Many believe that "Dorothy" refers to Judy Garland, who played Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz". However, more likely, this Dorothy was really Dorothy Parker.
The story begins at West Hollywood adjacent Garden of Allah, built at 8150 Sunset Blvd. by obnoxious lesbian actress Alla Nazimova. In the 1930's, Dorothy Parker, a writer, satirist, and wisecracking partier had a large following of gay men in her famous social circle. It became common for gay men to use the code phrase, "I'm a friend of Dorothy" to indicate they were invited to Dorothy's wild parties held in Garden of Allah's exclusive celebrity villas. The phrase morphed into a secret code all across the country to indicate one was gay. That's right, the phrase was invented in Gay West Hollywood!
The Garden of Allah was shut down in 1959 to make way for what is now McDonalds & El Pollo Loco. Some say Joni Mitchell was referring to The Garden of Allah in her hit song "Big Yellow Taxi", when she sings "They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot", but it is likely a rumor.
The story begins at West Hollywood adjacent Garden of Allah, built at 8150 Sunset Blvd. by obnoxious lesbian actress Alla Nazimova. In the 1930's, Dorothy Parker, a writer, satirist, and wisecracking partier had a large following of gay men in her famous social circle. It became common for gay men to use the code phrase, "I'm a friend of Dorothy" to indicate they were invited to Dorothy's wild parties held in Garden of Allah's exclusive celebrity villas. The phrase morphed into a secret code all across the country to indicate one was gay. That's right, the phrase was invented in Gay West Hollywood!
The Garden of Allah was shut down in 1959 to make way for what is now McDonalds & El Pollo Loco. Some say Joni Mitchell was referring to The Garden of Allah in her hit song "Big Yellow Taxi", when she sings "They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot", but it is likely a rumor.
Very well written and interesting series of books by Martin Turnbull about the Garden of Allah and Hollywood.
ReplyDeleteThat thing about Joni Mitchell talking about the Garden of Allah in her song is just an urban myth. She was talking about Hawaii - she'd just been there on vacation and was horrified at all the construction going on.
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