When Los Angeles was young, it was the world’s biggest backlot, its landscapes and landmarks recognized by millions of movie fans. One of the favorite places to film was the Westlake neighborhood, with its eclectic mix of New York style apartment hotels, wide boulevards and lush tropical gardens. Although Westlake has changed enormously in the last century, many of these early cinema shooting locations survive.

Join Esotouric as we flip back the calendar pages for a time travel trip to the silent era (and a few more modern landmarks), featuring iconic filming locations used by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy and Harry Langdon. As we stroll around, you’ll hear about the productions, the players and the featured buildings, and thrill to stand just where iconic comedy legends stood when making motion picture gold.

Featured on the tour, a stop at the Hayworth Theater to hear about its vaudeville days and current life as Dynasty Typewriter.

This tour evolved out of our occasional bus tours with silent cinema sleuth and author John Bengtson, and we honor his brilliant work and friendship. John’s books are highly recommended by anyone seeking to know more about early location filming in Los Angeles.

This walking tour is illustrated with rare photos and film clips you can view on your smartphone.

MEETING INSTRUCTIONS:

Tour begins at 10:30am sharp, with check-in time 10am at The Sinclair LA at 2200 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057. Please arrive on time and proceed through the lobby to the central courtyard check in table to get signed in and logged in to the smartphone slideshow. Scroll down for tour rules and recommendations.

PARKING & PUBLIC TRANSIT:

The nearest paid public parking lot is at 730 S Lake St 90057. This lot has an attendant to take your $10 payment (cash only).

The nearest Metro station is Westlake/MacArthur Park station on the B and D lines. If using public transit, this link can help you plan your trip.

TOUR RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS:

BE PREPARED: This is a walking hour lasting approximately 3 hours, over level ground moving at a casual pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Bring your smartphone so you can view the tour slide show. We will have a cooler with cold water, and you’re encouraged to bring a full water bottle. A restroom will be available at the start and end of the tour. If you need more information about what to expect, please email us.

COVID SAFETY: At this time, we no longer require that masks be worn on walking tours.

CAMERA POLICY: No video- or audio-taping unless it has been pre-cleared with us, please. Still cameras and sketchbooks are fine.

CONTACTING US ON OR BEFORE TOUR DAY:

Emailing is the best way to communicate with us, but after 8am on tour day you can call or text Richard on his mobile phone, 213-915-8687.

CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY:

If you’re sick, please do not attend the tour. Get some rest, and let us know not to expect you. If notified at least 72 hours before tour departure, we can refund or reschedule your booking. As long as you contact us before the tour begins, we are happy to move your reservation to a future tour date. You may also gift your ticket to someone else—we will need their name, email address and phone number to make this switch.