Star Gazing!

Well actually, we went to gaze at film stars homes this morning, with Star Tours. A small, well air-conditioned bus and a knowledgeable local driver ferried us and several other nice folk around the 'Movie Star' and other interesting districts in the city. It has to be said that we hadn't appreciated just how many stars had once lived here or the close proximity of their homes. In fact some, but certainly not all, looked quite modest from outside. So who did live here? Clark Gable and Carrol Lombard; Frank Sinatra (who hoisted up a Jack Daniels flag whenever he held a party; Marilyn Monroe; Lucile Ball; the rest of the Rat Pack; Elvis Presley, Gene Autry; Allan Ladd, Liberace and so on. Even now, contemporary artists continue to own homes here e.g. Lilly Tomlin, Leo Di Capri etc.

The once famous Racquet Club is now a sad reflection of its former glory days. It was once the central hangout for just about all the A-listers in Palm Springs and was the place where Marilyn Monroe was discovered. All in all it was a fascinating tour, not least for seeing the famous downtown golf club which requires new members to have at least $1M and the maximum number of members is 200! The golf course is in pristine condition but, as today, there is seldom anyone playing golf!! There are plenty of examples of 'More money than sense' here! When the tour was over it was hot and after spending some time by the pool, we ventured to Cathedral City and the Mary Pickford Theatre. The film (Mother) wasn't worth commenting on, but it is worth noting that Frank Sinatra is buried in Cathedral City.

As for a musical memory today? Well, how about "That'll be the day" by Buddy Holly (who didn't have a hous in Palm Springs!