King transfixed by supermarket

Dec. 2, 1957: In what The Times described as a “tornado-like tour of the city,” King Mohamed V of Morocco swept through Los Angeles.

Despite visits to Lockheed, Beverly Hills, Paramount Studios and a dinner at the Biltmore Hotel, he seemed most captivated by an ordinary supermarket, The Times said.

The king spotted the market at La Brea Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, and insisted on stopping.

“Inside the supermarket, he caused ripples of excitement among customers and employees.... His Majesty evinced particular interest in the long rows of canned goods, fresh vegetables and packaged meats,” The Times reported.

A spokesman told the newspaper, “He wanted to see how the American people shop. One of the miracles of America, in the minds of his people, is your supermarkets.”