I lived here in 1967-1968 after I flew to Los Angeles, from London, England, with 26 Cents in my pocket. This was after spending two months having a wild time, in London, England. I dIdn't even have a suitcase when I returned, just a cloth bag where I stuffed my clothes.
When I ran out of money in London, I tried to get a job as a Black Jack dealer in one of the many small Casinos of that era. Since I had never actually played Black Jack, my interview was quickly terminated, after I tried to deal my first hand. to demonstrate my nonexistent skills. I ended up there, because of the free drinks. I gambled what little money I had, away and then "talked" my way into an interview the next day. I did not realize that my job interview focused on me to demonstrating my nonexistent skills
There were a young Black Jack Dealer and his girlfriend, who was one of the cocktail waitresses, that felt sorry and befriended me. I stayed with them for almost a week, while I tried to find some money to get home. That planned trip home ended up with a detour to Los Angeles.
My first job after arriving in Los Angeles was as an usher at the Paramount Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. "Dr. Dolittle" had just been premiered. I made $1.25 per hour. You did not get paid for the time between the matinee and the evening shows. I saw Dr. Dolittle so many times, I could sing most of the songs!
This is where I hooked up with my two Italian brothers, Richie Bastardo from Detriot and Michael Cordado from Montreal. They were fellow ushers at the Paramount, as well! Their idol was Al Capone. They loved to say Al Capone's favorite saying, when we had some trouble to deal with, "Get the bats, boys!" Richie could sing every song in " Dr. Dolittle" and act out all the songs. He was a great entertainer, especially when you had no money.
Brother Michael had been in reform school for armed robbery. Although I never tried his advice out, he told me that when you robbed a Bowling Alley, you did not worry about wearing a mask. He said when you stuck a shotgun barrel in someone's face, they had a hard time remembering your face. It made sense to me.
There are many stories to tell about my days and nights at the Castle Argyle, 1919 Argyle Street, and surrounding environs! I will put a bookmark in for tonight! Have good dreams and/or a good day!