The Dawn (and the Dwan) of Movie Making in La Mesa, California

The dawn of motion pictures on this edition of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, as the G-Men welcome San Diego film historian Wade Douglas. We remember Allan Dwan, an early film director with the "American Film Manufacturing Company", headquartered in the La Mesa area of San Diego, back in 1911. We recall Dwan's early work in this region, and Wade tells us about a commemorative plaque that will be unveiled on August 12, 2011, and is to be placed on the original building that American Film, or "Flying A" was located in. The opening of this studio in La Mesa, California, preceded the opening of Hollywood's first studio by two months. Dwan later went on to have a successful career in Hollywood, directing dozens of films in a long and productive career. Out Retro-Commercial is for good old Planters Peanuts. Lights, camera, action...it's time for Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!