Last but not least: Happy ending in Hollywood
A conclusion that couldn't be more perfect. After a long period of hope and anxiety, it is now finally certain: The famous Hollywood sign, originally a publicity stunt from 1923, will remain in the California city.
But why should the Los Angeles landmark be taken down at all - it would be like removing the Eiffel Tower from Paris? Allegedly, the previous owner had wanted to demolish the lettering for a new building complex. The property has now been purchased for 12.5 million dollars thanks to donations. Director Steven Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks as well as Playboy founder Hugh Hefner are said to have shown their generosity. The editor-in-chief of the men's magazine put up a whole 900,000 dollars for the nine letters. However, it is unclear whether Hefner made any demands. It wouldn't be the first time that the landmark has been used for some kind of gimmick: In the 1970s, for example, advocates of a more generous marijuana law unceremoniously converted the lettering to "Hollyweed". When Pope John Paul II came to visit in 1987, he was greeted with "Holywood". Will a Playboy bunny soon be added to the lettering?
(Pictures: Keystone)
