Our escapade today takes us through the upper sections of this aerial view. We will enter from the Ballona Creek and mosey over to the barn. No map. Donnie is my personal tour guide…
The perfect setting for a little “horsing around. ” Trespassing picture at the Columbia Ranch. Fancier than the Desilu barn…
Got to keep those trespassers out of here…
Others have been here before us…Hogan’s Heroes “How to Catch a Papa Bear” 1968
Bonanza “The False Witness” 1967.
Time Tunnel “Billy the Kid”, 1967
A bit intimidating… (photo courtesy Bison Archives)
We’re not the only ones intimidated by dogs! Hogan’s Heroes “Is There a Doctor in the House?” 1968
Hay there!
Well, the door is open… This old barn was moved here from its original location to make room for the Quonset Huts for Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. It made an appearance in the first season of Mayberry R.F.D. but the series would construct a newer barn for subsequent episodes.
Courtesy of Retroweb 40 Acres. In The Holden’s Lassie episode “Horsenappers” circa 1973, both this barn and “our barn” are featured.
Always open…
A girl a guy and a pile of hay…Watch what you wish for!
Artificial Intelligence-A.I- created this concept for this factual event. This is the NEW HOLLYWOOD!Click on photo for 10 seconds of recreation.
A romantic touch – some Fine cultured reading indeed. 40 cents CHEAP!
“It’s just the normal noises in here Lassie!“
“The Real McCoys” Yee haw!
In honor of February 14th, Maureen’s account of our date on the Desilu backlot. Happy Valentine’s Day Everybody!
Summer 1974 —
“Children, behave” That’s what they say when we’re together
– Tommy James & The Shondells
It’s 6PM and still warm outside. I told my mom I was going out with Donnie and that the movie lets out at 10:30pm. Both are true, I just didn’t mention that we’re not really going to the movies.
We make the trek across town to Desilu, I am pretty excited. Donnie has brought a knapsack this time and I’m so curious about what’s inside. The best entrance is from the creek and Donnie warns me there are attack dogs inside so be extra quiet at all times. This makes my legs a little wobbly.
Donnie shows me where Gomer Pyle’s barracks are located next to where the Hogan’s Heroes set was. We climb up the ladder of a guard tower. “What’s in the knapsack?” I ask. “Not yet,” he replies, “Hold your horses.”
We continue to explore. The sun doesn’t set until after 8:00 on these summer nights, but it is getting dark now, a reminder that time is ticking. Donnie opens the doors to a barn! I stand in shock It’s a replica of a setting that I told him about from a dime store romance novel I had read. Both of my sisters also burned through this romantasy after I was finished with it. Hot fun in the summertime.
I am overwhelmed. Down to the last detail. A barn, a pile of hay… how romantic, how thought out and sweet. All this for me? But my wave of giddiness is now being replaced with the feeling that I am walking straight into a lion’s den. Legs wobbly again.
So, now, what is in the knapsack? A small blanket, two lukewarm cans of Bud tall beers, that he swears will not be noticed missing from his dad’s collection, a flashlight, and the newest issue of Mad magazine (our favorite.) We are reading by flashlight. We put the blanket over our heads so that no guards, who may happen by, can see the light. There’s nothing more romantic than reading “Spy vs. Spy” by flashlight. Donnie turns the flashlight out. Our chemistry is dangerous and it’s hard to control. This complicates things, I think. I remind Donnie of my strict curfew. We still have to trek across town to make it home by 10:30. “Wake up little Susie!”
Donnie says he needs a minute to cool down before we run across town, secretly, I do too. Whoa Nelly! At my front steps we usually share an awkward good night kiss, but tonight our kiss conjures up all the naughty feelings inside us, all over again. He pulls the last strands of hay from my hair.
Tonight, I will revel in a romantic memory. Tomorrow, I will do my best to steer clear of the barn.
Written and lived by Maureen Miller on a night out with…Donnie Norden
This road-Ince Blvd, named after film pioneer Thomas Ince, leads to this Marine Base.
This puts the lot in perspective in the mid 1960’s. Notice the creek- that’s where we entered in my trespassing adventures. Camp Henderson starts most every visit.
You know you’ve arrived when a MP greets you and paved roads turn to dirt. This set is actually the Main Gate to enter these most historic…40 Acres
The Main Gate to 40 Acres. the guard shack pictured above is where backlot security was posted in this picture pre-Camp Henderson. These 9 square roof hatches are-The Desilu/R.K.O Film vaults in blast proof bunkers. This borders the residential streets of Van Buren and Ince Blvd.
The Batmobile should be arriving soon…The Bioscope sign as put up just for Batman in an episode that drives right behind Camp Henderson. Bioscope is known as the historical hub of silent films and news reels. I would find a Silent Film trailer 60 years after this was filmed. the trailer turns 100 years old in 2026. Marion Davies had it built. Nitrate Film from the silent days is stored within sight of this main gate. Fireproof cement bunkers protected the film and their propensity from catching fire.This simple prop reflects the depth of film history in and around these 40 Acres…
Sand Point is Camp Henderson and this set is…The Forty Acre-Desilu Guard Shack. I found this report inside this military outpost where studio backlot security operates out of- located on Ince Blvd.
Military Experiments Gone Wrong…
In this picture I took, 2 barracks are missing after collapsing. Only one full barrack stands, a front door and back door seal the barracks on the right side of the pathway. the barracks on the left have open backs as I explained earlier. The flagpole was located left side of that farthest bungalow, that one is also just a front with no backside. The guard shack is blocked by that structure and that’s the area where Sergeant Carter had his car blow up.
Ronnie Schell, Ted Bessell, and Jim Nabors inside the camp. This set was built for this television series in 1964.
Look who’s kissing ‘That Girl”- Donald Hollinger double dips TV Series at Desilu. 1966-to 1971.
Ronnie and Greg Schell, along with myself in the backseat return to Camp Henderson in 2024 to spin some tales, Ronnie teared up and told me stories of all things this series and this Desilu Studio in general. Ted Bessell was one of Ron’s very best friends as was Jerry Van Dyke.A series that never dipped below the Top Ten in ratings. A hit then and a hit now-60 years later…
Ronnie Schell – Pulling Rank!
Paramount Hollywood handled the interiors for this series- but-Thursdays and Fridays were reserved for location work at Paramount Culver City.
Across from this gas station is the Culver Hotel, a bus bench is just out of view. We often took the bus to the backlot and got off right here across the street. Culver Blvd and Van Buren.
Al Lewis pictured left-“Grandpa” on The Munsters and a prank by Sgt. Hacker that backfired. Every show that films on 40 Acres funnels down the dirt road and eucalyptus trees that hide the surroundings and leads to the main gate.
I had this lunch pail too, along with The Rat Patrol.
Ready, set ….Place your bet-Yellow Bear or Gomer Pyle.
“Slater-keep your eyes out for those ….Dogs on Duty!–One of my favorite pictures with the Baldwin Hills looking down on the lot, That’s where we watched over this lot from, Slater is following- Gomer racing Yellow Bear in an effort to settle a bet between Sergeant Carter and Sergeant Hacker.
Gomer racing Yellow Bear in an effort to settle a bet between Sergeant Carter and Sargent Hacker.
Carter bet on Hackers horse in the race…Pyle won making both Sergeant’s losers. This road borders the creek and is usually our point of entry.
Friendly Freddie hangs out at the two main gates at this camp. A woman Marine, is actually in disguise to visit her husband but can’t resist “cheap sale.”This chain link fence is Camp Henderson’s other gate, ironically, it separates two camps, the other being-Stalag 13. A row of eucalyptus trees, conceals the camps for camera angles.
Sgt. Ronnie Howard in Opie Joins the Marines.
Green recruit quite out of uniform, I wore shoes like Gomerhas on here.
What’s with this Private?
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Before the barracks were put up, this set stood here and was used in Andy Griffith. For the die hard backlot detectives-Notice the tree behind squad car. It is in every episode since it was the only tree in the camp. The Barracks were on both sides of this tree, a landmark that stayed after the backlot was torn down.It finally died on its own doing of old age-20 or so years later. A natural landmark, two more exact style of trees also were on the western street close by. We called them-The Hanging Trees, where bad folk find the end of a noose.
Before being Gomer Pyle-The Marine- he worked across this tiny dirt road at Wally’s Filling Station. The camp could not have been built any closer. Behind Gomer would become Camp Henderson.
Same area as pictured below, this is the field where military practice takes place.
This area would become Camp Henderson in 1964
Before entering…I can’t believe after all the time I spent being part of this camp I would ever meet any of the stars…especially Mr. Cool Duke Slater. God bestowed me a blessing allowing me to climb into my TV Set and let me pull out Mr. Ronnie Schell. Oh my, I will forever be grateful to experience Camp Henderson with the legend and one of the most popular actors in the 60’s. He’s in everything, not just this series, his memories and stories just moved me like a film reel being rewound to the opening credits. Never, could I possibly imagine that this young trespasser who grew up sneaking in this camp would meet this Shaman of Desilu History. I even had a Gomer Pyle lunch pail. I really enjoyed Sergeant Carter blowing his fuse- Frank Sutton played his role so well. This was my world…
We begin in the La Ballona Creek, just kids having fun on a summer afternoon kicking a can, Like the opening Credits of The Andy Griffith Show, also produced by Danny Thomas. Water in the basin is barely deep enough to float a raft as the creek current drains to the sea. Tarzan filmed across the way from this camp set in the R.K.O. version of the Legend of the Jungle.
Eucalyptus trees line the studio property on our other side. Climbing a 10-foot embankment puts you level with the trees. It’s here you scope the terrain. A dirt road separates you from the first sets you come across, which is the Quonset Huts that that make up this camp. Your first move with the coast clear is to run inside the barracks that stand open end facing the creek.
These barracks have lockers and cots inside and movie cameras easily enter through the open back end and face the front door that when open connect to the roll call center of all things barracks. This is the set where everything we do- day or night usually starts here when trespassing this wild movie ranch. What strikes all who do is fascination – the contents in one of the open-end barracks is roughly 25 TV Sets that are sitting inside. This seemed so odd, like a TV Land commercial several decades before those cable outlets even existed.
Think about it in this context, the programming used on these cable networks today was being made where we play every day. Back in the 1960’s. you only had channels 2-13. To watch Gomer Pyle, you watched channel 2-primetime. This was the era all our favorite TV shows and this backlot was a busy as any in Hollywood back in the days when TV’s replaced theater films and TV dinners replaced family table dining. TVs were like toy boxes stuffed full of images and sounds and commercials usually containing muscle cars, alcohol, and movie and TV advertisements. Everyone smoked it seemed- there were no rules against it!
Many commercials were filmed in backlots, once you dare to come inside these sets, you can’t turn the place off because when you go home and turn your TV on- there it is stating at you, the place you just left.
You have entered…The Magic Kingdom
No risk-no reward was taught to me here on these tempestuous backlots. Many friends refused to cross the line, take risk, fearing a trip to jail and the punishment they may receive- if their parents find out. I’m not that kid, I can talk my way out of most situations and when that doesn’t work-I’m a great climber and run really fast. I only had a few close friends to share this old Bioscope backlot with.
Often, I just traveled here alone which creates its own risks. If you fall through a roof for example, you may not make it out of the fall zone and worse-often there is no one inside or close to hear your pleas for help. On the Gomer Pyle sets, there is no fall danger. Unless the corrugated steel framed with 2 by 4’s inside collapses, which happened in strong winds back in 1975.
I have several friends who are a bit older and joined …The Marines!
I would give tours to actual Marines who watched this series and were inspired to join the Corps. Recruitment soared due to this series. The look on their faces might as well symbolize the raising of the American Flag after a decisive battle. They train in Pearl Harbor, Alaska, and San Diego, yet this set resonates to these highly trained warriors that look up to…Gomer Pyle.
A true Cultural Phenomenon
I saw firsthand how a television show steered a course of teenagers minds looking for adventure into the Armed Forces. I was too young to join but I felt like a soldier, especially leading soldiers around this backlot. Jim Nabors was a good friend of Rams Q.B. Roman Gabriel at this time and often would sing the National Anthem before Rams games. Jim is also known to have visited neighborhood kids at this front entrance-the Ince Gate. He loved cherry lifesavers and handed them out to the local girls trying to catch a glimpse inside. Jim would serenade and pass out treats.
From his arrival at the studio on The Andy Griffith Show-5 years later-he starred in his own series and surpassed that series in the all-important ratings game that pitted these shows against each other depending on the time slots the networks positioned you in. Mayberry R.F.D., Hogan’s Heroes, and Star Trek were stiff competitors. Needless to say, Batman surpassed all the other Superheroes, distancing itself from the first Caped Crusader known around here as Superman. Bruce Lee- “KATO” lived a short walk from here on Van Buren Ave. He had charisma and was our favorite hero- besides Batman.
My friend, neighbor, and fellow trespasser Danny Hancock was Bruce’s biggest fan. Danny has a blackbelt in Tang Soo Do and his instructor, John Natividad was in a Bruce Lee film. Instant “street cred” for John...Kato had a special something about him that transcended beyond just being a TV star-he will forever be a very special spirit. While living on Van Buren- Bruce not only a fine neighbor, he wrote his manifesto on his predicted stardom and achievements his spirit resonated. He had a big dog, a boxer, and this Desilu backlot main gate was part of his every day itinerary in the 2 years “1966-67” he lived next door to this entrance on Ince Blvd… Only the Good Die Young!
This camp is so close to the guard shack that in daytime with the gate open and shack occupied, we would avoid it as to not be seen. Escape is simple since you’re right next to the creek. I did get caught here at the edge of camp, security called the police, after a search and interrogation, the police took down our info on what we call “Scare Cards.”
We were trying to get my friends motorcycle, a Honda 350, down the embankment and back into the creek after riding around the backlot, we knew we were in trouble when the guard saw us in Mayberry. We were pretending to be Barney patrolling, when we saw the real backlot sheriff -we sped away. But reinforcements caught us right before we could wrestle this two wheeled contraption down a steep grade. There is no funner place to ride a motorcycle that this backlot.
In my book-Hole in the Fence-Maureen and I take a dirt bike down these dirt roads and city streets in a romp titled…Born to be Wild.
As we finish this tour of the camp, everything is ground level, no stairs leading up to anything or ladders. When inside a barrack, you see every hole in the sloped roof. You can see the clouds in the sky which translate to mud inside when we get rain. The only floor is by the lockers just to see floor as the door opens, the interiors get wet and smell of mold. The light is natural, no light switches, just sun through holes, windows, and doors or the open-faced backside barracks. It’s neat to see the sun’s rays protrude inward, at night moonlight replaces the sun.
The landscape behind the barracks on the North end towards Stalag 13 is green grass and eucalyptus trees, in summertime-this field dies and turns brown with tumbleweeds taking over and blowing into the old west which lies next door. This was a ranch with a studio built into it. Indians, real ones, once occupied this area below the hills and adjacent to the La Ballona Creek.
This spot where Thomas Ince met Harry Culver while filming the original creek with lush landscape on both sides. That was removed by The Army Corp. of Engineers because of flooding all things alongside this creek. Harry Culver steered Ince away from Inceville- by the sea and into a more favorable area for the westerns Ince was making.
Before Gomer’s sets were constructed, a farm was located here used in the Andy Griffith series titled “Ellie Saves a Female’
Every time we watched a rerun after school, usually sandwiched between Gilligan’s Island or The Munsters, we reenacted the scenes using this camp as fast as our bicycles could get us there. Like we had a buzz on-what we just watched we would now go-relive. You can if you listen closely, still hear Sergeant Carter yelling at Private First Class…Gomer Pyle.
Santa Clause’s Number One Reindeer, giving the gift...of LOVE!
This gift arrived to me in late summer, no batteries required.
Nico immediately had his eye on this girl named Thora, the Rottweiler – a female version of the Nordic God Thor, Both happen to be 3 years old. Thora has a thing for Huskies…
These two became attached at the hip. Side by side while eating, sleeping and all things inside or outside.
Adventure awaits..
From the desert to the sea and all locations in between is how myself and my two dogs roll. Every night is …A Three Dog Night!
Up here, we all become wildlife. Owls hoot feverishly, coyotes howl and the awakening landscape all send out their own Bat signals .
Coyotes eye my posse- Nico has a couple favorites that wish they were him.Wild Coyotes look at Nico as the King of the Mountains.
Nature works in mysterious ways. More than once, my Rottweiler has been challenged by what to her is the size of a chew toy. She stays calm as I think – “Watch what you wish for little doggy!“
This man rescues Rottweilers, The most difficult of all dogs to reboot. They take charge if you’re not up to the challenge. He has reformed over forty wonderful yet very tough souls.This man performs Miracles. Up here in the Mountains, Huskies and Rots are the most popular dogs in this wild wilderness.
Nico loves squirrel hunting, Ground squirrels, tree squirrels, He would never kill anything-just a game of -cat and mouse.
Time out- I need to eat!
Yep, we’re exhausted too…
One of the very first pictures ever of these two together. Nico’s mind is blown – this is his new life!
My daughter Christy provides Nico with a human female best friend. She took this picture in her place.
The Gift that never stops giving…Saint Nicolas.
Christmas Morning 2026
A Wonderful Life…
As I wrote this story, this was going on outside my window..”.Love Will Find a Way”
Shape Shifting Orb
Getting in Tune – to Miracles!
This Story is dedicated to Dustin Maenpa
A friend, compatriot, surfer, jack of all trades, artist, and a damn good drummer. What couldn’t this guy do? He left us much too early. I was blessed by his family to raise his dog, after he lost his 26-month battle with cancer.
When they asked, I accepted without hesitation, even though I wasn’t exactly sure what I was biting into.
Nico is just over three years old, and for most of his young life, he has only known a sedentary life, as Dustin fell ill when he was still a young puppy. It’s as if he was born into the role of caregiver. Although there were brief periods when Dustin felt well enough to take Nico to the dog park, neighborhood walks fell on family and friends. Towards the end, Dustin was too weak to get out of bed, but Nico was there all the while, as his constant support, and spent a lot of time lying next to him.
This dog is more like a wolf, than a dog. He’s big and brawny, and as handsome as a G.Q. cover model.
But what I couldn’t see from the introductory picture, was the saintly soul that sits behind those stunning blue eyes. I quickly realized that this dog genuinely has a heart of gold.
Nico as a puppy, with his sister.
What a face… After I said Yes, Dustin’s family found this picture of Nico and his sister, when they were puppies. Now I see the circle as a Halo.
At the time of this photo, Dustin had no idea that his life would soon take a negative turn. He had no clue that such a twist of fate was about to unfold and cut his future short. But through it all, Nico was Dustin’s Angel, helping him cope with all the difficulties and painful challenges to come. Nico had to grow up quickly.
He became a caregiver, giving all he had to give to Dustin, especially the most important things… his compassion, his silent understanding and reassurance, and ultimately, his soul. Because they were together during extraordinary circumstances, they shared a very special human-animal bond.
All that mattered to Nico was Dustin… How can I fix him? How can I make him better?
Things happen for reasons unknown to us simple-minded humans. We are here for tasks unknown to us, and often serve others in ways we hadn’t planned on.
We often tune out, but animals tune in. We are distracted by a million things, but animals are present, and are focused only on us.
Just recently, I had my own touching moment with Saint Nico, when I caught the flu. I appeared ill for the first time in front of my new best fiend. I realized he was extremely concerned with my well-being. I knew this bug would pass, but Nico was visibly distressed. He’d seen this movie before, and didn’t care much for the ending.
He watched my every move like an overprotective mother. I had never seen him anxious, like that. As I laid down to sleep that night, he cuddled up with me, like a teddy bear, even though he normally sleeps on the big couch close by. I was sandwiched in between two caring and concerned dogs.
I’m convinced that he didn’t want to relive the agony of seeing his master fall ill.
Amazingly, after falling asleep in a doggy sandwich, I awoke entirely symptom-free and ready go back outside and do the things we love to do.
Nico, Thora and I love to get up very early. Nico greets us with smiles, excitement, and love. We have all bonded like we were meant to be. And we’re grateful for every fun day we spend together. We’re a pack.
I watch Nico dream when he’s asleep. Sometimes all his paws are grooving, like he’s having a musical dream. The Maenpas are a musical family, so perhaps Nico has the musician spirit in him… Nico the drummer Rocktsar!
Was he dreaming about Dustin playing drums?
We’ll never know. When he awakens, he quickly focuses on reality. Maybe he was dreaming about playing chase with his bestie Thora, or riding in the back seat with the windows open, or about all of our adventures… at the beach or in the mountains, where they can run and play all day.
Dustin will always be in our hearts, and I know that he is watching with a smile from the other side. He has his fingerprints all over this miracle.
Nico is a reminder to always take time to give thanks for the blessings, big and small, that surround all of us.
I do see the Nico story as a miracle: When loved ones pass, other blessings appear.
The fun for Nico has only just begun. Now it’s time for him to enjoy what’s ahead, without forgetting the past that he shared with Dustin.
Nico’s movie gets a happy ending, after all!
Love you Dustin! And remember, we’ve got you covered down here, where your heart and soul will live on forever.
Peace and Love… Written and lived by… Donnie Norden (Edited by Dustin’s sister, Donna Quesada)
The Desilu Studio Backlot, where Television Stars and Directors became legends. Let’s revisit this Backlot Ranch known as 40 Acres as we reflect on the passing of a Hollywood Great-Mr. Bruce Bilson. He just may be in this picture as Hogan;s Heroes was in production when this as taken. Look closely at Stalag 13…
More history on this part of Desilu than you can imagine. Gone With the Wind, King Kong proceeded Stalag 13 standing for 10 years…1964-1974. This site also ties to the first ever movie compound on Lucerne Ave.
This list was found by myself inside a P.O.W barracks and lo and behold-Mr. Bruce Bilson happened to be directing it.
The matching sequence- paperwork. Found at Stalag 13
What is really neat is this paperwork was found where it was filmed, I became the Stalag 13 caretaker, that was my favorite set. But I also had a fort in Andy Griffith’s house at this time-1973
Gray skies over Desilu in this picture I took today. I went on a nostalgic journey today after hearing of Bruce Bilson had passed. He was my friend, I looked up to him when I would see his name as First A.D on the Andy Griffith series and then Director on Hogan’s Heroes. I never thought I would ever touch base with this legend…
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Amazingly- I would be given his contact- so I nervously called him and kinda picked his brain on his career as he sat outside his home. I told him my stories too…Like taking the Tree Stump from Hogan’s Heroes and having a fort in the Taylor Home. I have a lot of history in my Radio Flyer Wagon myself.
How honored am I, this man that as a kid I respected because he directed all my favorite T.V shows. I was the Opie no-one knows. Sneaking around this backlot, building forts, grabbing props, even making out in the Stalag 13 Guard Towers. I was like a blood-hound on all things Desilu and Bruce Bilson rained supreme all over this backlot.Bruce is pictured here with my book-Hole in the Fence-one of my greatest honors, never did I in my wildest dreams did I ever think I we would connect.
Pictured here is The Mayberry Group that connected Bruce Bilson with my book. Dixie Griffith, Andy’s real life daughter, wearing the Cowgirl Hat.The lit mirror you see is from Desilu, last used in Hogan’s Heroes and first used by….Marion Davies.
From the hilltop above Desilu, let’s look back down this real life….Memory Lane
From the hills above Desilu great television and film played out.
A Farewell to Bruce Bilson involves a heavyweight guest list!-Desilu lies in the background-The Tara Plantation can be seen here.Let’s follow Superman to the 40 Acre’s Backlot today-upon hearing this news of Bruce, let’s see those sets today!
Desilu Forever…This is The La Ballona Creek, how to best trespass this backlot.
The Mayberry Courthouse stood right here–
Inside the Courthouse Door, on the floor inside, was the sign….Mayberry Courthouse
The Courthouse as it looks today on the day of the Bilson passing. Studio 43 replaced it. The wooden framed window looks like a typical thing you would see at RKO. A friendly homeless guy is sleeping just out of view at this entrance.
“Who’s that guy asleep out there? I want out of this Studio 43 jail cell !”
“Do not disturb” now hangs out in front of this once alcohol prohibited town of Mayberry.A Man in no hurry fell asleep right at what was the -entrance to the jail!
From silent movies-to television- from Thomas Ince-to Bruce Bilson-they all begin and end their day at this main gate on Ince Blvd.
Meanwhile, at the former Stalag 13, we have another Hollywood empty stage as the industry shifts to A.I. Catering is taking place where Gomer Pyle once ate catering, now we have Court T.V . From the Mayberry Courthouse to Court T.V…The shifting sands over time!
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Epilogue of the passing of Bruce Bilson…
I’ve had the privilege to meet and work Ron Howard-Apollo 13 and The Grinch, Andy Griffith,-on Matlock, and Bruce Bilson. These 3 individuals all started together on this backlot. All became legendary Hollywood Stalwarts – this lot is where it began. My first experience here involved seeing Batman. I was lucky enough to see in real life that Super Hero I emulated, I’d wear a cape and mask, bought with Blue Chip Stamps, like a million stamps were needed -but so be it!
Only Ron Howard is left now to shed light on this legendary figure. I was always in the shadows, grabbing props, building forts and living my own life on this backlot. I was my own Indiana Jones, before the character existed. Hanging out here at the Desilu Studio was funner when you could connect dots on all the series and shows that preceded me.
Clues were everywhere, signs on buildings referred to business’s in Mayberry, ammo boxes were stored in the Stalag Barracks-both in English and German. We decorated our forts with those. Plaster white snow surrounded the Stalag and some slabs- full of spider webs- found there way into my hide outs. I had four forts…The Taylor Home, until it burned down, The Mayberry R.F.D Home, we turned that farm upside down, the parties we had upstairs at that set. I had a saloon fort that for awhile had a rolling phone that called both on and off the studio backlot, and one in the Cantina that also burned down when Goober’s Gas Station went up in flames.
Needless to say I was living my own movie, I even filmed a western with an 8 millimeter camera on the aforementioned western street, I pretended to be …Bruce Bilson.
This was a very special moment today as I retraced his footsteps as a director here, a gathering of spirits followed my every move. A calm and quiet revisit with a town drunk and television caterer before me in real life. His legend will never disappear around this lot, another soul from this glorious movie studio, is now-Gone With the Wind
We can’t use jeeps in this mission-stealth is required. Escape will be by hijacking German transportation.
Today’s Mission involves infiltrating Verona Square, a war torn village used in every MGM War T.V Series in the decade of the 1960’s.
This balcony dates back to…Romeo and Juliet, the 1936 MGM Classic, Directed by George Cukor. I had a fort inside the ledge Christopher George happens to be firing from. My special friend Maureen and I spent a Valentines Day Night under the moonlight right here.
“I’ll be right there darling- I have a grappling hook in my pants”
“I got it from here, Moffitt-yes -she is worth …the trouble!”
1967 Verona Square, the oldest section of MGM Lot 2, and the closet set to my house.
This picture is Verona Square, the site of today’s mission. Picture taken from Maureen’s front porch area, she lived even closer than me to this magical kingdom. We became a perfect fit-like say… Bonnie and Clyde.
1936- Romeo and Juliet set under construction.
Before Jeeps with 50 caliber machine guns, battles were fought like this…
The things these ancient plaster faces have seen. So much history, so much war. George Cukor was the first director to film here, Gene Levitt was the last-Fantasy Island pilot in 1977. But, prior to that in the 60’s, he ripped this town up in COMBAT! -In 1973, Gene Directed a must have MGM movie of the week, using all my stuff, so you know MGM Security called me-The Phantom two years before this film was filmed.
Recurring faces in history….
I met this T.V Phantom, also directed at this set by….my director hero-Gene Levitt.
Heads up …Trespassers!
From Verona Square to …Joppa Square-right across from each other.
The chase is on…
Our Hero’s steal their escape vehicle.
MGM Art Department, my collection given to me by- MGM.
“They Met in Bombay”-1941. MGM Art Department classic photo.
Location in Spain- the chase continues-filmed months apart.
Mission Accomplished…1967
I WAS A KID SOLDIER
A simple nostalgic romp through the MGM Backlot 2. As a kid, I could not get enough of W.W 2. Luckily, that war was often fought right behind my house. I heard every round ever fired, I was too young to trespass but this soundtrack influenced my life going forward. I rode my bike to school and stared through every hole in the old green fences that barely contained what was taking place open the other side of the old green barbed wire fence.
The holes became my T.V, I could not wait for each episode to to “AIR” on T.V. Combat was my soul, best series ever made. As the sands of time spilled out of the hour glass, war had high ratings!
Hit series after hit series carried on for 10 years, The Rat Patrol, Garrison’s Gorillas, and Jericho continued the backlot assault longer than W.W 2 took place. MGM was my history book and I’m forever grateful, Before VHS tapes were engineered, I would try to screen grab with my Polaroid camera. Very poor quality turned me into an artist, I would sketch, diligently images from my mind onto paper, often at school. I sat in the back of the class and appeared to be taking notes.
When that alarm bell rang I was first out the door, like a fire alarm went off. I had to get home to a place called…MGM.
In the Heart of Mayberry- this set was built for a 70’s Miller Malt Liquor commercial. Ironically today, their logo jingle is based off- 50 years ago. Great 50 year old stories, this is my story
This Hotel is next to the Mayberry Hotel at 40 Acres. Main 4 way intersection, center of town.
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This is really going on -real collapse -real humans in fall zone. Stuntmen get replaced by stars as dust settles…Old fashion film making like Buster Keaton or Hal Roach would do!
“This must be Urban Renewal” toasts Redd Foxx. Colt 45 is named after Baltimore Colt running back Jerry Hill who wore number 45.
Drink hard, play harder!…The true Colt 45
This picture is from behind behind the buildings in this commercial.
Opie is where backside of mock up hotel stands.
Mayberry-where drinking is a crime. No longer in 1975…
Gomer Pyle scene exactly where this drink is served!I never met a Marine who doesn’t like drinking.
This guy looks thirsty..15 years to early is this- Man in a Hurry.
If your standing here-YOUR TOO CLOSE
Everybody wants to see this beer commercial…
“This planet drinks”..says Captain Kirk
The view on left before ‘Urban Development’ – set on right built in this intersection…
Beer commercials, cigars-cigarettes, big fancy cars commercials, and soft porn films all found their way on to this lot in the mid 1970’s. The backlot reflected the culture.
The two story building at the end of this street is my location. I am trespassing, 4 P.M ish. I saw this set and then a guard, he didn’t see me so I went upstairs. Im behind camera which has the same angle for this “one -take shot.” Security looked like Sheriff John, he had a cowboy hat, a badge, and a rope. He walked around lassoing everything he sees. I have to watch out for him because I do not want to miss this scene. Redd Foxx-is right below in a Limo. The front door of Hotel faces south to Baldwin Hills.
I took this picture 1976, the last year of the 40 Acres Backlot. This is exactly where this Colt 45 Hotel stood…
My Dad often had some of these cans in our home refrigerator. Naturally a few ended up here at the Desilu Ranch. Miller Beer and I could do great commercials….VIntage of course. My dad was an actor in Bar Fly. He pretended to be drinking…even got in a fight with Frank Stallone in an ally behind the bar. His credit depicts “Man in ally” My mom hated it but dad loved it. Paid to drink and hang out with Faye Dunaway. Filmed at the Culver City Bar closet to this set.
ONE TAKE –Then a Toast
All the preparation is complete, this set took a week to build and another week to “dress” the set and familiarize effects and stunt folks with all the moving parts. This building is built to collapse, Not straight down, it must tip. Actors “stunt people” could get hurt if things do not go as planned. This is old time film making going on here. The final go overs are being checked as this shot is to be captured in daylight, of which has about a hour left to it.
I just got home from school and am not sure I will make it here in time. As soon as I hit the lot I run down the backroads along the creek and climb upstairs in a building looking straight at the one that has only – less than an hour left to stand. A grandfather clock is added as the interior is finishing being dressed.
These are actually two sets. The exterior is engineered to be a collapsible front on wheels. Set two is the stationary interior of this hotel. The Art Department is finally finished now the front of this hotel is rolled and positioned exactly to the square inch where it needs to be to collapse safely. This integration is slow and methodical. Inside upstairs, the stunt people load in. This is too dangerous for actors, they won’t be seen till the dust settles.
Anticipation increases as every final detail is checked and rechecked. A guard is active on this set. He’s a character with a badge, cowboy hat and a rope. He hangs out by REDD FOXX as we all watch from almost the exact spot.
Countdown 3,2,1
A building is collapsing before my eyes, this 7 second moment seems like an eternity. People disappear and reappear in a cloud of dust. They got their shot, actors are inserted at doorway entrance as if they survived this. REDD says “SO THIS MUST BE URBAN RENEWAL” as he toasts to Pabst Blue Ribbon.
The real toast belongs to Special Effects, this was so perfect, when I get older I want to be in Special Effects, For now, I’m a trespasser looking down at a collapsed building, a famous T.V Star, and sheriff with really wild roping skills who looks like he stepped out of a western film. I hope there’s a Colt 45 in the fridge for when I get home…
These pictures show the east end of Lot 3 and give the scope of just how large this backlot is. As a kid exploring, you could get lost in this vast expanse.That’s a good thing!MGM had its own stables since its horses were in demand, as were elephants. To create the illusion of African elephants, large prosthetic ears were attached to Asian elephants. This allowed extra mileage out of the beautiful creatures that were maintained here. Tarzan required African elephants…welcome to Hollywood!Movie stars are being pampered below. Credits include Tarzan. There is no other place in the world I would like to live as an elephant than MGM lot 3. Heck, that applies for us kids too…
Is this a zoo, what century are we? What goes on inside this poorly fenced Adventureland? Airplanes from World War 2 lie in a field of sagebrush, as if they were shot down. Not by gunfire, but by low TV ratings. MGM has something for everyone.These backlots draw inspiration for writers like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury, and the genius- Rod Serling;
In a cement flood control channel…we appear.
A trampled, rusted old barb wire fence allows easy entry, inviting any and all who dare inside its boundaries. It looks like a herd of animals hastily exited here before us. An abandoned barn sits vacant as if life stopped abruptly, not long ago. The unmistakable scent horses and hay stacks makes us think some Mustangs might still be hiding out.
Next to the barn on what could be some French farmland, bombers lay in ruins. B-17’s sit empty, void of crew, in deafening silence. Jimmy and I wonder most quietly, but each thinking the same things. Silence is how you first react to amazing things. That awe while processing the images, the abandoned and lonely landscape. Objects can be identified by unique smells. This is the opening credits for our own… Twilight Zone
We boys in my neighborhood play Army all the time…and here we stand where it looks like a great air battle liberated this farmland. It’s as if we’re dreaming. We climb and crawl into one of the fuselage doors that parachutists begin or end their missions jumping out of. Machine gun turrets, or little glass bubbles line the plane and are just the right size for kids our age.
This was a flying fortress…as we look out a window and down the wing, the propellers gently turn in the wind. It’s as if they are trying to fire up these old engines. The smooth skinned young flight crew has arrived. School teaches us history, but this place is history-we have the class room to ourselves!
12 O’Clock High has a property tag on one of these fuselages. This indicates how long ago this has been lying here. That series was made by 20th Century Fox, but MGM Lot 3 is a Disneylandwith weapons. Swastikas painted on the cockpit might as well represent T.V shows these bombers finished their distinguished service on this MGM Backlot.
Across from this airplane graveyard sits MGM Lot 3, a 67-acre wonderland with exterior sets ranging from multiple western streets; a lake that goes on and on that’s wrapped by a jungle nestled below rolling hills packed with oil wells. The sounds and smells of the petroleum industry seem part of this lot as Standard Oil Company has a large oil field just beyond the studio fences.
You see these oil derricks often in the background of loosely framed exterior shots in many TV reruns. A huge painted sky stands out as the most distinguishing set of all. It is massive, the painted backdrop alters itself like a chameleon, depending on the sun light. New Orleans and France also represent themselves here. There are winding tree lined dirt roads that appear to go on forever. Hyder Simpson and his old hunting dog RIP have been seen wondering down this eternity lane.
Continue if you dare do so…
One side of the fence is magical, the other side is reality… and far too serious. But you must dare yourself to visit the magic. It is forbidden. Trespassing is what the studio calls it.
Well what fun is life without risk? I was born ready, nothing ventured, nothing gained. This land calls out to Jimmy and I…
Holes in the fence happen…naturally and artificially. Climbing is easy when you’re a kid, so getting in is easy. The rush begins immediately. Generally, you hide…every chance you can. Slow and steady. No clocks here. These lots have movie production prepping or shooting, all the time. Night and day. But weekends are generally just a guard and a big empty lot. Plus, kids get weekends off from school also, so it’s a perfect match.
MGM does not use dogs. Lot 3 should be patrolled by dogs. It is almost twice the size of all the other backlots. But thankfully they do not. They leave it up to old men who take turns driving a jeep that packs a salt rock gun inside it…. Yes, you can be shot here!
First, they have to find you in this labyrinth of hiding places. That’s why we pick and choose the paths most isolated and off the beaten trail. There are false fronts, everywhere, it’s a world of trickery and illusions.
Hiding behind the sets…and in many cases, in the sets, is the key to successfully avoiding unwanted meetings in security. This sounds intimidating because it is. Most people shy away, honoring the NoTrespassing requests posted along the fences. Especially as you hear accounts from older kid trespassers who have been…shot at!
Lack of challenges puts security in auto-pilot mode. We even see them nap, often… I told you they should go with dogs!
I recognize equipment that was on Lot 2…now at Lot 3. The backlot world is interchangeable with many moving parts, literally. The Rat Patrol moves their squad back and forth down Overland, the public street that connects these lots, depending on what village or train station they are attacking. Combat did the same, as did Garrison’s Gorillas, starring Ron Harper.
Combat was canceled in 1967, but the crew jumped on to The Rat Patrol, then Garrison’s Gorillas. More quality war TV.
The Rat Patrol, starring Christopher George, followed that ill-fated but really cool TV show and had a bit more success. , A.D Flowers expertly does special effects for all these shows. Constantly blowing things up…safely!
I have a Combat board game we play on Copperfield Street, in an upstairs that still has large holes from a German Panzer Tank and a Rat Patrol lunch box that has been inside the equipment that is painted on its tin exterior. I live for this stuff. I play with games inspired by shows exactly where they were filmed. Reruns take us backwards to war torn ravaged sets. Shell casings from a machine gun nest lay on the floor, beneath our tennis shoes as we …roll the dice for our next battle.
I have eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwiches out of my Rat Patrol lunch box…inside the real German half-track from the Rat Patrol series. And I drank my Kool-Aid out of my Rat Patrol thermos. Gomer Pyle is my Desilu lunch pale. I buy my lunch pails because they- come to life!
I have yet to be chased here, at Lot 3…and don’t want to. I have run into trespassers who warned us this happens here…getting shot at, that is. It hurts badly, the salt rock-I’m told.We have no doubts about that. On the film Soylent Green, a chase occurred with Bronco Bob Coleman in the notorious Red Jeep. The loudest gun shots I ever heard as I ran off with handfuls of Soylent Green. We put our lives on the line for dyed green loafs of stale bread.
“Being hit” by blast of rock requires soaking in a tub to recover.We try to avoid that, at all costs. Your choices are… keep a lot of distance, cut and run like a jack rabbit and crisscross…so they can’t aim straight. Doorways are your friends, but don’t get in a building where you’re trapped. Wordsto live by.
Jimmy, my best pal, and I, are like a modern Lewis and Clark. We deal with the same harsh but rustic surroundings. They dealt with Indians. We deal with guards. Both will scalp ya. But just like them, we successfully map this wild frontier. We can make fake storms here, I see snow in storage bungalows. Dirty, dusty decades old snowflakes are overflowing from box after box. MGM Lot 2 also has a snow room.
In fact, this is where you would film Lewis and Clark. Anything you can imagine can happen here. It’s where the right side of your brain can enjoy itself. Creative time and space for your mind to expand. Not the dribble you get brainwashed with at school. We sneak in comic books from these war T.V series. We are our own cartoon book.
Lot 3 could be a train museum. A real steam engine pulls passengers half way around the Lot. The Harvey Girls, starring Judy Garland, capture this in the song “On the Atchison, Topeka & the Santa Fe.” This defining number sang by Judy herself, capture for eternity what backlots are about. History goes backwards here, but it’s captured on film for us to enjoy today. I get goosebumps when I see scenes and productions that used my old sets.
“Willoughby, next stop is Willoughby,” shouts the conductor. That is a Twilight Zone episode, starring James Daly. In this episode, shot at our little train station at Lot 3, James succumbs to the corporate grind and dreams of of this backlot town, called Willoughby. He wants only to live the simple life that exists inside these fences. This train stops at Willoughby!
That episode describes how wonderful my life is becoming. I live in Willoughby!
Inside these studio fences is an unmistakable sense of history. You feel it, see it, it exists.Pure Magic!
I am catching on, that inside these fences is a time machine of history—created where I am standing. One side of the fence is the harsh reality of school, responsibility, and expectations to succeed. But inside these fences, time merges…not a care in the world.
Time you learn to appreciate stuff not taught in school: a special time that you hopenever disappears.
The Harvey Girls on MGM Lot 3
This Church Steeple has been center stage of some of the best battles ever captured on film.
Just inside the main gate, this village greets you…
A calm body of water fit for Gondolas.
This Ghost Town is famous for Magic Dust. Sprinkle some on yourself and the Hangman’s Knot will come untied. “That’s what she is…she’s Magic!”
The jail cell is the Art Department Picture picture of North Side of Ghost Town.
Rance McGrew showed up to work on this street famous for saloons -in shiny Cadillac Convertible
Call my Agent Please
Lee Marvin arrives by horse here at Fort Canby in a lot 3 Dust Storm in – The Grave
Fort Scott also appeared as Dachau in Deaths-Head Revisited
Cloudy Street…
It’s easy to get lost in here, a huge lake is on the other side of these trees…We have a paddle boat, none of the other kids have one!
The Cotton Blossom was sold at the MGM Auction in 1970 and ended up in a theme park in Missouri.
The Cotton Blossom found a new home closer to the Mississippi River. It survived much longer than the MGM studios backlot did.
Jupiters Darling set– The Baldwin Hills and a Eucalyptus road still stand beyond Raintree. Old, rusty barbed wire still hangs from original MGM fence poles. The tennis courts are now built in this corner of the former backlot.
This picture from MGM’s Art Department is amazing. Baldwin Hills Oil Fields, Standard Oil owned this area back then, and those wonderful old derricks stand out. Oil production preceded film production starting in 1924. Oil is still being pumped out of the ground here. Filming stopped as clocks hit …1970. Oil and film combine on this backlot production filmed next to the fake rock formation set. This castle was removed before I had a chance to actually see it in person.The Fake Rocks was the first set we would hide in, this was the section we snuck in at. A four foot, chain link, barb wire topped fence was your physical barrier. We could see inside clearly and could be seen just as clear. Those rocks have platforms to stand on or kneel.
This beats school any day of the week
Palm trees were mostly fabricated that you see in the background. Made of molding and composite materials. They get moved around where needed. There was a storage area where they laid horizontally. They were moved by mobile cranes. Notice in this exact angle above, none exist…They are props in an adult toy chest.
In fact, we have all kinds of ships, from the Bounty, to Tom Sawyer canoes
So, put on your tennis shoes, and grab your fishing pole, we got a huge lake inside…are you coming?
Everything you could possibly imagine has taken place right here…follow me!
Written and lived by Donnie Norden…
Donnie here...Checkout my other WordPress site, The Glamour Tram. Real life stories from behind the wheel of of this 16 tire contraption. If you rode a tram in the 80’s, I may have been your driver. Please Subscribe on WordPress…All Aboard–The Glamour Tram…
Phantom of the Backlots 