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Vintage L.A.: Documentary on The Historic King Eddy Saloon Screens Tonight
Photo via the King Eddy on Facebook
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When news came down the pike about the closing of historic Skid Row Bar the King Eddy, Downtowners and L.A. history buffs lamented. It's considered one of the last legit dives in the area, and we're not talking about the pseudo-vintage bars to appeal to the mustachioed hipster crowd.
The King Eddy is located in an area of Downtown on 5th and Los Angeles that's called "the Nickel." It's been owned by the same family for nearly 50 years, but at the end of summer ownership will transfer over to Michael Leko Urbano Pizza Bar, Spring Street Bar, and the Library Bar. No word as to whether the new owners will keep the 6 a.m. opening hours. But some, like the film's creators, aren't thrilled with what they consider to be the end of an era. The bar is a pilgrimage for fans of American novelist John Fante, who set the scene of his novel Ask the Dust in the basement of the King Eddy. Novelist James M. Cain also was known to hang out at the dive while researching his book The Postman Always Rings Twice.
Blogdowntown reports that tonight Los Angeles Visionaries Association (LAVA) will be screening a short documentary film about the history of the King Eddy this evening at the saloon. Admission is free, and the movie will play from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Visit the LAVA site for more details.
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