William Surrey Hart (1864 - 1946) was an American silent film actor, screenwriter, director and producer. He was considered to be one of the first great motion picture cowboy stars.
Technically speaking, Hart's ranch home (above), “La Loma de los Vientos” in Newhall, California, is in the Santa Susana Mountains. The fabulous home built during the 1920s is in the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. Today it's state owned and operated museum which I highly recommend visiting.
One of my favorite early Western scenes is in The Narrow Trail (1917). See my post: Meanwhile, back at the ranch -- Lone Ranger Rock
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2011/11/meanwhile-back-at-ranch-lone-ranger.html then click on the YouTube link at bottom of the post to see the clip.
Bill's Santa Susana Pass locations filmography:
The Narrow Trail (1917) - William S. Hart (Iverson Ranch)(photo above)
O'Malley of the Mounted (1921) - William S. Hart (Chatsworth) Artcraft
On the Night Stage (1915) - William S. Hart (Iverson Ranch)
Three Word Brand (1921) - William S. Hart (Iverson Ranch and Chatsworth Lake)(photo above) Famous Players-Lasky
The Tiger Man (1918) - William S. Hart (Iverson Ranch)
Riddle Gawne (1918) - William S. Hart (Iverson Ranch) (photo above)
No mention of Bill Hart would be complete without mentioning "Fritz" his beloved pinto horse (above) :-)
I would like to know if you would have any information as to when the movie "The Tiger Man" starring William s. Hart was released. I have read that it was released in April 1918 and May 1919. I have a movie lobby card of that movie. The date on the card id 1919 Famous Players-Lasky Corp. Even though the card reads 1919 most web sites say the movie was released in 1918. I am going to put my lobby card up for auction and I would just like to have the correct information. I would think that the date on the card is correct but many sites state 1918.
ReplyDeleteThe best information I have is 1918. I'm looking forward to seeing your lobby card. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHello! Do you know the identity of the persons in the photo with Bill Hart at the mansion? We are writing a book on Hart and that information would greatly assist us! Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteSorry I don't know the names. My memory, which is unreliable, says one is Bill's sister. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Jerry