Tag: history

Exploring MGM’s Backlot -Time Machine Journey

Phantom of the Backlot3 Comments
Website header for 'The Time Machine Project' featuring a timepiece and a futuristic device on a red background, endorsed by the George Pal Estate as a tribute to the 1960 MGM movie 'The Time Machine'.
Don and Mary Coleman own this site and asked me put my own spin to match their excellent work. I am honored to participate in this First Class presentation they created. Don is al things…The Time Machine. A must visit site for those of us who traverse through time’s wormholes…
Black and white photograph of a film crew on location, featuring a table discussion among actors, a large camera setup, and various crew members in a sandy landscape with oil rigs in the background.

A mystery of mine has finally been solved regarding the making of ….The Time Machine in June 26,1959.

A scene from 'The Time Machine' featuring several characters observing a large, steaming volcano while exhibiting expressions of fear and concern.

I’m at this set everyday with my free range dogs-only very recently did this area directly connect to this set. Basically still untouched as it connects directly to MGM Lot 3.

A blonde woman in a pink dress standing beside a man in a white shirt, both in a natural outdoor setting with unique vegetation.
Black and white image of a film set with a woman and man sitting on a ledge engaged in conversation, while crew members are visible in the background adjusting equipment.

Tape Measure for camera setting…This set is not on MGM Property, rather-Just beyond the fence in the Baldwin Hills Oil Fields. I go here everyday with my dogs…

A blonde woman in a pink shirt and a man in a light-colored vest lean over a stone well in a natural outdoor setting, engaging in a serious conversation.

June 26, 1959 puts you…HERE!

A man in a white shirt examines a large, dome-shaped structure in a barren landscape, surrounded by unusual vegetation and other similar structures.
A group of people gathering around a large, round cauldron in a desert setting, stirring a mixture while others watch attentively.
A volcanic vent emitting a cloud of steam and ash into the air, surrounded by sparse vegetation.
A large metal object emitting flames in a barren landscape, with sparse vegetation around.
Cover of the book 'George Pal: Man of Tomorrow' featuring a smiling man in a suit with a futuristic landscape, including spaceships and a sunset in the background.
Absolutely Brilliant Visionary and Effects Genius-George Pal
A production schedule document listing scenes filmed on specific dates, including details about exterior shots at wells and a sunset landscape, with annotations about actions and timings.

The oil derricks were removed but oil production still takes place and outlasted film production. Oil started being drilled in 1924. “Wells” refers to this location. Barb wire follows me everywhere…

A sunset casting warm hues over a tree line, partially obscuring a house in the foreground.
A silhouette of a dog walking in a field at sunset, with the sun rising behind trees in the background.

Landscape at Sunset, as described on call-sheet.

View from a hillside overlooking a landscape with a sunset, featuring a metal railing in the foreground and distant structures below.

Sunset- Looking down on MGM Lot 3 and this set- Time Travel in the 1990’s.

Close-up of a light-colored dog with blue eyes and a relaxed expression, panting with its tongue out against a natural background.
A close-up of a smiling dog with a speckled coat and bright eyes, standing beside a wooden surface.

“Tell me more about this place” says my Husky Nico. “This field where you chase coyotes is most legendary for MGM T.V action and can be seen in The Twilight Zone- “The Hunt,” Old Man Hyder Simpson and his (Coon Hunting) dog RIP. Garrison’s Gorillas, Combat, The Outer Limits (Zanti’s) filmed all along side this area that only a rusted barbed wire fence separated the MGM wild kingdom from (Boom Town) Oil Production. “We found a buried puzzle piece today- Boy -YES!” says Donnie the MGM Time Traveler

Two men standing beside a fenced area, one holding a leash attached to a dog. In the background, there is a small watchtower and trees.
A man in a plaid shirt interacts with a dog while sitting next to another man in rustic attire, all set against a wooden fence.

“We are looking for a dog named…Lassie” – “No Dogs allowed in here!” says the devil.

A tree-lined path with shadows on the ground, leading towards a distant structure.

This fenced road separates MGM Lot 3 and the Oil Fields. The Road to Freedom in a place where anything can happen and did! –We all time traveled here…

A barbed wire fence in the foreground with a hilly landscape and power lines in the background, under a cloudy sky.

A road to West L.A College cuts through here today.

Silhouette of an oil pump jack against a cloudy sky with the sun partially obscured.
A row of tall eucalyptus trees lining a field with a pile of cut logs in the foreground.
A scenic view of a grassy area with tall, wild vegetation under a cloudy sky, featuring distant hills and scattered trees.
A scenic view of a grassy field with wildflowers, surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky.
A serene landscape featuring tall grasses and wildflowers under a partly cloudy sky with a setting sun.

These landscapes around MGM have barely changed.

Close-up view of a chain-link fence with a rusted metal post and barbed wire in the background, surrounded by greenery.

My old MGM Lot 3 (Get In) spot still has a rusted original MGM barb wire pole. This Morock Village we visit was located just the other side of Eucalyptus Lane.

A tranquil scene featuring a vibrant green pond surrounded by lush trees and palm plants.
A serene landscape featuring a body of turquoise water surrounded by lush greenery and trees on a sunny day.

Morock Location -Raintree–Lot 3 Lake

A black and white photo of four people playing by a river. A man is lifting two women while another woman stands nearby, all enjoying a sunny day outdoors.

MGM Lot 3 lake- 1959

A view through lush greenery overlooking a tranquil scene by a river, with people engaging in various activities along the water's edge.
A serene outdoor scene depicting a group of people gathered near a riverbank, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, enjoying a leisurely moment in nature.

MGM Lot 3 Lake- Time Travel happens here- here are a couple kids arriving from…The Twilight Zone

MGM Lot 3
Children playing in a garden, with two boys on a seesaw and a girl holding a stick nearby, in front of a rustic house.
Children interacting with an elderly woman in a kitchen, with a large cake on the table and a variety of fruits in the foreground.
A wooden sign displaying '5002-5010 SHOWBOAT PLACE' surrounded by lush greenery and garden plants.
A historic steamboat named 'Cotton Blossom' with multiple decks and smokestacks navigating a river, decorated with flags and a few people aboard.
Cotton Bossom -Showboat MGM Lot 3.– Traveling back in 1951.
A rocky shore with colorful leaves and a serene, green pond in the background, framed by lush trees and buildings.

A pristine Utopia-Raintree Town Homes maintain this former MGM Backlot 3.

A man with a beard wearing a blue shirt and hat sits beside a woman in a light jacket, both smiling while sitting on a large rock surrounded by greenery.
A weathered wooden post surrounded by dry leaves and underbrush, with trees and a body of water in the background.

Don and Mary Coleman-at the MGM Lot 3 Lake. It was my honor to assist these Time Travelers in an attempt to locate the exact location of the Morlock Village set. I insisted it was on the backlot-until a call sheet and a picture drew the conclusion that this set was just behind Lot 3 in the neighboring Standard Oil Fields that are still pumping oil here in 2026…Oil Production dates to 1924.

Two young men sitting on a rock by a river, wearing light-colored tunics, with water and greenery in the background.
Children playing in a lush outdoor setting, with two girls in light dresses reaching out towards a boy standing nearby among tropical plants.
A man standing in a lush, tropical garden surrounded by vibrant green palm leaves and colorful flowers.

This space remains untouched by time.

The inside view of a traditional Scottish flat cap featuring a red and green tartan pattern.
Interior of a hat featuring a plaid pattern and a quilted red lining, with a label visible at the edge.

Time Travelers wardrobe – Fabric from Rod Taylor costume…

Image of a typed schedule document with various scene descriptions and details for the film 'Time Traveller'. Contains sections labeled with dates, scene descriptions, and notes about filming locations and actions.
Black and white photograph of a barren landscape with sparse vegetation, including various plants and tree stumps, with a sign labeled 'Exit Wells' prominently featured.

Oil Field side of MGM Lot 3. Eucalyptus Road on MGM Maps is the trees in the distance.

A landscape featuring two people walking through a barren area with sparse vegetation, including agave plants and unusual shrubbery, under a clear blue sky with trees in the background.
A view of tall trees and shrubs along a gravel area, with a cloudy sky in the background.

Morlock Village Location-Baldwin Hills oilfield, as it looks today, the tree line is MGM lot 3. The area I’m in is the oil field side. Match this area where number 55 on map below, this is oilfield side of fence line.

Detailed topographic map showing various features such as a river, an island, and tank areas, labeled with numbers and annotations.

MGM Lot 3 Map – Tarzan Jungle is part of backlot closest to this oilfield. 55 is Eucalyptus Road, a dual Eucalyptus Road also existed on the oil field side. Eucalyptus trees thrived in this area, both in hills and MGM Lot 3. Many still exist that laid witness to all things MGM.

A desolate dirt pathway surrounded by sparse vegetation and trees under a cloudy sky.
A natural landscape featuring various trees and shrubs, with some bending in the wind, set against a backdrop of lush greenery.
An abandoned concrete drainage area surrounded by overgrown vegetation, featuring a dilapidated wooden bridge and a large cylindrical concrete structure.

This is a catch basin hat existed before the Time Machine was filmed here and is still here today to prevent rainwater flooding on the MGM Backlot 3 on rainy days from Badwin Hills runoff, water drains from this basin to La Ballona Creek. This Morlock village incorporated itself all around this area, the trees are MGM Lot 3.

A production schedule page detailing scenes from a film set in a great hall and a sphinx, with dates, scene numbers, and cast members including the Time Traveller and Weena.
Production documents
Schedule document for film production with scene details, dates, and cast information.
Production documents
A detailed steampunk-inspired time machine featuring a luxurious chair, intricate brass and glass components, and mechanical gears.

“Hop on- We are headed to all the exterior sets used in this film.

Cover of 'Time Machine II' featuring a time travel device and a character seated inside, with a colorful background.
A vintage film set featuring an elaborate, futuristic vehicle against a backdrop of stone walls. The scene is dimly lit with a misty atmosphere, and there is a sign labeled 'INT. SPHINX BASE' positioned near the vehicle.
A mythical creature with long hair and animal-like features is holding a woman in a white dress, smiling, in a lush, prehistoric setting.

Beauty and The Beast

A Rottweiler facing a coyote on a sandy path surrounded by vegetation.

Predators still reign supreme, dating back to dinosaurs that are buried here that provide the raw material for the oil business taking place alongside MGM Lot 3. Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, owls and hawks have taken over this Movieland landscape I visit everyday.

Close-up of a decayed animal skull resembling a lion, showing hollow eye sockets and exposed teeth, lying on dirt ground.

Nature has its own Time Travelers constantly coming and going in this space devoid of clocks.

A black and white photograph of a film set resembling a dense forest, featuring large stone structures and various types of foliage. Visible lighting equipment is mounted above, indicating stage production.

The Great Hall, a set built on stage on MGM Lot 1 but also a partial Great Hall exterior built on the MGM Backlot 3. This set also existed on Stage 20, MGM Main Lot. Notice the lighting from perms on stage.

Large, abstract stone statue resembling a head, surrounded by lush greenery and tropical plants.

The Great Hall- Lot 3. The head was added in post production on to this backlot set.

Black and white photo of a toppled vehicle in a lush garden, featuring ferns and tropical plants, with a modern structural background.
A man wearing a checkered jacket stands with his back to the camera, looking at a large ornate door. Beside him is a colorful, vintage-style time machine with red upholstery and various decorative elements.
Movie poster for H.G. Wells' The Time Machine, featuring a time travel device and a man seated inside it, with motion effects conveying speed.
A person seated in a mechanical device resembling a futuristic machine with large, intricate components and transparent panels.
Fortunately- I too am a Sky Pilot! –Mach 4 version.
A creative depiction of the 'Twilight Zone' featuring a large eye, a clock, and a figure floating in a starry background.

This is how time flies by when you push the handle forwards or backwards.

Film schedule document outlining scenes, locations, and dates for filming, specifically for a time travel-related project.
Production documents
A lone figure stands before a large, dilapidated structure with a dome-shaped roof, featuring broken elements and overgrown surroundings.

This set has a matte painting incorporated- only the stairway is real and located on MGM Lot 3 -Set 59

A detailed land survey map displaying various lots, structures, and roadways, including labeled sections such as 'M.G.M. LOT 3' and 'D. WELL'. The map features marked drainage pipes, hydrants, and topographical elements.

Set 59 on MGM maps. A Matte painting combined with the actual stair set.Best remembered for library steps in a Burgess Meredith Twilight Zone where his glasses break as he just finishes sorting out his favorite priceless books…(Time Enough at Last). Also filmed in 1959…

A black and white image of a person walking up steps in a park-like setting with bare trees and lampposts.
A smiling man wearing glasses is sitting among stacks of books, reading a book with enthusiasm.
A man sitting on stairs surrounded by stacks of books, holding a few close to his chest, with a distressed expression amidst a chaotic backdrop.
A man with gray hair examines a pair of glasses while surrounded by stacks of books on steps.

Twilight Zone connection – this aired in November – 1959. As time would have its way-this was most likely the next thing filmed at this stairway set following- The Time Machine. Time again was the featured narrative- Time Enough at Last-Who didn’t tear up when this happened?

The living room of Mr. Henry Bemis from 'The Time Machine', featuring a man reading a newspaper.

A Matte Painting tops off this set-the dome head top is the painted-finishing touch. Clues and props used in both Time Machine and Time Enough at Last. Absolutely Fascinating, Time tells its own stories. In my Time travels I met Burgess Meredith at MGM Lot 1- under the water tower as he was taking a break outside while filming ROCKY. Mr. Dingle and I cross paths in a brief moment in time that became a precious memory as it aged and faded into time and space.

Two male characters in colorful robes, one in gold and red and the other in pink, standing together indoors with a serious expression.
A black and white photo of a young man smiling, wearing a turtleneck sweater.
Close-up portrait of an elderly man wearing a black beret and a light-colored jacket, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression.

A most famous Time Traveler in this area close by to Desilu where he portrayed a villain named-The Penguin.

A cozy cottage surrounded by trees in autumn foliage, with a snow-covered path leading to the entrance at night.
A scene from the library in 'The Time Machine' featuring vintage furnishings and a large clock.
Black and white photograph of a rustic house surrounded by trees, featuring a white picket fence and a 'Private Property, Keep Out' sign.

This set is known as The Vinegar Tree House. A friendly guard told me all about this set being used in this film and that’s what he called this set-Vinegar Tree House -do to particular trees that grow on the flip side of this set.

A horse-drawn carriage parked in front of a house surrounded by autumn foliage, with a driver in a hat sitting on the carriage.
A hand holding a small, intricately designed toy vehicle with a large wheel, decorated with various components including a cigar and colorful embellishments.
Two men in vintage clothing examining a complex mechanical device with colorful components in a dimly lit room.
A vintage-looking time machine model featuring a colorful design with a seat, spinning disk, and various mechanical components.

The 4th Dimension miniature.

A miniature time machine inside a small box, held next to a coin for scale.
A vintage workshop interior featuring a large, whimsical time machine with colorful details and a prominent wheel, alongside various tools and items scattered around.

Full size-first class Time Travel

A potted plant with vibrant orange flowers and green leaves, sitting next to a snail on a stone surface.
A close-up of a spiral shell resting on a green surface, featuring a smooth and patterned exterior.
A close-up view of several striped snails climbing on a textured white wall, with some green algae visible.

“I can make snails speed up or completely stop still” …MGM Lot 3 snail exodus.

A man standing at the entrance of a barn, gesturing with his hand. The area features overgrown grass and bushes, with a decorative garden feature visible in the foreground.

1917…

A dilapidated house with a partially collapsed chimney and overgrown vegetation in front. The building features a mix of stone and wooden materials, with several broken windows and a neglected appearance.

East Entrance -Vinegar Tree House–1972

A man in formal attire stands at the entrance of a house, surrounded by a snowy landscape and icicles hanging from the roof.
Black and white photo of a partially collapsed building surrounded by trees, featuring an open balcony and ornate architectural details.

West entrance-A Vinegar Tree-this is same set. Walk in this door and exit 20 feet away, across from the lake out another door that make this set a dual set. this home has two different entrances and identities…Recognise this from “A Thing About Machines,” a Twilight Zone episode, Albert Finchley’s home.

A man in formal attire walks towards a vintage car parked in front of a large, shadowy building at night.
A man in formal attire walks towards a vintage car in front of a large, shadowy house at night.
A man stands in front of a vintage car with headlights shining, set in a shadowy outdoor environment at night.

A man who has had it -with machines.

A vintage photograph showing a stone bridge with arches, surrounded by wooden structures and construction elements in an open area.
A snowy city street scene featuring a storefront labeled 'Wylie's Dainty Store,' with shop windows displaying items. People dressed in period clothing are gathered outside the store, and a lamp post illuminates the cobblestone path. The architecture reflects a historical style, with brick buildings and a staircase leading to a nearby structure.
Abandoned building with peeling paint and broken windows, featuring a decaying facade and visible structural damage, surrounded by overgrown vegetation.
A vintage black-and-white photograph of a street scene, featuring an underground entrance marked as 'UNDERGROUND' and 'AIR RAID SHELTER.' Several classic cars are parked nearby, with people walking and standing around, set against a backdrop of buildings and structures.
A busy urban street scene featuring vintage cars, pedestrians, and a historic archway. The foreground shows people walking, with a shop sign visible in the background.
A vintage scene featuring two classic cars parked near an underground air raid shelter sign, with greenery and skyscrapers in the background.

A split set – notice curb line is the delineator off Copperfield Court and the landing spot of this the Time Machine stopping point.

Exterior view of Gilby's Department Store featuring large windows with a mannequin display, steps leading to the entrance, and a vintage car parked nearby.

A MGM Guard named Al Marioenzi was a veteran officer who shared what it was like to be on this set at Filby’s as they continually dressed these mannequins, over and over. I lived time through his eyes and spoken word. This wonderful friend also shared Louie B. Mayer’s office with myself and my side kick – Maureen. Overtime-Gaurds had a thing for this most pretty trespasser of all-time. Al was suspended for 3 days for befriending us as he was turned in by another guard. The Watch Commander had a rule posted in security -“Do not befriend this Phantom Trespassing Kid” I was a thing-Once Upon a Time!

An abandoned brick building with broken windows and a decaying facade, surrounded by overgrown vegetation and an empty lot. In the background, a construction crane is visible against a clear sky.
A man in a stylish outfit, consisting of a plaid jacket and vest, walking confidently in front of a storefront with a red cross sign and a mannequin in the window.
A man in formal attire stands in front of a building with a sign for 'Perfumes Lingerie,' holding a drink and looking at a poster for 'Shave Clean with Delby.' In the background, another man dressed in silver is exiting the building.
A man in a shiny silver suit holding a round object is gesturing animatedly while talking to another man in a dark blazer. The background features a vintage poster on a textured wall.

Time Travel to my Birthday-June 13-I always visited the backlot on this date.

A close-up view of an abandoned building's entrance, featuring broken windows and dilapidated steps surrounded by overgrown vegetation.

1980 photo of a street ravaged by time.

Historic black and white photograph of a pawn shop named 'Hawkins Pawnbroker' featured on a street with brick buildings, benches, and steps, taken in Copperfield on February 2, 1949.

Before Time Machines were invented-“Lassie Come Home” set in 1949.

A wide shot of a dilapidated industrial building with exposed brickwork and metal staircases, showcasing signs of decay and neglect, surrounded by overgrown vegetation.

Copperfield Court and Filby’s Department Store set.

Looking up the wooden stairs of a tall structure, emphasizing the perspective and depth of the climb.

Catwalks above Copperfield Court-the skies our the limit in Time and Space…

An aerial view of a vintage house with a sloped roof, featuring multiple windows and a central chimney, surrounded by empty outdoor space.
Black and white photograph featuring several vertical wooden posts and a structure with a door and railing, casting shadows on the nearby surface.

“Being There” set for character Chance Gardner/Peter Sellers for last film ever on Copperfield Court…1980. Pictured right-the backside of of Copperfield Court.

A black and white image of a wooded area with trees casting shadows on the ground and a footpath visible.

Time Machine landing spot in this 1976 picture on MGM Lot 2. Through the forest best know for Tarzan an enormous set is being built-look closely- the King Kong walls of Skull Island are being built.

A man sitting in a futuristic, wheeled device in a garden setting, with a stone monument and a decorative structure nearby, surrounded by greenery and flowers.

Same angle in 1959-notice the tiny brick wall still remains undisturbed.

An overgrown area featuring a wooden structure partially hidden by greenery, with trees in the background and a grassy foreground.

My 1974 picture of this stairway used as people try to escape the Mushroom Clouds…

A group of people, including children and adults, walking down steps surrounded by greenery on a sunny day.
A devastated landscape featuring ruined buildings, debris scattered on the ground, and bright red liquid resembling lava flowing through the scene.
A man operating a whimsical time machine with a large clock face and intricate mechanisms, set against a grassy landscape.
A desolate scene depicting a ruined city with destroyed buildings and abandoned cars, covered in debris and dust.

Time to move on – this is one handy machine.

A detailed map showing a residential area with labeled streets and numbered plots, including structures like 'Green Spray Shed' and 'Copperfield Court'.

75 I- is the stairway that the Time Machine is parked – Copperfield Court is Filby’s Store-set 3 # 462

A man in a formal outfit stands near a decorative compass on a pedestal, with a stone plaque beside him, set in a lush garden.
A metal plaque on a stone surface with engraved text dedicating a park to George, by James Filby, in honor of his father's devotion.
A vintage photo service advertisement featuring the words 'BONUS PHOTO exclusive with Snap-pak' and an image of a partially constructed industrial building with steel framing.

All this Time Travel takes place just on the other side of this fence. From the Twilight Zone and all points beyond…

A vintage black-and-white scene featuring a horse-drawn carriage on a street with buildings and people in early 20th-century attire, overlaid with the title 'BACK THERE'.

No Truer Words- I throw in a Bonus Picture from the MGM parking lot. The other side of this steel fence is Filby’s Department Store. The front side of this set pictured was the exterior set of the Twilight Zone-“Back There”

A man in a lab coat stands beside a large, angular scientific device with a transparent top, surrounded by various dials and instruments, depicted in black and white.
Russel Johnson tinkered in time travel is the Twilight Zone episode…”Back There” This Time Machine was stored in a Lot 2 warehouse and a kids favorite capsule to play inside off.
A man inside a glass enclosure, exhibiting a distressed expression while struggling to break free from the restraints.

Time waits for know one in a capsule that bends and manipulates this consortium.

A figure stands in front of a large golden clock set against a starry cosmic background, symbolizing the passage of time.

Time Travel Exits…Let’s Go Reeling in the Years

Today, June 13, 2026-we unfold time to to June of 1959, to see the changes time has bestowed upon us…

This story involves 3 different Time Machines of which I am lucky enough to have history with. I’m qualified to pilot all 3 machines. My first certification was the machine used in…The Twilight Zone. An MGM favorite prop for teenagers of the 1970’s-built for traveling in and out of Rod Serling’s time travel needs.

At that time in space-we lived on all these backlot locations used in 1960’s time travel. In the year 2000, I worked on my own – Time Machine Project on the Dreamworks remake. I’m living proof Time Travel exists-at least when mixed with the backlot magic that resonates continuously under the Power of Now manifestations.

This is a follow up on today’s version of yesteryear. Let’s see what has changed and what remains unchanged as time picks and chooses what fate has in store involving past, present, and future. There are no guarantees- when you tug on that tiny diamond handle that propels backwards, forwards, sideways and in some cases -upside down.

Don’t bother reaching for your seatbelts, non exist!

The MGM Studio Backlot 3 disappeared in 1972 as our time traveling begins. So that’s the future of this studio 12 years after Rod Taylor and Yvette Mimieux visited this landscape.

A smiling couple posing together against a light blue background, featuring a man in a brown jacket and a woman with long blonde hair in a white dress. The image is promotional for the film 'Joy in the Morning.'

In 1965, I see Yvette has a new boyfriend-Dr. Kildare now carries the Trophy as we move forwards.

The area surrounding the Morlock Village is relatively unchanged as we trek forward through the 80’s. But the nature surrounding this set is alive and well, let’s get out and walk.

Listen… Let the landscape tell it’s tales

The quiet is deafening. An occasional oil pump is the most common sound that reminds us man coexists with the predators in this area today. Animals here are generational. They are ancestors from the distant past to present day. “Resilient” best describes their survival. Predators thrive in this Morlock Landscape.

Nice animals monkey around in the daylight, squirrels go in and out of the Raintree Complex that replaced the backlot. Rabbits provide high speed chase opportunities for the coyotes that torment the friendly critters. No wonder “The Hunt” was filmed here with RIP and Hyder Simpson. I am reminded everyday that ” Even the Devil Can’t Fool a Dog.” No truer words…

Lizards sun themselves, turtle doves coo, occasionally, skunk and raccoons pass by. A tiny fox is a rare but dignified grand traveler – for centuries. Fireflies love to show of there ability to hover, disappear, then reappear like they are miniature Time Machines. Butterflies, colored birds of all sorts and sizes frolic happily. Crows are the dominate species and often sit proudly in large numbers on the still remaining eucalyptus trees from MGM. A daytime hunter is the beautiful red tail Hawk, soaring upwards with a couple of flaps, then reversing it’s course and effortlessly doing a 180 degree downward look on all things taking place below.

Often “take- offs” from the large portion of the MGM Lot 3 lake soar over your head as Ducks and Canadien Geese venture…off lot. Frogs and crawfish peek out from the well maintained MGM lake that was often the African Jungle for Tarzan. MGM had its own zoo and horse stables. Elephants called this backlot their home as a Big Top that was bigger than Barnum and Bailey’s traveling animal entertainers.

In the 60’s, the MGM backlot was most famous for War TV. Combat, then Garrison’s Gorrillas and The Rat Patrol filmed this backlot non-stop. The quiet area became a battlefield for gunfire and explosions as all the nature on the studio lot felt the need to escape and headed out of the studio and into the hills…literally.

Animals had to tolerate being in the middle of WW2.

Predators-Visitors in the dark.

Owls are the official “backlot bird” and thrive on reducing the rodent and snake population. They “hoot” passionately when humans explore areas near their nests. MGM Gaurds had the best job in the world-having the keys to this kingdom. Security was the most feared predator for our trespassing generation. The guards on Lot 3 use salt rock guns to emphasize No-Trespassing. A land patrolled by Sharp Shooters…

A vintage police sharpshooter medal from 1938, featuring crossed guns and the inscription 'MGM POLICE DEPT'.
A historic black and white photo of a smiling police officer wearing a cap with insignia and a uniform adorned with badges, focusing on a specific badge highlighted in a red circle.

Don’t let looks fool you-he’s armed and dangerous.We were told this by trespassers we ran into oder than us and who were being chased through this exact area

A bright yellow flower with petals surrounding a dark center, growing on a green stem with leaves in a natural setting.
A dry landscape featuring wilted plants and sparse foliage under a clear blue sky, with sunlight shining brightly from above.
A foggy landscape with trees and shrubs partially obscured in mist, viewed through a chain-link fence.

I push the handle forwards as flowers turn from full bloom to no bloom, low clouds turn to high clouds as the warm summer sun takes its annual foothold, as regular as any clock. I glide into June- 2026 as easy as I left 1959. I’m my own version of Homer’s Odyssey, this time I’m Odysseus.

Wars were once fought here by both ancient armies and popular MGM TV. Steeples, castles, and forts have been replaced by luxury condominiums. Creatures that disappeared long ago just took refuge in the oil fields.

A surreal black and white close-up of a creature resembling a spider with a human-like face and large, expressive eyes.

Since 1959, so much has changed, yet nothing has changed. I’ve just grown older, the earth doesn’t age, just man and his technology. Newton and Albert Einstein’s theories on time travel are backed up now by an Artificial Intelligence, a technology that will change each forever has arrived, butis it our friend ?

It seems friendly, driverless cars now exist and are much more courteous sharing the road than those driven by humans. A.I just informed me several living rock legends are- still, alive and well.

Mick, Kieth, Paul, Ringo, Frampton, Clapton, Dylan and Steely Dam still tour. Don’t be surprised if you see my Time Machine parked at The Greek Theater. Music defies time and plays continously…in outer space. It’s needed. Star Wars bars still play Juke Box music from the 70’s. Mad Magazine is still popular for 70 year old kids. I don’t know how many hours Maureen and said we were studying when we were actually reading this interactive piece of literature, always trying to fold exactly the trick page. Now, I realize there is no such thing as …waisted time.

Speaking of which, the pot has gotten a lot better and expensive. The Twilight Zone Time Machine was enclosed plexiglass and captured all the smoke inside making all those who dared entry disappear in a clouded veil of cannibas.

Time gets warped, twisted, and only exists in the present, worm holes allow for safe off ramps when on a night out-cruising.

Another change I notice is : Robots no longer look and act like “Robby”- they are much more human in appearance. They can be peaceful and desirable, or ready to kill you in whatever Combat is taking place. Soon everyone will have at least one robot in their possession.

A Zombie Apocalypse was predicted, usually in movies. But it turns out in 2026-Zombies are EVERYWHERE…

Every street corner practically has these lost souls-what’s changed in the last few decades?

“Oh my” how civilization has changed since 1959. I take notes wondering where civilization is headed.

Kids play computer sports rather risk getting hurt, even their bikes pedal themselves at literally-Break Neck Speeds. “No truer words” describe describe the risks inherent. We just used skate boards, roller skates and Sting Rays. Sure seemed fun back then. I wish we had these two wheeled battery powered chariots.

Kids now E-Bike as if they were on a Time Machine with wheels attached. Maybe, I’m one of them, but from the past!-

Maybe, I’m seeing myself in a a different time and space…

I wish to sincerely thank Don and Mary Coleman for inviting me into their world of Time Travel, I to am a Time Traveler and loved going…Back to the Future.

Final thoughts…The Time Machine used in The Big Bang Theory is not the original, it is a mock up owned by Fred Barton. Not the original. The last use of the real one was in -Time Machine-The Journey Back in 1993. Don Coleman was given a “Thank You” in the credits. Don supplied the console and lever the actor held up to polish the wheel and a few bits or props on the work table. Some of Don Coleman’s pictures are used. Don came up with a way to spin the dish in the workshop.

We conclude with knowing this origin Time Machine is alive and well and being stored in a warehouse pending litigation of who will take ownership now that the estate is in transition. This machine will someday travel again and will be forever captured in recounting- Time Travel.

Treat yourself to this classic film knowing what you know now-it is truly- One Fun Ride

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden

Big Old Jetliners

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Notice the bloody tree branch that killed the pilot.

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

Inside-no passengers involved-more mystery

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

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

Falls Lake snowed in.

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

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

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

Plane interior at lake

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

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

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

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

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

“Welcome to….Los Angeles”

“Is there a doctor on board?”

A news copter view of this -Breaking News!

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

TRUST ME-I”M GOOD!

Screenshot

Pictured right-Director Jack Smite at work.

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

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

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

1970-Airport- 1

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

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

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

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

2005 War of the Worlds

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

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

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

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

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

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

Evolution of the Andy Hardy House…MGM

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A Beautiful Day in Carvel, Idaho. A quintessential version of the America Louis B. Mayer wanted to depict. From a 1925 play titled “Skidding.”

The Streets from Andy Hardy series is where we are going to explore today. Coast is clear, I see no security from this rooftop…

3 sides of this home constitute Andy’s home. This side with Phil’s Bakery faces Small Town Square and downtown Carvel. I have a fort upstairs, inside this window that has a view of the main entrance to the backlot.

The commercial side of the Hardy House. Train tracks are used not only for “Picture trains” from everybody from Judy Garland to Elvis Presley.

Beautiful Downtown Carvel -1975…Soon to be renovated for the Blockbuster film Sgt. Pepper.The Band would perform here and sail over this land…from Carvel to Heartland U.S.A

1973 version of a street we called Maple Street, from the Twilight Zone Series. We snuck in with a beat up-Black and White T.V and managed to get good reception with bent and broken antennas. We watched that 1 dimensional episode on T.V in a 3 dimensional colored setting where it was filmed in Andy Hardy’s house.

Another beautiful day in Carvel as Mickey Rooney walks into-The Twilight Zone.

Mickey Rooney returns home in 1974…That’s Entertainment

Nothings changed…

Looks like more fan mail for our star…

I’m sure Mickey delivered to his fan..

If you search hard around here, you receive gifts from MGM’s Glorious past, Penmanship was a special quality before computers. You actually had to write your thoughts. Can’t beat that MGM scribe!

1932 on left, 1935 on right. Both films had this same future structure of the Hardy Set. This home was pieced together from differs MGM Films. This backlot had acres of walls stored and categorized. They rarely just tore sets down, they disassembled, stored and used to build other sets. Ironically, Sgt. Pepper disassembled again it in 1977. The Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree at MGM.

Pre- Andy Hardy- which began in 1937.. Mickey Rooney filmed at his house before the Hardy Series in ‘AH Wilderness’. TCM doesn’t deliver this much info….The movie industry is a very small world full of trickery and illusion. This mysterious world is my home.

Marion Davies and her original make up mirror from the silent film era. Key figures in her life recomposed in this mirror I’m the proud possessor of.this Magic Mirror, it is a portal back in time and the Holy Grail of Hollywood history. The bulbs are original with many colors for skin tone. Red, blue, and clear. When I powered this trailer up for the first time since 1970, everything came -Back to Life.

Hollywoodland and its original make up trailer. This discovery will forever preserve this most Glamorous relic. These mirrors talk in image form. For more on this subject visit-Phantomofthebacklots on Youtube. Watch for yourself as Long Lost History comes back as if it was in between films. I will forever keep the artifacts from inside this room as together as the as I rediscovered them.

Fine Craftsmanship stands the test of time…

Some assembly required but you too -can build your own movie set! An almost endless line of walls, stairways, and turrets. From storage as seen here, Andy Hardy finalized a home that would stand until 1977. Then it was disassembled and used to block the view of all the storage areas on the backlot.

Front porch of his house-“My Fort!” I acquired a wicker chair in 1977 on the set of Sargent Pepper, exactly like this one 2 houses down from from this porch. This is how we furnish our hide aways…

“Your bedroom is a mess!”…Blame it on me Mickey. My fort, his room- upstairs would get decorated with furnishings on this street. Floor mattes, carpet, table with fake flowers and a picture hanging on wall is how every house on this street rolled. We grabbed what MGM Property Department left behind. Behind the curtain, inside the doorway is the stairway that takes you to the Hardy House upstairs. The layout at the top of the stairway has windows on all sides, a balcony overlooking downtown Carvel and …chairs, shag carpet, and a table. All are set decorations from previous shows. We set up in the windows that face the main gate so we don’t get surprised or caught-“off guard.”

Andy Hardy house- front porch in the Twilight Zone Episode…The Monsters Are Due ON Maple Street .Andy is lucky he moved out just in time…

Upstairs it is, facing Downtown Carvel. North side view out of Hardy Home. Meet Me in St.Louis is below balcony. Clang, Clang Clang went the trolley on this side of house. Pictures from balcony of Hardy Home.

I took this picture upstairs in the Hardy Home.

The Trolley Depot ended up an Arco Station in -They Only Kill Their Masters-1972, Starring James Garner.

Upstairs in the Hardy House looking out on Maple Street through a tree in front yard. The Hardy House became a 70’s Party House. This house had a fort, it fit the necessary criteria needed for fort status which is…Dual escapeability, in case a guard comes inside and heads upstairs, we will wait until he arrives a top the indoor staircase, then jump of the balcony in flight. It has a strategic view allowing us to see the main gate. That way we can see who comes and goes through the main gate.

Upstairs window on right is the window- frame in tree picture.

Notice the younger tree in front of upstairs fort. Everything gets older except these two mischievous kids. If a guard comes up the stairs, auto pilot kicks in -we can jump from this balcony or the one overlooking the St. Louis Depot.

“Let’s go upstairs, we only have so much time you know “

The trolley to St. Louis

Nice seeing you again Mickey, I got a song to sing and trolley to catch!

MGM Security handed off the backlot to this gentleman-Lewis Hunt. Cowan Security was in over its head and a huge fire took place burning the church and half of Maple Street. In this double exposure, the church lays in ashes as Lewis tells us Gospel passages. standing in front of his cruiser….1976

Warnings exist every 20 feet…. Center-Les Green MGM Overland Gate. He sometimes shared stories but was too old to catch me. He didn’t often get backlot duty. Garth Bluff- pictured right-23 year veteran in 1973. He owned a home on Elenda Street. His house was extremely close to the backlot and the enormous Grand Central Station Terminal. Very friendly, these senior guards were found manning the gates. My best friend of all with a badge was Ken Hollywood-he introduced us to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in 1974-That’s Entertainment.

Fire strikes Carvel, the church across the street burns down, late 1975. In my photography class at school, I often developed my own Black and White film. Photography was expensive so I cut costs shooting B/W. Once, my teacher saw the emulsion develop into into a picture of King Kong. He was stunned, not the usual high school photo shoot, so he asks “How do you get these photos?” I answer, “with a camera sir.” Good ole Mr. Leatherman. The Hardy Home did not burn at all but the church and 3 other structures were turned to ash…Not the Hardy’s-that house had a different fate ahead.

This set is about to be revamped…Carvel is to become Heartland USA for the film Sgt. Pepper

The St. Louis Trolley happens to stop in Heartland U.S.A, the music never stops…

In 1977, The Andy Hardy House was split into 4 sections, each wall became a blocker of parts of the backlot not wanted to be seen by production and it’s 360 degree camera shots. This front porch was situated to replace the burnt down church from 2 years ago.

The last picture ever of this Hardy front porch.

This Bell Tower replaced the Hardy home in 1977, sections of the home are spread out in Heartland.

This is the Bell Tower that replaced the Hardy Home. Only the front side was viewed by camera. We had a harrowing moment up in this tower with Sgt. Pepper armed security. I was with a truck full of Marines from Camp Pendleton. Recommended reading, not your typical stories in other books. In mine, wear a helmet be prepared for anything.

The Yellow home is the Hardy House North side that use to overlook Small Town Square, here being moved as to block view of Vets Tower and an oversized prop warehouse. Walk through the front door and nothing exists-drapes hide-nothing inside.

Carvel, now Heartland-That’s not Mickey and Cecelia in the Hot Air Balloon basket, rather it’s Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees. Come sail away with them.

I could see this balloon from my house. This scene I captured was cut and replaced with CGI fireworks. Only see this scene and effects in my world now.

The final act in Carvel was this blockbuster…My summer of Love!

“Hot Set” Do not touch without UPM approval– Unit Production Manager…

Pic left-balcony as on Hardy House but relocated for a set designed to block vision of other backlot sets. Heartland/Carvel about to be destroyed pictured right.

1978- The End of Carvel …From dust to dust-decades worth of memories…I was so disillusioned I anted to cry, I watched every backlot in Culver City disappear-one at a time. Only New York Street stayed up, until October of 1980. Notice the teeth on the Bulldozer in the dirt cloud, a single Bulldozer pushed these sets down from behind.

At night, I pretend the lot is still here because I feel its spirit. You can take Donnie out of MGM, but you can’t take MGM out of Donnie…

Studio Estates formerly MGM Lot 2. A full moon over the former backlot where the Hardy House once stood. My mind still tunes in MGM when I- walk on by.

For more stories and content-please subscribe to The Phantomofthebacklots on YouTube and WordPress…. Thank you for giving me your time, this is my passion.

As Emerson, Lake and Palmer sing so eloquently… From the Beginning ;

My life has taken me many places-past, present, and future. In the studio backlot world, all things are possible. The Moon is your clock. Sets and stars come and go, as do guards and trespassers. Spirits exist- no one wants to ever leave this view master of MGM History.

As I deliver this story in 2025,, 100 years have almost passed by since this version of the Hardy Home.Yet it still stands proudly on Television in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and feature films.

I was upstairs in this home when a spectacle of large proportions rolled in, literally. King Kong-The Robot arrived for his scenes for that Blockbuster on the MGM Backlot.MGM Security returned to the backlot as Kong’s escort. Several groups people walk on both sides of this slow moving cargo that was covered by a Blue Tarp with only Kong’s feet sticking out.

The first section to arrive was the lower torso. As the convoy passed under us, Kong veered down a dirt road alongside the Tarzan Lake to its final resting stop, dead center of “Shea Stadium.” A Gas Pump- the size of Kong- had already been delivered that had PETROX as the corporation wanting to capitalize on this 40 foot star.

Imagine having your trespassing afternoon interrupted by this event. Guards I know escorted this beast like a Gold Shipment from Fort Knox. As the sand in the MGM Hour Glass winds down, two of the most expensive movies of the 70’s decade finish this area off. From the Hardy home, you can see the King Kong walls, natives, and torches on top of the walls in a place built as Skull Island..

Sitting in my fort, either watching shows get filmed, or watching Twilight Zone reruns on T.V that looks like it was in a tackle football game-we were constantly entertaining ourselves. Every kid who visited this set did their own Rod Serling imitation, right down to the Chesterfields. Common’-you gotta smoke. We had a large shag carpet upstairs we drug up from the downstairs, a table, chairs from interior doorways and an extension cord that ran from a “shooting station” on the bottom floor.

During one impersonation of Rod Serling, the lit cigarette fell on the carpet, lighting it on fire. It didn’t want to extinguish itself easy-so my friends ran down the stairs and took off.

What a bunch of quitters

Left as if I’m the only one who cares, this fire was not stomping out, it was growing. Luckily it didn’t catch any of the wood on fire and I flipped this large carpet over, cutting off the oxygen and extinguishing this poorly planned / what could go wrong – Rod Serling imitation before the structure caught fire.

Boys will be boys, especially….In the Twilight Zone.

This T.V only pulled in –The Twilight Zone.

The channel knob broke so pliers sit on top of this set. The rabbit ears are short from continuous travel back and forth to the MGM lot. A coat hanger helps pulling in a signal from the Outer Limits – to The Hardy House.

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden.

Happy Holidays Everybody….

For a nominal fee…

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What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?

Stay out the hot sun and long lines and enjoy the comfort of favorite seat while operate one these tourist people movers.

This was a fun stage of my life

The Good, Bad , and Ugly

Of tourism.

Excitement, misery, Hollywood behind the scenes in the 80’s

We experience Knight Rider, The A Team , Miami Vice, Smokey and the Bandit.

Not all your guides get “satisfaction “

Some do – just ask Jack Wagner

The role model guides look up too

The Glamour Tram

Subscribe ….

All Aboard !

“The Stuff that Dreams are Made Of”-1924

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Screenland turned 100 years old this year…

THOS. H. INCE launched the film making machine way back when Culver City just incorporated itself as a city. Sherman Place- just outside the studios East Border-would soon become Ince Blvd.

One afternoon, we were coming home in the family station wagon. Batman was filming out front on the porch of this administration building. Batwoman on her purple bat looking motorbike was assisting the two male capped crusaders against Catwoman “Eartha Kitt” and Joker”Caesar Romero”

This is exactly what I saw that afternoon. I was in dad’s pool cleaning station wagon with a leaf collector pole sticking out the back window. I hung out the side car window, like a puppy dog ready to jump!

Notice the angle of the two biggest stages. They are facing towards the sunrise. Windows line the upper portion for maximum sunlight penetration. The design was simply to maximize sunlight illumination inside as the sun traverses east to west...Interestingly, these stages were moved to conform to the neighborhood sprouting up alongside.No longer in need of chasing sun light.

Inside stage with natural sunlight peering through upper glass windows. Artificial lighting from electrical distress creates intense heat on stage, depending on amount and size of equipment. Air Conditioning must be factored into stage design, to keep actors make up from running. Interestingly, an ice company was directly across from the main gate, large blocks of ice helped cool down interiors. Ice picks were found stored inside Marion Davies make up trailer…Ice was King!

Top left corner-Lucerne/ Higuera intersect out front a home that once was part of the studio Ince built. Marion Davies was to be the first occupant to use this area connected to all utilities. They include power, sewer, and water. History that followed links King Kong in 1933, followed by Gone With the Wind. In the 60’s – Batman –Adam West was seen frequenting this area....I once used Adam West as an alias. A security guard stopped me and some friends visiting the set of Al Capone. Bruce Lee had already been taken or written down by another kid. This slip of alias’s was handed to Roger Corman-who stared puzzlingly at Mr. Security., while reading our fib list He said “they’re fine- leave them be.”– A hilarious backlot memory!

1924- A Man and his dream…Thomas Ince

Thomas Ince built this iconic Colonnade prior to building another studio just down the road a bit.

A very special sidewalk I perused down daily on my way to St. Augustine School.

This section of then Triangle Studio existed before MGM took control. This was largely thanks to the wealth of Marcus Lowe. It is identical to the stages Thomas Ince built at his other lot. They are built to follow the sun’s rays-illuminating all things inside. Stages align with the sun like a giant magnet.

Before Variety was launched in 1933-this was the movie insider magazine.

Lots of stuff happened here in 1924, forever shaping Hollywood.

In 1924– A Movie Star Compound on Lucerne was completed. The plan was Cosmopolitan Pictures and founder Randolph Hearst was to merge companies with Thomas Ince. One man had endless money and stories for scripts. The other man had filmmaking know-how and the facilities to do so. An example of Rented facilities…

Marion Davies and her famous first make -up trailer

In 1924–there was a Koi pond with a statue from antiquity located where I stand.

Inside this room – legendary mirrors reflect push button fancy switches…

Early 20’s luxury…A place to chill out as tedious make up is applied…

A camera was used in King Kong for make-up continuity. A massager that still works from 1921 was Marion Davies‘ tool of choice during long make-up processes in the chair.

This make up room and connecting compound, Anneberg Beach House and San Simeon were designed by this intellectual artist-Julia Morgan.

A statue dating back to Randolph Hearst and his vision for this Triangle property.

Then suddenly- on a yacht cruise announcing the merger of Ince/ Cosmopolitan, something went drastically wrong.

Best laid plans no more-alternate endings and mysteries happen in Hollywood. Enter Cecil B. DeMille to take over the landscape.

DeMille, in his fancy boots took control of the facility built by Mr. Ince

Across the way from The Ince Studio-The Culver Hotel woulds be added to this Main Street…also in 1924

The Hotel that started it all…Co built by Harry Culver and Charlie Chaplin, later sold to John Wayne.A corner where film history was continually made.

Down the street at MGM, another Hollywood Legend moved over from Paramount Studios. He forever put forth ingenuity and creativity into some of the most complex scenes ever put to film. The man all the stars looked up to- Mr. Arnold Gillespie. He had a St. Bernard named Joppa, a street name on the backlot. He was part owner of The Los Angeles Dons football club in 1946

Don’t laugh this off you- Hollywood types! Other owners besides Arnold included Louis B. Mayer, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Don Ameche. Before the Rams ever played a game in the Coliseum – The Dons owned Los Angeles. MGM owned The Dons. Bet ya never heard that on the tour!

This Wonderland was my backyard, The red lines are me” running” from security, much more red would later be added. Special effects had dungeons in strategic secluded places on the backlot. None more haunted than the Snow Room, located backside the Grand Central Station. It’s the type of place you would dare for another kid to go inside. Of course, lights off and be alone in this dark, musty corridor. Snow is everywhere you turn, powdered snow, plastic flake snow, and plaster molded snow…pipe tobacco seemed always present…”I dare you to go in, double dare ya!!!”

Baldwin Hills Oil Production beyond tanks/train. Comrade X -1940

Oil production just beyond the old MGM Lot 3 fences in 2024. This is located exactly where the black and white oilfield derricks are, these towers stared right into the backlot. Normally an extremely quiet area when Combat wasn’t filming…Seriously. Nature hidden away at it’s best. Often the only sounds were the back and forth hissing and hawing of a pumping well. A scent of sulphur and oil accompanied these sounds. Yes- I touch everything…

The film that started it all at MGM

Location-Italy– Before air-you set sail to this destination.

Arnold Gillespie-left, and the Neri Shop Forman-making sure all is -Sea Worthy-aboard these galleys.

The galleys are being towed out to sea by the lead tug boat. Unexpected challenges and delays infuriated Louis B. Mayer, who after a visit to Italy then and there decided this film was to be completed in Culver City.

Just off La Cienega Boulevard-is where the Roman chariot race was immortalized… Film making at its best!

Massala’s winged helmet, worn by Francis X. Bushman, was salvaged at the MGM Auction by Debbie Reynolds. Right, 2 Technicolor Trailer Frames.

Ben Hur nearly bankrupted the studio. However, it went on to be MGM’s highest-grossing box office hit. It pulled in 9 million dollars. This figure was unsurpassed for the next 25 years. This film established MGM into the top tier of movie studios. A force to be reckoned with.

My slice of the Golden Years…

Another fine collectible found inside this ancient trailer dating back to this time is Spanky McFarland of Little Rascals fame. This light dates back to that series that filmed originally at near by Hal Roach Studios. Some of the spirits that occupy this triangular plot of land. Everything inside this room turned on as if–Magically “Welcoming me”

Culver City 1924-We begin…

Movie studios begin sprouting up everywhere. Hal Roach started with his Little Rascals. Thomas Ince established his shiny new play land. Just down the street, MGM set sail in year one. What a time to be alive…

“There’s oil in them there hills” At the same time, Standard Oil struck gold in the hills surrounding these studios. A man named Howard Hughes bought property not destined to have oil derricks drilling into the depths. Entrepreneurs from various backgrounds establish their presence all over this perfectly landscaped city.

These hills framed the studios backlots while filling up drum after drum, tank after tank of crude oil. Black Gold competes with shiny –Glittering Gold, inside studio fences. Pioneer Howard Hughes was the most ambitious of all, a master of adventure, a brilliant engineer, his specialty –Aviation. Howard owned the highest peek in Culver City, Hughes Tool Company signs dotted the upper hill sides. All entities fit along side each other – with all being extremely successful, but not without hardships.

From MGM Lot 3, you could see the derricks standing tall on the Baldwin Hills side of the chain link. Oil did better than film early on and has long outlasted backlot film making.

Doing this stuff was not easy; otherwise, anyone could have done it. These pioneers laid the groundwork. Abundant resources were available for visionaries at that time. The saying goes-“You have to see it to be it!”

Speaking of which…

I conclude with an exciting finish. This long awaited book is being cleared to land. Maureen, Mike, and I have worked very hard. We have been diligent in finishing the trespassing stories we lived in the 1970’s. Included will be a boat load of my personal pictures including the tear down of MGM Lot 2. This is not a destruction book, it is an adventure book. We start with the British Invasion of MGM in 1977. Join Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees aboard this hot air balloon. Yes- these stars are inside that basket hovering above MGM. Many Rock Star guest appearances included. Even Sylvester Stallion is involved. Director “Sly” selects me for a part in a film at Universal titled Paradise Alley. I take you on Stage 12 with me, the start of a 48 hour straight non-stop studio party.

Coming soon on Amazon

Written and lived by… Donnie Norden

The Cruise-Snap shot- 1924

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Yes, this property with the oldest Make-up trailer in existence is more than it seems nearly 100 years later. One doesn’t need to look to closely to visually see clues linking this parcel to a green past. Fact is- everything is green. Every door on the property has green on it somewhere. That includes Marion’s portable room. While removing some handles inside, the color green appeared as a base color.

Green happens to be the color Paramount/RKO. It’s my believe that this Make-up trailer was built at Paramount Studios in the silent film days. Do to the lack of distribution connections to theaters, it was a pivotal transition period. To go big, you need theaters. MGM’s rapid rise was do to the Loew’s theater chains.

Universal was starting its monster movie tradition at the time. They began with The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera. Lon Chaney was the Marion Davies of monster movies. Carl Laemmle was not a big player in Hollywood’s early years. However, his films have stood up to the test of time. The world, as uncle Carl found out, loves to be scared.

Universal’s early claim to fame…

Hollywoodland was a chess board. Studios sprouted up from Lankershim Blvd in Hollywood to Washington Blvd in Culver City. They appeared in various locations in between. Paramount studios lies in the center of Hollywood. It is positioned between the Culver City lots and the San Fernando valley movie facilities. These facilities include Warner Brothers and Columbia.

Adolph Zukor and Jesse Laskey joined forces formed Famous Players Film Company in 1916. The deal resulted in the incorporation of eight film production companies making up this newly formed company. The results would be one of the most successful silent film companies in it’s era.

Cosmopolitan Pictures, Randolph Hearst’s company, was headquartered in New York City, from 1918, to 1923. It’s then, he moved his Silent Motion Picture company to the west coast. Basically, he is following in the footsteps of Thomas Ince, who followed the sunset west just a few years before. Thomas Ince started his left coast facility on the beach, Inceville Studios was born. The studio with lighthouse, most have simple water towers…

But difficulties with weather do to gray skies and wind blowing sand made Mr. Ince think twice about his location. Soon after, he relocated his studio to what is now Sony. It was previously known as MGM and, before that, Triangle Studios. Thomas Ince’s friendship with city founder Harry Culver grew stronger. As a result, Thomas Ince left the Triangle Colonnade. He built another studio just a couple blocks away.

The Plantation Building, styled after George Washington’s Mt. Vernon estate, would become the Ince facility and location this man dreamed of. But the cost of such a first class facility reached deeper into Mr. Ince’s pockets that he had change for.

Enter; Randolph Hearst

Both entrepreneur’s having moved west when the studio systems were getting off the ground, had leverage. Ince is Swiss army knife of all things in making films. Randolph Hearst has content. His Cosmopolitan stories are all potential- movies to be. They have huge readership, so films based of these stories have a huge publicity advantage. Plus, he had a leading lady he promoted named Marion Davies. Randolph was a one star film producer, all things Marion… his true love!

Feb 12, 1924- it is around this time in 1924 that puzzle pieces were being set up. Nowhere is Paramount part of the contract. A move was on from Paramount to Culver City and Ince and Hearst were planning out the next moves. MGM was not the plan.
Charlie Chaplin and Marion Davies were tied at the hip…

Randolph and Marion’s trip west started off on the Paramount lot. It’s here that it’s my belief this mobile 100 year old dressing room was built. Green paint, found under some of the handles- is the big clue. The Make-up trailer is built with incredible craftsmanship. The arch door entrance and the mirrors built into the walls behind the entrance are proof to this day. Even the trailer wheels are cleverly hidden in the walls. You do not see the 1915 era tires when inside this once carpeted lavish trailer. A trailer pulled by –horses.

In my research of this property in Culver City where this trailer has ended up, I keep finding more connections. They link to a famous and somewhat romantic time in history. This horse drawn trailer is located just beyond a Koi pond. A statue from antiquity stands in the center of the pond. A house, completed in 1924 provides shelter for the star who this was set up for. The living room looks out into this backyard compound. The kitchen window looks out into the Ince backlot. In later years, this area adjacent to this compound was where Stalag 13 would be situated.

Statue from antiquity, peers inside this Make-up trailer, from a dried up Koi Pond.

My belief is this was the center of what was to be a Cosmopolitan Pictures, Ince Productions merged corporation. The foundation for this merger was set before the ill-fated cruise aboard the Hearst yacht. Unfortunately, something went terribly wrong. If Mr. Ince had survived that voyage on the night of November 19, 1924, Hollywood’s history would be different. This corner would have become the Cosmopolitan section of this merger. Ince has his corporate office in the Plantation Building.

Had this cruise gone as planned, the Hearst newspapers would be touting this company merger. It was all set up. There would be no MGM involvement. We wouldn’t need to deal with Louie B Mayer’s dictatorship. Just two producers have agendas that can work together, or so I believe. Hearst built a famous 19-room bungalow for Marion at MGM. This happened after the failed merger. It would have been built right behind this compound. It is actually where you would build it due to utilities connections and sewer tie-ins. The backlot or ranch only had one bathroom for the entire lot. It was located along Higueria street because that was the utility tie-in for the backlot.

Hal Roach Studios is a short walk as is the Ince main lot. Even MGM is a bike ride distance away. This was being set up as the Cosmopolitan Center of the Culver City Film universe. It’s ironically Triangle shaped, this parcel of land time forgot.

This cruise involved Marion Davies, Thomas Ince, Randolph Hearst, and Charlie Chaplain. If it had returned to shore without incident, this was the new big player. But since details of what happened differ on board, that we will never know.

Let’s set sail together…shall we?
Imagining the stories these mirrors can tell create goose bumps.

It’s said, Thomas Ince most likely died of indigestion. A combination of salted almonds and alcohol. Marion Davies would claim that as his cause of death. It was completely accidental. A clue to verify indigestion was found inside the make-up trailer itself.

Page’s Silver Mints…aid digestion.
Digestion mints were popular in this ancient trailer that also sports bottles of imported Italian wine. These tins were inside on shelves.
This make-up room probably knows everything, imagine the discussions in front of these mirrors the days following Mr Ince’s death and the rumors of scandal that reverberated through Hollywoodland.
Mints, mints, and more mints…

But what I do know is this, a brand new house in 1924 still exists. On this probably soon to be developed property lies a very mysterious Koi Pond. Original to the house, exquisite tiles, large Koi, and statue, from probably Rome. A Make-up room is accessible next to it. A house with mysterious items is covered in some cases with green paint, even if only lightly.

But for the compound being green, that will be in my story going ahead. I am still involved with this area actively. I want to make sure we don’t lose items that have been overlooked for decades. This is private property and well protected, don’t get any ideas.

It is my conclusion that this yard is a snapshot in 1924 history. This area is more proof that Ince/Cosmopolitan was going to be a major player and competitor to MGM. Because of Ince’s death, MGM was plan B.

Proof of my theory is- all these things still exist in this infamous time line. I reconnected with this item, which I first came in contact with in 1972. I had to cut the lock off. Once the door opened, the spirits that saw all this history were awoken. They know what indeed was going on here. These spirits have now become part of my life. The mirrors in this room have seen more history than just these legends that brought this corner together.

This is the ultimate alternate ending to what was and what was suppose to be…

If there was ever a more appropriate title...

I send out this invite:

I would give anything to have a conversation with someone. This person should have been inside here while working on a film or TV series. This trailer was still in use for Hogan’s Heroes. Lucie Arnez would be a person of interest. Her father installed the modern intercom/stereo system. It was custom built by the Panatron Corporation. I have that confirmed by the Panatron company itself.

Desilu would be the last film connection. After that, this trailer disguised itself as a garden shed for the next 50 years.

Marion’s trailer was in use before and after this event, imagine the stories it’s heard from those involved. It’s too bad this section of Hollywoodland was forgotten when this film was produced. Marion’s Make-up room should have been used, if you like realism… anyways.
“Bon voyage everybody...when we return, we will be Ince/Cosmopolitan Pictures“
Front page news…The Hearst Newspaper had this story on 3rd page, adding fuel to the speculation…

Take a deeper dive on – Phantomofthebacklots –You Tube

Written and lived by Donnie Norden…

The Scenic Art Department…MGM

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Is it real bird, or is it a painting?

In the movie business, there is no such words as TWO BIG…

We will explore this iconic building. Scenic artists created canvas paintings large enough to change the view out of the living room. They could even cover your house completely. Anywhere and everywhere, pick your era, it probably is rolled up inside here. The creations made here are museum quality, and J.C Backings operated out of this iconic building from 1972 until recent. The building and the Art Department itself date much farther back. Basically, this place is the museum of movie backdrops.

The building itself is so iconic it has doubled as an exterior film set. In Somebody Up There Likes Me, it is part of a prison. In Soylent Green, it is hidden in a matte painting of future New York.

The elevator that greets you as you walk inside this structure is fit for a king. A king from the thirties named Irving Thalberg. In the 1950’s, his personal elevator moved from the Thalberg Building. Louie B Mayer resided there. It found its way to this iconic facility. It does more than just take artists up to the painting platform, it’s more like a Time Machine.

The fact the vendor J.C Backings has relocated has created rumor’s this building may be torn down. It has outlived it’s usefulness if there is such a thing. CGI can green screen images where paintings once occupied window and patio spaces, along with rolling vista’s.

This building is designed to capture all the natural light the sun has to offer. I will take you on the roof as to show you the concept capturing sky light through clever engineering. This place is a palace few outside the studio know or appreciate.

If indeed Sony does remove this iconic building, Hollywood needs to salvage Irving’s Thalberg’s elevator. This building in it’s entirety should be a Hollywood Museum.

This scenic backdrops still get rented and are part of J.C ‘s stockpile of history that sits silently, collecting dust. Many canvas paintings have been rolled up for decades from the looks of things. The Sony Tour refuses to walk you inside even though the tour starts right outside. They should at least allow you to poke your head inside. You should at least look up at this uniquely designed art house. At least, let folks see this elevator.

Today, I will take the liberty to show you around the MGM Scenic Art Building…

Irving Thalberg’s elevator!
The upstairs exit
The coolest elevator I’ve been in since Blade Runner at the Bradbury Building. My pictures don’t do it justice, this is a thing of beauty.
The West entrance to the scenic art building…
The entry as you walk inside the Scenic Art Department
This not look like much but, there is a ton of engineering involved here. To get these massive canvas’s to become a picture easel. Old artist’s would teach “hands on” to the next generations of artists. This place was integral to the Motion Picture Industry.
A Quote from Arnold Gillespie, Art Director, Head of Special Effects. 1924-1965. The True Wizard of MGM. Grasp this depth best needed by these artists.

Let’s take this opportunity to access the roof…

Even the roof is slotted and glass. Painting can be done at night and lighting used on sets helps light these backdrops inside this department. In the day time, existing day- light is sufficient.
The studio water tank for filming actors swimming while the camera never gets wet…This was removed a few years back. It sat at the base of the side of the Art Building that has all the windows.
This area doubled as a prison in Paul Newman’s- Somebody Up There Like’s Me
The bottom of this picture is the live half. The top is a matte painting. This scene took place on Lot 1 below the scenic art building. Soylent Green 1972
The scenic art building in a matte painting in Air Raid Wardens
The Overland Gate expansion. This picture is taken from upstairs in the Filmways building across the street. It is the Sony Studio’s west entrance today. It was still MGM when this was taken. It is a construction entrance only at that time. The right side of the photograph has an edge of the scenic building. The movie sign above the studio, left of the water tank has the title… Why Would I Lie ?
Hopefully, The Clock never strikes Mid-night at this legendary Scenic Artist Facility that almost secretly ignores time…

Written and lived by Donnie Norden

Bongs, Backlots, and Rock & Roll: 1970s Tales…

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The “paraphernalia” used in today’s adventure. Bamboo grows along the studio fence on Van Buren Street. A 10 foot high chain link fence is a less than formidable separation. It stands between my friend’s apartment building, carport, and these iconic stages.

The herbal product imported from Thailand that is easy to come by at Public School. You don’t have to go to Thailand, Primo is the word best describing this very tasty and exotic import. Tastes like flavorful dark, rich coffee when smoked in a Bong. Bold, relaxing, and extremely intoxicating…

We start this story on the Main Lot of Laird Studios. We still call it Desilu, since that’s the name it was for most my childhood. In picture 3, top row, you can see my friend’s apartment building-bottom right of frame…yellowish building.

It is on Van Buren, the property line separates the main lot from his apartment complex. This was a popular destination amongst “stoners” since top quality ‘smoke and hallucinogenics” can be obtained. Like a neighborhood “7-11” minus the Slurpees. Run by long haired teenage entrepreneurs named David and Steve. They join me and best Pal “Pat Rich” on all that takes place in today’s story.

Before we head to the backlot where Stalag 13 is located, we go up into the ancient dressing rooms. These rooms overlook Van Buren Street. Bruce Lee lived in a Duplex right below this- no longer existing stage. Amazon Studios casualties include many legendary stages. That’s not -progress.

My hero- not Batman anymore-Catwoman

Here is the rooftop of the soundstage in we are exploring today in a Batman episode. Dressing rooms built on the exterior of these stages. This is the only lot I have seen with stages that have dressing rooms attached to the top. They are accessed by long stairways. Don Kirshner films his legendary rock and roll video concerts here. Often our neighborhood pals would be used as fillers for audience. I saw Elvin Bishop do a taping of “Fooled around and fell in Love” his hit song.

Under that rooftop-this storage area is discovered ...

This beaten up TV is eerily similar in every way. It looks just like the set I’d sneak on the MGM Backlot to watch Twilight Zone. I also used it to watch Combat episodes. A TV you can run with usually ends up looking like this.

This was backlot entertainment…Sadly this cassette player fell to its death on the MGM backlot in the church steeple in Combat Village. A song was playing by Led Zeppelin-Kashmir. It’s a long fall. The music was heard during the fall, before impact crashing down on cobblestones, 4 stories below. Needless to say- all my portable electronic stuff had really fun lives. Tonight’s recordings feature this recently released comedy album that everyone in school listens to…

We arrive at The 40 Acre backlot for uninhibited “fun and Games.” Just four teenage Stoner Boys. We have a bamboo bong, Ty Stick, matchbooks from a local bar “Sarna’s,” and a Panasonic tape deck. I record songs and albums on cassette tapes for studio parties.

Where comedy and rock music combine- in the Guard Tower at Stalag 13. “Take another hit, of fresh air and California Sunshine” Quick Silver Messenger Service gets this guard tower party started! This is how our brains functioned this day…

These photos were taken by me in the grassy hill right above the tree stump, overlooking the camp in 1974. The rigid pipe is for the sprinkler system. We would turn it on and lay in hammocks we put up on top of the hill overlooking the Stalag. Sadly, I was going in to specifically photo expose this Stalag when before my eyes, it was being removed.

They weren’t tearing down the lot. A show titled The Fortune was about to build a village. The show starred Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson. They only left the utility shed pictured with a snow painted roof. Foreground in last picture are some rope cots and other props stashed behind this house below us. The camp stood until 1974. That’s when I liberated the stump with help from Pat. When entered for the first time late 1972, the camp was perfectly in tact. A native plant you see in the top 3 photos actually is like sandpaper. Finesse is required at this point. When you cut through it, it can scar you up. What doesn’t around here?

From the Front Lot to the Backlot-we double dip this afternoon and evening…Summer 1973

We start our journey “Dazed and Confused”

Pat and I peddle our bikes to an Apartment Complex built behind Desilu Studios. It is best known to kids for what can “be had” from tenants inside units. Two friends live here-Steve and David. Long hair, very popular hippie types, Public School friends.

David shows us his Bong Business. From Bamboo shoots that separate the Desilu Main lot and his parking complex-Pat and I are impressed by his craftsmanship. Airtight with wax inside for sealing and water-proofing this smoking device. They are known to be the best Bongs in Culver City. I’m equally as interested at the main lot behind this free growing bamboo. The conversation shifts from Bongs to trespassing.

Pat and I are told that these brothers often trespass starting from this high fence blocked by bamboo. They then go up into the ancient dressing rooms built along the backside of these soundstages. They point upwards to stages looking down on us where we stand on delineated-painted parking stalls on blacktop. Since Laird became owner, backlot security, more specifically the “Guard Dogs” no longer exist on the backlot. It’s become a “Teenage-Wasteland” that more often than not is completely uninhabited by adults.

These brothers offer us a tour of the front lot dressing rooms. They assure us it’s almost completely safe. They also share some exploits from their life along this fenced property. These two brothers have more history trespassing this front lot than anyone else I know. We shy away from front lot trespassing. The consequences are severe, like a visit to jail. Also, hiding places are few and far between. But-not wanting to be…”Chickens,” Pat and I accept their invitation with one lone stipulation “we carry no contraband.”

This is advanced trespassing when you sneak around soundstages. No distractions needed-bring your “A game”

We climb the fence using bamboo like Koala Bears. We squeeze in between and step on the chutes, like a ladder built by nature. An easy refreshing climb from a bamboo jungle to a concrete, secured jungle. All paraphernalia is left at their house because lots of things can go wrong here. We hug the interior fence line and reach a stairway. The stairway ascends upward to a long walkway. The walkway is in front of all these rooms I have been looking at for many years. I have never attempted to occupy these rooms.

This is so exciting not knowing what’s inside and the adrenaline is more powerful than any drug at this moment. I choose a random room and turn the ornate glass handle to enter…open sesame.

Inside, we are greeted by a musty smelling vacancy that suffered extreme water damage. A smelly couch with room enough to change costumes and mirrors for make-up to be put on the actors. Tiny bathrooms finish the room off. The last stars to be up here had to be long ago. Wood stuff is rotted and the smell gets to ya. The floor has tiles with black and white patterns. We now see before our very eyes something we have been wondering about. We try other door handles that do not even have locks. We enter several other dressing rooms. These rooms all have their own stories-if they speak.

We go back down one of two stairways up top here. We mosey into what was a soundstage. Now it is a stock unit storage area. Props and walls, every studio has storage like this. There is activity on the lot and we are forced to hide as we hear voices. We are tucked away in an obsolete corner surrounded by set walls kept for storage. A hole in broken drywall allows us to peek inside a mysterious room, but not big enough to fit through. What we see is film cans, tiny thin ones with Lucy stamped on them. We don’t see any door attached to this room. Access is maybe from the front where we would most likely be seen. Well, we got our fill and answered several questions on what we have been looking at for several years. We backtrack back to the fence we entered to now exit to head down Van Buren to the backlot.

March on Starship Troopers…

Now we are soldiered up. We are carrying a bong and a Panasonic tape deck for some backlot partying. We choose Stalag 13 as our destination of choice. I was just here a week ago and I still have a “hickey” on my neck, from Maureen. It’s fading like those joke shop tattoos we buy on Main Street. But, this is real-done by a real hot girl.

As we enter, we pass down Western Street. So far, we are the only folks on this backlot. We slowly walk up Western Street and I push play on my cassette deck. “Cisco Kid” by the band War begins to set the mood. It’s as if this song is written for this street. We pass a saloon as the lyrics “Poncho drinks the Wine” is versed. I’m already high and we haven’t partaken in our session yet.

We arrive at Stalag 13, around the corner from Western Street. In minutes, we are in a guard tower. I was just making out in the guard tower last week with Maureen. Today, its all boys as we situate one boy for each of the four interior walls of this guard tower. Our feet connect center stage like spokes on a wheel. We break out the contraband. Before I turn back on the music and comedy, I casually flip the hair off my neck. This exposes hickey for all to see. Boys will be boys

We talk and spark up, we start with “hot girls” as a topic. Susan Dey of the Partridge Family seems to be a topic that gets beat around the most. Peggy Lipton of the Mod Squad is also often discussed. We all agree Linc has a pretty cool Afro. You don’t see “AFROS” on TV, but you do on city streets.

We too are a Mod Squad…

Just the mentioning of all our female actress’s practically ignites our red covered booklets of Sarna’s matches. My pop brings these home almost daily, from a bar right across from the studio.

The bubbling sound of a “Bong at work” intersects with deep conversation. This conversation is sophisticated, as only 13-year-old stoners can deliver. We cover everything from Pro Football and the undefeated Miami Dolphins to the World Champion Oakland Athletics. We also cover Vietnam, a place none of us want to end up. “Our Thai Stick comes from that region. Soldiers smoke this,” I point out as I suck on my bamboo peace pipe. “It’s called the Golden Triangle” as I burn my finger talking too long. Last week- I was sucking on Maureen’s neck up here. Today, she’s been replaced by a piece of bamboo and a stick of Thai.

Must be explained: The object of taking a bong hit is to consume the entire hit. This includes the herb loaded in the chamber. When this successfully takes place, the bubbling sound turns into a hissing sound. This is usually simultaneously followed by coughing. Then a large smoke plume often appears, and possibly death...just kidding.

As my lungs clear up in this Stalag 13 guard tower, I tell Dave and Steve a bong story. The story involves Pat and took place in my backyard. “I have several cartridges of blank ammo I got from MGM- left over from Combat. Pat was coming over to my house. I wanted to greet him with a bamboo bong hit. We never use cheap plastic reproductions. As he walks through my back gate, I greet him with my peace pipe. “I got one ready for ya,” I hand him a lighter and bong and step back. He does not know below the herb-in the chamber is gunpowder from Combat. So I’m not exactly sure what will happen next.

“Ignition” at the spark of the match. A massive flame engulfs his face. It was a blinding flash that disappeared as fast as it ignited. Pat has a goat styled beard growth that was smoldering, after the flame flashed out. He couldn’t see briefly. That didn’t stop him from trying to punch me out. Blindly, his swings miss their target as he smolders. I never laughed so hard. Pat at this moment, as when this happened, sees no humor in this story. Once again, he kicks me with those stupid boots he always wears.

He may need counseling, this event really seems to bother him.

We are sitting cross legged on the floor, our heads still remain below the frameless, glassless windows overlooking the Stalag. We can’t be seen, the tops of our heads are below wood framing. But I’m sure at times can be heard- a long ways away. The more we pass the bong the higher each of us gets. Faces change shapes as the effects of being stoned are happening before our eyes. “Take another hit-of fresh air”

We all do Sergeant Schultz impressions …”I see nothing but colors” is my anecdote as each stoner does his own Sgt Schultz. The beauty here is we go home and watch the reruns on T.V, at home- it’s like this series is still going on. In our lives it is. David does a solo verse of a song titled Sweet Leaf by Black Sabbath.

David says he ran into Tom Laughlin, better known in these parts as “Billy Jack”

He continues, ‘We were skateboarding down Ince Blvd. He passed by us on a motorbike and waved.’ “Interesting,” I exclaim! “Every set on this backlot has Billy Jack written inside it, you know.” I elaborate on his story. “Someone has an obsession for “One Tin Soldier” around here.” I continue “I’m glad Billy isn’t security around here, then again, he’d work with us. “

Cheech and Chong take stage in this guard tower. Sister Mary Elephant opens the comedic part of this deep mind journey. Pat and I find anything to do with nuns extra funny since we both served a long sentence at St. Augustine’s. We were both kicked out before 8 th grade. We were told, as were our parents, we have been seen trespassing out of MGM. We were spotted by a station wagon full of nuns, of all things.

The final straw was attaching a strange boy to a rope attached to the school flagpole. We buckled his belt to the rope reserved for flags. They then hoisted him upwards. The school had lots to explaining to the parents and we were told to get our education elsewhere. That leads us to where we’re at now…elsewhere it is!

After spilling the Bong water, a necessary component in Bonging, “we- cotton-mouthed long hair freaky people,” call it a day. We have been laughing non-stop for what seems like days, as for now, we’re just really thirsty…

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden. R.I.P. Patrick Rich you are missed.

Exploring Hogan’s Heroes Set: Desilu Backlot History

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A friend, Kenny Paes, sent me this colorized version of the Desilu Backlot. Stalag 13-upper right.Yes they are actively filming an episode of Hogan’s Heroes on this fly over…Notice crew parking and how trucks get positioned to hide things or just remain out of frame. Equipment most closest to set is usually most often is -a camera truck. Film needs to be constantly added for camera. It’s why were all here. I can break this picture down for days straight. This captures the lot I know best.

Hahaha-a security guard sits parked in his car when filming isn’t taking place. The “third” guard tower exists in this photo. Security is facing the Western Street. He can see any approach to Stalag 13, except if you climb in back in the heavy brush on the corner of Lucerne. That’s exactly the where my Mission Impossible exploration began on a Sunday night in 1972.

In this photo, you see snow. Ground level and hillside, this was heavy plaster molds with spiders living underneath. You could pick them up and move them. The rooftops were simply painted patches of snow. Neighborhood houses on Lucerne Avenue looked directly into Stalag 13. Only two guard towers existed when this shot was taken, a 3rd would be added at the very left side of the camp fence. It overlooked the backyard that contained a make up trailer used by the show. That trailer originally was built and used by Marion Davies. Three snow patches on right hand hill side our where the three tree stumps are located. A Tiger Tank is parked along the fence line by crew parking, that’s where it was stored. The guy who owns the house that connects to Stalag 13 has started it up, a diesel motor, and was arrested by Desilu security and C.C.P.D. That’s where the make up trailer sits, in his yard…still. I have the mirrors and items from antiquity that were hidden inside.

Residential neighborhoods surround this property on two streets. Lucerne and Higuera Streets. Ince Blvd takes you inside the lot. One other gated entrance exists farther down Higuera. Two roads to enter and exit-both are dirt, as is most of this backlot. The fences were chain link allowing easy view points. The Atlanta Train Depot is the first big large structure left of the camp and hillside I take you on in this story. That is the Gone With the Wind set. Gomer Pyle’s barracks can be seen upper right corner of backlot, La Ballona creek is the southern most boundary of this backlot.

Five complete barracks that have four walls is all we have here. Three others are partials as is Klink’s office. Power is fed by generators behind Klink’s office also. Those generators are mobile., I see a cable run from a barrack to the barb wire fences-another generator positioned there. The long piece of Transportation equipment appears to be a “honey wagon.” Portable mobile bathrooms. This backlot only had one bathroom facility, located off Higuera Street. That way it could tie into public sewers….12 stalls, 6 for men, 6 for women was all that this backlot had at its disposal. Located in between Mayberry and Stalag 13 on the infamous Desilu Dirt Highway. This lot was busy and not enough bathrooms existed, so shows utilized the same equipment used on location. The things we take for granted need planning on movie sets.

he last film here was not what you would think …The only part of the camp to survive in 1974 was the shed aside from Klink’s office. That became a tool shed for The Fortune Movie.

An adult movie finished of this Stalag- She Wolf of the S.S

The hill behind this discussion is how we first approach this liberated P.O.W Camp.

Fact-Klink’s office was just a front of a building, the backside was wide open and the view opposite the front door looked upon the Western Street towards the saloon.

Klink’s office is located behind that corner building with a German truck parked alongside. I had a fort in the saloon located on this street.

More facts–These rope cots came out of the P.O.W’s barracks. The set they are behind is a crossover set, used first by The Andy Griffith Show but also seen in Hogan’s Heroes. In the distance, an original Stalag 13 edifice, with a snow painted rooftop. ‘You gotta keep pushing snow when you’re really in sunny Southern California!”

Front side- this house pictured above.The tree stumps are hidden behind camouflage as is much of the house because…This is Mission Impossible. All the snow on ground and painted on roof had to be removed, then put back immediately.

“Sheriff Taylor” is being shot at as the State Police can’t believe their eyes- This is that set, in my picture I took from backside.. Pre Hogan and Gomer Pyle. You would see Camp Henderson after 1964 in background. With a sharp set of eyes, you can see this set in wide camp views, usually with a big wheeled, red- Fire fighting piece of equipment in background. Cross overs continue on this tight knit tiny backlot…Desilu is family, on the lot and on Television.

Colonel Crittendon on one set

Malcolm Merriweather on another , A Gentle Men’s Gentlemen just down the dirt road that attaches Mayberry with Stalag 13

If that guard tower could speak, Maureen and I’ would be embarrassed!

The Mayberry Highway dirt road-connects Stalag 13 to Andy Griffith’s Courthouse.All Desilu shows have one thing in common, this centralized bathroom in the middle of the backlot. Right side of picture, nestled into hill side. 6 stalls for men and 6 for women.Notice the painted snow on the rooftop, for Hogan’s Heroes, plaster snow comes into play the closer you get to Stalag 13. So many episodes utilize this road, this hillside was my portal to watch filming in the camp area.

John Dehner selling Elixir in Mayberry. Another Desilu cross over star. I had my own Elixir’s that we partaked in up in the Guard Towers of Stalag 13 and in the Taylor Residence where we had a fort upstairs

General von Platzen… Character

Cross overs…Hal Smith, Otis Cambell also known as “Hot Rod“

We loved this character and relived his character running around the Desilu lot…Everyone loves Elixers, even Desi Arnaz.

Put some Whiskey in your water, sugar in your Tea, what are all these crazy questions your asking me?

The people behind the making of all our favorite shows including Hogan’ Heroes. Three most famous D’s…Danny Thomas, Dan Cahn, Desi. Arnaz. Desilu is a union of these fine Gentlemen. The men behind the empire…Let’s not leave out the- The Desilu Queen . Picture courtesy Daniel Cahn, son of the legend. These are the brains to all your Desilu T.V shows, read the credits. If it says Desilu= Top quality!

We need a director and Bruce Bilson worked his way from a 1st A.D on Andy Griffith to directs several Hogan’s Heroes. The ultimate cross over, the man, the legend, I’m so honored to have talked with him! Maureen and I love this legend of a man, here with our first book- Hole in the Fence. If you need just one Director for all things Desilu and Paramount… this man captures what Hollywood was and shall ever be from the Golden Years of Hollywood.

.We start in 1964 for this read on Desilu History;

A Prisoner of war camp that was constructed in the tail end of 1964 for the very first episode of Hogan’s Heroes that was the only aired in a Black and White format. The pilot episode is titled “The Informer.” The series would begin at this time would run from 1965 to 1971. CBS pushed for color as this series was picked up.

Welcome to the Color Revolution as color console TV’s. This was as big of a culture as A.I is becoming today…60 years later. Viewing habits changed, making homes- mini theaters.

You could lay on shag carpets and eat T.V dinners off a tray parked in front of T.V sets. Some families demanded dining room participation but eventually, the talk at these table was as much about television shows as it was “what’s new with our family?”

My mom believed in family prayer at the dinner table. Going to a Catholic School, it seemed I prayed all day.” Lord- please provide me good television was my mantra and bless all the animals…Amen”

Prayers answered-not only did I receive that, I was steered divinely to places where these T.V shows were made. We were taught the Golden Rules of the Ten Commandments and luckily for me-“Trespassing wasn’t one of them.”

Trespassing isn’t a sin mother, she saw a passion in her son’s eyes at a time when television was taking off.

Stereo’s had built in record players and slots for 8 Tracks tape players to slide into, so much entertainment, you hated to have to go to school!…Columbia House had adds in magazines offering 8 records or tapes for a dollar. Once they hook you with that deal- expect a stack at your front door monthly, at a readjusted price. That describes the Home Front where we watched all are favorite shows and series in comfort and luxury, complete with a dog or two at your feet, and a 67 GTO parked out front.

I knew these studios existed, I could see MGM Lot 2 from my house, Desilu was a bike ride away. Imagine for a moment when I finally crossed the Blue Line and began living amongst these iconic sets. Reruns allowed me to relieve things filmed at these studios months, years and even decades before.

Over time- I would become in contact with almost every famous set in Hollywood, beyond Culver City and our neighborhood film factories.

Because of ‘Dogs on Duty” and there indeed were, it delayed my exploration of this famous Stalag. The night we finally entered Stalag 13, we were scared to death. I had very few volunteers to to go on this expedition.

We studied the camp from the big hill that looks down upon it. A calling to me was being transmitted from who I don’t know, finally on a Sunday Night the time had come to live on this sacred site. Sneaking through a yard of a city resident was the shortest path to this Stalag. At night it is pitch dark, factor that in to a place secured by vicious dogs.

Marion Davies to the rescue

First we had to climb a fence to get to the Desilu Fence, in between climbs, in someone’s yard, we hid behind a shed. This was a point of No Return. Like the Dirty Dozen at the chateau, we went over possibilities that might occur, gathering confidence needed for the next climb, we finish this planning behind a shed that 50 years later, I discovered this is Marion Davies make up trailer. This night- it was mission command post.

Like the P.O.W’s had to do, we are now sneaking into…Stalag 13. We are inside laying along side fake snow and deep grass, ready to retreat if need be. Still close to a fence to escape, our eyes become night vision goggles…or better described as a nest of owls. We carry cans of mace in case shit hits the fan in Stalag 13-with dogs on duty!

The coast seems clear- next-run like a bat out of hell to a guard tower located next to the red and white guard shack. We shut the main gate and latch it in an attempt have a barrier in case dogs show up. We are now living our own episode of this cancelled T.V show. Now-up a simple ladder, and we are looking down on this Luft Stalag. If Hogan could see us now, he would salute us. We came and conquered another landmark set.

Fast forward 1974

This perfectly conditioned camp was ours to enjoy. I felt like a teenage Producer, having a full backstage pass. I would thank God in my nightly prayers for providing me with the Super Powers needed to be a top notch trespasser. I owned Stalag 13.

All Things Must Pass

In an unexpected move, I arrived on the lot only to find the Stalag is being decommissioned. The Guard towers were relocated toward the fence we first climbed in on. The kennel and the dog house were no where in site. Only a shed next to Klink’s office was still left where it has been since 1964. Turns out this would be used as a tool shed for the production that is now taking away everyone’s favorite prison camp.

The series lasted 6 years and the Stalag itself- 9 years. I was in charge the last two. I had every set in Hollywood to work with but this one was far my favorite…a deserted Stalag.

It wasn’t built to last forever, the barracks had ho floors inside, just dirt. No foundation, they leaked heavy in rainy season with puddles building up inside, making everything muddy. Wood and rope cots were the only contents inside. This camp never was vandalized, trespassing hadn’t taken off inside yet.

No one knew the place was empty and yours for the taking. Guards patrolled in cars now and then, but not in a forceful high profile way like MGM. More like a farmer checking out his ranch.

In 1965, Hogan’s Heroes became a Top Ten Show in its first season. When the network pulled the plug 168 episodes later, its ranking was #39, but pulled 19.8 in ratings. Gomer Pyle shut its gate just through the eucalyptus trees that separate these camps the year before in 1969. Pyle’s ratings were extremely high, winning out over Hogan’s Heroes. Only once did Pyle fall to double digits, #10 in ’67, but #2 or #3 all five other seasons.

Bonanza rates as the all time powerhouse and filmed many episodes on our Western Street whose upstairs saloon I had a fort in with a working off-lot phone, I have called my mom from this saloon telling her “I”m Fine and am staying over at a friends house,” Pat did the same as we camped out in the backlot all night.

Desilu Television dominated T.V Ratings-Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, Batman, I Love Lucy, followed by Hogan’s Heroes. The Andy Griffith Show spun off to Mayberry R.F.D and that series took off, briefly. The Jim Nabors Show replaced Gomer Pyle, Hogan’s Heroes never finished back in the Top 10 after its initial season.

Star Trek, Batman, Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, Hogan’s Heroes, That Girl, and a collie named Lassie all had successful series overlapping each other using this backlot. The only fights they had were over prime time and slotting against other big hits. Star Trek was knocked down when slotted on Friday Night against Gomer Pyle.

As Jim Nabors became the king of this lot, Bob Crane guest starred on various series such as Love American Style, and two Disney features, Superdad and Gus. and even doing the Dinner Theater circuit. That is when he met his fate, in Scottsdale, Arizona, still a mysterious and unsolved mystery.

Rest in Peace– Colonel Hogan, your surrounded by fans still!

These three are also linked for eternity…Their graves look at each others…

The Bob Crane Show / KNX-CBS Radio / Marilyn Monroe Interview c. 1960

What a gem this short interview is…amazing how fate plays out- Destiny!

Bob is laid to rest just across from Marilyn Monroe. Forever this close…

A film titled The Fortune is clearing out all things Stalag 13 for a large build on a southwest Bungalow type setting where much of this film is to be filmed. Warren Beatty is the star alongside Jack Nicholson. Jack would soon win an Academy Award for China Town following this effort. All you followers of Hogan’s Heroes will recognize the trees, grass burms, minus the fake plaster snow and all things the landscape minus the camp.

I was on this set all the time, looking down from hillsides that were used by our merry men. I actually needed to be rescued by this film crew when this hill caved in and I fell into it’s bowels. I didn’t realize this hill was partially fake and hollow inside.I found at the hard way because there was no escape with an extension ladder.

The Fortune rescues Donnie…

Fortunately, I was the only one captured inside this hillside that was part of Stalag 13, close to the tree stump, which I had already removed from the lot. I got to know the construction crew who built this new set and they showed up for the rescue. “Oh it’s you” was how I was greeted when my head appeared through the tall grass.

“Hi Guys -Thanks for showing up!”

Stuff from the camp…

Well I got the Pearl, this tree stump would continue on entertaining kids for about 5 years before collapsing from over use and oversized kids. The Stalag Barracks doors ended up in a yard close by, the same yard we hid in our first trespass. The black door handle on Klink’s office at this time had no significant value. Nothing in this camp was considered legendary- chew on that folks!

That’s the one consistent fact of life, this was just stuff no longer needed. I wanted a dog house and a guard tower of course, but I was able to rescue “The Stump”

That home on Lucerne can still be seen today, Chris the property owner says the fence had a gate connected to the Stalag and this show used Marion Davies 100 year old trailer for make up touch ups. The stars congregated in this very special yard that Desi Arnaz was part of including for this T.V series. Desi updated Marion’s 1925 music box to a modern Panatron system of entertainment where actors could be notified they are needed and their make up status. A sink to take make up off and a bar of soap last used by- Who Knows -sits along side my ancient mirrors from antiquity. Yes Marion Davies and myself are connected to Hollywood Forever. I’m truly an old soul that’s why I was picked to rescue this from demolition that is most certain for this corner.

The last series ever to utilize this room was Hogan’s Heroes. A personal gate separated this room with Stalag 13. This property, formally owned by R.K.O has green under-paint, everywhere, walls, sidewalks, etc. This room was locked shut after Hogan’s Heroes, with all the spirits still inside. I let them all out to live on forever.

Picture most -left -is where we first snuck in, the yellow streak represents Marion Davies 100 year old make -up trailer. That tiny backyard shed is where we first hid, in between fence climbing, it’s connected to Stalag with in own entry to and from camp.These screen grabs our from 1967, Mission Impossible.

In the pilot episode that started it all, General Burkhalter was a Colonel, not a General. I did not know until much later, Robert Clary was a P.O.W in WW2. I met him after the series in 1977, on the set of Fantasy Island. Yes- he was in a prison for that episode…Devil’s Island. His character Ipsy La Fan had to escape or rot forever in this jungle prison. Bert Convy also starred in this as a magician who could escape from anything. Together, they found freedom. I sat next to him in director chairs used by the cast and talked Desilu on the MGM backlot, I broke him the news that Stalag 13 was removed but softened the blow by telling him my tree stump rescue.

Decades later, here I am connecting dots in history. This kid trespasser is now a historian of sorts, based of boots on the ground experiences that stand up to…the test of time!

Hope you enjoyed my romping around with me. My book –The Uninvited Visitor-takes you to Desilu as a trespasser and we close the curtain on this wonderful backlot with never heard -real stories. Available on Amazon…

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

United Artists-Goldwyn Studios Meet – The 1980’s

Phantom of the Backlot3 Comments

1922- Simple origins of pioneers in film making…

In 1927-United Artists took over this studio…

1927– Welcome to United Artist Studio Corp. Charlie Chaplin was the key to this Independent as was Buster Keaton.

The General -1926…Buster Keaton

Pioneer film making that can’t be beat!–The General-1926

Not scale-Not CGI-“We don’t even know what that is yet” – Just a real train on a real wood bridge with a little dynamite to send things in motion..

Nothing like the real thing…1926-Cottage Grove, Oregon

Cottage Grove, Oregon location…

In 1924, Mr Goldwyn would become the founder of MGM

Thomas Ince built this Colonnade in Culver City and it was his Triangle Studios- first, but he got a sweetheart deal down the street from here thanks to founder, Harry Culver. This pioneer is who Harry loved the most. Samuel Goldwyn would take this over afterwards. All things leading up to the merger of the best of all studios…MGM!

Samuel Goldwyn would ring lead cross town to Culver City as founder of the consortium known as Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer. In 1981- MGM would acquire United Artists and has much of the library that another mogul-Ted Turner would purchase this library and TCM was born. The greatest movie channel ever devised. The only channel many of us watch- besides T.V Land. I worked at MGM in 1981 in their Film Lab. I was so proud… I was earning paychecks with the MGM logo after a decade of trespassing their lots. Moral to the story-“Don’t give up your dreams, the Universe works with you if you just let it!” MGM Film Labs, do to contracts lasted longer than MGM department. Lorimar was briefly running the place. Our shows at that time were Little House on the Prairie, Fame, Chips, Dallas and Victor Victoria. Michael Landon, well he’s the coolest guy on the lot. I met him at the guard shack, chatting with my guard friends. Larry Hagman was high profile and would often drink over at The Backstage, a watering hole across from the “South Gate” on Culver Blvd. Combat stars would drink there at ‘wrap,” the shot glasses were lined up waiting for our war hero’s.

Charlie Chaplin, Ronald Coleman, Douglass Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, D.W Griffith are the founders of United Artists in Hollywood on Santa Monica Blvd and Formosa Avenue.

Buddy Ebsen or Barnaby Jones, this hit T.V series was effected by yet another studio fire. I miss T.V Guides, the Guides were better than shows on T.V today. “I’ll just read thank you, you keep the remote.” Looks like Barnaby is looking for clues of the fires origin…

Bring in the Detectives Please…

Nothing like “Top Flight Detective Actors” to solve a a mystery.

This set burned down- Sometimes I don’t think the studios care when sets that are old burn, cheaper than demolition and we need area for new sets. Studio Executives are detached from sentimental journeys. We want Fresh Money!

Opened its doors in 1939, right across the street from Goldwyn Studios. Frequent visitors include Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and Ava Gardner Even Elvis Presley and James Dean popped in. John Wayne passed out in one of the Red Leather Booths only to wake up and cook himself breakfast in their kitchen. This was the go to joint when working ‘The Lot.”

A Formosa Cafe moment – A Marilyn Monroe Birthday Party.

Samuel Goldwyn Studios looks down on this iconic establishment. Both entity’s still remain. You too-can have a Martini and dinner. The Studio is now called…The Lot.

Formosa Cafe–John Wayne once passed out here. When he woke up “after cafe closing” he made himself eggs in the kitchen. Elvis frequented here and practically everybody that worked at U/A, Goldwyn, Warner Hollywood etc. You could stumble back to work it was so close.

Trivia –Every Studio has a bar just outside its gates, that’s a fact. I’ve been to them all, they even let in minors to watch the adults. Dark, sleazy, places your mother would not go. A minor, on a stool with a glass of orange juice under a haze of thick tobacco smoke. As pool gets played on tables that our crooked or ripped. “Donald Sr -where is our son, he was with you in the car” a conversation between my parents I’ve heard. “You didn’t bring Donnie here did you- you better not have” as I hide under a table. Mom knew where to find dad at certain times.

Let’s begin here-1981- MGM /United Artists

I worked at MGM in 1981 in their Film Lab. I was so proud… I was earning paychecks with the MGM logo after a decade of trespassing their lots. Moral to the story-“Don’t give up your dreams, the Universe works with you if you just let it!” MGM Film Labs, do to contracts lasted longer than MGM department. Lorimar was briefly running the place. Our shows at that time were Little House on the Prairie, Fame, Chips, Dallas and Victor Victoria. Michael Landon, well he’s the coolest guy on the lot. I met him at the guard shack, chatting with my guard friends. Larry Hagman was high profile and would often drink over at The Backstage, a watering hole across from the “South Gate” on Culver Blvd. Combat stars would drink there at ‘wrap,” the shot glasses were lined up waiting for our war hero’s.

This box remains with me today as a souvenir from my “Tour of Duty” at MGM/UA. Inside, pictures of MGM. I have box loads. That picture with the light outside my old “back cottage” says 56th Precinct. Off a show titled Popi, seen here lighting up my backyard…MGM Laboratories. A story for another time, quite an experience.

Yet another film reel container from a James Bond film “Moonraker” produced by MGM U/A. Technicolor was located on the Universal Lot and all the naughty chemicals used in these labs were dumped run the L.A River at that studio. That’s why it was built alongside the channel, easy disposal.Now NBC News sits where Technicolor stood. All those slides are MGM and will be in my Picture Book of my “El Supremo” picture stash of Studio Backlots. Yes-it will be in color with a Hard Cover. My life in pictures…”Holy Shit Batman”

Out of Business …Do to no fault of mine, the desert sands shifted. MGM as we knew it was officially done.

Like a desert horizon void of water, it was time to do something else. Poisonous snakes were everywhere it seemed. It’s not easy to get jobs at the studio, so I applied for Police and Fire Department jobs in surrounding cities. I looked into stunt work, did some cool extra work, but it was the Southern California Gas Company that threw me out a solid contract. I accepted, and wouldn’t you know it, I wanted Santa Monica Base-since I lived in S.M at that time having just been married. But I was assigned to Hollywood Base, on Formosa. Just behind The Formosa Cafe and alongside The Warners Hollywood Studio. This was the former Goldwyn Studio looking down on us.

I had to watch “Cattle Calls” sometimes a block long, of pretty girl behind pretty girl “demonstrating their abilities” while trying to catch the fancy of casting directors. This line took forever to move as truck after truck of heavy equipment moved slowly down Formosa Avenue checking out who we would choose for what- Only the Lord knows…

I had taken tests for IBEW Local 40-Studio Electrician and was accepted to be a trainee but, there were no openings. I had to wait my turn, so I did this “manly man” job, working on live Gas Mains around Hollywood. Funny thing is in the studios, the jobs requirements at So Cal Gas equal 4 different unions in the studios. Here, we just wear 4 different hats and flame retardant clothing.

Teamsters, Laborers, Welders, and Electricians would be required in the studios, due to Unions- here “it’s just me and my crew leader.” I learned a lot and am thankful for it- but I wanted to be in Showbiz. I was reminded of that every time I went down Formosa. We return to base all worn out & filthy, while the studio side of the street was all smiles and kisses…just a typical days work trying to get a part on Love Boat. The most famous Party Boat in Hollywood History!

A very successful series that ran from 1977 to 1986. Basically “Love‘ sums it all up.

Casting –Little Mermaids-Where’s Mary Pickford? All So happy and full of energy. A very difficult search that’s going to take some time- says every “Male Casting Director.”

I Want Some Kisses… Too

Rumor has it -Cocaine is rampant. Not at the Gas Company-we get tested, but across the street in those long lines of females at that studio. “Producers help enable this conduct” according to Lauren Tewes one of the stars.

Samuel Goldwyn wouldn’t do that…

Whose “High” in these following pictures

How come my gums are so numb?

I’m not sure” answers Margot Kidder, another regular at ‘The Lot”… “Can I borrow some clothes?” Superman even looks like-A person of interest. ” Fly a Straight line for me-Mr Clark – S”

The joke was the “Love Boat” smuggled drugs. Probably as accurate as it is funny. Cocaine flourished at the studios. I have stories with top actors at Universal heavily under the influence, witnessed by myself-first hand from my predecessors. Parties are legendary,

Cheech and Chong/ The Blues Brothers had a ” combined wrap party” that’s better than their movies. The stage was-Up in Smoke so to speak. Kids, well they had their own stage to play on so grown ups could “chill privately” – the kids weren’t allowed on the party stage. They had plenty of gadgets and gizmos on the stage next door, popcorn and clowns were provided to keep their little minds occupied. The studios are experts own keeping everybody happy. This was the most talked about party from insiders who lived it.

Tram Drivers and Tour Guides often lacked scruples and tuned up together before heading into the cockpit of our vehicle- tours were better that way. The kennel where the guests “dogs are boarded” doubled as a “last chance saloon.”… If those dogs could talk!

Let’s not forget the bands that played The Universal Amphitheater, no rules apply where the Red Carpet connects to the “Green Room.” The holding area where Rock Stars anxiously wait to go on stage while downing expensive and hard to get liquors, pallets full of Heineken beer , and piles of white powder. All was provided and considered a must it this holding area.

You had to feel it -to sing it.

I know I’ve been all over the Boat with this story and this iconic studio -but I’m never coming back here so lets- let it – all hang out-right! I’ve just been connecting lines and dots. I would soon get my invitation to party, not on a boat, but a tram that’s- as long as a boat.

Universal Studios hires me to be Captain of my own Ship… The Glamour Tram– All Aboard Ladies!

“My head is spinning -go faster!”

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden