California Storytellers, Stories

Clint Eastwood has spent most his life telling stories and entertaining millions of people around the world through movies and film productions. Fans identify with his character portrayals in THE OUTLAW JOSIE WALES, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, HANG ‘EM HIGH, DIRTY HARRY and dozens of other films though the celebrity actually works as successful director, producer and composer, as well. He takes stories and transforms them into box office hits. California's most famous industry attracts tourists to see entertainment venues such as theme parks, film studios, stage plays, concerts and beaches where stories come to life through on-location filming. Here is a small sampling of famous storytellers and theme parks, museums, buildings and attractions that pay homage to them:

Great storytellers and stories in California

Mark Twain -- Angels Camp hosts Twainfest and Jumping Frog Jubilee based on the famed author Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 - April 21, 1910), stories featuring locations and experiences the author and publisher had in Calaveras County, California's Gold Country and the Bay Area primarily.

Charles M. Schulz is perhaps the best known cartoonist worldwide creating syndicated cartoons and characters Peanuts, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and others seen in theme park attractions such as Knott's Berry Farm. You can visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa to see original storyboards, his office recreated and fascinating archival content on display.

Universal Studios The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was introduced in the spring 2016. The themed attraction was based on the fictional Harry Potter character of English author Joanne (J.K.) Rowling. The theme park is located on one portion of a studio with the popular tram ride traveling to back lots.

Walt Disney made a name for himself in California with his cartoons featuring Mickey Mouse and other characters. As his income and success grew he built a theme park in Anaheim, Disneyland. There are now 6 theme parks around the globe and an amazing array of movies, merchandise and productions.

John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, Calif. He was awarded The Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962 for works such as The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men. National Steinbeck Center in Salinas is a must-see paying tribute to this important author. The museum hosts an annual Steinebeck Festival focused on literary works.

Dr. Seuss -- Theodor Seuss Geisel lived in La Jolla where he wrote well known children's books -- The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and Green Eggs and Ham. The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection is a traveling exhibit (drseussart.com) with a collection of Dr. Seuss art.

Hans Christian Andersen wrote many beloved children's fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Nightingale. In the Danish village of Solvang the Book Loft features Hans Christian Andersen Museum.

Erle Stanley Gardner, attorney and creator of the famed Perry Mason fictional character, lived in Temecula, Calif. Gardner wrote 151 books that sold 325 million copies. His best selling works, the 82 Perry Mason mysteries, were adapted first for radio then became a popular TV series resulting in 271 episodes running from 1957 until 1966. You can see his actual office furniture in a re-created office at the Temecula History Museum. In Ventura you can see Erle Stanley Gardner Office Building - Birth place of fictional detective, Perry Mason, 21 S. California St.

Washington Irving's Squire of Bracebridge has been transformed into a sumptuous banquet right out of the story. Bracebridge Dinner. It has been performed at Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park since 1927.

William Shakespeare -- The summerShakespeare Festival season features plays and productions in more than 15 communities in California. The 16th century born English poet, playwright, and actor, was widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.

Charles Dickens - Dickens Festivals in San Francisco and Riverside celebrate the English author best known the first of his Christmas stories, A Christmas Carol, written in 1843. That famed story has been performed annually at Christmastime at Knott's Berry Farm and on hundreds of stages throughout the state of California.

Jack London - Author of The Call of the Wild, White Fang, John Barleycorn and other literary works is honored at Jack London Classic Film Festival in Sonoma. The California author has Jack London State Historic Park named after him, and you can also visit Heinhold's First and Last Chance Saloon in Oakland where London was known to drop by in his youth.