The main antagonist and relentless killing machine…
I chose this model to -“shoot the shit.”
Watch what you wish for because a year after this film titled ‘Westworld” was released -we crossed paths on the MGM backlot. I was trespassing, a hobby I developed to start the decade of the 70’s. I snuck in -uninvited of course, to my own magical westworld. Movie studios, superpower stars and villains walk side by side. Nothing unusual there, and this adult themed Enchanted Kingdom really existed in the movie world I was growing up in.
In 1974- on the set of “The Ultimate Warrior”, I had the moment of taking direction during a scene with Yul, We stared intently at each other as I walked out of a doorway and ended up behind the director. Yul never spoke- he stared as I stood behind the director as the director expressed what he was looking for in this martini shot-the last scene of the day.
As I peered deeply through his robotic eyes-I touched his artificial soul. Or is it? I was connecting to a robot – not a movie legend. I got chills – this guy is so beyond human. He doesn’t talk, he just stares like he is telepathically down loading my thoughts. I’m 14 at this time, so my thoughts are girls, sports, and because I’m a trespasser…guards have to be somewhere in my mind since they are…somewhere on this lot.
This 30 second moment, like a showdown with a Gunslinger, was quick but lasting forever in my own seemingly robotic data base. I have been fortunate being in the entertainment business to have met everyone, however brief, but my late afternoon meeting with this gunslinger was forever a moment I will cherish. No words were required, we downloaded our thoughts and visualization recognition made us like two robots, one highly paid and legendary, the other was just a trespasser on a journey through Hollywood.
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. TheBeverly 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 Playto come alive…
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…
and -Man From Uncle…(The Shark Affair)-Episode 4- first season. (The Finny Foot Affair)-episode 10. (The Secret Sceptre Affair)-episode 19. (The Love Affair) -episode 26…All first season.
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 commissarynext 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 privilegeto!
“We need a new Headquarters”–Almost exactly same angle as previous color pic-12 years later.
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
A matte painting accentuates the Paris that burned…Waterfront Street-the opposite side of Brownstone also burned down that Sunday afternoon.
American in Paris- Lot 2-Waterfront.
Waterfront Street -My Art Department photos match doorways and windows. Always touch ups-awnings, signs, slight remodels – then bring in cars, horses etc. Set dressing is key for audience not to recognize (Singing in the Rain) is same set as-(American in Paris.) The most historic part of the lot for musicals.I danced here- the cobblestone street and sidewalks survived the fire, allowing my pals and I to live out this sequence. In 1974 I met Mr. Kelly on That’s Entertainment. He was so kind and genuine. I mentioned to him, “When it rains, we go on the backlot a sing the song -Singing in the Rain-while we dance, well more so just splash.” He gave me the biggest ear to ear grin-the one you see in his movies. I think we made his day-I didn’t wash my hands for a week after we shook hands and parted ways. My favorite MGM moment all time!Waterfront Street 1955-Singing in the Rain
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.
Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden
No -Risk, No-Reward…Here’s your invitation into my world, see ya there!
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.
I’m on that rooftop with Jimmy watching from above this street. It was a balcony for several hilarious street scenes taking place over 48 hours
Beautiful Downtown Burbank is -5th Avenue MGM Lot 2. On the theater marquee, The MalteseBippie is- now playing.
Tarzan’s Jungle are the trees at the end of the street with a large wall beyond… from 1976 King Kong.
Bette Davis in final scene on the backlot in her cameo “one day” backlot appearance.
My sister is jealous, she digs Bette Davis…
It’s June 13, 1977, my 17th Birthday.
It happens to fall on a Saturday. To celebrate, we will be visiting the MGM backlot. 24 hours earlier, there was a lot of activity here, on almost every set. Production types-artists-prop makers- set decorators-are preparing for something. It’s not the typical preliminary protocol that large shows follow, whatever this is, it seems relatively small in size. A wind machine with a giant wooden fan blade is unloaded off a stake bed truck with NBC painted on the sides. Jimmy and I look downward at the New York Street ball field from a rooftop. The giant fan casts an eerie shadow as the blade tries turning itself without electrical power in the soft summer breeze. The truck drives away, mission completed.
There is also activity in Verona Square, where a cart full of delicious looking rubber fruit in all shapes and sizes is parked tantalizing us. A Rolls Royce convertible is parked with a security guard sitting alongside. Some lighting equipment also says NBC on it-another clue...A prop truck is unloading a bathtub and some street signs and a telephone booth.
24 hours later,
Jimmy and I appear up in the church steeple. My birthday wouldn’t be complete without my pal Jimmy and an afternoon on Backlot 2.
All the activity on Friday gave us an inclination filming will be happening Monday since filming rarely-if ever takes place on Saturday. But as we look over the lot from one of its highest vantage points, we are stunned to see several splinter units prepping locations. Every street is in the process of being used for something involving this network television show.
We look outward from our steeple and watch as a kid’s tricycle is being ridden by a man wearing yellow rain gear. Arte Johnson usually rides this but today a stuntman is riding through a minefield located in front of the silver clad King Kong set that still partially remains. The sounds of tiny explosions fill the air as four mines go off, the last one is a direct hit– knocking our yellow slickered cyclist face down into the dirt. We surmise this must be “Laugh In.” That scene is finished and this unit moves toward their next skit, which happens to be in the village our church steeple is located in.
Robin Williams rehearses below…he knocks on a corner door and a lady answers. “Hello”, he says, “I’m taking a poll on people’s opinions, –is there too much violence on T.V.?” She pauses, then responds “Wait here Sonny Boy” She gently shuts the door as a large explosion detonates exactly where Robin… was just standing.
We’ve been here an hour and are already having a blast…literally! What a surprise birthday gift MGM is treating me to already. I wonder if -Judy, Mickey, Debbie, Liz and Roddy ever had a party like this on their birthdays in this enchanted playground. This studio is magical…Abracadabraeverybody!
The Rolls Royce we saw yesterday is driving all over the backlot with a lady inside we make out to be-Bette Davis. This car is driving down every street, sometimes with a camera in the car and other times being filmed just passing through this heavily ravaged backlot. Since Kong finished filming, this backlot has been left unattended, just waiting on its destiny. This comedy could be the last thing ever filmed here, for all we know.
As Bette drives down what used to be Maple Street, she points to the burned down church and makes reference to “beautiful downtown Burbank.” Next this car gets filmed passing by Verona Square and behind Bette Davis is a wall with my “alias” name on it…A guard wrote John Orden here years ago, his way of letting me know he’s on to me.
Now this wall is going to be on T.V. Another name was painted near here by scenic artists a long time ago… Rudolph Valentinoshares this same wall with John Orden. I never expected Bette Davis to be filming a scene in front of this message delivered to me by MGM Security. Too bad it didn’t say “Happy Birthday” or “Catch ya later.”
New York Street has the bulk of activity. We journey across the lot to the Big Apple. I have never witnessed filming being done in this fragmented manner; it’s how I imagine The Little Rascals would be filmed. As we arrive on 5th Avenue, we enter the largest standing set on the backlot. It’s the Theater District from The Bandwagon, but the show on the marquee today says “The Maltese Bippy.” This was a movie with Rowan and Martin and a Miss Julie Newmar aka Catwoman. My first crush after Miss Peters, my first-grade teacher. Meow.
Miss Julie Newmar “The Maltese Bippie” Call me…
A shot is being set up as the crew stands outside on the sidewalk, as we slowly drift around inside the theater, peering out through doorways and windows. One window is just right, a camera is set up directly in front-facing in. As we peek outside from inside, everyone is looking our way. We wonder what the scene will be…
Positioned behind a window frame, like some amusement park mirror, we stare out as crew stares in. We keep an angle as to not be seen… a countdown is taking place. All the people involved are behind the camera. We are in front of it, tucked just out of view. We decipher as the numbers being shouted out get smaller, we are in a pyro blast zone. We see wires running along the cement floor to this window with the realization that the shot taking place will involve an explosion. We also realize we are dead center of this about to be exploding window.
Three, two-RUN...As one is counted, we are in full retreat. ACTION is a signal to detonate this charge we were just standing next to… BAM!
A large orange flash is followed by a plume of white smoke that at this moment seems as if it’s chasing us. OOOOOOOH SHIIIIIIT! We disappear in a cloud of smoke but reappear where our baseball field is… smoke trickles out over home plate. We hear applause and laughter on the opposite side where we were just at-they got their shot. Jimmy and I take deep breaths as we exchange a long silent look towards each other. Jimmy, in his best Sundance Kid imitation taunts, “Think you used enough dynamite there Butch?” Little do they realize-how close a call that scene just was. “Let’s go back to my house for some Birthday Cake, my momhas a party planned-Let’s go celebrate making it to 17 in one piece”…
We return home for cake and Hawaiian Punch, to a table that has seen every Birthday I’ve ever had. This particular party (pictured in 1967) was a Batman theme, I have on a Batman T-shirt as I blow out my candles-Jimmy waits anxiously alongside.
Cake is served and the 17 flaming candles are nothing compared to the explosion we dodged…just minutes ago.
Quickly this tiny celebration becomes an afterthought, as the adults in the room become infatuated with my mom’s ability to foretell their futures by reading the tea leaves in the bottom of their cups. Luckily, I don’t drink tea because I’m sure my cup would tell- verystrange tales! My cup readings would lead to enormous anxiety, I spare dear old mom. “Just be careful Donnie” is said by her and resonates in my brain with meaning she may never really know the depth of….
As my mom tells fortunes, Jimmy and I disappear – like some Black Magic spell. We return to the set for more fun and games. Through a Hole in the Fence on Montana Avenue, we reappear…
The lot is how we left it-comedy skits are being conjured up fast and furiously. The cast looks like a bunch of Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves...I just left my own 17th Birthday Party at my house for a star-studded party on Lot 2.
My mom didn’t have the budget NBC is spending this weekend on my backlot. The good thing is-this will be on television, so my mom and I can watch it together. She will understand then why we hastily left the family behind, plus she loves Rowan and Martin.
As we make our way toward Brownstone Street, we have to make decisions on what splinter set is next up. This is like my GAF View Master, just click the trigger and a new set with filming appears.
A bathtub is set up in the alley way, as a man bathes, a makeshift bathroom wall collapses, and an alley full of women looks on in embarrassment. On the sidewalk in front of the Brownstone tenements, a lady is taking a brisk walk as men whistle approvingly and bang garbage can lids together- it’s then her dress gets ripped off and flies away, thanks to fishing lines and a tear away clothing. Hmmm… Happy Birthday to me! This is funnier than any stuff going on at my house’s Birthday Party. A man in a Gorilla costume rides around New York Street and waves to us.
A farewell to the legendary Bette Davis is taking place as her day is completed on a backlot she never filmed on before in her career. So, this is what happened to Baby Jane. She is given a Star Salute from the cast and crew of this series.
Jimmy and I got back to the set just in time for this farewell, as the smoke from my Birthday candles is still in the air in my dining room, and while my mom reads tea leaf futures- a block away from this Hollywood farewell. Once again, all my candle wishes come true.
Even better, as the sun begins to set on the Brownstones, an advance call sheet has the backlot active on Sunday.
Sunday is here;
Yes, it is, and being 17 is off to an awesome start. I figured 16 would be hard to beat with King Kong and all those adventures. But this legendary T.V. remake may just be the harbinger of things to come on my old but very functional backlot.
Day 2 of being 17 begins by climbing in at Grand Central Station, Jimmy returns alongside, we’re like Rowan and Martin-as teenagers. We walk our sets confidently, not knowing what to expect today. The rubber fruit cart will be featured in Verona Square, and it’s parked under an alley archway. We head over by Kong’s walls and check out the pyro packs used yesterday in the tricycle detonations with the rain coat guy. They are still here as is one blackened tricycle. We examine the explosive pouches that are like oversized caps for a cap gun-that has wiring attached, that’s how they detonate on command. We find this most interesting, especially since we almost blew up yesterday. We relive yesterday as a new day begins…
We cross the narrow wooden footbridge, stopping to look at the creatures below the surface glistening in the morning sun. Crawdads raise their claws above the water line as we say our good mornings to each other. Bullfrogs position themselves for some morning sun. Orange carp frolic below reacting to abrupt shadows…this is how the lake in Tarzan’s jungle wakes up every day. Two swan can be seen above the deeper section of this man-made lake that doesn’t seem man-made at all. Nature doesn’t think so anyway…
Everyone is gathered around New York Street finishing breakfast as we survey the set, first ground level, then from a rooftop five stories above the New York Street named 5th Avenue. A motorcycle with a sidecar is receiving attention by mechanics at one end of the street, while close to us- a stunt person dressed like a nun and a small person who is supposed to be a kid take on instructions. The motorcycle is about 50 yards away from a newly painted crosswalk where our actors are receiving direction.
Jimmy and I sit perched like a couple of owls looking down with our infinite wisdom, we begin putting two and two together as the scenes about to take place are being heavily discussed below us. Risk factors in with motorized machinery and actors crossing each other’s path. We are 5 stories up and no one knows we’re up here, we also take risks.
The higher up we are, the less likely we are to accidentally become involved in the scene, like yesterday’s near fiasco.
We have the best angle you could have on this scene; I’m surprised there is not a camera set on the roof. The motorcycle and sidecar begin to practice speeding down 5th Avenue. The crosswalk has been painted in front of the movie marquee and adjacent to the exploding window we experienced yesterday.
This motorbike sidecar contraption has been modified to separate from the motorcycle itself but maintain control with its own hidden steering wheel. After several test splits, the bike gets reunited with its passenger car for the- Real Take.
Enter the costumed Nun and the schoolboy. “Gentlemen, start your engine, actors take your places!”
Two teenage heads extend beyond the rooftop just above the intersection from hell. We have a bird’s eye view on whatever happens next.
Three, Two, One…ACTION!
The motorbike races towards us and the two actors below. As this bike gains speed, the nun and boy are dead center of their crosswalk. This bike is not stopping as the actors freeze up like deer in the headlights.
The motorcycle and sidecar separates into two right in the nick of time and just misses the actors who are left spinning like whirling dervishes. The sidecar speeds by on one side and the motor bike speeds on the other of our boxed in cross walkers. The sidecar- after a bit of difficulty comes to a safe stop directly below us and reunites with its engine.
They got this difficult shot right on one take after several rehearsals, practice makes perfect in a world involving Stunts Unlimited. Meanwhile Jimmy and I chalk up yet another memory that you will never see again, except on NBC Network T.V. We find it amazing to see filming in all its three-dimensional glory, but in a month or so we will see an instant replay of this day on my TV’s single dimension. Plus, all the risks that are taking place before our eyes will be forgotten afterthoughts…we soak it all in-like the sunshine bearing down on us.
We watch a few balcony comic skits on Brownstone as the company begins striking materials. This weekend is coming to a conclusion. As Jimmy and I traverse across the backlot towards home, we see the property department loading up their props. As we get to our final backlot destination, Verona Square, we run into that fruit cart. We realize all the props are getting picked up, so we push this fully loaded cart inside a double doorway to conceal it as we shut the doors behind it.
Our hope is, it’s forgotten here in Culver City, 21 miles from Beautiful Downtown Burbank.
Our return the next day finds a production less backlot- it’s Monday… Summertime. Today several of my friends join me as I give them a tour of what they missed. What was here yesterday is all kaput today. It’s like I’m just spinning wild tall tales with no substance until-I open up the double doorsand out rolls a fruit cart. Not much is said, the looks on everyone’s faces is all that’s needed. The fruit looks as real as some fancy farmers market, but it’s rubber. They feel like baseballs, naturally they become baseballs as a fruit fight begins in Verona Square.
May the best arm win- and we have several. Fruit is flying everywhere, through windows, from balconies, and rooftops. It’s a melee. Danny chases me in a doorway and the floor platform caves in and I fall into a rotted stairwell on to a bed of eucalyptus leaves. This battle is taking place in the former Romeo and Juliet sets and would make for some great skits…NBC should send over a camera crew…ASAP. This is as good as the stuff they were filming. Today was an unscheduled Day 3 of a birthday that just won’t end… “Duck! Here comes a flying pear!”
The Bananas pictured here still exist in my backyard jungle set. This large bundle of Bananas was carried home by yours truly from the Laugh-In set. Some kids carry school books, I carry props.
We relocated a fruit cart exactly like this one into a facade. The show couldn’t find it and left it for us. This happens to be exactly where we hijacked ours. This one pictured is from the T.V. series” Jericho
Rest in Peace Ronnie Schell. Meeting you and going to the former Desilu with you was a highlight in my life. With deep respect.
Don and Mary Coleman own this site and asked me put my own spin to match their excellent work. I am honored to participate in this First Class presentation they created. Don is al things…The Time Machine.A must visit site for those of us who traverse through time’s wormholes…
A mystery of mine has finally been solved regarding the making of ….The Time Machine in June 26,1959.
I’m at this set everyday with my free range dogs-only very recently did this area directly connect to this set. Basically still untouched as it connects directly to MGM Lot 3.
Tape Measure for camera setting…This set is not on MGM Property, rather-Just beyond the fence in the Baldwin Hills Oil Fields.I go here everyday with my dogs…
June 26, 1959 puts you…HERE!
Absolutely Brilliant Visionary and Effects Genius-George Pal
The oil derricks were removed but oil production still takes place and outlasted film production. Oil started being drilled in 1924. “Wells” refers to this location. Barb wire follows me everywhere…
Landscape at Sunset, as described on call-sheet.
Sunset- Looking down on MGM Lot 3 and this set- Time Travel in the 1990’s.
“Tell me more about this place” says my Husky Nico. “This field where you chase coyotes is most legendary for MGM T.V action and can be seen in The Twilight Zone- “The Hunt,” Old Man Hyder Simpson and his (Coon Hunting) dog RIP. Garrison’s Gorillas, Combat, The Outer Limits (Zanti’s) filmed all along side this area that only a rusted barbed wire fence separated the MGM wild kingdom from (Boom Town) Oil Production. “We found a buried puzzle piece today- Boy -YES!” says Donnie the MGM Time Traveler
“We are looking for a dog named…Lassie” – “No Dogs allowed in here!” says the devil.
This fenced road separates MGM Lot 3 and the Oil Fields.The Road to Freedomin a place where anything can happen and did! –We all time traveled here…
A road to West L.A College cuts through here today.
These landscapes around MGM have barely changed.
My old MGM Lot 3 (Get In) spot still has a rusted original MGM barb wire pole. This Morock Village we visit was located just the other side of Eucalyptus Lane.
Morock Location -Raintree–Lot 3 Lake
MGM Lot 3 lake- 1959
MGM Lot 3 Lake- Time Travel happens here- here are a couple kids arriving from…The Twilight Zone
MGM Lot 3Cotton Bossom -Showboat MGM Lot 3.– Traveling back in 1951.
A pristine Utopia-Raintree Town Homes maintain this former MGM Backlot 3.
Don and Mary Coleman-at the MGM Lot 3 Lake. It was my honor to assist these Time Travelers in an attempt to locate the exact location of the Morlock Village set. I insisted it was on the backlot-until a call sheet and a picture drew the conclusion that this set was just behind Lot 3 in the neighboring Standard Oil Fields that are still pumping oil here in 2026…Oil Production dates to 1924.
This space remains untouched by time.
Time Travelerswardrobe – Fabric from Rod Taylor costume…
Oil Field side of MGM Lot 3. Eucalyptus Road on MGM Maps is the trees in the distance.
Morlock Village Location-Baldwin Hills oilfield, as it looks today, the tree line is MGM lot 3. The area I’m in is the oil field side. Match this area where number 55 on map below, this is oilfield side of fence line.
MGM Lot 3 Map – Tarzan Jungle is part of backlot closest to this oilfield. 55 is Eucalyptus Road, a dual Eucalyptus Road also existed on the oil field side. Eucalyptus trees thrived in this area, both in hills and MGM Lot 3. Many still exist that laid witness to all things MGM.
This is a catch basin hat existed before the Time Machine was filmed here and is still here today to prevent rainwater flooding on the MGM Backlot 3 on rainy days from Badwin Hills runoff, water drains from this basin to La Ballona Creek. This Morlock village incorporated itself all around this area, the trees are MGM Lot 3.
Production documentsProduction documents
“Hop on- We are headed to all the exterior sets used in this film.
Beauty and The Beast
Predators still reign supreme, dating back to dinosaurs that are buried here that provide the raw material for the oil business taking place alongside MGM Lot 3. Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, owls and hawks have taken over this Movieland landscape I visit everyday.
Nature has its own Time Travelers constantly coming and going in this space devoid of clocks.
The Great Hall, a set built on stage on MGM Lot 1 but also a partial Great Hall exterior built on the MGM Backlot 3.This set also existed on Stage 20, MGM Main Lot. Notice the lighting from perms on stage.
The Great Hall- Lot 3. The head was added in post production on to this backlot set.
Fortunately- I too am a Sky Pilot! –Mach 4 version.
This is how time flies by when you push the handle forwards or backwards.
Production documents
This set has a matte painting incorporated- only the stairway is real and located on MGM Lot 3 -Set 59
Set 59 on MGM maps. A Matte painting combined with the actual stair set.Best remembered for library steps in a Burgess Meredith Twilight Zone where his glasses break as he just finishes sorting out his favorite priceless books…(Time Enough at Last). Also filmed in 1959…
Twilight Zone connection – this aired in November – 1959. As time would have its way-this was most likely the next thing filmed at this stairway set following- The Time Machine. Time again was the featured narrative- Time Enough at Last-Who didn’t tear up when this happened?
A Matte Painting tops off this set-the dome head top is the painted-finishing touch.Clues and props used in both Time Machine and Time Enough at Last.Absolutely Fascinating, Time tells its own stories. In my Time travels I met Burgess Meredith at MGM Lot 1- under the water tower as he was taking a break outside while filming ROCKY. Mr. Dingle and I cross paths in a brief moment in time that became a precious memory as it aged and faded into time and space.
A most famous Time Traveler in this area close by to Desilu where he portrayed a villain named-The Penguin.
This set is known as The Vinegar Tree House. A friendly guard told me all about this set being used in this film and that’s what he called this set-Vinegar Tree House -do to particular trees that grow on the flip side of this set.
The 4th Dimension miniature.
Full size-first class Time Travel
“I can make snails speed up or completely stop still” …MGM Lot 3 snail exodus.
1917…
East Entrance -Vinegar Tree House–1972
West entrance-A Vinegar Tree-this is same set. Walk in this door and exit 20 feet away, across from the lake out another door that make this set a dual set. this home has two different entrances and identities…Recognise this from “A Thing About Machines,” a Twilight Zone episode, Albert Finchley’s home.
A man who has had it -with machines.
A split set – notice curb line is the delineator off Copperfield Court and the landing spot of this the Time Machine stopping point.
A MGM Guard named Al Marioenzi was a veteran officer who shared what it was like to be on this set at Filby’s as they continually dressed these mannequins, over and over. I lived time through his eyes and spoken word.This wonderful friend also shared Louie B. Mayer’s office with myself and my side kick – Maureen. Overtime-Gaurds had a thing for this most pretty trespasser of all-time. Al was suspended for 3 days for befriending us as he was turned in by another guard. The Watch Commander had a rule posted in security -“Do not befriend this Phantom Trespassing Kid” I was a thing-Once Upon a Time!
Time Travel to my Birthday-June 13-I always visited the backlot on this date.
1980 photo of a street ravaged by time.
Before Time Machines were invented-“Lassie Come Home” set in 1949.
Copperfield Court and Filby’s Department Store set.
Catwalks above Copperfield Court-the skies our the limit in Time and Space…
“Being There” set for character Chance Gardner/Peter Sellers for last film ever on Copperfield Court…1980. Pictured right-the backside of of Copperfield Court.
Time Machine landing spot in this 1976 picture on MGM Lot 2. Through the forest best know for Tarzan an enormous set is being built-look closely- the King Kong walls of Skull Island are being built.
Same angle in 1959-notice the tiny brick wall still remains undisturbed.
My 1974 picture of this stairway used as people try to escape the Mushroom Clouds…
Time to move on – this is one handy machine.
75 I- is the stairway that the Time Machine is parked – Copperfield Court is Filby’s Store-set 3 # 462
All this Time Travel takes place just on the other side of this fence. From the Twilight Zone and all points beyond…
No Truer Words-I throw in a Bonus Picture from the MGM parking lot. The other side of this steel fence is Filby’s Department Store. The front side of this set pictured was the exterior set of the Twilight Zone-“Back There”
Russel Johnson tinkered in time travel is the Twilight Zone episode…”Back There” This Time Machine was stored in a Lot 2 warehouse and a kids favorite capsule to play inside off.
Time waits for know one in a capsule that bends and manipulates this consortium.
Time Travel Exits…Let’s Go Reeling in the Years
Today, June 13, 2026-we unfold time to to June of 1959, to see the changes time has bestowed upon us…
This story involves 3 different Time Machines of which I am lucky enough to have history with. I’m qualified to pilot all 3 machines. My first certification was the machine used in…The Twilight Zone. An MGM favorite prop for teenagers of the 1970’s-built for traveling in and out of Rod Serling’s time travel needs.
At that time in space-we lived on all these backlot locations used in 1960’s time travel. In the year 2000, I worked on my own – Time Machine Project on the Dreamworks remake. I’m living proof Time Travel exists-at least when mixed with the backlot magic that resonates continuously under the Power of Now manifestations.
This is a follow up on today’s version of yesteryear. Let’s see what has changed and what remains unchanged as time picks and chooses what fate has in store involving past, present, and future. There are no guarantees- when you tug on that tiny diamond handle that propels backwards, forwards, sideways and in some cases -upside down.
Don’t bother reaching for your seatbelts, non exist!
The MGM Studio Backlot 3 disappeared in 1972 as our time traveling begins. So that’s the future of this studio 12 years after Rod Taylor and Yvette Mimieux visited this landscape.
In 1965, I see Yvette has a new boyfriend-Dr. Kildare now carries the Trophyas we move forwards.
The area surrounding the Morlock Village is relatively unchanged as we trek forward through the 80’s. But the nature surrounding this set is alive and well, let’s get out and walk.
Listen…Let the landscape tell it’s tales
The quiet is deafening. An occasional oil pump is the most common sound that reminds us man coexists with the predators in this area today. Animals here are generational. They are ancestors from the distant past to present day. “Resilient” best describes their survival. Predators thrive in this Morlock Landscape.
Nice animals monkey around in the daylight, squirrels go in and out of the Raintree Complex that replaced the backlot. Rabbits provide high speed chase opportunities for the coyotes that torment the friendly critters. No wonder “The Hunt” was filmed here with RIP and Hyder Simpson. I am reminded everyday that ” Even the Devil Can’t Fool a Dog.” No truer words…
Lizards sun themselves, turtle doves coo, occasionally, skunk and raccoons pass by. A tiny fox is a rare but dignified grand traveler – for centuries. Fireflies love to show of there ability to hover, disappear, then reappear like they are miniature Time Machines. Butterflies, colored birds of all sorts and sizes frolic happily. Crows are the dominate species and often sit proudly in large numbers on the still remaining eucalyptus trees from MGM. A daytime hunter is the beautiful red tail Hawk, soaring upwards with a couple of flaps, then reversing it’s course and effortlessly doing a 180 degree downward look on all things taking place below.
Often “take- offs” from the large portion of the MGM Lot 3 lake soar over your head as Ducks and Canadien Geese venture…off lot. Frogs and crawfish peek out from the well maintained MGM lake that was often the African Jungle for Tarzan. MGM had its own zoo and horse stables. Elephants called this backlot their home as a Big Top that was bigger than Barnum and Bailey’s traveling animal entertainers.
In the 60’s, the MGM backlot was most famous for War TV. Combat, then Garrison’s Gorrillas and The Rat Patrol filmed this backlot non-stop. The quiet area became a battlefield for gunfire and explosions as all the nature on the studio lot felt the need to escape and headed out of the studio and into the hills…literally.
Animals had to tolerate being in the middle of WW2.
Predators-Visitors in the dark.
Owls are the official “backlot bird” and thrive on reducing the rodent and snake population. They “hoot” passionately when humans explore areas near their nests. MGM Gaurds had the best job in the world-having the keys to this kingdom. Security was the most feared predator for our trespassing generation. The guards on Lot 3 use salt rock guns to emphasize No-Trespassing. A land patrolled by Sharp Shooters…
Don’t let looks fool you-he’s armed and dangerous.We were told this by trespassers we ran into oder than us and who were being chased through this exact area
I push the handle forwards as flowers turn from full bloom to no bloom, low clouds turn to high clouds as the warm summer sun takes its annual foothold, as regular as any clock. I glide into June- 2026 as easy as I left 1959. I’m my own version of Homer’s Odyssey, this time I’m Odysseus.
Wars were once fought here by both ancient armies and popular MGM TV. Steeples, castles, and forts have been replaced by luxury condominiums. Creatures that disappeared long ago just took refuge in the oil fields.
Since 1959, so much has changed, yet nothing has changed. I’ve just grown older, the earth doesn’t age, just man and his technology. Newton and Albert Einstein’s theories on time travel are backed up now by an Artificial Intelligence, a technology that will change each forever has arrived, butis it our friend ?
It seems friendly, driverless cars now exist and are much more courteous sharing the road than those driven by humans. A.I just informed me several living rock legends are- still, alive and well.
Mick, Kieth, Paul, Ringo, Frampton, Clapton, Dylan and Steely Dam still tour. Don’t be surprised if you see my Time Machine parked at The Greek Theater. Music defies time and plays continously…in outer space. It’s needed. Star Wars bars still play Juke Box music from the 70’s. Mad Magazine is still popular for 70 year old kids. I don’t know how many hours Maureen and said we were studying when we were actually reading this interactive piece of literature, always trying to fold exactly the trick page. Now, I realize there is no such thing as …waisted time.
Speaking of which, the pot has gotten a lot better and expensive. The Twilight Zone Time Machine was enclosed plexiglass and captured all the smoke inside making all those who dared entry disappear in a clouded veil of cannibas.
Time gets warped, twisted, and only exists in the present, worm holes allow for safe off ramps when on a night out-cruising.
Another change I notice is : Robots no longer look and act like “Robby”- they are much more human in appearance. They can be peaceful and desirable, or ready to kill you in whatever Combat is taking place. Soon everyone will have at least one robot in their possession.
A Zombie Apocalypse was predicted, usually in movies. But it turns out in 2026-Zombies are EVERYWHERE…
Every street corner practically has these lost souls-what’s changed in the last few decades?
“Oh my” how civilization has changed since 1959. I take notes wondering where civilization is headed.
Kids play computer sports rather risk getting hurt, even their bikes pedal themselves at literally-Break Neck Speeds. “No truer words” describe describe the risks inherent. We just used skate boards, roller skates and Sting Rays. Sure seemed fun back then. I wish we had these two wheeled battery powered chariots.
Kids now E-Bike as if they were on a Time Machine with wheels attached. Maybe, I’m one of them, but from the past!-
Maybe, I’m seeing myself in a a different time and space…
I wish to sincerely thank Don and Mary Coleman for inviting me into their world of Time Travel, I to am a Time Traveler and loved going…Back to the Future.
Final thoughts…The Time Machine used in The Big Bang Theory is not the original, it is a mock up owned by Fred Barton. Not the original. The last use of the real one was in -Time Machine-The Journey Back in 1993. Don Coleman was given a “Thank You” in the credits. Don supplied the console and lever the actor held up to polish the wheel and a few bits or props on the work table. Some of Don Coleman’s pictures are used. Don came up with a way to spin the dish in the workshop.
We conclude with knowing this origin Time Machine is alive and well and being stored in a warehouse pending litigation of who will take ownership now that the estate is in transition. This machine will someday travel again and will be forever captured in recounting- Time Travel.
Treat yourself to this classic film knowing what you know now-it is truly- One Fun Ride
The Waltons family dinner interrupted as Batman has an issue-with the boys !
The Waltons don’t give up without a fight…
“Let’s get this jalopy out of hereJohn Boy”says Ma.
Warner Brothers –same theater- over 30 years later.
Pretty Boy Walton, he went on to his own series, Flamingo Road.
A wholesome family replaced this criminal family… Another successful bank withdrawal.
Before the Waltons- Ma Barker raised her criminal familyhere.
“Hide the loot in the chicken coop–Do as I say- Boys!”
Same part of town -40 years later…
“Head to Ike’s – follow the money-Robin”
“Stop here Jim Bob – we need some fixins for supper!”says Olivia Barker
Ike Godsey-Proprietor. The Waltons are shopping inside..
Alternate ending- The Dynamic Duo confronts Olivia Walton Barker and a grown up- Kami Walton
“Your brother could help- ya’ know!”
“Quick-Head to the GetAWay car! “
{01} could not hold up to this high performer…
The Waltons in Gotham City being arraigned.
“ But wait- the dynamic duo has been outfoxed by this up and coming television family.”
Has Batman had it? – The Waltons want their own hit series-Batman’s ratings are down, just who will survive -Sweeps Week. This looks like the end for-Batman- but a strong beginning for a family that wants to turn over a new leaf at an old famous movie studio in Burbank…
Ron Harper is the luckiest man alive-this is one guy I really look up to. He played Army with real weapons and explosives, using that experience to survive on a Planet full of Apes.
Actor Ron Harper returns to a set in 1974 that he helped destroy in the Hit T.V Series Garrison’s Gorillas, episode 1,Season 1 pilot in 1967.Planet of the Apes would bring about his return to the MGM Lot 2 Grand Central RailRoad Station in this high budget T.V Series.
1967…MGM is all its glory had four WAR TV SERIES filming in 1967. Combat was in its final season. Jericho was a backlot regular, The Rat Patrol and Garrison’s Gorillas. All these series filmed in the backlot area closest to my family home. We had normal dinners, sitting at the table while “talking over’ the sounds of machine gun fire.
I already am well aware these battles we hear are going on at MGM. I pass by it every day, on my way to school, with my Rat Patrol lunch box handle firmly attached to Schwinn bicycle handle bars. I have seen every vehicle painted on my box in the backlot I slowly go by daily…just looking in holes, similar to television sets, what I see is life and in color.
War finally stopped at the time of the MGM Auction. in 1970.Many things were left behind afterwards, thousands of blank ammo cartridges, green Army jackets, and helmets avoided relocation. The sets all will stand another decade, and many sets are still ravaged with craters and bullet holes. No liberation, just a hasty retreat is the vibe I get exploring early on. Window to window, doorway to doorway, always looking out for something in these scary bombed villages that you don’t want to hear unanticipated noise.
1973
We took some of the military gear and dressed the part for B.B Gun Fights we had amidst the shell casings still on the floor from Combat. Same war-different T. Series This street is text book perfect for Daisy Rifles. They hurt from this close, and break windows…which is really cool when your hiding behind one.
T.V stopped but real soldiers starting playing this sport with me-at night. Talk about scary, playing against Marines that have to be back at roll call. Drunken, crazy Marines are quite the challenge, one time on top of the arch, center of town, I got hit twice in the head at the same time from two separate directions. That was a long shot to execute with such accuracy-very impressive, lucky I didn’t fall off the top of the arch-a hard climb just to reach. We kept the agony of war going after cancellation of all these series.
Planet of the Apes-1974 Look who’s back, Ron Harper, the star of Garrison’s Gorillas, but this time he’s running for his life…from apes. Anything can and does happen here. Another old MGM Star is happy to be here and that Chimp happens to be Roddy McDowell. Roddy is a primate and Harper is a human together-they make a team. Urko leads a militia of apes on horseback in a mad chase into this train depot. The same station in 1967 Ron Harper had to escape by tank from on a dark backlot glowing orange from all the pyro and the the always intense rattle of 50 caliber machines firing between bomb blasts. Dinner plates near sit entirely still when war lifts its ugly head.
Time-Out…Humans
Planet of the Apes has my neighborhood going ape- shit. This as big as it gets for teenagers, most kids want to be apes for Halloween. Most these kids happen to be to scared to trespass-well shame on them! “What’s going to happen, going to get shackled by an Ape?”
For this scene, because of the camera angle, being positioned on the train tracks just outside the station and backlot offers a great view if you get above the fence- you see everything close up. No need to take risks, we can all watch from the tracks. We set up makeshift things to climb on, everyone ran home to get a broken ladder or step stool to get their head above an 8 foot fence. Kids of every size and shape, tall ones, short ones, odd ones- climb up on there devices and peer inside. Apes on horseback happen to be chasing Ron Harper, as the horses grind to a stop and Ron looks towards the camera which is what we are behind, he see’s us, suddenly everyone does, a stunned look followed by laughter is how production is interrupted. It is as if the cast is looking up at the Little Rascals.
Roddy McDowell comes over to touch hands with all us on-lookers. This is quite a Hollywood moment reflecting back, but in 1974 this was kinda typical for MGM. If Planet of the Apes isn’t enough, King Kong has eyes set on this backlot…
“The Rules” are posted every twenty yards. Maureen’s front door view and her sister -Barbra’s Opal parked just outside the train depot.
Apes took over after Gorilla’s shut this depot down.
The door that a German is being shot in was the opening that Ron Harper first spotted us looking through-the fence is directly behind this door/wall.
Ron Harper had weapons to fight off the Germansin 1967
A Studio built for Apes.
As this sequence is being filmed that us kids ere spotted by Ron Harper on top of the fence-like Domino’s falling-each cast and crew member had to stop what they were doing to see my army on top of the fence. Time stopped here as Roddy McDowell came over to us and communicated as a chimp would. MGM Security could say nothing since we were on the legal “city side” of the studio.
History happens here- in my backyard!
Follow me- No-one knows this place better than I do!
“To save a buddy- who’s an APE!
That was the look Roddy had on his monkey face as he looked up at a street full of kids looking over a fence as this gets filmed. Ron Harper-same set-7 years later…
Two Hollywood Apes seated, smoking and reading Variety!
Something as clear in my mind as when I took this picture-An Ape with a Gun-on a Horse. That’s a lot to take in-still to me on this day.
Front row-Box seats! –Close enough to feel the heat and smell the explosives…
Let’s shoot our way outta here!
Just beyond the Mule Cart being pulled, pictured right-was this finally of fire and mayhem that was one of the loudest battles I ever heard take place on this backlot known for…WAR -T.V.
One of the nicest stars I ever met…Roddy McDowell. I took the picture on the left, as Roddy is briefed for the next scene here where the ground collapses into a subway. He is in a robe-fresh out of make-up, smoking a cigarette. The smoke carried upstairs, where I was hiding with my camera. A strict-“no camera” rule was the only rule they had, I could not resist, so I went PHANTOM on set…
What a life….Ron Harper
My ears are still ringing from all the rounds fired by these 3 fellas!– WAR T.V MGM
Same truck -different episode-different villains…Just a fun fact!
Batman arrives in front of Clarke Gabel’s dressing room used by him in Gone With the Wind. Now Amazon. You can no longer see this when walking down Ince Blvd. Amazon packed it into tiny boxes for delivery elsewhere…
Mean while, at a upscale Bruch, Billionaire Bruce Wayne is in attendance…
In a dynamic twist- Bruce is replaced by Alfred while Bruce Hob Nobs…”I’m going to say Hi to some girls I went to school with old chap Alfred-Keep an eye on this event, what can go wrong.”
Robin falls into a trap baited with females…
“Some one spiked my drink” says Robin turning like a 45 album.
“O’K you two-Can’t I go to one party without trouble breaking out?says a disgusted crusader…
“Let’s catch that houseboat- Batman- I brought the Bat Harpoon!” says Robin who bright coors are attracting colorful schools of fish…
“Turn on the Bat Siren Robin!”
A Bat Blockade with Giant Clams and Starfish…”Give up you Chicken of the Sea before you end up in a fishing net” warns Batman.
An armored truck arrives at Desilu with a major star to escort this to the Gotham Bank.Main administration building at Desilu at this time. Desilu Arnaz offices in Culver City.
“I will protect you and your large bank deposit” says a soon to be major star.
A future Cat Woman on a hot Prowl… Same Bat Porch.Same Cat Hide away– “I want my cut!” says Eartha Kitt.
“This old lady is purring”…says James Brolin
Meanwhile on a intersection at 20th Century Fox lot- a whopping amount of cash has just arrived.
Who is this lady under this hat?… asks these two cats
“It’s me you couple of stupid Fur Balls” -“Did you fuel my escape rocket ?
“Magnification, a simple, slow and painful death if we don’t escape now – I feel the Heat Batman!’ says wonder boy.
The Crusaders escaped our Bar B’Q – says a “Teed Off” Ms. Kitty
Let the Crime Fighting begin…
“We need an elevator like this in …The Bat Cave.”
“You Boy Blunder-How are you not a piece of toast?”
“Fix him you fools”
Time for me to fly…
“I’m out of gas.”
“No one filled up My Getaway Rocket – we need Leaded-ETHY, I told you!
Meanwhile on the ledge of a high rise…
Catwoman uses this moment to flee on the catwalks..
Our Maiden leaps, only to get stuck on a different ledge-Batman throws Catwoman a safety line.
Her day in court…
She looks very innocent to me.
Innocent as it gets …Tom Jones had her in mind “Pussy Cat-go powder that Pussy Cat nose, your so thrilling and I am willing to care for you, Your my sweet little Pussy Cat Girl…Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat – I love you, yes I do, your sweet little Pussy Cat eyes and those tiny shaped ears, and that sweet little Pussy Cat ….Nose!” Meow, a purring perfect, happy ending.
Phantom of the Backlots 