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The Robert Benchley Society held its ANNUAL GATHERING in LOS ANGELES. The highlight was the presentation of the 2006 ROBERT BENCHLEY AWARD FOR HUMOR to our first-place winner W. BRUCE CAMERON for his essay GOLF FOR THE FIRST TIME. | |
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the weekend with a TOUR of SONY PICTURES including luncheon in the RITA HAYWORTH DINING ROOM. Sony is located on the
site formerly occupied by M-G-M, where
Mr. Benchley made many of his hilarious SHORT SUBJECTS
and acted in FEATURE FILMS.
"Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up." |
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Not-be-to-missed was our Friday dinner at THE MAGIC CASTLE the private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, Inc, a very special organization devoted to the advancement of the ancient art of magic. The purpose of The Academy is to encourage and promote public interest in the art of magic with particular emphasis on preserving its history as an art form, entertainment medium, and hobby. | |
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Saturday dinner at historic MUSSO AND FRANK GRILL was a hit with these Benchleyites. This historic Hollywood eatery is a good venue for spotting Hollywood celebrities. We saw producer STEVEN SODERBERGH who also happened to be staying at our hotel, the HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT. | 
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Marilyn Monroe? No, Benchley didn't know her, but Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park where she is buried is the final earthly resting place for many of the stars from Mr. Benchley's era and later. | |
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We ended our weekend relaxing at the VENICE BEACH
photography studio of Robert Benchley Society member
HELEN K. GARBER. She is
noted for her urban noir style evoking the era of Mr. Benchley. |  | |