Tonight's stop along the Lonely Street Bar Noir Pub Crawl takes us through 1950's HUNT THE MAN DOWN. This B-Level crime drama offers a variety of interesting locations to visit.
The first stop is ironically named Happy's Place. Located along a secluded, dark street in some part of Los Angeles, Happy's Place is owned by none other than Happy himself. A jovial man, Hap will gladly drive a patron home.
Ashtrays cleaned nightly.
Standard L-shaped bar with plenty of backless, upholstered stools awaits customers. For a more intimate experience, booths line the wall opposite the long leg of the bar. A piano is located next to the cigarette machine. Humorous sketches of past patrons decorate the walls. The bar is always stocked.
Happy's Place also starts a theme seen throughout this stretch of the crawl: Watch for hanging light fixtures.
After leaving Happy's, why not go for a round or two at the apparently more popular Jimmy's Bar? All the partygencia hangs out here. Another long, L-shaped bar, the seats fill quickly. Crawlers spill into smaller rooms with tables and interesting artwork on the walls. Noisy, smoky, crowded. Nothing says 'rub elbows' better than time spent at Jimmy's, the kind of place that could jostle a guy's arm.
A little farther down the road, right in the heart of Skid Row is Joe's, a pool hall with beer on tap or in a bottle. Two green-felt topped tables await the serious pool player or the more commonly seen hustler. Don't let the run-down, dive bar lull you, Joe has rules for his guests. Adhere or find a new location for your recreation.
If you need a break, perhaps a little unique entertainment is appropriate. The Show Box Theatre is just the ticket you didn't realize you needed. Marionette and early audio-animatronics perform nightly for audiences packing the small theatre. Guests are invited to tour backstage after each performance.
A final stop on this part of the Crawl is Charlie's. At least, that's what I'm calling it. The only other sign is a goblet of beer under a K or an R. Two swinging doors open into or out of the cramped establishment. Once again, customers can belly-up to an L-shaped bar for a glass of what some call poison. I think this joint is in need of a bar rescue as there is zero atmosphere. Maybe Charlie was going for a sports bar theme judging from the pictures of boxers on the walls.
And now the story:
After a burglar named the Paper Bag Bandit is foiled in his attempt to hold up Happy's Place after hours, the would-be hero of the night turns out to be a fugitive who has been hiding in plain sight for ten years. Upon hearing the man's story, a public defender launches a quest to prove the man is innocent of murder.
HUNT THE MAN DOWN stars Oscar winner Gig Young (They Shoot Horses, Don't They?) as the public defender on a mission. It also features a cast of recognizable TV guest stars, most notably Frank Cady (Mr. Drucker) as the puppeteer. The script was penned by DeVallon Scott. George Archainbaud directed. The set decorators and art directors really went out of their way to design some memorable bars and clubs.
The Lonely Street Bar Noir Pub Crawl will continue. Until then, be sure to settle your tab.
2/27/23
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