Film Universal- The Brochure

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All production services your company can possibly need can be fabricated, built, produced on this the biggest and most grand studio in Hollywood. We provide power sources, air conditioning, transportation rentals, lighting equipment and professional staff at every level including post production services. Your one stop shop for film service…Universal Studios.

Just behind this Neon sign are…Animal Actors-

Always on stand buy- when not starring in their own shows.

Our residential look-does not get as much action as Colonial Street. That street looks down to this one from a higher hill side.

House used in-To Kill a MockingBird. Real interior filming can take place inside this set. Rooms, doors, carpet greet you- furniture can be rented from our Property Department.

Ready to move in-yes indeed–we rent furnishings.

Yes we rent snow-earth, wind and fire.

No studio has more exterior sets and landscapes as Universal. Included is a water basin and sky backdrop. Any ocean needs- we provide wave makers, wind machines, boats, aquatic personnel, and every conceivable prop from the distant past to present day. From Pirate Ships to Fancy Yachts-Pyro technical often happens safely with our team of specialists at your beck and call. All for cost-rent us, you won’t regret the first class service.

Falls Lake- Backdrop, here dressed for Pirates of the Caribbean

Underwater, above water, film Universal. Only one backdrop water basin exists besides ours- Paramount has the other. This basin is currently being used in Jumangi, starring The Rock and Jack Black.A train set has been built in the basin-void of water for this film.

Do you need a bridge? We have the room, the backdrop for the Green Screen, and an expert metal shop.

Park Lake=This body of water separates for trams to experience-The Parting of the Red Sea.

Skull Island for King Kong

Skull Island/ Red Sea – miniature ship-promoting King Kong, the animation Universal replaced the burned up Kong with. No longer mechanical, it is virtual in the experience, This Studio Tour in the future will be roller coasters and virtual Fast and Furious virtual encounters.

The Backlot is so extensive, we have a set for anything you can possibly need. If we don’t- then we can build it. New York City is hard to film, but New York at Universal allows those technical difficult shots to easily be controlled and manipulated. Spiderman features come use this backlot for Spider Action involving the Spider Cam that runs on cables or zip lines creating P.O.V of the Super Hero perspective of creating and traversing a spider web network sensationalism.

A calm morning before “Bruce” the Shark awakens…Named after Steven Spielberg’s attorney.

Sharks for rent-dead or alive!

“I can fit into your budget, I’m one of the oldest stars left in Hollywood.”.

Cabot Cove is also…JAWS

Where the past, present, and future intertwine

From Leave it to Beaver to Back to the Future and a million shows in between-From small towns to large airplanes, we have a stage built just for these scenes-called the 747 Stage, it is located behind New York Street on our backlot. In Hone Alone 2- this is the plane the family split up on. New York Street was also used as Kevin outsmarts his potential captors….The Clocktower from Back to the Future sits above Courthouse Square to promote the film to our Tram Guests and top photo was called Rock Hudson Circle- tour guides joked “It’s Rock Hudson a circle because it goes both-ways.”.Joke went over well back in the day.

This generations- Dennis the Menace, Kevin McCallister boarding a prop designed to be an airplane interior.

Scenes done in our 747 Stage…located in the backlot behind New York Street.

Well, so much here, we have had 3 New York Streets in my career here. The original burned down destroying 21 picture cars like the one pictured here. The film titled “Oscar” and the sets along with these irreplaceable vintage cars. Directed by John Landis, starring Sylvester Stallone.

A production disaster…

Things happen around here but we are insured and bonded. But the cars ruined on Brownstone Street are irreplaceable. What survived-the 747 stage and Courthouse Square-top of frame-the square building right side ended up being torn down. Inside was Kong for the Glamour Tram Tour.

Get me out of here….Is this fire real or fake?

Big Apes -we got them also.

All this area burned in 1990-a year later-these several blocks were rebuilt and the Disney feature “NEWSIES”- a musical feature christened New York Street 2.

Disney’s film “Newsies” inaugurated New York Street 2 in a high budget Musical.

Alleyways available for rent.

We can light the lot in any style you need with our’ second to none’ Set Lighting department, always at your service. Pictured here -Spiderman left-Bruce Almighty right.

This car -will be launched into this delicatessen like a sling shot. You dream it, we make it happen.

The deli being prepared for a car to fly through it-not C.G.I-this is all real. Pictured right, the backside of this soon to be destroyed set. Spiderman ‘Sony’ comes to Universal for those hard to get shots.

We have a Fire Department on the lot to oversee all pyrotechnique activity-Do your explosive scenes here at Universal. Last blasts must “go off” or detonate before 10 P.M. A courtesy for our neighbors, you can film all night-minus gunfire.

The last western street in Hollywood was used a just that in -‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’

We can make you a cowboy in a matter of minutes...

The roads are paved under this dirt covered street. Trams visit the old west daily and dirt kicks up too much dust, the dirt is removed immediately after filming.

The last Western Street left standing these days in a major studio is…Universal Studios.

This two story building is located in the hub of 6 Points Texas. A legendary ghost town that links back to all the Universal westerns including the last western classic T.V series…Alias Smith and Jones..The bricks are rubber…why, for fight sequences. Cowboys could be slammed into the walls and soften the blows. Some doors are built smaller to make the cowboys seem larger than life.

Two men sitting on directors' chairs in a Western film set, with wooden buildings in the background.

Take it from Soup, this guy has lived it…

“Soup” is his name, he is an image etched on a wall just inside a door across from the saloon used in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This art dates far back in Universal History, truly-Once Upon a Time is this backlot, especially this street.

When the old west is needed, there is only one backlot left to flip the bill…Universal Studios.

The old west-Once Upon a Time at Universal. Pete Duel and Ben Murphy are legendary in these parts…

Alias Smith and Jones-my favorite T.V western series, based off the success of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The train, the depot, and the tracks- no longer exist.

No studio can still provide a Wagon Train like Universal can.

Denver Street- No longer rentable – this street has been removed.

This area often gets rented out since traveling to Europe gets expensive, Set dressing, cars, and signs can all be rented here. You supply the actors, we can rent you the costumes. Your one stop film shop.

Rome used to be available for rent. Large Parties took place here with top chefs Since removed for multiple Stage’s with A.I capabilities.

This fountain is still available for rent- used in our Monster Movie History in this-Court of Miracles

The Hump on Quasimodo is a prop. Bud Westmore and Edith Head can make a a new man, an old man or just….A frightening monster.

Spooky-is our middle name…

Edith Head going over outfits as Bud Westmore prepare this Black Lagoon Creature.

Be careful with the cup holders, they really grab hold.

Anything you need-we have…

Yes, we have thousands of paintings-“Tonight’s tale steps out of the painting and take place here…at Universal.“
Screenshot
Screenshot
Amazing Stories take place here
Looks like my childhood!

State of the art-Post Production.

There is not one picture in this brochure that I haven’t worked on, in, or around including these dubbing stages and Foley rooms. I worked on the wall lighting and floor monuments “power” in this stage located by Stage 12.

This is not an ice rink – it is part of Universal’s newest stages…

The only thing lacking is -The History.

Welcome to my former haunting grounds…

Universal Studios is cut into divisions, facilities, production, first responders, tours, operations and every technical department you can think off, We work like a well oiled machine involving several moving parts. No job is too big or to small. Founded as Universal Pictures by Carl Lemmele, We would later be M.C.A -Music Corporation of America. Our T.V Division was titled Revue Studios and movie mogul Lew Wasserman was our leader and resided on the Top Floor of the infamous -Black Tower.

The stories from this lot are often handed down from the generations of employees that worked here and lived them. Everyone has memories of actors, films, shows, and just everyday going -ons that take place inside this city. A top employer, the surrounding city of North Hollywood and Burbank were developed around our city affectionately know as Universal City.

Tours started in 1964 and continue today, I was part of that for almost 5 years before taking on an apprenticeship and 4 years later becoming all things electric is a workplace that craves power. You can never have enough, especially in summertime when the demand is crucial. Shows call non stop for more power needs on hundred degree days especially. Production power from shooting stations dating back to the 1920’s and 1930’s cannot keep up with today’s demands and mobile power is often required. Generators fill the bill when our old system gets taxed.

Westinghouse Mobile Generators were strategically position in every town on the backlot to provide current. D.C -Direct current is produced. A.C- Alternating-Current is augmented with our old D.C to fill amperage needs that shows require. Advances in lighting no longer require D.C as the industry modernized.

I did not realize I was working in an environment that would no longer keep on -keeping on!

I was in the old days, the tail end of movie making. We had everything you could need. A mill to build any set-interior or exterior. A metal shop, of course electric, plumbing, transportation, a fire department -Squad 51- named from Emergency T.V series, is tour fire department.

Located on the lot, this department oversees pyro effects and the permits have to be pulled for burning or exploding scenes period. One tiny flaming ember can light this wooden backlot up like Gone with the Wind. I lived two of the biggest fires ever to take place on the lot.

Location scouts contact me on scouts for tech needs on the shows looking to rent our lot. Rentals turn a tidy profit as you can see in the brochure. The one set I always heard from scouts that they wish we had was ‘mini malls.’ They are hard to lock down for location filming- often needing to negotiate and compensate several business’s, where at Universal you just deal with us. Surprisingly, this simple mall type set as never built. Steven Spielberg was consulted as a visionary for our 3rd New York Street, at the time we ere owned by General Electric. He requested a waterfront, harbor set to be built behind New York Street- but the powers to be did not want more studio.

A drift of what future is ahead- real estate development was proposed and a complete backlot tear down was on the plans-widen Barham Blvd for traffic was being evaluated. This was a go- until the Seagrams liquid spirit company bought us. From the Grinch Company General Electric, who didn’t even decorate for Christmas, to an alcohol empire that threw the best ever Christmas parties ever.

The entire backlot was a themed event, snow rides were provided to sled on, horse rides, music, strolling entertainment. Bring 6 guests on top of it. Western Bar -B Q and Whiskey drinks lined the old west. Animals were brought in for children to pet, a Ferris wheel was set up on New York Street.

Seagrams knows how to throw a party, they threw two of these swashbuckling Christmas events before leaving with our Universal Music catalog and disbanding plans to build The Seagrams World Headquarters behind Stage 12. I saw the plans and this studio survived a General Electric alternate ending.

NBC Comcast rescued this studio and designed a plan for all incumbents. A Theme Park, A City Walk, Production Facilities and keeping alive the spirit….somewhat. Negatives happen in big business, removing the Phantom of the Opera- Stage 28 was a mistake, that’s the most prized stage ever built. Certainly we could have made it the tour museum of all things…MONSTERS.

A plan is underway to remove all the original stages used in the %0’s and 60’s T.V series such as Leave it to Beaver, The Munsters, Dragnet, McHale’s Navy, and long running Coach T.V series. The Make Up rooms adjacent to the stages played home to –The Beatles in 1965. The Band was rejected by hotels because of the potential for being overrun, so Lew Wasserman put them up inside this area of the studio.

Epilogue :

Time line fact-Since many moons has passed by since this brochure was handed out to Location Managers in the industry, massive changes have happened and are still underway. Many sets and stages have been removed, new tech stages have been built. More significant stages are on the path of being destroyed, an entire quadrant of our oldest T.V Series-“Revue Studios” in credits.Theme park expansion is what this area will become-The Mario Brothers will replace The Beavers, The Munsters, McHale’s Navy, Dragnet, etc,etc.

Most recent, the Barn on Western Street, know as 6 Points, Texas, has been demolished. If you ever rode in a Tram, you have driven down these same streets.The Barn, also known as Stage One, was raised. sadly, this landmark existed before this property was owned by Universal Pictures. The centermost backlot set, used on Carl Laemmle’s Box Lunch films. Uncle Carl filmed in the “open air,” allowing visitors onto his sets.

A Grandstand was set up to watch the slow process of movies being made, so included was a box lunch. This is the true origin of Universal Pictures and the legend of Universal Tours in the year- 1909.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood…All this took place!

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden

Red Dawn 1983-MGM

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The Wolverines

Base Camp…New Mexico

1-3 -84 Happy New Year!

This scene was “cut out” because of a shooting ‘murder” at this establishment.



Also appearing in Grandview ,U.S.A. Same year. This role on Red Dawn helped propel Patrick to Stardom.

Actor and stuntman George Fisher

Patrick Swayze, C.Thomas Howell, and Charlie Sheen ready to take on the Soviet Invaders.

The part a KGB Major, George Fisher leads his invading forces against -The Wolverines.

Rick Waite, Emmy Award winning cinematographer, responsible for the films overall look.

“Mock up’s” –Aerospatiale S.A 330 Pumas – designed to resemble Soviet Style “Hind -A ” gunships.

Three fine “set electricians” on the way to the bank. Paul Vaskay, and Joe Vinetz, proudly wearing his MGM sweatshirt.

Let there be snow…

These mocked up choppers would later be used in Rambo 3

Universal had a hit helicopter series at this time titled-AirWolf – 1984-1987.

Chapman Camera Crane puts the camera where it needs to be.

Camera Copter

Another “Mock up” Armored vehicle undercarriage mainly from M41 tanks-and fabrication recreated a T-72 Russian Tanks.

Always potential hazards, both seen and unseen, exist in any scene flying in proximity to crew below.

Farewell Comrade-until a sequel is made…

A Cult Classic and one of the last films done by MGM before all the restructuring with Lorimar and United Artists...

The Russian Equipment needed was fabricated, yet highly realistic to resemble Soviet T-72 tanks. Constructed on a cargo and Walker Bull Dog chassis’s. Fiberglass turrets and aluminum guns. built by MGM’s production team. A job so well done, these tanks were repurposed for other war films to follow.

The plot...

The film portrays a fictional surprise Soviet Invasion of the U.S stemming from instability in the Soviet Union and a poor food harvest. Soviet soldiers invade a small Colorado town, prompting brothers Jed and Matt Eckert to escape with friends into the forest.Their dad was captured by the invaders so the children fight back against his captors-the Soviets.As the country comes under increased attacks, the group teams up with Lt. Colonel Andrew Tanner to take back their town.

Originally titled “Ten Soldiers,” this film had a modest budget. Producer Barry Beckerman saw something in this story written by Kevin Reynolds. Kevin wanted to direct it but the producers wanted Walter Hill to direct it, but like a few other directors, they turned it down.

The Beckerman’s father /son team pitched the project to David Begelman at MGM. Although turned down, it was considered an anti-war film the sort of “Lord of the Flies.” The film chances increased when Kevin Reynolds became mentored by Steven Spielberg-who helped him make “Fandango,”:the script was finally purchased by MGM.

John Milius was signed on to direct and the top brass at MGM decided against a poignant antiwar movie and twisted it into a war movie…The style of “Rambo.” Mr. Milius loves war movies. MGM Board of Directors included General Alexander Haig, the former Nixon Chief of staff, who yearned to personally supervise production.

Most the staff did not want John to direct and lead an effort to have the writer, Kevin to direct it. and hoped Steven Spielberg could put this subject to bed with his recommendation. That did not happen, “Fandango,” their previous project, was not shaping up as expected during the editing, prompting Steven not to cast a vote in favor of sealing in Mr. Reynolds. John was signed to direct for 1.5 million dollars.

Milllius began a rewriting the script based off Hitler’s proposed plans to invade the U.S. Haig took John to The Hudson Institute, a conservative “think tank’ for a plausible scenario. The director and Mr. Haig had differing vision than the director, but Haig controlled the money and the budget jumped from 6 million to 18 million dollars.

Director John saw this as an anti-war film, if Americans, see what war might look like on its own soil. Production pushed this film faster than the director preferred because MGM wanted this ready for a summer release. The director wanted more time to prep including devising futuristic weaponry.

The Department of Defense agreed to provide assistance to this film, an interesting subject itself. But director J.Millius failed to cooperate deciding doing so would drive up costs. Robert Blake was first option to star by John, but was overruled and Powers Boothe was selected.

One scene was cut involving Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. A sex scene, Patrick was drunk and messed up his lines while filming, while I was “Jennifer Grey” high on marijuana so it got cut out, according to Ms. Grey. Her negative interaction made her anxious to work with Patrick Swayze again but, never say never, and the two delivered a happy ending in “Dirty Dancing.”

Locations…

New Mexico and Las Vegas. The Fred Harvey Company, next to a train depot was repainted Calumet, Colorado.” An old Safeway grocery store was converted to a sound stage and used to film several scenes. The McDonald’s restaurant scene was cut out do to a shooting right before the film release at that restaurant.

In a real world nod to this movie “‘Wolverines” graffiti was spotted on destroyed Russian armor during the 2022 Ukraine invasion. Final costs totaled 17 million dollars returning 38 million dollars back.

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden.

“Horsing Around” in the Desilu backlot…

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Our escapade today takes us through the upper sections of this aerial view. We will enter from the Ballona Creek and mosey over to the barn. No map. Donnie is my personal tour guide…

The perfect setting for a little “horsing around. ” Trespassing picture at the Columbia Ranch. Fancier than the Desilu barn…

Got to keep those trespassers out of here…

Others have been here before us… Hogan’s Heroes “How to Catch a Papa Bear” 1968

Bonanza “The False Witness” 1967.

Time Tunnel “Billy the Kid”, 1967

A bit intimidating… (photo courtesy Bison Archives)

We’re not the only ones intimidated by dogs! Hogan’s Heroes “Is There a Doctor in the House?” 1968

Hay there!

Well, the door is open… This old barn was moved here from its original location to make room for the Quonset Huts for Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.  It made an appearance in the first season of Mayberry R.F.D. but the series would construct a newer barn for subsequent episodes.

Courtesy of Retroweb 40 Acres. In The Holden’s Lassie episode “Horsenappers” circa 1973, both this barn and “our barn” are featured.

Always open…

A girl a guy and a pile of hay… Watch what you wish for!

Artificial Intelligence-A.I- created this concept for this factual event. This is the NEW HOLLYWOOD! Click on photo for 10 seconds of recreation.

A romantic touch – some Fine cultured reading indeed. 40 cents CHEAP!

“It’s just the normal noises in here Lassie!“

“The Real McCoys” Yee haw!

In honor of February 14th, Maureen’s account of our date on the Desilu backlot. Happy Valentine’s Day Everybody!

Summer 1974 —

“Children, behave”
That’s what they say when we’re together

– Tommy James & The Shondells

It’s 6PM and still warm outside. I told my mom I was going out with Donnie and that the movie lets out at 10:30pm. Both are true, I just didn’t mention that we’re not really going to the movies.

We make the trek across town to Desilu, I am pretty excited. Donnie has brought a knapsack this time and I’m so curious about what’s inside. The best entrance is from the creek and Donnie warns me there are attack dogs inside so be extra quiet at all times. This makes my legs a little wobbly.    

Donnie shows me where Gomer Pyle’s barracks are located next to where the Hogan’s Heroes set was. We climb up the ladder of a guard tower. “What’s in the knapsack?” I ask. “Not yet,” he replies, “Hold your horses.”   

We continue to explore. The sun doesn’t set until after 8:00 on these summer nights, but it is getting dark now, a reminder that time is ticking. Donnie opens the doors to a barn! I stand in shock It’s a replica of a setting that I told him about from a dime store romance novel I had read. Both of my sisters also burned through this romantasy after I was finished with it.  Hot fun in the summertime.

I am overwhelmed. Down to the last detail. A barn, a pile of hay… how romantic, how thought out and sweet. All this for me? But my wave of giddiness is now being replaced with the feeling that I am walking straight into a lion’s den. Legs wobbly again.

So, now, what is in the knapsack? A small blanket, two lukewarm cans of Bud tall beers, that he swears will not be noticed missing from his dad’s collection, a flashlight, and the newest issue of Mad magazine (our favorite.) We are reading by flashlight. We put the blanket over our heads so that no guards, who may happen by, can see the light. There’s nothing more romantic than reading “Spy vs. Spy” by flashlight. Donnie turns the flashlight out. Our chemistry is dangerous and it’s hard to control. This complicates things, I think. I remind Donnie of my strict curfew. We still have to trek across town to make it home by 10:30. “Wake up little Susie!”  

Donnie says he needs a minute to cool down before we run across town, secretly, I do too. Whoa Nelly!  At my front steps we usually share an awkward good night kiss, but tonight our kiss conjures up all the naughty feelings inside us, all over again. He pulls the last strands of hay from my hair.  

Tonight, I will revel in a romantic memory. Tomorrow, I will do my best to steer clear of the barn.

Written and lived by Maureen Miller on a night out with…Donnie Norden

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
https://a.co/d/3ZkUAkd
Phantom of the Backlots Presents: Uninvited Visitor
https://a.co/d/cybQd8j
Phantom of the Backlots Presents MGM “The End of an Era”
https://a.co/d/cS5X35P

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