Whitley Heights 101

In 1920, the Hollywood entertainment industry really began to boom as America grew into what was known as the “Roaring 20s”. Several important events happened in Hollywood in 1920. United Artists was created by Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and D.W. Griffith. Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford were married March 27, 1920 and became the “King and Queen of Hollywood” and their Pickford home became the center of social activities. (see aerial view below of Pickford in 1920). Jackie Coogan was discovered by Charlie Chaplin and starred in “The Kid”. Polish actress Pola Negri became popular in the U.S. after starring in the foreign film “Passion”. Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd were the top two comedian actors, while Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle retired from acting due to a scandal. John Barrymore starred in “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and Will Rogers, Buster Keaton, Gloria Swanson, and Clara Kimball Young were the rising stars.

Director Sidney Franklin was building a house in Whitley Heights at 6658 Whitley Terrace. Arthur C. Munson was the architect and Arthur S. Barnes was the contractor of the house. On August 20, 1920 the Hollywood Citizen reported:

While the Whitley house was being built, Franklin started his own company, Sidney Franklin Productions, after working for Lasky Studio for the past four years. While living here, he directed Smilin’ Though starring Norma Shearer and it was this film that put him on the map as a talented director. Franklin went on to direct 72 films with actresses such as Greta Garbo, Mary Pickford, and Norma Talmadge.

Sidney Franklin lived in Whitley Heights until December of 1923 when he sold the home to Harry and Mary Kistleman. Franklin was building a larger home at 717 N. Palm Drive in Beverly Hills.

While living at Whitley Terrace, the Kistleman’s made a few improvements on the home. In 1926, with architect Nathan Coleman’s assistance, they added two more bedrooms, a garage, one more bathroom, and a recreational room. In 1928, they extended the dining room by seven feet. The house now had a separate apartment that has been rented out through the years. According to the Whitley Heights National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form, actor Henry Jones lived here. Jones had starred in over 200 television movies and shows. He is best known for his small roles in Vertigo (1958), 3:10 to Yuma (1957), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), and The Grifters (1990).

The house has had several other owners since 1943 when the house was for sale. There have been minor additions to the house such as a storage shed, a sun deck, and making improvements to the pool.

With a drive by the front of the residence, one would not know the exact size of the house unless they flew by in a helicopter.

6658 Whitley Terrace will always be remembered as the house director Sidney Franklin built!