MGM/Lorimar-Dallas TV Series

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J.R. Ewing played by Mr. Larry Hagman

Bobby Ewing played by Patrick Duffy

Sue Ellen played by Linda Gray

Pam Ewing played by Victoria Principal

Miss Ellie Ewing, The matriarch of the Family, mother of J.R, Gary, and Bobby Ewing, played by Barbra Bell, replaced briefly by Donna Reed due to health issues, she recovered to return back to…The ranch.

Ray Krebbs played by Steve Kanaly

Donna Krebbs, played by Susan Howard

Jock Ewing played by Jim Davis

Lucy Ewing played by Charlene Tilton

What a cast…That’s the menu of meat and potatoes that fed this hit television series from 1978 to to 1991

I get by with a little help from my friends for this tale on this iconic series, Lets dive in the Norfolk pool…

A friend of mine named Paul Vakay was the Best Boy for Set Lighting Department on this top Rated T.V Series that ran from April, 1978 through May,1991. Paul’s Dad ran the MGM Set Lighting department. in the 50’s, 60’s and into the 70’s. This job is best learned from the ground up, so before you become a lamp operator or Best Boy in the era of Arc lights. A show Best Boy over sees all things Electric. Set Lighting starts with Rigging sets with heavy cable that is necessary to distribute the power where lighting will be taking place.

The Best Boy is a very important puzzle piece. He is the “go to guy” for all things lighting on any set. The term itself is a spin off over time when department heads would request from other crews there best and most capable “Chief assistant” to fulfill needs by the department head. Second in command to the “Gaffer” and work with “juicers” to fulfill electrical demands. I “Donnie” was a “Juicer” that made sets “Hot”at Universal. Each show’s Best Boy on our lot in my Universal career had my “pager number” for emergencies or other electrical needs. Sometimes I worked with 10 Best Boys a day in several capacities. Generators Operators, Special Effects, Transportation, all have large electrical needs. The power is delivered from a building with huge generators located The Power House. This facility pumps the juice, D.C “Direct Current” juice, which in the day was the power standard.

An example of a Powerhouse and every studio had one of these in the day.-at Universal, we had 7 2000 amp D.C -Westinghouse generators feeding D.C to every stage. Best Boys contact the 40 shop “juicer” to throw in the switches to energize the stage they are working in. Our Universal Powerhouse has been used in Vintage- Horror movies as a laboratory because of all the classic- real switches and meters- throw in a switch, if polarity is correct- The Monster will – “Come Alive.”

Tunnels and conduits run to every stage on the lot below each stage. The bowel’s of the studio is where electricity spreads its tentacles to shows in need. Many Powerhouse operators ended up with Leukemia, no thanks to magnetic fields which get created in these cement cellars. Asbestos, a strong carcinogenic, insulates cables. It took decades to realize all the negative effects working in and around this environment. The Golden Age of Hollywood came with side effects.

A.C “alternating current” has replaced D.C. A very expensive option but lights flicker on A.C, unsuspecting by the Naked Eye, but jumps out when film gets processed. This is a technical business where lots can go wrong. Remember, power is invisible, odorless, and always ready to strike. More electricians die annually than police officers get killed in that line of work. I salute those who master this world of movie set power.

“Bull Cans” are on most every stage wall and provide power to the copper inside these 50 ft. one hundred pound cables that tie into spider boxes by connect cable lugs to buss bars. Often, the cable goes up to the top off the perms or catwalks that exist above the stage and over look each set and every room on whatever set is below you. This is…set lighting country-don’t be afraid of heights in this career.

Generators replace Bull Cans on exterior and location work. My job as a Local 40 ‘juicer” was to make sure power sources were available to breath life into the cables after all the rigging is complete. We usually pre-light with the “gaffer” who knows just what ambiance or light effects are needed. This way when the stars arrive and camera get set up we are ready to roll.

This is a well oiled and polished machine, no department wants to hold up shooting so this job is all about prepping. On cue, when everything is tied in…the juicer will say ‘Coming Hot”-magically the set comes to life. Amperage is now flowing through cable like blood flows inside your body, it’s the life source. Heat rises and these perms get extremely warm. Lighting throws off heat, a summer day- up high- with the set totally lit creates more problems, make up on actors may melt and make acting uncomfortable or impossible.

Another responsibility I had on sets is Hooking up 30 ton Air Handlers, the more lighting, the air needed. I was a very popular guy on hot days. A lot of work and cable goes into installing portable air. Grips, Set Lighting, and Special Effects are the departments that you find up high in places raccoons like to hide out!

Welcome to Hollywood

So enough tech mumbo jumbo, we are ready to film….

On the Dallas set, the company had 4 stages committed to them on this very busy Lorimar, formerly MGM, main lot known as Lot 1. Dallas is the Top Dog on this lot as the 80’s arrive. CHiPS, Little House on the Prairie, Flamingo Road, Fame are also clients in need of stages. The lot formerly know as MGM is in transition like a subsidiary of Warner Brothers. That studio is known at this time as The Burbank Studios, the T.V Division was booming and one home was not enough, but MGM is now available for occupying first class film making facilities.

The former MGM Lot was a busy as any time in its history. Rigging crews work 3 shifts round the clock-rigging and striking. This cable only stays put on sets that are continuously used. Dallas had 4 stages with rigging left in place.

My friend Paul from Local 728 became a lamp operator on this series after training – rigging these stages and sets. Paul, formerly a baseball star at Pepperdine up by Malibu, his dream was not ‘Rigging,” it was baseball. He could pitch a mean game until he tore his rotator cuff, where pitching careers usually end. Now Paul falls back on his father, the Department Head. Paul works his way onto this series and his life changes dramatically. Not only is he on the top rated series, actresses take notice of this fine looking surfer/ lamp operator.

Ted Turner bought MGM in 1986 and sold it to Lorimar, who already had a foothold on the property. Dallas had 4 continuous Stages, 5,18,19 and 23. Knotts Landing also had 4 Stages at MGM as the Lorimar impact began to dominate the studio landscape.

Stage 5 housed the Oil Baron’s Club and various “swing sets.” Side story here is- passing the dressing rooms between the 4 Stages clumped together, the smell of marijuana often filled the air. Drugs, especially weed and coke twisted its snake like head not only with cast but crew also. The industry at this time was like Woodstock, with out the war going on anymore. Big money and fast times is how this industry rolled in the 70’s and 80’s.

I can tell you first hand the same environment was taking place at Universal on all your favorite series. The Hulk, The Bionic Woman, Airwolf, Cheech and Chong and the Blues Brothers could party with the best of them, different time in space in that era. I don’t want to personalize who did what, things happened like this inside any gate at every studio. I digress…

Stage 18 was the Ewings living room, there was also an attached dining room and this stage and Stage 19 had sliding doors and two stages could become one stage inside, this offers versatility.

Stage 19 had “swing sets”, sets that fit an episode but are not permanent. It was on Stage 19 Paul, the source for this remembrance we are sharing, met his first wife while on top of a ladder outside the living room set when a spark would later ignite a relationship/marriage. While on location in Texas, Paul’s eventual first wife would stand-in for her mother while on summer break from college. She would later meet Paul at Culver City. Stage 19’s sets constantly changed to introduce new cast members, love interests or simple office sets, Susan Howard, who played Donna Krebs-“Ray Krebs wife was the mother of Paul’s first wife. Pretty cool how they met.

Stage 23-The Ewing’s back yard, based of this actual location in Norfolk,Texas. That yard on location was dominated by a swimming pool. This was a difficult task to match the real location to the stage version, matching the daytime lighting on this summer location to that of the stage mock up. Most backyard scenes were on Stage 23. Location provides ‘establishing shots” cleverly edited to match Culver City’s sets.

This describes how the MGM Lot and Lorimar Pictures blended together.When the studio operated as MGM, before the purchase, Lorimar rented everything from stages to cable from MGM. Lorimar kept MGM afloat through payment on rentals. Lorimar was going bigger and bigger, how high can they fly. The answer is….they bought the studio. My old MGM Sign and Leo the Lion overlooking the studio and city was replaced by Lorimar Telepictures, A thriving upstart company replaces the most legendary first class film lot in American History. MGM fades to black just like the backlots that preceded this evolution. T.V is King!

This show became so big, the cast was recognized wherever they went. Most actors just dealt with it, the trade off of being a star and all the fame, success and money that follow you. Larry Hagman had a bodyguard named Tim, who was also a stand in on this series. Between the actors salaries and the residuals, money rained down like Pennies from Heaven…

That show was done at MGM in 1981, starring Steve Martin, as this series was being filmed. CBS was the network this series aired on. The number 7 actor on this series in those days was making 35 k an episode folks. You couldn’t watch a football game on CBS without “What’s next on Dallas.” Usually during a Dallas Cowboy football game. Our country relaxed with –All things Dallas!

Larry Hagman lived in Malibu and came to work in a two seat Mercedes coupe. often enjoyed a drink on set, or across the street from Lorimar at the legendary Backstage Bar. Larry had his own Red Booth vinyl seating corner in this legendary bar. The stars of Combat drank here-at wrap, before going home -7 shot glasses greeted the cast after playing Army all day. A legendary dark dive bar across the street from MGM’s South gate.

This hit show became a machine, like a Ferrari, Today, the shiny show that dominated television on the most wanted, hard to have success- Friday Night Prime Time Network has been relegated to reruns. I’m surprised it isn’t more popular today. Kinda hard to locate on television today. The Waltons still dominate the rerun world, but all those other T.B.S Lorimar series remain stored in film cans, like a genie returning to its bottle. Things went so smoothly on this set that often shooting was finished by lunch time, and prep started immediately for the next day. They stayed a head of the curve, that is the key to success, don’t get bogged down. be professional, you know what’s needed, Do It.

Success follows hard work…this show is an example as all the departments come together to create memories that will be ever captured on film. There are just as many fantastic stories behind the scenes as what you see on your T.V….

A list of Directors includes the stars itself.

Lorimar could not pay stars more money so being a Director became a perk. Patrick was a natural, Larry was shrewd, always asking the camera operator what the shot would and should look like. The camera operator and set up continuity, absolutely essential to film. Just ask Thomas Ince.

Written and lived by….Donnie Norden “with a little help from his friends, Thank you Paul for your insight and detailed memories.

Gomer Pyle – Camp Henderson

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CHAPTER ONE

This road-Ince Blvd, named after film pioneer Thomas Ince, leads to this Marine Base.

This puts the lot in perspective in the mid 1960’s. Notice the creek- that’s where we entered in my trespassing adventures. Camp Henderson starts most every visit.

You know you’ve arrived when a MP greets you and paved roads turn to dirt. This set is actually the Main Gate to enter these most historic…40 Acres

The Main Gate to 40 Acres. the guard shack pictured above is where backlot security was posted in this picture pre-Camp Henderson. These 9 square roof hatches are-The Desilu/R.K.O Film vaults in blast proof bunkers. This borders the residential streets of Van Buren and Ince Blvd.

The Batmobile should be arriving soon…The Bioscope sign as put up just for Batman in an episode that drives right behind Camp Henderson. Bioscope is known as the historical hub of silent films and news reels. I would find a Silent Film trailer 60 years after this was filmed. the trailer turns 100 years old in 2026. Marion Davies had it built. Nitrate Film from the silent days is stored within sight of this main gate. Fireproof cement bunkers protected the film and their propensity from catching fire.This simple prop reflects the depth of film history in and around these 40 Acres…

Sand Point is Camp Henderson and this set is…The Forty Acre-Desilu Guard Shack. I found this report inside this military outpost where studio backlot security operates out of- located on Ince Blvd.

Military Experiments Gone Wrong…

In this picture I took, 2 barracks are missing after collapsing. Only one full barrack stands, a front door and back door seal the barracks on the right side of the pathway. the barracks on the left have open backs as I explained earlier. The flagpole was located left side of that farthest bungalow, that one is also just a front with no backside. The guard shack is blocked by that structure and that’s the area where Sergeant Carter had his car blow up.

Ronnie Schell, Ted Bessell, and Jim Nabors inside the camp. This set was built for this television series in 1964.

Look who’s kissing ‘That Girl”- Donald Hollinger double dips TV Series at Desilu. 1966-to 1971.

Ronnie and Greg Schell, along with myself in the backseat return to Camp Henderson in 2024 to spin some tales, Ronnie teared up and told me stories of all things this series and this Desilu Studio in general. Ted Bessell was one of Ron’s very best friends as was Jerry Van Dyke.A series that never dipped below the Top Ten in ratings. A hit then and a hit now-60 years later…

Ronnie Schell – Pulling Rank!

Paramount Hollywood handled the interiors for this series- but-Thursdays and Fridays were reserved for location work at Paramount Culver City.

Across from this gas station is the Culver Hotel, a bus bench is just out of view. We often took the bus to the backlot and got off right here across the street. Culver Blvd and Van Buren.

Al Lewis pictured left-“Grandpa” on The Munsters and a prank by Sgt. Hacker that backfired. Every show that films on 40 Acres funnels down the dirt road and eucalyptus trees that hide the surroundings and leads to the main gate.

I had this lunch pail too, along with The Rat Patrol.

Ready, set ….Place your bet-Yellow Bear or Gomer Pyle.

“Slater-keep your eyes out for those ….Dogs on Duty!–One of my favorite pictures with the Baldwin Hills looking down on the lot, That’s where we watched over this lot from, Slater is following- Gomer racing Yellow Bear in an effort to settle a bet between Sergeant Carter and Sergeant Hacker.

Gomer racing Yellow Bear in an effort to settle a bet between Sergeant Carter and Sargent Hacker.

Carter bet on Hackers horse in the race…Pyle won making both Sergeant’s losers. This road borders the creek and is usually our point of entry.



Friendly Freddie hangs out at the two main gates at this camp. A woman Marine, is actually in disguise to visit her husband but can’t resist “cheap sale.” This chain link fence is Camp Henderson’s other gate, ironically, it separates two camps, the other being-Stalag 13. A row of eucalyptus trees, conceals the camps for camera angles.

Sgt. Ronnie Howard in Opie Joins the Marines.

Green recruit quite out of uniform, I wore shoes like Gomer has on here.

What’s with this Private?

Screenshot

Before the barracks were put up, this set stood here and was used in Andy Griffith. For the die hard backlot detectives-Notice the tree behind squad car. It is in every episode since it was the only tree in the camp. The Barracks were on both sides of this tree, a landmark that stayed after the backlot was torn down.It finally died on its own doing of old age-20 or so years later. A natural landmark, two more exact style of trees also were on the western street close by. We called them-The Hanging Trees, where bad folk find the end of a noose.

Before being Gomer Pyle-The Marine- he worked across this tiny dirt road at Wally’s Filling Station. The camp could not have been built any closer. Behind Gomer would become Camp Henderson.

Same area as pictured below, this is the field where military practice takes place.

This area would become Camp Henderson in 1964

Before entering…I can’t believe after all the time I spent being part of this camp I would ever meet any of the stars…especially Mr. Cool Duke Slater. God bestowed me a blessing allowing me to climb into my TV Set and let me pull out Mr. Ronnie Schell. Oh my, I will forever be grateful to experience Camp Henderson with the legend and one of the most popular actors in the 60’s. He’s in everything, not just this series, his memories and stories just moved me like a film reel being rewound to the opening credits. Never, could I possibly imagine that this young trespasser who grew up sneaking in this camp would meet this Shaman of Desilu History. I even had a Gomer Pyle lunch pail. I really enjoyed Sergeant Carter blowing his fuse- Frank Sutton played his role so well. This was my world…

We begin in the La Ballona Creek, just kids having fun on a summer afternoon kicking a can, Like the opening Credits of The Andy Griffith Show, also produced by Danny Thomas. Water in the basin is barely deep enough to float a raft as the creek current drains to the sea. Tarzan filmed across the way from this camp set in the R.K.O. version of the Legend of the Jungle.

Eucalyptus trees line the studio property on our other side. Climbing a 10-foot embankment puts you level with the trees. It’s here you scope the terrain. A dirt road separates you from the first sets you come across, which is the Quonset Huts that that make up this camp. Your first move with the coast clear is to run inside the barracks that stand open end facing the creek.

These barracks have lockers and cots inside and movie cameras easily enter through the open back end and face the front door that when open connect to the roll call center of all things barracks. This is the set where everything we do- day or night usually starts here when trespassing this wild movie ranch. What strikes all who do is fascination – the contents in one of the open-end barracks is roughly 25 TV Sets that are sitting inside. This seemed so odd, like a TV Land commercial several decades before those cable outlets even existed.

Think about it in this context, the programming used on these cable networks today was being made where we play every day. Back in the 1960’s. you only had channels 2-13. To watch Gomer Pyle, you watched channel 2-primetime. This was the era all our favorite TV shows and this backlot was a busy as any in Hollywood back in the days when TV’s replaced theater films and TV dinners replaced family table dining. TVs were like toy boxes stuffed full of images and sounds and commercials usually containing muscle cars, alcohol, and movie and TV advertisements. Everyone smoked it seemed- there were no rules against it!

Many commercials were filmed in backlots, once you dare to come inside these sets, you can’t turn the place off because when you go home and turn your TV on- there it is stating at you, the place you just left.

You have entered…The Magic Kingdom

No risk-no reward was taught to me here on these tempestuous backlots. Many friends refused to cross the line, take risk, fearing a trip to jail and the punishment they may receive- if their parents find out. I’m not that kid, I can talk my way out of most situations and when that doesn’t work-I’m a great climber and run really fast. I only had a few close friends to share this old Bioscope backlot with.

Often, I just traveled here alone which creates its own risks. If you fall through a roof for example, you may not make it out of the fall zone and worse-often there is no one inside or close to hear your pleas for help. On the Gomer Pyle sets, there is no fall danger. Unless the corrugated steel framed with 2 by 4’s inside collapses, which happened in strong winds back in 1975.

I have several friends who are a bit older and joined …The Marines!

I would give tours to actual Marines who watched this series and were inspired to join the Corps. Recruitment soared due to this series. The look on their faces might as well symbolize the raising of the American Flag after a decisive battle. They train in Pearl Harbor, Alaska, and San Diego, yet this set resonates to these highly trained warriors that look up to…Gomer Pyle.

A true Cultural Phenomenon

I saw firsthand how a television show steered a course of teenagers minds looking for adventure into the Armed Forces. I was too young to join but I felt like a soldier, especially leading soldiers around this backlot. Jim Nabors was a good friend of Rams Q.B. Roman Gabriel at this time and often would sing the National Anthem before Rams games. Jim is also known to have visited neighborhood kids at this front entrance-the Ince Gate. He loved cherry lifesavers and handed them out to the local girls trying to catch a glimpse inside. Jim would serenade and pass out treats.

From his arrival at the studio on The Andy Griffith Show-5 years later-he starred in his own series and surpassed that series in the all-important ratings game that pitted these shows against each other depending on the time slots the networks positioned you in. Mayberry R.F.D., Hogan’s Heroes, and Star Trek were stiff competitors. Needless to say, Batman surpassed all the other Superheroes, distancing itself from the first Caped Crusader known around here as Superman. Bruce Lee- “KATO” lived a short walk from here on Van Buren Ave. He had charisma and was our favorite hero- besides Batman.

My friend, neighbor, and fellow trespasser Danny Hancock was Bruce’s biggest fan. Danny has a blackbelt in Tang Soo Do and his instructor, John Natividad was in a Bruce Lee film. Instant “street cred” for John...Kato had a special something about him that transcended beyond just being a TV star-he will forever be a very special spirit. While living on Van Buren- Bruce not only a fine neighbor, he wrote his manifesto on his predicted stardom and achievements his spirit resonated. He had a big dog, a boxer, and this Desilu backlot main gate was part of his every day itinerary in the 2 years “1966-67” he lived next door to this entrance on Ince Blvd… Only the Good Die Young!

This camp is so close to the guard shack that in daytime with the gate open and shack occupied, we would avoid it as to not be seen. Escape is simple since you’re right next to the creek. I did get caught here at the edge of camp, security called the police, after a search and interrogation, the police took down our info on what we call “Scare Cards.”

We were trying to get my friends motorcycle, a Honda 350, down the embankment and back into the creek after riding around the backlot, we knew we were in trouble when the guard saw us in Mayberry. We were pretending to be Barney patrolling, when we saw the real backlot sheriff -we sped away. But reinforcements caught us right before we could wrestle this two wheeled contraption down a steep grade. There is no funner place to ride a motorcycle that this backlot.

In my book-Hole in the Fence-Maureen and I take a dirt bike down these dirt roads and city streets in a romp titled…Born to be Wild.

As we finish this tour of the camp, everything is ground level, no stairs leading up to anything or ladders. When inside a barrack, you see every hole in the sloped roof. You can see the clouds in the sky which translate to mud inside when we get rain. The only floor is by the lockers just to see floor as the door opens, the interiors get wet and smell of mold. The light is natural, no light switches, just sun through holes, windows, and doors or the open-faced backside barracks. It’s neat to see the sun’s rays protrude inward, at night moonlight replaces the sun.

The landscape behind the barracks on the North end towards Stalag 13 is green grass and eucalyptus trees, in summertime-this field dies and turns brown with tumbleweeds taking over and blowing into the old west which lies next door. This was a ranch with a studio built into it. Indians, real ones, once occupied this area below the hills and adjacent to the La Ballona Creek.

This spot where Thomas Ince met Harry Culver while filming the original creek with lush landscape on both sides. That was removed by The Army Corp. of Engineers because of flooding all things alongside this creek. Harry Culver steered Ince away from Inceville- by the sea and into a more favorable area for the westerns Ince was making.

Before Gomer’s sets were constructed, a farm was located here used in the Andy Griffith series titled “Ellie Saves a Female’

Every time we watched a rerun after school, usually sandwiched between Gilligan’s Island or The Munsters, we reenacted the scenes using this camp as fast as our bicycles could get us there. Like we had a buzz on-what we just watched we would now go-relive. You can if you listen closely, still hear Sergeant Carter yelling at Private First Class…Gomer Pyle.

All the channels you will ever need….

The Legend of Saint Nico

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The North Pole

Santa Clause’s Number One Reindeer, giving the gift...of LOVE!

This gift arrived to me in late summer, no batteries required.

Nico immediately had his eye on this girl named Thora, the Rottweiler – a female version of the Nordic God Thor, Both happen to be 3 years old. Thora has a thing for Huskies…

These two became attached at the hip. Side by side while eating, sleeping and all things inside or outside.

Adventure awaits..

From the desert to the sea and all locations in between is how myself and my two dogs roll. Every night is …A Three Dog Night!

Up here, we all become wildlife. Owls hoot feverishly, coyotes howl and the awakening landscape all send out their own Bat signals .

Coyotes eye my posse- Nico has a couple favorites that wish they were him. Wild Coyotes look at Nico as the King of the Mountains.

Nature works in mysterious ways. More than once, my Rottweiler has been challenged by what to her is the size of a chew toy. She stays calm as I think – “Watch what you wish for little doggy!“

This man rescues Rottweilers, The most difficult of all dogs to reboot. They take charge if you’re not up to the challenge. He has reformed over forty wonderful yet very tough souls.This man performs Miracles. Up here in the Mountains, Huskies and Rots are the most popular dogs in this wild wilderness.

Nico loves squirrel hunting, Ground squirrels, tree squirrels, He would never kill anything-just a game of -cat and mouse.

Time out- I need to eat!

Yep, we’re exhausted too…

One of the very first pictures ever of these two together. Nico’s mind is blown – this is his new life!

My daughter Christy provides Nico with a human female best friend. She took this picture in her place.

The Gift that never stops giving…Saint Nicolas.

Christmas Morning 2026

A Wonderful Life…

As I wrote this story, this was going on outside my window..”.Love Will Find a Way”

Shape Shifting Orb

Getting in Tune – to Miracles!

This Story is dedicated to Dustin Maenpa

A friend, compatriot, surfer, jack of all trades, artist, and a damn good drummer. What couldn’t this guy do? He left us much too early. I was blessed by his family to raise his dog, after he lost his 26-month battle with cancer.

When they asked, I accepted without hesitation, even though I wasn’t exactly sure what I was biting into.

Nico is just over three years old, and for most of his young life, he has only known a sedentary life, as Dustin fell ill when he was still a young puppy. It’s as if he was born into the role of caregiver. Although there were brief periods when Dustin felt well enough to take Nico to the dog park, neighborhood walks fell on family and friends. Towards the end, Dustin was too weak to get out of bed, but Nico was there all the while, as his constant support, and spent a lot of time lying next to him.

This dog is more like a wolf, than a dog. He’s big and brawny, and as handsome as a G.Q. cover model.

But what I couldn’t see from the introductory picture, was the saintly soul that sits behind those stunning blue eyes. I quickly realized that this dog genuinely has a heart of gold.

Nico as a puppy, with his sister.

What a face… After I said Yes, Dustin’s family found this picture of Nico and his sister, when they were puppies. Now I see the circle as a Halo.

At the time of this photo, Dustin had no idea that his life would soon take a negative turn. He had no clue that such a twist of fate was about to unfold and cut his future short. But through it all, Nico was Dustin’s Angel, helping him cope with all the difficulties and painful challenges to come. Nico had to grow up quickly.

He became a caregiver, giving all he had to give to Dustin, especially the most important things… his compassion, his silent understanding and reassurance, and ultimately, his soul. Because they were together during extraordinary circumstances, they shared a very special human-animal bond.

All that mattered to Nico was Dustin… How can I fix him? How can I make him better?

Things happen for reasons unknown to us simple-minded humans. We are here for tasks unknown to us, and often serve others in ways we hadn’t planned on.

We often tune out, but animals tune in. We are distracted by a million things, but animals are present, and are focused only on us.

Just recently, I had my own touching moment with Saint Nico, when I caught the flu. I appeared ill for the first time in front of my new best fiend. I realized he was extremely concerned with my well-being. I knew this bug would pass, but Nico was visibly distressed. He’d seen this movie before, and didn’t care much for the ending.

He watched my every move like an overprotective mother. I had never seen him anxious, like that. As I laid down to sleep that night, he cuddled up with me, like a teddy bear, even though he normally sleeps on the big couch close by. I was sandwiched in between two caring and concerned dogs.

I’m convinced that he didn’t want to relive the agony of seeing his master fall ill.

Amazingly, after falling asleep in a doggy sandwich, I awoke entirely symptom-free and ready go back outside and do the things we love to do.

Nico, Thora and I love to get up very early. Nico greets us with smiles, excitement, and love. We have all bonded like we were meant to be. And we’re grateful for every fun day we spend together. We’re a pack.

I watch Nico dream when he’s asleep. Sometimes all his paws are grooving, like he’s having a musical dream. The Maenpas are a musical family, so perhaps Nico has the musician spirit in him… Nico the drummer Rocktsar!

Was he dreaming about Dustin playing drums?

We’ll never know. When he awakens, he quickly focuses on reality. Maybe he was dreaming about playing chase with his bestie Thora, or riding in the back seat with the windows open, or about all of our adventures… at the beach or in the mountains, where they can run and play all day.

Dustin will always be in our hearts, and I know that he is watching with a smile from the other side. He has his fingerprints all over this miracle.

Nico is a reminder to always take time to give thanks for the blessings, big and small, that surround all of us.

I do see the Nico story as a miracle: When loved ones pass, other blessings appear.

The fun for Nico has only just begun. Now it’s time for him to enjoy what’s ahead, without forgetting the past that he shared with Dustin.

Nico’s movie gets a happy ending, after all!

Love you Dustin! And remember, we’ve got you covered down here, where your heart and soul will live on forever.

Peace and Love… Written and lived by… Donnie Norden
(Edited by Dustin’s sister, Donna Quesada)

MGM Toy Chest

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We weren’t the only kids that took advantage of this playground. Todd and Carrie Fisher are seen here with their friends horsing around at MGM Backlot #3.

From the North Pole to the MGM backlot

My pal Stanley makes the perfect head replacement from this oversized prop used in The Brothers Grimm.

Armored vehicles can be seen here where Andy Hardy once filmed

Tanks are always a great place to hide

Here I am on the right, on a train used by How the West Was Won and many other movie and television shows.

I’ll take the train…

This cockpit is the one in The Twilight Zone. It is in the process of being moved as it awaits its fate up by the main gate. The airplane room – its home for decades, has just been disassembled.

I have had many an Odyssey in this cockpit, maybe even better than Flight 33’s crew.

The cockpit that took us all back in time. to a prehistoric world. Anything goes in here. What goes on in the airplane room stays in the airplane room. (See “Twilight Zone Party” in my first book Hole in the Fence)

We even had WW2 Corsairs off of Overland and Sepulveda!

On the left side of this photo, the long hangar stores massive props, the white square building closest to us is attached and provides wardrobe on the backlot. We call it …The Helmet Room.

Helmets of ancient warriors are ready to march on at their beckon call… For a deeper dive into this area, read “The Helmet Room” in my first book “Hole in the Fence”.

This is how this room looked prior to auction. Much still existed even afterwards.

My playmate Maureen holding up her nephew, on the balcony of her home which overlooks MGM backlot 2.

Our cruise ship unfortunately looks more like the debris field from the Titanic.

Wagons are seen here on Lot #2 for the filming of the movie Cimarron in 1960.

Thanks for taking the time to read my stories.
Phantom of the Backlots Presents: Hole in the Fence
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Phantom of the Backlots Presents: Uninvited Visitor
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Phantom of the Backlots Presents MGM “The End of an Era”
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One Man’s Trash—

The stuff we see on TV does exist; I see it, I touch it, and if I can climb all over it, I DO!

The buildings on this lot are jam packed and they hardly know what they have. Since it might get reused one day, they keep it. That was old school studio mentality, when MGM ruled the screen. Sadly, no one uses them anymore. It’s like the kid who once lived here grew up and moved away. Well, at least they are captured on film for eternity.

To me, finding them is like stumbling into the world’s largest toy store. And it’s an interesting challenge to match up the puzzle pieces to the shows they were featured in.

First Discovery—

Today I visit yet another specimen in the television menagerie.  It is a hangar, or to my eyes, a humongous toy chest. I venture inside and close it up behind me. A fuselage from a Jumbo jet is parked here and has an upstairs and a downstairs. This was a real plane, cut into sections.  This plane is a teenage party spot. Comfy chairs recline; food table carts sit waiting for a pretty face to push them.

It Gets Even Better—

When I woke up this morning, I had no idea that I would unearth the airplane cockpit that was used in two Twilight Zone episodes—one with William Shatner, and one with John Carradine. There are so many knobs and levers it’s astonishing to see what pilots must deal with.

Signs, Signs. Everywhere a Sign—

The next department in this Super Store of toys is behind New York Street, in a covered two story, steel structure that can easily double for any Bowery warehouse. I estimate there are 500 large flashing neon Broadway signs stored in here.

If you look really close at the neon signs that flash on your favorite Twilight Zone episodes, you will see them again and again, on all the different building fronts. Like a deck of cards being reshuffled. This card game went on for decades. I would think this is all very valuable and should be saved, but what do I know? I’m just a kid.

More Stuff—

Another drawer in this giant toy chest is the helmet room, located by an ocean liner. (Not a real ocean liner, of course.) There are helmets from Combat, army jackets, and a mountain of ammo clips that snap into place, allowing eight rounds to be fired. The guns are not here though, and it appears that this room has already been picked over.

A clothes hanger that says “Ben-Hur’s head gear” stands forsaken in a closet, missing its iconic helmet. Soylent Green used this room as a makeshift wardrobe in 1972.

But the most impressive assembly I’ve seen is the odds and ends storage facility. Spaceships park alongside Pirate ships, a conning tower from Ice Station Zebra peeks over the top with its periscope. Scattered pieces from some bygone laboratory look like an unfinished science project.

Another rarity can be found looming on this lot. Amazingly, an imposing figure that dwells in a corner is a headless monster. I would later see this creature in the movie, The Brothers Grimm.

Sometimes it takes years to complete a puzzle, but inevitably, I end up seeing the shows this stuff was used in. Is the puzzle complete?

Written and Lived by… Donnie Norden

Bruce Bilson-Desilu Legend

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The Desilu Studio Backlot, where Television Stars and Directors became legends.
Let’s revisit this Backlot Ranch known as 40 Acres as we reflect on the passing of a Hollywood Great-Mr. Bruce Bilson. He just may be in this picture as Hogan;s Heroes was in production when this as taken. Look closely at Stalag 13…

More history on this part of Desilu than you can imagine. Gone With the Wind, King Kong proceeded Stalag 13 standing for 10 years…1964-1974. This site also ties to the first ever movie compound on Lucerne Ave.

This list was found by myself inside a P.O.W barracks and lo and behold-Mr. Bruce Bilson happened to be directing it.

The matching sequence- paperwork. Found at Stalag 13

What is really neat is this paperwork was found where it was filmed, I became the Stalag 13 caretaker, that was my favorite set. But I also had a fort in Andy Griffith’s house at this time-1973

Gray skies over Desilu in this picture I took today. I went on a nostalgic journey today after hearing of Bruce Bilson had passed. He was my friend, I looked up to him when I would see his name as First A.D on the Andy Griffith series and then Director on Hogan’s Heroes. I never thought I would ever touch base with this legend…

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Amazingly- I would be given his contact- so I nervously called him and kinda picked his brain on his career as he sat outside his home. I told him my stories too…Like taking the Tree Stump from Hogan’s Heroes and having a fort in the Taylor Home. I have a lot of history in my Radio Flyer Wagon myself.

How honored am I, this man that as a kid I respected because he directed all my favorite T.V shows. I was the Opie no-one knows. Sneaking around this backlot, building forts, grabbing props, even making out in the Stalag 13 Guard Towers. I was like a blood-hound on all things Desilu and Bruce Bilson rained supreme all over this backlot. Bruce is pictured here with my book-Hole in the Fence-one of my greatest honors, never did I in my wildest dreams did I ever think I we would connect.

Pictured here is The Mayberry Group that connected Bruce Bilson with my book. Dixie Griffith, Andy’s real life daughter, wearing the Cowgirl Hat.The lit mirror you see is from Desilu, last used in Hogan’s Heroes and first used by….Marion Davies.

From the hilltop above Desilu, let’s look back down this real life….Memory Lane

From the hills above Desilu great television and film played out.



A Farewell to Bruce Bilson involves a heavyweight guest list!-Desilu lies in the background-The Tara Plantation can be seen here. Let’s follow Superman to the 40 Acre’s Backlot today-upon hearing this news of Bruce, let’s see those sets today!

Desilu Forever…This is The La Ballona Creek, how to best trespass this backlot.

The Mayberry Courthouse stood right here–

Inside the Courthouse Door, on the floor inside, was the sign….Mayberry Courthouse

The Courthouse as it looks today on the day of the Bilson passing. Studio 43 replaced it. The wooden framed window looks like a typical thing you would see at RKO. A friendly homeless guy is sleeping just out of view at this entrance.


“Who’s that guy asleep out there? I want out of this Studio 43 jail cell !”

“Do not disturb” now hangs out in front of this once alcohol prohibited town of Mayberry.A Man in no hurry fell asleep right at what was the -entrance to the jail!

From silent movies-to television- from Thomas Ince-to Bruce Bilson-they all begin and end their day at this main gate on Ince Blvd.

Meanwhile, at the former Stalag 13, we have another Hollywood empty stage as the industry shifts to A.I. Catering is taking place where Gomer Pyle once ate catering, now we have Court T.V . From the Mayberry Courthouse to Court T.V…The shifting sands over time!

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Epilogue of the passing of Bruce Bilson…

I’ve had the privilege to meet and work Ron Howard-Apollo 13 and The Grinch, Andy Griffith,-on Matlock, and Bruce Bilson. These 3 individuals all started together on this backlot. All became legendary Hollywood Stalwarts – this lot is where it began. My first experience here involved seeing Batman. I was lucky enough to see in real life that Super Hero I emulated, I’d wear a cape and mask, bought with Blue Chip Stamps, like a million stamps were needed -but so be it!

Only Ron Howard is left now to shed light on this legendary figure. I was always in the shadows, grabbing props, building forts and living my own life on this backlot. I was my own Indiana Jones, before the character existed. Hanging out here at the Desilu Studio was funner when you could connect dots on all the series and shows that preceded me.

Clues were everywhere, signs on buildings referred to business’s in Mayberry, ammo boxes were stored in the Stalag Barracks-both in English and German. We decorated our forts with those. Plaster white snow surrounded the Stalag and some slabs- full of spider webs- found there way into my hide outs. I had four forts…The Taylor Home, until it burned down, The Mayberry R.F.D Home, we turned that farm upside down, the parties we had upstairs at that set. I had a saloon fort that for awhile had a rolling phone that called both on and off the studio backlot, and one in the Cantina that also burned down when Goober’s Gas Station went up in flames.

Needless to say I was living my own movie, I even filmed a western with an 8 millimeter camera on the aforementioned western street, I pretended to be …Bruce Bilson.

This was a very special moment today as I retraced his footsteps as a director here, a gathering of spirits followed my every move. A calm and quiet revisit with a town drunk and television caterer before me in real life. His legend will never disappear around this lot, another soul from this glorious movie studio, is now-Gone With the Wind

Streets and places I had forts…

R.I.P Bruce Bilson, thanks for being my friend-

Written and lived by….Donnie Norden.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

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Watch Football, Eat Well-When you drink–DRINK DOS EQUIS

Jonathan Goldsmith arrives on set to meet his costar…

This Mule has an extreme toothache

Leave it to …The Most Incredible Man

With his pliers safe and ready for action- he must now sedate this ass.

“He’s Got Me Hypnotized” as the ass relinquishes it’s fear

I have just met…The Most Interesting Man in the World

Anyone say…Dos Equis

Right before this Most Interesting Man was launched into space, he visited Universal Studios backlot to extract a tooth from 4 legged patient. Swiftly, this busy man passes through wardrobe and make-up and visits our tiny European Street that can easily double for Spain. His costar stands patiently, often showing his large yellowish teeth.

As the thirsty dentist arrives on set, he quickly surmises a fix. Having the mule focus on his pocket watch, this Most Interesting Man is able to get the mule to…OPEN WIDE!

Faster than any Dental Service ever performed on me, this Showbiz Donkey plays his part well and the only thing left to say is-“I don’t always drink beer but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis”

Welcome back to Planet Earth, just in time for …KICKOFF!

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

“Stayin’ Alive” The Bee Gees at MGM

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A late hazy afternoon…One Final Encore by The Bee Gees on my backlot. What a classy way to close out…From the station that brought you “The Bandwagon” with Mr. Fred Astaire 1955 –1977 this picture

1975…

They’ve got a ticket to ride…

Danny and I are up here, looking down at this surprise, encore backlot performance…inside the steeple Belfry.

This is the final scene ever filmed at Grand Central Station…

Still in church tower, video switches from rail depot to front porch of this building on left side of photo.

Village of Fleu de Coup

Copperfield Street MGM – Combat Series was done here. King Kong walls in background. Skull Island.

Reverse angle top /bottom-Same concrete and leaning pole. Still dressed as the village Fleu de Coup

Danny and I are hiding…up here.

The village of Fleu de Coup

Some final daytime insert shots are being filmed in Heartland as this show completes principal photography. Danny and I, following a long, complicated school day stop by Lot 2 to absorb all things Sgt. Pepper, and just kick-back. As usual, most our escapades start at Grand Central Station. We can easily climb up barb wire that is wrapped around a wooden pole and works like a ladder. It’s actually safer than most of the wooden ladders inside many of these sets. The train gates connect the backlot to the Southern Pacific Rail Lines- whose trains still pass by this backlot.

We love watching these trains and their single headlight slowly approach and pass by just outside our backlot, sometimes blasting their horn. We use the rails like they’re our personal sidewalk that just happens to lead inside this studio. Today is no different and once inside we quickly notice production vehicles parked behind the sets being filmed in Heartland. Because of all the activity-we choose to avoid all the bell bottomed, flare collared workforce- many of whom wear oversized sunglasses to block out the hazy sun.

In the church doorway in Combat Village…we appear.

Danny and I decide to view what we can from the church steeple that overlooks not only the backlot, but all things Culver City. The most spectacular views of this backlot happen here. As we relax, Danny plays his imaginary drum set (his pants legs) as we sit nestled in the belfry. Danny tunes in and out like an FM radio dial. He talks briefly, then becomes his own one man band. Danny is in his own music land. Right now…he’s John Bonham and I keep getting kicked like I’m the bass drum. That’s who he is- a future Rockstar. Danny is going to be playing the drums the rest of his life and beyond…guaranteed!

I’m going to work in the movie business...or die trying.

Speaking of Rockstars, a Dodge Van full of Bee Gees has stopped at the same train station we just passed through. A camera is being unloaded with the band. We have a birds eye view as Danny comes out of his trance at the sight of Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb. Thinking we are watching Sgt. Pepper being filmed, we are suddenly surprised by the pre-recorded song that is being played through an audio system.

We peek out the opening at the top of the church, which can be dangerous in two ways. The first, it’s daylight and we can be seen by not only production, but the police or any other noble citizen. Second, you could fall from here and meet an untimely fate. It’s a long drop. Recently, I accidentally dropped my Panasonic cassette deck as the song Kashmir was playing. This is the perfect set for that Led Zeppelin song and the band played on as the the Panasonic player began tumbling downward to its inevitable death, a sudden, loud, crashing stop. You know, like when The Who breaks their equipment on stage…

The song The Bee Gees are performing below us now is from the Saturday Night Fever motion picture soundtrack.

Stayin’ Alive is blaring below us as the camera films the iconic brothers walk and lip sync alongside the Pullman Trains. We have good seats like in the Loge section at the Forum! There was no prep, there is no lighting, just prerecorded music, a camera and a band. We see The Bee Gees inside our trains looking out the windows, like we always do. If they weren’t being filmed, we would think they’re just long haired trespassers!

They were just filming in Heartland but now are performing their own music on an adjacent set. As if the wind blew the band in our direction. We are situated between two active film sets. The Bee Gees are double dipping on both. We have holes up in this steeple so we have 360 degrees of backlot vision. Some existed, some we made, so we can keep an eye on security when in or around Copperfield Street. We are safely tucked in this church belfry while movin’ and groovin’ to the sounds of tight three-part harmonies on a dark dusty dance floor as The Disco Kings strut up the street.

The Bee Gees look like they stepped out of David Copperfield as filming resumes fifty feet away and four stories down. We watch while shifting hole to hole...like raccoons. A new set but the same song continues. I don’t own this album but I’m living it. This song is played endlessly on all the L.A. radio stations.

And Blimey! Here’s the band below us, at a Honky Chateau type setting during World War II

Rather quickly, this magic moment and visitation is completed and the band makes its way back from France to Heartland U.S.A…

That’s how magic continues to work around here…

And that’s a wrap. Back to live music and touring…Band dressed as The Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Back to live music and touring…Band dressed as The Lonely Hearts Club Band.

I want that jacket!

The Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden

Columbia Ranch Retro/A.I. Update-2025

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The Columbia Ranch and the conceptual future…

The Future is Now …Ready for business in the Artificial Intelligence Era of Film Making

Gate 11 on Hollywood Way- as the sun sets on my old ranch backlot. Maureen and I bidding another backlot farewell. as the guard in the shack screams and calls the police.

Not my first Rodeo…

Here is an example of A.I at work- who is who and what is what…The Twilight Zone

Security in a panic-that part is real-“Hey buddy, your pissing me off.” says Donnie the transformed ape..Fantastic examples of A.I.-right down to shadow placement. You use any picture as a base point, and simple audio commands create whatever ambiance you are looking for. This is the new Hollywood, game changing stuff-what could go wrong…EVERYTHING! Enjoy it before we become the prey to an intelligence that thinks and acts at the speed of light and never sleeps…

Gate 11 now- That W.B on the street sign may turn into ….Netflix

The new Gate 11 -Ready for service.

Obey all traffic laws, no cameras or recording equipment- is the first two rules…

More rules…“You will do time here in Burbank”

They still insist you “Keep Out” The new boss is the same as the old boss-“Don’t Get Fooled Again”

This tree was saved because-it’s in a shopping center where we use to enter this Studio ranch. Warner Brothers chose scorched earth and removed every single set, tree or bush. Behind this wall use to be Fantasy Island.Picture on left taken when sets existed-the other two our what we have today.

This was an old growth jungle, that’s why this set was built in this zone-a wonderful jungle greeted you.

The few stages this lot use to have can be seen in this picture only because the jungle had just been removed, otherwise magnificent trees towered above these barb wired walls.

The buildings overlooking the fountain and park set.

View from the rooftops…

Another view from the rooftops-A stage in the distance, The Fantasy Island Jungle as you creep closer and storage of things once used on shows.

Let’s go around the corner, check that fence out…More rules- Like Catholic School!

When sets shadowed city streets…

Oak St, -Stage 66 replaced my favorite Witch!

“Wiggle your nose Sam, make it comeback like it was!”

Stages that probably can simulate artificially what use to be here, albeit ARTIFICIAL.

“On lot” picture and appearance from street side.

This street has lost it’s Lucky Charms…

Zero Appeal Gate 31. That fence is built like a ladder, I could easily climb this at age 65. Expect a bank of cameras here soon. This once wonderful ranch now looks like a hospital …

“Get Me Outta Here!” says Hooper.

Even the Partridge Family wants no part of this “Artificial Hollywood“

A short hop from the Ranch to Warner Brothers on Hollywood Way.This car wash serviced part of our fleet at Universal Tours. Stand -By Transportation Vehicles were cleaned up at this car wash that serviced these 3 studios near by. The Ranch, W.B, and Universal, I would get calls to run vehicles through here when our own garage was too busy to wash cars, vans etc. The tram garage main focus was keeping trams up, running and clean.

I use to drive these in real life-what a fun job this was!….The stories these trams could tell !

Several trams have retired…The next thing you know-This tour will be …Artificial!

I have a site on WordPress-The Glamour Tram. Real life ” foot on the pedal” Tram Stories…Take a Ride with me!

These trams have been rolling since 1964, this one is going through the Earthquake animation.Boulders made of Styrofoam tumble towards this original Pink and White Tram.

A Future I didn’t need to see…

I just was at my old stomping grounds for a Christmas Party at The Universal Sheraton and drove around the Warner Brothers backlot and the Columbia Ranch. Of course I was saddened. I had to force myself to see what was the Columbia Ranch. Little did I know it’s still a virgin.

Not for long-finishing touches are being put in place and the future is here, weather you signed up for it or not. I spent a lot of time here beginning in the mid 70’s. This place replaced my urge to trespass when MGM was torn down. This became our go to lot. I trespassed all the studios in every city back then. No cameras, no sensors, the doors usually weren’t even locked where valuable props were stored.

This place, as was MGM, was extremely busy right until demolition started. Covid delayed the tear down because of the need for control for film crews to be in a safe environment. Filming did not stop, backlots still see lots of action. Universal and Warner Brothers get other studios rentals that no longer have backlot options. Scenes with lots of effects especially prefer being on backlots. Jumanji is currently at the Universal as I write this. Proof the backlots will always be popular to use if left standing.

I visited an old neighborhood above Universal...From a road above Universal-A train is at the backdrop surrounded by Blue Screen pictured right, At left, you see a Base Camp for Jumanji and the Psycho House. The Rock and Jack Black are the stars. My point is Backlots allow companies many more options than locations that require a ton of permits just to tie your shoes!

This is how my backlot looks today, right before Christmas 2025. Harry Potter’s Castle replaced the Universal Amphitheater, you can see the turrets above the giant blue backdrop. Stage 30 did not exist when I was there, Universal has added several high tech stages to keep up the cutting edge of how films will be made going forward. Stage 30 is located right behind Mayfield, or for others, The Back to the Future clock tower.

Our Destination for today’s party….

A peek inside The Sheraton Universal, our party is located on the 21st floor in a building Telly Savalas use to have a popular bar in. He lived here in a Penthouse. Kojak knew how to have a good time. His stories are legendary from us who met him, he use to offer up free booze to our tour guides.

View from floor 21. A Roller Coaster is being built where the Universal Sign use to display itself to the entire valley, but now Universal is is a resort / theme park/ studio.

The next big thing at Universal Tours is….A Roller Coaster

Merry Christmas…From all of us retired studio electricians- to all of you!

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden

The Rat Patrol- MGM

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We can’t use jeeps in this mission-stealth is required. Escape will be by hijacking German transportation.

Today’s Mission involves infiltrating Verona Square, a war torn village used in every MGM War T.V Series in the decade of the 1960’s.

This balcony dates back to…Romeo and Juliet, the 1936 MGM Classic, Directed by George Cukor. I had a fort inside the ledge Christopher George happens to be firing from. My special friend Maureen and I spent a Valentines Day Night under the moonlight right here.

“I’ll be right there darling- I have a grappling hook in my pants”

“I got it from here, Moffitt-yes -she is worth …the trouble!”

1967 Verona Square, the oldest section of MGM Lot 2, and the closet set to my house.

This picture is Verona Square, the site of today’s mission. Picture taken from Maureen’s front porch area, she lived even closer than me to this magical kingdom. We became a perfect fit-like say… Bonnie and Clyde.

1936- Romeo and Juliet set under construction.

Before Jeeps with 50 caliber machine guns, battles were fought like this…

The things these ancient plaster faces have seen. So much history, so much war. George Cukor was the first director to film here, Gene Levitt was the last-Fantasy Island pilot in 1977. But, prior to that in the 60’s, he ripped this town up in COMBAT! -In 1973, Gene Directed a must have MGM movie of the week, using all my stuff, so you know MGM Security called me-The Phantom two years before this film was filmed.

Recurring faces in history….

I met this T.V Phantom, also directed at this set by….my director hero-Gene Levitt.

Heads up …Trespassers!

From Verona Square to …Joppa Square-right across from each other.

The chase is on…

Our Hero’s steal their escape vehicle.

MGM Art Department, my collection given to me by- MGM.

“They Met in Bombay”-1941. MGM Art Department classic photo.

Location in Spain- the chase continues-filmed months apart.

Mission Accomplished…1967

I WAS A KID SOLDIER

A simple nostalgic romp through the MGM Backlot 2. As a kid, I could not get enough of W.W 2. Luckily, that war was often fought right behind my house. I heard every round ever fired, I was too young to trespass but this soundtrack influenced my life going forward. I rode my bike to school and stared through every hole in the old green fences that barely contained what was taking place open the other side of the old green barbed wire fence.

The holes became my T.V, I could not wait for each episode to to “AIR” on T.V. Combat was my soul, best series ever made. As the sands of time spilled out of the hour glass, war had high ratings!

Hit series after hit series carried on for 10 years, The Rat Patrol, Garrison’s Gorillas, and Jericho continued the backlot assault longer than W.W 2 took place. MGM was my history book and I’m forever grateful, Before VHS tapes were engineered, I would try to screen grab with my Polaroid camera. Very poor quality turned me into an artist, I would sketch, diligently images from my mind onto paper, often at school. I sat in the back of the class and appeared to be taking notes.

When that alarm bell rang I was first out the door, like a fire alarm went off. I had to get home to a place called…MGM.

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden

Charles Bronson-Death Wish 4

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My opportunity to meet….Mr. Charles Bronson.

Charles Bronson, in a sniper position here firing towards a Plexiglass covered camera lens and operator.

Reverse angle as the battle begins…

All the parties have arrived in the Baldwin Hills oilfields. Everybody is -Armed and Dangerous!

No place run -Charles has you in his sight.

The camera captures these final scenes protected from full load blank ammo under a blanket.

We need a bigger gun…

As the sunsets, investigators sort through all the carnage.

All in a days work…

Another fine job by man….Charles Bronson.

THE CRACKDOWN

A day on set…1987

A 5 million dollar budgeted film spun off collective series of successful features, this one is directed by J.Lee Thompson.

I discovered this production while mountain biking up in the oilfields above Culver City.I had just got home from my job at that time as a Tram Driver for Universal’s Studio Tour. I gave four tram tours earlier in the day but nothing going on at Universal today was a cool as this set I rolled up on. Fortunately, I had a camera with me. At first I wasn’t sure what I was watching until I saw all the show cards in the Transportation equipment.

Death Wish 4 is on every dashboard in all the production vehicles. Ironically, this is a MGM Film. We are above the former MGM Lot 3 for these action sequences. As I malinger myself around set I manage to capture a close up of one of my all time favorite stars…Charles Bronson.

I hesitantly approached this man, more clean shaven but, just as mean-if not meaner,

I had to take advantage of my “one minute in the sunshine.” As Charles wondered off alone I pulled up alongside him. “I’m sure glad you survived that chateau assault in the Dirty Dozen. He gave me this stare as I kept rambling on, “that set was on the backlot in the MGM facility in the U.K I believe?” as he responds. “The entire chateau was a set, we destroyed it”. “I’m a huge Lee Marvin fan so you two are quite the pair of survivors.”

” Lee was in The Battle of Saipan, he’s seen a lot of real action.” said Charles.

We happen to be overlooking the City of Culver City but more specifically, the former MGM Lot 3.

“My favorite show ever, I wanted the entire cast to survive, I cried when Jim Brown gets killed, what an ending!” Here I am on a hill top with the baddest dude in film. Next question I always wondered is – ” In the Twilight Zone episode “TWO” where was that New York Street?

I never could figure out this set, it baffled me for decades…

Charles impressed me as he scoured the horizon. He was trying to point it out, but – he became as baffled as me. I then point to Raintree, formerly the MGM Backlot 3. He stares towards Desilu and its grand water tower, then responds, “I don’t see the studio.” Then the bombshell, “It was at Hal Roach Studios.” “That studio was torn down in 1964.”. He is needed on back on set to undoubtedly kill more people, I sit in an afterglow.

No wonder I couldn’t pin it down, I never got inside Hal Roach. The Twilight Zone never filmed there or so I thought. They did it turns out-only this mentioned episode. My moment with Charles was fleeting yet still imprinted in my wonderful life memories forever.

I would find out later…

I did not know I was talking with a W.W. 2 hero himself, Mr. Bronson was a B-29 Superfortress aerial gunner. A Purple Heart was awarded to him for injuries sustained in action over Japan. They don’t make actors like they use too….

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden