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Apes vs Gorillas

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Cover of 'Planet of the Apes' featuring a close-up of an ape character wearing a helmet and a military-style uniform against a yellow background.
Two men in black and white, posing with firearms, stand beside wooden crates labeled 'DYNAMIT.' The setting appears to be a train station.

Ron Harper is the luckiest man alive-this is one guy I really look up to. He played Army with real weapons and explosives, using that experience to survive on a Planet full of Apes.

A group of three characters posing together, one is wearing a realistic ape costume, while the others are dressed in distinctive, historical-style clothing.
A group of five men posed in a warehouse or train station, some holding guns and looking serious. The background features train tracks and industrial elements.

Actor Ron Harper returns to a set in 1974 that he helped destroy in the Hit T.V Series Garrison’s Gorillas, episode 1,Season 1 pilot in 1967. Planet of the Apes would bring about his return to the MGM Lot 2 Grand Central RailRoad Station in this high budget T.V Series.

1967…MGM is all its glory had four WAR TV SERIES filming in 1967. Combat was in its final season. Jericho was a backlot regular, The Rat Patrol and Garrison’s Gorillas. All these series filmed in the backlot area closest to my family home. We had normal dinners, sitting at the table while “talking over’ the sounds of machine gun fire.

I already am well aware these battles we hear are going on at MGM. I pass by it every day, on my way to school, with my Rat Patrol lunch box handle firmly attached to Schwinn bicycle handle bars. I have seen every vehicle painted on my box in the backlot I slowly go by daily…just looking in holes, similar to television sets, what I see is life and in color.

War finally stopped at the time of the MGM Auction. in 1970.Many things were left behind afterwards, thousands of blank ammo cartridges, green Army jackets, and helmets avoided relocation. The sets all will stand another decade, and many sets are still ravaged with craters and bullet holes. No liberation, just a hasty retreat is the vibe I get exploring early on. Window to window, doorway to doorway, always looking out for something in these scary bombed villages that you don’t want to hear unanticipated noise.

1973

We took some of the military gear and dressed the part for B.B Gun Fights we had amidst the shell casings still on the floor from Combat. Same war-different T. Series This street is text book perfect for Daisy Rifles. They hurt from this close, and break windows…which is really cool when your hiding behind one.

T.V stopped but real soldiers starting playing this sport with me-at night. Talk about scary, playing against Marines that have to be back at roll call. Drunken, crazy Marines are quite the challenge, one time on top of the arch, center of town, I got hit twice in the head at the same time from two separate directions. That was a long shot to execute with such accuracy-very impressive, lucky I didn’t fall off the top of the arch-a hard climb just to reach. We kept the agony of war going after cancellation of all these series.

Planet of the Apes-1974 Look who’s back, Ron Harper, the star of Garrison’s Gorillas, but this time he’s running for his life…from apes. Anything can and does happen here. Another old MGM Star is happy to be here and that Chimp happens to be Roddy McDowell. Roddy is a primate and Harper is a human together-they make a team. Urko leads a militia of apes on horseback in a mad chase into this train depot. The same station in 1967 Ron Harper had to escape by tank from on a dark backlot glowing orange from all the pyro and the the always intense rattle of 50 caliber machines firing between bomb blasts. Dinner plates near sit entirely still when war lifts its ugly head.

Time-Out…Humans

Planet of the Apes has my neighborhood going ape- shit. This as big as it gets for teenagers, most kids want to be apes for Halloween. Most these kids happen to be to scared to trespass-well shame on them! “What’s going to happen, going to get shackled by an Ape?”

For this scene, because of the camera angle, being positioned on the train tracks just outside the station and backlot offers a great view if you get above the fence- you see everything close up. No need to take risks, we can all watch from the tracks. We set up makeshift things to climb on, everyone ran home to get a broken ladder or step stool to get their head above an 8 foot fence. Kids of every size and shape, tall ones, short ones, odd ones- climb up on there devices and peer inside. Apes on horseback happen to be chasing Ron Harper, as the horses grind to a stop and Ron looks towards the camera which is what we are behind, he see’s us, suddenly everyone does, a stunned look followed by laughter is how production is interrupted. It is as if the cast is looking up at the Little Rascals.

Roddy McDowell comes over to touch hands with all us on-lookers. This is quite a Hollywood moment reflecting back, but in 1974 this was kinda typical for MGM. If Planet of the Apes isn’t enough, King Kong has eyes set on this backlot…

Sign stating 'TRESPASSING AND LOITERING FORBIDDEN BY LAW' from Metro Goldwyn Mayer Inc.
A red car parked beside a corrugated metal fence, with a tree and building structure visible in the background.

“The Rules” are posted every twenty yards. Maureen’s front door view and her sister -Barbra’s Opal parked just outside the train depot.

Construction site with industrial structures and a surrounding fence, under a clear sky.
Abandoned industrial site with a partially demolished building in the background and rusty metal structures in the foreground, overgrown with grass.

Apes took over after Gorilla’s shut this depot down.

A tank with a person operating the turret, emitting smoke and firing a weapon in a dramatic scene.
A black-and-white scene depicting a person gesturing from a doorway labeled 'Consigne Gepäckraum', with stairs leading down and a person visible below.

The door that a German is being shot in was the opening that Ron Harper first spotted us looking through-the fence is directly behind this door/wall.

A person in a blue outfit climbing a wall near a street lamp at night.
A scene depicting a military tank in the foreground with a town square in the background, featuring people walking and an old building with a canopy.

Ron Harper had weapons to fight off the Germans in 1967

An old, weathered train car partially obscured by overgrown vegetation and structural beams in an industrial area.

A Studio built for Apes.

A woman and two children running alongside a train track, with a wooden cart being pushed by one of the children.
A man and a woman running beside a train, partially obscured by foliage.
A scene featuring three characters running past an ornate clock, surrounded by snow and an indoor setting.

As this sequence is being filmed that us kids ere spotted by Ron Harper on top of the fence-like Domino’s falling-each cast and crew member had to stop what they were doing to see my army on top of the fence. Time stopped here as Roddy McDowell came over to us and communicated as a chimp would. MGM Security could say nothing since we were on the legal “city side” of the studio.

Abandoned train station with an empty platform, visible train tracks, and an old train car near the structure.
A dirt road with scattered rocks, leading past a partially visible building doorway, with two riders on horseback approaching, surrounded by greenery.
A rider on a white horse leads a group of mounted figures through a dusty street lined with greenery and buildings.
A rider on a white horse and another on a brown horse are galloping through a partially deserted street, with several riders on black horses visible in the background.
Historical film set featuring empty streets, a bridge structure overhead, and vintage-style buildings in the background.

History happens here- in my backyard!

A group of people running away from a structure, with a train in the background and trees and buildings visible.

Follow me- No-one knows this place better than I do!

Cover of the comic book 'Garrison's Gorillas: Mission of Mercy' featuring a group of armed men in tactical poses, emphasizing a daring rescue mission.
“To save a buddy- who’s an APE!
A dimly lit scene featuring a figure holding a firearm on a balcony, with smoke in the air and decorative light fixtures visible.
A tense scene depicting a soldier in a helmet aiming a gun from behind wooden crates, while another figure crouches nearby, suggesting a military confrontation.
A close-up of a character resembling a humanoid ape, wearing a dark hooded cloak, with distinct facial features, including fur and expressive eyes.
Close-up portrait of a man with blonde hair, wearing a brown garment and looking thoughtfully to the side.
A soldier in a military uniform holding a weapon, standing in a dark environment.

That was the look Roddy had on his monkey face as he looked up at a street full of kids looking over a fence as this gets filmed. Ron Harper-same set-7 years later…

A historic building under renovation, with construction debris scattered in front and workers present in the area.

Two Hollywood Apes seated, smoking and reading Variety!

A view of a dilapidated street with rubble, featuring old brick buildings with fire escapes and a solitary figure on horseback walking through the debris.

Something as clear in my mind as when I took this picture-An Ape with a Gun-on a Horse. That’s a lot to take in-still to me on this day.

A military tank positioned on a street with buildings in the background, creating a dramatic scene.
A military tank is parked near a burning structure, with soldiers present nearby.
View of industrial construction site with partially built structures and scaffolding, taken from a high vantage point.

Front row-Box seats! –Close enough to feel the heat and smell the explosives…

A scene featuring a military vehicle with soldiers on board, illuminated by a blue light, set against a dark backdrop.
A dark, foggy scene with a figure illuminated in the distance, suggesting tension or conflict, set in an outdoor environment with military equipment.

Let’s shoot our way outta here!

A chaotic scene with flames and smoke in an urban setting, featuring people and vehicles, under a sign that reads "ON-ESPACE LIBRE 5 m".
A view of a dilapidated building with a pointed roof, partially obscured by trees, and overgrown grass in the foreground.

Just beyond the Mule Cart being pulled, pictured right-was this finally of fire and mayhem that was one of the loudest battles I ever heard take place on this backlot known for…WAR -T.V.

A top-down view of a construction site with several people walking over uneven ground, surrounded by rubble and debris.
A thoughtful ape sitting against a wall, smoking a cigarette, with a pocket featuring a small figurine. Graffiti on the wall reads 'Cornelius ♥ Zira'.

One of the nicest stars I ever met…Roddy McDowell. I took the picture on the left, as Roddy is briefed for the next scene here where the ground collapses into a subway. He is in a robe-fresh out of make-up, smoking a cigarette. The smoke carried upstairs, where I was hiding with my camera. A strict-“no camera” rule was the only rule they had, I could not resist, so I went PHANTOM on set…

A man styles the hair of a person in a gorilla costume who is reading a magazine titled 'Famous Monsters of Filmland.' The scene captures a humorous interaction between the hairdresser and the costumed individual.
An elderly man with white hair smiling and holding an action figure package from 'Planet of the Apes', signed by him, while sitting at a table.

What a life….Ron Harper

A soldier in a WWII uniform holding a rifle, wearing a helmet, with a backdrop of a damaged building.

A man wearing a wide-brimmed hat holds a large machine gun, looking intently at the camera.

Two men holding weapons while standing next to wooden crates marked 'DYNAMIT' in a dramatic setting.

My ears are still ringing from all the rounds fired by these 3 fellas!– WAR T.V MGM

Written and Lied by…Donnie Norden

Batman at Sea

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A group of costumed characters, including archers and a woman, posing in a comedic manner. The scene features two men in medieval attire wielding bows, with another character partially visible in the background.
A vintage Dodge truck driving down a wet alley lined with garbage and boxes, illuminated by low light.
An explosion creating a large cloud of smoke and orange flames on a city street near a warehouse.

Desilu Main Lot – Culver City

A vintage silver delivery truck with a boxy design parked in front of a historic hotel labeled 'Rusk Hotel'.
A vintage gray delivery truck driving past a rustic building with wooden doors.

Same truck -different episode-different villains…Just a fun fact!

A single-story building with a green roof, white exterior, and a fenced yard. It has multiple windows and is surrounded by trees and shrubs.
A classic car parked in an empty lot near a small building with a green roof and white fence, set against a backdrop of trees under an overcast sky.
Batman and Robin beside the Batmobile in a city setting, with Batman opening the car door and Robin jumping out.

Batman arrives in front of Clarke Gabel’s dressing room used by him in Gone With the Wind. Now Amazon. You can no longer see this when walking down Ince Blvd. Amazon packed it into tiny boxes for delivery elsewhere…

A crowd gathered outside a building, featuring people in formal attire and a police officer in uniform. There are flags and red, white, and blue decorations, suggesting a celebratory or official event.
Two men in vintage attire engage in conversation outside a building with a striped awning, showcasing a stylized urban backdrop.

Mean while, at a upscale Bruch, Billionaire Bruce Wayne is in attendance…

Three men in suits and hats standing together outdoors, with a crowd in the background.
Batman and Robin stand together against a blue background, with Batman wearing his iconic suit and mask, and Robin in his colorful costume.

In a dynamic twist- Bruce is replaced by Alfred while Bruce Hob Nobs…”I’m going to say Hi to some girls I went to school with old chap Alfred-Keep an eye on this event, what can go wrong.”

A young man dressed as a superhero in a costume with a cape and a mask, standing in front of a backdrop featuring repeated text that reads 'GIRLS'.
A group of women in colorful swimsuits surround a man in formal attire, creating a lively scene with a stage backdrop.

Robin falls into a trap baited with females…

A person suspended in a harness, interacting with a large circular machinery component in a vivid blue setting.

“Some one spiked my drink” says Robin turning like a 45 album.

A scene featuring bold text that reads 'IS THIS REALLY THE END ??' over a blurred background, suggesting a dramatic or suspenseful moment.
A person in a blue jumpsuit is training on a rotating apparatus, surrounded by control panels and machinery in a dimly lit environment.
Text on screen stating, 'If you care for Batman and Robin, keep hoping 'til tomorrow night !!' with a dramatic background.
A scene featuring three characters: a man in a black suit speaking to Batman, who is in a grey suit with a yellow emblem, and Robin, dressed in a colorful costume with a cape.
A scene featuring a man in a suit speaking animatedly to Batman and Robin, who are dressed in their iconic superhero costumes. The backdrop is a plain wall, and the man is holding a small object.

“O’K you two-Can’t I go to one party without trouble breaking out? says a disgusted crusader…

A classic black vehicle with red accents, resembling a futuristic car, parked on a wooden dock with rocky terrain in the background.
A superhero in a cape is positioned on a dock near a ladder leading up to a pier, while a figure in a light-colored outfit is seen climbing down the ladder.
Batman and Robin at a dock near a blue speedboat with the Batman logo, with wooden pilings and a ladder in the background.
A colorful speedboat, featuring a design with flames and a bat logo, approaches a dock with wooden pillars and a red structure in the background.

“Let’s catch that houseboat- Batman- I brought the Bat Harpoon!” says Robin who bright coors are attracting colorful schools of fish…

A blue and white speedboat with a bat-themed design, featuring two passengers, skimming across the water near a pier.
A blue speedboat with decorative red and black accents is speeding across the ocean, leaving a spray of water behind. Two people are onboard, one piloting the boat.

“Turn on the Bat Siren Robin!”

A scene featuring a ship's deck with a captain and a superhero in costume, displaying various coat of arms on the wall.

A Bat Blockade with Giant Clams and Starfish…”Give up you Chicken of the Sea before you end up in a fishing net” warns Batman.

A scene from a television show featuring a superhero in a gray costume with a bat emblem, performing a kick on a pirate character wearing a hat and a colorful outfit, on the deck of a boat decorated with various shields.

Victory at Sea…

Written and lived by …Donnie Norden

A Cat in a Hat-Batman Style

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A black theatrical makeup case labeled 'PROPERTY OF CATWOMAN' with a golden handle, held by a gloved hand, casting shadows on a light-colored wall.

What a cool briefcase prop and matching claw.

A woman wearing a black cat-themed mask and a sparkling black dress, smiling at another person off-screen. She has cat ears and is accessorized with a gold chain necklace.

Catwoman has a trick up her sleeve…

A person dressed in a floral-patterned robe and headscarf, wearing glasses, converses with a woman in a black outfit with cat ears, standing at a door.

“May I help you – I am a CatLady, I own 12 cats?”

A woman wearing a black cat mask and gloves, smiling while extending her hand towards another character, with a soft-focus background of a house.
A woman in a black outfit and gloves touching a white door, leaving a red handprint, with a door knocker visible above.

“Time for a CatNap nice cat lady!“

An armored transport vehicle parked in front of a large, elegant house with green shutters, featuring brick steps and landscaped gardens. A person is walking up the steps towards the entrance.
A person in a uniform knocking on a white door using a brass knocker, casting a shadow.
An elderly woman in a floral hat and glasses stands at her front door, engaging with a young postal worker in a blue uniform.

An armored truck arrives at Desilu with a major star to escort this to the Gotham Bank.Main administration building at Desilu at this time. Desilu Arnaz offices in Culver City.

A police officer assists an elderly woman wearing a floral dress and a large hat as they descend the steps of a house, with a white door and green shutters in the background.
A man in a blue uniform stands smiling next to an elderly woman in a colorful, ornate dress and floral headpiece, with a grand white building featuring green shutters in the background.

“I will protect you and your large bank deposit” says a soon to be major star.

A woman dressed as a superheroine, wearing a black, shiny catsuit and a mask with cat ears, standing confidently with a smile. She has a gold belt and chain accessories, with a backdrop of stairs and greenery.

A future Cat Woman on a hot Prowl… Same Bat Porch.Same Cat Hide away– “I want my cut!” says Eartha Kitt.

A woman dressed in an old-fashioned outfit with large glasses and a headscarf sits beside a man in a formal suit, who is driving a vehicle. The setting appears to be inside a vehicle, with the focus on their expressions.

“This old lady is purring”…says James Brolin

A busy street scene featuring an armored truck, several classic cars, and pedestrians walking near a building labeled Gotham City Plaza.
An armored truck with the sign 'M. Foster & Son Armored Truck Line' parked in front of the Gotham State Building, with pedestrians walking by on the sidewalk.

Meanwhile on a intersection at 20th Century Fox lot- a whopping amount of cash has just arrived.

Two men in striped tiger outfits and masks confront a woman in a floral dress holding a bag.

Who is this lady under this hat?… asks these two cats

A woman in a black outfit with long red hair, wearing a decorative hat, is turning away while holding a purple shawl.
A woman dressed as a cat-themed villain wearing a black costume and a mask, with a fierce expression, standing in an indoor setting.

“It’s me you couple of stupid Fur Balls” -“Did you fuel my escape rocket ?

Two toy figures lie in red containers with oversized magnifying glasses positioned above them on a rooftop setting featuring a city skyline backdrop.

“Magnification, a simple, slow and painful death if we don’t escape now – I feel the Heat Batman!’ says wonder boy.

A glowing red arc emitting light against a dark background, possibly representing a light source or artistic effect.
Batman and Robin lying on red devices with steam, appearing to be in distress.
Batman and Robin lying on red platforms with steam rising around them, captured in a dramatic scene.

The Crusaders escaped our Bar B’Q – says a “Teed Off” Ms. Kitty

A bold red bat symbol in the foreground with buildings, vehicles, and a sign for Gotham Missile Corporation in the background.
A street scene in front of the Gotham State Building featuring several vintage cars, including a black Batmobile, a police car, and other classic vehicles. A group of people is gathered nearby, dressed in formal attire.

Let the Crime Fighting begin…

A person dressed as Batman, hanging in a posed position on an elevated platform, with a background featuring a wall-mounted display board.
A model of a superhero in a bat-themed costume, posed dramatically with arms extended, placed inside a compartment with jetpack-like devices underneath.
A superhero in a costume is ascending in an elevator with jet-powered rockets, emitting red flames from the back, beside a directory board.

“We need an elevator like this in …The Bat Cave.”

A person dressed as a superhero wearing a colorful costume with a red and green design, a large black hat, and a mask, striking a dynamic pose.
A woman dressed as a character in a black catsuit with a mask and cat ears, standing in a room with a modern interior and a statue in the background.

“You Boy Blunder-How are you not a piece of toast?”

A scene depicting a superhero sidekick being restrained by two villains in tiger-striped outfits while a third villain in a suit gestures from a distance.
A man in a suit and hat stands beside a purple rocket labeled 'GETAWAY ROCKETS' in a brightly lit room with curtains. A painting is visible in the background.

“Fix him you fools”

A scene featuring a stylish room with a large table and multiple chairs. A person dressed in black is climbing out of a window, while another person is inside, near a colorful rocket labeled 'Getaway Rocket' positioned in the room.

Time for me to fly…

A scene depicting a chaotic moment with characters dressed in costumes, including a figure in a bat-like suit, interacting around a large table. One character is on a purple getaway rocket, while others in humorous outfits seem to be reacting to the situation.

“I’m out of gas.”

A woman in a black catsuit and mask is dramatically riding a colorful toy vehicle labeled 'Getaway Rod' indoors, while another person in a striped outfit watches.
A woman dressed in a black cat costume with a mask, sitting on a purple vehicle, looking thoughtfully.

“No one filled up My Getaway Rocket – we need Leaded-ETHY, I told you!

A scene depicting a young superhero in a colorful costume, featuring a red top and green accents, being confronted by a villain in a gray hat. The background shows a city street with cars below.
Batman and Robin being restrained by a villain in a tiger-striped costume, set against an urban backdrop.

Meanwhile on the ledge of a high rise…

Batman and Robin being lifted by men in tiger-striped costumes in a colorful comic book scene.
Batman and Robin struggle against a villain in a dramatic scene, with Batman appearing to choke while Robin reacts in fear.
A character in a black catsuit and mask is perched on a ledge outside a building, holding a large, distinctive item. The scene is set against a clear blue sky with city buildings in the background.
A female superhero in a black catsuit poses on a high ledge of a building, overlooking a city skyline with high-rise buildings and clear blue skies.

Catwoman uses this moment to flee on the catwalks..

A woman dressed as a cat burglar wearing a black mask and outfit, holding a bag labeled '1000.' Her hair is long and wavy, and the background features a blue sky.
A close-up view of a female character dressed in a black cat suit and mask, looking down from a tall building, while a male character in a dark suit and mask is assisting her. Cars and a busy street can be seen below.

Our Maiden leaps, only to get stuck on a different ledge-Batman throws Catwoman a safety line.

Close-up of two hands, one wearing a black glove and the other hand cuffed in handcuffs, set against a colorful patterned background.

Her day in court…

A scene featuring multiple characters including a woman in a black cat costume, a man in a cape, and a young boy dressed as Robin, standing in a room with law enforcement officers in the background.

She looks very innocent to me.

Close-up of a woman with long, wavy hair styled in a glamorous look, wearing cat-ear hair accessories and dramatic makeup, including bold eyebrows and thick eyeliner.

Innocent as it gets …Tom Jones had her in mind “Pussy Cat-go powder that Pussy Cat nose, your so thrilling and I am willing to care for you, Your my sweet little Pussy Cat Girl…Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat – I love you, yes I do, your sweet little Pussy Cat eyes and those tiny shaped ears, and that sweet little Pussy Cat ….Nose!” Meow, a purring perfect, happy ending.

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

Marion Davies/Judy Garland Historic Make Up Trailer Connection

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Black and white portrait of a woman with curly hair, making a 'shh' gesture with her finger to her lips.

The Secret is Out…

Close-up of a young girl with braided hair and blue bows, looking surprised or concerned.

Judy Garland has now been confirmed as a former owner of the Marion Davies portable make-up trailer.

Many exciting discoveries have emerged since my last post about the Marion Davies portable dressing room that I unveiled from a Culver City backyard. (See my YouTube on The Phantom of the Backlots site.)

For example, affirmation from newspaper articles revealing that Judy Garland once owned this trailer and used it during the first three months of filming The Wizard of Oz! The Ruby Slippers may very well have clicked their heels in this magical dressing room.

The trailer was originally built for Marion Davies during “Beverly of Graustark” for MGM. It was publicized as being beautifully decorated with furnishings and taffeta pillows of rainbow colors.

Marion formed a close relationship with Marie Dressler, another of MGM’s biggest stars. Marion decorated the trailer in blue and grey and gifted it to Dressler after filming “The Patsy”, who entertained and lounged in it for several years. Marie held court with many MGM co-stars like Norma Shearer, Rudy Vallee, Jean Harlow, Maureen O’Sullivan, Jack Benny, Robert Young, Hedda Hopper and of course Wallace Beery.

After Marie’s death, the make-up trailer was auctioned and the winning bid came from Marie’s longtime friend, May Robson. Robson was another big star at the time!

Next, it was given to Judy Garland (described as her first “grown-up” dressing room.) Judy would only use this portable room for a year. She was given a new trailer by MGM in December of 1938. At the ribbon cutting, Judy is said to have given out autographed pictures to the cast members of The Wizard of Oz.

Its final destination was the backyard of Fred Trowbridge, an actor and friend of May Robson.  Fred appeared in all of May’s stage plays and helped manage her affairs when May got older. Fred adopted and had the trailer moved to his backyard at 9024 Lucerne Avenue in Culver City, where it sits today. Per telephone book listings, Fred appears to have lived at this residence from 1936 through at least 1956. The trailer could have been set in its present location as early as December of 1938 (when Judy vacated it).  

Speculation: If this trailer was moved to the Lucerne address, which butts up to the 40-acre lot (and at one time was part of the lot) this dressing room/make-up station would surely have been in demand by the studio for touch ups or relaxation during the time of filming on “Gone With the Wind.” With so many stars and featured players on “Gone With the Wind” at one time, available portable dressing rooms were at a premium and hard to find, especially on the backlot. Saving time by saving actors precious steps to their dressing rooms, was a necessity.

A quote from Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind seems appropriate: “Perhaps-I want the old days back again and they’ll never come back, and I am haunted by the memory of them and of the world falling about my ears.”

Of all the amazing experiences I have had, both trespassing and in my long studio career, this is the most sensational item I have ever come across. Plus, it’s the ultimate studio game of CLUE. I get chills looking into the soul of these mirrors. They stare back with a depth and richness that only history can create. I feel it was my calling to save this unit from the claws of developers at this corner.Written and lived by Donnie Norden and researched with a little help from my friends, Mike Escarzaga, Maureen Miller and Henry Tegeler

Black and white portrait of a young woman with long, wavy hair, wearing a vintage dress with puff sleeves and a bow at the neckline, looking directly at the camera.

How did I get here? Read on to retrace the steps of the most iconic trailer in Hollywood. An early still taken October 13, 1938 when Judy occupied the Marion Davies portable makeup trailer. They would go with shorter hair during the filming of the Wizard of Oz.

A decorative black door with intricate designs on the left, and a dilapidated entrance of an abandoned structure made of wood on the right.

Marion Davies trailer in 1925 and the makeup trailer today. In 1925, Marion Davies is presented her new portable dressing room during the filming of “Beverly of Graustark”. She would go on to use the trailer for “The Red Mill”, “Tillie the Toiler”, The Fair Coed”, and “Quality Street”.

A group of five people in early 20th-century attire, standing in front of a closed movie theater door with a 'CLOSED' sign. They appear to be upset or disappointed, holding ice cream cones.
A woman in a black dress looks surprised while another woman in a short white dress balances an apple on her head and holds another apple in her hand.

Marion Davies and Marie Dressler in front of the trailer during the filming of “The Patsy”. December 25, 1930: Marion Davies gifted her portable dressing room to Marie Dressler after filming “The Patsy”. (The Mirror, Feb 28, 1931, page 9). In 1928, Marion would star in “Show People” which good pal Charlie Chaplin made a cameo appearance in. Marie Dressler co-starred with Chaplin in his first feature film at his Keystone Studios. “Tillie’s Punctured Romance”, 1914.

A smiling man with curly hair wearing a bow tie and a suit in a vintage black and white photo.
Two young women in 1920s athletic attire standing in an arched doorway, wearing matching short-sleeved tops and shorts, posing confidently.

Hello Ladies! Left: Charlie Chaplin in “Show People”. Right: Marion and good friend Eleanor Boardman in costumes from “The Fair Coed”. Eleanor did not star in the film.  Eleanor married Director King Vidor at Marion’s house. Marion was ready to upgrade and graduated to a much larger trailer which Charlie called “The Trianon”.

A vintage-style stool with a turquoise padded seat and a red rim, supported by a black metal base, placed against a decorative wallpaper with leaf patterns.
A large, illuminated mirror surrounded by lights, with a vintage suitcase placed in front.
Interior view through an arched window with a blurred reflection in the glass, framed by an aged wall and bottles in the foreground.

During Marion’s occupancy, it was adorned in taffeta pillows in a rainbow of colors. Marion especially decorated the trailer for Marie in blue and grey complete with chaise, mirrors, dressing table and other amenities. (The Southwest Wave Nov. 28, 1933). Marie was a frequent visitor of Marion and Randolph Hearst at the San Simeon castle. As described in the article, blue and grey rug remnant, powder blue stool, original mirror which still spectacularly lights up. This room talks through images-captured inside these mirrors, like a genie in a bottle.

A newspaper article excerpt discussing Marie Dressler's activities and preferences during productions, highlighting her love for companionship and her use of a portable dressing bungalow.
A historic black and white photo of four individuals at a banquet, two women embracing with an Oscar trophy, while two men watch, one dressed in a tuxedo.

Marie left her door open for her friends. Many of her friends were MGM stars and co-stars, like Marion Davies, Charlie Chaplin, Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery and even Greta Garbo.  Dressler won the Academy Award for “Min and Bill.” Seen here with Norma Shearer, her friend and MGM co-star.  Marie would make many movies for MGM while enjoying this trailer until her death on 07/28/34.

A glamorous woman in a vintage black dress poses elegantly with a large feather boa and a fan, showcasing a classic Hollywood style.
A glamorous woman in a stylish, form-fitting evening gown poses elegantly with a fan, set against a backdrop featuring artistic patterns.

May I touch up my look? Left: Norma Shearer and Marie Dressler starred in “Let Us Be Gay” MGM 1930. Norma would ultimately give her portable dressing room (presented to her by Irving Thalberg) to Mickey Rooney in 1939. A scandal would result (according to Mickey Rooney’s autobiography “Life is Too Short”.  

A glamorous woman in a sleek, form-fitting satin dress striking a pose against a dark backdrop with a decorative emblem.
A glamorous woman in a silky robe using a powder puff while looking into a hand mirror, with vanity items visible on the table.

Another beautiful co-star Jean Harlow “Dinner at Eight”.

Historical gathering featuring Franklin D. Roosevelt, Marie Dressler, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford at a Liberty Loan drive in 1918, surrounded by a crowd.
Picture from Marie Dressler’s “My Own Story” (1934)
A newspaper article from 'The Mirror' dated February 28, 1931, discussing Marion Davies presenting Marie Dressler with a portable star dressing room and noting that both actresses share the same initials 'M.D.'

Fun Fact!

An article titled 'May Robson's Memento' discussing actress May Robson, along with a black and white portrait of her. The text highlights her career and a dressing room associated with her friend, actress Marie Dressler.

1935-November: May Robson, Oscar nominated actress, was the highest bidder of the portable dressing room from the estate of her lifelong friend Marie Dressler, who passed away on 07/28/34. (Albuquerque Journal}. But wait… There’s more to come for this opulent trailer!

A vintage magazine cover of Motion Picture featuring a woman with curly red hair and the caption 'I Didn't Think It Could Happen Again' by Virginia Bruce, alongside a black and white image of a young girl, Judy Garland, in a dress, standing in front of a plain backdrop. Below, there is a text block discussing Garland's portable dressing room that belonged to Marie Dressler.

1937-December: Judy Garland receives the Marion Davies portable dressing room (Motion Picture Magazine Feb ’38). She would employ this “Tiny Green Room on Wheels” for one year, including 3 months into the filming of the Wizard of Oz, before she receives a new trailer for Christmas in December of 1938.

A vintage door featuring a curved top, intricate designs, and two sidelights with decorative glass panels.
Weathered wooden door with an arched top, featuring a rusty latch and intricate metal detailing.

On the right, you can see some of the green paint from when Judy Garland owned it, which she refers to in the article above, her “tiny, square, green room on wheels.”

An old newspaper advertisement featuring illustrations of Judy Garland and a young girl playing the piano, with a headline that reads 'IT'S TRUE' and text discussing Judy Garland.

Judy is thrilled over the tiny portable dressing room once belonged to Marion Dressler. (Richmond Conservator December 2, 1937, Pg. 5)

A vintage metal nameplate engraved with 'MGM' and 'JUDY GARLAND'.

Judy’s Dressing Room Nameplate

A collage of vintage black-and-white and color photographs featuring a woman in various outfits, including a formal gown, casual dresses, and a blazer, depicted in different indoor settings. Some images show her with another woman, while others display her alone, sitting or standing.

1938-December: As a Christmas gift symbolizing her “new star” status at MGM, Judy Garland receives a “New” portable dressing room from MGM replacing the Marion Davies trailer. Six months later, Garland almost burned down this trailer while cooking in there and the curtains caught fire!

A black and white photograph featuring May Robson and Fred Trowbridge, with text discussing their roles and contributions in a production.

After December 1938, Fred Trowbridge, actor and friend of May Robson adopts and moves the dressing room from MGM to 9024 Lucerne Avenue in Culver City, where it sits today. The articles above and below show how important Fred was to May.

A newspaper clipping discussing Fred Trowbridge's house in Culver City, featuring details about a cherished dressing room filled with pictures.
A black and white photo of a formal dinner setting with several men seated at a long table, focusing on a well-dressed speaker standing at the front, addressing the group.

Fred Trowbridge covers the portable dressing room with shingles to preserve it. (Mentioned in Robson’s Obituary article in the Evening Vanguard dated Oct. 22, 1942). Right: Fred Trowbridge seen here at the Examiner party in “Citizen Kane” 1941. A short walk to work-just through his backyard and on the lot!

A woman holding a clapperboard labeled 'MAKE-UP STILL' with a serious expression, dressed in period clothing, outdoors with trees and a building in the background.
Aerial view of Tara, highlighting its layout in relation to a nearby white-roofed house, with an arrow indicating the location of the dressing room.

Let’s get swept up in the most idyllic scenario possible… As portable dressing rooms were in high demand, owners of this portable make-up station/dressing room would find a win-win situation in leasing it out as it was in the 60’s and 70’s during the Desilu phase of Television filming. It would make sense that it was loaned out as early as December 26, 1938, when Judy vacated it. This portable room which had electricity, would surely have been in demand by the studio for touch-ups or relaxation during the filming of Gone With the Wind when there were so many stars and featured players on the set at one time and available portable dressing rooms were at a premium and hard to find. 

An article discussing the necessity of portable dressing rooms for film stars to save time during filming due to large studio sizes and distance between sets and dressing rooms.

The Boston Globe Nov. 14, 1932: why stars have portable dressing rooms.

A vintage newspaper clipping featuring an article about Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland, discussing Fontaine's role in 'Rebecca' and a humorous encounter regarding De Havilland's old dressing room.

dingy little room somewhere on the backlot?” A shortage of dressing rooms stirs up a little sibling rivalry. “Rebecca” (Hitchcock directing, Selznick producing) on the lot the same time as “GWTW” reshoots. The Daily Mirror Nov. 4, 1939.

A collage of classic television scenes featuring characters from various shows, including a humorous moment with a group in military uniforms, and recognizable superheroes with villains.

From 1943-1959 we don’t know if the Portable Dressing Room was loaned out to productions on the 40-acre backlot but testimony from residents would confirm the loan of the dressing room in the early 1960s. This was a busy time for Television production on the adjacent lot. Hence, there was great need to tend to actors out on the 40-Acre Backlot for touch ups, since the Studio Main Lot was nearly a quarter of a mile away. The subsequent occupants loaned the trailer out to shows filming on the backlot to Hogan’s Heroes, Batman and The Andy Griffith Show (Residents of Lucerne).

A small, beige house with a garden, featuring large windows and a pathway made of stone steps.

Home of former actor Fred Trowbridge and the infamous make-up trailer. During the TV revolution, Spock, Bruce Lee, Andy Griffith and Gomer Pyle are just some of the faces and characters who have been in and around here. The Batmobile was parked out front here, with witnesses having seen Batman drinking a can of beer from a brown paper bag. All these old homes are part of this film culture, inside and out. This corner in Culver City is centered between what was Desilu and Hal Roach studios. If TV Land has a neighborhood, this is it!

A small, weathered wooden shed partially obscured by tree branches and greenery.

The portable dressing room is still covered with shingles for preservation put there by Fred Trowbridge. (Mentioned in Robson’s Obituary article in the Evening Vanguard dated Oct. 22, 1942). Thank you, Fred, for doing your part in preserving this grand piece of history! For a deeper dive, here is the link to the Original post, you can experience the timeless elegance of the trailer and all of the wonderful artifacts found inside see the original article per the link provided here: Marion Davies Portable Dressing Room is found 100 years later in a Culver City Backyard! – Phantom of the Backlots

Aerial view of a small, rustic settlement featuring wooden shacks, dirt roads, and sparse vegetation, with a few palm trees in the background and a prominently marked building indicated by a red arrow.

The trailer is barely visible in this shot just behind Stalag 13 sets. As a kid, my passion to escape into Stalag 13 took me through this private yard, regularly starting in 1972. I had to first sneak into this yard before climbing a second fence that puts me right behind Stalag 13. In between the two fence climbs lies a unique structure covered with shingles. My initial encounter with this shed was just an observation as I climbed into Desilu.

Promotional poster for 'The Phantom of the Backlots' event at the Culver City Historical Society, featuring various historical images and a central figure of a child. The event is scheduled for April 28th at 7 PM.
Book cover for 'Phantom of the Backlots: Hole in the Fence' featuring a faded map design.

Thanks for taking the time to read my stories. For more Backlot Adventures, check out my books on Amazon.

A Pictorial of Silent Film-R.K.O/Desilu Connection

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A scene with a man dressed in a green suit with question marks, holding an umbrella and posing in front of a camera. Nearby, a woman in a red and yellow dress stands with her hands on her hips. Two chefs in white uniforms observe, one holding a plate.
Batman and Robin stand next to a large book titled 'A Pictorial History of Silent Films' by Y.Y. Flurch, with an illustration of a woman holding a conductor's baton.

Pictures on the Silver Screen

A black and red Batmobile parked outside 'Mother Gotham's Bakery' with a blue sign indicating 'Employees Only' nearby.
A woman in a bright red dress smiles while sitting beside a man in a green suit with question marks, who appears to be animated and cheerful.

“Every set needs food -Robin”…This is a clue. “That was a great sandwich” says The Riddler

A man in a green outfit is cleaning a dusty surface in a room with large windows and a sign indicating 'STAGE 2-3-4' in the background.

Meanwhile-at the Old Thomas Ince Studios- The Riddler “cuts” his latest silent film.

Three individuals sitting on director's chairs in a film studio, with film reels and posters visible in the background. The woman is wearing a red dress, while the men are in formal attire.
A scene from a classic film shows two men in conversation in front of a large projection screen, with one man dressed in a police uniform and the other in a hat and formal attire. In the background, a chef is watching from behind a counter.
A woman with her face covered in what appears to be cream or pie, sitting at a desk in front of a wall of filing cabinets.
A tense scene featuring a man in a green vest with a worried expression, sitting in front of an old film projector. Another man in a blue suit and hat is smiling behind him.
A black-and-white image on a projector screen featuring a superhero alongside a futuristic vehicle, with various classic cars visible in the background.
A black and white image featuring a movie scene of a superhero duo, Batman and Robin, standing next to a classic car. Robin is pointing while Batman looks on, both in their iconic costumes.
A black and white film scene featuring a superhero in a cape and a child standing in front of a movie theater entrance, with a sign stating the theater is closed.
Three people sitting on director's chairs in a studio, smiling and enjoying a moment together.
A vintage projector screen displaying a black and white image of two figures indoors, with a contrasting colorful background featuring an advertisement for 'Lily Adair, Nude Romance.'
A large projection showing an image of a woman and text that reads 'NATIONAL HISTORY OF SILENT FILM' displayed in a gallery setting, with a door and other artworks partially visible.
A vintage poster for a silent film displayed in a doorway with a partially visible figure in the background.
Two men smiling and laughing, one wearing a bright green outfit and the other in a blue suit and hat, with a film projector in the background.

“Another Classic Cecil” – The Dynamic Duo gets clobbered by a Silent Movie Bill Board

A smiling man in a suit stands next to a vintage camera on a tripod, exuding a sense of professionalism and nostalgia.

Cecil B. DeMille

A scene depicting a colorful villain, dressed in a green costume with a question mark motif, looming over a tied-up hero in a red and green outfit. In the background, a man in a white hat is holding a megaphone, while another figure looks on, all set in a dimly lit room filled with various props.
A scene featuring two characters, one in a suit and hat laughing, and another wearing a green superhero costume holding a panel labeled 'CONTROL LEVELS' with indicators for speed.
A man in a green costume with purple accents gestures dramatically in front of a large control lever marked 'CONTROL LEVEL.' Another man wearing a gray suit and cap laughs in the background, inside a rustic wooden room.

“Quiet on set…ACTION ! “

A man using an old-fashioned camera on a wooden platform surrounded by a rustic interior, with beams and supports visible in the background.
A woman with dark, styled hair is holding a spotlight while smiling, set against a dimly lit background.
A man standing in a film studio, holding a script and leaning against a wooden beam, with studio lights and a backdrop visible.

Cecil B. DeMille operated this studio following Thomas Ince’s “untimely death.”

A scene featuring a man in a green costume and a pink mask shouting, while a character in a red outfit lies on the ground, suggesting a dramatic confrontation.

“Any last words before you become split in half ?”

A character in a green costume is holding a spray can while preparing to use a circular saw on a metallic work surface.
Four men in a cluttered workshop, with one man lying on a table while others appear to be inspecting him. The setting features wooden materials and tools, suggesting a stage or production environment.
Image features bold text that reads 'WILL WE SEE THE BOY WONDER SAWED IN TWO?' over a scene showing a character lying down.
A dimly lit workshop with wooden beams and tools scattered around. A person lies on a wooden plank surface near a table, seemingly in an inactive pose. The scene has colorful lighting effects, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

That sharp blade is spinning -Real Fast–Time is running out!

A grand white mansion with green shutters, featuring a large staircase leading to the entrance. A person in a dark cape is seen on the steps, while a vintage car is parked in front amidst neatly trimmed hedges.
A large white mansion with green shutters, featuring a set of stairs at the entrance. In the foreground, a man in a dark outfit runs along a pathway lined with hedges, while two cars, a vintage black sedan and a red convertible, are parked nearby.
A man dressed as Batman stands beside a classic black Batmobile in front of a large mansion with green shutters and a well-kept garden.
A close-up view of a car seat with a vintage-style toy or device resting on it, illuminated by natural light, highlighting the texture of the leather seat.
Batman in his iconic costume stands next to the Batmobile in front of a house with green shutters.
A scene featuring a man in a suit speaking to a character in a Batmobile, with a grand house and greenery in the background.
A man in a Batman costume with a cape sitting in a retro Batmobile, featuring distinctive fins and devices emitting small jets of smoke.

Robin lost his locator /transmitter making this more difficult, fortunately,Batman has solved this -RIDDLE !

A man in a suit waves goodbye as a sleek black car with red accents, resembling a famous fictional vehicle, drives away in front of a large white house with green shutters.

Good Luck Batman…

A street view of Gotham Lumber Yard featuring a wooden building with a prominent sign. In the foreground, there's a stop sign and a concrete sidewalk, while parked cars line the street in the background under a cloudy sky.

“STOP” – for traffic on Ince Blvd.This, believe it or not, was the main gate and guard shack-that little closet next to stop sign.

Exterior view of Gotham Lumber Yard with a wooden sign and a stop sign nearby.
A black and red vehicle departs from a lumber yard labeled 'Gotham Lumber Warehouse,' on a cloudy street lined with parked cars.
A black car with red accents resembling a superhero vehicle speeds past a lumber store, with parked cars lining the street.

Batman enters this old Bioscope/Triangle Studio founded by Thomas Ince

A person dressed as Batman stands in a doorway, partially visible in a dimly lit room surrounded by wooden planks and construction materials.
A performer in a green face paint and a black cape poses dramatically on wooden crates, while a person in a grey and black costume stands below looking up, with colorful lighting creating distinct shadows.
A character dressed in a red shirt, green shorts, and gloves, lies on a wooden table in a workshop-like setting, with saw blades visible in the background.
A scene featuring a superhero in a cape leaning over a figure dressed in a red and green costume lying on a wooden table, set against a backdrop of wooden planks.

“Holy Saw Blade Batman-That was cutting it close!”

Vintage dressing room with a large mirror surrounded by lights, featuring a vanity table with various beauty products and a cushioned seating area.

This trailer talks and often delivers images in mirrors that have seen more movie history than all other mirrors combined. Truly Magical…Something right out of-The Wizard of Oz.

A comparison of two structures: on the left, an ornate black door with decorative details, and on the right, a dilapidated wooden building with an open entrance, showing signs of decay and damage.

Silent Movie Trailer- Marion Davies

A vintage mirror surrounded by light bulbs, featuring black and white portraits of several people in early 20th-century attire.
A First of it’s kind room and the faces -Once Upon a Time
A silhouetted figure of a man wearing a hat stands in a graveyard, with barren trees and gravestones in the background.
A bottle of Phantom wine placed on a rustic surface with a wooden shed and trees in the background.

Guarded by Spirits

Silent Days are here Again

Amazingly, in my quest to find Batman-I discovered this old Hollywood Trailer. Not just any trailer mind you-this is the oldest relic in Hollywood History. Fittingly, the Thomas Ince/ R.K.O lot has been its home for decades. Disguised as a Garden Shed and used as such after 1971, this chameleon used its own “make up skills” to avoid desegregation from an industry that forgot it’s past, or lost it completely.

Batman himself has had his make-up touched up inside and in front of these MAGIC MIRRORS.

I was told that by a senior home owner who happened to lived on Lucerne back when Gone With the Wind filmed the infamous fire scenes. Quote: ” The Bat Mobile pulled up and parked here, and Batman exited with a brown paper bag drinking a beer.”

It is a right of passage to drink on the sets that dodged prohibition on property that has a checkered past. Wine bottles from Italy are inside this tiny escape trailer. A 1925 -well used – Star Massage vibrator still remained inside when this “Bat Story” was told to me.

The R.K.O – Desilu film vaults are a short walk from this backyard triangle. In a testament to Silent Films, highly flammable nitrate film was stored in explosive proof bunkers or vaults. Hal Roach Studios intersects this all time movie history corner. This Episode of Batman is a spoof of that era with twists and turns that are eerily delivered that connect to this studios past.

Batman unknowingly at this time, wasn’t just recreating history, it actually as creating significant television history-In Living Color, no-less.

This episode is a treat, so full of history, such as the Desilu Plantation Headquarters, the iconic building still proudly looking up at the Culver Hotel. Everything looks up to something. The Forty Acres backlot looked up to the infamous Desilu water tower, which sadly was removed by Amazon Studios, an owner that lost touch of the history that took place on the glorious formerly silent movie studio.

If you-yourself remain silent, areas of this studio still talk. They do to me anyways. The past still exists, just adjust the antenna on your roof, you will get a signal, I promise you. It only fades away if you let it, tune in, not out.

Time is your precious friend, full of rich, colorful memories that disappear if not preserved. That’s where I step in-to preserve the still remaining, almost forgotten past. The stories behind the films and T.V Series from yesteryear.

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

The Bookworm Takes over Gotham City at Warner Brothers

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A man with a unique hat and thick glasses sits thoughtfully in a chair, holding a small object to his temple, surrounded by colorful lighting and books.

Mr. Roddy McDowell–A.K.A The Bookworm. That hat would be so handy!

A humorous scene featuring a small blue vehicle with a sign that reads 'Let GAYFELLOW take you to the CLEANERS' in front of a sleek black car, with a grassy background.

Lets do some Batmobile Comparisons…Then and Now

Close-up view of a sleek, custom-designed black vehicle with metallic accents, showcasing intricate details and a reflective surface.
The latest Batmobile on the Warner Brothers Backlot. The reengineered grill…
Close-up view of a unique car dashboard featuring colorful, intricate designs and a sleek steering wheel.

The Bat Dashboard

A character dressed as Batman, wearing a black mask and cape, sits in a classic Batmobile with visible rocket launchers in the background.

“Impressive” says- The Best Batman Ever !

Interior view of a classic car featuring a futuristic dashboard, sleek steering wheel, and black leather seats.
1966 Batmobile complete with a- 8 Track sound system, because…Batman Rocks!
A black and red futuristic vehicle parked on a dirt road, with a character in a purple top hat and suit standing beside it, while another character in a dark cape leaps onto the car.

Original Hood allows for a fighting platform- not so with the modern front end.

A close-up view of a sleek, futuristic black car with distinctive design features resembling a superhero motif, positioned on a street near colorful buildings.
A colorful, vintage-style car with characters in costumes, including a person with a purple top hat, driving on a road with trees in the background.

Original Batmobile has space enough to transport villains of every shape and size,

A man in a suit stands next to a sleek black car at an outdoor event. The background features decorative lighting and a sign thanking sponsors, with a vintage street setting.

I prefer the old Mag Wheel Rims – They wear like a Medal of Honor. In 1967, my sister had a G.T.O with “Mags,” she was very popular …because my dad set her up! I was Seven…could only pretend I was the driver.

A sleek black car with a large wing parked on a deserted urban street, showcasing classic architecture in the background.
Close-up view of a sleek black car's wheel and tire, showcasing detailed rim design and aerodynamic elements.
A sleek black car with distinctive features is parked prominently in front of a building displaying a poster that celebrates 100 years of Hollywood. Two men are engaged in conversation nearby.

These tail fins make this vehicle look fast…even when in park.

A close-up view of a black vehicle with distinct wing-like features parked on the street, with a historic building and a 100 Years of Hollywood sign in the background.
Feature Money” -redesigned aerodynamic tail end.

These tail fins make this vehicle look fast…even when in park.

A person in a superhero costume stands atop a classic black car with distinctive fins, surrounded by green trees and grass.
A vintage radio device resting on a sleek black leather car seat, illuminated by sunlight.
A man dressed as Batman in a classic superhero suit stands beside the Batmobile in front of a house with green shutters.

Vintage Batman key chain transmitter-we were ahead of our time here…

A classic black car inspired by the Batmobile, featuring distinct curves, orange accents, and a futuristic design. The background includes a mural of a similar vehicle.

The car every boy dreamed of…

A futuristic concept car with a sleek design, showcasing a unique shape and prominent tail fins, displayed on a wooden floor with curtains in the background.
A vintage, rusty car with a unique, cartoonish design, featuring large headlights resembling eyes, parked in a rural area surrounded by trees.

Proto Types – The Late Great George Barris

A smiling man wearing sunglasses sits inside a black car resembling the Batmobile, with a distinctive bat logo on the side.
A display of three iconic black Batman vehicles, showcasing distinct designs and features, set against a spacious industrial background.
Evolution Complete…”Holy Hot Wheels Batman.”
A man in a hat watches two women walking down a street in an urban setting. One woman is dressed in an orange dress while the other is in a light blue outfit. Classic cars are parked along the street, and a 'No Parking' sign is visible.
A man in a uniform holding a brown bag and a book looks out from a building entrance as a classic black car with red accents, resembling the Batmobile, drives past on a city street.
A woman in a red outfit stands on a street, looking away, as a man in a white chef's hat watches her. In the background, a sleek black car is parked, and several people walk down the street lined with buildings.
A woman in a red outfit walks towards a black and red iconic car on a city street, while a man in a white uniform looks on from a building entrance.

We begin with- a sandwich and a Good Book

A man wearing a newspaper hat sits while holding a sandwich in one hand and a book in the other, appearing to read and snack simultaneously.
A man wearing a white hat and glasses sits on stone steps, holding a book in one hand and a sandwich in the other, surrounded by scattered papers.
A person holding a sandwich in one hand and a book that contains a hidden gadget with buttons and a speaker in the other hand.

Wait -that’s not any book -it is a phone book.

Batman and Robin in superhero costumes, standing in front of a large door, with a man in a paper hat eating a sandwich nearby.
Batman and Robin interacting with a man in a delivery uniform, standing in front of a building entrance.

The Caped Crusaders are falling into Bookworm’s trap.

A man with glasses and a brown hat, wearing a brown leather jacket, looks intently from behind a wooden barrier, with a focused expression.

“Those illiterate fools- Time is on my side.”

A green police call box labeled 'GOTHAM CITY POLICE CALL BOX' with smoke billowing from it, located on a street with a visible speed limit sign of 15 miles per hour and a police officer in the background.
A Gotham City police call box emitting red smoke, with a speed limit sign reading 15 miles per hour in the background.

“Chief O’Hara -Robin needs help!– Holy Collect Call-I want my quarter back.“

A person stands in a dimly lit space near a large bell, with green and orange lighting illuminating the surroundings. The bell is suspended above, and a rope is attached to it, while wooden structures are visible in the background.

For whom the Bell Tolls

A dramatic title card featuring the text 'THE FIRST MINUTE OF THE NEW DAY... THE EVERLASTING END FOR ROBIN!' in bold yellow letters against a dark background.
A dramatic scene featuring text that reads 'THE DEATH-KNELL SOUNDS TOMORROW... SAME BAT-TIME...' over an image of a character suspended upside down.
A close-up view of a blue illuminated clock face against a dark background.
A person in a colorful outfit is suspended above a large metallic sphere, with shadows and a rope visible in the background.
A group of people walking on a city street, with a vintage black car resembling the Batmobile parked nearby. A large advertisement for 'Delight of Cooking' is visible in the background.
Aerial view of two characters watching from a ledge as a photographer captures an image of a woman next to a large advertisement for a cooking book in a city street, with vintage cars visible.

“Reading is fundamental Batman-you unschooled, uneducated, bundle of stupidity!”

Aerial view of a bustling street with people walking, wearing 1960s attire, including formal suits and dresses. Several individuals appear to be waving or pointing, while cars are parked in the background.
A lively street scene with several people dressed in 1960s fashion, engaging in a spontaneous celebration or dance. A woman in a pink outfit and hat is prominent, while others are smiling and raising their arms in enjoyment. The backdrop features a building with large windows.
A classic scene featuring a futuristic black car driving through a city street, with several vintage cars parked along the curb. Two pedestrians, a man and a woman, are walking on the sidewalk, while another figure is walking nearby, creating a bustling urban atmosphere.
A classic black convertible car, resembling the Batmobile, parked on a city street with people walking around. In the background, a large advertisement for a cookbook titled 'Delight of Cooking' featuring a cartoon chef is visible.

The Caped Crusaders want this book returned to the library -NOW!. -LONG OVERDUE

A view of a film studio street scene featuring buildings with various architectural styles, including a hotel and a theater, with a small vehicle driving down the empty street.

Citizens of Gotham going to the Book Fair.

A crowd gathers around a classic black Batmobile with its wings open, featuring Batman and Robin in superhero costumes amidst onlookers in vintage clothing.
Two actors dressed as Robin and Batman stand in a busy city street, with pedestrians and a parked Batmobile in the background.

“Stay Away Citizens..This book is over due!”

A vintage Batmobile parked on a concrete surface with a character in a Batman costume standing next to it.
Batman using a gadget from the Batmobile while Robin looks on from the driver's seat.
A person wearing a black cape aims a toy gun at a colorful mural depicting a chef stirring a pot, likely in a playful or artistic setting.
View from above showing two characters observing a street scene with a large book standing upright, while a car and several people are present below.

“Wait-“I’ll pay the Fine Batman” says the man dressed in total leather…

Batman and Robin stand in front of a wall displaying a sign that reads 'Ex Libris The Bookworm'. Batman is touching the sign while Robin looks on.
A scene featuring two masked characters in a smoky environment, one dressed in a dark cape and cowl, holding a device, while the other, wearing a green outfit and a mask, stands closely behind.

“Just as I thought Robin- this book is way overdo at the Gotham Library

A large colorful sign reading 'The Delight of Cooking' with a cheerful chef illustration, alongside a blue vehicle and several individuals wearing police uniforms.
A group of police officers working together to move a large advertisement while an onlooking crowd watches.

A trap- this book is cooking the crusaders inside the cover-is this the tasty end of the dynamic duo?

A colorful mural titled 'The Delight of Cooking' featuring a cheerful chef, while police and bystanders respond to an emergency situation with fire trucks and a vintage car.
A colorful billboard depicting a cheerful chef with pots, titled 'The Delight of Cooking,' alongside an explosion and emergency vehicles responding.

“Fight fire with fire” as Gotham P.D blows off the cover and rescues our beloved main course.

A street view of several buildings featuring a mix of architectural styles, with trees lining the sidewalk. The buildings include storefronts with signs, awnings, and various window designs.

Case Closed -Back to the library goes this cookbook “Prop Storage.” The Bookworm agrees to a small fine, Gotham City returns to normal…

Written and Lived by Donnie Norden

What’s New Pussycat ?-Desilu

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A collage of black and white and color images featuring women in various poses and outfits, showcasing vintage styles and themes, including swimwear, casual attire, and playful cat-inspired looks.

Catwoman-The original recipe…

Scene featuring a tiger and a person in a dark costume with the caption 'BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME' in bold yellow text.

Cat, scratch fever time…

A tiger walking out of a dimly lit doorway, showcasing its distinctive fur and piercing eyes.
A scene showing Batman facing a tiger in a dramatic confrontation.

A stealthy, sleek feline wants to have it’s way with this Caped Crusader

A room featuring a woman in a black outfit and two men dressed in tiger-striped suits, sitting on a rug while watching a television displaying a tiger. Decorative animal sculptures and a vintage style table are also visible.

A Caged Bat fighting a Big Cat –on T.V no-less. A chemistry exists between this gorgeous, graceful feline and this debonair crime fighter in the battle of- TIGHT FITTING COSTUMES.

Batman and Robin stand in a dimly lit room, with Batman in a gray suit and Robin in a red and green costume. A villain in stripes can be seen peeking out from a small opening in the background.
A close-up shot of two pairs of shoes, one green suede boot with a unique design and one black leather boot, alongside a pair of bare legs. The background features a dimly lit stage.
A figure in a dark cape approaches a transparent containment chamber holding a suspended character in an orange outfit, set against a stark industrial background.
Batman stands heroically with his arms outstretched in a dramatic pose, while Robin kneels on the ground in front of him, suggesting a tense scene.

Catwoman is no- push over-she plays very hard to get!-Don’t let her purring fool you!

A woman in a black catsuit and mask, striking a dynamic pose on the hood of a vintage convertible car, set against a natural landscape.

She can lick you – to DEATH. Not a bad way to go I suppose…

Behind-the-scenes image of a woman dressed as a cat-themed character being styled by two assistants, surrounded by greenery.

The Line is -“Come and Get Me Batman.” Lorenzo Semple Jr. would go on to write – King Kong 2–1976. Wardrobe and make up time on this backroad with a quick script read…

A woman dressed in a shiny black catsuit with a cat mask, styled hair, and a gold belt, posing with a playful gesture in a grassy outdoor setting.
“Come and Get Me- BATMAN“
A faded photograph of a dirt pathway bordered by tall grass and shrubs, with scattered trees in the background.

Same muddy road

A woman dressed in a black catsuit and mask kneels on the hood of a classic car, posing dramatically with one hand raised. The background features grass and shrubbery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A woman in a black catsuit poses dramatically on the hood of a classic convertible car, pointing a weapon at a passing blue vehicle on a rural road with lush greenery in the background.

A Feline Car fit for the most seductive villain ever created-A Jaguar Commercial if I ever saw one.

A vintage photograph featuring tall pampas grass swaying in a soft, blurred background of greenery and trees under a pale sky.
A woman in a black catsuit and mask is sitting on the hood of a car, with her hair flowing and the sky blue in the background.
A woman in a black leather outfit stands on a dirt road, facing away from a vintage blue delivery van parked nearby, with tall grass in the background.
A man dressed in a tiger-striped outfit stands next to a blue van against a backdrop of lush greenery and blue sky.

A Feral cat has just arrived…

Close-up of a striped cat with its mouth wide open, showcasing sharp teeth and an expressive face.
Woman wearing a black cat mask and costume, with flowing hair, expressing a fierce appearance against a blue background.

Hissing and hawing is a backlot warning…

Batman in a classic gray and black costume sitting on the hood of a retro Batmobile, surrounded by greenery.

“I’ve picked up your cat nip scent-CATWOMAM…Wanna race cars?”

A woman with wavy blonde hair and a red ribbon, wearing bold red lipstick and a black outfit, posing for the camera.
Like a fine wine, every feline quality still presents itself gracefully as if – time skipped over her. “HANDS OFF BATMAN!”
A serene landscape view featuring lush greenery, trees, and soft sunlight filtering through the foliage.

Cats really live in this stranger than life Animal Kingdom.

A light blue van parked in a narrow alleyway, partially obstructed by walls on either side. A sign reading 'GATO & CHAT FUR CO. WHOLESALE & RETAIL' is visible in the background. The ground shows tire tracks leading into the alley.
A street scene featuring a sleek, black car with bright red accents parked in an alleyway. A sign on the wall reads 'GATO & CHAT FUR CO. WHOLESALE & RETAIL'.
A sleek blue and black futuristic car parked in a narrow alleyway, with a sign reading 'Gato & Chat Fur Wholesale & Retail' visible in the background.
A yellow-coated figure and a dark-clad figure walk towards a warehouse marked 'GATO & CHAT FUR Co' on a brick wall. An iconic black vehicle is parked in the foreground.

“HOLY ALLEY CAT -BATMAN–A FUR BALL FACTORY!”

A woman in a black cat costume and mask stands confidently beside a man dressed in a striped tiger outfit, both surrounded by greenery.
A woman in a black cat costume with a mask and necklace stands confidently, while a man in a tiger-striped outfit looks at her intently, both surrounded by greenery.

“We’ll mine the other backroad, that will – fix him.”

An explosion occurs on a dirt road surrounded by greenery, while a car speeds by.
A classic black car with red accents, resembling a Batmobile, driving down a dirt road surrounded by lush greenery and smoke coming from the vehicle.
An explosion occurring on a dirt road, with bright flames and smoke rising, while a car is visible in the background.
A dirt road surrounded by trees, with a car on fire in the distance.
A classic black and red batmobile driving down a dirt path, emitting smoke in a wooded area.

Two dirt roads surround Gotham City- this one runs alongside the creek- these 6 photos put you there.

A sunlit dirt path surrounded by greenery and tall grasses, leading through a serene landscape.
A classic car driving down a narrow, tree-lined dirt road, surrounded by lush greenery.
A masked female figure in a black outfit sneaks through a cave-like environment, with rocky formations in the background, while a person in a yellow dress and green shoes stands in the foreground.
A woman dressed as a superhero with a black mask and a blue cape, set against a rocky background.
A woman dressed as a cat burglar wearing a black costume and mask, holding a large blue sack, with a dramatic backdrop of a desert landscape.
A scene depicting three characters in a cave setting, two of them wearing brightly colored capes and one dressed in dark attire, with the cave's stalactites and formations visible in the background.
A woman dressed as a cat-themed superhero with a black mask and shiny outfit, looking dramatically to the side against a dark, illuminated background.
Batman and Robin discussing in a cave setting, with Batman wearing a blue costume and Robin in a red and green outfit.

“Don’t jump CATWOMAN-Your cat claw nails can’t dig in to this granite. One final “Cats Meow.”

A classic depiction of Batman and Robin in costume, engaging in conversation. Batman is wearing his iconic blue suit and mask, while Robin is in his red and green outfit. A black cat is visible in the background.

Batman-this cat just came out of no-where…can we keep it

A man holding a black cat smiles while standing next to a woman with curly hair, who looks pleased; both are in a warmly decorated interior.

“See-Cats really do have 9 Lives”

A vintage black and white scene featuring iconic characters including Batman, Robin, Catwoman, and the Penguin in a playful standoff.
Stay Tuned-Same Bat Time, Same Bat Station

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

The Green Hornet Greets Batman

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A scene featuring a superhero duo performing a daring rescue on a building ledge, with a mysterious figure observing from a window.
Two masked characters peering out from a window, one wearing a black hat and the other a green hat, with a cityscape visible in the background.
Movie poster for 'The Way of the Dragon' featuring Bruce Lee, showcasing intense martial arts action and dramatic imagery.

August 14,1972 This filmed grossed 130 Million Dollars

Two shirtless men posing in a stylized setting, one in white martial arts pants and the other in black, with a historic background.

Mr. Chuck Norris gets a knee to the groin. Don’t shake hands with Kato…

A vintage movie poster featuring Bruce Lee, displaying the film titles in Italian and Chinese, with a background of a bare-chested Bruce Lee front and center.
A black and white image of a muscular man with short hair, posed in a martial arts stance, showcasing his defined physique.
A handwritten letter titled 'My Definite Chief Aim', featuring blue ink on off-white paper, expressing aspirations of becoming a highly paid actor and achieving world fame.
The Infamous Bruce Lee Manifesto…
A white, two-story residential building with a distinctive architectural style, featuring arched windows, a central entrance, and a tiled roof. The front yard includes greenery and a pathway leading to the entrance.
Upstairs in the 2nd story unit- lived Bruce Lee while playing Kato in the Green Hornet Series. Desilu, now Amazon Studios, is located behind the backyard of this home. I was riding by one afternoon not long ago, when I saw a couple moving in that unit upstairs. I had to stop and ask-“Do you know the history of this place ?” They said “No.” “Bruce Lee lived here in the mid 1960’s” I could barely contain myself as I stood inside in what was his living room. They sat stunned,- imagine your in a sacred zone, imagine worse- that you may have never known that without this Mysterious Minstrel who just happened to be passing by…
A black and white photo of a man holding two smiling children, standing outside a house with a staircase and a large bush in the background.
A narrow alleyway featuring two buildings with a staircase leading to an upper unit, flanked by hedges and a blue trash bin on the right side.

Back unit of this triplex-picture match-Bruce lived in the front building.

A man lying on a mat on the grass gazes up at another man, who is standing and preparing to drop a basketball towards him, in a black and white outdoor setting.

“Study Hard ” was how he greeted kids on their way to school on Van Buren Street in Culver City, where he lived while filming this T.V Series.

A black and white image of a muscular man standing in a garden, holding a stick with both hands. He is shirtless and wearing light-colored pants.
A black and white photo of a man in athletic wear demonstrating a martial arts move towards a woman, who is standing with a surprised expression. The background features a grassy area and wooden fence.
A scene depicting a martial arts duel, with one fighter in a yellow outfit performing a high kick above another fighter who is shirtless and positioned defensively.
“O.K- I’m warmed up- Bring it On ! “ says Lew Alcindor…. Like a Cobra strike, what style and grace.

Push play for Classic T.V – Remember this episode when the masks all met on a Bat Rope ?

When Crime Fighters Unite

The Green Hornet filmed in 1966-67, Produced by William Dozier, who also produced Batman. Van Williams starred as publisher Britt Reid and Bruce Lee as martial arts expert – Kato. A 26 episode ABC Series. This series was canceled after only 1 year. Batman was the craze in the mid -1960’s, this show suffered low ratings and was thought to be to serious compared to the wild, free flowing Batman series.

Batman had star power, big guest stars and many beautiful women. You wanted to be in the Batman craze, and the list of villains was brilliant. Every episode was fresh and colorful. The Green Hornet was dark, like those Batman features made when this series franchised into something bigger than life.

Batman screamed 1960’s- A cultural phenomenon. The reruns take you back to a time when making a hit series was flat out…Too Much Fun. The chemistry between Catwoman-Julie Newmar and Bruce Wayne’s character was very appealing. Call it – Dynamic, “Robin you can go home now, you have homework to do” says the mature crusader.

Born Julia Chalene Newmeyer, she was my favorite villain, a trained dancer of ballet and Spanish dance, you had to wonder if their was romance between these two…

A close-up of a woman dressed as Catwoman and a man dressed as Batman, lying against a building edge, with a view of a busy road below.
A woman dressed as a cat burglar wearing a black mask and shiny outfit, posing with a bag labeled '000' in front of a building.

Save Me -Batman!

Batman Canceled

Ratings started to decline and production cost went upwards. The skits became stale by the 3rd season and Yvonne Craig, BatGirl, was brought in to boost ratings. A very expensive show to produce with cutting edge color technology and high -profile guest villains who commanded large salaries.

Season 4 …Almost

NBC was interested in picking up this series ABC no longer wanted , but before the deal was finalized, in true Hollywood form, the expensive sets – including the BatCave-interior were demolished to clear space on the studio lot at 20th Century Fox. NBC backed out rather than pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to rebuild all of what was needed. This show became wildly successful once again in syndication, and future generations to this day often visit the BatCave exterior for nostalgic reference.

A black and white photograph of a sleek car positioned near a rocky cave entrance, suggesting a remote outdoor location.
Inside a cave looking out towards a bright opening at the end of a rocky tunnel. The ground is uneven and covered with dirt and small stones.

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

Tour Desilu with Batman

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Friday the 13th – My Lucky Number!

The Bat Cave Location: “The signal is coming from Culver City-Robin”– Bronson Cave, a must visit for T.V buffs.

“We have a problem at old Bioscope Studios …Robin, put on your safety boots, hooves are needed in that wild silent movie ranch.”

Main Lot on Ince Blvd, Stock Units is The Allen Warehouse. Set Walls get reused and stored inside.

Ince Blvd, Desilu Studio Entrances

Bioscope is a word used to describe early film projectors -silent films.“Villains hide inside these dilapidated buildings and False Fronts”…says Robin!

False Face is hiding somewhere in these false fronts…

No Trespassing Desilu Studios…“Gomer Pyle must be filming at Desilu / Paramount today Batman.” says an excited Caped Crusader.

“Keep an eye out in these False Fronts -Robin,” barks Batman.

“Is that the Rail Depot from Gone with the Wind Batman?”…”Indeed Robin, You know your Bioscope History I see” says the older crusader.

Base Camp for this episode with crew taking it all in. Batman’s Trailer – Gray -complete with a license plate for towing to locations, 3 back sliding windows and an air conditioner on the roof. Parked in area also used for Mayberry R.F.D. Sam’s Farm House is on the front side of trailer.

“They have fallen into my trap ” says this masked villain.

Showdown – Downtown Mayberry/Gotham City/Culver City!

“Batman How do you track him so well ?” says yellow cape to the purple cape. “Just follow the dust- Robin!” “He’s hiding in these False Fronts with his False Faces-Batman”

“THAT”S STALAG 13 BATMAN !”

“I SEE NOTHING !”

Has the Dynamic Duo been obliterated ? Or– was this an inflatable Batmobile? A False Car tricks a False Face.

“Can’t trick tricksters – False Face-Give up, escape is impossible “

Unless you got a motorcycle…

“Cut through these false fronts…it’s a short cut.”

Cut through here…This really does cut from Western Street to the Middle East Sets built for King of Kings in 1927.

“He could be hiding inside any of these old False Walls and fake props” yells The Boy Wonder

Up those stairs, I had a fort, decorated with props from Stalag 13.

A Devious Villain indeed…

Reinforcements-Chief O’Hara arrives to see a toasted Bat Car Frame. But wait, is that really Chief O’Hara ?

“What do we do now BATMAN?”

“Holy Mole Richardson Arc Lights Batman”… as old as Gotham City itself!

“Stretch this rope from Gone With the Wind across the road from the movie light to this tree -Robin.” “This backlot has more tricks up it’s sleeve than my utility belt!”-says a determined Batman.

“There is no where left to hide on this ranch False Face-Give yourself up!”

“False Batman – I can lose myself in the old west!”

“Rustlers ay-I’ll help you guys out”…says this lone Cowboy.

“Holy Horse Crap-this cowboy is False Face!”

Can’t fool Batman, especially at a saloon…

“You could help Robin ! “

When I took this photo in 1973, I was picturing this Batman episode filmed on this same spot… Batman Ambrosia never wears off.

One final toss-through a window no-less…

“Confounded Caped Crusader!”

Commissioner Gordon is right handed-yet he’s holding his handkerchief with his left hand- Batman suspects the Chief.

“Lucky the sheriff didn’t catch ya…he hangs criminals”

“One villain at a time” is how this haunted studio backlot operates, luckily law enforcement includes – Sheriff Taylor, Elliott Ness, Superman, and The Green Hornet.

The old west return to being refuge to neighboring kids who just happen to have a fort upstairs in this building. It even has a phone to that calls “Off Lot.” Visitors Welcome…

Conclusion:

Folks- this is the best episode ever using this backlot. Any series ever, this is Golden Age Hollywood stuff! Nowhere else will you see so much Desilu backlot.

This series screams-The Sixties…

It jumps of the screen, colors like comic book pages. It made you go buy a ” Color T.V,” The T.V revolution is in full force, every twisted turn in this episode winds through iconic television exterior sets. Never will you cut through buildings like this again, exactly as I used to operate here-.inside False Fronts. I stalked BATMAN, first on my Schwinn bicycle from outside the fences-looking in, wearing garments such as a cape and mask, bought with (a million- Blue Chip Stamps)...what a bargain.

Yes I saw the Caped Crusader, they sped by kicking up a trail of dust as I melted into the studio fence. Like a dream coming true-I had -Bat Goose Bumps as my heart fluttered. Little did I know in 1967, much more Batman was ahead for me.

My Bat Evolution

In the mid-Eighty’s, I worked on the first 3 features made by Warner Brothers using Universal’s backlot. Sure, these were super high budgeted features with villains such as Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze. Sets built both on stage and on the backlot made the original look like a kids imagination. These were more evil and ruthless, yet rich in flavor.

As the days and nights of filming took place, talking to the crew working this film, my past meets my future. I was the only person on this modern film version with the direct link to the past when Bruce Wayne was Adam West and every episode was two-parts must see T.V.

All Things BATMAN- June 13,1966 My 6th Birthday. The Caped Crusader was there on my T-Shirt I refused to take off., ever. Soon after this party, I would see the dynamic duo actually film a few segments in real life-Living Color. 60 years of Batmobiles, Capes, Masks and Villains – that’ s are so cool – you would like to meet each one personally, I never expected the candles to still be burning in 2026.

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

Big Old Jetliners

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Notice the bloody tree branch that killed the pilot.

“Pilot Error” ruled as cause of crash. Tree branch dislodged his cap and a section skull.

Inside-no passengers involved-more mystery

Falls Lake -Universal Backdrop film set. I actually forgot what set I was on here-I ask my audience for help. Does anyone recognize this plane wreck? After 35 years off non stop Universal Movie sets-this crash flew under my radar. I would love to match the show to the pictures I took here.

The tail piece beyond the cockpit/fuselage is a different film than this-both involve huge plane crashes.

Falls Lake snowed in.

Landing gear behind our fake forest set up. This usually has 7 to 10 feet of water here in the basin beneath the sky backdrop.

From this mysterious plane wreck to a more famous crash that because of great piloting, everyone on board walked away. “Sully” lands where others crashed before.

“Sully” recreation of The Hudson emergency, Universal Falls Lake Backdrop.

Plane interior at lake

A successful “saving grace aviation moment” captured at Universal Studios.

This plane died a movie star death for War of the Worlds…

Location-Victorville, Ca- same ANA Jumbo Jet being packed up for transport to Universal Studios Backlot.

Here is that plane on the set of War of the Worlds. A Paramount Blockbuster, directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Cruise. It still sits as viewed here, a very popular Tram picture stop.

The street light remains on after the crash and the car alarm goes off when trams pass by.

“Welcome to….Los Angeles”

“Is there a doctor on board?”

A news copter view of this -Breaking News!

We fly back in time now….
The fictitious Columbia Airlines
Good luck with this plan…
This guy can fly…At this time in the early 70’s-Mr. Heston did 3 movies as a pilot. Airport, Midway, and Sky Jacked. If he’s your pilot, your in for a wild ride!

TRUST ME-I”M GOOD!

Screenshot

Pictured right-Director Jack Smite at work.

Success breeds sequels- “We are now boarding–Dean Martin is your Captain”
“I didn’t know this guy was our pilot-I saw him at the bar with some stewardess’s”
A Harbinger of things to come…

I did not realize – we did this Tour Show. I wish it was there when I started…I had my own airplanes I pretended to fly at MGM in this era.

The Captain left his Heineken bottle behind in a hasty exit with a group of stewardess’s…MGM

1970-Airport- 1

When I started my Universal career, I worked with guys who were on this film. Wind Machines, my department operates Ritter Fans used for special effects. We maintain and operate these and supply the necessary Direct Current needed for their operation. Effects would in this case toss snow flakes in front of the fan blades creating a blizzard. Fun stuff.

Key scenes were done in our huge parking lot located on Barham Blvd. A plane was stuck on a snow-covered runway.

This story paints the picture of what all took place. The studio parking lot was not the intended location. Conditions made it impossible to film at M.S.P. Back to Hollywood we go, the Art Department cleverly decided to utilize our huge parking lot. We can make snow, even in comfy temperatures. No pictures exist, I would have took some but this is before my employment.

But I was lucky enough to work with the guys who created the snow storms and shared stories with me.

2005 War of the Worlds

30 years after Airport 1975- Steven Spielberg creates a town that has a 747 crash into it, because we are at war with Extra -Terrestrials. Not the friendly kind like E.T, ones that don’t really like us- humanoids. To finish off a set just built specifically to appear ravaged by a 747 crash, all we needed now was a Big Old Jetliner.

Out of a scrapheap in Victorville, we found our star. A Boeing 747 S.R. A domestic wide body built for Japan. ANA painted its emblem on the sides and the initials stand for All Nippon Airways (ANA). The plane was bought for $60,000. Transporting it to the studio cost 3 times more and the logistics were difficult since-we really don’t have an AIRPORT-at this studio.

Using a helicopter, as well as a series of lorries that were escorted by police, it spiraled the cost upwards into the $ 200,000 thousand altitude. This set was only a 3-day shoot, critical in the film. On my Phantomofthebacklots -Youtube Channel, I have film of these scenes on my tutorial site. I highly recommend a visit to the behind the scenes making of this movie.

This crash never left, this Paramount film had the responsibility to strike this set located in between The Psycho House and The Greeting Center when visiting-Jurassic Park. Universal waved the “strike – phase” and accepted keeping this set up for the Studio Tour.

This is a fun story to read next time your waiting in an airport…

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden