Weekend Fun in L.A.: Philippe's and The Autry

Today was a wonderful series of firsts for me: my first-ever visits to Philippe's and The Autry National Center, followed by my first-ever viewing of SHANE (1953), which I loved.

I've heard a great deal about Philippe's over the years, as various family members have eaten there. Philippe's history goes back over a century, and it's said that the French Dipped Sandwich was created there in 1918. The restaurant has been in its current location since 1951.

The place is always packed. You pick a line and the "carver" quickly makes your sandwich and rings you up. Cash only!

The sandwich buns are actually dipped in the meat juice, which is a unique style of preparation.

I got the classic beef "double dipped" sandwich (bottom right), and it was as tasty as I'd been led to believe. I'll be back!

There's a great California's Gold episode on Philippe's, hosted by Huell Howser.

That's Union Station right across the street, seen in so many classic films. Between Union Station and signs for nearby Bunker Hill, I couldn't help thinking of CRY DANGER (1951), which was filmed in both locations.

From there it was a few minutes' drive to the Autry, located in Griffith Park immediately across from the Los Angeles Zoo:

Incidentally, the gray skies are typical June weather in Southern California, referred to as "June gloom." The sun usually comes out around mid-afternoon.

The screening took place in the Wells Fargo Theater...

...which is right next to the Mary Pickford Education Center:

Our movie tickets included admission to the museum, which had all sorts of wonderful things, such as this clothing worn by John Wayne...

...and Gary Cooper painted by Norman Rockwell:

Memorabilia from Alan Ladd in WHISPERING SMITH (1948):

From a display on museum co-founder Gene Autry:

Charles Starrett memorabilia:

And Johnny Mack Brown's boots:

Actor-artist George Montgomery was one of the museum's benefactors:

A visit is definitely recommended for fans of Western films or those interested in the American West; there are displays on many aspects of Western history in addition to depictions of the Western on film.

For more on Westerns being shown at the Autry in coming months, please visit last weekend's post Classics on the Big Screen in Los Angeles.