Well, I've got to say that BK's discovery of those vintage clips of L.A. and NYC and Vegas and other places is quite significant. I spent a lot of time at it, and will be spending much more. Of course the L.A. ones are the most near and dear to the ol' heart, but they're all essential viewing if you know a place at all.
There are many things one can comment on, but it's overwhelming. Just a few observations:
BK notes that these are shot late at night after most of the movie theater marquees are dark, but what's interesting is how many other signs and storefront lights are still ablaze. And how damned lucky we are, because they're all quite incredible, and they lent such color to street life then. Except in certain circumstances (Times Square, Las Vegas, etc.), it isn't just the movies that got small -- it's the signage and the sense of excitement about the things of everyday life. Like I said when we found that Miracle Mile clip several weeks back, the design of stores, restaurants, and theaters made you want to be around them and patronize them. They attracted you, got you interested. That kind of commercial architecture and signage are lost arts.
