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.
THOS. H. INCE launched the film making machine way back when Culver City just incorporated itself as a city. Sherman Place- just outside the studios East Border-would soon become Ince Blvd.
One afternoon, we were coming home in the family station wagon. Batman was filming out front on the porch of this administration building. Batwoman on her purple bat looking motorbike was assisting the two male capped crusaders against Catwoman “Eartha Kitt” and Joker”Caesar Romero”
This is exactly what I saw that afternoon. I was in dad’s pool cleaning station wagon with a leaf collector pole sticking out the back window. I hung out the side car window, like a puppy dog ready to jump!
Notice the angle of the two biggest stages. They are facing towards the sunrise. Windows line the upper portion for maximum sunlight penetration. The design was simply to maximize sunlight illumination inside as the sun traverses east to west...Interestingly, these stages were moved to conform to the neighborhood sprouting up alongside.No longer in need of chasing sun light.
Inside stage with natural sunlight peering through upper glass windows. Artificial lighting from electrical distress creates intense heat on stage, depending on amount and size of equipment. Air Conditioning must be factored into stage design, to keep actors make up from running. Interestingly, an ice company was directly across from the main gate, large blocks of ice helped cool down interiors. Ice picks were found stored inside Marion Davies make up trailer…Ice was King!
Top left corner-Lucerne/ Higuera intersect out front a home that once was part of the studio Ince built. Marion Davies was to be the first occupant to use this area connected to all utilities. They include power, sewer, and water. History that followed links King Kong in 1933, followed by Gone With the Wind. In the 60’s – Batman –Adam West was seen frequenting this area....I once used Adam West as an alias. A security guard stopped me and some friends visiting the set of Al Capone.Bruce Lee had already been taken or written down by another kid. This slip of alias’s was handed to Roger Corman-who stared puzzlingly at Mr. Security., while reading our fib list He said “they’re fine- leave them be.”– A hilarious backlot memory!
1924- A Man and his dream…Thomas Ince
Thomas Ince built this iconic Colonnade prior to building another studio just down the road a bit.
A very special sidewalk I perused down daily on my way to St. Augustine School.
This section of then Triangle Studio existed before MGM took control. This was largely thanks to the wealth of Marcus Lowe. It is identical to the stages Thomas Ince built at his other lot. They are built to follow the sun’s rays-illuminating all things inside. Stages align with the sun like a giant magnet.
Before Variety was launched in 1933-this was the movie insider magazine.
Lots of stuff happened here in 1924, forever shaping Hollywood.
In 1924– A Movie Star Compound on Lucerne was completed. The plan was Cosmopolitan Pictures and founder Randolph Hearst was to merge companies with Thomas Ince. One man had endless money and stories for scripts. The other man had filmmaking know-how and the facilities to do so.An example of Rented facilities…
Marion Davies and her famous first make -up trailer
In 1924–there was a Koi pond with a statue from antiquity located where I stand.
Early 20’s luxury…A place to chill out as tedious make up is applied…
A camera was used in King Kong for make-up continuity. A massager that still works from 1921 was Marion Davies‘ tool of choice during long make-up processes in the chair.
This make up room and connecting compound, Anneberg Beach House and San Simeon were designed by this intellectual artist-Julia Morgan.
A statue dating back to Randolph Hearst and his vision for this Triangle property.
Then suddenly- on a yacht cruise announcing the merger of Ince/ Cosmopolitan, something went drastically wrong.
Best laid plans no more-alternate endings and mysteries happen in Hollywood. Enter Cecil B. DeMille to take over the landscape.
DeMille, in his fancy boots took control of the facility built by Mr. Ince
Across the way from The Ince Studio-The Culver Hotel woulds be added to this Main Street…also in 1924
The Hotel that started it all…Co built by Harry Culver and Charlie Chaplin, later sold to John Wayne.A corner where film history was continually made.
Down the street at MGM, another Hollywood Legend moved over from Paramount Studios. He forever put forth ingenuity and creativity into some of the most complex scenes ever put to film. The man all the stars looked up to- Mr. Arnold Gillespie. He had a St. Bernard named Joppa, a street name on the backlot. He was part owner of The Los Angeles Dons football club in 1946
Don’t laugh this off you- Hollywood types! Other owners besides Arnold included Louis B. Mayer, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Don Ameche.Before the Rams ever played a game in the Coliseum – The Dons owned Los Angeles. MGMowned The Dons. Bet ya never heard that on the tour!
This Wonderland was my backyard, The red lines are me” running” from security, much more red would later be added. Special effects had dungeons in strategic secluded places on the backlot. None more haunted than the Snow Room, located backside the Grand Central Station. It’s the type of place you would dare for another kid to go inside. Of course, lights off and be alone in this dark, musty corridor. Snow is everywhere you turn, powdered snow, plastic flake snow, and plaster molded snow…pipe tobacco seemed always present…”I dare you to go in, double dare ya!!!”
Baldwin Hills Oil Production beyond tanks/train. Comrade X -1940
Oil production just beyond the old MGM Lot 3 fences in 2024. This is located exactly where the black and white oilfield derricks are, these towers stared right into the backlot. Normally an extremely quiet area when Combat wasn’t filming…Seriously. Nature hidden away at it’s best. Often the only sounds were the back and forth hissing and hawing of a pumping well. A scent of sulphur and oil accompanied these sounds. Yes- I touch everything…
The film that started it all at MGM
Location-Italy– Before air-you set sail to this destination.
Arnold Gillespie-left, and the Neri Shop Forman-making sure all is -Sea Worthy-aboard these galleys.
The galleys are being towed out to sea by the lead tug boat.Unexpected challenges and delays infuriated Louis B. Mayer, who after a visit to Italy then and there decided this film was to be completed in Culver City.
Just off La Cienega Boulevard-is where the Roman chariot race was immortalized… Film making at its best!
Massala’s winged helmet, worn by Francis X. Bushman, was salvaged at the MGM Auction by Debbie Reynolds. Right, 2 Technicolor Trailer Frames.
Ben Hur nearly bankrupted the studio. However, it went on to be MGM’s highest-grossing box office hit. It pulled in 9 million dollars. This figure was unsurpassed for the next 25 years. This film established MGM into the top tier of movie studios. A force to be reckoned with.
My slice of the Golden Years…
Another fine collectible found inside this ancient trailer dating back to this time is Spanky McFarland of Little Rascals fame. This light dates back to that series that filmed originally at near by Hal Roach Studios. Some of the spirits that occupy this triangular plot of land. Everything inside this room turned on as if–Magically “Welcoming me”
Culver City 1924-We begin…
Movie studios begin sprouting up everywhere. Hal Roach started with his Little Rascals. Thomas Ince established his shiny new play land. Just down the street, MGM set sail in year one. What a time to be alive…
“There’s oil in them there hills” At the same time, Standard Oil struck gold in the hills surrounding these studios. A man named Howard Hughes bought property not destined to have oil derricks drilling into the depths. Entrepreneurs from various backgrounds establish their presence all over this perfectly landscaped city.
These hills framed the studios backlots while filling up drum after drum, tank after tank of crude oil. Black Gold competes with shiny –Glittering Gold,inside studio fences. Pioneer Howard Hughes was the most ambitious of all, a master of adventure, a brilliant engineer, his specialty –Aviation. Howard owned the highest peek in Culver City, Hughes Tool Company signs dotted the upper hill sides. All entities fit along side each other – with all being extremely successful, but not without hardships.
From MGM Lot 3, you could see the derricks standing tall on the Baldwin Hills side of the chain link. Oil did better than film early on and has long outlasted backlot film making.
Doing this stuff was not easy; otherwise, anyone could have done it. These pioneers laid the groundwork. Abundant resources were available for visionaries at that time. The saying goes-“You have to see it to be it!”
Speaking of which…
I conclude with an exciting finish. This long awaited book is being cleared to land. Maureen, Mike, and I have worked very hard. We have been diligent in finishing the trespassing stories we lived in the 1970’s. Included will be a boat load of my personal pictures including the tear down of MGM Lot 2. This is not a destruction book, it is an adventure book. We start with the British Invasion of MGM in 1977. Join Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees aboard this hot air balloon. Yes- these stars are inside that basket hovering above MGM. Many Rock Star guest appearances included. Even Sylvester Stallion is involved. Director “Sly” selects me for a part in a film at Universal titled Paradise Alley. I take you on Stage 12 with me, thestart of a 48 hour straight non-stop studio party.
The “paraphernalia” used in today’s adventure. Bamboo grows along the studio fence on Van Buren Street. A 10 foot high chain link fence is a less than formidable separation. It stands between my friend’s apartment building, carport, and these iconic stages.
The herbal product imported from Thailand that is easy to come by at Public School. You don’t have to go to Thailand, Primo is the word best describing this very tasty and exotic import. Tastes like flavorful dark, rich coffee when smoked in a Bong. Bold, relaxing, and extremely intoxicating…
We start this story on the Main Lot of Laird Studios. We still call it Desilu, since that’s the name it was for most my childhood. In picture 3, top row, you can see my friend’s apartment building-bottom right of frame…yellowish building.
It is on Van Buren, the property line separates the main lot from his apartment complex. This was a popular destination amongst “stoners” since top quality ‘smoke and hallucinogenics” can be obtained. Like a neighborhood “7-11” minus the Slurpees. Run by long haired teenage entrepreneurs named David and Steve. They join me and best Pal “Pat Rich” on all that takes place in today’s story.
Before we head to the backlot where Stalag 13 is located, we go up into the ancient dressing rooms. These rooms overlook Van Buren Street. Bruce Lee lived in a Duplex right below this- no longer existing stage. Amazon Studios casualties include many legendary stages. That’s not -progress.
My hero- not Batman anymore-Catwoman
Here is the rooftop of the soundstage in we are exploring today in a Batman episode. Dressing rooms built on the exterior of these stages. This is the only lot I have seen with stages that have dressing rooms attached to the top. They are accessed by long stairways. Don Kirshner films his legendary rock and roll video concerts here. Often our neighborhood pals would be used as fillers for audience. I saw Elvin Bishop do a taping of “Fooled around and fell in Love” his hit song.
Under that rooftop-this storage area is discovered ...
This beaten up TV is eerily similar in every way. It looks just like the set I’d sneak on the MGM Backlot to watch Twilight Zone. I also used it to watch Combat episodes. A TV you can run with usually ends up looking like this.
This was backlot entertainment…Sadly this cassette player fell to its death on the MGM backlot in the church steeple in Combat Village. A song was playing by Led Zeppelin-Kashmir. It’s a long fall. The music was heard during the fall, before impact crashing down on cobblestones, 4 stories below. Needless to say- all my portable electronic stuff had really fun lives. Tonight’s recordings feature this recently released comedy album that everyone in school listens to…
We arrive at The 40 Acre backlot for uninhibited “fun and Games.” Just four teenage Stoner Boys. We have a bamboo bong, Ty Stick, matchbooks from a local bar “Sarna’s,” and a Panasonic tape deck. I record songs and albums on cassette tapes for studio parties.
Where comedy and rock music combine- in the Guard Tower at Stalag 13. “Take another hit, of fresh air and California Sunshine” Quick Silver Messenger Service gets this guard tower party started! This is how our brains functioned this day…
These photos were taken by me in the grassy hill right above the tree stump, overlooking the camp in 1974. The rigid pipe is for the sprinkler system. We would turn it on and lay in hammocks we put up on top of the hill overlooking the Stalag. Sadly, I was going in to specifically photo expose this Stalag when before my eyes, it was being removed.
They weren’t tearing down the lot. A show titled The Fortune was about to build a village. The show starred Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson. They only left the utility shed pictured with a snow painted roof. Foreground in last picture are some rope cots and other props stashed behind this house below us. The camp stood until 1974. That’s when I liberated the stump with help from Pat. When entered for the first time late 1972, the camp was perfectly in tact. A native plant you see in the top 3 photos actually is like sandpaper. Finesse is required at this point. When you cut through it, it can scar you up. What doesn’t around here?
From the Front Lot to the Backlot-we double dip this afternoonand evening…Summer 1973
We start our journey “Dazed and Confused”
Pat and I peddle our bikes to an Apartment Complex built behind Desilu Studios. It is best known to kids for what can “be had” from tenants inside units. Two friends live here-Steve and David. Long hair, very popular hippie types, Public School friends.
David shows us his Bong Business. From Bamboo shoots that separate the Desilu Main lot and his parking complex-Pat and I are impressed by his craftsmanship. Airtight with wax inside for sealing and water-proofing this smoking device. They are known to be the best Bongs in Culver City. I’m equally as interested at the main lot behind this free growing bamboo. The conversation shifts from Bongs to trespassing.
Pat and I are told that these brothers often trespass starting from this high fence blocked by bamboo. They then go up into the ancient dressing rooms built along the backside of these soundstages. They point upwards to stages looking down on us where we stand on delineated-painted parking stalls on blacktop. Since Laird became owner, backlot security, more specifically the “Guard Dogs” no longer exist on the backlot. It’s become a “Teenage-Wasteland” that more often than not is completely uninhabited by adults.
These brothers offer us a tour of the front lot dressing rooms. They assure us it’s almost completely safe. They also share some exploits from their life along this fenced property. These two brothers have more history trespassing this front lot than anyone else I know. We shy away from front lot trespassing. The consequences are severe, like a visit to jail. Also, hiding places are few and far between. But-not wanting to be…”Chickens,” Pat and I accept their invitation with one lone stipulation “we carry no contraband.”
This is advanced trespassing when you sneak around soundstages. No distractions needed-bring your “A game”
We climb the fence using bamboo like Koala Bears. We squeeze in between and step on the chutes, like a ladder built by nature. An easy refreshing climb from a bamboo jungle to a concrete, secured jungle. All paraphernalia is left at their house because lots of things can go wrong here. We hug the interior fence line and reach a stairway. The stairway ascends upward to a long walkway. The walkway is in front of all these rooms I have been looking at for many years. I have never attempted to occupy these rooms.
This is so exciting not knowing what’s inside and the adrenaline is more powerful than any drug at this moment. I choose a random room and turn the ornate glass handle to enter…open sesame.
Inside, we are greeted by a musty smelling vacancy that suffered extreme water damage. A smelly couch with room enough to change costumes and mirrors for make-up to be put on the actors. Tiny bathrooms finish the room off. The last stars to be up here had to be long ago. Wood stuff is rotted and the smell gets to ya. The floor has tiles with black and white patterns. We now see before our very eyes something we have been wondering about. We try other door handles that do not even have locks. We enter several other dressing rooms. These rooms all have their own stories-if they speak.
We go back down one of two stairways up top here. We mosey into what was a soundstage. Now it is a stock unit storage area. Props and walls, every studio has storage like this. There is activity on the lot and we are forced to hide as we hear voices. We are tucked away in an obsolete corner surrounded by set walls kept for storage. A hole in broken drywall allows us to peek inside a mysterious room, but not big enough to fit through. What we see is film cans, tiny thin ones with Lucy stamped on them. We don’t see any door attached to this room. Access is maybe from the front where we would most likely be seen. Well, we got our fill and answered several questions on what we have been looking at for several years. We backtrack back to the fence we entered to now exit to head down Van Buren to the backlot.
March on Starship Troopers…
Now we are soldiered up. We are carrying a bong and a Panasonic tape deck for some backlot partying. We choose Stalag 13 as our destination of choice. I was just here a week ago and I still have a “hickey” on my neck, from Maureen. It’s fading like those joke shop tattoos we buy on Main Street. But, this is real-done by a real hot girl.
As we enter, we pass down Western Street. So far, we are the only folks on this backlot. We slowly walk up Western Street and I push play on my cassette deck. “Cisco Kid” by the band War begins to set the mood. It’s as if this song is written for this street. We pass a saloon as the lyrics “Poncho drinks the Wine” is versed. I’m already high and we haven’t partaken in our session yet.
We arrive at Stalag 13, around the corner from Western Street. In minutes, we are in a guard tower. I was just making out in the guard tower last week with Maureen. Today, its all boys as we situate one boy for each of the four interior walls of this guard tower. Our feet connect center stage like spokes on a wheel. We break out the contraband. Before I turn back on the music and comedy, I casually flip the hair off my neck. This exposes hickey for all to see. Boys will be boys
We talk and spark up, we start with “hot girls” as a topic. Susan Dey of the Partridge Family seems to be a topic that gets beat around the most. Peggy Lipton of the Mod Squad is also often discussed. We all agree Linc has a pretty cool Afro. You don’t see “AFROS” on TV, but you do on city streets.
We too are a Mod Squad…
Just the mentioning of all our female actress’s practically ignites our red covered booklets of Sarna’s matches. My pop brings these home almost daily, from a bar right across from the studio.
The bubbling sound of a “Bong at work” intersects with deep conversation. This conversation is sophisticated, as only 13-year-old stoners can deliver. We cover everything from Pro Football and the undefeated Miami Dolphins to the World Champion Oakland Athletics. We also cover Vietnam, a place none of us want to end up. “Our Thai Stick comes from that region.Soldiers smoke this,” I point out as I suck on my bamboo peace pipe. “It’s called the Golden Triangle” as I burn my finger talking too long. Last week- I was sucking on Maureen’s neck up here. Today, she’s been replaced by a piece of bamboo and a stick of Thai.
Must be explained: The object of taking a bong hit is to consume the entire hit. This includes the herb loaded in the chamber. When this successfully takes place, the bubbling sound turns into a hissing sound. This is usually simultaneously followed by coughing. Then a large smoke plume often appears, and possibly death...just kidding.
As my lungs clear up in this Stalag 13 guard tower, I tell Dave and Steve a bong story. The story involves Pat and took place in my backyard. “I have several cartridges of blank ammo I got from MGM- left over from Combat. Pat was coming over to my house. I wanted to greet him with a bamboo bong hit. We never use cheap plastic reproductions. As he walks through my back gate, I greet him with my peace pipe. “I got one ready for ya,” I hand him a lighter and bong and step back. He does not know below the herb-in the chamber is gunpowder from Combat. So I’m not exactly sure what will happen next.
“Ignition” at the spark of the match. A massive flame engulfs his face. It was a blinding flash that disappeared as fast as it ignited. Pat has a goat styled beard growth that was smoldering, after the flame flashed out. He couldn’t see briefly. That didn’t stop him from trying to punch me out. Blindly, his swings miss their target as he smolders. I never laughed so hard. Pat at this moment, as when this happened, sees no humor in this story. Once again, he kicks me with those stupid boots he always wears.
He may need counseling, this event really seems to bother him.
We are sitting cross legged on the floor, our heads still remain below the frameless, glassless windows overlooking the Stalag. We can’t be seen, the tops of our heads are below wood framing. But I’m sure at times can be heard- a long ways away. The more we pass the bong the higher each of us gets. Faces change shapes as the effects of being stoned are happening before our eyes. “Take another hit-of fresh air”
We all do Sergeant Schultz impressions …”I see nothing but colors” is my anecdote as each stoner does his own Sgt Schultz. The beauty here is we go home and watch the reruns on T.V, at home- it’s like this series is still going on. In our lives it is. David does a solo verse of a song titled Sweet Leaf by Black Sabbath.
David says he ran into Tom Laughlin, better known in these parts as “Billy Jack”
He continues, ‘We were skateboarding down Ince Blvd. He passed by us on a motorbike and waved.’ “Interesting,” I exclaim! “Every set on this backlot has Billy Jack written inside it, you know.” I elaborate on his story. “Someone has an obsession for “One Tin Soldier” around here.” I continue “I’m glad Billy isn’t security around here, then again, he’d work with us. “
Cheech and Chong take stage in this guard tower. Sister Mary Elephant opens the comedic part of this deep mind journey. Pat and I find anything to do with nuns extra funny since we both served a long sentence at St. Augustine’s. We were both kicked out before 8 th grade. We were told, as were our parents, we have been seen trespassing out of MGM. We were spotted by a station wagon full of nuns, of all things.
The final straw was attaching a strange boy to a rope attached to the school flagpole. We buckled his belt to the rope reserved for flags. They then hoisted him upwards. The school had lots to explaining to the parents and we were told to get our education elsewhere. That leads us to where we’re at now…elsewhere it is!
After spilling the Bong water, a necessary component in Bonging, “we- cotton-mouthed long hair freaky people,” call it a day. We have been laughing non-stop for what seems like days, as for now, we’re just really thirsty…
Written and lived by…Donnie Norden. R.I.P. Patrick Rich you are missed.
A friend, Kenny Paes, sent me this colorized version of the Desilu Backlot. Stalag 13-upper right.Yes they are actively filming an episode of Hogan’s Heroes on this fly over…Notice crew parking and how trucks get positioned to hide things or just remain out of frame.Equipment most closest to set is usually most often is -a camera truck. Film needs to be constantly added for camera. It’s why were all here. I can break this picture down for days straight. This captures the lot I know best.
Hahaha-a security guard sits parked in his car when filming isn’t taking place. The “third” guard tower exists in this photo. Security is facing the Western Street. He can see any approach to Stalag 13, except if you climb in back in the heavy brush on the corner of Lucerne. That’s exactly the where my Mission Impossible exploration began on a Sunday night in 1972.
In this photo, you see snow. Ground level and hillside, this was heavy plaster molds with spiders living underneath. You could pick them up and move them. The rooftops were simply painted patches of snow. Neighborhood houses on Lucerne Avenue looked directly into Stalag 13. Only two guard towers existed when this shot was taken, a 3rd would be added at the very left side of the camp fence. It overlooked the backyard that contained a make up trailer used by the show. That trailer originally was built and used by Marion Davies. Three snow patches on right hand hill side our where the three tree stumps are located. A Tiger Tank is parked along the fence line by crew parking, that’s where it was stored. The guy who owns the house that connects to Stalag 13 has started it up, a diesel motor, and was arrested by Desilu security and C.C.P.D. That’s where the make up trailer sits, in his yard…still. I have the mirrors and items from antiquity that were hidden inside.
Residential neighborhoods surround this property on two streets. Lucerne and Higuera Streets. Ince Blvd takes you inside the lot. One other gated entrance exists farther down Higuera. Two roads to enter and exit-both are dirt, as is most of this backlot. The fences were chain link allowing easy view points. The Atlanta Train Depot is the first big large structure left of the camp and hillside I take you on in this story. That is the Gone With the Wind set.Gomer Pyle’s barracks can be seen upper right corner of backlot, La Ballona creek is the southern most boundary of this backlot.
Five complete barracks that have four walls is all we have here. Three others are partials as is Klink’s office. Power is fed by generators behind Klink’s office also. Those generators are mobile., I see a cable run from a barrack to the barb wire fences-another generator positioned there. The long piece of Transportation equipment appears to be a “honey wagon.” Portable mobile bathrooms. This backlot only had one bathroom facility, located off Higuera Street. That way it could tie into public sewers….12 stalls, 6 for men, 6 for women was all that this backlot had at its disposal. Located in between Mayberry and Stalag 13 on the infamous Desilu Dirt Highway. This lot was busy and not enough bathrooms existed, so shows utilized the same equipment used on location. The things we take for granted need planning on movie sets.
he last film here was not what you would think …The only part of the camp to survive in 1974 was the shed aside from Klink’s office. That became a tool shed for The Fortune Movie.
An adult movie finished of this Stalag- She Wolf of the S.S
The hill behind this discussion is how we first approach this liberated P.O.W Camp.
Fact-Klink’s office was just a front of a building, the backside was wide open and the view opposite the front door looked upon the Western Street towards the saloon.
Klink’s office is located behind that corner building with a German truck parked alongside.I had a fort in the saloon located on this street.
More facts–These rope cots came out of the P.O.W’s barracks. The set they are behind is a crossover set, used first by The Andy Griffith Show but also seen in Hogan’s Heroes. In the distance, an original Stalag 13 edifice, with a snow painted rooftop. ‘You gotta keep pushing snow when you’re really in sunny Southern California!”
Front side- this house pictured above.The tree stumps are hidden behind camouflage as is much of the house because…This is Mission Impossible. All the snow on ground and painted on roof had to be removed, then put back immediately.
“Sheriff Taylor” is being shot at as the State Police can’t believe their eyes- This is that set, in my picture I took from backside.. Pre Hogan and Gomer Pyle. You would see Camp Henderson after 1964 in background. With a sharp set of eyes, you can see this set in wide camp views, usually with a big wheeled, red- Fire fighting piece of equipment in background. Cross overs continue on this tight knit tiny backlot…Desilu is family, on the lot and on Television.
Colonel Crittendon on one set
Malcolm Merriweather on another , A Gentle Men’s Gentlemen just down the dirt road that attaches Mayberry with Stalag 13
If that guard tower could speak, Maureen and I’ would be embarrassed!
The Mayberry Highway dirt road-connects Stalag 13 to Andy Griffith’s Courthouse.All Desilu shows have one thing in common, this centralized bathroom in the middle of the backlot. Right side of picture, nestled into hill side. 6 stalls for men and 6 for women.Notice the painted snow on the rooftop, for Hogan’s Heroes, plaster snow comes into play the closer you get to Stalag 13. So many episodes utilize this road, this hillside was my portal to watch filming in the camp area.
John Dehner selling Elixir in Mayberry. Another Desilu cross over star. I had my own Elixir’s that we partaked in up in the Guard Towers of Stalag 13 and in the Taylor Residence where we had a fort upstairs
General von Platzen… Character
Cross overs…Hal Smith, Otis Cambell also known as “Hot Rod“
We loved this character and relived his character running around the Desilu lot…Everyone loves Elixers, even Desi Arnaz.
Put some Whiskey in your water, sugar in your Tea, what are all these crazy questions your asking me?
The people behind the making of all our favorite shows including Hogan’ Heroes. Three most famous D’s…Danny Thomas, Dan Cahn, Desi. Arnaz. Desilu is a union of these fine Gentlemen. The men behind the empire…Let’s not leave out the- The Desilu Queen . Picture courtesy Daniel Cahn, son of the legend.These are the brains to all your Desilu T.V shows, read the credits. If it says Desilu= Top quality!
We need a director and Bruce Bilson worked his way from a 1st A.D on Andy Griffith to directs several Hogan’s Heroes. The ultimate cross over, the man, the legend, I’m so honored to have talked with him! Maureen and I love this legend of a man, here with our first book- Hole in the Fence. If you need just one Director for all things Desilu and Paramount… this man captures what Hollywood was and shall ever be from the Golden Years of Hollywood.
.We start in 1964 for this read on Desilu History;
A Prisoner of war camp that was constructed in the tail end of 1964 for the very first episode of Hogan’s Heroes that was the only aired in a Black and White format. The pilot episode is titled “The Informer.” The series would begin at this time would run from 1965 to 1971. CBS pushed for color as this series was picked up.
Welcome to the Color Revolution as color console TV’s. This was as big of a culture as A.I is becoming today…60 years later. Viewing habits changed, making homes- mini theaters.
You could lay on shag carpets and eat T.V dinners off a tray parked in front of T.V sets. Some families demanded dining room participation but eventually, the talk at these table was as much about television shows as it was “what’s new with our family?”
My mom believed in family prayer at the dinner table. Going to a Catholic School, it seemed I prayed all day.” Lord- please provide me good television was my mantra and bless all the animals…Amen”
Prayers answered-not only did I receive that, I was steered divinely to places where these T.V shows were made. We were taught the Golden Rules of the Ten Commandments and luckily for me-“Trespassing wasn’t one of them.”
Trespassing isn’t a sin mother, she saw a passion in her son’s eyes at a time when television was taking off.
Stereo’s had built in record players and slots for 8 Tracks tape players to slide into, so much entertainment, you hated to have to go to school!…Columbia House had adds in magazines offering 8 records or tapes for a dollar. Once they hook you with that deal- expect a stack at your front door monthly, at a readjusted price. That describes the Home Front where we watched all are favorite shows and series in comfort and luxury, complete with a dog or two at your feet, and a 67 GTO parked out front.
I knew these studios existed, I could see MGM Lot 2 from my house, Desilu was a bike ride away. Imagine for a moment when I finally crossed the Blue Line and began living amongst these iconic sets. Reruns allowed me to relieve things filmed at these studios months, years and even decades before.
Over time- I would become in contact with almost every famous set in Hollywood, beyond Culver City and our neighborhood film factories.
Because of ‘Dogs on Duty” and there indeed were, it delayed my exploration of this famous Stalag. The night we finally entered Stalag 13, we were scared to death. I had very few volunteers to to go on this expedition.
We studied the camp from the big hill that looks down upon it. A calling to me was being transmitted from who I don’t know, finally on a Sunday Night the time had come to live on this sacred site. Sneaking through a yard of a city resident was the shortest path to this Stalag. At night it is pitch dark, factor that in to a place secured by vicious dogs.
Marion Davies to the rescue
First we had to climb a fence to get to the Desilu Fence, in between climbs, in someone’s yard, we hid behind a shed. This was a point of No Return. Like the Dirty Dozen at the chateau, we went over possibilities that might occur, gathering confidence needed for the next climb, we finish this planning behind a shed that 50 years later, I discovered this is Marion Davies make up trailer. This night- it was mission command post.
Like the P.O.W’s had to do, we are now sneaking into…Stalag 13. We are inside laying along side fake snow and deep grass, ready to retreat if need be. Still close to a fence to escape, our eyes become night vision goggles…or better described as a nest of owls. We carry cans of mace in case shit hits the fan in Stalag 13-with dogs on duty!
The coast seems clear- next-run like a bat out of hell to a guard tower located next to the red and white guard shack. We shut the main gate and latch it in an attempt have a barrier in case dogs show up. We are now living our own episode of this cancelled T.V show. Now-up a simple ladder, and we are looking down on this Luft Stalag. If Hogan could see us now, he would salute us. We came and conquered another landmark set.
Fast forward 1974
This perfectly conditioned camp was ours to enjoy. I felt like a teenage Producer, having a full backstage pass. I would thank God in my nightly prayers for providing me with the Super Powers needed to be a top notch trespasser. I owned Stalag 13.
All Things Must Pass
In an unexpected move, I arrived on the lot only to find the Stalag is being decommissioned. The Guard towers were relocated toward the fence we first climbed in on. The kennel and the dog house were no where in site. Only a shed next to Klink’s office was still left where it has been since 1964. Turns out this would be used as a tool shed for the production that is now taking away everyone’s favorite prison camp.
The series lasted 6 years and the Stalag itself- 9 years. I was in charge the last two. I had every set in Hollywood to work with but this one was far my favorite…a deserted Stalag.
It wasn’t built to last forever, the barracks had ho floors inside, just dirt. No foundation, they leaked heavy in rainy season with puddles building up inside, making everything muddy. Wood and rope cots were the only contents inside. This camp never was vandalized, trespassing hadn’t taken off inside yet.
No one knew the place was empty and yours for the taking. Guards patrolled in cars now and then, but not in a forceful high profile way like MGM. More like a farmer checking out his ranch.
In 1965, Hogan’s Heroes became a Top Ten Show in its first season. When the network pulled the plug 168 episodes later, its ranking was #39, but pulled 19.8 in ratings. Gomer Pyle shut its gate just through the eucalyptus trees that separate these camps the year before in 1969. Pyle’s ratings were extremely high, winning out over Hogan’s Heroes. Only once did Pyle fall to double digits, #10 in ’67, but #2 or #3 all five other seasons.
Bonanza rates as the all time powerhouse and filmed many episodes on our Western Street whose upstairs saloon I had a fort in with a working off-lot phone, I have called my mom from this saloon telling her “I”m Fine and am staying over at a friends house,” Pat did the same as we camped out in the backlot all night.
Desilu Television dominated T.V Ratings-Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, Batman, I Love Lucy, followed by Hogan’s Heroes. The Andy Griffith Show spun off to Mayberry R.F.D and that series took off, briefly. The Jim Nabors Show replaced Gomer Pyle, Hogan’s Heroes never finished back in the Top 10 after its initial season.
Star Trek, Batman, Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, Hogan’s Heroes, That Girl, and a collie named Lassie all had successful series overlapping each other using this backlot. The only fights they had were over prime time and slotting against other big hits. Star Trek was knocked down when slotted on Friday Night against Gomer Pyle.
As Jim Nabors became the king of this lot, Bob Crane guest starred on various series such as Love American Style, and two Disney features, Superdad and Gus. and even doing the Dinner Theater circuit. That is when he met his fate, in Scottsdale, Arizona, still a mysterious and unsolved mystery.
Rest in Peace– Colonel Hogan, your surrounded by fans still!
These three are also linked for eternity…Their graves look at each others…
What a gem this short interview is…amazing how fate plays out- Destiny!
Bob is laid to rest just across from Marilyn Monroe. Forever this close…
A film titled The Fortune is clearing out all things Stalag 13 for a large build on a southwest Bungalow type setting where much of this film is to be filmed. Warren Beatty is the star alongside Jack Nicholson. Jack would soon win an Academy Award for China Town following this effort. All you followers of Hogan’s Heroes will recognize the trees, grass burms, minus the fake plaster snow and all things the landscape minus the camp.
I was on this set all the time, looking down from hillsides that were used by our merry men. I actually needed to be rescued by this film crew when this hill caved in and I fell into it’s bowels. I didn’t realize this hill was partially fake and hollow inside.I found at the hard way because there was no escape with an extension ladder.
The Fortune rescues Donnie…
Fortunately, I was the only one captured inside this hillside that was part of Stalag 13, close to the tree stump, which I had already removed from the lot. I got to know the construction crew who built this new set and they showed up for the rescue. “Oh it’s you” was how I was greeted when my head appeared through the tall grass.
“Hi Guys -Thanks for showing up!”
Stuff from the camp…
Well I got the Pearl, this tree stump would continue on entertaining kids for about 5 years before collapsing from over use and oversized kids. The Stalag Barracks doors ended up in a yard close by, the same yard we hid in our first trespass. The black door handle on Klink’s office at this time had no significant value. Nothing in this camp was considered legendary- chew on that folks!
That’s the one consistent fact of life, this was just stuff no longer needed. I wanted a dog house and a guard tower of course, but I was able to rescue “The Stump”
That home on Lucerne can still be seen today, Chris the property owner says the fence had a gate connected to the Stalag and this show used Marion Davies 100 year old trailer for make up touch ups. The stars congregated in this very special yard that Desi Arnaz was part of including for this T.V series. Desi updated Marion’s 1925 music box to a modern Panatron system of entertainment where actors could be notified they are needed and their make up status. A sink to take make up off and a bar of soap last used by- Who Knows -sits along side my ancient mirrors from antiquity. Yes Marion Davies and myself are connected to Hollywood Forever. I’m truly an old soul that’s why I was picked to rescue this from demolition that is most certain for this corner.
The last series ever to utilize this room was Hogan’s Heroes. A personal gate separated this room with Stalag 13. This property, formally owned by R.K.O has green under-paint, everywhere, walls, sidewalks, etc. This room was locked shut after Hogan’s Heroes, with all the spirits still inside. I let them all out to live on forever.
Picture most -left -is where we first snuck in, the yellow streak represents Marion Davies 100 year old make -up trailer. That tiny backyard shed is where we first hid, in between fence climbing, it’s connected to Stalag with in own entry to and from camp.These screen grabs our from 1967, Mission Impossible.
In the pilot episode that started it all, General Burkhalter was a Colonel, not a General. I did not know until much later, Robert Clary was a P.O.W in WW2. I met him after the series in 1977, on the set of Fantasy Island. Yes- he was in a prison for that episode…Devil’s Island. His character Ipsy La Fan had to escape or rot forever in this jungle prison. Bert Convy also starred in this as a magician who could escape from anything. Together, they found freedom. I sat next to him in director chairs used by the cast and talked Desilu on the MGM backlot, I broke him the news that Stalag 13 was removed but softened the blow by telling him my tree stump rescue.
Decades later, here I am connecting dots in history. This kid trespasser is now a historian of sorts, based of boots on the ground experiences that stand up to…the test of time!
Hope you enjoyed my romping around with me. My book –The Uninvited Visitor-takes you to Desilu as a trespasser and we close the curtain on this wonderful backlot with never heard -real stories. Available on Amazon…
Phantom of the Backlots 