Sea of Grass Land Company
Back in 1947, MGM gave away one-acre plots of land located in Valencia County, New Mexico to 689 different movie critics, editors, and publishers throughout the country. It was a publicity stunt to promote the movie The Sea of Grass, starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, and directed by Elia Kazan.
Of course, the land was barren desert, running alongside a Santa Fe railway line. So it wasn't worth much.
But I wonder what's become of those one-acre plots today. Have they risen in value? Did any of the recipients hold onto the land, paying the taxes year after year, and passing it on to their heirs?
As for the movie, director Elia Kazan said in his autobiograpy, "It's the only picture I've ever made that I'm ashamed of. Don't see it."
Of course, the land was barren desert, running alongside a Santa Fe railway line. So it wasn't worth much.
But I wonder what's become of those one-acre plots today. Have they risen in value? Did any of the recipients hold onto the land, paying the taxes year after year, and passing it on to their heirs?
As for the movie, director Elia Kazan said in his autobiograpy, "It's the only picture I've ever made that I'm ashamed of. Don't see it."
Comments
What?! You want I should live in the desert!? There was no swampland in FL. Available? :lol: :coolhmm:
Posted by Tyrusguy on 08/16/14 at 10:25 AM
Hay, way back in the day I had to opportunity to buy an acre of Deltona for $900. I had the money, my rich uncle advised us to do it, but Mom put the kibosh on the whole deal.
Disney used an old, speculator to buy up all the 'swamp' around Orlando and folks were just too happy to sell it to him. When the desired acreage was in hand Disney stepped in and the rest is history. I remember driving through Orlando one Sunday AM when the only thing moving was a bit of news paper dancing on the wind.
The wife and I could have bought some land about 20 miles from Athens along the sea for two goats and a chicken 40 some years ago. Today??? If you've got to ask you can't afford it.
Land anywhere will be worth a hell of a lot more than it is today if you can hold onto it long enough.
Disney used an old, speculator to buy up all the 'swamp' around Orlando and folks were just too happy to sell it to him. When the desired acreage was in hand Disney stepped in and the rest is history. I remember driving through Orlando one Sunday AM when the only thing moving was a bit of news paper dancing on the wind.
The wife and I could have bought some land about 20 miles from Athens along the sea for two goats and a chicken 40 some years ago. Today??? If you've got to ask you can't afford it.
Land anywhere will be worth a hell of a lot more than it is today if you can hold onto it long enough.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 08/16/14 at 11:01 AM
You can buy an acre of the moon or other objects in space. Back when I was dating, I claimed Eta Cassiopeiae as a ruse to hold the girl close when I pointed it out.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_real_estate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_real_estate
Posted by BMN on 08/16/14 at 12:04 PM
Twice you missed out sweetie? OUCH!
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 08/17/14 at 07:36 AM
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Category: Movies | Publicity Stunts | 1940s