Hollywood My Home Town

'Hollywood My Home Town' is a 1965 American documentary film, spearheaded by the charismatic and veteran performer, Ken Murray. This unique cinematic venture offers audiences a thoroughly rare and intriguing lens into the world of Golden Age Hollywood, orchestrated by Murray, who not only stars in the documentary but also directs and produces it. The documentary is imbued with footage from Murray's collection, which spans over three decades, offering an inside look into the celebrity lives and the behind-the-scenes magic of the movie industry during its height. Also featuring in the film are famous names such as Ben Alexander and Richard Arlen, among a roster of other prominent figures from the industry.

From the outset, 'Hollywood My Home Town' puts forward a nostalgic exploration of Hollywood's golden era, primarily from the mid-1920s through to the late 1950s. The beginning sees Ken Murray, a former song-and-dance man and notable comedian, welcoming audiences into the film with his warm, amiably narrative style. As Murray takes you by the hand and leads you through the streets of Hollywood, he provides anecdotal commentaries, recalling personal experiences and entertaining stories about many of the industry's stalwarts and luminaries.

Murray was a seasoned performer by the time he took a step behind the camera and brought this unique documentary to life. His comfortable familiarity and friendship with many of Hollywood's biggest stars, alongside his extensive collection of private, home-movie footage, all provided a credible foundation for this undertaking. Famed for his affinity for filming his surroundings, he started compiling personal clips from as early as the late 1920s. With his home movie camera, Murray captured intimate, off-screen moments from the lives of Hollywood's rich, famous, and influential. 'Hollywood My Home Town' assembles these snapshots to create a collage that offers unique insights into an industry that thrived on glitz, glamour, and, yup - a fair bit of gossip too.

The documentary subtly walks you through the Hollywood of the past: a tour of the movie capital of the world, behind-the-scenes moments of greatest films, and rendezvous with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, including the likes of Hollywood's super-famous couple Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Sights include candid footage chronicling many stages of film production, relaxed moments at lavish homes of the stars, boisterous parties, movie premieres, and many more.

Key to acknowledging is the light-hearted tone of the documentary; 'Hollywood My Home Town' does not intend to serve as an in-depth, critical exploration of Hollywood's cultural or socio-political dynamics. Rather, it's a breezy, entertaining ride through the city's star-studded history.

Also featuring are popular actors Ben Alexander (known for 'Dragnet') and Richard Arlen, both of whom add color and charisma to this unique footage reel. Their involvement alongside Murray's array of home movie snippets, make the film an essential watch for any fan of classic Hollywood. It is a rare chance to see these stars and the lifestyle of that era through an insiders' lens, in a pre-paparazzi, pre-reality show landscape.

'Hollywood My Home Town' isn't merely focused on top-ranking movie stars. It gives audiences a broader view of Hollywood's ecosystem, including directors, struggling actors, and crew members. It brings forth an informal, human side of these celebrated figures, serving as a time capsule capturing the genuine and unscripted moments that occurred when cameras were traditionally off.

Throughout the film, Murray's presenting style retains its charm, often characterized by his dry wit and expert delivery. His intimate approach endears him to viewers, making the experience feel more like a cozy fireside chat rather than a traditional documentary narration.

'Hollywood My Home Town' serves not only as a glimpse into Hollywood's Golden Age but also as a testament to Ken Murray's wonderful relationship with Hollywood and its inhabitants. This film remains a sincere and fascinating piece of history that celebrates both the on-screen spectacle and off-screen persona of Hollywood's most glamorous years. It is an endearing tribute to a bygone era, sure to invoke warm nostalgia while providing informative entertainment. This is paramount viewing for anyone with an interest in vintage Hollywood, its star personalities, and the more grounded reality behind their larger-than-life personas.