Ron Harper is the luckiest man alive-this is one guy I really look up to. He played Army with real weapons and explosives, using that experience to survive on a Planet full of Apes.
Actor Ron Harper returns to a set in 1974 that he helped destroy in the Hit T.V Series Garrison’s Gorillas, episode 1,Season 1 pilot in 1967.Planet of the Apes would bring about his return to the MGM Lot 2 Grand Central RailRoad Station in this high budget T.V Series.
1967…MGM is all its glory had four WAR TV SERIES filming in 1967. Combat was in its final season. Jericho was a backlot regular, The Rat Patrol and Garrison’s Gorillas. All these series filmed in the backlot area closest to my family home. We had normal dinners, sitting at the table while “talking over’ the sounds of machine gun fire.
I already am well aware these battles we hear are going on at MGM. I pass by it every day, on my way to school, with my Rat Patrol lunch box handle firmly attached to Schwinn bicycle handle bars. I have seen every vehicle painted on my box in the backlot I slowly go by daily…just looking in holes, similar to television sets, what I see is life and in color.
War finally stopped at the time of the MGM Auction. in 1970.Many things were left behind afterwards, thousands of blank ammo cartridges, green Army jackets, and helmets avoided relocation. The sets all will stand another decade, and many sets are still ravaged with craters and bullet holes. No liberation, just a hasty retreat is the vibe I get exploring early on. Window to window, doorway to doorway, always looking out for something in these scary bombed villages that you don’t want to hear unanticipated noise.
1973
We took some of the military gear and dressed the part for B.B Gun Fights we had amidst the shell casings still on the floor from Combat. Same war-different T. Series This street is text book perfect for Daisy Rifles. They hurt from this close, and break windows…which is really cool when your hiding behind one.
T.V stopped but real soldiers starting playing this sport with me-at night. Talk about scary, playing against Marines that have to be back at roll call. Drunken, crazy Marines are quite the challenge, one time on top of the arch, center of town, I got hit twice in the head at the same time from two separate directions. That was a long shot to execute with such accuracy-very impressive, lucky I didn’t fall off the top of the arch-a hard climb just to reach. We kept the agony of war going after cancellation of all these series.
Planet of the Apes-1974 Look who’s back, Ron Harper, the star of Garrison’s Gorillas, but this time he’s running for his life…from apes. Anything can and does happen here. Another old MGM Star is happy to be here and that Chimp happens to be Roddy McDowell. Roddy is a primate and Harper is a human together-they make a team. Urko leads a militia of apes on horseback in a mad chase into this train depot. The same station in 1967 Ron Harper had to escape by tank from on a dark backlot glowing orange from all the pyro and the the always intense rattle of 50 caliber machines firing between bomb blasts. Dinner plates near sit entirely still when war lifts its ugly head.
Time-Out…Humans
Planet of the Apes has my neighborhood going ape- shit. This as big as it gets for teenagers, most kids want to be apes for Halloween. Most these kids happen to be to scared to trespass-well shame on them! “What’s going to happen, going to get shackled by an Ape?”
For this scene, because of the camera angle, being positioned on the train tracks just outside the station and backlot offers a great view if you get above the fence- you see everything close up. No need to take risks, we can all watch from the tracks. We set up makeshift things to climb on, everyone ran home to get a broken ladder or step stool to get their head above an 8 foot fence. Kids of every size and shape, tall ones, short ones, odd ones- climb up on there devices and peer inside. Apes on horseback happen to be chasing Ron Harper, as the horses grind to a stop and Ron looks towards the camera which is what we are behind, he see’s us, suddenly everyone does, a stunned look followed by laughter is how production is interrupted. It is as if the cast is looking up at the Little Rascals.
Roddy McDowell comes over to touch hands with all us on-lookers. This is quite a Hollywood moment reflecting back, but in 1974 this was kinda typical for MGM. If Planet of the Apes isn’t enough, King Kong has eyes set on this backlot…
“The Rules” are posted every twenty yards. Maureen’s front door view and her sister -Barbra’s Opal parked just outside the train depot.
Apes took over after Gorilla’s shut this depot down.
The door that a German is being shot in was the opening that Ron Harper first spotted us looking through-the fence is directly behind this door/wall.
Ron Harper had weapons to fight off the Germansin 1967
A Studio built for Apes.
As this sequence is being filmed that us kids ere spotted by Ron Harper on top of the fence-like Domino’s falling-each cast and crew member had to stop what they were doing to see my army on top of the fence. Time stopped here as Roddy McDowell came over to us and communicated as a chimp would. MGM Security could say nothing since we were on the legal “city side” of the studio.
History happens here- in my backyard!
Follow me- No-one knows this place better than I do!
“To save a buddy- who’s an APE!
That was the look Roddy had on his monkey face as he looked up at a street full of kids looking over a fence as this gets filmed. Ron Harper-same set-7 years later…
Two Hollywood Apes seated, smoking and reading Variety!
Something as clear in my mind as when I took this picture-An Ape with a Gun-on a Horse. That’s a lot to take in-still to me on this day.
Front row-Box seats! –Close enough to feel the heat and smell the explosives…
Let’s shoot our way outta here!
Just beyond the Mule Cart being pulled, pictured right-was this finally of fire and mayhem that was one of the loudest battles I ever heard take place on this backlot known for…WAR -T.V.
One of the nicest stars I ever met…Roddy McDowell. I took the picture on the left, as Roddy is briefed for the next scene here where the ground collapses into a subway. He is in a robe-fresh out of make-up, smoking a cigarette. The smoke carried upstairs, where I was hiding with my camera. A strict-“no camera” rule was the only rule they had, I could not resist, so I went PHANTOM on set…
What a life….Ron Harper
My ears are still ringing from all the rounds fired by these 3 fellas!– WAR T.V MGM
An armored truck arrives at Desilu with a major star to escort this to the Gotham Bank.Main administration building at Desilu at this time. Desilu Arnaz offices in Culver City.
“I will protect you and your large bank deposit” says a soon to be major star.
A future Cat Woman on a hot Prowl… Same Bat Porch.Same Cat Hide away– “I want my cut!” says Eartha Kitt.
“This old lady is purring”…says James Brolin
Meanwhile on a intersection at 20th Century Fox lot- a whopping amount of cash has just arrived.
Who is this lady under this hat?… asks these two cats
“It’s me you couple of stupid Fur Balls” -“Did you fuel my escape rocket ?
“Magnification, a simple, slow and painful death if we don’t escape now – I feel the Heat Batman!’ says wonder boy.
The Crusaders escaped our Bar B’Q – says a “Teed Off” Ms. Kitty
Let the Crime Fighting begin…
“We need an elevator like this in …The Bat Cave.”
“You Boy Blunder-How are you not a piece of toast?”
“Fix him you fools”
Time for me to fly…
“I’m out of gas.”
“No one filled up My Getaway Rocket – we need Leaded-ETHY, I told you!
Meanwhile on the ledge of a high rise…
Catwoman uses this moment to flee on the catwalks..
Our Maiden leaps, only to get stuck on a different ledge-Batman throws Catwoman a safety line.
Her day in court…
She looks very innocent to me.
Innocent as it gets …Tom Jones had her in mind “Pussy Cat-go powder that Pussy Cat nose, your so thrilling and I am willing to care for you, Your my sweet little Pussy Cat Girl…Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat – I love you, yes I do, your sweet little Pussy Cat eyes and those tiny shaped ears, and that sweet little Pussy Cat ….Nose!” Meow, a purring perfect, happy ending.
Judy Garland has now been confirmed as a former owner of the Marion Davies portable make-up trailer.
Many exciting discoveries have emerged since my last post about the Marion Davies portable dressing room that I unveiled from a Culver City backyard. (See my YouTube on The Phantom of the Backlots site.)
For example, affirmation from newspaper articles revealing that Judy Garland once owned this trailer and used it during the first three months of filming The Wizard of Oz! The Ruby Slippers may very well have clicked their heels in this magical dressing room.
The trailer was originally built for Marion Davies during “Beverly of Graustark” for MGM. It was publicized as being beautifully decorated with furnishings and taffeta pillows of rainbow colors.
Marion formed a close relationship with Marie Dressler, another of MGM’s biggest stars. Marion decorated the trailer in blue and grey and gifted it to Dressler after filming “The Patsy”, who entertained and lounged in it for several years. Marie held court with many MGM co-stars like Norma Shearer, Rudy Vallee, Jean Harlow, Maureen O’Sullivan, Jack Benny, Robert Young, Hedda Hopper and of course Wallace Beery.
After Marie’s death, the make-up trailer was auctioned and the winning bid came from Marie’s longtime friend, May Robson. Robson was another big star at the time!
Next, it was given to Judy Garland (described as her first “grown-up” dressing room.) Judy would only use this portable room for a year. She was given a new trailer by MGM in December of 1938. At the ribbon cutting, Judy is said to have given out autographed pictures to the cast members of The Wizard of Oz.
Its final destination was the backyard of Fred Trowbridge, an actor and friend of May Robson. Fred appeared in all of May’s stage plays and helped manage her affairs when May got older. Fred adopted and had the trailer moved to his backyard at 9024 Lucerne Avenue in Culver City, where it sits today. Per telephone book listings, Fred appears to have lived at this residence from 1936 through at least 1956. The trailer could have been set in its present location as early as December of 1938 (when Judy vacated it).
Speculation: If this trailer was moved to the Lucerne address, which butts up to the 40-acre lot (and at one time was part of the lot) this dressing room/make-up station would surely have been in demand by the studio for touch ups or relaxation during the time of filming on “Gone With the Wind.” With so many stars and featured players on “Gone With the Wind” at one time, available portable dressing rooms were at a premium and hard to find, especially on the backlot. Saving time by saving actors precious steps to their dressing rooms, was a necessity.
A quote from Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind seems appropriate: “Perhaps-I want the old days back again and they’ll never come back, and I am haunted by the memory of them and of the world falling about my ears.”
Of all the amazing experiences I have had, both trespassing and in my long studio career, this is the most sensational item I have ever come across. Plus, it’s the ultimate studio game of CLUE. I get chills looking into the soul of these mirrors. They stare back with a depth and richness that only history can create. I feel it was my calling to save this unit from the claws of developers at this corner.Written and lived by Donnie Nordenand researched with a little help from my friends, Mike Escarzaga, Maureen Miller and Henry Tegeler
How did I get here? Read on to retrace the steps of the most iconic trailer in Hollywood. An early still taken October 13, 1938 when Judy occupied the Marion Davies portable makeup trailer. They would go with shorter hair during the filming of the Wizard of Oz.
Marion Davies trailer in 1925 and the makeup trailer today. In 1925, Marion Davies is presented her new portable dressing room during the filming of “Beverly of Graustark”.She would go on to use the trailer for “The Red Mill”, “Tillie the Toiler”, The Fair Coed”, and “Quality Street”.
Marion Davies and Marie Dressler in front of the trailer during the filming of “The Patsy”.December 25, 1930: Marion Davies gifted her portable dressing room to Marie Dressler after filming “The Patsy”. (The Mirror, Feb 28, 1931, page 9). In 1928, Marion would star in “Show People” which good pal Charlie Chaplin made a cameo appearance in. Marie Dressler co-starred with Chaplin in his first feature film at his Keystone Studios. “Tillie’s Punctured Romance”, 1914.
Hello Ladies! Left: Charlie Chaplin in “Show People”. Right: Marion and good friend Eleanor Boardman in costumes from “The Fair Coed”. Eleanor did not star in the film. Eleanor married Director King Vidor at Marion’s house. Marion was ready to upgrade and graduated to a much larger trailer which Charlie called “The Trianon”.
During Marion’s occupancy, it was adorned in taffeta pillows in a rainbow of colors. Marion especially decorated the trailer for Marie in blue and grey complete with chaise, mirrors, dressing table and other amenities. (The Southwest Wave Nov. 28, 1933). Marie was a frequent visitor of Marion and Randolph Hearst at the San Simeon castle.As described in the article, blue and grey rug remnant, powder blue stool, original mirror which still spectacularly lights up.This room talks through images-captured inside these mirrors, like a genie in a bottle.
Marie left her door open for her friends. Many of her friends were MGM stars and co-stars, like Marion Davies, Charlie Chaplin, Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery and even Greta Garbo. Dressler won the Academy Award for “Min and Bill.” Seen here with Norma Shearer, her friend and MGM co-star. Marie would make many movies for MGM while enjoying this trailer until her death on 07/28/34.
May I touch up my look? Left: Norma Shearer and Marie Dressler starred in “Let Us Be Gay” MGM 1930. Norma would ultimately give her portable dressing room (presented to her by Irving Thalberg) to Mickey Rooney in 1939.A scandal would result (according to Mickey Rooney’s autobiography “Life is Too Short”.
Another beautiful co-star Jean Harlow “Dinner at Eight”.
Picture from Marie Dressler’s “My Own Story” (1934)
Fun Fact!
1935-November: May Robson, Oscar nominated actress, was the highest bidder of the portable dressing room from the estate of her lifelong friend Marie Dressler, who passed away on 07/28/34. (Albuquerque Journal}. But wait… There’s more to come for this opulent trailer!
1937-December: Judy Garland receives the Marion Davies portable dressing room (Motion Picture Magazine Feb ’38). She would employ this “Tiny Green Room on Wheels” for one year, including 3 months into the filming of the Wizard of Oz, before she receives a new trailer for Christmas in December of 1938.
On the right, you can see some of the green paint from when Judy Garland owned it, which she refers to in the article above, her “tiny, square, green room on wheels.”
Judy is thrilled over the tiny portable dressing room once belonged to Marion Dressler. (Richmond Conservator December 2, 1937, Pg. 5)
Judy’s Dressing Room Nameplate
1938-December: As a Christmas gift symbolizing her “new star” status at MGM, Judy Garland receives a “New” portable dressing room from MGM replacing the Marion Davies trailer. Six months later, Garland almost burned down this trailer while cooking in there and the curtains caught fire!
After December 1938, Fred Trowbridge, actor and friend of May Robson adopts and moves the dressing room from MGM to 9024 Lucerne Avenue in Culver City, where it sits today. The articles above and below show how important Fred was to May.
Fred Trowbridge covers the portable dressing room with shingles to preserve it. (Mentioned in Robson’s Obituary article in the Evening Vanguard dated Oct. 22, 1942). Right: Fred Trowbridge seen here at the Examiner party in “Citizen Kane” 1941. A short walk to work-just through his backyard and on the lot!
Let’s get swept up in the most idyllic scenario possible… As portable dressing rooms were in high demand, owners of this portable make-up station/dressing room would find a win-win situation in leasing it out as it was in the 60’s and 70’s during the Desilu phase of Television filming. It would make sense that it was loaned out as early as December 26, 1938, when Judy vacated it. This portable room which had electricity, would surely have been in demand by the studio for touch-ups or relaxation during the filming of Gone With the Wind when there were so many stars and featured players on the set at one time and available portable dressing rooms were at a premium and hard to find.
The Boston Globe Nov. 14, 1932: why stars have portable dressing rooms.
dingy little room somewhere on the backlot?” A shortage of dressing rooms stirs up a little sibling rivalry. “Rebecca” (Hitchcock directing, Selznick producing) on the lot the same time as “GWTW” reshoots. The Daily Mirror Nov. 4, 1939.
From 1943-1959 we don’t know if the Portable Dressing Room was loaned out to productions on the 40-acre backlot but testimony from residents would confirm the loan of the dressing room in the early 1960s. This was a busy time for Television production on the adjacent lot. Hence, there was great need to tend to actors out on the 40-Acre Backlot for touch ups, since the Studio Main Lot was nearly a quarter of a mile away. The subsequent occupants loaned the trailer out to shows filming on the backlot to Hogan’s Heroes, Batman and The Andy Griffith Show (Residents of Lucerne).
Home of former actor Fred Trowbridge and the infamous make-up trailer. During the TV revolution, Spock, Bruce Lee, Andy Griffith and Gomer Pyle are just some of the faces and characters who have been in and around here. The Batmobile was parked out front here, with witnesses having seen Batman drinking a can of beer from a brown paper bag. All these old homes are part of this film culture, inside and out. This corner in Culver City is centered between what was Desilu and Hal Roach studios. If TV Land has a neighborhood, this is it!
The portable dressing room is still covered with shingles for preservation put there by Fred Trowbridge. (Mentioned in Robson’s Obituary article in the Evening Vanguard dated Oct. 22, 1942). Thank you, Fred, for doing your part in preserving this grand piece of history!For a deeper dive, here is the link to the Original post, you can experience the timeless elegance of the trailer and all of the wonderful artifacts found insidesee the original article per the link provided here:Marion Davies Portable Dressing Room is found 100 years later in a Culver City Backyard! – Phantom of the Backlots
The trailer is barely visible in this shot just behind Stalag 13 sets. As a kid, my passion to escape into Stalag 13 took me through this private yard, regularly starting in 1972. I had to first sneak into this yard before climbing a second fence that puts me right behind Stalag 13. In between the two fence climbs lies a unique structure covered with shingles. My initial encounter with this shed was just an observation as I climbed into Desilu.
Thanks for taking the time to read my stories. For more Backlot Adventures, check out my books on Amazon.
“Every set needs food -Robin”…This is a clue. “That was a great sandwich” says The Riddler
Meanwhile-at the Old Thomas Ince Studios- The Riddler “cuts” his latest silent film.
“Another Classic Cecil” – The Dynamic Duo gets clobbered by a Silent Movie Bill Board
Cecil B. DeMille
“Quiet on set…ACTION ! “
Cecil B. DeMille operated this studio following Thomas Ince’s “untimely death.”
“Any last words before you become split in half ?”
That sharp blade is spinning -Real Fast–Time is running out!
Robin lost his locator /transmitter making this more difficult, fortunately,Batman has solved this -RIDDLE !
Good Luck Batman…
“STOP” – for traffic on Ince Blvd.This, believe it or not, was the main gate and guard shack-that little closet next to stop sign.
Batman enters this old Bioscope/Triangle Studio founded by Thomas Ince
“Holy Saw Blade Batman-That was cutting it close!”
This trailer talks and often delivers images in mirrors that have seen more movie history than all other mirrors combined. Truly Magical…Something right out of-The Wizard of Oz.
Silent Movie Trailer- Marion Davies
A First of it’s kind roomand the faces -Once Upon a Time
Guarded by Spirits
Silent Days are here Again
Amazingly, in my quest to find Batman-I discovered this old Hollywood Trailer. Not just any trailer mind you-this is the oldest relic in Hollywood History. Fittingly, the Thomas Ince/ R.K.O lot has been its home for decades. Disguised as a Garden Shed and used as such after 1971, this chameleon used its own “make up skills” to avoid desegregation from an industry that forgot it’s past, or lost it completely.
Batman himself has had his make-up touched up inside and in front of these MAGIC MIRRORS.
I was told that by a senior home owner who happened to lived on Lucerne back when Gone With the Wind filmed the infamous fire scenes. Quote: ” The Bat Mobile pulled up and parked here, and Batman exited with a brown paper bag drinking a beer.”
It is a right of passage to drink on the sets that dodged prohibition on property that has a checkered past. Wine bottles from Italy are inside this tiny escape trailer. A 1925 -well used – Star Massage vibrator still remained inside when this “Bat Story” was told to me.
The R.K.O – Desilu film vaults are a short walk from this backyard triangle. In a testament to Silent Films, highly flammable nitrate film was stored in explosive proof bunkers or vaults. Hal Roach Studios intersects this all time movie history corner. This Episode of Batman is a spoof of that era with twists and turns that are eerily delivered that connect to this studios past.
Batman unknowingly at this time, wasn’t just recreating history, it actually as creating significant television history-In Living Color, no-less.
This episode is a treat, so full of history, such as the Desilu Plantation Headquarters, the iconic building still proudly looking up at the Culver Hotel. Everything looks up to something. The Forty Acres backlot looked up to the infamous Desilu water tower, which sadly was removed by Amazon Studios, an owner that lost touch of the history that took place on the glorious formerly silent movie studio.
If you-yourself remain silent, areas of this studio still talk. They do to me anyways. The past still exists, just adjust the antenna on your roof, you will get a signal, I promise you. It only fades away if you let it, tune in, not out.
Time is your precious friend, full of rich, colorful memories that disappear if not preserved. That’s where I step in-to preserve the still remaining, almost forgotten past. The stories behind the films and T.V Series from yesteryear.
Notice the bloody tree branch that killed the pilot.
“Pilot Error” ruled as cause of crash. Tree branch dislodged his cap and a section skull.
Inside-no passengers involved-more mystery
Falls Lake -Universal Backdrop film set. I actually forgot what set I was on here-I ask my audience for help. Does anyone recognize this plane wreck?After 35 years off non stop Universal Movie sets-this crash flew under my radar. I would love to match the show to the pictures I took here.
The tail piece beyond the cockpit/fuselage is a different film than this-both involve huge plane crashes.
Falls Lake snowed in.
Landing gear behind our fake forest set up. This usually has 7 to 10 feet of water here in the basin beneath the sky backdrop.
From this mysterious plane wreck to a more famous crash that because of great piloting, everyone on board walked away. “Sully” lands where others crashed before.
“Sully” recreation of The Hudson emergency, Universal Falls Lake Backdrop.
Plane interior at lake
A successful “saving grace aviation moment” captured at Universal Studios.
This plane died a movie star deathfor War of the Worlds…
Location-Victorville, Ca- same ANA Jumbo Jet being packed up for transport to Universal Studios Backlot.
Here is that plane on the set of War of the Worlds. A Paramount Blockbuster, directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Cruise.It still sits as viewed here, a very popular Tram picture stop.
The street light remains on after the crash and the car alarm goes off when trams pass by.
“Welcome to….Los Angeles”
“Is there a doctor on board?”
A news copter view of this -Breaking News!
We fly back in time now….The fictitious Columbia AirlinesGood luck with this plan…This guy can fly…At this time in the early 70’s-Mr. Heston did 3 movies as a pilot. Airport, Midway, and Sky Jacked. If he’s your pilot, your in for a wild ride!
TRUST ME-I”M GOOD!
Screenshot
Pictured right-Director Jack Smite at work.
Success breeds sequels- “We are now boarding–Dean Martin is your Captain” “I didn’t know this guy was our pilot-I saw him at the bar with some stewardess’s”A Harbinger of things to come…
I did not realize – we did this Tour Show. I wish it was there when I started…I had my own airplanes I pretended to fly at MGM in this era.
The Captain left his Heineken bottle behind in a hasty exit with a group of stewardess’s…MGM
1970-Airport- 1
When I started my Universal career, I worked with guys who were on this film. Wind Machines, my department operates Ritter Fans used for special effects. We maintain and operate these and supply the necessary Direct Current needed for their operation. Effects would in this case toss snow flakes in front of the fan blades creating a blizzard. Fun stuff.
Key scenes were done in our huge parking lot located on Barham Blvd. A plane was stuck on a snow-covered runway.
This story paints the picture of what all took place. The studio parking lot was not the intended location. Conditions made it impossible to film at M.S.P. Back to Hollywood we go, the Art Department cleverly decided to utilize our huge parking lot. We can make snow, even in comfy temperatures. No pictures exist, I would have took some but this is before my employment.
But I was lucky enough to work with the guys who created the snow storms and shared stories with me.
2005 War of the Worlds
30 years after Airport 1975- Steven Spielberg creates a town that has a 747 crash into it, because we are at war with Extra -Terrestrials. Not the friendly kind like E.T, ones that don’t really like us- humanoids. To finish off a set just built specifically to appear ravaged by a 747 crash, all we needed now was a Big Old Jetliner.
Out of a scrapheap in Victorville, we found our star. A Boeing 747 S.R. A domestic wide body built for Japan. ANA painted its emblem on the sides and the initials stand for All Nippon Airways (ANA). The plane was bought for $60,000. Transporting it to the studio cost 3 times more and the logistics were difficult since-we really don’t have an AIRPORT-at this studio.
Using a helicopter, as well as a series of lorries that were escorted by police, it spiraled the cost upwards into the $ 200,000 thousand altitude. This set was only a 3-day shoot, critical in the film. On my Phantomofthebacklots -Youtube Channel, I have film of these scenes on my tutorial site. I highly recommend a visit to the behind the scenes making of this movie.
This crash never left, this Paramount film had the responsibility to strike this set located in between The Psycho House and The Greeting Center when visiting-Jurassic Park. Universal waved the “strike – phase” and accepted keeping this set up for the Studio Tour.
This is a fun story to read next time your waiting in an airport…
All production services your company can possibly need can be fabricated, built, produced on this the biggest and most grand studio in Hollywood. We provide power sources, air conditioning, transportation rentals, lighting equipment and professional staff at every level including post production services. Your one stop shop for film service…Universal Studios.
Just behind this Neon sign are…Animal Actors-
Always on stand buy- when not starring in their own shows.
Our residential look-does not get as much action as Colonial Street. That street looks down to this one from a higher hill side.
House used in-To Kill a MockingBird. Real interior filming can take place inside this set. Rooms, doors, carpet greet you- furniture can be rented from our Property Department.
Ready to move in-yes indeed–we rent furnishings.
Yes we rent snow-earth, wind and fire.
No studio has more exterior sets and landscapes as Universal. Included is a water basin and sky backdrop. Any ocean needs- we provide wave makers, wind machines, boats, aquatic personnel, and every conceivable prop from the distant past to present day. From Pirate Ships to Fancy Yachts-Pyro technical often happens safely with our team of specialists at your beck and call. All for cost-rent us, you won’t regret the first class service.
Falls Lake- Backdrop, here dressed for Pirates of the Caribbean
Underwater, above water, film Universal. Only one backdrop water basin exists besides ours- Paramount has the other. This basin is currently being used in Jumangi, starring The Rock and Jack Black.A train set has been built in the basin-void of water for this film.
Do you need a bridge? We have the room, the backdrop for the Green Screen, and an expert metal shop.
Park Lake=This body of water separates for trams to experience-The Parting of the Red Sea.
Skull Island for King Kong
Skull Island/ Red Sea – miniature ship-promoting King Kong, the animation Universal replaced the burned up Kong with. No longer mechanical, it is virtual in the experience, This Studio Tour in the future will be roller coasters and virtual Fast and Furious virtual encounters.
The Backlot is so extensive, we have a set for anything you can possibly need. If we don’t- then we can build it. New York City is hard to film, but New York at Universal allows those technical difficult shots to easily be controlled and manipulated. Spiderman features come use this backlot for Spider Action involving the Spider Cam that runs on cables or zip lines creating P.O.V of the Super Hero perspective of creating and traversing a spider web network sensationalism.
A calm morning before “Bruce” the Shark awakens…Named after Steven Spielberg’s attorney.
Sharks for rent-dead or alive!
“I can fit into your budget, I’m one of the oldest stars left in Hollywood.”.
Cabot Cove is also…JAWS
Where the past, present, and future intertwine
From Leave it to Beaver to Back to the Future and a million shows in between-From small towns to large airplanes, we have a stage built just for these scenes-called the 747 Stage, it is located behind New York Street on our backlot. In Hone Alone 2- this is the plane the family split up on. New York Street was also used as Kevin outsmarts his potential captors….The Clocktower from Back to the Future sits above Courthouse Square to promote the film to our Tram Guests and top photo was called Rock Hudson Circle- tour guides joked “It’s Rock Hudson a circle because it goes both-ways.”.Joke went over well back in the day.
This generations- Dennis the Menace, Kevin McCallister boarding a prop designed to be an airplane interior.
Scenes done in our 747 Stage…located in the backlot behind New York Street.
Well, so much here, we have had 3 New York Streets in my career here. The original burned down destroying 21 picture cars like the one pictured here. The film titled “Oscar” and the sets along with these irreplaceable vintage cars. Directed by John Landis, starring Sylvester Stallone.
A production disaster…
Things happen around here but we are insured and bonded.But the cars ruined on Brownstone Street are irreplaceable. What survived-the 747 stage and Courthouse Square-top of frame-the square building right side ended up being torn down. Inside was Kong for the Glamour Tram Tour.
Get me out of here….Is this fire real or fake?
Big Apes -we got them also.
All this area burned in 1990-a year later-these several blocks were rebuilt and the Disney feature “NEWSIES”- a musical feature christened New York Street 2.
Disney’s film “Newsies” inaugurated New York Street 2 in a high budget Musical.
Alleyways available for rent.
We can light the lot in any style you need with our’ second to none’ Set Lighting department, always at your service. Pictured here -Spiderman left-Bruce Almighty right.
This car -will be launched into this delicatessen like a sling shot. You dream it, we make it happen.
The deli being prepared for a car to fly through it-not C.G.I-this is all real. Pictured right, the backside of this soon to be destroyed set. Spiderman ‘Sony’ comes to Universal for those hard to get shots.
We have a Fire Department on the lot to oversee all pyrotechnique activity-Do your explosive scenes here at Universal. Last blasts must “go off” or detonate before 10 P.M. A courtesy for our neighbors, you can film all night-minus gunfire.
The last western street in Hollywood was used a just that in -‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’
We can make you a cowboy in a matter of minutes...
The roads are paved under this dirt covered street. Trams visit the old west daily and dirt kicks up too much dust, the dirt is removed immediately after filming.
The last Western Street left standing these days in a major studio is…Universal Studios.
This two story building is located in the hub of 6 Points Texas. A legendary ghost town that links back to all the Universal westerns including the last western classic T.V series…Alias Smith and Jones..The bricks are rubber…why, for fight sequences. Cowboys could be slammed into the walls and soften the blows. Some doors are built smaller to make the cowboys seem larger than life.
Take it from Soup, this guy has lived it…
“Soup” is his name, he is an image etched on a wall just inside a door across from the saloon used in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This art dates far back in Universal History, truly-Once Upon a Time is this backlot, especially this street.
When the old west is needed, there is only one backlot left to flip the bill…Universal Studios.
The old west-Once Upon a Time at Universal. Pete Duel and Ben Murphy are legendary in these parts…
Alias Smith and Jones-my favorite T.V western series, based off the success of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
The train, the depot, and the tracks- no longer exist.
No studio can still provide a Wagon Train like Universal can.
Denver Street- No longer rentable – this street has been removed.
This area often gets rented out since traveling to Europe gets expensive, Set dressing, cars, and signs can all be rented here. You supply the actors, we can rent you the costumes. Your one stop film shop.
Rome used to be available for rent. Large Parties took place here with top chefs Since removed for multiple Stage’s with A.I capabilities.
This fountain is still available for rent- used in our Monster Movie History in this-Court of Miracles
The Hump on Quasimodo is a prop. Bud Westmore and Edith Head can make a a new man, an old man or just….A frightening monster.
Spooky-is our middle name…
Edith Head going over outfits as Bud Westmore prepare this Black Lagoon Creature.
Be careful with the cup holders, they really grab hold.
Anything you need-we have…
Yes, we have thousands of paintings-“Tonight’s tale steps out of the painting and take place here…at Universal.“ScreenshotScreenshotAmazing Stories take place hereLooks like my childhood!
State of the art-Post Production.
There is not one picture in this brochure that I haven’t worked on, in, or around including these dubbing stages and Foley rooms. I worked on the wall lighting and floor monuments “power” in this stage located by Stage 12.
This is not an ice rink – it is part of Universal’s newest stages…
The only thing lacking is -The History.
Welcome to my former haunting grounds…
Universal Studios is cut into divisions, facilities, production, first responders, tours, operations and every technical department you can think off, We work like a well oiled machine involving several moving parts. No job is too big or to small. Founded as Universal Pictures by Carl Lemmele, We would later be M.C.A -Music Corporation of America. Our T.V Division was titled Revue Studios and movie mogul Lew Wasserman was our leader and resided on the Top Floor of the infamous -Black Tower.
The stories from this lot are often handed down from the generations of employees that worked here and lived them. Everyone has memories of actors, films, shows, and just everyday going -ons that take place inside this city. A top employer, the surrounding city of North Hollywood and Burbank were developed around our city affectionately know as Universal City.
Tours started in 1964 and continue today, I was part of that for almost 5 years before taking on an apprenticeship and 4 years later becoming all things electric is a workplace that craves power. You can never have enough, especially in summertime when the demand is crucial. Shows call non stop for more power needs on hundred degree days especially. Production power from shooting stations dating back to the 1920’s and 1930’s cannot keep up with today’s demands and mobile power is often required. Generators fill the bill when our old system gets taxed.
Westinghouse Mobile Generators were strategically position in every town on the backlot to provide current. D.C -Direct current is produced. A.C- Alternating-Current is augmented with our old D.C to fill amperage needs that shows require. Advances in lighting no longer require D.C as the industry modernized.
I did not realize I was working in an environment that would no longer keep on -keeping on!
I was in the old days, the tail end of movie making. We had everything you could need. A mill to build any set-interior or exterior. A metal shop, of course electric, plumbing, transportation, a fire department -Squad 51- named from Emergency T.V series, is tour fire department.
Located on the lot, this department oversees pyro effects and the permits have to be pulled for burning or exploding scenes period. One tiny flaming ember can light this wooden backlot up like Gone with the Wind. I lived two of the biggest fires ever to take place on the lot.
Location scouts contact me on scouts for tech needs on the shows looking to rent our lot. Rentals turn a tidy profit as you can see in the brochure. The one set I always heard from scouts that they wish we had was ‘mini malls.’ They are hard to lock down for location filming- often needing to negotiate and compensate several business’s, where at Universal you just deal with us. Surprisingly, this simple mall type set as never built. Steven Spielberg was consulted as a visionary for our 3rd New York Street, at the time we ere owned by General Electric. He requested a waterfront, harbor set to be built behind New York Street- but the powers to be did not want more studio.
A drift of what future is ahead- real estate development was proposed and a complete backlot tear down was on the plans-widen Barham Blvd for traffic was being evaluated. This was a go- until the Seagrams liquid spirit company bought us. From the Grinch Company General Electric, who didn’t even decorate for Christmas, to an alcohol empire that threw the best ever Christmas parties ever.
The entire backlot was a themed event, snow rides were provided to sled on, horse rides, music, strolling entertainment. Bring 6 guests on top of it. Western Bar -B Q and Whiskey drinks lined the old west. Animals were brought in for children to pet, a Ferris wheel was set up on New York Street.
Seagrams knows how to throw a party, they threw two of these swashbuckling Christmas events before leaving with our Universal Music catalog and disbanding plans to build The Seagrams World Headquarters behind Stage 12. I saw the plans and this studio survived a General Electric alternate ending.
NBC Comcast rescued this studio and designed a plan for all incumbents. A Theme Park, A City Walk, Production Facilities and keeping alive the spirit….somewhat. Negatives happen in big business, removing the Phantom of the Opera- Stage 28 was a mistake, that’s the most prized stage ever built. Certainly we could have made it the tour museum of all things…MONSTERS.
A plan is underway to remove all the original stages used in the %0’s and 60’s T.V series such as Leave it to Beaver, The Munsters, Dragnet, McHale’s Navy, and long running Coach T.V series. The Make Up rooms adjacent to the stages played home to –The Beatles in 1965. The Band was rejected by hotels because of the potential for being overrun, so Lew Wasserman put them up inside this area of the studio.
Epilogue :
Time line fact-Since many moons has passed by since this brochure was handed out to Location Managers in the industry, massive changes have happened and are still underway. Many sets and stages have been removed, new tech stages have been built. More significant stages are on the path of being destroyed, an entire quadrant of our oldest T.V Series-“Revue Studios” in credits.Theme park expansion is what this area will become-The Mario Brothers will replace The Beavers, The Munsters, McHale’s Navy, Dragnet, etc,etc.
Most recent, the Barn on Western Street, know as 6 Points, Texas, has been demolished. If you ever rode in a Tram, you have driven down these same streets.The Barn, also known as Stage One, was raised. sadly, this landmark existed before this property was owned by Universal Pictures. The centermost backlot set, used on Carl Laemmle’s Box Lunch films. Uncle Carl filmed in the “open air,” allowing visitors onto his sets.
A Grandstand was set up to watch the slow process of movies being made, so included was a box lunch. This is the true origin of Universal Pictures and the legend of Universal Tours in the year- 1909.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood…All this took place!
Miss Ellie Ewing, The matriarch of the Family, mother of J.R, Gary, and Bobby Ewing, played by Barbra Bell, replaced briefly by Donna Reed due to health issues, she recovered to return back to…The ranch.
Ray Krebbs played by Steve Kanaly
Donna Krebbs, played by Susan Howard
Jock Ewing played by Jim Davis
Lucy Ewing played by Charlene Tilton
What a cast…That’s the menu of meat and potatoes that fed this hit television seriesfrom 1978 to to 1991
I get by with a little help from my friendsfor this tale on this iconic series, Lets dive in the Norfolk pool…
A friend of mine named Paul Vakay was the Best Boy for Set Lighting Department on this top Rated T.V Series that ran from April, 1978 through May,1991. Paul’s Dad ran the MGM Set Lighting department. in the 50’s, 60’s and into the 70’s. This job is best learned from the ground up, so before you become a lamp operator or Best Boy in the era of Arc lights. A show Best Boy over sees all things Electric. Set Lighting starts with Rigging sets with heavy cable that is necessary to distribute the power where lighting will be taking place.
The Best Boy is a very important puzzle piece. He is the “go to guy” for all things lighting on any set. The term itself is a spin off over time when department heads would request from other crews there best and most capable “Chief assistant” to fulfill needs by the department head. Second in command to the “Gaffer” and work with “juicers” to fulfill electrical demands. I “Donnie” was a “Juicer” that made sets “Hot”at Universal. Each show’s Best Boy on our lot in my Universal career had my “pager number” for emergencies or other electrical needs. Sometimes I worked with 10 Best Boys a day in several capacities. Generators Operators, Special Effects, Transportation, all have large electrical needs. The power is delivered from a building with huge generators located The Power House. This facility pumps the juice, D.C “Direct Current” juice, which in the day was the power standard.
An example of a Powerhouse and every studio had one of these in the day.-at Universal, we had 7 2000 amp D.C -Westinghouse generators feeding D.C to every stage. Best Boys contact the 40 shop “juicer” to throw in the switches to energize the stage they are working in. Our Universal Powerhouse has been used in Vintage- Horror movies as a laboratory because of all the classic- real switches and meters- throw in a switch, if polarity is correct- The Monster will – “Come Alive.”
Tunnels and conduits run to every stage on the lot below each stage. The bowel’s of the studio is where electricity spreads its tentacles to shows in need. Many Powerhouse operators ended up with Leukemia, no thanks to magnetic fields which get created in these cement cellars. Asbestos, a strong carcinogenic, insulates cables. It took decades to realize all the negative effects working in and around this environment. The Golden Age of Hollywood came with side effects.
A.C “alternating current” has replaced D.C. A very expensive option but lights flicker on A.C, unsuspecting by the Naked Eye, but jumps out when film gets processed. This is a technical business where lots can go wrong. Remember, power is invisible, odorless, and always ready to strike. More electricians die annually than police officers get killed in that line of work. I salute those who master this world of movie set power.
“Bull Cans” are on most every stage wall and provide power to the copper inside these 50 ft. one hundred pound cables that tie into spider boxes by connect cable lugs to buss bars. Often, the cable goes up to the top off the perms or catwalks that exist above the stage and over look each set and every room on whatever set is below you. This is…set lighting country-don’t be afraid of heights in this career.
Generators replace Bull Cans on exterior and location work. My job as a Local 40 ‘juicer” was to make sure power sources were available to breath life into the cables after all the rigging is complete. We usually pre-light with the “gaffer” who knows just what ambiance or light effects are needed. This way when the stars arrive and camera get set up we are ready to roll.
This is a well oiled and polished machine, no department wants to hold up shooting so this job is all about prepping. On cue, when everything is tied in…the juicer will say ‘Coming Hot”-magically the set comes to life. Amperage is now flowing through cable like blood flows inside your body, it’s the life source. Heat rises and these perms get extremely warm. Lighting throws off heat, a summer day- up high- with the set totally lit creates more problems, make up on actors may melt and make acting uncomfortable or impossible.
Another responsibility I had on sets is Hooking up 30 ton Air Handlers, the more lighting, the air needed. I was a very popular guy on hot days. A lot of work and cable goes into installing portable air. Grips, Set Lighting, and Special Effects are the departments that you find up high in places raccoons like to hide out!
Welcome to Hollywood
So enough tech mumbo jumbo, we are ready to film….
On the Dallas set, the company had 4 stages committed to them on this very busy Lorimar, formerly MGM, main lot known as Lot 1. Dallas is the Top Dog on this lot as the 80’s arrive. CHiPS, Little House on the Prairie, Flamingo Road, Fame are also clients in need of stages. The lot formerly know as MGM is in transition like a subsidiary of Warner Brothers. That studio is known at this time as The Burbank Studios, the T.V Division was booming and one home was not enough, but MGM is now available for occupying first class film making facilities.
The former MGM Lot was a busy as any time in its history. Rigging crews work 3 shifts round the clock-rigging and striking. This cable only stays put on sets that are continuously used. Dallas had 4 stages with rigging left in place.
My friend Paul from Local 728 became a lamp operator on this series after training – rigging these stages and sets. Paul, formerly a baseball star at Pepperdine up by Malibu, his dream was not ‘Rigging,” it was baseball. He could pitch a mean game until he tore his rotator cuff, where pitching careers usually end. Now Paul falls back on his father, the Department Head. Paul works his way onto this series and his life changes dramatically. Not only is he on the top rated series, actresses take notice of this fine looking surfer/ lamp operator.
Ted Turner bought MGM in 1986 and sold it to Lorimar, who already had a foothold on the property. Dallas had 4 continuous Stages, 5,18,19 and 23. Knotts Landing also had 4 Stages at MGM as the Lorimar impact began to dominate the studio landscape.
Stage 5 housed the Oil Baron’s Club and various “swing sets.” Side story here is- passing the dressing rooms between the 4 Stages clumped together, the smell of marijuana often filled the air. Drugs, especially weed and coke twisted its snake like head not only with cast but crew also. The industry at this time was like Woodstock, with out the war going on anymore. Big money and fast times is how this industry rolled in the 70’s and 80’s.
I can tell you first hand the same environment was taking place at Universal on all your favorite series. The Hulk, The Bionic Woman, Airwolf, Cheech and Chong and the Blues Brothers could party with the best of them, different time in space in that era. I don’t want to personalize who did what, things happened like this inside any gate at every studio. I digress…
Stage 18 was the Ewings living room, there was also an attached dining room and this stage and Stage 19 had sliding doors and two stages could become one stage inside, this offers versatility.
Stage 19 had “swing sets”, sets that fit an episode but are not permanent. It was on Stage 19 Paul, the source for this remembrance we are sharing, met his first wife while on top of a ladder outside the living room set when a spark would later ignite a relationship/marriage. While on location in Texas, Paul’s eventual first wife would stand-in for her mother while on summer break from college. She would later meet Paul at Culver City. Stage 19’s sets constantly changed to introduce new cast members, love interests or simple office sets, Susan Howard, who played Donna Krebs-“Ray Krebs wife was the mother of Paul’s first wife. Pretty cool how they met.
Stage 23-The Ewing’s back yard, based of this actual location in Norfolk,Texas. That yard on location was dominated by a swimming pool. This was a difficult task to match the real location to the stage version, matching the daytime lighting on this summer location to that of the stage mock up. Most backyard scenes were on Stage 23. Location provides ‘establishing shots” cleverly edited to match Culver City’s sets.
This describes how the MGM Lot and Lorimar Pictures blended together.When the studio operated as MGM, before the purchase, Lorimar rented everything from stages to cable from MGM. Lorimar kept MGM afloat through payment on rentals. Lorimar was going bigger and bigger, how high can they fly. The answer is….they bought the studio. My old MGM Sign and Leo the Lion overlooking the studio and city was replaced by Lorimar Telepictures, A thriving upstart company replaces the most legendary first class film lot in American History. MGM fades to black just like the backlots that preceded this evolution. T.V is King!
This show became so big, the cast was recognized wherever they went. Most actors just dealt with it, the trade off of being a star and all the fame, success and money that follow you. Larry Hagman had a bodyguard named Tim, who was also a stand in on this series. Between the actors salaries and the residuals, money rained down like Pennies from Heaven…
That show was done at MGM in 1981, starring Steve Martin, as this series was being filmed. CBS was the network this series aired on. The number 7 actor on this series in those days was making 35 k an episode folks. You couldn’t watch a football game on CBS without “What’s next on Dallas.” Usually during a Dallas Cowboy football game. Our country relaxed with –All things Dallas!
Larry Hagman lived in Malibu and came to work in a two seat Mercedes coupe. often enjoyed a drink on set, or across the street from Lorimar at the legendary Backstage Bar. Larry had his own Red Booth vinyl seating corner in this legendary bar. The stars of Combat drank here-at wrap, before going home -7 shot glasses greeted the cast after playing Army all day. A legendary dark dive bar across the street from MGM’s South gate.
This hit show became a machine, like a Ferrari, Today, the shiny show that dominated television on the most wanted, hard to have success- Friday Night Prime Time Network has been relegated to reruns. I’m surprised it isn’t more popular today. Kinda hard to locate on television today. The Waltons still dominate the rerun world, but all those other T.B.S Lorimar series remain stored in film cans, like a genie returning to its bottle. Things went so smoothly on this set that often shooting was finished by lunch time, and prep started immediately for the next day. They stayed a head of the curve, that is the key to success, don’t get bogged down. be professional, you know what’s needed, Do It.
Success follows hard work…this show is an example as all the departments come together to create memories that will be ever captured on film. There are just as many fantastic stories behind the scenes as what you see on your T.V….
A list of Directors includes the stars itself.
Lorimar could not pay stars more money so being a Director became a perk. Patrick was a natural, Larry was shrewd, always asking the camera operator what the shot would and should look like. The camera operator and set up continuity, absolutely essential to film. Just ask Thomas Ince.
Written and lived by….Donnie Norden “with a little help from his friends, Thank you Paul for your insight and detailed memories.
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…
Screenshot
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!
ScreenshotScreenshot
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
Charles Bronson, in a sniper position here firing towards a Plexiglass covered camera lens and operator.
Reverse angle as the battle begins…
All the parties have arrived in the Baldwin Hills oilfields. Everybody is -Armed and Dangerous!
No place run -Charles has you in his sight.
The camera captures these final scenes protected from full load blank ammo under a blanket.
We need a bigger gun…
As the sunsets, investigators sort through all the carnage.
All in a days work…
Another fine job by man….Charles Bronson.
THE CRACKDOWN
A day on set…1987
A 5 million dollar budgeted film spun off collective series of successful features, this one is directed by J.Lee Thompson.
I discovered this production while mountain biking up in the oilfields above Culver City.I had just got home from my job at that time as a Tram Driver for Universal’s Studio Tour. I gave four tram tours earlier in the day but nothing going on at Universal today was a cool as this set I rolled up on. Fortunately, I had a camera with me. At first I wasn’t sure what I was watching until I saw all the show cards in the Transportation equipment.
Death Wish 4 is on every dashboard in all the production vehicles. Ironically, this is a MGM Film. We are above the former MGM Lot 3 for these action sequences. As I malinger myself around set I manage to capture a close up of one of my all time favorite stars…Charles Bronson.
I hesitantly approached this man, more clean shaven but, just as mean-if not meaner,
I had to take advantage of my “one minute in the sunshine.” As Charles wondered off alone I pulled up alongside him. “I’m sure glad you survived that chateau assault in the Dirty Dozen. He gave me this stare as I kept rambling on, “that set was on the backlot in the MGM facility in the U.K I believe?” as he responds. “The entire chateau was a set, we destroyed it”. “I’m a huge Lee Marvin fan so you two are quite the pair of survivors.”
” Lee was in The Battle of Saipan, he’s seen a lot of real action.” said Charles.
We happen to be overlooking the City of Culver City but more specifically, the former MGM Lot 3.
“My favorite show ever, I wanted the entire cast to survive, I cried when Jim Brown gets killed, what an ending!” Here I am on a hill top with the baddest dude in film. Next question I always wondered is – ” In the Twilight Zone episode “TWO” where was that New York Street?
I never could figure out this set, it baffled me for decades…
Charles impressed me as he scoured the horizon. He was trying to point it out, but – he became as baffled as me. I then point to Raintree, formerly the MGM Backlot 3. He stares towards Desilu and its grand water tower, then responds, “I don’t see the studio.” Then the bombshell, “It was at Hal Roach Studios.” “That studio was torn down in 1964.”. He is needed on back on set to undoubtedly kill more people, I sit in an afterglow.
No wonder I couldn’t pin it down, I never got inside Hal Roach. The Twilight Zone never filmed there or so I thought. They did it turns out-only this mentioned episode. My moment with Charles was fleeting yet still imprinted in my wonderful life memories forever.
I would find out later…
I did not know I was talking with a W.W. 2 hero himself, Mr. Bronson was a B-29 Superfortress aerial gunner. A Purple Heart was awarded to him for injuries sustained in action over Japan. They don’t make actors like they use too….
This was the first T.B.S picture on the roll of 36 pics. I had just got this camera, a Minolta, for Christmas. This happens to be Christmas Day 1975. The shutter snapped, then the roof snapped louder. My shiny- fancy camera got a big dent but we both survived. When I caught up to my friends, we went driving around in costume. The Wantons had wardrobe inside it, hats and coats for all of us. The car was a stick, I wasn’t old enough to drive and I nearly crashed into the Walton House. All this- while you folks were watching ‘A Walton Christmas’ episode on television.
Same angle from a Chapman Crane vehicle. Roof is unsafe, take it from me!
This street is long gone, built in 1957.You can’t have a backlot without a saloon…
Where the heck the heck did I leave my horse?
I’ll have what he’s having bartender…
I almost died when the roof of this bank fell through. Half my body was dangling in the upstairs windows. My upper torso was precariously balanced on the roof. This was possible thanks to my camera strap.Quite a sight indeed. The story just begins up there that wonderful Merry Christmas Day in 1975
I see the Walton’s are in town…
Those Walton’s know a good watering hole when they see one.Grandpa “fires up” in his truck before pushing open those swinging doors… That’s the rumor round these parts anyhow!
Last Chance Saloon…Show Downs daily!
Bonanza has filmed in Paramount’s Saloon, The Desilu Saloon, and Warner Brothers. The family that drinks together has the best chance for a long and successful T.V series.
Bring on-The Dancing Girls
We take all currencies-Gold, Copper, Silver and Paper
This behavior always gets the best of ya!
When Maverick says “I’ll Return !” He keeps his word. Decades apart!
Area 14, 13 and 12 featured in tonight’s episode of craziness.Map from 1967, pre- Walton House.Notice the circle around the jungle, dirt roads take you to and from sets in this part of the backlot. We always enter the lot off California Street, that’s where we park. First set always was the Walton house, shed, and treehouse. If you can climb the chain link barb wire fence covered with ivy.
We miss the the old west;
I’m 22 years old now a days, considered by law enforcement to be a grown up. But, we also look old enough to blend in…unlike when I was 12. There are pros and cons in everything, I suppose. All the Culver City Studio backlots were long gone. MGM’s Backlot 3 was a saloon haven. Desilu/ 40 Acres had one-a very good one. One of the first places I ever got drunk was at Desilu.
Jimmy, Danny, Pat, Tim and myself had a hankering to go back in time, back to the old west. Tim, who was a background actor on Happy Days at this time, came up with an idea. Tim is the only one who still is at studios all the time. His brother Sean doubled for a lead actor on Blade Runner.
That feature was a ninety day shoot-all nights. Ridley Scott directed this film that used The Burbank Studios New York Street exclusively. I was in-between studios. MGM Film Labs just shut down. My next job was next to the The Culver Studios at a film distribution warehouse. I was in between my trespassing life and attempting to build a career.
So far, trespassing is still really my true career at this time. I spent about 30 nights sneaking on Blade Runner. I saw everything you can imagine. Acid rain, Asian street walkers with large anaconda snakes wrapped around them. Ostriches, hookers and spinners compete on water covered sidewalks with outdoor live food stands.
Cranes on set merge with liquid nitrogen. Special effects inject it to create the lift-off of the Spinners into the night sky. Androids being hunted by humans-what can go wrong. Like craziest drug trip ever, with out drugs. This film just “wrapped out” recently at this time.
Each one of my pals tonight visited the Blade Runner set with me on one night or the other. We all have our own memories, especially the mid night catering as the clock strikes 12.
From dusk till dawn, dinner was served at mid night promptly. I would hand craft a well laid out tray of gourmet food. Then, I would disappear into the darkest parts of this backlot. Often, the Walton front porch was the eating spot, quiet- dark, and surrounded by jungle. The closest humans are on a very lit up New York Street. The lighting shines so bright that it can be seen from outer space. Yet, the canopy in this jungle area blocks all the hectic commotion from a couple of villages away.
These valley studios quickly replaced the backlots I lost in Culver City. Even better, the guards don’t know me here. I always had call sheets in my pocket. proof that- I belong!
I crave this movie stuff-just like a plate of Prime Rib and Lobster!
I digress, but I became very familiar with all things Warner Brothers. At this point this studio was The Burbank Studios. Around 1986, it rededicated itself as Warner Brothers. I was then driving trams and Warner Brothers rented our trams and drivers for the 12th biggest party in history. Sandwiched between Woodstock and the J.F.K birthday bash.
A Tram in search of a saloon.
I‘m the one with the gimpy leg…
History waits for No -One!
This backlot was all things Waltons in the 70’s. Every storefront had set decor, costumes could be found in picture cars. But shows get canceled and channels change.
Other shows would take over the backlots. Maverick returned. James Garner and I crossed paths in a scene. It was in front of this very saloon we are visiting tonight. The Fall Guy made a guest appearance here, that day I met Roy Rogers. If only they knew I was a trespasser…
My older version of “The Hole in the Wall Gang” reunites tonight in a saloon. The meeting takes place in a dark, deserted ghost town.
I frame this story I’m about to share with past history and future history not yet lived. With all this lead in, lets go have some drinks…shall we?
The Climb
We begin this night by climbing in behind the ‘recently canceled’ Waltons house. “No more of those kids” we all laugh as we climb a barb wire fence behind the chicken coupe shed. “Those Waltons are all grown up now, but not us!” we snicker.
We are not even stoned yet, but it’s never to soon to get into character. Tim breaks out a bag of Magic Mushrooms. We chow down large caps and the stems they’re attached to. Next to our make shift counter are empty chicken cages. Crude farm tools also persist from the series. This includes a big saw blade. An outdoor smell of hay remains from the series.
None of us know what that family even did for a living. Oh well, another fine set becomes ours.
Double vision is kicking in-Two different backlots
We had a fort in the red version of this set in Desilu. We had so many parties in the Mayberry R.F.D home. Inside little exists, just a stairway upstairs. The red one was torn down, this clone set sits empty at T.B.S. Both these sets are exact, inside and out.
We all feel a “buzz” coming on a half hour into tonight’s odyssey. We started off as quiet as could be, talking very low. There are no guards or any other signs of life, which allows us to become lackadaisical. The mushrooms are adding flavor and colors to this pitch dark setting.
We are, Out in the Woods
Every bush, tree and vine acknowledge us as we pass alongside and underneath. Crickets sing, a bull frog croaks as we pass a tiny lake. Flamingo Road filmed here and Howard Duff had an accident, falling off a hydrofoil. He was pulling up to shore, that’s all the scene required. The big spinning fan blade was moving too fast. It caused Howard to dump below the surface. I had just arrived on set. I had just climbed in the jungle area like Tarzan.
As the corrupt Sheriff Titus Semple struggled greenish colored water, everyone on this set was “busting up.”
I just climbed in, this was the first set I came upon. I worked my way behind MorganFairchild, who was watching from the lake edge, just out of frame. I follow her lead and stand beside her as this scene unfolds. Unexpectedly, this craft flips. Morgan begins laughing so hard-she hugs me, laughing furiously.
As if I was Mark Harmon. I’m a trespasser, on the lot for 10 minutes. That’s enough time to be embraced by the star. Every time I come to this studio, I meet big stars. This backlot always has something going on, from Kung Fu to The Dukes of Hazzard. Even Maverick is back, now in living color.
My mind is a kaleidoscope of a collection of images, each with there own story…
I don’t need movie stars to have fun here. That said, it was pretty funny to see Howard Duff the white suit get dumped into the drink. That scene got cut out, no matter how funny that moment was, not what they were hoping for. You couldn’t do a retake, he was all wet and different looking as he walked out of the jungle lagoon.
A vacant backlot is pretty darn fun. That’s what we have ahead of us tonight. We walk down this winding jungle road. It delivers us to the old west.
Illusions fill our confused minds, images come out of the dark and tantalize us..
The Queen of Hearts is taking a walk
. You haven;t seen security tonight have ya? …You never know who you may run into on psilocybin.
For those who have never indulged, the high resembles images from a rock video. I worked on this video with Aerosmith. Title –Sunshine.
As we pass slowly through this mysterious jungle, we see the silhouettes of buildings on Laramie Street. We each brought a quart of beer. Colt 45, Miller Malt Liquor and a couple of Foster Lagers. Beer from the Outback being drank on the backlot. We got something for everybody tonight-On Location at-The Burbank Studios
Silence is broken
The sound of a motor scooter can be heard and appears to be following our tracks. We take cover like raccoons in the old Ike Godsey country store on the edge of town. We lay low as the scooter with a security guard operating appears to be investigating something. He must be hearing things, things being My Hole in the Wall Gang.
We carry our large round beer bottles protectively, like a football. Slowly, we are moving the chains.
The saloon is the end zone, we are close to scoring. As the ‘put put’ scooter disappears, we reappear and transition from a jungle to…the old west. Mission accomplished. We now occupy the bottom floor bar area of the Laramie Street Saloon.
Twist off the tops and have a toast!
Cling, cling, is the next sound you hear as we toast at the bar. It is so dark that color magically takes form. The next thing you know, a strong pot odor fills the air inside our saloon. We are feeling as good as can be and like in any saloon, the talking gets louder and louder. Sports talk fills the the sound void.The first backlot sports bar is now talking Dodgers.
It is so dark inside here. You have to reach out and touch things that dimly appear. This is just to see what is real and what isn’t. All the while, we keep getting louder.
One by one we head upstairs to the saloon roof. We share stories as we pass the the joint around. We duck down on each hit so the “cherry” can’t be seen from the street below. I laugh, “If The Doobie Brothers could see us now!”
Louder and louder we get as we try to out do each other story wise...Until
That silly little scooter has returned with a jeep accomplice. We now have two motorized sheriff posse circling below us with their lights of. We lay flat on the roof as they park there motorized horses and enter the swinging doors.
As if they are looking for a “Showdown.”
We got them out numbered, They probably got a good whiff of “spirits”as they entered.
We hear no talking, just footsteps. 2 guards, 5 trespassers. We are too high to go to jail. If they come through the roof doorway, we will jump. First to the balcony, another jump to where the dirt road they parked on.
We could take off with their “horses” while they search for sounds of ghosts.
We wait for our Que, we will react when need be. Everything is quiet, an eerily silence because… we know they are waiting below us. Pure silence as our minds race to a conclusion of what to do next. We have one way out of this studio. We need to retreat to the chicken coupe next to the Walton former residence. After a half hour library time. they finally move on after never coming up to the roof.
We exit and backtrack through the jungle, retracing our steps, but this time we run. It’s not fun to climb a barb wire fence while being chased, nor extremely stoned. We are happy to leave without a visit to the watch commander. The funnest part of this trip was outsmarting the motorized security hunters. A typical cowboy adventure, all that’s left on the roof is a bunch of empty beer jugs.
Phantom of the Backlots 