Attendees are encouraged to wear vintage clothing or costumes inspired by the 1920s and 1930s
Fans of Old Hollywood are invited to step back into the glamour of the silent-film era later this month for a public birthday celebration honoring actress and socialite Marion Davies at the Annenberg Community Beach House.
The Santa Monica Conservancy will host the free event from 1 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 25 at the Marion Davies Guest House, located at 415 Pacific Coast Highway. The celebration marks the birthday of Davies, a prominent film star of the 1920s and 1930s and a longtime fixture of Hollywood social life.
Organizers say the event will feature live music by Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys, brief lessons in 1920s-era dance styles led by members of the Historical Ballroom Dance Club, and a fashion presentation by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. Author Lara Gabrielle, who wrote a biography of Davies, will also speak about the actress’ life and her role as a legendary hostess at her beachfront estate.
Docents from the Santa Monica Conservancy will be available throughout the event to provide historical context and share stories about Davies’ former mansion, which once stood on the site and was known as a gathering place for many of Hollywood’s leading figures during the Golden Age of film.
The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged, but not required, to wear vintage clothing or costumes inspired by the 1920s and 1930s.
