Warner Brothers-Two Parties… 34 Years Apart

Melanie Griffith, Don Johnson, Arnold/Maria

Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Sally Field

Ronald/Nancy Reagan

George Lucas,Kate Capshaw, Steven Spielberg

Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, Kim/Alec

Clint Eastwood/ Maggie Johnson, Arnold/ Maria

Ernest and Tova Borgnine

Tom Selleck/ Jillie Mack

Bruce Willis/Demi Moore

Sylvester Stallone

Kevin and Lily Costner

Liza Minnelli

I caught this moment on –The Red Carpet

Alec Baldwin/Kim Basinger

Connie Stevens

Captain Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson seated behind driver Don Luntzel- ready to get this party started! Universal’s Logo is covered up by a W.B. Logo...Welcome Aboard The Glamour Tram, where we always keep it Safe and Slow

Most the time anyways…Did we lose Jack?

Left to right-Malcom Mazer, Donnie Norden. Don Luntzel, Mark Murphy. Your drivers for this evening’s gala-event.

A Warner Brothers female guide/historian squeezed in between four Universal Teamsters. I’m a bit embarrassed, it appears- I’ve never stood aside an attractive woman before. “I’m like a puppy dog.”

The entire Universal ensemble…Guides and Drivers. A phone booth behind me- outside stages to call- Central Casting!…”Anything available tomorrow?…sure I can play an Indian”

Bruce and Demi getting ready to board The Glamour Tram.

Richard Gere looking decadent…

Jack Valenti- long time President of the Motion Picture Association of America.

Jeff Goldblum, all slickered up- making his way tram ward.

Warner Brother’s Huge hit was –Batman. Here is the more modern Batmobile. June 2, 1990

Cars change but friends last forever…Darnell Norman looking dapper as ever, Universal Electrician of the stars…

The latest style of crime fighting ..May 5, 2024

As a kid, dressed as Batman and staring through a chain link fence at Desilu, the dynamic duo sped by me leaving me in a cloud of dust. A moment that seems like yesterday, yet nearly 60 years ago.

Where’s the stereo? -This version had an 8 track player. Don’t pull that handle, that’s the parachute!

The 1920’s greet us on New York Street. In 1981, Blade Runner took over this entire street for a 90 day shooting schedule. June 2nd 1990.

The silent era, here comes The Flapper Girls.

Patriotic indeed, many political figures are in attendance.

Flag of the Free-Home of the Brave. 34 years apart-Nation Anthem

A dance floor in a town know for Dukes of Hazzard. Lyle and Marty Lundin, Dear friends of mine. Lyle was the House Electrician for The iconic- Universal Amphitheater.

This band performed music from Earth,Wind and Fire, Tower of Power and opened with Kool and the Gang’s Hollywood Swinging. A really tight band, rich in sound that carried through the entire backlot.

Wait…I know (That Girl) Maureen Miller live on stage, My female trespassing accomplice, she didn’t have to climb fences this night–but she could !

I’m just going to crash here tonight…

June 2, 1990…Warner Brothers

A Red Carpet Evening rededicating Warner Brothers as the “Brand” going forward. This studio was founded in 1923 by four brothers, the most famous being Jack Warner. This event would go-down in history as #12 of all-time parties/events. The Burbank Studios experiment ended, and the famous Warner name was restored at this official event I was lucky enough to have had an active part in.

David Wolper, who just produced the pageantry of the 1984 Olympics, Steven Spielberg and Jack Haley Jr. were hired to put on this event. The company invited everyone who ever worked at Warners and combined two soundstages representing Rick’s Cafe in “Casablanca” with a backlot tram tour of their legendary backlot.

That’s where I step in, “I drive trams” and I like to party.

Since Mr. Spielberg was involved in planning, trams are a daily occurrence on the Universal lot where his Amblin Offices are located. Why not take four of these trams across the way, across Barham to the Warner Bros. Backlot.

Brilliant idea Mr. Spielberg, me and three other powder blue tuxedoed up Teamsters were brought over to be designated party drivers. We had a synchronized rout to follow with entertainment at every turn. From 1920’s Flapper Girls to the contemporary version of Batman, this evening had no clock. The entire history of this studio has come together tonight. You can’t get tickets for this one….Private!

Every time I turn around there’re faces from legendary T.V Series surrounding me, such as Angie Dickinson and Earl Holliman, from Police Woman, who seemed very connected that evening. Jack Nicolson climbed on board for a ride and needless to say was a barrel of fun. I got to talk to Robert Stack, that’s Elliott Ness. I loved- The Untouchables. He snickered approvingly when I told him I grew up over at Desilu and we would recreate all your shootouts years later on those same sets. My battery powered Tommy Gun even had The Untouchables insignia on it…P.S “My Mom Loves You.’ I got caught up in the moment…

Most of the stars that evening were still at the peek of their careers. One guest just kept getting bigger and bigger after moving on from Showbiz…

His name, Ronald Reagan. He owned the evening, he is such the legend in this industry. He had just served as the 33rd President of the United States. A very successful 8 year term following his being Governor of California from 1967-1975. Prior to that, he was twice president of the Screen Actors Guild. His secret service took up much of the tram he was seated in.

For our part of the event, we delivered history from the blue seat cushions with myself behind the wheel. Four Universal Tour Guides came along for the ride. I’ve been on this lot before and drove around this studio dressed up as John Boy Walton. In 1975, that hit series filmed regularly on this backlot and on this Christmas Day, the lot was deserted, except for myself and couple trespassing friends. One thing lead to another and costumes found inside the Ford Coupe just happened to fit perfectly. We became The Waltons, on Christmas Day …No-Less.

While most of America watched A Walton Christmas, “we were” the Waltons on that day. My friends and I drove all over the lot that 1975 afternoon. We owned this place. 15 years later, I’m driving the former President of the United States along these same streets. Just call me -“John Boy” when the crew’s on hiatus. We share the same Birthday -June 13th, wear the same clothes, drive the same cars. The Odd Couple has nothing on us…

This tour rout excluded the Walton House, since it’s located in a dark corner adjacent to a jungle. A spin down Laramie Street and Dukes of Hazard Small Town Square polished off the backlot entertainment. I’ve met or witnessed several of these same actors film scenes here, on these same sets from their TBS television series

I never could in my wildest dreams imagined 15 years after terrorizing the Walton’s set, I’d be driving the President of the United States down these same streets. My O’My- it’s a small world on these backlots.

Top 12 Parties of all -time. Rated in order are;

1-Belshazzar’s Feast, the ruling co-agent of Babylon, through a party for a thousand of his closest friends. Silver Goblets taken from Jerusalem after the conquer were used to sip beer from these sacred vessels. This party could easily be recreated on the lot. I’ve been on sets like this.

2-Andrew Jackson’s “Whitehouse Cheese Party” in 1837. Chosen “number two” all time.

In 1836, a dairy farmer gifted Andrew Jackson a 1,400 pound “wheel of cheese. After aging for a year at the Whitehouse, a party was thrown on Washington’s Birthday in 1837. Supposedly, this was the wildest party ever at Our Nation’s Capital.

3-Admiral Russell’s Cocktail Party–1961.

A fountain full of spirits so large bartenders used Gondola’s to move about while serving drinks.Recreated from 1694 when The Admiral of the Mediterranean Fleet invited 5000 sailors to a week long event. “Drunk as a sailor” was coined.

When Germany surrendered to Allied Forces in 1945, people around the world took to the streets.

To celebrate this premier in Paris, a grand fete was thrown on the Seine River by hosts Gerald and Sarah Murphy in 1923. This husband and wife team were the inspiration behind F.Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.”

Yep, this was the party Marilyn Monroe sang a very seductive version of “Happy Birthday …Mr President” This event took place at Madison Square Garden with 15000 people in attendance. Mr Kennedy’s 45th Birthday was hosted by Jack Benny. Ella Fitzgerald performed. The dress worn by Ms. Monroe during the sultry rendition to our leader would become the world’s most expensive dress.

Over 400,000 showed up for this party in the Catskills for three days of music, love, peace, and understanding. Some of the greatest artists ever performed at this event including Jimi Hendrix and not to be outdone Alvin Lee of 10 Years After. A very special time in U.S History with Viet Nam raging.

The wildest themed party ever was probably this event hosted by Marie- Helene Rothschild. Everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Salvador Dali were guests at Chateau Ferrieres for a Surrealist Ball in 1972. Dinner plates were covered with fur. A mannequin corpse sat at the table. Guests wore surrealist outfits, including deer masks with tears made from diamonds.

Of all the glamorous parties held here at Studio 54, Bianca Jagger’s 30th Birthday party in 1977 tops the list. Fashion designer Halston clothed our guest of honor, Bianca climbed aboard a white horse and was lead around by a nude man covered with gold glitter on the dance floor. Could have been Donald Trump for all we know!

11. P.Diddy’s 2004 White Party…

Top 12- All-Time Party’s. We’re in some fine company, what haven’t Glamour Trams been part of? Even the Pope rented one while visiting Los Angeles. His party ranked far below this- W.B’s, extravaganza.

34 years later..The Band Plays on...100th Anniversary Party, I.B.E.W–May 5th, 2024

Written and lived by …Donnie Norden

It sounds like you’re in for a fantastic time! Riding the tram packed with celebrities or relaxing like a star at the Warner Brothers lot must be an unforgettable experience. Enjoy your trip back in time and soak in the glamorous atmosphere. “All Aboard!”