E! True Hollywood Story Season 3 Episode 18 The Sunset Strip
- May 2, 1999
E! True Hollywood Story season 3 episode 18 takes an in-depth look at one of the most iconic streets in the world, The Sunset Strip. The episode explores the history of the infamous 1.5-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, which has been a hotspot for entertainment, nightlife, and counterculture for over a century.
The episode starts with a look at the early days of The Sunset Strip, which was just a dusty dirt road in the 1920s. But as Hollywood began to boom, The Strip also began to grow, with a flurry of nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels popping up to cater to the stars. The episode traces the fascinating history of these establishments, from the legendary Cocoanut Grove to the glamorous Trocadero.
One of the key figures in The Sunset Strip's history is the notorious gangster Mickey Cohen, who took over much of The Strip's nightlife in the 1940s and '50s. The episode explores Cohen's reign of terror, which included bombings, kidnappings, and murders. But even as Cohen and his gang wreaked havoc, The Sunset Strip continued to thrive as a hotspot for music and culture.
As the 1960s dawned, The Strip became ground zero for the counterculture movement, with legendary clubs like Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy becoming the places to be seen for musicians, actors, and artists. The episode explores the colorful characters who frequented these clubs, from Jim Morrison and Elvis Presley to Janis Joplin and Andy Warhol.
But The Sunset Strip was not without its controversies. In the 1960s and '70s, the Strip was the site of numerous riots and protests, as young people clashed with police over issues like freedom of expression and civil rights. The episode looks back on these tumultuous times, which helped to shape the culture of the era.
The 1980s and '90s brought a whole new era to The Sunset Strip, with hair metal and glam rock taking center stage. Bands like Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue, and Poison packed the clubs and brought a new level of debauchery to the Strip. The episode explores the wild lifestyle of these bands, as well as the tragic consequences that came with excess.
Finally, the episode looks at the present-day Sunset Strip, which has evolved yet again in the 21st century. While many of the classic venues have closed down or been replaced, The Strip remains a cultural icon and a symbol of Hollywood glamour. From the trendy bars and restaurants that now line the street to the new generation of musicians and artists who call it home, The Sunset Strip remains as vibrant and exciting as ever.
Overall, E! True Hollywood Story season 3 episode 18 is a fascinating exploration of one of the most iconic streets in the world. With its mix of history, culture, and scandal, The Sunset Strip has been a magnet for celebrities and trendsetters for over a century, and this episode provides a captivating look at its rich legacy.