Harms v. Reed

This is an action seeking declaratory relief, involving the construction of a written lease of real property known as the "Ivar House" restaurant, etc., located at 1737 Ivar Street in Hollywood, California. The controversy arose out of the death of the lessee, Orsina Gray Thompson, and her will which bequeathed said lease to an adopted daughter, Margaret Gray Burns, the respondent. The facts, which are not in dispute, may be summarized as follows: On April 4, 1941, after a previous lease and tenancy for some years between the same parties, the lease under discussion was executed between the owners, T. T. Perry, et al., and the testatrix Orsina Gray Thompson, covering a 10-year period ending on April 30, 1951, at a total rental of $35,700 payable in monthly installments of $300. The lessee occupied the premises