Our only claim to fame about the famous Chelsea Hotel was eating at El Quijote restaurant, located on the ground floor. Passing the famous red brick building on 23rd street, the place always had an allure for us with its lobby full of paintings from some of the artists that made it their home. A lot of famous people and celebrities lived in the legendary hotel throughout its long history.
Abel Ferrara, the director, has fond memories of the Chelsea Hotel in his documentary. The hotel was an outpost of bohemian life for most of the people that came to spend part of their lives in the place. Even the ghosts that seem to dwell in certain apartments have long stories themselves.
One of the most famous tenants were Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen, who died stabbed to death in the bathroom of the unit they occupied. This vignette is illustrated with actors in the attempt to recreate what really went on that fatal day. There are different accounts about the crime, but sadly, her case was never solved, although Sid Vicious went to jail because he was the main suspect. Ironically the knife that killed Nancy was bought on 42nd street, supposedly by Sid.
The most interesting vignette comes from a famous former resident, Milos Forman. He meets with Stanley Bard, the ex-owner of the Chelsea to reminisce about the fire in the hotel while Mr. Forman was living there. According to his story, Milos Forman, upon realizing there was a fire on the fifth floor, came out of his room with only a tee shirt on. A friendly woman gave him a skirt to cover his nakedness.
The accounts of some of the famous residents, past and present are presented in a casual manner. Ethan Hawke talks about returning to live at the Chelsea when his marriage to Uma Thurman was crumbling. Robert Crumb, Dennis Hopper, Stanley Bard and others recount stories at the Chelsea with fondness.
Sadly, the hotel was sold for a lot of money and it is not accepting any paying guests, pending perhaps relocation of those stragglers to be made into a monstrosity. The Chelsea Hotel's history will never be duplicated. Thanks to Abel Ferrara we are given a guided tour of the famous place.
Abel Ferrara, the director, has fond memories of the Chelsea Hotel in his documentary. The hotel was an outpost of bohemian life for most of the people that came to spend part of their lives in the place. Even the ghosts that seem to dwell in certain apartments have long stories themselves.
One of the most famous tenants were Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen, who died stabbed to death in the bathroom of the unit they occupied. This vignette is illustrated with actors in the attempt to recreate what really went on that fatal day. There are different accounts about the crime, but sadly, her case was never solved, although Sid Vicious went to jail because he was the main suspect. Ironically the knife that killed Nancy was bought on 42nd street, supposedly by Sid.
The most interesting vignette comes from a famous former resident, Milos Forman. He meets with Stanley Bard, the ex-owner of the Chelsea to reminisce about the fire in the hotel while Mr. Forman was living there. According to his story, Milos Forman, upon realizing there was a fire on the fifth floor, came out of his room with only a tee shirt on. A friendly woman gave him a skirt to cover his nakedness.
The accounts of some of the famous residents, past and present are presented in a casual manner. Ethan Hawke talks about returning to live at the Chelsea when his marriage to Uma Thurman was crumbling. Robert Crumb, Dennis Hopper, Stanley Bard and others recount stories at the Chelsea with fondness.
Sadly, the hotel was sold for a lot of money and it is not accepting any paying guests, pending perhaps relocation of those stragglers to be made into a monstrosity. The Chelsea Hotel's history will never be duplicated. Thanks to Abel Ferrara we are given a guided tour of the famous place.