
The Hollywood Sign Preview
Preview: Episode 2 | 31sVideo has Closed Captions
The story of how a real estate advertisement international symbol of the American dream.
The story of how a real estate advertisement erected in 1923 became an international symbol of fame, fortune and the American dream.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein is a production of Show of Force, DMR Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. David M. Rubenstein is the host and executive...

The Hollywood Sign Preview
Preview: Episode 2 | 31sVideo has Closed Captions
The story of how a real estate advertisement erected in 1923 became an international symbol of fame, fortune and the American dream.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Iconic America
Iconic America is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
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Our Symbols and Stories
David Rubenstein examines the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects and places, in conversation with historical thinkers, community members and other experts. Together, they dive deep into each symbol’s history, using them as a gateway to understanding America’s past and present.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipOn Iconic America.
That Hollywood sign is the most famous sign in the entire world.
Nothing can touch it.
It represents this dream factory.
People can project onto it whatever meaning they want.
It's not too surprising that Hollywood also has a lot of anecdotes and myths about its own origins.
This is the West Coast version of the Statue of Liberty, right?
Sylvester Stallone.
And I'm in his shoes.
Could Hollywood Be Successful Again?
Video has Closed Captions
A once-popular genre enjoyed a renaissance and helped save Hollywood in the 60s. (1m 10s)
Hollywood as the Ultimate LA Symbol
Video has Closed Captions
This clip explains the role that car culture played in creating this timeless icon. (1m 14s)
Video has Closed Captions
This clip looks at some of the anecdotes and myths about the origin of the Hollywood. (1m 22s)
Often Imitated, Never Duplicated
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From Dollywood to Bollywood & Nollywood, the Hollywood sign has inspired many imitators. (3m 15s)
Video has Closed Captions
Hollywood has bottled a kind of intangible magic that is inaccessible to most people. (1m 2s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipIconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein is a production of Show of Force, DMR Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. David M. Rubenstein is the host and executive...