Eddie Brandt

Eddie August Brandt was a remarkable figure in mid-20th century entertainment, whose creative talents spanned music, television, and ultimately, film preservation. Though best known for his iconic Los Angeles video store, Brandt was a true Renaissance man of Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark across multiple artistic domains.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on August 5, 1920, Eddie Brandt's journey into the entertainment world began early. As a teenage movie-theater usher, he developed a passion for film memorabilia that would later define his career. His musical talents emerged during World War II, where he served as a radar specialist and became a self-taught piano player.

During his military service, Brandt formed a band called Eddie Brandt and the Hollywood Hicks. His musical prowess was evident in the numerous compositions he created in the 1940s. Brandt wrote hit songs that captured the era's musical spirit, including "Heaven Knows," "None but the Lonely Heart," and "Rock and Roll Wedding".

Television and Creative Pursuits

The 1950s and 1960s saw Brandt diversifying his creative talents across television. He wrote for various television shows and became a multi-talented performer. On The Spade Cooley Show, he both wrote and performed, demonstrating his versatility.

In the 1960s, Brandt expanded his creative repertoire further. He worked as a cartoonist, writer, composer, and even voice performer for animated projects. During this period, he met his second wife Claire, an animator, whom he married in 1968.

Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee: A Film Preservation Legacy

In 1967, Brandt and his wife Claire opened Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee, a memorabilia store that would become legendary among film enthusiasts. Located in North Los Angeles, the store was groundbreaking, becoming the first to rent videos in the city in the late 1970s.

By June 2011, the store boasted an extraordinary collection: 82,000 videos, 20,000 DVDs, two million photographs, and tens of thousands of movie posters. Its reputation was so significant that it attracted media attention, with notable programs featuring segments about the unique establishment.

Later Life and Enduring Impact

As Brandt aged, he suffered a series of strokes that forced his retirement from the store. However, his legacy continued through his wife Claire and son Donovan, who managed the business. On February 20, 2011, Eddie Brandt passed away at 90, leaving behind a rich tapestry of creative achievements.

Brandt's life exemplified the multifaceted nature of mid-20th century entertainment professionals. From musician to television writer, animator to film memorabilia curator, he embodied the creative spirit of Hollywood's golden era.

Works and Appearances

Music

• Compositions (1940s):
• "Heaven Knows"
• "None but the Lonely Heart"
• "There's No Place Like Hawaii"
• "I'm Drowning My Sorrows"
• "The Tears in Your Eyes"
• "High School Romance"
• "Shortnin' Bread Rock"
• "Rock and Roll Wedding"

Television

• Wrote for unnamed television shows in the 1950s
• Performed on The Spade Cooley Show
• Worked on animated projects as writer, composer, and voice performer

Business

• Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee (1967-2011)
• Pioneering video rental and film memorabilia store
• Largest video collection in the United States as of 2011