Montecito is home to celebrities and royalty, whose mansions are hidden behind tall hedges, long driveways and locked gates. But a century ago, there was no welcome greeting for actors and film crews making movies set in tropical islands, ancient Rome, or elsewhere.
Local author and historian Betsy J. Green uncovered 65 silent films shot in Montecito’s multi-million dollar mansion during the glory days and compiled her research into a newly published book. I was.Films and the Million Dollar Mansion: Silent Films Made in Montecito.
In addition to Santa Barbara’s “Flying A” studio, no less than 19 Hollywood studios were shot in Montecito during the 1919s and 1920s.In the early decades of filming, before big budgets, it was more cost-effective to find an existing mansion than to build one or create a realistic set. It was expensive. Montecito’s proximity to Hollywood and abundance of luxury real estate made it an attractive solution
The film suited their setting, starting with religious themes in 1911 and turning into melodrama and adventure. In 1928, I saw a jazz-era film based on a Broadway musical. Each includes a lively synopsis, behind-the-scenes information, plus photos from the film and its million-dollar setting, for a total of over 450 images. The cover of the book is a scene from the movie shot at the original “Belosguardo” mansion.
Green, who has also written independent books great house detective Column introduces her book August 29th at 6pm Chaucer’s Books and other upcoming local venues.
We asked Green about the inspiration behind her efforts.
What made you choose this particular topic?
as i wrote way home A series of films shot from 1914 to 1919, I was impressed with how many films were shot in our area. I focused on Montecito because it was interesting to see how it represented ancient Rome, France, etc. in his 14th century. To this day most real estate is hidden.
Were you passionate about silent films before this project?
I didn’t have a particular interest in silent films until I started researching the history of Santa Barbara in my 19s. While reading old newspapers, I became interested in the movies showing in my local cinema and started looking for these movies online. Watching old silent movies is a way to go back in time.
What surprised you while researching the book?
At first, I thought Santa Barbara’s “Flying A” studio did almost all the filming in Montecito. But I discovered that from the Hollywood area he had over 15 studios all the way here to shoot at his Montecito mansion.
Do you have any projects in the works for the future?
Our region has a lot of interesting film history, so my next book (due next year) will be about the 200+ silent films shot in the Channel Islands, followed by the setting for “Flying A.” Another book about interesting events behind the scenes. Another studio shot here.
Betsy J. Green Over 25 years as a writer. She is editor of ‘Reader’s Digest of Her’ and ‘The World Book of Her Encyclopedia’ and has contributed to numerous newspapers and magazines around the world. Her specialties are history, architecture and the environment. She has authored seven of her books on the history of Santa Barbara, including the “Way Back When” series and “MESApedia.” In her spare time, she writes the column “The Great House Detective” for The Santa Barbara Independent.
Lecture schedule:
August 29 – Chaucer’s Book
September 10 – Montecito Library
September 28 – SB Historical Museum
Groups and organizations interested in hosting a talk or slideshow by Betsy can be contacted through Betsy’s website (betsyjgreen.com).
Signed copies of this book are available at Chaucer’s Books and Mesa Bookstores. Copies are also available on Amazon.com.
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