They called me the "phantom of the backlot." Join me on my adventures through the historic and celebrated MGM studios, in Culver City, during the height of its glory.
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.
The Future is Now …Ready for business in the Artificial Intelligence Era of Film Making
Gate 11 on Hollywood Way- as the sun sets on my old ranch backlot.Maureen and I bidding another backlot farewell.as the guard in the shack screams and calls the police.
Not my first Rodeo…
Here is an example of A.I at work- who is who and what is what…The Twilight Zone
Security in a panic-that part is real-“Hey buddy, your pissing me off.” says Donnie the transformed ape..Fantastic examples of A.I.-right down to shadow placement. You use any picture as a base point, and simple audio commands create whatever ambiance you are looking for. This is the new Hollywood, game changing stuff-what could go wrong…EVERYTHING! Enjoy it before we become the prey to an intelligence that thinks and acts at the speed of light and never sleeps…
Gate 11 now- That W.B on the street sign may turn into ….Netflix
The new Gate 11 -Ready for service.
Obey all traffic laws, no cameras or recording equipment- is the first two rules…
More rules…“You will do time here in Burbank”
They still insist you “Keep Out” The new boss is the same as the old boss-“Don’t Get Fooled Again”
This tree was saved because-it’s in a shopping center where we use to enter this Studio ranch. Warner Brothers chose scorched earth and removed every single set, tree or bush. Behind this wall use to be Fantasy Island.Picture on left taken when sets existed-the other two our what we have today.
This was an old growth jungle, that’s why this set was built in this zone-a wonderful jungle greeted you.
The few stages this lot use to have can be seen in this picture only because the jungle had just been removed, otherwise magnificent trees towered above these barb wired walls.
The buildings overlooking the fountain and park set.
View from the rooftops…
Another view from the rooftops-A stage in the distance, The Fantasy Island Jungle as you creep closer and storage of things once used on shows.
Let’s go around the corner, check that fence out…More rules- Like Catholic School!
When sets shadowed city streets…
Oak St, -Stage 66 replaced my favorite Witch!
“Wiggle your nose Sam, make it comeback like it was!”
Stages that probably can simulate artificially what use to be here, albeit ARTIFICIAL.
“On lot” picture and appearance from street side.
This street has lost it’s Lucky Charms…
Zero Appeal Gate 31. That fence is built like a ladder, I could easily climb this at age 65. Expect a bank of cameras here soon. This once wonderful ranch now looks like a hospital …
“Get Me Outta Here!” says Hooper.
Even the Partridge Family wants no part of this “Artificial Hollywood“
A short hop from the Ranch to Warner Brothers on Hollywood Way.This car wash serviced part of our fleet at Universal Tours. Stand -By Transportation Vehicles were cleaned up at this car wash that serviced these 3 studios near by. The Ranch, W.B, and Universal, I would get calls to run vehicles through here when our own garage was too busy to wash cars, vans etc. The tram garage main focus was keeping trams up, running and clean.
I use to drive these in real life-what a fun job this was!….The stories these trams could tell !
Several trams have retired…The next thing you know-This tour will be …Artificial!
I have a site on WordPress-The Glamour Tram. Real life ” foot on the pedal” Tram Stories…Take a Ride with me!
These trams have been rolling since 1964, this one is going through the Earthquake animation.Boulders made of Styrofoam tumble towards this original Pink and White Tram.
A Future I didn’t need to see…
I just was at my old stomping grounds for a Christmas Party at The Universal Sheraton and drove around the Warner Brothers backlot and the Columbia Ranch. Of course I was saddened. I had to force myself to see what was the Columbia Ranch. Little did I know it’s still a virgin.
Not for long-finishing touches are being put in place and the future is here, weather you signed up for it or not. I spent a lot of time here beginning in the mid 70’s. This place replaced my urge to trespass when MGM was torn down. This became our go to lot. I trespassed all the studios in every city back then. No cameras, no sensors, the doors usually weren’t even locked where valuable props were stored.
This place, as was MGM, was extremely busy right until demolition started. Covid delayed the tear down because of the need for control for film crews to be in a safe environment. Filming did not stop, backlots still see lots of action. Universal and Warner Brothers get other studios rentals that no longer have backlot options. Scenes with lots of effects especially prefer being on backlots. Jumanji is currently at the Universal as I write this. Proof the backlots will always be popular to use if left standing.
I visited an old neighborhood above Universal...From a road above Universal-A train is at the backdrop surrounded by Blue Screen pictured right, At left, you see a Base Camp for Jumanji and the Psycho House. The Rock and Jack Black are the stars. My point is Backlots allow companies many more options than locations that require a ton of permits just to tie your shoes!
This is how my backlot looks today, right before Christmas 2025. Harry Potter’s Castle replaced the Universal Amphitheater, you can see the turrets above the giant blue backdrop. Stage 30 did not exist when I was there, Universal has added several high tech stages to keep up the cutting edge of how films will be made going forward. Stage 30 is located right behind Mayfield, or for others, The Back to the Future clock tower.
Our Destination for today’s party….
A peek inside The Sheraton Universal, our party is located on the 21st floor in a building Telly Savalas use to have a popular bar in. He lived here in a Penthouse. Kojak knew how to have a good time. His stories are legendary from us who met him, he use to offer up free booze to our tour guides.
View from floor 21. A Roller Coaster is being built where the Universal Sign use to display itself to the entire valley, but now Universal is is a resort / theme park/ studio.
The next big thing at Universal Tours is….A Roller Coaster
Merry Christmas…From all of us retired studio electricians- to all of you!
We can’t use jeeps in this mission-stealth is required. Escape will be by hijacking German transportation.
Today’s Mission involves infiltrating Verona Square, a war torn village used in every MGM War T.V Series in the decade of the 1960’s.
This balcony dates back to…Romeo and Juliet, the 1936 MGM Classic, Directed by George Cukor. I had a fort inside the ledge Christopher George happens to be firing from. My special friend Maureen and I spent a Valentines Day Night under the moonlight right here.
“I’ll be right there darling- I have a grappling hook in my pants”
“I got it from here, Moffitt-yes -she is worth …the trouble!”
1967 Verona Square, the oldest section of MGM Lot 2, and the closet set to my house.
This picture is Verona Square, the site of today’s mission. Picture taken from Maureen’s front porch area, she lived even closer than me to this magical kingdom. We became a perfect fit-like say… Bonnie and Clyde.
1936- Romeo and Juliet set under construction.
Before Jeeps with 50 caliber machine guns, battles were fought like this…
The things these ancient plaster faces have seen. So much history, so much war. George Cukor was the first director to film here, Gene Levitt was the last-Fantasy Island pilot in 1977. But, prior to that in the 60’s, he ripped this town up in COMBAT! -In 1973, Gene Directed a must have MGM movie of the week, using all my stuff, so you know MGM Security called me-The Phantom two years before this film was filmed.
Recurring faces in history….
I met this T.V Phantom, also directed at this set by….my director hero-Gene Levitt.
Heads up …Trespassers!
From Verona Square to …Joppa Square-right across from each other.
The chase is on…
Our Hero’s steal their escape vehicle.
MGM Art Department, my collection given to me by- MGM.
“They Met in Bombay”-1941. MGM Art Department classic photo.
Location in Spain- the chase continues-filmed months apart.
Mission Accomplished…1967
I WAS A KID SOLDIER
A simple nostalgic romp through the MGM Backlot 2. As a kid, I could not get enough of W.W 2. Luckily, that war was often fought right behind my house. I heard every round ever fired, I was too young to trespass but this soundtrack influenced my life going forward. I rode my bike to school and stared through every hole in the old green fences that barely contained what was taking place open the other side of the old green barbed wire fence.
The holes became my T.V, I could not wait for each episode to to “AIR” on T.V. Combat was my soul, best series ever made. As the sands of time spilled out of the hour glass, war had high ratings!
Hit series after hit series carried on for 10 years, The Rat Patrol, Garrison’s Gorillas, and Jericho continued the backlot assault longer than W.W 2 took place. MGM was my history book and I’m forever grateful, Before VHS tapes were engineered, I would try to screen grab with my Polaroid camera. Very poor quality turned me into an artist, I would sketch, diligently images from my mind onto paper, often at school. I sat in the back of the class and appeared to be taking notes.
When that alarm bell rang I was first out the door, like a fire alarm went off. I had to get home to a place called…MGM.
Charles Bronson, in a sniper position here firing towards a Plexiglass covered camera lens and operator.
Reverse angle as the battle begins…
All the parties have arrived in the Baldwin Hills oilfields. Everybody is -Armed and Dangerous!
No place run -Charles has you in his sight.
The camera captures these final scenes protected from full load blank ammo under a blanket.
We need a bigger gun…
As the sunsets, investigators sort through all the carnage.
All in a days work…
Another fine job by man….Charles Bronson.
THE CRACKDOWN
A day on set…1987
A 5 million dollar budgeted film spun off collective series of successful features, this one is directed by J.Lee Thompson.
I discovered this production while mountain biking up in the oilfields above Culver City.I had just got home from my job at that time as a Tram Driver for Universal’s Studio Tour. I gave four tram tours earlier in the day but nothing going on at Universal today was a cool as this set I rolled up on. Fortunately, I had a camera with me. At first I wasn’t sure what I was watching until I saw all the show cards in the Transportation equipment.
Death Wish 4 is on every dashboard in all the production vehicles. Ironically, this is a MGM Film. We are above the former MGM Lot 3 for these action sequences. As I malinger myself around set I manage to capture a close up of one of my all time favorite stars…Charles Bronson.
I hesitantly approached this man, more clean shaven but, just as mean-if not meaner,
I had to take advantage of my “one minute in the sunshine.” As Charles wondered off alone I pulled up alongside him. “I’m sure glad you survived that chateau assault in the Dirty Dozen. He gave me this stare as I kept rambling on, “that set was on the backlot in the MGM facility in the U.K I believe?” as he responds. “The entire chateau was a set, we destroyed it”. “I’m a huge Lee Marvin fan so you two are quite the pair of survivors.”
” Lee was in The Battle of Saipan, he’s seen a lot of real action.” said Charles.
We happen to be overlooking the City of Culver City but more specifically, the former MGM Lot 3.
“My favorite show ever, I wanted the entire cast to survive, I cried when Jim Brown gets killed, what an ending!” Here I am on a hill top with the baddest dude in film. Next question I always wondered is – ” In the Twilight Zone episode “TWO” where was that New York Street?
I never could figure out this set, it baffled me for decades…
Charles impressed me as he scoured the horizon. He was trying to point it out, but – he became as baffled as me. I then point to Raintree, formerly the MGM Backlot 3. He stares towards Desilu and its grand water tower, then responds, “I don’t see the studio.” Then the bombshell, “It was at Hal Roach Studios.” “That studio was torn down in 1964.”. He is needed on back on set to undoubtedly kill more people, I sit in an afterglow.
No wonder I couldn’t pin it down, I never got inside Hal Roach. The Twilight Zone never filmed there or so I thought. They did it turns out-only this mentioned episode. My moment with Charles was fleeting yet still imprinted in my wonderful life memories forever.
I would find out later…
I did not know I was talking with a W.W. 2 hero himself, Mr. Bronson was a B-29 Superfortress aerial gunner. A Purple Heart was awarded to him for injuries sustained in action over Japan. They don’t make actors like they use too….
The view from a kids fort -1967 left- 1972 pictured right.
Soccer anyone?
Elvis wants in…
That perilous chimney became a refuge in a time of need.
Early version of Building 29. A tower would be added and the entire front was refaced over the old face. That created a maze of passages that could even confuse mice. Once you train yourself inside the interior on what passage connects to what-then try it at night in the pitch dark. A hidden ladder is a big key to reach this overhang we happily call….HOME.
Building 29 on map, doorway number 715.
This front became was remolded and refaced, leaving the original underneath the new exterior.
The remolded look below- The square platform section just below tower has the maze built through the original front hidden inside.
Remodeled front that became …The Best Fort in Hollywood!
Left pic-The Gap between the original front exterior to the refacing addition extending this section past the original. What all this does is create a maze with a hidden ladder wood built into the wall and passages that even a police dog could not overcome. I know this for sure because…THIS PLACE IS BATTLE TESTED.
A message for the 3 guards most likely to figure this out as if their jobs -DEPENDED ON IT!Full disclosure Jolly and the 3 Stooges, Jolly is MGM Security Captain, 3 Stooges are 3 Guards who are clearly named. Most of my most thrilling chases involve these names. Final part of message says”P.S I will miss you” That’s because word is MGM is handing the backlot over to a private security company. They have no idea what they \are in for here on this haunted back lot. Pic right- is another challenge, you must squeeze under that hole above the roof shingles to exit onto roof top of left chimney.
Complete the maze and you end up in here. All the comforts of home can be enjoyed. Pictured-A Mickey’s Big Mouth, Two Orange Crush Sodas and a couple Bazooka Joe wrappers. The coat hanging is from Combat and found in a building as is an ammo clip commonly used in battles like Garrison’s Gorillas. They have gunpowder and the explosive discharge can kill you. Not recommended for kids. I’m not your normal kid. A water cooler was given to us by the MGM Labor Department. The sign above the mop reminds all us school kids “Your Tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell rings”
Our fort library included-Garrison’s Gorillas Comics, Mad Magazines, Sports Illustrated, and a couple PlayBoy Magazines. Ron Harper would return to the lot one more time in 1974-Planet of the Apes T.V. I ran into him and Roddy McDowell at the train station. Ron left the backlot as a War Gorilla , but returned to fight apes in that series. Ron Harper had the coolest parts a fella can have.
Pat Rich, one tough Irish Kid, we just finished are St. Augustine education and were excited to start public school. That’s until Pat found out he’s headed to a private High School that is all male and built like a prison. They do play good football at Loyola High. Culver Middle School was on my horizon and I am now dating Maureen in 74.. My chum from my street. She helped me build this fort and one of the few girls capable of climbing this course. Plus…She still looks pretty covered with dirt.
That exit’s blocked…
Schools Out in the legendary MGM “Girls School”
That fort up there is in trouble…
There is enough propane fuel upstairs to torch the entire lot.Operation Hellfire is the title of this episode in Garrison’s Gorillas.
This is my picture exactly where this Special Effects blaze is being controlled. Propane, smoke makers, manifolds to control fuel, water hoses, fire extinguishers and several effects men would be what’s up here in my fort in 1967.
I became “The Dean” of this institution for “higher” learning.
This overhang is my fort-that’s where it is. Guards would hit this place with powerful search lights hoping we would flee since going upstairs and tackling the maze will get your uniform and badge filthy.
The view to die for…Dead center of the backlot is where we are located. Wide open spaces make for hazardous conditions in accessing this Shambhala for teenagers.
Tarzan Lake and Forest left- Right is view towards over sized property storage. That dirt road leading to this set was the rout Kong took to be assembled as a 40 foot Robot for the finale of 1976 Kong.
Another view from my all time favorite fort…
Picture I took in 1974 of fort from a rooftop in Small Town Square. A work light and tombstone can barely be seen. This set below the fort is a graveyard where Dr. Frankenstein and Igor exhume a body, in the pouring rain. This was a “hot set” and a guard was located there, Transylvania Station is right around the corner…
Operation HellFire-1967
I myself lead several operations into this set that didn’t always go as planned. When MGM Security realized we had a nest up top here, every mission was challenging.The rewards outweighed all the risks. We had several close calls including a night of a complete assault by Culver City Police and MGM Police.
In a chase that started on 5th Avenue,in NYC, we ran through the jungle, crossed Tarzan Lake and took refuge up in our fort. The guard on duty was named George Barner, he was hired for one reason, to catch me. Like a true Public Enemy #1, all available security guards were pulled in for this emergency. If that wasn’t enough-6 police cars rolled in to assist MGM officers.
This is where the rubber meets the dirt road that surrounds this college campus in so many films. We hear the clomping of footsteps climbing higher and higher. Police at the front door try to call us out on a loud speaker, but instead we climb out onto rooftop and climb up into a chimney. Each side of this structure has one. There was no place left to hide as our fort is being invaded.
MGM Police to the honor of clearing this upstairs except for one thing…we escaped into a chimney and could watch everything taking place on this rooftop and on the dirt road below-lined by police cars. “This is big” is all my friend Jimmy and I know as we whisper standing face to face in a narrow fake chimney. This went on for several hours and we watched as another friend was caught, handcuffed and hauled away. This chimney can only fit two kids. Danny, my friend who lives next door to me gave the police are names so they continued to try to talk us down using mega phones, with threats.
Patience is a Virtue
Hours go by-finally the police cars disembark, leaving behind the two suspects ‘Jimmy and I.’ The entire police department gave it their all to protect ‘The Heart of Screenland, and MGM Security had to explain again to the chief, “How did he get away this time, ?”….”He is like a Phantom, he was here one minute and gone the next!”
The Phantom of the Backlotsis born- and the next year a movie of the week was made, using this fort-The Phantom of Hollywood.
A Beautiful Day in Carvel, Idaho. A quintessential version of the America Louis B. Mayer wanted to depict. From a 1925 play titled “Skidding.”
The Streets from Andy Hardy series is where we are going to explore today. Coast is clear, I see no security from this rooftop…
3 sides of this home constitute Andy’s home. This side with Phil’s Bakery faces Small Town Square and downtown Carvel.I have a fort upstairs, inside this window that has a view of the main entrance to the backlot.
The commercial side of the Hardy House. Train tracks are used not only for “Picture trains” from everybody from Judy Garland to Elvis Presley.
Beautiful Downtown Carvel -1975…Soon to be renovated for the Blockbuster film Sgt. Pepper.The Band would perform here and sail over this land…from Carvel to Heartland U.S.A
1973 version of a street we called Maple Street, from the Twilight Zone Series. We snuck in with a beat up-Black and White T.V and managed to get good reception with bent and broken antennas. We watched that 1 dimensional episode on T.V in a 3 dimensional colored setting where it was filmed in Andy Hardy’s house.
Another beautiful day in Carvelas Mickey Rooney walks into-The Twilight Zone.
Mickey Rooney returns home in 1974…That’s Entertainment
Nothings changed…
Looks like more fan mail for our star…
I’m sure Mickey delivered to his fan..
If you search hard around here, you receive gifts from MGM’s Glorious past, Penmanship was a special quality before computers. You actually had to write your thoughts. Can’t beat that MGM scribe!
1932 on left, 1935 on right. Both films had this same future structure of the Hardy Set. This home was pieced together from differs MGM Films. This backlot had acres of walls stored and categorized. They rarely just tore sets down, they disassembled, stored and used to build other sets. Ironically, Sgt. Pepper disassembled again it in 1977. The Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree at MGM.
Pre- Andy Hardy- which began in 1937.. Mickey Rooney filmed at his house before the Hardy Series in ‘AH Wilderness’. TCM doesn’t deliver this much info….The movie industry is a very small world full of trickery and illusion. This mysterious world is my home.
Marion Davies and her original make up mirror from the silent film era. Key figures in her life recomposed in this mirror I’m the proud possessor of.this Magic Mirror, it is a portal back in time and the Holy Grail of Hollywood history.The bulbs are original with many colors for skin tone. Red, blue, and clear. When I powered this trailer up for the first time since 1970, everything came -Back to Life.
Hollywoodland and its original make up trailer. This discovery will forever preserve this most Glamorous relic. These mirrors talk in image form. For more on this subject visit-Phantomofthebacklots on Youtube. Watch for yourself as Long Lost History comes back as if it was in between films. I will forever keep the artifacts from inside this room as together as the as I rediscovered them.
Fine Craftsmanship stands the test of time…
Some assembly required but you too -can build your own movie set! An almost endless line of walls, stairways, and turrets.From storage as seen here, Andy Hardy finalized a home that would stand until 1977. Then it was disassembled and used to block the view of all the storage areas on the backlot.
Front porch of his house-“My Fort!” I acquired a wicker chair in 1977 on the set of Sargent Pepper, exactly like this one 2 houses down from from this porch.This is how we furnish our hide aways…
“Your bedroom is a mess!”…Blame it on me Mickey. My fort, his room- upstairs would get decorated with furnishings on this street. Floor mattes, carpet, table with fake flowers and a picture hanging on wall is how every house on this street rolled. We grabbed what MGM Property Department left behind. Behind the curtain, inside the doorway is the stairway that takes you to the Hardy House upstairs. The layout at the top of the stairway has windows on all sides, a balcony overlooking downtown Carvel and …chairs, shag carpet,and a table. All are set decorations from previous shows. We set up in the windows that face the main gate so we don’t get surprised or caught-“off guard.”
Andy Hardy house- front porch in the Twilight Zone Episode…The Monsters Are Due ON Maple Street .Andy is lucky he moved outjust in time…
Upstairs it is, facing Downtown Carvel. North side view out of Hardy Home. Meet Me in St.Louis is below balcony. Clang, Clang Clang went the trolley on this side of house. Pictures from balcony of Hardy Home.
I took this picture upstairs in the Hardy Home.
The Trolley Depot ended up an Arco Station in -They Only Kill Their Masters-1972, Starring James Garner.
Upstairs in the Hardy House looking out on Maple Street through a tree in front yard. The Hardy House became a 70’s Party House. This house had a fort, it fit the necessary criteria needed for fort status which is…Dual escapeability, in case a guard comes inside and heads upstairs, we will wait until he arrives a top the indoor staircase, then jump of the balcony in flight. It has a strategic view allowing us to see the main gate. That way we can see who comes and goes through the main gate.
Upstairs window on right is the window- frame in tree picture.
Notice the younger tree in front of upstairs fort. Everything gets older except these two mischievous kids. If a guard comes up the stairs, auto pilot kicks in -we can jump from this balcony or the one overlooking the St. Louis Depot.
“Let’s go upstairs, we only have so much time you know “
The trolley to St. Louis
Nice seeing you again Mickey, I got a song to sing and trolley to catch!
MGM Security handed off the backlot to this gentleman-Lewis Hunt. Cowan Security was in over its head and a huge fire took place burning the church and half of Maple Street. In this double exposure, the church lays in ashes as Lewis tells us Gospel passages. standing in front of his cruiser….1976
Warnings exist every 20 feet…. Center-Les Green MGM Overland Gate. He sometimes shared stories but was too old to catch me. He didn’t often get backlot duty. Garth Bluff- pictured right-23 year veteran in 1973. He owned a home on Elenda Street. His house was extremely close to the backlot and the enormous Grand Central Station Terminal. Very friendly, these senior guards were found manning the gates. My best friend of all with a badge was Ken Hollywood-he introduced us to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in 1974-That’s Entertainment.
Fire strikes Carvel, the church across the street burns down, late 1975. In my photography class at school, I often developed my own Black and White film. Photography was expensive so I cut costs shooting B/W. Once, my teacher saw the emulsion develop into into a picture of King Kong. He was stunned, not the usual high school photo shoot, so he asks “How do you get these photos?” I answer, “with a camera sir.” Good ole Mr. Leatherman. The Hardy Home did not burn at all but the church and 3 other structures were turned to ash…Not the Hardy’s-that house had a different fate ahead.
This set is about to be revamped…Carvel is to become Heartland USA for the film Sgt. Pepper
The St. Louis Trolley happens to stop in Heartland U.S.A, the music never stops…
In 1977, The Andy Hardy House was split into 4 sections, each wall became a blocker of parts of the backlot not wanted to be seen by production and it’s 360 degree camera shots. This front porch was situated to replace the burnt down church from 2 years ago.
The last picture ever of this Hardy front porch.
This Bell Tower replaced the Hardy home in 1977, sections of the home are spread out in Heartland.
This is the Bell Tower that replaced the Hardy Home. Only the front side was viewed by camera. We had a harrowing moment up in this tower with Sgt. Pepper armed security. I was with a truck full of Marines from Camp Pendleton. Recommended reading, not your typical stories in other books. In mine, wear a helmet be prepared for anything.
The Yellow home is the Hardy House North side that use to overlook Small Town Square, here being moved as to block view of Vets Tower and an oversized prop warehouse. Walk through the front door and nothing exists-drapes hide-nothing inside.
Carvel, now Heartland-That’s not Mickey and Cecelia in the Hot Air Balloon basket, rather it’s Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees. Come sail away with them.
I could see this balloon from my house. This scene I captured was cut and replaced with CGI fireworks. Only see this scene and effects in my world now.
The final act in Carvel was this blockbuster…My summer of Love!
“Hot Set” Do not touch without UPM approval– Unit Production Manager…
Pic left-balcony as on Hardy House but relocated for a set designed to block vision of other backlot sets.Heartland/Carvel about to be destroyedpictured right.
1978- The End of Carvel …From dust to dust-decades worth of memories…I was so disillusioned I anted to cry, I watched every backlot in Culver City disappear-one at a time. Only New York Street stayed up, until October of 1980.Notice the teeth on the Bulldozer in the dirt cloud, a single Bulldozer pushed these sets down from behind.
At night, I pretend the lot is still here because I feel its spirit. You can take Donnie out of MGM, but you can’t take MGM out of Donnie…
Studio Estates formerly MGM Lot 2. A full moon over the former backlot where the Hardy House once stood. My mind still tunes in MGM when I- walk on by.
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As Emerson, Lake and Palmer sing so eloquently… From the Beginning ;
My life has taken me many places-past, present, and future. In the studio backlot world, all things are possible. The Moon is your clock. Sets and stars come and go, as do guards and trespassers. Spirits exist- no one wants to ever leave this view masterof MGM History.
As I deliver this story in 2025,, 100 years have almost passed by since this version of the Hardy Home.Yet it still stands proudly on Television in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and feature films.
I was upstairs in this home when a spectacle of large proportions rolled in, literally. King Kong-The Robot arrived for his scenes for that Blockbuster on the MGM Backlot.MGM Security returned to the backlot as Kong’s escort. Several groups people walk on both sides of this slow moving cargo that was covered by a Blue Tarp with only Kong’s feet sticking out.
The first section to arrive was the lower torso. As the convoy passed under us, Kong veered down a dirt road alongside the Tarzan Lake to its final resting stop, dead center of “Shea Stadium.” A Gas Pump- the size of Kong- had already been delivered that had PETROX as the corporation wanting to capitalize on this 40 foot star.
Imagine having your trespassing afternoon interrupted by this event. Guards I know escorted this beast like a Gold Shipment from Fort Knox. As the sand in the MGM Hour Glass winds down, two of the most expensive movies of the 70’s decade finish this area off. From the Hardy home, you can see the King Kong walls, natives, and torches on top of the walls in a place built as Skull Island..
Sitting in my fort, either watching shows get filmed, or watching Twilight Zone reruns on T.V that looks like it was in a tackle football game-we were constantly entertaining ourselves. Every kid who visited this set did their own Rod Serling imitation, right down to the Chesterfields. Common’-you gottasmoke. We had a large shag carpet upstairs we drug up from the downstairs, a table, chairs from interior doorways and an extension cord that ran from a “shooting station” on the bottom floor.
During one impersonation of Rod Serling, the lit cigarette fell on the carpet, lighting it on fire. It didn’t want to extinguish itself easy-so my friends ran down the stairs and took off.
What a bunch of quitters
Left as if I’m the only one who cares, this fire was not stomping out, it was growing. Luckily it didn’t catch any of the wood on fire and I flipped this large carpet over, cutting off the oxygen and extinguishing this poorly planned / what could go wrong – Rod Serling imitation before the structure caught fire.
Boys will be boys, especially….In the Twilight Zone.
This T.V only pulled in –The Twilight Zone.
The channel knob broke so pliers sit on top of this set. The rabbit ears are short from continuous travel back and forth to the MGM lot. A coat hanger helps pulling in a signal from the Outer Limits – to The Hardy House.
“That’s a wrap,” Eddie Murphy #67, Tony Scott, a cigar and a movie star in his arm and the entire cast.Enjoy this very special pictorial of my pictures I took on this set in 1987.
Director Tony Scott, fresh off TOP GUN, giving direction to Brigitte Nielsen in her final thrilling scene.Cigar in hand as always, this picture is my favorite one of all I took on this location in The Baldwin Hills Oil Fields. Dent Industries is crooked oil business. I could’nt have posed this better, this content laded direction. Cigar, pointed finger, with hat he wore directing TOP GUN. Picture means more to me now than then. Absolutely great director at work….
Eddie Murphy in his impressive Detroit Lions vintage jacket.He is about to be shot in this plot twister moment…
Brigitte Nielsen right before this action sequenceis to beginfilming.At this time she is married in real life to Sylvester Stallone
I’mShotgun alongside the Panavision camera. Sequence is the pivotal twist in this film. Who shoots who…Tony Scott in previous picture is directing our blonde star on her movements, what the camera sees and reaction needed.
Brigitte twists and turns as her character is taken out. The legendary Buddy Joe Hooker is assisting this action sequence.
Our female lead, Karla Fry- is about to pull the trigger and kill Axel Foley but Sergeant John Taggart shoots her before she can unload her gun.
A round of applause..excellent death scene indeed!
Buddy Joe Hooker doing his own stunt being shot off this rooftop. Dent is a fictitious oil company.
This crime is all but solved…
Beverly Hills P.D.
Case solved…Axel explains to the chief of Beverly Hills police.
Let’s make 3 – This show is Good. Sure enough, #3 was to be made and they used Universal Studios for several sets and animations for Wally’s World- Theme Park.
Brigitte Nielsen and Donnie Norden. Brigitte never stopped working out in between scenes, part of a hockey family. Her brother was on set and he plays Hockey in Sweden.
Downtown Los Angeles…distant. The final shot of the day on location in the Baldwin Hills Oil Fields.
The Sequel Everyone is waiting for…
Beverly Hills Cop- 2 filmed the action packed finale on a location I grew up on, in Baldwin Hills. In 1956, The Highway Patrol, starring Broderick Crawford, used these exact roads and sets in an episode titled Oil Lease. In that episode a bazooka was used as a weapon to hold up oil workers from their hard earned payroll checks.
30 years later – rocket launchers replaced bazookas as weapons of choice. In each case, the law outsmarted the bad guys and apprehended them. On this set of COP 2, Tony Scott is the hottest director in Hollywood. Fresh off TOP GUN- he’s pumping out gold. This was the first time I met him. Later on, he would film scenes with Deja vu, starring Denzel Washington. A chemistry exists when actors and directors have synchronicity that takes over the stage. It’s a rare quality.
TOP GUN and Deja Vu are serious films, while COP 2 is a comedic adventure. One of my all time favorite sets I’ve ever been on was Blade Runner, directed by brother Ridley Scott. Quite the brother combo. Tragically, Tony took his life by jumping off the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro after a bout with brain cancer. Even in his own death- a finish fit for a sad blockbuster movie was his chosen final scene. Legends never die…they just move on.
Tony Scott R.I.P… This stone at Hollywood Forever Cemetery has his name carved into it and all his films. A fitting tribute to a man who lived life like his own movie…
In the Heart of Mayberry- this set was built for a 70’s Miller Malt Liquor commercial. Ironically today, their logo jingle is based off- 50 years ago. Great 50 year old stories, this is my story
This Hotel is next to the Mayberry Hotel at 40 Acres. Main 4 way intersection, center of town.
S
This is really going on -real collapse -real humans in fall zone. Stuntmen get replaced by stars as dust settles…Old fashion film making like Buster Keaton or Hal Roach would do!
“This must be Urban Renewal” toasts Redd Foxx. Colt 45 is named after Baltimore Colt running back Jerry Hill who wore number 45.
Drink hard, play harder!…The true Colt 45
This picture is from behind behind the buildings in this commercial.
Opie is where backside of mock up hotel stands.
Mayberry-where drinking is a crime. No longer in 1975…
Gomer Pyle scene exactly where this drink is served!I never met a Marine who doesn’t like drinking.
This guy looks thirsty..15 years to early is this- Man in a Hurry.
If your standing here-YOUR TOO CLOSE
Everybody wants to see this beer commercial…
“This planet drinks”..says Captain Kirk
The view on left before ‘Urban Development’ – set on right built in this intersection…
Beer commercials, cigars-cigarettes, big fancy cars commercials, and soft porn films all found their way on to this lot in the mid 1970’s. The backlot reflected the culture.
The two story building at the end of this street is my location. I am trespassing, 4 P.M ish. I saw this set and then a guard, he didn’t see me so I went upstairs. Im behind camera which has the same angle for this “one -take shot.” Security looked like Sheriff John, he had a cowboy hat, a badge, and a rope. He walked around lassoing everything he sees. I have to watch out for him because I do not want to miss this scene. Redd Foxx-is right below in a Limo. The front door of Hotel faces south to Baldwin Hills.
I took this picture 1976, the last year of the 40 Acres Backlot. This is exactly where this Colt 45 Hotel stood…
My Dad often had some of these cans in our home refrigerator. Naturally a few ended up here at the Desilu Ranch. Miller Beer and I could do great commercials….VIntage of course. My dad was an actor in Bar Fly. He pretended to be drinking…even got in a fight with Frank Stallone in an ally behind the bar. His credit depicts “Man in ally” My mom hated it but dad loved it. Paid to drink and hang out with Faye Dunaway. Filmed at the Culver City Bar closet to this set.
ONE TAKE –Then a Toast
All the preparation is complete, this set took a week to build and another week to “dress” the set and familiarize effects and stunt folks with all the moving parts. This building is built to collapse, Not straight down, it must tip. Actors “stunt people” could get hurt if things do not go as planned. This is old time film making going on here. The final go overs are being checked as this shot is to be captured in daylight, of which has about a hour left to it.
I just got home from school and am not sure I will make it here in time. As soon as I hit the lot I run down the backroads along the creek and climb upstairs in a building looking straight at the one that has only – less than an hour left to stand. A grandfather clock is added as the interior is finishing being dressed.
These are actually two sets. The exterior is engineered to be a collapsible front on wheels. Set two is the stationary interior of this hotel. The Art Department is finally finished now the front of this hotel is rolled and positioned exactly to the square inch where it needs to be to collapse safely. This integration is slow and methodical. Inside upstairs, the stunt people load in. This is too dangerous for actors, they won’t be seen till the dust settles.
Anticipation increases as every final detail is checked and rechecked. A guard is active on this set. He’s a character with a badge, cowboy hat and a rope. He hangs out by REDD FOXX as we all watch from almost the exact spot.
Countdown 3,2,1
A building is collapsing before my eyes, this 7 second moment seems like an eternity. People disappear and reappear in a cloud of dust. They got their shot, actors are inserted at doorway entrance as if they survived this. REDD says “SO THIS MUST BE URBAN RENEWAL” as he toasts to Pabst Blue Ribbon.
The real toast belongs to Special Effects, this was so perfect, when I get older I want to be in Special Effects, For now, I’m a trespasser looking down at a collapsed building, a famous T.V Star, and sheriff with really wild roping skills who looks like he stepped out of a western film. I hope there’s a Colt 45 in the fridge for when I get home…
As I return home from school, I instinctively turn on our color TV set. It’s a little after 3 pm, and I was planning on visiting my backlot to get an idea of what I missed today. I quickly turn channels, Gilligan’s Island reruns are on, Match Game with Gene Rayburn is an option, and Tattletales hosted by Burt Convy, all adequate alternatives to homework. But-“stop that dial~” oh my- as my eyes bulge out, normally I like Mike Douglas, mind you he’s no Johnny Carson, but what he is –is on the backlot at MGM!
He’s broadcasting live from the set of Sgt. Pepper.
Mike is interviewing the cast. The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton are sitting in folding cast chairs close by the lake in between two nicely remodeled cottages. I holler to my mom working in the kitchen to “Getin here…You have to see this! This is the set I’m always on at MGM.” as she hastily arrives in our shag carpeted living room.
I brainstorm as she sits in awe, “Mom, see that door they’re sitting in front of? Well, keep your eyes fixed on that doorway. I’m going to run over there now and I will exit through that door right behind where Barry Gibb and Peter are sitting… I’ll wave at ya!”
Not needing a response and with time being of the essence, I’m out the front door before her famous “Be careful” can be uttered.I make like a flash running full speed down two side streets and a short jaunt over train tracks. Within a few minutes position myself by entering through the back door of those very same cottages being presented on television and posture myself next to the front exit. The camera is focused on this area as Mike interviews Peter. This is a working movie set so work is going on all around, no need to hide.
I listen to Peter talk about almost being electrocuted on stage. “I got the famous Blue Flash and was knocked flying, it’s not that unusual” he carries on for Mike. “Only takes one bad ground, after that I learned to touch the microphone with the back of my hand, not to grab it!” “Fascinating stuff Peter,” I think to myself, like I’m the host of this National NBC afternoon talk show.
Heartland U.S.A –Prior to Mr. Mustard take over
Fearing a commercial cut is coming, ” Out the front door, I appear, waving toward Mike Douglas behind the band members –nonchalantly,with my own long hair flowing, like I own the place.
After watching some of this interview, I exit the front door with a subtle wave to “Mum.”
Out of this door and into my TV set…I appear!
I exit the front door – waving to my mother, not Mike as Peter wraps up his interview and is about to be replaced in the folding chair by Frankie Howard- mission accomplished. I run even faster homewards, skipping and gliding, now I just hope she saw me. I run in the front door of our home- this entire event back and forth took twenty minutes at the most. “Did you see me?” I ask, as I catch my breath – her mouth flaps- but without words, just expressions. Finally she spits something out. “Yes I saw you exit the door and wave… How do you get away with this?”‘ she asks in embarrassment yet amazement with her head stuck tilted like the illusion just became more tangible.
“Seems natural to me, I’ve been doing this so long.” I proudly calm down as Mike starts interviewing Frankie Howard on TV- on a set I was a part of just moments ago.
That’s a first, live backlot television, I would like to thank all the backlot spirits for making my T.V. appearance possible.
Frank Smith...sounds like one of my alias’sat 40 Acres.Helen digs him, Opie digs him, but who is he?– He is an attorney with an office directly across from the Mayberry Courthouse.Upstairs above another of Sheriff Taylor’s favorite sweets…Walker’s Soda Fountain shop.
Good friends and a bottle of wine, Below Helen is having a wonderful time…
Andy’s Rival is more popular than our sheriff-in his own house.
Just when Andy thought he owned Mayberry. Maybe Helen has seen enough of Andy squeezing every woman in town.
Another old picture of mine with, Frank Smith Attorney sign is partially in view left of frame. The Rusk Hotel is Mayberry’s cheaper overnight stay. “We’ll leave a light on for ya!”
A simulated version of the soda shop, pharmacy, hotel and Frank Smith’s office. The Mayberry Courthouse is directly opposite this set. This gives you a clear visual of a building center of town, below the church.
The real deal version.
This is my school work, done at Culver Middle School. I appeared to be taking notes at all times, but not really.
I included Frank Smith in my doodle, Ididn’t know who he was…1974
Andy may need an attorney if he’s not careful.
Ellie, always calm, cool, and collected. She always concocts the proper Ambrosia for what ails ya!
The Darling -look of love.Just below Frank Smith’s office.
Definitely Rivals. “I’m going to call Danny Thomas and get him off this lot” says the sheriff.
“Danny -let’s lose the Frank Smith character, he’s drinking on set” -” you got it Andy”
Downtown Mayberry is where we begin;
Looking at my old pictures recently, I realized I do not know who Frank Smith is. A sign above the for-mentioned center of town. One of the most seen sets on this T.V series, many because the church, the courthouse, and the post office all face each other.
Back in the 70’s, we had no internet, we needed “Sarah” to complete a simple call. I had no idea after al these decades, who is the name on the sign. Now in 2025, I can get an answer and to my surprise, this sign is from the Andy Griffith show. It is mounted in an awkward location. Therefore, it was never touched by human hands other than set dressing when installed.
In this period after the series was canceled. Other shows that followed did not want Mayberry references. Across the street is an example. The Mayberry Courthouse sign is still here. Just open the courthouse door, and it sits there, leaning against a wall. I examined it 3 times and planned on taking it home. It was big, 4 by 4 feet, I bit obtrusive to sneak around the lot with. I always said to myself…next time, leaving it inside the exterior courthouse. It was all mine.
Before and after-The Mayberry Courthouse sign above the front doors.Picture I took on right, minus sign, the sign was inside, leaning against the wall under the left window.
Anyone could have had the courthouse sign, Culver Studios, Cinema General Studios lost track of Desilu/RKO history. They left it all for me. I had-the key to the city.
The key to the kingdom…
Three Strikes your Out
Wait, hold on. I finally am here just to pick up the Courthouse sign when I open the front door-the sign is gone. Somebody beat me to it. A trespasser no less I’m sure. Today, I have one of my few regrets ever on this backlot. I regret not grabbing it. I should have hidden it until it was possible to exit with it down to the La Ballona Creek.
Back to Frank Smith, it turns out this character is played by actor Charles Aidman. In this period, Charles is also in several Twilight Zone episodes just down the road at MGM. In this Andy Griffith episode, he brings a bottle of wine to dinner at Sheriff Taylor’s house. Mayberry is a “dry county,” just ask Otis Campbell. Just some food for thought as we say our before dinner prayers.
Phantom of the Backlots 