The Colbys Mansion

[Gabriel Maxwell]

I came across some old photos of the Jay Paley residence circa 1938 and I was going to post them in a Colbys mansion thread, but I realized there hasn't been one since SoapChat crashed and got resurrected in 2016. So, I'll kick one off with these photos.

The Holmby Hills mansion in Bel Air from renowned architect Paul Williams of course belongs to the Hilton family today (it can be seen more recently in the first episode of Paris Hilton's MTV reality series 'The Simple Life').

More pictures of what the mansion used to look like in the 1930s - including the gate, the pool house and the mansion interior at:

http://www.paulrwilliamsproject.org/gallery/1930s-houses/

 

[Grant Jennings]

The Paley Mansion has been used in several movies including the 1939 Kay Kyser musical "That's Right, You're Wrong" which also starred Lucille Ball. You can catch a couple of glimpses of the mansion in the trailer:
http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/98849/That-s-Right-You-re-Wrong-Original-Trailer-.html
It was also featured in the Bruce Willis, Kim Basinger film "Blind Date" and was used for many car ads in the 70s and 80s.

 

[Matthew Blaisdel]

Always when i see this house, the COLBY's theme tune is playing in my head.

 

[Gabriel Maxwell]

A splash of color for the thread:

Always when i see this house, the COLBY's theme tune is playing in my head.

And I always picture Sable in her marble bathroom, rubbing lotion into her panther-like body, plotting her next duplicitous move.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

 

[Willie Oleson]

I want to believe that's Joan Van Ark in that picture.

 

[Grant Jennings]

I want to believe that's Joan Van Ark in that picture.

I'd prefer not to believe that's Richard Simmons next to her.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

I want to believe that's Joan Van Ark in that picture.

I'd prefer not to believe that's Richard Simmons next to her.

Yes. It's Valene Simmons. She felt it was only safe to meet and discuss their relationship at the pool house because THE COLBYS was on at the same time as KNOTS LANDING and so she figured no one would find out about it.

 

[Alexis Colby Carrington]

Reminds me of Southfork a little.

 

[Gabriel Maxwell]

I see the first episode of The Simple Life is on YouTube. The mansion is used prominently in the opening 5 minutes of the episode - Paris Hilton even makes a Colbys-style entrance stepping out of a chopper at her farewell party.

There is something crass & vulgar about seeing the Hiltons and their cronies on this historic property. But I suppose this is what the Colbys -- a sophisticated TV show family -- would actually look like in real life.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

But it's the Hiltons' mansion.

 

[Matthew Blaisdel]

As sad as it is. Pearls before swine.

 

[Willie Oleson]

I think Bliss could have been a little bit more like Paris.

Her opening credit seems to suggest it anyway.

 

[Matthew Blaisdel]

I think Bliss could have been a little bit more like Paris.

But why dumbing her down that far?

 

[Gabriel Maxwell]

I love this angle. As I recall, this is where Jeff & Fallon have breakfast outside in the 4th episode, before Miles emerges from the mansion and disturbs them. Just one of the many reasons why THE COLBYS was superior to the parents series at the time. Imagine a breakfast terrace scene at Fil-oli (though they did do a nice afternoon cocktails scene by the pool in 3.04, the first episode to feature the Pasadena mansion).

 

[Ray&Donna]

The swimming pool might be my favorite part of the grounds

 

[DallasFanForever]

I think the pool might be bigger than the house!

 

[Willie Oleson]

Now the home of mega-wealthy Colby matriarch Frankie Colby. I hope she found all the happiness she richly deserved.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

Now the home of mega-wealthy Colby matriarch Frankie Colby. I hope she found all the happiness she richly deserved.

Whores usually do.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

Don't be sad, Willie Oleson. The girl can't help it.