Sumith Prasad
Spencer Dutton and Luca Maceo arrive at the Hollywood Dinner Club in the second episode of the second season of Paramount+’s Western series ‘1923.’ The establishment is introduced as the property of Salvatore V. “Sam” Maceo, one of Luca’s two cousins who has built a business empire of their own in Galveston. After a long and tiring journey to the United States, Spencer quickly has a meal from the club and is even introduced to the marvel of pizza. As the show depicts, the origin of the Hollywood Dinner Club can be traced back to the Texan city’s history, but it does not mean that ardent admirers of the series can drop by the place!
The Hollywood Dinner Club is Based on a Real Establishment
As ‘1923’ presents, the Hollywood Dinner Club really existed in Galveston in the first half of the 20th century. It was built by Sam, the inspiration behind Sal Maceo, and his brother, Rosario Maceo, along with their mentor, Ollie Quinn. The establishment was opened at the intersection of 61st Street and Avenue S in 1926. The club, which was built in the romantic Spanish colonial revival style by Galveston architect R. Rapp, boasted crystal chandeliers, a humongous dance floor, and, most importantly, air conditioning, reportedly making it the first club in the country to use the same.
The property became the face of the “Free State of Galveston” by hosting big names in the entertainment industry of the time. Sam brought renowned figures such as Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, Jimmy Dorsey, and Peggy Lee to the club, which was also known as the Hollywood. The establishment was further part of the heart of Galveston’s gambling scene. Oil tycoons such as Glenn McCarthy and Jack Josey became regulars at the place, making it a prominent landmark in the city. Even Frank Sinatra was closely associated with Sam and was part of the “Hollywood circle” of the time.
The Hollywood can be seen as the predecessor of the Balinese Room, which was also built by Sam and Rosario. While the Houstonians flocked to the latter, the Galvestonians remained loyal to the former. The Hollywood was finally shut down in 1939 after the Maceo brothers had a dispute with the US Department of the Treasury. Even though it existed only 13 years, its glamour ensured that it would remain an eternal part of Galveston’s history. To shoot the scenes set in the club, the cast and crew of ‘1923’ relied on Grand Galvez, a luxurious hotel located at 2024 Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, only around a couple of miles away from the original location of the Hollywood.
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