Steered by his late 19th century Appleton's guidebook, Michael Portillo continues through southern California aboard the Coast Starlight rail service. In the historic port of Monterey, Michael raises the Bear Flag of the one-time Republic of California and above it, the Stars and Stripes. He discovers the city's Spanish and Mexican heritage and traces how the former fishing port described as "stinking and decrepit" in John Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row, has become a beacon for tourists. And discovers how, in place of fish-processing canneries, there now stands a gleaming, state- of-the- art aquarium, where Michael is invited to feed the fish. Arriving in Los Angeles Michael, like many a Hollywood hopeful before him, heads for the Warner Brothers Studio. It was founded on Sunset Boulevard at the time of his Appleton's, with dreams of stardom ahead. His role as a fearless all-action hero is assured as Michael explores the city's latest initiative to break the legendary rush hour gridlock on Los Angeles freeways - a rail link with seven new stations on the LA metro.
Broadcast In: English Duration: 0:59:06