Schwab's Pharmacy

Menu, Schwab's Pharmacy, Los Angeles (cover) (12001959646)

Schwab's Pharmacy was a famous American drugstore located at 8024 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. It was renowned not just for its pharmaceutical services but also as a popular gathering place for Hollywood actors and industry insiders from the 1930s to the 1950s. Schwab's Pharmacy is often mythologized as the place where actress Lana Turner was discovered, although this story has been debunked by Turner herself among others. The pharmacy closed its doors in 1983, marking the end of an era for Hollywood's golden age social spots.

History

Schwab's Pharmacy was opened in 1932 by brothers Leon and Bernard Schwab. Unlike typical drugstores of the time, Schwab's offered a soda fountain and a lunch counter, making it a popular spot not only for those seeking pharmaceuticals but also for those looking to socialize and network within the entertainment industry. Its location on Sunset Boulevard, close to many Hollywood studios, made it a convenient and favored spot for actors, writers, and other industry professionals.

Throughout its history, Schwab's Pharmacy was more than just a place to fill prescriptions. It became a cultural icon, embodying the essence of Hollywood's golden age. The pharmacy was known for its casual atmosphere, where struggling actors and established stars could mingle without the usual social hierarchies present in more formal settings.

Cultural Significance

Schwab's Pharmacy is often cited in discussions about Hollywood's history, not only for its role as a social hub but also for its contribution to the myth-making of the film industry. The story of Lana Turner's discovery at Schwab's, while not true, exemplifies the kind of Hollywood dream that made the pharmacy a place of pilgrimage for many aspiring actors.

The pharmacy has been featured in several films and writings, further cementing its place in Hollywood lore. Its depiction in literature and film often highlights its role as a microcosm of the hopes, dreams, and sometimes the disillusionment of Hollywood hopefuls.

Closure and Legacy

In 1983, Schwab's Pharmacy closed, a victim of changing times and the redevelopment of Sunset Boulevard. Its demolition marked the loss of one of Hollywood's most beloved landmarks. However, the legacy of Schwab's Pharmacy lives on in the collective memory of the film industry and its fans. It remains a symbol of a bygone era in Hollywood, where the community was smaller and the lines between stars and aspirants were less defined.

Today, Schwab's Pharmacy is remembered through photographs, stories, and its portrayal in media. It continues to fascinate those interested in the history of Hollywood and serves as a reminder of the industry's early days, when the dream of stardom felt tangible and the community of creators and dreamers gathered in places like Schwab's to share a meal, a drink, and perhaps, a chance at being discovered.