner Classic Movie Film Festival, Part I: Exploring LA

The first stop after we land is In-N-Out Burger. Fortunately there is a location just outside of LAX. I alway order number #1. My order is top and my wife's is on the bottom as she likes the sauce on her fries. 

We met friends Robby and Zinnia Cress for dinner. Robby suggested Bob's Big Boy in Burbank. Midway through the meal, he tells me they shot a part of Heat here! It's the scenes where Don Breedan shows up to work as part of his parole and when Neil recruits him to drive the getaway car. 

The world famous record store, Amoeba Records. I went in, "just to look around", and walked out with 4 Blu-rays. 

The Griffith Observatory is the sight of many movies and tv shows. Oh, and you can learn about about the cosmos, if you are into that thing.

The Observatory also has amazing views of the city. 

Shhh! Don't tell my wife...

Did she or didn't she?

Larry Edmunds Bookshop 6644 Hollywood Blvd.

My wife and I both hard core bibliophiles and cinephiles. So whenever we visit Los Angeles, we make it a point to visit Larry Edmunds. She always picks up a several books for research and pleasure. I have purchased a few books myself, mostly about the local history of Los Angeles. One cannot underscore the depth of material within the four walls. Not only do they sell books and vintage posters, they hold readings, screenings, and book signings. The shop has been open for 82 years and has been frequented by scores of actors, producers, and directors.  

Charlie Chaplin's old studio is now the home of Jim Henson's Company.

Kat Von D's Tattoo Parlor

Cantor's Deli

Season seven, episode one of Mad Men was filmed here. Don was, "visiting", California and met Pete here for lunch. 

Drinking Herradura Tequila at the infamous rock and roll bar, The Rainbow Bar and Grill, with cousins, Nick and Rod. 

More alcohol consumption with Nick. This one hooked me on Micheladas so now everytime I eat at a Mexican restaurant I order one. Here we are at Oscar's downing 25 ouncers. 

Galbi King Los Angeles

Nick suggested Galbi King Korean BBQ in Westside Plaza for dinner. I haven't this good Korean BBQ since my San Francisco days. 

The Definitive Ralph Lauren Coffee Table Book

Ralph Lauren

Written by Ralph Lauren, Edited by Mary Randolph Carter

• Pub Date: October 18, 2011
• Format: Hardcover
• Category: Design - Fashion
• Publisher: Rizzoli
• Trim Size: 9 x 11-3/4
• US Price: $50.00
• CAN Price: $55.00
• ISBN: 978-0-8478-3743-4

As I was growing up I adopted the preppy style of dressing. It is all about polka dot ties, glen plaid suits, brown brogues, tan linen suits, white french cuff shirts, and pocket squares.

There is only one name in the world of fashion that has made preppy into a four billion dollar juggernaut, Ralph Lauren.

It all started with a tie he designed and named, "Polo".  His tie was a massive hit and Neiman Marcus placed an order for 100 dozen. From there he opened a Polo boutique on Rodeo Drive with the financial backing of Norman Hilton and the rest is history.

Over the years his line has expanded to women, boys, and housewares. Denim, sportswear, and the Rugby concept store round out the choices. RL has several different lines to accommodate all discriminating clients, with Purple Label at the top. Also, RL is a major contributor to several worthy causes.

His astute eye for classic clothes is only surpassed by his discerning eye for classic automobiles. Remember the saying, it is not the quantity, but quality? RL does. The number of automobiles in his collection is small compared to Jay Leno's. However, the 60 automobiles in his collection are the rare of the rarest. Automobiles with production runs of 4, 5, 6, 15 and the coveted 1 of 1. The three standouts are the 1938 Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic, 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK "Count Trossi", and 1996 McLaren F1 LM. In 2005 RL displayed his collection of automobiles at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston which I attended.

I had first seen this book in NYC. I mentioned that I had seen this amazing coffee table book about RL to my wife. She remembered I had an interest in this book and purchased it for my birthday 2 years ago. This is book is massive! It weighs about 5 pounds and runs in excess of 450 pages.
This book is a mere glimpse into the mind of RL. It is divided into four sections, Living, Movies, Heroines, and History. The foreword is penned by the late Audrey Hepburn, extolling his brilliance in designing clothes. It important to note this is a biography of RL in hundreds of pictures and not in words. However, there is some text in the beginning and in History, but not a lot in between.

Source

Check out a free preview of the book.