Hollywood plans patriotic gesture

How the Hollywood sign could look if changed

By entertainment correspondent Peter Bowes in Los Angeles

The famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles may be about to undergo a dramatic paint job in honour of America's servicemen and women.

An LA city councillor has come up with the idea of painting the "Tinsel Town" landmark red, white and blue in the style of the US flag.

It wouldn't look right red, white and blue

LA resident

Eric Garcetti, who represents the Hollywood area, will propose the change at a city council meeting on Wednesday.

"Hollywood loves America and there's a really good shot for us to express that," he explained.

Veteran's Day

"It's a chance for us to show that Hollywood has always stood by the fighting men and women of this country."

The sign's new look would not be permanent. The idea is that it would resemble an American flag for two weeks beginning 11 November to coincide with Veterans' Day in the US.

The Hollywood sign as it is today

In addition to paying tribute to the victims of past wars, Councillor Garcetti said it would also show the nation that Hollywood supported the troops during "these extraordinary times" as America wages war against terrorism.

"To show that the symbol of Los Angeles and the symbol of America backs this country at a time that we need to show that," he added.

Landmark towers

Universal Studios Hollywood, one of LA's best known tourist attractions, has agreed to cover the cost of the paint job and take responsibility for restoring the sign to its original look.

The plan has not gone down well with people living in the nearby Hollywood Hills.

The landmark towers over a residential area and some locals are concerned that a Hollywood sign depicting the stars and stripes would become a potential target for terrorists.

"Why should we jeopardise that?" said one woman.

"They should just leave it alone. You don't want to change that landmark."

Yellow ribbon

Another resident added, "It wouldn't look right red, white and blue."

If the proposal is approved, it would be the second time the sign has been used in support of US troops. A yellow ribbon was placed around the sign during the Gulf War.

Other commercially motivated attempts to change the sign have not been successful.

The Disney studio tried and failed to have it covered in black spots to promote the 1996 live action remake of 101 Dalmatians.

Pitiful attempt

During the millennium celebrations, the sign, which is normally never illuminated, was lit up on the stroke of midnight.

However, the colourful display was derided as a pitiful attempt by the City of Los Angeles to mark the turning of the century.

The 450-foot-wide sign was first erected in 1923 to help boost house sales in a development known as Hollywoodland. The letters "land" were eventually dropped to make it just Hollywood.