[Part of a continuing series when something special gets our attention.]

(Dec. 30, 2006) -- When Gerry Paules opened his barbershop on Bellflower Blvd. just north of Spring St. over a decade ago, he decided to make it a labor of love and something special.

And it is.

Over time, he built it and filled it -- wall to wall and floor to ceiling -- with Hollywood movie memorabilia, posters and photos, recorded musical treasures and classic cartoons that he's collected over the years.

Mr. Paules is, in effect, a museum curator as well as a barber and business owner.

Don't be surprised to hear Cab Calloway, Glenn Miller, the Dorsey brothers and others coming from this juke box.

Elvis has not yet left the building.

Boris Karloff as Frankenstein looks on.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy guard the bathroom doors.

"Here's another fine mess you've gotten me into."

Clark Gable keeps an eye on things.

You do remember Clark Gable, right?

This working miniature includes a carnival, a train and other colorful items.

It's a real barbershop, complete with a real barber pole outside...and either the pole, or Betty Boop (or both) got the attention of a celebrity in his own right...

Mr. Worthington recently stopped in for a quick trim. "I recognized him right away, but I'd never met him before, Gerry says, adding "he's a real nice guy."

We had to scan the photo into digital form to post it here; Gerry doesn't have a computer. "I don't have time for all that internet stuff," he says. "Besides, I have the real things right here."