Arch Hall Jr. comes to Hollywood with his guitar aiming to become a star in Ray Dennis Steckler's "Wild Guitar" (Fairway
International, 1962). We see several theatres as he wanders the streets including this view of the Pantages with "11 Academy Nominations" on the marquee. The film was "Judgment at Nuremburg."
Crossing the street in front of the Egyptian while they were running "Sweet Bird of Youth" with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. The film was a March 1962 release. A moment later his suitcase opens, spilling all his possessions.
Of course we visit the Chinese.
They were playing "West Side Story."
Trying out some footprints.
He meets Nancy Czar in a coffee shop and instantly falls in love. She takes him to a local TV studio where we see a dance number. There's been some discussion about this being filmed at the Ivar but that seems unlikely.
Also featured in the film are Arch Hall Sr., Marie Denn, Robert Crumb, Virginia Broderick, Carolyn Brandt and Lloyd Williams. The cinematography was by Joseph V. Mascelli.
Backstage at the TV studio where they're trying to figure out what to do when an act doesn't show.
Another shot backstage when Nancy says, "Hey, my friend could go on." Our guy with the guitar is over on the right. He goes on and is impressive (surprise!). He starts getting work but his new managers want him to focus on that and not see Nancy.
The back of this studio.
On the road with bigger venues. Here he comes out after a show. We're at the California Theatre in Burbank.
Nancy hasn't heard from him because the managers told him she doesn't want to see him anymore. Not true at all. She's been coming to his shows and he sees her outside. They reunite.
Another show, another TV studio.
The back of this second studio.
A happy ending with the couple on Hollywood Blvd. That's the Vogue Theatre on the left and a bit of the Egyptian's marquee in the upper right.
See the pages on the Los Angeles Theatres site about the Pantages, Grauman's Chinese, Egyptian, Vogue and Burbank's California Theatre for the history of these showplaces and many, many photos.
On IMDb: "Wild Guitar" The full film is available on YouTube.
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