London may have been home to Vivien and Larry, but in the business of acting there was (and still is) one city that it was essential to make a name in if one ever wanted to conquer the public: Hollywood. The "Dream Factory." And there was never a greater or more significant time in film history to conquer the city of stars than at the height of the Studio Era. Larry had come to Hollywood in the early 1930's, just as the transition from silent films to sound films was coming to a close. With his tall, thin physique and thin moustache, Laurence Olivier was billed as the new Ronald Coleman. Quickly making friends with the likes of Ronald Coleman, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, and others, he and then-wife, Jill Esmond seemed to have a relatively good time. Unfortunately, the string of films Larry made during his first stay in Hollywood were not successful, although he did star with some big names (Gloria Swanson, Adolph Menjou, and Zazu Pitts to name a few). It was when he was asked to play opposite the reigning queen of MGM, Greta Garbo in Queen Christina, that he thought his big break finally arrived. It didn't. Garbo was fickle and it was decided Larry should be sacked in favor of her flame John Gilbert. Olivier, quickly gaining disdain for the cut-throat business of movie making, took himself and Jill Esmond back to England. It was not until 1939 that Larry returned to California, and Vivien Leigh went for the first time. This time, stardom was destined for both of them. While filming Gone with the Wind, producer David O. Selznick forbade Larry and Vivien to live together because he was afraid of gossip tarnishing the image of his Scarlett O'Hara. Since Vivien and Larry were both married to other people, he did not want Hedda Hopper of Louella Parsons--Hollywood's reigning gossip column queens--to get word of their affair. Larry rented a house at 606 North Camden Drive in Beverly Hills, but he was often frequenting 520 North Crescent, and the house David Selznick had rented for Vivien just two streets away.
Like most movie stars, Vivien and Larry seemed to enjoy the outdoors and the sun, and there are many stories of them spending time on people's yachts out at Catalina Island, off the coast of Long Beach. The honeymooned here in 1940, aboard Ronald and Benita Coleman's yacht. Avalon Bay is still as bustling with rich vacationers' boats as it was back in the 1930's. Catalina is a popular tourist destination, especially in the spring/summer. You can book a round trip ticket on a Catalina Ferry from any of six Southern California ports and spend a day sight seeing. If you venture to the far side of the island, you might even get a glimpse of the buffalo that were left there from a movie set a long time ago.
After they were married, the Oliviers rented the Spanish colonial house at 1107 San Ysidro Drive in Beverly Hills.
One of the most famous hotels to spot celebrities today is the Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard. Britney Spears may be banned from the place, but back in the classier days of Hollywood, the Chateau housed many more prominent film stars--Larry and Viv being two of them. Larry stayed here in 1960 while filming Spartacus, and Vivien booked a room while playing in Duel of Angels around the same time.
To get a glimps of Viv and Larry without driving around town house hunting, one only has to go as far as Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame where you will find both their stars. Unfortunately, neither of them have handprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, but Viv's star can be found at 6773 Hollywood Blvd, right under the awning of a small store, adjacent to the Kodak Theatre, and across the street from Ripley's Believe it or Not. Larry's star can be found a bit further down at 6319 Hollywood Blvd between Ivar and Vine, on the same side of the street as Vivien's.
The Studios MGM The Lot Warner Bros. Selznick International Other Areas of Interest in Southern CA San Ysidro Ranch
George Cukor's House The University of Southern California (USC)
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