• 04-01-2025 - on This Moment in Film History

  • Apr 1 2025
  • Length: 2 mins
  • Podcast

04-01-2025 - on This Moment in Film History

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  • Summary

  • On April 1, 1923, the iconic Hollywood sign was officially dedicated in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California. However, the original sign actually read "Hollywoodland" and was erected as an advertisement for a new housing development in the area.

    The sign, which cost $21,000 to build (equivalent to about $330,000 today), was designed by publicist Whitley Shelton and architect Thomas Fisk Goff. Each letter stood 50 feet (15.2 meters) tall and was studded with around 4,000 light bulbs, illuminating the sign at night.

    The "Hollywoodland" sign was only intended to last for a year and a half, but as the Golden Age of Hollywood began and the film industry gained prominence, the sign became an internationally recognized symbol. In 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce decided to remove the "land" portion of the sign, leaving the iconic "Hollywood" that we know today.

    Over the years, the Hollywood sign has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and photographs, cementing its status as a cultural landmark. Some notable examples include the opening shot of the 1935 film "Hollywood Boulevard," the iconic scene in the 1954 musical "A Star Is Born," and the 2001 film "Mulholland Drive" by David Lynch.

    The Hollywood sign has undergone several restorations and has faced various challenges, including deterioration and vandalism. However, it remains a beloved symbol of the entertainment industry and a must-see attraction for visitors to Los Angeles.
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