Phantom of the Backlots

The musical adventure continues…

Another day, another star as the song Get Back can be heard from my house. It’s an audio invitation to watch a legend and I replace my lunchbox with a camera and head over to Heartland for another round of something musical. I could hear the music but it’s not until I arrive, I find out it’s Mr. Billy Preston. The legendary Fifth Beatle is performing today.

Through a doorway on Maple Street, I appear. The Star’s Winnebagos are parked over here, meaning this street won’t be used for filming-it’s the Rockstar Basecamp. I secure a foothold that overlooks both the filming set and the star’s trailers. I make myself comfortable in a building we named long ago-2 chimneys, because of two side by side fake chimneys. Often my head peeks out the top of one while Jimmy’s head peeks out the other. Like private boxes you can sit inside of, best done at night since you could be seen up here in daylight. I occupy the second floor with multiple windows to observe all things going on in all directions- this fine afternoon.

Billy is dressed in a yellow suit and has a trumpet in hand. He happens to be attached to a crane by a cable and harness. He sings “Get Back” while pointing at various locations in an effort to eliminate the mean-Mr Mustard. I’ve got a feeling Billy never performed by the end of a cable hoisted high in the sky before.

“Welcome to MGM Billy Preston”

The Bee Gees are riding around the lot on bicycles, they seem bored. Women come and go to the star’s trailers below. Peter Frampton walks by so I snap a picture, snap is the word as my camera shutter clicks so loud that Peter and his small group turn to look where it came from. This reaction moment would be the better picture, but I have to take cover, immediately. Cameras on big movie sets are a no-no as is trespassing in general.

My camera has photographed a lot of movie history in the short time it has been my sidekick. It’s been in all the studios, once saving me from potential death or injury on Laramie Street at Warner Brothers. It has a dent from that event, and a broken strap from getting caught up in a section of barb wire in a very hectic escape from Disney Studios. A security guard ended up with this Minolta SRT 102. I had to surrender to get it back- minus the film inside. What fun times we’ve had together…

Peter is probably used to cameras and paparazzi, 180 degrees away, another Rock Star is flying in the air. uninhibited, I’m located in the middle of this musical.

I have to guess that many scenes will be added to what is taking place above the Town Hall that Mr. George Burns is the mayor of. Each time Billy points, some other scene will be added as the effect, but for now it’s just Billy spinning, turning, and pointing like a whirling dervish. He lip syncs to the recorded sound of Get Back. It’s all a bit incredible. I’ll never be able to fully describe the scene to my friends. Hopefully, my camera will tell the story.

Will it go ‘round in circles? Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky? -A Harbinger to today

Surrounded by Band Performers...

Everyone in this picture, including Peter himself in his famous Purple Jacket, turned and looked when the shutter of my camera snapped loudly as I shot this picture. Peter and The Bee Gees were behind me, while Billy Preston was dangling by a wire in mid-air, in front of me.

Peter Frampton and Barry Gibb with female visitors while Billy Preston performs…

Pete Drake, George Harrison, Ringo Star, Billy Preston, and Peter Frampton. Sessions-All Things Must Pass.

All Things Must Pass…

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden

In a brown Trans Am while listening to “Back in the Saddle” by Aerosmith, we appear on a Burbank side street…

I’m off to go see Burt Reynolds. Tim has invited me to visit the set he’s been working on titled Hooper. The old, rustic Columbia Ranch is our destination, a backlot I’ve trespassed several times but have never driven through its main gate, appropriately located off a street called Hollywood Way.

Riding into town by the light of a silvery moon, we pass a water tower with The Burbank Studios proudly displayed in brown paint, as the just rising sun merges with the fading darkness. A new day beckons for the both of us as Tim speeds through a yellow light adjacent to a celebrity carwash in a valiant attempt not to be late for his 7 A.M. “Call time” Ole’ Sukie Jones awaits in a crazy horse saloon… as legend has it.

Normally upon arrival at this backlot, we park at a shopping center back behind the lot, by a forested area to begin our trespassing escapades…but not today. This morning we enter through a security gate with guards wearing badges alongside stitched on emblems that say “The Burbank Studios Security.” Having turned the corner a bit fast, we are sternly reminded of the backlot speed limit…10 M.P.H. Security scolds us pointing to the white and black sign posted amongst many other “Do Nots!”

We enter the backlot after glancing at the long list of rules in Tim’s ’74 Trans-Am. Tim turns down the volume just as Steven Tyler is shining up his saddle and loading up his pistol, to inform me “this film stars a Trans Am driven by a man called…Sonny Hooper.”

I’ve had a lot of good times racing around in Tim’s Trans Am and I’m hoping to get a look inside Hooper’s fine motorized picture car and sometimes flying machine. Thanks to Aerosmith, we arrive like Cowboys should. Tim heads off to wardrobe to exchange his tennis shoes for boots and spurs while laborers and wranglers scoop up “horse shit.” The old west greets us with a host of flies and odors.

Burt Reynolds is the star of this film along with Jan Michael Vincent. Hal Needham is the director. We park close to some empty horse trailers, whose day has already started. Today is all about stunts, stunts, and more stunts. A chariot race is being rehearsed on these famous Western Streets that Gary Cooper helped make legendary in a feature titled…High Noon.

This morning, the backlot is a deluxe Western Movie with all the bells and whistles. Cowboys and Indians, Stagecoaches and even Roman Chariots line every street that has dirt roads. “Every horse and stuntman in town” are working on this one today!

The sunshine highlights the dust storms being kicked up by Horseshoes and Wagonwheels. I have never seen a western movie filmed albeit- this is a modern film harking back in time for western action. Tim is being made up as a background Cowboy. He has the best job any teenager could have. Tim is fairly regular on Happy Days as a teenager in the 1950’s, over at Paramount. Just recently, he landed two “roles” as a German soldier, one living, one dead. He does school when on sets in tiny, air conditioned trailers with other costumed teenagers. An instructor is provided by the studio, because apparently, it’s the law to be tutored when missing your normal school…plus he gets paid!

Tim returns from wardrobe “dancing around in fancy pants and high heeled boots,” even Roy Rogers would be proud.

I find myself walking alone along wooden planks in front of empty storefronts, getting the lay of the land. Like I’ve entered inside an Allman Brothers album cover. I indulge in free food, eating not just one, but two – breakfast burritos, wrapped in foil, expertly prepared by Michelson Food Service. I come face to face with a tied up horse. We share long faces as he sniffs out the ingredients. I scratch the top of his head and wish him a good luck.

“If you’re here later- I’ll slip you an apple,” I promise my new friend with a tail. Cowboys, Indians and Romans filter out of wardrobe, one by one, just like horses getting saddled up in their gear. I reminisce at each turn, this normally deserted town is so busy, it’s like a “Gold Rush” is taking place.

Director Hal Needham wears a cowboy hat and boots as he multi tasks, always smiling like a cowboy kid. He has a limp, like one leg is shorter than the other. Everyone respects him and his easy going nature, the horses even look at him differently with his commanding presence. This guy is the man-“I wanna be like him! “

A pow wow is taking place between Burt Reynolds and Hal, lots of finger pointing reactions as I watch from a chair in video village. An unspoken bond is taking place between the two with mannerisms replacing words… like a silent western movie reel.

Smokey and the Bandit is the best movie besides King Kong currently in theaters and this horse riding, stagecoach jumping, work in progress is better than both those hits from what I already see going on here- at this ranch most famous for westerns. But pro football floats my boat, and The Longest Yard is the definitive football film of the 70’s so far, along with Brian’s Song. “You cry” in that classic with Billy Dee Williams and James Caan. But, “You laugh” along with Burt and his prison team.

Burt was a college a football star himself and football star Terry Bradshaw has a role in this feature.

I watch in amazement at this mega box office legend playing the character ‘Sonny Hooper” with a persona unlike any other movie star. On Monday Night Football, he once opened the ABC Broadcast by moving his lips as Howard Cosell’s voice tells us what to expect in tonight’s game. Funniest thing I ever saw, a Cosell voice over as Burt provides “lip service.” Whether on a gridiron, a press box, a horse, or a centerfold spread, his magnetism takes hold with those darn good looks, confidence, and flat out funny sense of humor. Himself a Hollywood Stuntman, what can’t this guy do? He’s bigger than The Beatles. A true… Snakeskin Cowboy.

I’m in my element, this environment is like a drug. I love Hollywood Stuntman.

Hooper-“He always is the Bad Guy, who gets it in the end-jumping off some horses, holding off a train. Never wins a gunfight, scuffle or a brawl, for being such a loser, Hooper’s really got it all.

You can toss him, blast him, flip him and turn him, shoot him, hang him, bury and burn him, chances are Hooper’s back for more

Running around, across the ground, take a truck, run him down, he ain’t easy, he’s up and gone. You can hit him, kick him, gen’rally abuse him-set him on fire, we’ll amuse him. Heaven knows he won’t hold a grudge. He’ll look you in the eye and tell you with a smile-there ain’t nothing like the life of a Hollywood Stuntman!”

There is so much action and risks taking place, I stay next to director Hal Needham, under a covered porch on an old, wooden stool. It’s like the Indy 500, but with horse and carriages on dirt. Everyone not in the scene needs to be out of the way. Someone left a cowboy hat on the chair next to me, so I put it on over my long blonde hair… I’m a teenage Greg Allman sitting at the Whipping Post.

This is one of the most fun sets I’ve ever been on, and everyone is so nice and polite. Jan Michael Vincent and Sonny Hooper just exchanged pleasantries on horseback before taking off in a race against each other. Wanting to see a replay, I step over to the video replays as Director Hal shares the screen with his adoring fan. It’s my moment to ask Hal “What’s your all time favorite stunt you’ve done sir?”

“He smiles like a happy cowboy and replies” I hold the all-time record for car rolls… twenty-three car rolls off one cannon blast!” he boasts proudly as he amplifies his voice for those all around to hear. As I stand there in my cowboy hat in awe, Burt walks up the stairs in his denim western outfit to see the replay. I’m in between two legends, Burt Reynolds, over hearing Hal’s record breaking claim quickly chimes in, “Tell him what happened next Hal.”

“I was in the hospital for six months with a broken back, pelvis, ribs, I could go on” as he cracks a smile that must hurt just to remember. Burt breaks into his patented laugh and big smile… All present alongside on the porch get a good laugh. “Told you there was more to it” says a satisfied, laughing top box office star.

After a couple stagecoach races down every western corner on an old weathered ranch, things seem to be going as planned. No ones been hurt nor has any livestock been injured and overall everyone is having a rip roaring good time. Hooper’s girlfriend is on set, Sally Field, darn, she’s pretty. I use to watch “The Flying Nun.” I always wished the nuns at my old Catholic School would fly away sometimes. This is one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples and they work extremely well together, kinda like Maureen and I used to do while romping around these old backlots. Let’s just say we’ve rolled in backlot hay…

12:00 P.M.-Lunch is served!

Over by a fountain used in the TV show The Monkees, tables extend in uniform style in this park setting that unlike the one at MGM, has a perfectly maintained, Crystal Clear Pool. Tim and I sit together with all the other Cowboys and Indians, enjoying a Bar-be-cue of Chicken and Ribs. Food unites these two hostile cultures in an infamous Hollywood Backlot…

Table talk amongst actors always funnels down to who is working on what and where, many at this table will need another call at wrap time. MGM comes up as one extra just came off Logan’s Run, the TV series. Tim, in full Cowboy gear, brags about being on CHiPs. As I chew the meat off a rib bone, I proudly listen knowing I’ve been on both those sets. Heck, I just turned down a part on Paradise Alley myself, I fit this table like a salt shaker.

As egos compare stories, I grab my boysenberry pie and excuse myself, taking a short walk to Dennis Mitchell’s house, where I sit on the front porch. I feel like he’s just the kid down the street from me, I’ve seen every episode as I imagine Jay North will walk out the front door any second. I see another famous house close by…from Bewitched.

Having no need to hide, a very rare occasion indeed, I put myself back in a time when Screen Gems ruled TV screens across the country including my family’s brand new Zenith Color TV. Samantha Stephens was must watch Thursday Night TV.

But Friday Nights were revered for The Partridge Family and they also grew up in this neighborhood as did…The Monkees! I was all things Monkees as I now sit and reflect on Darrin Stephens’ front porch, wiping Berry Pie and Bar-be-cue sauce off different parts of my face. I was all things Davy Jones, I even played a tambourine because of him. No Band had a cooler car, and no band had a cooler bus than The Partridges. This valley backlot gave my old Desilu lot a run for its money for best ever TV series.

As the cast and crew make their way back to all things dirt roads, I take advantage of my celebrity status of having a free pass to explore this backlot.

Welcome to Fantasy Island, a sign greets me back in the jungle area I normally climb in this lot at. I just saw this show film at MGM, now, I’ve found their main set here at- this here backlot! Pretty cool since I already know the cast and crew. I absolutely love this backlot. Its history book my school does not have. Sitting in a wicker chair, I ponder my future, I was just kicked out of school, public school this time… for writing my own excuses!

The attendance office thought this 17 year old was 18. Maybe the long hair and my ability to talk up a good excuse won over these ladies, although, I had become a bit of a regular customer. Heaven forbid, the principle caught me in the act as I skillfully signed and handed in my excuse. As I nonchalantly face the door to quickly get to class, I see Principal Bash in my peripheral view, turning red and frankly, starting to shake. Yelling at me first, then the lady in charge, she nervously comes out with, “Well, he’s been doing it all year!”

Mr. B as we call him, pulled out my file and in a rage marked everything as “truant.” I’m informed you’re only allowed three truants. Now I have a shoebox full, an entire drawer of “sorry I couldn’t be heres” Mr. B is clearly enjoying this a little too much. I know he dislikes me because I am visibly close friends with one very beautiful English teacher who complains to me that she constantly has to fend off Mr. B’s unwanted advances. In a clearly satisfied manner, in bright Red ink, my entire file is now “truant.” I am told I will need to take 11th grade over….”You Failed!” As good intentioned teachers will do, Miss Debby Z. rushed in for my attempted rescue, saying “it’s a misunderstanding, and I do Good Work!” I do! I never let my grades slip, even through the more intense shooting schedules. My report card has all passing grades, I’m a bit frustrated by life away from my studio world.

I sit alone with this dilemma in the back of my mind, on a white chair at a movie set. I consider a future as a Hollywood Stuntman, since I’ve been… chased by police, shot at by security, dodged explosions, nearly wiped out the Walton’s house racing their car through that neighboring backlot, and climbed every rooftop in Hollywood. I love horses and fast cars too, but first, I need to take a G.E.D. test, a proficiency exam, allowing me to join the working world. Then I too can … fight, roll a car, be lit on fire, jump off a horse onto a stagecoach, all with a smile while never holding a grudge.

I see a future right around the corner from where I sit now because…”There’s nothing like the life of a Hollywood Stuntman!”

Ride’em Cowboy

Trespassing The Ranch… 1976.

Every scene…is a stunt!

The best Stuntman on this set loaded with stunt personnel is director…Hal Needham

More often, this street is just a “ghost town” fit for hanging!

A land where Dinosaurs roam freely…Trespassing -Under The Rainbow -sets in my pics. No Camera’s allowed on- Hooper.

An exterior on a set with an interior inside. This was a Grand Hotel, decorated as such inside.

There is a deep admiration between these two…

Tim Gray…today he’s a Cowboy. Yesterday he was in the German Army, my friend from St. Augustine’s, a good Catholic Boy indeed!

Double Trouble…Yours Truly–right after Catholic School

Hooper set- right before they celebrate Robert Klein’s birthday celebration with a stripper jumping out of a large cake.

1976 Trespassing picture day…

Robert Klein- the actor who plays the director of this film.

The World Famous Palomino…another popular film location and hang-out for Cowboy movie stars. My pal Tim worked this fight night, you can’t have a western without a bar room brawl…

Columbia Ranch- Burt and Jan prepare for a chariot race on the same street “High Noon” was filmed with Gary Cooper.

Everybody loves “Stuntmen “

Everybody loves “Stuntmen”….

I was born to be a stuntman too…”I was a little Hooper myself, Sheriff John and his lunch brigade was my inspiration, back in 1963. I would in the not too distant future- climb barb wire fences, catwalks, get shot at, jump trains, get filthy dirty, stopping only for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I fought the law daily and slept in my gear, including my boots- like a Midnight Rider should”

This story can be read in my 3rd book -pictured here, available on Amazon. This read details MGM from 1977 until the final end. Pictures only I have, taken by me on blockbuster movie sets all over Hollywood. Not much different is trespassing movie studios than stuntman face in their occupations. Every adventure begins with climbing barb wire fences then out smarting the security we run across.

There will never be Hollywood Stories like this again!

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

October 3, 1960-April 1, 1968

Star Trek -1966-1969

1968-1971 A series defining (The Purge)

Hogan’s Heroes-September 17, 1965-April 4, 1971

Lassie-1954-1973

That Girl- September 8,1966 to March 19,1971

The television revolution reached a turning point early in the decade of the 70’s. Classic hit TV series abruptly disappeared, despite strong ratings. An ideology swept the industry primarily lead by CBS executive Fred Silverman. Advertisers were interested in enticing younger urban professionals with more disposable income.

Network executives rolled the dice realizing popular hits that contained rural settings representing middle America were skewed to older audiences. Your television set was to change significantly, switching from farmlands and simpler times to the grips of big city life representations. Big cities replaced wide open spaces changing advertising demographics.

Like getting your wisdom teeth pulled for many of us, they didn’t foresee these shows would continue to be hits in the year 2026, 56 years later.

Enter Fred Silverman

He worked as a television executive at all of the “Big Three” television networks. He was responsible for such television shows as as All in the Family-1971-79, The Waltons-1972-81′ Charlie’s Angels 1976-81. Silverman orchestrated this “rural purge” for the baby boomer generation. Somehow-The Waltons was developed by CBS, a series that is…all things rural. The success of that series would prove not everyone wanted modern city life-but advertisers did.

Mary Tyler Moore, M*A*S*H, Cannon, Barnaby Jones, Kojak and Sonny & Cher replaced all things purged. Spinoffs such as Maude, The Jeffersons, Rhoda and Bob Newhart led the way. Good Times was slotted against Happy Days and lowered the ratings for that ABC staple. But wait, there’s more. TV Game Shows sprouted like sunflowers-just what the doctor ordered.

The Price is Right and Match Game, produced by Mark Goodman and Bill Todman, partnered up with Fred for 5 day a week entertainment. The Gong Show and Tattletales would be on against reruns such as The Munsters and Gilligan’s Island. The purged vs.the unpurged. These were my typical TV options when I got home from school, all better choices than homework. Trespassing backlots was always my favorite after school option.

Saturdays are meant for cartoons, get the kids involved. They will pressure their parents into buying toys, cereal, comics etc…

Scooby Doo, Land of the Lost , and my favorite-Jonny Quest are examples of this or what insiders call –The Saturday Morning Phenomenon. I lived that I’m proud to say.

Side Effects

TV Landscapes forever captured on film were no longer needed, or so it was thought. Shows that were still pulling in high ratings – faced the guillotine. The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, and Mayberry R.F.D. were the first foreclosures. To refresh its brand, CBS axed over two dozen shows between 1969 and 1971.

A famous quote, spoken by actor Pat Buttram, (Mr. Haney on Green Acres) described this shift best…”It was the year CBS canceled everything with a tree-including Lassie”.

Shows like All in the Family and Mary Tyler Moore replaced farm animals with city life problems as such as politics, race, women’s liberation and Vietnam. So much for Arnold The Pig…

Star Animal unemployment skyrocketed. From Mr. Ed to Lassie, to the German Shepherds that guarded Stalag 13. Many ended up doing gigs like the Animal Actor Stage at Universal Studios. “For the times they are a changin’ as Bob Dylan would say.

Some of the best episodes in all these cancellations almost always featured a variety of animals. Notable Shows disappearing overnight include these stalwarts;

The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Lassie, Lassie, Mayberry R.F.D., talk about a title you don’t want to have at this time and still a top 15 series, Hee Haw, Petticoat Junction, Hogan’s Heroes, Family Affair, and these shows that have nothing to do with the rural brand also ran their course: The Jackie Gleason Show, The Red Skelton Show, and the Jim Nabors Hour which replaced the series Gomer Pyle. Jim Nabors at this time was always Top 10 in everything he was involved with.

That brings us full circle, what happened to these iconic sets?

That’s where I step in…literally. Desilu Studios specifically became an abandoned historic movie ranch. After a long industrious movie history that included King Kong-1933, Gone With the Wind and The King of Kings to name a few, Desi Arnaz made this 40 Acre ranch the home for this burgeoning boom when television replaced going to movies. TV dinners on trays replaced the dining room table in many households. Not only did I watch these shows, I watched the News since Vietnam affected family and friends. The music of the time had passion and reflected our feelings as displayed at Woodstock and other “R.F.D.” concert venues.

Marcus Welby M.D., Here’s Lucy, Flip Wilson, Ironside, Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Medical Center, Bonanza and The F.B.I. were all at the top. Hawaii Five-O dodged The Hollywood chopping block hiding out in Hawaii for 12 seasons finally being washed away in 1980. That series for many of us was how we first experienced the Big Island. Magnum P.I. knew a good thing when they saw it, and Tom Selleck would become his own Jack Lord.

More than any other studio, Desilu-Culver City was the most severely impacted. A studio I adored for Batman, The Green Hornet, Andy Griffith, Lassie, Star Trek, Gomer Pyle and Hogan’s Heroes now became completely deserted and ghostly. Props, signs, and call sheets sit patiently for their next role. Most important to me was the German Shepherds who used to guard this lot also received their pink slip.

This backlot finally became mine to explore, build forts, and daydream all these cancelled shows that I watched daily as reruns. I watched -then explored, recreating in a childish way the scenes I just watched on TV. I had a radio that picked up television audio and would stand where the scenes where filmed listening to Gomer Pyle, Barney, Opie and Colonel Hogan executed all this history.

The Director most notable- TV wise to this property- to me was Bruce Bilson. I would see his name on all these credits starting with Andy Griffith as the assistant director to the lead director in Hogan’s Heroes. I envied this gentleman, not knowing him at all. Thanks to an anonymous contact, I was given his phone number and was fortunate to talk about his work through the 1960’s and 70’s.

Combine that with working on Apollo 13, then The Grinch, I was able to do a reflective trip down memory lane with Ron Howard, finding he still has a passion for the Desilu Backlot that we both grew up in. He was a star, I was a trespasser. I was so proud to tell “Opie” I took over the Taylor House upon this purge and built a fort upstairs, I was the last resident. Sadly in 1976, the big church and his home burned down in one of the many fires this backlot would experience.

One set that lasted until the bulldozers rolled in, late 1976, was the Mayberry R.F.D. farmhouse. I had a fort upstairs in that home also. For the record- I had two other forts totaling 4 in this 40 Acre property. The oldest set on this lot used in The King of Kings was the first one I built, directly next to the La Ballona creek, so almost all our adventures began at this original of all forts. The last fort- was a saloon on western street. Loaded up with whiskey casks, cots, explosive ammo boxes from Stalag 13, and to top it off…a rolling phone that when you dial 9, you get off- lot toll free anywhere in the USA.

The bill which must have cost a fortune, sent the production company into a tizzy, this phone line had to be confiscated. We even ordered a pizza delivery to this western street as a huge set was being built where stalag 13 had stood. The film was titled…(The Fortune), starring Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson. You would think with that title they could afford the phone bill. I’ll never forget the looks on our faces when we were in a rush to go upstairs to our dialed in saloon to find every window and door covered with plywood, the phone line was no longer running through the buildings so no more-drinks on the house.

Just like the RKO ownership, this lot reclaimed itself for feature films and commercials, television production remained faded to black.

Right place-right time

A studio with a ghost town became completely “Ghostly”. This place became mine to bask in, rarely seeing security as ownership switched from Desilu, to Laird Studio, and The Culver Studios. After a couple years of private ownership-by me-the landscape became wild with trespassers of every age and size, The behavior of many was destructive and in my effort to preserve this kingdom, many fights occurred. Many of my friends were Marines…Real ones!

I would meet soldiers, mostly Recon Rangers and give tours of this lot. Gomer Pyle’s Camp Henderson was always our first stop, usually at night since we had limited off duty time. The reaction of several different groups was always the same, stunned astonishment!

Turns out, every guy lived this set on their TV’s prior to signing up for a real military commitment. Stalag 13 and the Hogan’s Heroes Bridge were where most those nights ended up. Marines don’t need much of an invitation to kick some ass, I can proudly say when we heard or saw vandalism taking place-I unleashed these dogs on the unsuspecting “white punks on dope in this -teenage wasteland”.

Without this 70’s purge, I never would have been able to own my own movie backlot. MGM was still a busy studio, Medical Center, Shaft, Hawkins-starring Jimmy Stewart and Movies of the Week kept MGM busy even after the famously sad MGM Auction in 1970. All the major studios carried on, adapting to series that conform to this aspiring decade of the 70’s.

The other backlot most affected by this epidemic was the Columbia Ranch- a studio we all grew up in- if you watched Dennis the Menace, The Monkees, The Partridge Family and Bewitched. Columbia Studios would serve TV and features 50 plus years more – keeping up with the evolution of what you would see on TV.

Desilu all but disappeared as I stumbled inside of this desolate environment of abandoned, iconic movie sets. Signs, call sheets and props remained-unknowingly never to be used again. This “Purge” affected the 40 Acre Backlot more than any other studio lot. Although filming would continue sporadically until 1976, commercials and feature films was all that kept the Arc lights glowing until finally when this backlot was…Gone With the Wind.

This is real.

Simulation…

I ended up spending a lot of time in these guard towers…

Studios can now live forever through -A.I. MAGIC

A recreation of a real life event I lived out in 1966. Desilu-Culver City. The set of Batman..

You can’t “Purge” Artificial Intelligence-The Future is here. Push Play to come alive…

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

The MGM sets most used by the TV Series-Man from U.N.C.L.E

Block 37- UNCLE Headquarters- Block 35 (Singing in the Rain)- (American in Paris)= sets

1964- MGM Lot 3 episode-“The Finny Foot Affair” Kurt was 13. Aired Dec 1-1964-Directed by Marc Daniels. Classic TV with a classic director…

This guy is that kid–Kurt Russell-The busiest kid in showbiz. I met him on “Escape From L.A’ and he is like a grown up kid playing Snake Plissken with a patch covering his eye. ShowBiz Kids-nothing quite like it!- John Carpenter was the Director John Carpenter handled the Snake Plissken version of Kurt Russell.

Napoleon Solo–

Exactly the set prior to the fiery ending. Notice hand rails after fire scattered in debris.

I often saw Police on this lot- This vehicle is Big enough for me and my trespassing friends, even room for my dog.

Directly across from fire- on Brownstone Street. A “zip cord” is tucked along curb to feed or energize the “street light” needed for a night scene.

A close up I took of the crest above the Officers Quarters-a set used in Combat.

Upstairs in this building on Brownstone. Notice the fire damaged front of this set. Below-those stairwells now occupied the Uncle Headquarters Brownstone area. Last filming was Soylent Green. The shootout between Charlton Heston and Chuck Connors took place below me in a cemetery. That cemetery was moved to 5 different locations while also being used in Young Frankenstein, Logan’s Run, and The Phantom of Hollywood to name a few. Originally located by Esther Williams pool.

Where those trailers are parked is Brownstone-1972. That open dirt area was the Brownstone Tenements and Waterfront Street, only the sidewalks, curbs and fire hydrants remain-5 years later. The white two story building is The Filmways Building- formerly-MGM Cartoon Building. A very important “save” by the responding fire departments. This was an expose of how to fight a backlot fire. The challenge of 4 story all wood buildings being extinguished without jumping elsewhere is slim to none. Sparks carry everywhere-blocks away – like fire flies. Everything in this picture is extremely flammable, like a book of matches.

Soylent Green – this tent is set up on the old UNCLE Headquarters spot. Real studio employee bikes with big baskets used by various departments. This film fed the crew in the old backlot commissary. The backlot had its own commissary next to main gate on Overland.

Backlot Commissary in front of that van. Pardon me-I’m hiding -peeking down N.Y Street-I was scared when I took this-so you know. A guard was located in close proximity, this was as close as I could get. A very scary hobby- so much can go wrong inside here. Thank God my mom constantly prayed for my safety.

Alley to Brownstone in 1977–What use to be all tenements–4 story building.

Cemetery used in Soylent Green stands where Brownstone sets were. This was where Chuck Connors (The Rifleman) took on Charlton Heston (The Omega Man) in the memorable chase seen done in October 1972- Halloween Night!

Brownstone- tenements behind cars…

Brownstone dressed for Comrade X-1940

Night shot in daylight-the street is tarpped to block sun. Notice above the streetlight-a seem in the tarp job. The catwalks are the tallest perches on the backlot. This is where the owls overlook all things below. Daylight is cheaper for hourly employees, no night premiums. Much of MGM New York Street “night scenes” done in daylight. This is an example of how the studio can control their surroundings. Water pipes run up here in the catwalks for rain effects. Another advantage is- actors dislike working all night.

This is the easy way up- ladders are another option. Rickety old 4 story ladders. You can’t be a grip, set lighting, or effects and be afraid of heights. Part of this catwalk burned down in 1967.

Used also in-several Twilight Zones…

“The Self-Improvement of Salvador Ross” and “A Penny for Your Thoughts”

” Yes – I need a cab…Quickly!” …”The Jungle” starring John Dehner

Brownstone Street MGM Lot 2- Uncle Headquarters location. Pre 1967 fire…The Blackboard Jungle.

The truck is a work truck – the cars are picture cars. Electrical rigging uses trucks like this. Cable is constantly being added and removed-24/7 Electric rigging took place striking and prepping sets. 3 shifts non-stop.

Then this happened- I was there with my dad. A former Tacoma Fire Man. We saw the smoke and rushed from Market Basket at Culver Center and ran over like first responders. My dad was so pumped up, I never got to see him fight fires in Tacoma, but this was the closest I would get to seeing him in action. We were right where this photo was taken- Next to the Filmways Building-MGM Cartoon Studio formerly. This is the Montana Parking lot for employees. The entire fence you see along Montana Avenue would be knocked down for full containment. A marvelous job limiting this fire to one square block. I would later in life see two entire New York Streets burn to the ground completely at Universal Studios.

Brownstone Street, only the cobblestone street and sidewalk remain. Picture in 1979, 12 years post fire. The cars in background are wrecks from the TV series “CHiPS,” each night, crashed cars would be brought from various locations and disposed of here on lot 2. Each car heavily modified to protect “stunt drivers.” The backlot became a vehicle dumping ground. MGM also parked its fleet of outdated transportation. The Blue trailer behind the 40′ stake bed trailer is a star dressing room. No longer in use. Inside was a bed, a couch, closets and mirrors that light up. Air conditioned and luxurious, This is where T.V stars in the 60’s would be assigned. This very well could be a trailer used by the series “Man from U.N.C.L.E” for the lead actors. All the MGM transportation fleet was painted blue, truck wise. Just out of view is a 6 door luxurious car-white in color, with a lion logo and letters MGM. I can only imagine what this car has been privilege to!

What was Brownstone-That’s my highly trained to trespassing dog, here running from security -Tashka. “Lets get out of here!”

Fire damage never repaired – the set across the way on the cobblestone street was used in (American in Paris.)

It’s Wonderful, It’s Marvelous, it’s MGM

American in Paris- Lot 2-Waterfront.

Waterfront Street-backside of U.N.C.L.E Headquarters – every picture has set lighting cables and a “spider box,” you got to have power to do…anything.

September 22, 1964

First Broadcast NBC. Secret Agents Napoleon Solo-and IIIya Kuryakin played by Robert Vaughn and David McCallum work for a counter espionage law enforcement agency called U.N.C.L.E.

United Network Command for Law Enforcement, better known as U.N.C.L.E, and much easier to say.

This series completed its run Jan 15, 1968. It was part of a craze where a dozen imitators copied this Spy vs’s Spy format in 1966. Several episodes ended up in theaters as B-Movies or double features. MGM also did a spin off-(The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.)

Comic books and novelties sprung up in the merchandise world. Lunch pales were hot sellers. (Tom and Jerry) did a pastiche of this series in cartoon form. Titled (The Mouse from H.U.N.G.E.R) -1967. That same year a the fire burned the set down. Ironically, the Cartoon Building almost burned down the same year they made this cartoon. The narrative was to steal a refrigerator full of cheese from evil mastermind “Tom Thrush.”

U.N.C.L.E completed 105 episodes in 4 seasons.

Props from the series are exhibited in The Ronald Reagan Museum and The Museum of the Central Intelligence Agency. The series won a Golden Globe Award in 1966. Creator Sam Wolfe wanted to leave the title ambiguous-referring to Uncle Sam or The United Nations but the MGM legal department got involved saying “we can’t use the acronym ‘U.N’ for commercial purposes”. So U.N.C.L.E was considered the safe way to present this. The credits refer to “We wish to thank” acknowledgement in the U.N.C.L.E end titles.

More legal stuff…

“Solo” was not allowed by Ian Fleming – belonging to James Bond features and Albert Broccoli demanded the series drop the (SOLO) reference. At that time-(Goldfinger) was in production with a character named Mr. Solo. Ian Fleming had to sign an affidavit that nothing in the U.N.C.L.E pilot infringed on Bond characters. A sticky mess indeed in the battle of…SPY vs Spy.

The original Pilot was (SOLO) – not- Man from U.N.C.L.E-so an agreement was made to change title from SOLO-to- Man from U.N.C.L.E. Fittingly (Goldfinger) the movie who had “Mr. Solo” character it. Ironically, (Goldfinger )and (TheMan from U.N.C.L.E) debuted only a few days apart from each other in September 1964.

The Girl from U.N.C.L.E

Starring Stephanie Powers, this brief series aired for one season-September 13,1966 to April 11, 1967. Agent April Dancer, that character name was not challenged by Albert Broccoli or any “Dancers” in the world in their one year on NBC. 29 episodes. Despite cross promoting these two MGM series, they failed to build an audience and was a factor in cancellation of (The Man from U.N.C.L.E) series.

United Network Command For Law Enforcement…U.N.C.L.E- This series could and should return, reengineered – Artificial Intelligence spin…A.I.-U.N.C.LE. Something I would actually watch.

No -Risk, No-Reward…Here’s your invitation into my world, see ya there!

I know this toad…or his ancestors anyway!

The MGM Backlots were known for their jungles, lakes, and wild animals. From exotic Asian Elephants, Lions, such as Leo-the MGM moniker, and stables for trained horses to perform stunts in the many Western Movies being made in the day. MGM doubled as a specialized zoo, Star Power comes in many varieties, a collie named Lassie is one of the studio’s top box office draws.

All these 4-legged stars filmed scenes on the MGM backlots. Hippos provide a difficulty for production tending to disappear beneath the surface of the water rather than act above the waterline. Chimpanzees swing limb to limb through a canopy of tall, mature trees filled with a variety of colorful birds who chose this studio as their home. Each sing their own special tune. I have much in common with this animal habitat. I too have chosen these backlots as my home away from home. I spend many an afternoon with the sky reflecting its clouds off the dark water, as subterranean creatures traverse beneath the surface. My eyes look below the surface as tiny creatures peek upwards wondering- who is floating above their habitat.

My late old pal, Tim Gray-had a pet chimp and it was very tame. Timmy brought it with him on a couple lake visits. It traveled on his shoulder and neck. Lucky we didn’t get chased out on those afternoons but had we-we know this chimp can climb the fences no problem. Named “Skelter,” after the Beatles song -Helter Skelter, he was able to experience tree climbing in the same jungle Tarzan interloped. We were on Skelter’s clock, having to coax him down with peanuts and bananas after a couple hours on the jungle tree tops.

On the backlots, the day begins here in this jungle reserve. Animals naturally have early “call times.” The skies slowly shift from moonlight to sunlight as day arrives, each species has its own signature sound. A chorus indeed -especially as day breaks or as the sun sets. It’s a fun day-everyday!

MGM is the Captain of War Television and for the entire decade of the 1960’s, these creatures endured a war twice as long as World War II. A war where no one gets hurt, although gunfire echoes not only through the studio-but also through the surrounding neighborhoods such as mine. We all become accustomed to this environment, myself, my friends and all my critters in what is for me a real-life Jungle Book.

Combat, The Rat Patrol, Jericho, and Garrison’s Gorillas

This backlot has played host to a myriad of intense battles. Every building in our Europe sets retain spent shell casings on the floors below every window and doorway. War at epic proportions

All filmed on the shores of this man-made set that became real to several species of escapees from films from the past. Ducks surf back and forth-animal wranglers sometimes lose their feathered animal stars as some escape the set perimeter while filming, trading a day in front of the camera for a lifetime behind the scenes. “They know a good thing when they see it.” Several chickens flew the coup on the film The Stuntman, living in a group that wandered in and out of building doorways. Each animal and creature have their own story and if you have the time, many often surround my tiny rowboat to share their stories of paradise. We all understand each other through sounds, expressions, movements feeding off a special universal cosmic understanding.

It’s called LOVE…

Creepy, crawling crawfish traverse the shoreline with their pincher arms extended towards the sky, always scavenging with attitude. This is the most abundant occupant and constantly seeping down below the surface to the dark depths of this black lagoon. Anything could pop up from the depths since -after all-this is Hollywood at its best.

No set has so much life taking place 24/7 and it is the best place anywhere on the backlot for lazin’ on a sunny afternoon. The lake is long and winding with a thick forest favoring one side. Cottages line the non jungle side and guards -when they patrol here- almost always approach from the road that connects cottages to bridges. Only once did I get caught here in my Oar-less rowboat. My friend Jimmy was pulling me with a rope when the MGM Red Bronco pulled up. Jimmy dropped the rope and ran away leaving me lazily floating towards shore where big Ron Smith just casually waited to grab hold of this-BIG FISH.

I negotiated a peaceful settlement with the biggest guard MGM has, 6′ 7″ -260 pounds of muscle, a shiny badge, a .357 Magnum side arm, and cap covering his thinning hairline. He kinda likes my girlfriend Maureen and has given her friendly tours while practically running over me with the Bronco in our chases. Dual standards, I get it Ron.

Maureen and I would float to the bend in the lake in our rowboat, out of view to most roadways while listening to 93 KHJ. My tiny transistor radio would entertain us with bands such as The Kinks, singing “”Sunny Afternoon” as if we were Tarzan and Jane on a jungle cruise. Disneyland isn’t this fun. Beauty and the Beast would play out here in 1976…

KING KONG 1976

The backlot welcomed the King of Beasts in the summer of 76′ -King Kong arrived like a forty-foot robot should-in sections. An upper torso, shoulders and arms, a lower torso legs and feet, and the head of the Giant Beast. All these components had to be assembled in quite the undertaking by the monster’s creator-Carlo Rambaldi. The enormous walls of Skull Island overlook this lake which will become a critical centerpiece in this film. The Altar where Dwan is drugged and offered up to the mighty giant was filmed here beneath these walls lined with torch bearing natives. This set was so massive it could be seen well beyond the studios. Planes flying over headed to LAX Airport had to wonder what they were looking down at-Welcome to Los Angeles.

An artificial fake tree jungle was added for Kong to push aside as he picks up Dwan’s intoxicating scent. MGM has never had a bigger star demonstrate the prowess that this Gargantuan demonstrated with the army of special effects technicians it took to operate this …Giant Robot.

Nighttime at Tarzan Lake

This lake at night is its own trip. Different animals visit; raccoons, possums, and owls take on this jungle as moonlight replaces sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface. Trespassing at night through the jungle often startles the sleeping turtle doves into a mass, loud exodus of fear when footsteps are heard and twigs snap. That creates KAOS. This can work for you, warning you guards are lurking in the jungle foliage. That can be a two-way mirror since these bird flock sounds do not discriminate and also tip off security that there is a… Bungle in the Jungle.

Owls act independently, hooting from a nearby steeple, watching intently as their heads turn 270 degrees. Aware of everything taking place below them. These owls still exist, recently I saw one swoop down and fly off towards MGM Lot 1-“Sony” now,” clutching a tiny possum. As the flying ancestors of the past, they have adapted to this former backlot studio that is now home of a residential complex know as Studio Estates-or as we call-Studio Mistakes. How this Tarzan Lake was not preserved as part of this development I can’t possibly understand. This was a mature, glorified paradise full of generations of animal ancestry.

Good Morning Good Morning

In 1977, Sgt. Pepper films the last ever scenes here at this legendary pond. This Beatles song was performed by Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees at a set we call- The Watermill House. A bright sunny morning greeted our Rock Stars who most likely are not use to “being up” as the sun takes hold of this jungle landscape. Animals change roles, nocturnal try to get sleep while the others sing their own pleasant songs as daylight breeches through the forest canopy. Horses, cows and chickens report to the backlot with 5 a.m. call times as this lake throws one last movie party.

This area got a facelift of blockbuster proportions and the show even left behind a new fancy rowboat- used by the Postal Service to deliver an important telegram to the boys in the band. It didn’t last long because my next-door neighbor took it out of here to use elsewhere, he and his brother love to fish. I hate fishing, that would be like killing the wonderful sea life I cherish.

Joy to the World

Jeremiah was a bullfrog.

Was a good friend of mine. I never understood a single word he said but I helped him a-drink his wine… And he always had some mighty fine wine.

Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me.

You know I love the ladies and love to have my fun, I’m a high life flyer and a rainbow rider- a straight shootin’ son of a gun.

Joy to the world

All the boys and girls, joy to the creatures that inhabit my kingdom

Joy to you and me…

Three Dog Night-1970-These lyrics created joy wherever this song played-especially in a place that is a big slice of heaven, for me anyways…

Tarzan is calling – “I gotta go- time to play!”

Picture Glossary...

A Bullfrog named Jeremiah. The legendary star of today’s remembrance. Center of picture-two white circles on a the slimy green and brown body. He was croaking from a sunken rowboat as I sailed by him and sang me a song. I remember this like it happened yesterday.

A typical summer day- two ducks owned this lake. Always together, they became used to filming and were part of paradise.

Lost in this picture are the many underwater activities below the surface. Taken by my first camera which was a Kodak Instamatic, the perfect camera for a guy on the run. Crawdads hang out on these water edges, sunning themselves. Below them-tiny minnows provide a food source for larger Carp, which get hunted by raccoons. Although man made-this lake became an ecosystem. Parrot’s moved in the lot in the early 70’s. A squadron of about a dozen, MGM guards had a theory they came from Busch Gardens in Van Nuys. The timing coincides-Busch tore down one of the most beautiful landscapes ever for a paved parking lot. Shame, shame, shame. As colorful as they are loud, these colorful feathered flying story tellers made a wonderful edition to our backlot. “Here comes a guard -Crawww-run-run-Crawww” Finally animals that can talk. I think I’m in heaven, it can’t be better!

A footbridge often used in war movies-many battles took place in this lake with soldiers being killed and falling into this pond. This innocent looking bridge has been the site of death in the MGM War Machine I grew up living next to.

Uneven depths line the drained lake bottom. The high point here was where the footbridge once stood. In MGM’s War TV series-soldiers would fall into the water in this deep enclave I’m standing in as the lake is now drained in 1978.

Picture taken from footbridge…

Same set seen from drained basin- here being dressed for Sgt. Pepper-1977

A view from my Boystown Fort that towered above the lake like a palace for- kids only!

Speaking of kids -here I am on my knees like some little hobbit. The doorway was not tall enough to stand up in.

Another view from my fort- one of several I built on studio backlots. I spent a lot of time here while ditching school. I received a studio education in this All Girls School used in Hollywood Confidential, Good News etc… This is where stars went to college on films.

A bridge fit for Musketeers. Gene Kelly rode his horse over this outlet, King Kong changed this exterior to fit into the jungle. Many scenes took place here as this is Skull Island.

Many of my pictures are from rooftops or hiding in bushes-don’t forget we are “Uninvited Visitors“

Dazed and Confused ceremony…Full Scale Effects/King Kong-1976

A ceremonial altar offered Dwan to The King of Beasts right across from me.

One of the Greatest Movie Sets of all time, I’ve been on more movie sets in my life than anyone, but King Kong remains supreme and a testament to old school film making. Never seen another set quite like this – I recommend my book-The Uninvited Visitor. Spend a year with me on the making of this film-I was 16. I struggled going to school and often didn’t because you could hear gunfire and natives chanting “Kong-Kong” in my school rooms. I developed some pictures in my photography class and the teacher had to ask “how do you get these pictures” in a serious tone. I said ‘With a camera sir.”

King Kong was in New York “wrapping out’ on the Bicentennial-July 4th in 1976 from filming at The World Trade Center. Next location -Shea Stadium -The One in Culver City. What a party that was-gotta read the book!

This book is a history piece on how movies were made in the 70’s through the eyes of a trespasser. The story behind the story. I’ve been inside Kong when he was laying down – being reassembled from his journey from the MGM front lot to his arrival on the MGM Backlot. As Pink Floyd would sing in this same year-Welcome to the Machine. This movie set was truly-The Dark Side of the Moon.

The lake will never have water again, now I must save all my underwater friends. I braved the stench of swamp mud, ruining my clothing, filling up buckets of crawfish to transport from MGM to 2’s lake to ride them to the MGM lot 3 lake that was kept in the Raintree Lot 3 complex built in the early 70’s. I wanted to keep as many creatures alive as possible. I’m proud to say-I succeeded with this mission and ancestors of these buckets of crawfish exist today at Raintree. Figures kids have to fix adult mistakes.

A view from the MGM Parking Lot- the jungle beyond the fence is the surrounding landscape of Tarzan Lake.

The Backlot 2 on a “Sunny Afternoon”-you will find me at Tarzan’s Lake-that jungle-over there!

We have a new book soon to be released titled-The Desilu Companion. Come see me live at this event at Vets Park in Culver City-A stones throw away from my old backlot. I will take you through Desilu this night featuring 40 Acres in the 60’s and 70’s when TV shows were all over this backlot.

Thanks Everybody – Happy 4th of July America

Written and lived by-Donnie Norden