Readers Remember

It was May 8, 1945, shortly after dawn. I was in a Jeep riding into Paris when I became aware of a beehive of activity. Bunting, flags and loudspeakers were being hung in all the main boulevards and circles. Speeches over loudspeakers announced that the war in Europe was over.

People in the crowded streets of Paris were screaming, yelling and crying with joy. The music and dancing began. For three days the celebration continued. Champagne and wine flowed freely. Music and dancing, hugging and kissing; Americans, British, French, Russians all celebrating together. Bonfires burned in all the main circles as the celebration continued night and day.

BRUNO V. TIMPANO

North Hills

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As a teenager and film buff in the mid-1930s, I remember the previews of Hollywood’s major productions at theaters in Long Beach. What a thrill when Garbo in sunglasses, huge straw hat and smoking a cigarette came out an exit door at the preview of “Conquest.” Another night there was Judy Garland, a young girl in fur coat and slacks with pinkish hair. “It photographs better,” she explained.

Jean Arthur, Henry Fonda and James Stewart sat in a coffee shop after one showing. I got an autograph from the two guys but Arthur refused until Stewart said, “Go ahead, give the kid a break.”

BOB BOARD

Hollywood

What do you recall most about the 20th century? In 200 words or less, send us your memories, comments or eyewitness accounts. We will publish as many as we can on this page until the end of the year. Write to Century, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or e-mail century@latimes.com. We regret we cannot acknowledge individual submissions. Letters may be edited for space.