The Story of Marion Davies to Screen at Mojica Hacienda

The recent opening of the Annenberg Beach Club, site of the former Marion Davies beach house, has sparked a rebirth of interest in the enigmatic career of Marion Davies. La Senora Research Institute will screen ‘The Story of Marion Davies,’ narrated by Charlize Theron on Saturday, August 1 at 3 p.m. at the Jose Mojica Hacienda, 565 Dryad in Santa Monica Canyon. The film’s producer, Elaina Archer, will discuss Marion’s career and the making of the film. Archer is the former head of the Mary Pickford Library and has produced four other Hollywood Film Legend documentaries. A $15 donation to the Research Institute’s Film History Program is suggested. The next day, August 2 at 3 p.m., Pacific Palisades historian Randy Young will offer a slide presentation of the history of the Chautauqua movement and its impact on the development of the California beach communities. A $20 donation is suggested. On Saturday, August 8 at 3 p.m., historian/photographer Tom Zimmerman will introduce the Santa Monica Canyon classic film ‘Gypsy Wildcat’ (1944), starring Leo Carrillo and Maria Montez. Carrillo was one of the best-known and most accessible actors of his era; his rancho along the creek in Santa Monica Canyon made him a neighbor to La Senora’s Mojica Hacienda. Montez was known for her portrayal of strong female characters in her films. A $15 donation is suggested. Guests are asked to reserve by August 2, as seats are limited in the Hacienda’s small theater. Reservations are required and must be received by seven days before an event. Go online at www.lasenora.org/OnlineStore.asp or mail a check to La Senora Research Institute, 560 E. Channel Rd. Santa Monica, CA 90402. La Senora Research Institute’s focus is on research and education, documenting the Rancho Era of Early California under Spain, Mexico and the United States, especially as it relates to the 1839 Mexican Land Grant Rancho Boca de Santa Monica where the Jose Mojica Hacienda and the Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery are located. The Institute also focuses on the preservation of the Rancho’s rich cultural heritage with its typically Mexican ‘welcoming traditions.’ From the beginning, the Rancho’s canyon grounds were freely visited by anyone seeking tranquility under its sheltering trees and ocean breezes. La Se’ora’s programs also explore the early 1900’s residents of the Rancho lands and the colorful histories of the Old Hollywood 1920s-1950s residents of the Jose Mojica Hacienda. Details: www.lasenora.org or events@lasenora.org