A temporary landing spot for a house on the move…This is the highest hilltop this home would see, here for trams to see as they pass by to the Ice Tunnel. This is upper flatland area. I was trespassing on this photo expedition, circa -1982. Right before I was hired to drive –Glamour Trams!
Knight Rider paying a visit above the tree line…This second brief location of the Psycho House looked down on the Ice Tunnel, the last adventure on the Glamor Tram Tour.
Don’t go in there David!says Kit…
The Six Million Dollar Man has been all over this backlot…A dangerous –Wrong Turn.
Looking down on the Ice Tunnel–Inside the Ice Tunnel-I would stop inside, back up a bit thanks to the dummy rails keeping it from jackknifing, then speed up, people screamed in terror, only to finish with laughter. Occasionally someone would” throw up” this effect throws off your guidance senses and creates “Vertigo” Sometimes-even making you cough up your Prop Plaza Burger. Tour guides will tell ya “I gave the best tunnel.” If you experienced this while on a tram-I was your driver.
Murder She Wrote-Starring an old friend, Angela Lansbury. “I’m looking for a lost little Girl in tonight’s episode“
Lost in Cabot Cove…
Christy …Are you up there?
Help Me Angela, Please!
This house has much more history than just Psycho-here pictured in Captains and the Kings-miniseries
Wagon Train…
Notice the telephone pole at the very top of the Psycho House standing on top of the tree lined hilltop. A Spanish Style Home overlooks this haunted house and the entire Universal Lot. That home was owned by Tom Mix when he worked for Carl Laemmle, Universal’s Founder. That residence is on a private street just a few feet from the studio property line.
I took the color comparison in the early 70’s…
Close up backside-of Psycho House
In this LIFE cover- Our Little Mexico area and Six Points Texas are clearly in view. A wrangler is on a horse for one of our many westerns in the 1960’s. Amazingly, these streets and sets still exist. The Psycho House was relocated, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas moved from Stage 12 to this hilltop the Psycho House sat on. The benefit of the BLWH set was it was built complete with interior rooms, very practical and often used inside and outside.
On the “Life Cover” in previous picture-these buildings are in that picture and still in use…
The same street in the distance on the Life Cover. Dirt was paved over for trams, so dust doesn’t kick up on our guests. When needed, we just put dirt on top of the pavement.
Let’s go inside...Life Magazine. This is Laramie Street, it sits above Denver Street. Train tracks and depots are located behind and below that row of Eucalyptus Trees. All out of view but neighboring streets. Denver was often used in Alias Smith and Jones… The Universal Railroad was a line from 6 points to a depot in the Court of Miracles. A decent long run so trains could appear on the horizon and disappear. Denver Street no longer exists. The trees still do…
Nothing like having a helicopter. The same skies Airwolf prowled in my day…Both Warner Brothers and Universal have Western Streets named Laramie.
In the shadow of…The Psycho House… Showdown–1963. Same time as the pictorial. In 1963, The Psycho House was located where it was first constructed, overlooking Singapore Lake and our Western section of the backlot. Revue Television was renamed Universal Television in 1963.
Warner Brothers and the L.A. River off in the distance. The Psycho House is the house on the hill. All original at this time- 3 years after the film was made. The Barham Bridge crosses the river, Toluca Lake Golf Course is on the opposite side of river. It remains today, if it was a backlot-it would have been raised 50 years ago. Rule of thumb-Backlots are not needed but golf courses live forever.
Two Dressing Rooms with doors open, no air conditioning appears to be attached to trailer. That’s why doors our open. A horse is being delivered to set by a wrangler. A third trailer is parked at the Bates Motel. The cart is called a mule cart, now pulled by “tugs” motorized mules. We move props around with this equipment.The Psycho House Dome foremost. Interesting –A door exists for access top dome-a ladder and platform is how you get to this spot.
Laramie Street-A truck seems to be dropping of lighting equipment. A star trailer is parked at the Bates Motel and on the side angle of The Psycho House. Westerns were king still in the 1960’s on this lot.
Today’s Landscape -located higher up the hill. The final locale of this House Upon a Hill.The door to dome isopen in this picture.
The lit window is where–Mother is reading my book!
Bates Motel -second location built for Psycho 2.
Vacancies exist…But you can never “check out!”
This a splendid vintage picture of a three car Pink and White Glamor tram beginning its climb up the hill that has a Haunted House looking down on it. That’s our featured house on the hill…The Psycho House Tours began in 1964 and this looks every bit of that era, the house has been altered with sides. In 1960, it appeared in Hitchcock’s film without sides, quickly aging the wooden structure due to our very hot summers on this lot. Jaws was not even a thing yet, that would come along in the 70’s. McHale’s Navy was in production at this time and PT 73 has been docked here in Singapore Lake. Later to become-Jaws Lake and Cabot Cove.
Same exact angle-still pre Jaws. The tram winds up the road, alongside this house on its journey to the upper flatlands wilderness area and the final animation …The Ice Tunnel.
“Laredo”, A Universal western series …The first show to go color with this house.
Emergency! –Psycho House original location above Singapore Lake. “I hope Mother is alright.” Thank goodness we have our own Fire Department. Squad 51 to the rescue.
Alfred Hitchcock Hour-1965
A Fabled History…
One of the first shows to use this home after the original Psycho movie was a short-lived TV series titled Thriller. Hosted by Boris Karloff. “The Purple Room” was the first to reuse it, just a month after Psycho was released in 1960. The following year, it was used in “An Attractive Family.” This narrative was about a family that was more homicidal than hospitable…
Wagon Train-“The Eleanor Culhane Story”
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour– In 1965, Alfred Hitchcock returned to this house for the episode “An Unlocked Window” The plot would develop as private nurses lock themselves inside the house to escape a serial killer.
Laredo- “The Small Chance Ghost.” 1967, A Universal Television series, was the first show to feature the house on color film. The house looks less terrorizing in color.
Night Gallery – “A Question of Fear.” Rod Serling would utilize the house in the series as the decade of the 70’s begins. In this episode, Leslie Neilsen gets more than he bargained for, to say the least.
Emergency!– The plot has John and Roy help an elderly woman get to safety as the home is threatened by a wildfire.
Captains and the Kings- The Psycho House got its first ever fancy makeover for this miniseries starring Richard Jordan as a rich Irish immigrant. Patty Duke, Robert Vaughn, and Jane Seymour costarred.
All this history took place in the exact location the house was originally built on. It was not until the early 80’s, when Universal began dramatically reshaping the backlot, that this house packed up and moved to an even higher elevation. A temporary stop over was above the ice tunnel, so tourists could see this iconic set before disappearing in a tunnel full of ice. I was not working there yet when I took the lead picture of this story. I was a trespasser for that special picture. It would only stay at this second location briefly as the studio prepared for the third and final landing spot. A log cabin was the closest neighbor and a quaint stream that feeds Falls Lake was part of the rustic landscape.
As time went on, the log cabin would move next to the ice tunnel and the Jurassic Park visitor center became the newest neighbor. Steven Spielberg would add another large set for War of the Worlds, starring Tom Cruise. That would involve a residential street with a 747-plane crash destroying most of the homes. Hidden just behind the crash is The Jurassic Park Visitor Center. Standing tall, proud, and newly refurbished is the most popular set in Hollywood-The Psycho House.
I did a nighttime visit under a full moon titled ‘I’ll leave a Light on for You” that reads well with this presentation.
Thank all of you who chimed in with a review. It is much appreciated. Also, I’m very pleased to receive a review from author and historian Marc Wanamaker, whose work I have enjoyed for years. These books are the diaries I’ve kept. I jotted down each adventure after it was experienced. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I couldn’t go to sleep I had so much fun. Before computers and cell phones – never will there ever be a time like this again. Old time film making that took place over decades on Hollywood’s Greatest Backlots. Adventure awaits around every corner, Follow me-if you dare…
Civil War -GWTW recreation…I can’t offer more-I wish I could. This pictorial is basically my pictures trespassing this lot circa 1982.W
“What a find this Ranch was- I took full advantage!”
If I remember correctly – this was a recreation of a Gone with the Wind scene. That would be Scarlett O’Hara…
Sound cart, sensitive equipment. Airplanes flying over have to be waited on. Especially if the time frame of show preceded aircraft, such as what’s being filmed here on this day.
Oak Trees dominate the landscape…
Lake Keezia-Little House on Prairie starring Michael Landon.
Big Sky Ranch in Simi Valley was the location most used… but this lake at Golden Oak Ranch was also a location.
Zorro took place here…
Same Bridge -Hazzard County. This lot was a frequent location in this series. Usually, scenes filmed here end up being mixed with The Burbank Studios Backlot.
John Schneider at Gold Oaks. This car usually is going high speed at this location.
Double vision…off to Golden Oaks we go!
You can never have enough action cars…
This show went through a lot of cars if you remember this hit T.V show.
Lunch is served -to a couple of trespassers…
Life is good here–maybe I’ll find some Gold!
Myself, my Sheltie- Grady-this dog caught frisbees par excellence.. Jimmy, my trespassing buddy for well over a decade took this photo. This day we added another studio to our resume.
There’s Gold in these hills.
March 9, 1842 Don Francisco Lopez became rich!Hence-Golden Oak Ranch
My history here started with a trespass in 1982
My pictures take you along with me on another trespass. I had no background information as we arrived at an open main gate. Lucky for us, filming was taking place, so traffic coming through the main gate was allowed. Just wave “hello” and don’t come to a complete stop. That’s how you trespass… in a car!
I’m 22 and my friend Jimmy and need a backlot fix. Having been to all the major studios, several times-Jimmy suggested “Let’s try Placerita Canyon, there’s a studio out that way.” We arrive in a VW Square back with a dog anxiously waiting in the backseat. With filming taking place, we feel right at home. Actors in civil war costumes provide atmosphere and a female, playing Scarlett O’Hara is wondering in a field. Within an hour of our arrival, lunch is served.
This is how this trespass begins on a ranch we have yet to explore. After a filling lunch, and a brief nap-we soldier on. Nothing is more fun than exploring sets for the first time. The only guard is at the main gate. We look old enough to be crew, and I doubt this ranch gets trespassed much-if ever.
Here are some facts about this place we had no idea of at the time we first visited. Walt DisneyProductions leased this land for the Mickey Mouse Club-“Adventures of Spin and Marty” in the 1950’s. The company bought the 315 acre ranch in 1959. More land was acquired and quickly, this movie ranch increased to 890 acres. That’s bigger than any studio or film ranch.
The gold found on this site started the California Gold Rush. A heliport exists here, two creeks, a waterfall, and several Western sets. In May 2013, Disney expanded with 6 new stages and offices. this site would be named Disney/ABC Studios, at The Ranch.
Desperate Housewives was a show on ABC that was a staple on Sunday nights for 8 years. All episodes were filmed at Universal Studios because Disney in Burbank did not have the capacity for this humongous T.V series. Often, they had 6 stages on the Universal Lot and an entire street on the backlot. This show had 2 sometimes 3 basecamps. It was the biggest thing going at Universal.
Because it’s Disney, tour guides were instructed not to mention it, Universal will not promote Disney. But they will cash their checks, this was the most expensive series on television for 8 years. So as trams passed by, the show stuck signs up promoting themselves “Desperate Housewives” as the guides remained silent on orders from upper ups.
Finally after year 8 completed, ABC /Disney Ranch built facilities took move the show to this ranch. They built another Wisteria Lane out at the Placerita location and the Golden Egg Universal that pumped extraordinary rental fees into their coffers dried up. Marc Cherry, the show creator, surprisingly pulled the plug on the series before ever filming at the ranch. The ratings were great, but he had some problems brewing with the girls. Nicollette Sheridan had a 20 million dollar lawsuit against him, pitting cast members against each other.
I lived that turmoil, I often received emergency calls to power up separate make rooms because the girls were having cat fights. The girls were jealous of perks others received, motor homes had to be top quality, every girl thought she was the rating draw. Oh what fun that series was. I have seen Ms. Sheridan pull up in a Ferrari, wearing practically nothing, go inside her make up tent, only to get into it with Teri Hatcher. No one was sure who the star was. Teri Hatcher was the big name, but Eva Longeria rose to stardom on this series.
Each year, heads got bigger and bigger finally pushing Marc Cherry to fold his hand and the anxiously awaited move to Golden Oaks Ranch never took place…
Universal Studios European Village in the 1930’s era…Sets I would never get to explore.
1967-Sets affected that remained for decades more, include The Court of Miracles, buildings closest and not entirely engulfed and Spartacus Square. In this photo, a section of buildings on right of frame would remain standing. Paint, wood and stucco would repair the cosmetics as firefighters preserved the integrity of the stairway leading up to the structure itself.
The rooftops I’m on in this picture were built to replace the buildings devastated by the fire.the 1987 fire. This section burned twice, 67 and 87. Construction would start immediately after clean up. The buildings on the left -across the way are in pictures where fire department was battling the blaze. They saved the front side and that street was repaired. Spartacus-most distant- right side of frame avoided any damage.These rooftops pictured-have burned down twice.
Both sides of street burned below me, the cobblestone road is original as buildings went up in foot print of original.
You can see this building from rooftop pics-notice the gated columns. Building salvaged and repaired.
Same building in flames 40 years later…Dressed for- Monuments of Men. A George Clooney film 2014
Buildings in Spartacus Square that survived and were repaired. No longer do they exist, Sound Stages fill this area now.
This building survived and was repaired…Same courtyard, fire department is seen battling in 1967.
Universal color photos from Company 51, Our Emergency Fire Department on the lot.
Spartacus- not touched but as close as you can be. This photo is “Berlin” in Monuments of Men. 2014. Spartacus was torn down, deemed unsafe by the fire department.- I can vouch for that, we had electrical panels on the backside where we ran cables for lighting and transportation power, The floor caved in on me one evening carry a heavy load of electrical cables. Wolfgang Puck Food and Wine festivals used this section of the backlot for magnificent parties. All the food and wine you could handle, entertainment, fancy lighting and movie props, such as statues, sarcophagus’s, chariots, and harems. An annual huge event…some buildings deemed unsafe basically ended this event. Now, brand new stages stand in this area.
Spartacus Set survived as flames surrounded it.In the two New York Street fires I experienced, helicopters were key to saving the lot, especially the film vaults. The main focus was film storage and water dropping helicopters filled up “rapid fire” from our Red Sea. Our lake helped fight these fires.
Spartacus Set-The Long Building in right of frame with a dirt road behind it miraculously survived this event. Universal Studios hosted a party sponsored by Wolfgang Puck, annually, called an American Food and Wine Festival. Mood Lighting, Music, Set Decorations, Spirits and Gourmet Food awaited you. Often used for Basecamps, trailers and tents packed this square. No longer exists…
I would guess this is after the 67′ fire. Everything is exactly detailed as it was. every doorway had an electrical panel inside. Called shore power, we could handle large events here power wise, plus, we back it up with generators in case something gets over amped!The show must go on…
Replacements of what burned down…
“And on my side of the tram”…I did this a thousands times at least….Trams exiting the Parting of the Red Sea next will end up here…
My focus of amazement is not the fire itself, it’s the Showboat in the Black Lagoon. McHale’s Navy filmed in this quadrant of the backlot from 1962 to 1966. In fact, I see P.T. Boats next to a structure we called the Snow House. Fake snow was stored inside. The River Boat would be relocated for a Studio Tour highlight at the opposite end of this lake. The lagoon branches off the lake. This is also where The Parting of the Red Sea animation on your Glamour Tram Tour would be built. The sea would part and trams would drive through here on the way to European Street. That Showboat had 3 separate locations on this lake that I know of. It was not seaworthy when I explored it. This Showboat, Lagoon, and The Parting of the Red Sea no longer exist. The Lagoon became a Satellite Farm for large Satellite Dishes for NBC to broadcast live.
Everything with a gray roof pictured here is a rebuild. Fringe sets, farthest away survived fire.
Court of Miracles is about to become engulfed.
This alley still stands today- all this burned in 1967.
Cobblestone still remains from this fiery event. Castle from TheScorpion King.
This “Court of Miracles” area is often used for catering-tents, tables and a nearby catering truck circle the fountain. A nice place to eat!
It’s a miracle what this fountain has “lived” through…
Our fountain survived the fire, and sits in The Court of Miracles to this day. The most special “prop” on the backlot. It has four flying Lions, and has been used in everything from Monster Movies to Playboy shoots. This fountain has seen it all!
Court of Miracles fountain withstood this holocaust but this village burned. The building in background is the final stop of the Universal Train used in all our old westerns. The tracks continually do a slight curve to give impression they disappear into the frontier. I will take down those tracks in future post.
That’s where my beloved fountain was located in the 1967 Fire.
Every picture tells a story…Be Cautious and follow me, this is my home away from home!
Let’s begin in a blaze of fire-1967. Historic sets, chateaus, and villages, areas most utilized in classic Universal Monsters Films. Chew on that for a moment.
Strange Things Lurk Here
The staple of Universal Pictures, Monsters roamed freely here. It’s almost fitting these ghosts from the past disappeared in one flaming afternoon. Only they didn’t die, nothing really dies around here…it’s the very place I take you through today. Walk softly, trust your instincts, you’re in the footsteps,,, of Monsters.
Two stages still exist that were used in Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi films-a third, Stage 28, the most haunted of all-has been removed- willingly by NBC Universal. Shame on them, you have unleashed a curse! Stage 12 and 27 remain as testament to studio origins.
Monsters are our Friends
Personally, I would have made Stage 28 the defacto museum of Universal history. The Paris Opera House was built inside and these walls from the Original Phantom of the Opera have been witness to all our history.
Better known as- The Glamour Tram. Celebrating 60 Years on the Backlot
Who Didn’t watch- The Munsters.
Even the Beatles watched them– then they all met in person when the Beatles played in Dodger Stadium in 1965. Unable to book hotels because of potential of being over run, Founder Lew Wasserman put them up here at Universal. If you do not know-MCA stands for Music Corporation of America. That’s who signed my paychecks -those three formidable letters. Monsters and Rock Stars united. A decade later Paul McCartney would return with new friends who love monsters…
Everyone loves our Monsters…
Even Steven Spielberg...This Frankenstein set is located inside Amblin Entertainment. Steven always uses our oldest biggest stages- where all our monster history took place on the front lot.
Let’s Tour the Backlot Sets used in these iconic films…
“All Aboard-I’ll Drive!”
No Smoking is the first rule you will hear from these pretty ladies. To build up enthusiasm, guides are provided “call sheets” to point out who and what we may run into on today’s tour. In 1967-these were the studio productions…
Tram Keeps a Rollin…
After a leisurely tour outside stages we enter the backlot. “All original streets back then.”The P.T. Boat 73- from McHale’s Navy still sits in the lagoon after the show was canceled,” points out our beautiful Glamour Tram Tour Guide. Let’s push on through the Red Sea- ‘Part the Waters Everybody.”
“My cue” to activate the genie that triggers a drain to lower the water level.
“Ahead you see trailers that are used as dressing rooms during filming.” says our expert sitting next to me.
Sometimes – the water level is higher than other times creating severe drag on these vehicles that carry 125 passengers. With wet tires and wet roadways from previous trams ahead of us-this can be a “spinning tire- 16 wheel battle.” On the other side is our Little Europe Set, Spartacus, and the Court of Miracles.
As Blood, Sweat and Tears would sing back then “Spinning Wheel got to go ’round.” No truer words here…I sang that in my head. High water level also sometimes snagged women’s purses if they were on the steel plated floor. Once that happened on my tram with cash spreading into lagoon. The Tour Guide warns you to not leave things on the floor before proceeding through-“So we’re covered-pay attention!”
What a difference a year makes, Red Sea Location – Right before the 1967 Fire McHale’s Navy was still on the air. Dry docked in photo on the right. The Creature from The Black Lagoon set became the Parting of the Red Sea for a rapidly and successfully developing Universal Studio Tour.
“Are those flames ahead ?”
Our vintage tour ends here in the first big Universal Backlot Fire. I saw three huge backlot fires in my career. Two on New York Street and one in our European street area featured today. That was quickly contained limiting damage, so fact is -this area burned again in 1987. It was contained to 4 structures and rebuilt very quickly.
A rare postcard I own showing the filming of Gone With the Wind. Notice the Main Lot studio water tower is seen peeking through the trees.
All that remains of the famous Backlots in Culver City are dirt, a few trees which bordered these backlots which escaped demolition and a fossil footprint which can be seen looking down from Baldwin Hills or Google Maps.
50 years later, I still walk these areas each morning with my dog Thora. My morning walk takes me down through the Studio Estates housing complex, formerly MGM Backlot #2; then down Ince Blvd to the Warehouses which were built over the 40-acre backlots.
I have a passion for Motion Picture Archeology, and I’ve always wondered “How much of these backlot sets are still buried underground? Was it easier to bury some of it than haul it away?
There are a number of pictures from 1976 which show the 40-acres backlot completely demolished and leveled out other than a pile of bricks and concrete. What sets would actually use real bricks, since most of these sets were never built to last?
The answer to this is simple. Wilbur Kurtz, who was hired on as an Artist and Historian during the production of Gone With the Wind states: The majority of Tara was built with composition board “the kind you find at Sears”. Only the brick columns and floor of the front porch were actually brick and mortar. Bingo!
You’ll see in the pictures of this post that the brick and concrete moldings, which I covered on a prior GWTW post, match up perfectly with the columns of Tara. Now, what I’d like to find out is… are the columns still buried there?
I’ve narrowed down the current location of the columns using before and after pictures, and call me crazy, but I for one, would love to rent an Excavator and dig up a section of the parking lot to see if they’re still there! Is anyone down for a dig?
Story written and lived by Donnie Norden
A 1939 Publicity still showing the real brick columns
Desi Arnez Life magazine, 1959. Tara is nearly see-through from decay in the background.
Here’s a great shot of the Tara brick columns in rubble taken in 1976. Notice the moulding is a match.
Another shot of the Tara columns with the Studio in the background.Same studio water tower in the 1st picture of this post.
An aerial shot of the backlot showing Tara (yellow arrow) and the A-frame house (red arrow) to line it up
That same A-frame house can be seen here in 1976 and today. The yellow arrow is our estimated Dig Point!
Vivien Leigh on the porch of Tara in 1939 and below her, the same angle in 1959 in decay.
Another angle of the Tara columns (B&W) taken toward Baldwin Hills, and the Tara location today.
David O. Selznick in deep thought wondering…. Should Donnie go there late at night and dig it up?
Ingrid Bergman in 1943 posing in front of Tara. Tara can be seen later in many movies and television shows.
David O. Selznick standing inside the Atlanta Depot. The majority of the sets he built on the 40-acre backlot remained in use for nearly 30 years.
Thanks for reading! For more backlot adventures, check out my newly released book on Amazon. Phantom of the Backlots Presents: Uninvited Visitor https://a.co/d/eRTFLsy
Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks posing for a publicity shot in front of their new studio in 1922
Movie stars and executives of United Artist Corporation. Ca. Nov. 10, 1930. L-R: Al Jolson, Mary Pickford, Ronald Colman, Gloria Swanson, Douglas Fairbanks, Joseph Schenck (Pres,. And Chrm.), Charlie Chaplin, Samuel Goldwyn, Eddie Cantor
Pickford Fairbanks Studio, 1923 Santa Monica, with Film sets for the Thief of Bagdad
A rare employee badge circa 1920’s from United Artists
The front enterance to United Artists on Formosa Ave.
The Mill and Carpenter shop at United Artist Studios. These skilled craftsman would build Greek Palaces, Arabian Mosques to French Villages.
Look what those carpenters built! Filming taking place on the backlot for Thief of Bagdad starring Douglas Fairbanks.
In April 12, 1955, Samuel Goldwyn takes over the lot
After six years of anonymity, the Samuel Goldwyn Studios got its name back today when the veteran producer replaced the huge sign over the main gate. This action followed Goldwyn’s successful bid of $1,920,000 in Superior Court yesterday, winning complete ownership of the studio, including Mary Pickford’s former interest. Prior to 1949, Goldwyn occupied the studio on lease, during which time the sign graced the top of the main gate. When the lease expired in that year, it marked the start of the litigation between Goldwyn and Miss Pickford, which was finally reolved. Goldwyn is at right watching the progress. April 21, 1955.
A nice shot of the front gate enterance
Samuel Goldwyn Studios taken June 1, 1941
Look at those cars!
Interior shot of the lot then and now.
Font enterance then and now.
May 6, 1974 A fire destroyed two sound stages at the Samuel Goldwyn Studios and caused major darnage in the executive, offices of producers and writers. The fire was under control after almost three hours at the studio, home lotof several independent motion picture and television producers.
Q.M- Quin Martin casting foreground, became “Love Boat.” The fire broke out at a sound stage during the taping of a children’s show. The set was a ‐Cave used in the show “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,” a Sid” and Marty Krofft production for television. About 60 studio workers and cast members were on the set when, according to one report, sparks from a stage light ignited Combustible material.
Nothing like “Top Flight Detective Actors” to solve a mystery.
Buddy Ebsen or Barnaby Jones, this hit T.V series was affected by yet another studio fire. I miss T.V Guides, the Guides were better than shows on T.V today. “I’ll just read thank you, you keep the remote.” Looks like Barnaby is looking for clues of the fire’s origin…
Opened its doors in 1939, right across the street from Goldwyn Studios. Frequent visitors include Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and Ava Gardner, Keenan Wynn, Even Elvis Presley and James Dean popped in. John Wayne passed out in one of the Red Leather Booths only to wake up and cook himself breakfast in their kitchen. This was the go to joint when working ‘The Lot.”
Formosa Cafe-John Wayne once passed out here. When he woke up “after cafe closing” he made himself eggs in the kitchen. Elvis frequented here and practically everybody that worked at U/A, Goldwyn, Warner Hollywood etc. You could stumble back to work it was so close.
Thanks for reading! For more backlot adventures, check out my newly released book on Amazon. Phantom of the Backlots Presents: Uninvited Visitor https://a.co/d/eRTFLsy
Back in 1982, I begin my tale…
Having worked for MGM Film Labs until they officially went out of business, I was in need of a job. I applied with all the studios and was accepted in an apprenticeship program for IBEW Studio Electricians. Problem was-no openings were available. As time marched on- I also applied to all Local Law Enforcement Agencies, Fire Departments and Utility Companies.
Lo and behold, The Southern California Gas Company offered me a solid package I accepted. I was there physically, but mentally I wanted to start my apprenticeship, sooner not later. Ironically, I was assigned to Hollywood Base, located off Formosa Street, across from-at the time-Warner Brothers Hollywood Lot, better the former Goldwyn Studios.
I chose “Distribution,” rather than “Customer Service,” for training I could use elsewhere, like at the studios. I received a commercial drivers license first, driving heavy equipment to local job sites in Hollywood. We even put in a gas service for this studio on S.M Blvd. Casting for the “LoveBoat” was a thing to behold as gals lined up, scantly clad, hoping to break in to Hollywood Television.
Bring on the Cattle Calls…
Every morning it seemed, a line would formCasting for the “LoveBoat”cause was a thing to behold as gals lined up, scantly clad, hoping to break in to Hollywood Television and Film. My Pal Jimmy and I walked this same studio perimeter in the 70’s, looking for a way in. But, while doing our surveillance, we became disengaged because they had “No Backlots.” The studio was worthless for exterior set exploration. We want “Sets!”
As we prepared for work, across the street from showbiz, we would slowly exit down Formosa looking at all the “pretty girls.” This successful series followed Fantasy Island on Saturday nights.We jokingly casted “our own selections” from the cab of our own fleet. Later in the afternoon, we would return dirty and grungy from jackhammering pavement, digging in dirt, and welding on live gas mains. Manly Man stuff that I figured would help me get the dream job I desired ..
My ticket to showbiz
Well not glamorous- but hard work usually always pays off. In the studios, my duties would involve four unions. Teamsters to drive equipment to and from, Metal Shop for pipe work. Electrical when generators are used, and Laborers for all things physical. 4 studio unions would be involved on things we did daily as one union.
My Escape
An add popped up in the Newspaper, remember those? Jobs offered to drive Universal Studio Glamour Trams. Not wishing to wait out for my electrical apprenticeship, I applied and was rewarded with a studio job I could only have dreamed of -driving trams the length of a boat.
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…
1927– Welcome to United Artist Studio Corp. Charlie Chaplin was the key to this Independent as was Buster Keaton.
The General -1926…Buster Keaton
Pioneer film making that can’t be beat!–The General-1926
Not scale-Not CGI-“We don’t even know what that is yet” – Just a real train on a real wood bridge with a little dynamite to send things in motion..
Nothing like the real thing…1926-Cottage Grove, Oregon
Cottage Grove, Oregon location…
In 1924, Mr Goldwyn would become the founder of MGM
Thomas Ince built this Colonnade in Culver City and it was his Triangle Studios- first, but he got a sweetheart deal down the street from here thanks to founder, Harry Culver. This pioneer is who Harry loved the most. Samuel Goldwyn would take this over afterwards. All things leading up to the merger of the best of all studios…MGM!
Samuel Goldwyn would ring lead cross town to Culver City as founder of the consortium known as Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer. In 1981- MGM would acquire United Artists and has much of the library that another mogul-Ted Turner would purchase this library and TCM was born. The greatest movie channel ever devised. The only channel many of us watch- besides T.V Land. I worked at MGM in 1981 in their Film Lab. I was so proud… I was earning paychecks with the MGM logo after a decade of trespassing their lots. Moral to the story-“Don’t give up your dreams, the Universe works with you if you just let it!”MGM Film Labs, do to contracts lasted longer than MGM department. Lorimar was briefly running the place. Our shows at that time were Little House on the Prairie, Fame, Chips, Dallas and Victor Victoria. Michael Landon, well he’s the coolest guy on the lot. I met him at the guard shack, chatting with my guard friends. Larry Hagman was high profile and would often drink over at The Backstage, a watering hole across from the “South Gate” on Culver Blvd. Combat stars would drink there at ‘wrap,” the shot glasses were lined up waiting for our war hero’s.
Charlie Chaplin, Ronald Coleman, Douglass Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, D.W Griffith are the founders of United Artists in Hollywood on Santa Monica Blvd and Formosa Avenue.
Buddy Ebsen or Barnaby Jones, this hit T.V series was effected by yet another studio fire. I miss T.V Guides, the Guides were better than shows on T.V today. “I’ll just read thank you, you keep the remote.” Looks like Barnaby is looking for clues of the fires origin…
Bring in the Detectives Please…
Nothing like “Top Flight Detective Actors” to solve a a mystery.
This set burned down- Sometimes I don’t think the studios care when sets that are old burn, cheaper than demolition and we need area for new sets. Studio Executives are detached from sentimental journeys. We want Fresh Money!
Opened its doors in 1939, right across the street from Goldwyn Studios. Frequent visitors include Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and Ava Gardner Even Elvis Presley and James Dean popped in. John Wayne passed out in one of the Red Leather Booths only to wake up and cook himself breakfast in their kitchen. This was the go to joint when working ‘The Lot.”
A Formosa Cafe moment – A Marilyn Monroe Birthday Party.
Samuel Goldwyn Studios looks down on this iconic establishment.Both entity’s still remain.You too-can have a Martini and dinner. The Studio is now called…The Lot.
Formosa Cafe–John Wayneonce passed out here. When he woke up “after cafe closing” he made himself eggs in the kitchen. Elvis frequented here and practically everybody that worked at U/A, Goldwyn, Warner Hollywood etc. You could stumble back to work it was so close.
Trivia –Every Studio has a bar just outside its gates, that’s a fact. I’ve been to them all, they even let in minors to watch the adults. Dark, sleazy, places your mother would not go. A minor, on a stool with a glass of orange juice under a haze of thick tobacco smoke. As pool gets played on tables that our crooked or ripped. “Donald Sr -where is our son, he was with you in the car” a conversation between my parents I’ve heard. “You didn’t bring Donnie here did you- you better not have” as I hide under a table. Mom knew where to find dad at certain times.
Let’s begin here-1981- MGM /United Artists
I worked at MGM in 1981 in their Film Lab. I was so proud… I was earning paychecks with the MGM logo after a decade of trespassing their lots. Moral to the story-“Don’t give up your dreams, the Universe works with you if you just let it!” MGM Film Labs, do to contracts lasted longer than MGM department. Lorimar was briefly running the place. Our shows at that time were Little House on the Prairie, Fame, Chips, Dallas and Victor Victoria. Michael Landon, well he’s the coolest guy on the lot. I met him at the guard shack, chatting with my guard friends. Larry Hagman was high profile and would often drink over at The Backstage, a watering hole across from the “South Gate” on Culver Blvd. Combat stars would drink there at ‘wrap,” the shot glasses were lined up waiting for our war hero’s.
This box remains with me today as a souvenir from my “Tour of Duty” at MGM/UA. Inside, pictures of MGM. I have box loads. That picture with the light outside my old “back cottage” says 56th Precinct. Off a show titled Popi, seen here lighting up my backyard…MGM Laboratories. A story for another time, quite an experience.
Yet another film reel container from a James Bond film “Moonraker” produced by MGM U/A. Technicolor was located on the Universal Lot and all the naughty chemicals used in these labs were dumped run the L.A River at that studio. That’s why it was built alongside the channel, easy disposal.Now NBC News sits where Technicolor stood. All those slides are MGM and will be in my Picture Book of my “El Supremo” picture stash of Studio Backlots. Yes-it will be in color with a Hard Cover. My life in pictures…”Holy Shit Batman”
Out of Business …Do to no fault of mine, the desert sands shifted. MGM as we knew it was officially done.
Like a desert horizon void of water, it was time to do something else. Poisonous snakes were everywhere it seemed. It’s not easy to get jobs at the studio, so I applied for Police and Fire Department jobs in surrounding cities. I looked into stunt work, did some cool extra work, but it was the Southern California Gas Company that threw me out a solid contract. I accepted, and wouldn’t you know it, I wanted Santa Monica Base-since I lived in S.M at that time having just been married. But I was assigned to Hollywood Base, on Formosa. Just behind The Formosa Cafe and alongside The Warners Hollywood Studio. This was the former Goldwyn Studio looking down on us.
I had to watch “Cattle Calls” sometimes a block long, of pretty girl behind pretty girl “demonstrating their abilities” while trying to catch the fancy of casting directors. This line took forever to move as truck after truck of heavy equipment moved slowly down Formosa Avenue checking out who we would choose for what- Only the Lord knows…
I had taken tests for IBEW Local 40-Studio Electrician and was accepted to be a trainee but, there were no openings. I had to wait my turn, so I did this “manly man” job, working on live Gas Mains around Hollywood. Funny thing is in the studios, the jobs requirements at So Cal Gas equal 4 different unions in the studios. Here, we just wear 4 different hats and flame retardant clothing.
Teamsters, Laborers, Welders, and Electricians would be required in the studios, due to Unions- here “it’s just me and my crew leader.” I learned a lot and am thankful for it- but I wanted to be in Showbiz. I was reminded of that every time I went down Formosa. We return to base all worn out & filthy, while the studio side of the street was all smiles and kisses…just a typical days work trying to get a part on Love Boat. The most famous Party Boat in Hollywood History!
A very successful series that ran from 1977 to 1986. Basically “Love‘ sums it all up.
Casting –Little Mermaids-Where’s Mary Pickford? All So happy and full of energy.A very difficult search that’s going to take some time- says every “Male Casting Director.”
I Want Some Kisses… Too
Rumor has it -Cocaine is rampant.Not at the Gas Company-we get tested,but across the street in those long lines of females at that studio. “Producers help enable this conduct”according toLauren Tewes one of the stars.
Samuel Goldwyn wouldn’t do that…
Whose “High” in these following pictures
How come my gums are so numb?
I’m not sure” answers Margot Kidder, another regular at ‘The Lot”… “Can I borrow some clothes?” Superman even looks like-A person of interest. ” Fly a Straight line for me-Mr Clark – S”
The joke was the “Love Boat” smuggled drugs. Probably as accurate as it is funny. Cocaine flourished at the studios. I have stories with top actors at Universal heavily under the influence, witnessed by myself-first hand from my predecessors. Parties are legendary,
Cheech and Chong/ The Blues Brothers had a ” combined wrap party” that’s better than their movies. The stage was-Up in Smoke so to speak. Kids, well they had their own stage to play on so grown ups could “chill privately” – the kids weren’t allowed on the party stage. They had plenty of gadgets and gizmos on the stage next door, popcorn and clowns were provided to keep their little minds occupied. The studios are experts own keeping everybody happy. This was the most talked about party from insiders who lived it.
Tram Drivers and Tour Guides often lacked scruples and tuned up together before heading into the cockpit of our vehicle- tours were better that way. The kennel where the guests “dogs are boarded” doubled as a “last chance saloon.”… If those dogs could talk!
Let’s not forget the bands that played The Universal Amphitheater, no rules apply where the Red Carpet connects to the “Green Room.” The holding area where Rock Stars anxiously wait to go on stage while downing expensive and hard to get liquors, pallets full of Heineken beer , and piles of white powder. All was provided and considered a must it this holding area.
You had to feel it -to sing it.
I know I’ve been all over the Boat with this story and this iconic studio -but I’m never coming back here so lets- let it – all hang out-right! I’ve just been connecting lines and dots. I would soon get my invitation to party, not on a boat, but a tram that’s- as long as a boat.
Universal Studios hires me to be Captain of my own Ship… The Glamour Tram– All Aboard Ladies!
Vasquez Rocks-Santa Clarita, Calif….A popular backdrop for cowboys.
No truer words…
I’m a Rhinestone Cowboy
Laramie Street, The Burbank Studios–1982
1975pictureof mine–Speaking of “Fall Guy,” as I took this photo, the roof caved in on this set on Laramie Street. I dangled precariously as only my camera case attached to my body kept me from falling 3 stories down. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get out of this predicament, I was on the roof by myself, no one was going to save me. Carefully edging my way back up, inches at a time, I could see the length of the street with my upper torso while my legs dangled above a dirt interior 3 stories down.When I finally finessed my way free “like the Milton Bradly board game Operation” and safely went down the ladder, I looked up at the sky through a new Hole in the Roof. Take that Lee Majors, I was a 15 year old Fall Guy, I think there are child laws against that!
The Saloon would receive a major remodel by 1982.
Singing “Water Cool Water”
Howie shoots Triggerwhile practicing his “draw”
Often employees and even The Cast of The Waltons referred to the area surrounding their family home as a jungle. On today’s adventure, this is NOT VIRGINIA!
After the Waltons were evicted- a cartel of sorts moved in. Recognize this house?–This is now Singapore for the series Bring Em Back Alive.
Meanwhile…at the former Walton House. That home is covered with rusty corrugated steel, ferns and palm trees. The Walton Family Home now looks like a South American drug lab. This series is titled Bring em Back Alive. A Golden Triangle is recreated on The Burbank Studios backlot
The jungle has cable running through it as this area is being rigged by seat lighting. Set decorations include spears and canoes, motorbikes, and cages. Where Singapore ends, the old west begins at TBS. Ike Gotsy’s is now a store in Asiaselling jungle provisions.
Get your “Jungle Merchandise” here…The TBS Art Department slapped up some corrugated rusty steel and tropical vegetation to transport us to another continent. Fantasy Island was also a very popular jungle type series going on at the same time at The Burbank Studios.
Example of…Rusty steel and thatched reeds quickly and cheaply cover up previous conservative set designs.This picture I took on the Columbia Ranchon the set of Fantasy Island.
“Keep that Tiger off our set,” warns Roy Rogers. “Trigger don’t like Big Cats!”
You can see the parachute under his blue blazer coat.
Now a days – this is CGI… Stuntmen are getting squeezed and A.I will only reduce the need for Hollywood Stuntmen.
This action all takes place in the opening credits…Live and Let Live
Live and Let Die…
The Life of a Hollywood Stuntman…
Farah Fawcett and The Flying Nun, Sally Field- love Stuntmen..
Donnie’s notes begin like The Jungle Book...At this time and date, Jimmy and I appear- in a Asian Jungle.
Slowly but surely, Jimmy and I climb a backlot fence with a posted sign-Trespassers will be Prosecuted. We use this section as our main entrance when trespassing- The Burbank Studios. Nothing has changed on this tree lined residential street that we scouted out many years ago while exploring for access to this backlot. We determined back in 1974, this was the safest, most practical entrance because of its isolated location. The neighborhood’s upscale homes and living rooms stare directly at the ivy covered chain link fence that protects this studio from- people like me.
These residents can be watching an episode of The Waltons on their T.V sets while also looking at rooftops and partial side angles Ike Godsey’s and The Walton family home. Sounds easily carry from inside the lot when filming. These our the real neighbors and whose everyday life combines in synchronicity with the large T.V family across the street from their homes and T.V sets.
We are seasoned veterans now, and we never met a fence we could’t climb. But now, we are adults. The good news is we look like we work here, once we’re inside anyways. The bad news is we are 22 and 24 years old respectively. We will no longer receive a “minor” get out of jail free card. We most likely will beprosecuted. Well, nothing ventured-nothing gained!
Jimmy climbs first, we go one at a time- do to- “fence wobbling.” As he climbs, I watch the neighborhood carefully to see if …we’re being watched!
Jimmy takes about 3 minutes, that’s professional grade when fences have barb wire on the top. The point of No Return, you’re committed. My turn now, I stick one tennis shoe in between the fence holes that allow us to see inside while pulling myself upwards with my right hand and right foot pushing upwards for leverage to reach the top. It’s here that you turn into a sloth, extreme eye/ hand coordination is necessary at this point, touching the barb wire is necessary, just avoid- the barbs.
This is much more dangerous climb at night, you do what you gotta do around here.
Once past the the sharp barbs, you jump and free fall into tall grass in a safe jungle setting, landing behind The Waltons hen house and tool barn. A tiny shed allows for cover. “My how things have changed” we immediately notice. We stare out a doorway as workers are moving around greens and shrubbery in a house we no longer recognize. If only The Waltons could see their former residence now…
Rusted corrugated steel covers what once was…The Waltons House. Today, it looks like a jungle drug lab. Another thing we notice is the tree house is gone. The Waltons were canceled in June of 1981, this area is now fair game for all things The Burbank Studios needs sets for. Motor bikes with leather bags attached have replaced the cars we once drove around here. This is a Hollywood jungle set.
Universal Studios also has one of these sets going on in their backlot. Tales of the Golden Monkey is filmed there, we just trespassed that set last Friday night. A crashed airplane in the Universal jungle, located alongside the Black Lagoon, had a skeleton pilot in the cockpit. Natives in war paint and armed with spears pull up in canoes to examine the wreck. Jimmy and I began this hobby long ago in a jungle used by Tarzan and Johnny Weissmuller over at MGM. We are like a couple of Johnny Quest expeditionists…we have even explored the ultimate jungle-Skull Island.King Kong lives there.
Movie jungles are our friend…
We see cages for large game in an unoccupied part of this TBS jungle. An animal handler is working/ rehearsing a “Big Cat,” before the actors arrive. It’s like we have arrived on the set of The Jungle Book. We have no choice but to walk in front of grips, electricians and drivers if we want to explore more of the backlot. We ask a laborer what this show is and we are told “Bring Em’ Back Alive,” a new T.V series. Everyone is busy here so we move on into a jungle being rigged with electrical power.
Canoes, rafts and cages make this area appear like The Jungle Cruise at Disneyland.The only thing missing arethe Macaws.
We take time out here, manning a canoe, we gently float out in this the most tiny of backlot ponds. Just because we can. Workers return from lunch on bicycles and race each other around this cement edge, one guy has his tire slip and he falls in the water…every one laughs and shouts unflattering jokes. Jimmy and I find a beer can in the jungle and contort it into a pipe with just a couple quick tweeks and a nail, which are everywhere, to put holes into it for inhalation. We are ready to smoke some “high grade” weed. Standard procedure on these backlots, beer can pipes. We find them a lot., including in The Walton home. We gotta feeling that’s what these guys were up to.
Cowboy On…
We have no idea what’s next as we pony up to western street. We pass the former Ike Godsey ‘s country store and it’s now been reclaimed by the jungle. Reeds, rusted steel, now cover it. More interesting is the horses we see tied up to a horse carrying trailer. We gotta cowboy movie going on, just out view. Western sets have their own horse smell. We probably kinda smell just like these four legged T.V stars- we are now petting.
Transportation trucks parked near by indicate this is a 20th Century Fox show and before you know it- we cross paths with a star. Jimmy and I say “Hi” to Howie, Douglass Barr. He is sitting outside the saloon reading his lines in the script. “Love this show Howie!” I retort. “I love everything right now” is how I feel.
Across the way is Lee Majors joking with a very pretty woman, this guy is a chick magnet. We let him be because we see …Roy Rodgers and his horse Trigger. It turns out the next scene is “Howie” accidentally shooting Trigger. Trigger is well versed in Falling Down, we hear from his wrangler.
So we stay around with Roy Rogers as his horse is about to get shot. We stand on gang planks alongside this most famous of cowboys wearing his very fancy boots… It’s fun being a trespasser!
What we don’t see is a caterer and these two stoned trespassing guys are getting a bit hungry. We decide to leave the old west for life around the sound stages. We walk down New York Street where for the last year Blade Runner had this entire area “locked down.” I spent over 20 nights on this crazy ass set. Spinners took off, in clouds of liquid nitrogen, with the help of a crane. Street atmosphere included ostriches, enormous snakes, crazy eyed Asians…Oh-and non stop acid rain.
Things have returned to normal on this street after a year of Ridley Scott directing Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer in a futuristic thriller that has come home to roost in 2024. A harbinger then of things to come.
As we reminisce, it does not solve our hunger. But, afraid of nothing, we pass security like we stepped out of our own movie. The Studio Commissary is still open, how cool is this, a sign says…”We arewelcome here.” I have been eating on movie sets since I was 12, but not inside a commissary. A novel thing to do, of course, since we are trespassing, this is not a free meal is the only drawback.
When in Rome or just– The Burbank Studios, I order a plate of turkey and mashed potatoes, and a piece of Boysenberry pie. We relax in quiet being the last folks inside, it’s closing time.
During our meal we plan another escapade, we’re going over to Universal Studios after leaving here, it’s right across the street, separated only by a fine restaurant-The Smoke House. We love double features. Since MGM was torn down, we get our fixes in the valley now. Backlots are everywhere out here!
Rather than risk not being able to get out where we climbed in at, we casually walk towards the main gate on Barham Blvd, waving good bye to security. MGM security knew us all to well, these guys don’t. It’s as if Jimmy and I got amnesty-the thing Alias Smith and Jones tried so hard to get. Well cowboys, we’re headed to your lot next and we got a story to tell you about Roy Rogers…Gitty Up!
I know the guards, Al Black, pictured in guard shack and MGM Lot 3 entrance. Another grizzled veteran, Les Green. Al was the most difficult guard to escape from due to his athleticism, Les, well, he may just shoot you, MGM security often used “salt rock” in the backlots…Al Black has chased me more than any guard at MGM, he never caught me, he had is hands on me as I jumped off the fence once and I needed stitches to close the gash. He was grabbing my hand right when I jumped. This is a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
My Art Department picture dated Feb 9, 1949-10 A.M, to be exact …Right side of frame has the fence and on the other side is another Eucalyptus Road in a grove on the oil field side.
Every great adventure begins with...A Hole in the Fence. The Eastern MGM border connects to the Southern border here. The fence post “rusted “is original to MGM. The wall you see was also a chain link fence back in the Backlot days.
Just ask Todd Spiegelberg about lurking dangers…The MGM Curse is still in effect...This is the area we snuck in at, the weak link in the chain of fences.I couldn’t help but laugh at his injury, he is now in the club of –Blood Brothers. We have all had bad days, it’s how you earn stripes
Roads less traveled – many still exist. Chances are, you will find me here wondering around Eternity Road. Be careful if your dog picks up the scent of Brimstone.I am the closest thing to Hyder Simpson you will ever meet.
Yellow line indicates the area most used to trespass.In a jungle know for Tarzan...We often AppearedNotice Eucalyptus Roadinside MGM, but it has a sister grove on the oil field side of the fence.
This is that Eucalyptus grove today. My dog hunts where Mr. Hyder Simpson and his dog RIP went “coon hunting” in The Twilight Zone.
Wildlife that passes by to this day include…Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, owls, Canadien Geese, ducks and Crawdaddy’s. I transported crawdad’s from MGM Lot 2, as the lake was being drained once and for all, I transferred the crawfish whose pond was turning to mud, to this MGM lake that partially still exists. Picture me on a ten speed bicycle, going back and forth down Overland with buckets of crawfish hanging on my handle bars. I was so despondent, on a mission of mercy…
A Full Moon-over MGM Lot 3
Many of these trees still exist, witness to all history, both in film and oil production. The drainage channel is here to prevent rain run off from inundating the former MGM Backlot and now it’s replacement …Raintree. This concrete catch basin was a safe refuge, like a trench in WW1. When your being pursued, this was you exit and and security unloads their weapons. Real Combat, happens here!
Original trees east border, wall replaced barb wire fence. The steel pole in the picture most right was for oil well tie downs. This was an oil field when MGM was shooting on their side of the fence. This area has had their oil wells removed that existed going back to 1924.Original trees still can be found all over this development. This lot was the first one I saw demolished, of course I was devastated.
In my MGM Art Still-notice the fence. A four footer with 3 strands of barbwire, Made to discretely blend into the landscape. WLA College lies beyond this area today. The Football Field-the team name in the 70’s, when Warren Moon, NFL Hall of Fammer was the QB, was “The Oilers.”
My first ever sneak in happened at this rock formation which of course is fake. All kinds of platforms to position actors on. Shells remained from Combat, here- and in all the French Villages in the series. That show was all things...GUNFIRE!
Eternity Lane-“Man will walk into hell with both eyes wide open…But even the devil can’t fool a Dog!” …No truer words
I live this everyday...Every dog I’ve ever had has watched this episode with me then-then we go relive it!
We Begin in an era of war, “Vietnam”- music “Woodstock” and the infamous MGM Studio Auction.
The landscape we traverse backwards through. MGM filled the 60’s with the best War TV of any studio ever by far. Combat, The Rat Patrol, Garrison’s Gorillas, and Jericho. Features include The Dirty Dozen, The Bridge at Remagen, and Kelly’s Heroes. Ice Station Zebra even filmed here on MGM Lot 3.
The gunfire these shows delivered were twice what you see on your TV screen. Reverse angles create more and more noise, machine guns, rifles and bombs. Part of growing up next to MGM, it was the hook that became overwhelming and fueled an addiction that has never stopped. I have all these series and watch stuff daily-60 years later.
What you may not realize is, half this landscape still exists. On the oilfield property and also WLA College. As flowers bloom, hummingbirds hum and butterflies flutter, I remember when gunfire was king. Upsetting and even terrifying nature’s paradise. The sounds of war are long gone, peace has been achieved.
The Eucalyptus Road was actually two roads, one existing the oil field side and the other on the MGM side of the fence. This is the jungle area of a backlot that covered 67 acres. Three of the four studio fences were framed by Eucalyptus trees. This backlot had more trees than any backlot with Universal a close second, depending on your math. Universal has the most Oak Trees.
Looking back now in a time when almost every old set in existence has been removed from our Hollywood backlots I respect something I never expected to say ” this development captured the spirit of this MGM Lot 3. A partial lake with “my generation of transported Lot 2 crawfish” and many original trees were preserved. I rescued the craw daddy’s from death when they drained the Tarzan Lake on Lot 2 and bucketed them cross town to this former MGM lake. Lot 2,Studio Estates, saved nothing, absolutely nothing.
Plaques of how things were remind all who read them of what once was. I feel like I’m at MGM Lot 3. It is embedded in my mind as if it’s still 1969.
This is 2024, Universal Studios Nissan commercial.But this lighting took me back to a feature we did here titled –Dick Tracy, back in 1990. Starring Warren Beatty and Madonna. Warm up with these first 5 car shots for what follows…
.Cut Here…Bring in Dick Tracy
The climatic shoot out, probably the best I have ever seen on this lot. A close second is City Heat starring Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds
He’s so vain, he probably thinks this song is about him!-So says Carly Simon.
1984 Brownstone Street Universal. A fun, drawn out, exchange of humor mixed with gun fire. This is the same corner Clint says ‘Do you feel Lucky Punk”
Dirty Harry 1971
Telly Savalas, Peter Falk
We are well stocked on this lot with investigators..
We begin on Universal’s original New York Street:
Uniformed officers patrolled around here back in the 70s in Dodge Darts while filming Adam-12. We had our own Fire Company and still do- Engine Company 51. The most famous fire fighters ever to step in front of a camera. We had more detectives than criminals. The one common denominator is the paved streets all this takes place on.
During the time of all these pictures I’ve displayed, they took place on our original New York City streets.Sadly it would burn down, as would its replacement 10 years later. Each rebuild took almost a year to accomplish. The job was titled The Phoenix Project. Up from the ashes we carried on.
The show must go on and this street is our big moneymaker. The best films done here were made on New York One -the original street.
I lived these fires, I have fire pictures from our Fire Department and the challenges they faced, prioritizing the film vaults that were irreplaceable. With everything bad something good surfaces often. Seeing an entire city get rebuilt in the footstep of the original was a historic site to see, the thrill of victory would once again be achieved. Fresh wood dominated the landscape and air we breathed.
To literally see massive 5 story street structures return from the ashes was similar say to a dead plant surprising you with re-life sprout again. I always wondered what it must have been like to have built this street and never figured I’d live to see- not one, but two of these Metropolis’s rebuilt.
Much of Dick Tracy is night scenes to take advantage of lighting effects. Not only were the buildings repainted in brighter hues, but colored gels were put in front of 12 K lights to illuminate these otherwise non descriptive generic streets. Watering down streets also help the color flow be reflective.
I worked days during this film and much of this show was nights. As I arrived at work, I could see the damage filmed the night before. The smells of gunpowder and rubber cement were everywhere the morning after. I could only imagine the mayhem that took place hours before… I couldn’t always be assigned to the shows I’d prefer.
A long standing production electrician and best pal-Greg Bishop, my mentor who has literally seen everything on this backlot told me the shootout he witnessed as the finally was… the most insane thing he ever witnessed on our lot. We walked the bullet ridden sets and damaged cars together while as I tried to imagine what he was saying as we explored the wreckage. Bullet holes and crashed cars litter the streets. The smell of kerosene attaches to everything.
One funny side bar, unless you’re Madonna, is the fact a Glamour Tram clipped her vintage Mercedes Benz. The car was parked outside a soundstage and the 4th car of the tram smacked her car good. That didn’t go over well. Universal flipped the bill for that expensive repair…
The steamy relationship between Warren Beatty and our singing star was in full City Heat during this project. Cherished memories would continue for me on a daily basis for decades to come, as I continue my childhood adventures as a full grown adult that now gets paid for having fun.
Phantom of the Backlots 