Renovated 1977, 1999 Opened 1934 | Owner Olivia Travel | |
 | ||
Location 2743 N. Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, California Architect Albert Frey
"Schiff House" and bungalows Construction cost 78,000 USD (1934 investment) | ||
The Racquet Club was a resort in Palm Springs, California, founded by actors Charles Farrell and Ralph Bellamy, which opened on December 15, 1934. Originally developed with two tennis courts, it expanded to include a swimming pool, the "Bamboo Room" bar, bungalows, and more courts. It served as a gathering place and party venue for much of Hollywood's show business elite. In the 1970s it suffered a decline and after a massive fire on July 23, 2014, it was totally demolished.
The Racquet Club in popular media
The Jack Benny Program (also broadcast as The Jack Benny Show), a 1932–1965 radio and TV series, featured a radio episode titled "Murder at the Racquet Club" on March 9, 1941.
The Star Studded Ride, a 1954 short film, featured stars Gussie Moran and Dave Gillam at the Racquet Club.
Pin-up photographer Bruno Bernard is credited with first photographing Marilyn Monroe at the Racquet Club in 1947; and it was at the club pool where she met talent agent Johnny Hyde.