Comments on: What is Mary Pickford’s Long Lost Secret?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:37:13 +0000

I had no idea that the estate was torn down in the late 80’s. I was fortunate enough to have several visits to Pickfair when Dr. Jerry Buss owned the property. I fondly remember my first visit shortly after moving to the area. I was thrilled to be invited to such a legendary home and felt it was the most moving experience I had at the time. The excitement I felt after giving the guard at the gate my name to be checked against the list and being invited through the gate, was an overwhelming feeling of privilege, to walk where so many extraordinary Hollywood historical figures had walked. WOW! Of course I chatted it up with the other guests that were celebrities (of course I was not) and our host, but the most memorable times were when my imagination took a peak into the past after being in certain areas. Down by the pool, I imagined the risque romps that likely took place during parties in the early days. A giggle and a smile was stuck on my face. I went into the kitchen and was amazed how ordinary it was. Not even that big and not overdone with gilded elaboration, it was a kitchen with a pantry.
The vision of staff members in the 20’s-30’s tending to the well known guests wants and needs with champagne and hor d’ oeuvres was another truly fulfilling moment. I was rather amazed that for it’s reputation, it was a humble abode compared to other mansions nearby. I was hoping after spending the night there one night I would wake to a spirit manifestation from the past, but no such luck.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:20:30 +0000

Hi, Joe. When I was 14, I wrote to Mary Pickford and Valerie Sorelle, who you mention, kindly responded. We developed a correspondance and I was invited to spend time at Pickfair. I stayed with Valerie in Beverly Hills (who was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met). I met all the staff at Pickfair who were wonderful (except Esther Helm, who ended up getting fired). Contrary to some reports, Pickfair was beautiful — and well maintained, and Mary wasn’t drunk — but rather busy with appointments in her room all day — visitors seemed to come-and-go — manicurist, May Mann (with cats), lawyers, Jane Withers, etc. I’ve still got a piece of Mary’s hair that I was given as a souvenir. Thank you for the article, that I stumbled upon by accident. Dave in Brtiish Columbia.

By: Spike

Spike — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:54:00 +0000

It’s always interesting hearing thoughts about the old ‘KING AND QUEEN’ of Hollywood.
My wife and I were lucky enough to visit Pickfair in 1976 and spent a wonderful day with Buddy Rogers and Mary’s friend and PA, the Rev Valerie SoRelle. Mary was in bed all day and at that time had few visitors, although Lillian Gish made an effort to see her often. I did not know that the house was still standing, as I had been told the the property had been bought by an Arab gentleman for a new building to be built on the site…. Why was it not purchased for the Mary Pickford museum that she herself had asked for ? I remember the interior of the house was a sheer delight with its theme rooms and incredible artifacts and historical antiques – A really remarkable woman who lived in the most beautiful of places……. A question I asked Mary Pickford through Valerie, who became a long time friend, was “Have you anything to say about the early days of film” ? Her reply was very suprising, she said “The films should have been made in colour and progressed to black and white, then there would have been true art in their making” WOW !.
Cheers everyone – Spike

By: elaine drennan

elaine drennan — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:23:37 +0000

Hi! did you happen to see the documentary made I think in the 80’s before mary’s death? She was about 80 ro so and I think, Peter Jennings interviewed her and she gave a tour of Pickfair or they showed pics inside it. She apeared very senile, wore a cute little wig and was dressed elegantly. That is all I remember but I would sure like to know if anyone saw it. I went to Pickfair (not inside) in the late 80’s when Dr.____owned it and spoke to the chinese houseboy on the two way speaker as we drove up the driveway. we shouldnt have been there but the gate was open and so we just drove up. Of course, we did not go further. he only told us no one was home but this was thrill for me as I have been a fan about 50 years. Would love to hear from anyone. Elaine edrennan06@msn.com

By: Paola

Paola — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:47:41 +0000

Dear Joe,

Your fascination with Mary Pickford and all that surrounded her is refreshing. It’s nice to see someone acting as caretaker to treasures of yesteryear. That being said, will you settle a rumor or dispute for me? Is the house, PickFair, the original home? Stories abound that Pia Zadora and her husband tore most of it down and the only original parts are the main entrance gate and the swimming pool. What is the real thing here? I have also heard that it was just restored to it’s original condition with few additions. Please, clear up the “murky waters” regarding PickFair if you will please. Thank you and I look forward to seeing more of your collection and reading your book. Sincerest appreciation and regards, Paola

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:06:24 +0000

Dear Joe

The first time I’d ever heard of Mary Pickford was when I was about sixteen and there was a programme about her on t.v.
That was about 5 years before she died.
But after seeing that programme I was hocked and really amazed by what she achieved as a woman in the time she lived in.
Great to hear that you nearly bought her house, pity you didn’t
I am glad to hear that there is yet something else we have in common, I to feel she seems to have been forgotten some how which is said.
Hope you get around to writing that book about her.

Have fun

Love

Chris

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:27:19 +0000

This is a great story be sure to hit the Digg Button —- so more people will see this post as well.

By: VONNY HARRINGTON

VONNY HARRINGTON — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:48:16 +0000

VERY INTERESTING ON MARY PICKFOD,, I AM LOOKING FOR A PAINTING OF A LITTLE DUTCH GIRL THAT WAS IN MARYS COLLECION /ARTIST WAS ERNST VAN LEYDEN..THE SUBJECT IS A FRIEND OF MINE AND SHE WAS 6 WHEN THE PAINTING WAS DONE IN THE EARLY 40S,,,SHE JUST WANTS TO KNOW WHERE THE PAINING IS NOW,, IF YOU CAN OFFER ANY HELP I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR HELP VONNY

By: Will

Will — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:31:38 +0000

Dr. Vitale, I think you could add even more value to such a book (which I do hope you write, as I’ve learned so much from your work, and am a huge fan of that era in the cinema) if perhaps you also explored the Master Mind group she formed with Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin.

It’s the Master Mind principle in practice! Thank you for your time.

By: Jane Ananda

Jane Ananda — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 02:23:35 +0000

I would love to read such a book about Mary Pickford!

I read a biography about her many years ago, too long ago to remember the details, but I maintain an appreciation for her and her work.