Where the Mountains Meet the Sea (1959)

[Music] i came to santa monica the first time during world war ii for my health you might say this was a major rehabilitation center in those days [Music] i managed to get around a little during my convalescence and took a real fancy to the place a lot of other guys did too [Music] [Applause] like some of them after it was all over i came back and settled down why for a lot of reasons i guess the climate the people the beauty of the whole place it's sort of hard to explain i heard a poem once that pretty well sums it up though it went something like this [Music] there's a breathtaking spot in this great land of ours where the mountains descend to the sea in more wondrous beauty than words can express and my loved one did wait there for me [Music] where the mountains meet the sea that verse might have been written about santa monica to me it's not only one of the most popular seashore resorts in southern california but a little bit of paradise historians say that spanish sea captain juan rodriguez cabrillo sailed his galleons into peaceful santa monica bay some 400 years ago during an exploration voyage from mexico he was greeted they say by the first inhabitants of this now famous resort area shoshone indians [Music] some years later according to legend two thirsty soldiers from a mission of junipero serra came upon this bubbling brook upon first taste one was said to have exclaimed this water is as precious as the tears of saint monica [Music] some say this is how santa monica derived its name [Music] whether true or not today in palisades park where world-renowned wiltshire boulevard meets the vast pacific ocean saint monica watches majestically over her faithful subjects [Music] during her years of struggle to acquire and retain autonomy as a delightful suburban seashore community santa monica has had pressures applied from all sides all sides except the west that is which boundary alone has presented no threat yet is one of the city's most valuable assets the broad blue pacific [Music] although this vacation land by the edge of the sea embraces an area of only eight square miles there is more here to see to do and to enjoy than in most communities many times its size according to the latest census santa monica's population has grown to some eighty seven permanent residents of these a good number like myself are employed right here others are engaged in business in numerous nearby sections of the greater los angeles area [Music] our rapid growth may be no more unique than can be said of many other progressive american cities but for most of us to consider living elsewhere our free time our loyalty our interests belong in santa monica for some pretty obvious reasons [Applause] [Music] [Applause] one of the area's most notable residents was the beloved humorist and humanitarian will rogers whose sage advice and rye wit brought him international fame this was his home a sprawling ranch situated on a picturesque site containing some 340 acres since will's untimely death in 1935 the property has been preserved as a memorial state park it has remained exactly as he left it complete with stables corrals roping arena and riding trails winding through the beautiful countryside a landowner of perhaps longest standing in the community is motion picture personality leo carrillo familiarly known throughout the state as mr california mr carrillo still resides on property obtained from an original spanish land grant handed down to him by his illustrious ancestors his enchanting ranch is literally a colorful page out of history [Music] popular screen star caesar romero is one of the many movie personalities who either now or at one time have resided in santa monica and surrounding communities the list reads like the credits of an all-time epic motion picture spectacle names well to mention just a few there's raymond burr [Music] jane mansfield glenn ford shirley temple jerry lewis producer daryl zanik joan crawford marion davies ronald regan kerry grant [Music] the exclusive malibu beach colony is home to many who enjoy the sand and surf at their doorstep [Applause] [Music] actually santa monica's basic economic structure revolves around people people of all kinds not so much her own but rather the hundreds of thousands who come here to play to relax to enjoy the warm hospitality extended to all you might refer to it as the tourist trade santa monicans politely consider them visitors [Music] playing host to carefree vacationers from far and near is a full-time year-round activity at this popular southern california plate [Music] santa monica enjoys this pleasant if not always easy task and even during peak summer months is ably equipped to handle the needs and desires of every guest just for fun let's take a whirlwind tour of this unique eight square mile paradise and see why it has become such a popular year-round resort community [Applause] [Music] you know we have a saying that the sun doesn't hibernate it spends the winters here and blends with a soft sand and invigorating surf to form a natural formula for bathing [Music] tanning or just plain relaxing thousands of beach fans will attest to this on any balmy afternoon from the new headquarters building skillfully trained lifeguards stand watch over the bathing populace along the entire three miles of sandy beaches [Music] if they spot you during their rounds they'll tell you when you're getting a little too well roasted they'll even remove a sand speck from your eye [Music] oh come on now there's a limit even to a lifeguard [Music] if you're the athletic type maybe you'll want to try your hand at this it's a vigorous game particularly when played on sand [Music] if this is your sport be my guest [Music] at pacific ocean park america's newest and most fabulous amusement center there's exciting fun for all [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] at pop the old rub elbows with the young in a mutual quest for pleasure yes even the very young feel like strolling around and seeing the sights [Music] if you like thrill rides pop's modern roller coaster is one of the world's most exciting [Music] you'll get a rare bird's eye view of the entire park from the top of the fabulous space wheel plus a few thrilling moments while gliding through the air [Music] how about taking a spectacular sky ride out over the ocean [Music] or to the depths of davy jones locker in a diving [Music] island land of exotic birds strange tropical beasts and deep dark tunnels your friendly host at pop is none other than world famous circus clown emmett kelly [Music] these are probably the best fed seals in captivity [Music] so [Music] the fabulous sea circus [Music] a playful porpoise always seems to delight an audience this one gets his meal the hard way [Music] ever see a whale jump rope dozens of sensational acts at the sea circus captivate huge crowds at each performance when you put pop on your schedule allow plenty of time there's a lot to see and do at some time during your stay you'll probably see one of hollywood's high fashion photographers busily at work while you play this is work [Music] at several picturesque yacht harbors in the area you'll find just about everything from dinghy to schooner in the way of pleasure craft to wet your nautical appetite ah man this is really living [Music] any died in the wool rod and reeler will convince you that fishing is our greatest national pastime and what true angler would think of coming here without intending to try his skill against the mighty denizens of the deep blue pacific just name your quarry albacore marlin bass barracuda they're out there waiting for you [Music] if you like company climb aboard one of the big boats [Music] if you prefer your own company that also can be arranged [Music] of course if you're a land lover but just can't resist the thrill of fishing over a rail join the crowd on the pier you'll catch them too you know lots of folks who have come here for a visit got the feel of sand in their shoes and just decided to stay but don't have this aggressive city as being dependent entirely upon vacationers it's a happy combination of many things that have contributed to its rapid growth during recent years special emphasis has been placed on high type diversified industry including research and development of electronics so important to this space age it's a growth that has demanded constant improvement ever abroad development both municipally and through private enterprise there are a number of excellent banking institutions to serve every financial need although several daily newspapers cover the greater los angeles area most of us have come to depend upon our own for up to the minute news and timely information of both local and international significance editorially our newspaper has done much to influence and stimulate avid interest in local affairs and in this way has contributed greatly to the growth of this progressive city by the sea [Music] our paper also has the distinction of being selected reading in the local school system as an educational aide including our own city college speaking of schools santa monica is acknowledged to have one of the finest systems in the nation both scholastically and athletically [Music] douglas aircraft company one of the world's largest created its first airplane designs on a drawing board located in the rear of a local barber shop today it provides by far the biggest payroll in santa monica the story of this great company spans the history of aviation [Music] it is a saga of industrial enterprise a tribute to the genius of its founders and to the achievements of its people one of america's largest telephone systems with california headquarters located here never ceases in its efforts to improve service or require greater knowledge in the scientific progress of communications [Music] like other progressive business firms in the area ample off street parking is provided for employees and visitors recently a team of top experts at this prominent electronics firm which deals in high priority security projects came up with a mechanical brain which although designed for quite another purpose is capable of computing the income tax return of every taxpayer in america in less than 24 hours when you consider the many advantages such as ideal year-round climate recreation and opportunity you begin to understand why engineers and scientists from all corners of the land are converging upon this growing community the welcome mat is always out for men with a special kind of know-how who can help in solving the complex problems confronting fellow scientists of this fabulous electronic age [Applause] [Music] don't get the idea that missiles and rocket ships are the only products turned out in this versatile town one enterprising manufacturer has figured out how to make a bendable flex straw that will neither break nor clog up when in the hands of thirsty little kids it's completely non-electronic but it [Music] [Applause] works our town has always taken a particular interest in its senior citizens [Music] there's always plenty to do for the young to approach the twilight years [Music] some 50 churches of virtually every faith adorn the city and during the christmas season the nativity scenes in palisades park are most impressive indeed each year they are viewed by thousands of visitors and reflect the depth of spiritual feeling of the residence in fact we have become known as the christmas story city [Music] if you're a sincere lover of the arts there's a treat in store for you at the secluded j paul getty museum where priceless french tapestries and other 17th century works of art are on display [Music] our city erected this beautiful civic center architecturally attuned to the tempo of progress and credit the efficient city council city manager form of government for a phenomenon of these inflationary times taxes are far below average in santa monica [Music] our magnificent new civic auditorium was completed recently at a cost of more than three million dollars we feel that it is worth every penny for it serves the multi-purpose needs of the city in a most unique way many outstanding musical and theatrical events are staged here year round and during the christmas season the famous wilcoxon group players present their stirring nativity play hydraulically tilted floors can automatically transform the huge auditorium in moments from a concert hall or theater of the arts into a spacious level surfaced convention hall or sports arena [Music] [Music] if conventions may present a food and lodging problem in some cities not so in this crowd loving town for it has grown according to the demands made upon it and many fine hotels luxurious motels and smart restaurants are scattered type the management of this popular ever expanding establishment is prepared to serve you in an atmosphere of unexcelled comfort and enjoyment don't worry about being put up on the second floor of this beautiful motel even if you are a non-stair climber unique ramps have been thoughtfully provided for your convenience now where in the world could you enjoy a delightful lunch in more colorful surroundings than poolside at this enchanting inn complete with fashion show for your entertainment [Music] many famous orchestras have frequented this well-known ballroom which is now home base for this popular tv personality who is providing champagne music for the dancing pleasure of thousands here is a significant symbol of the thrift of the community [Music] [Applause] there are some mighty good reasons for the present boom in real estate [Music] new families are moving in daily all having succumbed to the magnetic lure of this friendly city this long-established company which has served its customers family for more than 80 years continues to grow with the population old oven of the early years is only a memory now [Music] we are especially proud of our numerous parks and our recreational program for youngsters there are many areas in which supervised play is helping to build stronger healthier bodies among the junior generation at the same time reducing delinquency fiesta time is just a little more colorful a little more romantic in this exciting fun-loving town [Music] and don't overlook the fact that hollywood and sunset strip night spots are only a few minutes away [Music] looking out over the coast highway the scenic route to san francisco you begin to realize why this is frequently called the american riviera [Music] the delightfully fresh smog free air clear blue sky and balmy sunshine which prevails most of the time are potent ingredients for good health and a sense of well-being at any age the university of california at los angeles more familiarly known as ucla is located in nearby westwood and is one of the nation's foremost institutions of higher learning it is universally recognized for its leadership in the fields of science and medical research if you should plan to fly here in your own plane you'll land at bustling clover field which is just a stone's throw from los angeles international airport [Music] this helicopter firm located here performs many unusual and hazardous services in the area this airport is said to handle more private air traffic and charter flights than any other airport in the country [Applause] many golfers consider beautiful riviera country club to have one of the finest courses in the west major tournaments are frequently held here [Music] on weekends you can witness polo at its best in this magnificent setting on the will rogers estate [Music] yes this is santa monica a seashore paradise a great place in which to vacation to work to live santa monica where the mountains meet the sea [Music] yes you probably get the idea by now that i like it here oh by the way i forgot to mention in the beginning about the boy you saw so often yeah that's right he's ours [Music] 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