It is strange that two of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood would be linked together. But it is true; Dylan O’Brien and Nat Wolff are the son and grandson of Harvey and Marion Lautner, who are credited with making the first celebrity endorsements in the early 1900s. They are also the parents of Scott Lautner.
While appearing in several films together, including The Legend of 1900, Harriet the Spy, and Black Sheep, the family split in 1914, with Marion and the two boys eventually moving to California. There, in Los Angeles, they built a reputation as the “first family of Hollywood,” making celebrity endorsements and hosting lavish dinner parties for Hollywood’s elite. Several major motion pictures, including The Great Ziegfeld and White Goddess, were partly inspired by their unique lifestyle.
Harvey Lautner died in 1936, and Marion Lautner followed him a few years later. The two boys, now grown up and having established themselves in the industry, continued to live in their parents’ house. Nat Wolff died in 1993, and Dylan O’Brien in 2006. Since then, the house has been empty, with no one currently living there.
In light of this history, it is no surprise that Scott Lautner, grandson of Harvey and Marion Lautner and owner of the property, decided to buy and restore the historic Spanish Colonial-style house. For those seeking a little bit of Hollywood history, it is well worth the visit. It is located in the desirable Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles, and its current status as a museum is one of the city’s many attractions. A guided tour through its various elegant rooms and opulently laid out garden will take you back in time to the golden era of Hollywood. So if you ever find yourself in Los Angeles, be sure to pay a visit to 660 N. Vine Street.
All Wrapped Up in Red
When it comes to the famous Hollywood family homes, many people think of the opulent mansions of Greta Garbo, Mary Pickford, and the Marxes. However, as mentioned above, the Lautner and Pattinson mansions are also famous for their grand entrances, which have quite a tradition behind them. One of the most photographed and iconic houses in Hollywood history is the 6,000-square-foot abode of Marion and Harvey Lautner. The house is filled with expensive furniture, ornamental plants, and animals. When you first enter the front door, you are immediately greeted by an impeccably dressed man in a suit, who would politely ask you to remove your shoes. If you look closely, you will notice that all of the house’s interior doors are covered in red wallpaper, an indication of the house’s wealthy inhabitants. Also, the lawn is decorated with white stone statues that stand for American royalty.
Located on the same street as the Lautner mansion, the 6,400-square-foot house of Alfred and Florence Pattinson also has a storied history. The expansive property is filled with ornaments, fountains, statuary, and even a swimming pool. The Pattinson’s have two sons who grew up in the house; when Alfred died in 1925, his wife Florence continued to live there with their two sons. It was during this time that the couple’s two sons, John and Donald, gained legendary status in Hollywood. A few years later, in 1929, the family became more famous still when John and Donald married two sisters, Janet and Dorothy. Since the marriage, the house has been known as the “Wedded Bliss” house and served as the setting for the majority of the films the couple starred in together. Some of their more memorable moments were in the musicals Sister Swing and The Music Man, in which they sang and danced. In the former, they played brother and sister romantically involved in a murder plot, while in the latter, they were the title characters, an odd couple who fall in love despite their differences. The films are filled with eye-catching costumes, catchy songs, and dance routines, making them two of the most iconic musicals of all time. Perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of the Pattinson home is that it has an entire room devoted to the legend of “Cupid,” the mascot of the University of Southern California. This particular room is filled with numerous artifacts associated with the famous college sports team. A giant Cupid statue in the center of the room is flanked by two smaller versions, all made of wood. The room is bathed in light, with large windows that allow for plenty of natural lighting. There are also many portraits of Florence Pattinson and her two famous sons, adorned with fashionable outfits and elegant wreaths.
Back to the Present
For those living in the 21st century, the history behind these three famous landmarks is largely irrelevant. They might as well be a part of Hollywood’s past. Nonetheless, the houses’ grand entrances, detailed interior designs, and prominent placement in the Hollywood hills make them a familiar sight for anyone remotely interested in the subject. It seems, however, that few people truly know much about their past, perhaps because the houses are rarely open to the public. Those interested in learning about the history of the Lautner and Pattinson homes may have to seek out unofficial sources or take a long, cold walk up the block. Thankfully, with a little bit of internet searching, they can learn all they need to know about the houses. For example, one can find out that the Lautner mansion’s formal entrance is located on the right side of the building, while its more private back entrance is on the left. Similarly, the Pattinson house has a front entrance facing north, while the back entrance faces south. Just remember to bring your shoes when you visit so you do not track any mud on the rugs.