Centers of Progress: Los Angeles (Cinema)

Hollywood started as a small enclave that contained a post office, a hotel, a livery stable, and a streetcar. A banker and real estate magnate H.J. Whitley further developed the area.

Hollywood was merged with the city of Los Angeles in 1910 because Hollywood was unable to handle its sewage and water needs. Los Angeles had around 300,000 people, and by 1960, it grew to 2.5 million.

The first film completed in Los Angeles was the Count of Monte Cristo in 1908. Two years later, the film Old California was produced.

The climate allowed for outdoor filming year-round, and the mixed terrain provided for a variety of settings. But, most importantly, it was far away from the state of New Jersey, where Edison's Motion Picture Patent Company ruled and strangled the film industry.

Hollywood became the world leader in narrative silent films. In 1927, Hollywood produced its first movie that included the actors' voices. In the 1930s, Los Angeles studios competed and influenced the film industry. The Acadamy Awards were first presented in Los Angeles and remain the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry.

The humble town changed into a centre of filmmaking and marked the new art form that enriches and entertains humanity.