HOLLYWOOD, CA - Hollywood, land of bright lights, movie stars and broken dreams. Is it any wonder that a place which inspires such passion, such ultimates in highs and lows would also be a place that some souls find difficult to leave, even after death?

Many people hope to spot a celebrity when they visit Tinseltown, but if you know where to look, you just might spot a celebrity ghost! Stories of restless spirits abound in Los Angeles. We thought it would be interesting to explore the legends surrounding some of the area's most famous shades. Our tour of Haunted Hollywood will put you on the trail of such luminaries as Marilyn Monroe, Clifton Webb, Orson Welles, Rudolph Valentino, Ozzie Nelson, Lon Chaney and Montgomery Clift.

Hollywood Park Memorial Cemetery

Our search begins, where else, Hollywood Park Memorial Cemetery. The park at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. is the last resting place of many of Hollywood's elite, including Charlie Chaplin Jr., Rudolph Valentino, and Douglas Fairbanks. Actor Clifton Webb, however, seems to have made the cemetery his permanent home. Best known for his roles in Laura and the original Mr. Belvedere, Webb's restless spirit has been seen lurking in the foyer of the Abbey of Palms Mausoleum (free maps are available at the administration Building). Webb might prove to be an indecisive spirit, as his ghost has also been reportedly seen at his former Hollywood Hills home.

While at Hollywood Memorial Park, you might also want to check out the grave of Virginia Rappe. For those who are too young, or don't remember, Virginia is the girl who died in the Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle scandal in the days of silent film. Although Arbuckle was acquitted of any wrongdoing in the starlet's death, the scandal, nevertheless, ruined his career. The sound of phantom sobbing has been reported near Virginia's last resting place.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

A stop at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a must, as at least two famous, and several not so famous, ghosts reside there. The hotel's most famous haunting concerns a mirror which sits outside the elevators in the lower level. Hundreds of tourists pass the full length mirror each day without knowing its strange history. The mirror was originally part of the furnishings in a room which was frequently used by Marilyn Monroe. Several people have reported seeing the tragic actress' image reflected in the glass of this particular mirror. Upon turning around, of course, no one was there. While we're on the subject of Marilyn, it is of interest to note that her ghost has also been spotted hovering near her tomb at Westwood Memorial Cemetery, which is located at 1218 Glendon Ave, Westwood.

Room number 928 of the Roosevelt has a permanent guest that often shares his quarters with the more temporary visitors. Actor Mongomery Clift lived there for three months while filming From Here To Eternity. Hotel guests and employees alike have reported feeling the actor's presence. Some of these "feelings" have even been tactile. One guest felt a hand patting her shoulder and others claim cold spots in the room.

In addition to its' two famous spirits, The Roosevelt also sports some lesser known ghosts. Guests visiting the Blossom Room, which played host to the first Academy Awards banquet, have reported cold spots and several witnesses have spotted a spectre dressed in a white suit on the balcony above the mezzanine. When they approach, the ghost simply vanishes.

More Hollywood Haunts

Across the street from the Roosevelt, Mann's Chinese Theatre is the home of a couple of spirits. The ghost of actor Victor Killian is said to search the sidewalk outside the theatre for the man who bludgeoned him to death in his nearby apartment in 1982. Employees of the theatre have also told of strange sounds and movement coming from behind the theatre's curtain, often after hours when no one else is there.

Heading east down Hollywood Blvd., you will reach the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine. Appropriately, one of horror's greatest stars, Lon Chaney, lives on here as the departed actor's form was often seen sitting on a bus bench at the intersection. Although reports of his ghost ceased when the bench was removed a few years back, you never know when itmight return.

The caped figure of Chaney is also said to haunt sound stage 28 at Universal Studios (a bit of trivia you're not likely to hear on the tour). Several Universal employees have reported strange activities (apparitions, noises, cold spots) around the Jaws lagoon as well, especially after hours. The identity of this shade is unknown.

Paramount Studios at 5451 Marathon Ave. in Hollywood is reportedly host to the spirit of Rudolph Valentino. The Sheik's shimmering spectre has been seen floating among old garments in the costume department. In addition, an unidentified ghost is said to roam the catwalks above Studio five.

America's favorite father Ozzie Nelson reportedly haunts the home where he lived for over twenty five years, now a private residence at 1822 Camino Palermo Rd. in the Hollywood Hills. When Harriet Nelson sold the house in 1980, the new owners discovered many mysterious activities going on including faucets and lights that turned themselves on and off, doors that opened and closed themselves and loud footsteps when no one was there.

Dessert with Mr. Welles

While touring Haunted Hollywood, you're likely to get hungry, so why not combine lunch or dinner with some additional ghost hunting. Sweet Lady Jane's Restaurant at 8360 N. Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles serves great food and exquisite desserts. They also play host to the ghost of actor Orson Welles. Customers and employees have reported seeing Welles' caped apparition sitting at his favorite table. The scent of his favorite brandy and cigars have often accompanied these sightings.

This is merely a taste of what's available for those wishing to explore Hollywood's macabre side. Visit some more old Hollywood haunts and start questioning the employees. I'll bet you uncover even more famous Hollywood ghosts!

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The National Directory of Haunted Places -- Dennis William Hauck's encyclopedic reference is a must for ghost hunters and fans of the unexplained with state-by-state listings of Weird Wanderings!.