For our final episode of Puttin' on the Ritz we travel south of the border to Mexico and back in time to the Roaring '20s. Our specific destination is the town of Tijuana, just across the border from San Diego, California. Tijuana was popular with film stars for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it was not subject to prohibition and booze was readily available. Other south of the border attractions were gambling, unique sporting events (dog racing and jai alai), and other activities frowned up on the righteous citizens of southern California. Tijuana also offered celebrities some isolation from their adoring fans.

When it opened in the 1920s, the Mexicali Beer Hall occupied a full city block on the Avenida Revolución. One reason the hall required so much space is that it boasted the longest bar in the world--nearly 200 feet in length. The Mexicali Beer Hall was also in close proximity to other popular Tijuana hot spots like the Alhambra Cafe, the Savoy Cafe, the Tivoli Bar, the Monte Carlo Casino, and the Tijuana Racetrack, all of which catered to visitors from Los Angeles.

Soon after prohibition ended in the US (1933) business at the Mexicali Beer Hall declined and it was eventually replaced by a Woolworth store. Looking at the picture postcard above, though, you can easily imagine the lively times had by the wealthy gringo celebrities who frequented the place during its heyday.