Inside Hollywood care home gifted $900k fortune from iconic star who died there

When the iconic British born star of Bride of Frankenstein Elsa Lanchester died on Boxing Day 1986 at the age of 84 she left behind a fortune of $900,000 (around $2,660,386.86 in today's money). The legendary actress was married to fellow thespian Charles Laughton from 1929 until his death in 1963 at the age of 63, but the couple never had any children. Alone in the world she had spent the last years of her life in the care of The Motion Picture and Television fund in Hollywood after suffering two strokes. in the space of 30 months which left her completely incapacitated. She required constant care and was confined to bedrest. She died in the organisation's hospital and prior to that in March 1986, the charity had filed to become conservator of Lanchester and her estate.

Following her death the fortune reverted to the charity, although she had established a separate trust for her longtime accompanist Ray henderson of $250,000 ($738,996.35 in today's money). They were a worthy recipient of the money as, aside from having taken care of her prior to her death, it had helped many of her friends and fellow movie and television legends since it's formation.

Since the inception of the fund by silent screen superstar Mary Pickford in 1921, it has helped scores of industry people who would otherwise have found themselves destitute. Initally it provided financial assistance but two decades after its formation, the Motion Picture Country House, a retirement home, opened September 27, 1942 and they have added units and amenities ever since. The Motion Picture Hospital, where Elsa died, was opened on the grounds in 1948.

Some of the home's more notables residents have included comic actor Bud Costello, Star Trek legend DeForrest Kelly, actress and singer Helen Reddy, Olympic swimmer turned Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller and Munsters star Yvonne De Carlo. It also welcomes those who work behind the scenes of the industry. Fees are based on the "ability to pay" meaning those with money pay their own way, while those with no money pay nothing.

Residential care is a costly service for the organisation, with a 2019 report noting that residential care alone exceeded $10 million.

The facility boasts 60 free-standing single story Country House Garden Cottages for independent living residents. It also has three-story apartment-style accommodations for both independent and assisted living in the Fran & Ray Stark Villa. These studio and single bedroom layouts for individuals and couples are surrounded by the Roddy McDowall Rose Garden, landscaped lawns, a koi pond and a community garden.

Meanwhile the Frances Goldwyn Lodge offers cozy studios in a single story building with patio gardens which are primarily for assisted living residents. Residents can choose the Lodge dining room with wait staff for convenience.

Each area of the campus has its own elegant dining room. Exercise and fitness rooms are a feature throughout and there are activity rooms with sewing and crafts. For the green fingered residents there is a community garden with a fully equipped greenhouse. The communal areas feature spacious lounges for get togethers.

Given the background of the residents it is no surprise it also has a 250-seat cinema which is named after MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer. for those who wish to keep their hand in with the business there is also a production suite. Learning is encouraged and the library is extensive. But for those who just want to chill out there is a modern entertainment area for bingo and watching big screen television. Pets are also welcome and the campus has it's own secure fenced dog park for canine residents.