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.
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. MGMowned 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, thestart of a 48 hour straight non-stop studio party.
This sensational MGM Lot 3 photo is compliments of Todd Spiegelberg. Todd and David Barns excel at matching pictures of sets on these studio lots. They connect these pictures to the films and T.V shows filmed on these dusty old streets…
We’re taking control of your TV set..“Please Stand By”…That was your standard test pattern. It was also the original title for this series that lasted two seasons. The creators feared audiences would change the channel. They thought this was an emergency broadcast system interruption, so the name was scrapped.“Leave my TV alone!”…Donnie Norden– 1963“Looks like a friendly planet“…The Zanti Misfits 1963.“Look Out Kid” –The Zanti Misfits…Terrorizing TVs everywhere.Vasquez Rocks...A very popular location. I have filmed there, Sliders-TV series. Wind Machines…blowing dust and tumbleweeds.“Another film company rolling in here again… I’m sick of terrorizing these idiots!”MGM Lot 3 and Vasquez Rocks blend together.MGM has Baldwin Hills as a western backdrop.“I think I got bit”…”I’ll get help if I don’t die first““We’re up here earthlings”Headed to MGM Lot 3…MGM Lot 3- Two other sci-fi series film back here. The Twilight Zone and One Step Beyond. All three, including My Favorite Martian used this very street. One of two church steeples on Europe Street can be seen sprouting behind the western corner. Combat filmed this lot regularly in 1963.The simple two window, one door set right of the driving M.P. appeared in the Dust episode of the Twilight Zone. In that episode, a man gets saved from a gallows pole by some Magic Dust. This building was the jail where the man was incarcerated.This picture of mine is same angle as screen grab. Notice The Mutiny on the Bounty masts are sticking up above the Western Street- far end.Zanti set two years prior- The Twilight Zone episode “DUST”Wait till the Zantis get a hold of you!Oh shoot!…“They’re here”…Confirmed…“I’m a classic monster- buddy!”The MGM grip department mountedthis capsule on the roof. A studio union operated spacecraft.This kind of stuff ends up in our property storage on the backlot. And possibly, it will land at my house to complete its mission. Two kids could easily carry this to my MGM version of Mission control.These Zantis are available for purchase on-line…duplicates of course.Technically, “Zantis are trespassers!”“Where’s MGM security when you need them?”...“I want- off this lot!““Get back trespassers!”“I brought a capsule full of friends”“Run little guy!““O.K. this is worse than I thought”“Air Police- MGM Police- everybody open fire!”“I got some grenades off the Combat set”…Zantis, Germans, this lot has ammo everywhere…This is where- War is filmed.“That ought to do it!”The aftermath…The camera twists in the wind as the TV tries to regaincontrol through its roof antenna.Moving the antenna doesn’t fix this problem, it’s just magic.These trains block the view into the lot, we work this fence line. An irrigation drain is on the public side of a chain link fence. We run up and down it to view into the lot. We look in between the wheels. The Horse Soldiers is a film starring John Wayne. John Ford directed it. The movie had one of the best battles ever staged out of these trains.This is a hiding spot, but MGM was well aware of it. Salt Rock guns shoot at you here as you attempt to exit. The irrigation run -off trench worked like a WW 1 trench. Many Culver Residents met their fate in this gully that still occupies and exits along what is now Raintree condos. This area was like Gettysburg. If you’re going to get shot, it’s probably in this location. That’s a real good name for this town…This is my MGM Art Department photo of this street in this story.I am fortunate to have been given my own private stash of MGM backlot pictures from Tony Vallone, he headed the Department. He was hired by MGM in 1938. He was a kid in the Real Boystown when MGM went on location to film in Nebraska. Over the decade of the 70’s, my backlot notoriety spread through the studio as I became…The Phantom. I spent an entire afternoon going through cabinet after cabinet of MGM stills. I was handed an envelopes and told “take what you wish!
I felt like Burgess Meredith in “Time Enough at Last.” I met this Penguin at MGM on the film “Rocky.” He was hanging out outside a stage. I went up to him. I told him how much I love his Twilight Zone episodes. “Mr Dingle” I call him…
We are on Ghost Town St…51.This irrigation catch basin trench still exists along the southern border of Raintree. It was there back when MGM was. This was a very strategic trench; we could see clearly into Lot 3. Trains partially blocked our views down the Western Streets. Security chases often conclude here. You’re successful if you escape without a buttocks full of salt rock. This was like a trench from W.W1. Its purpose was to protect MGM, now Raintree, from storm runoff water. Three other catch basins on the oil field side provided additional protection. The runoff cascades down these hills toward the old backlot. There have been times where this backlot flooded. But we had canoes and several different watercrafts to overcome flooding.Lot 3 looking west-Raintree Condos now surround a smaller but original lake.This picture from an oil derrick captures Lot 3, Raintree in a similar current angle today. The field in the foreground is currently a Pumpkin Patch for kids… Mr. Bones will greet you here. The eucalyptus trees are original to MGM and that straight line is the Eastern MGM Lot 3 boundary. The best place to sneak in at. There is usually no one around these parts and when you’re inside the studio, the jungle is your friend. Some rusted old fence posts with barb wire still stand, representing MGM. Chain link fences were used facing hills, so camera doesn’t pick up a wooden fence. Those were used on Jefferson and Overland Blvd. Half the lot had green wood fences with- No Trespassing Signs, Forbidden by Law, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer attached everywhere. Charles Bronson close up Death Wish 4. Plexiglas camera protection…shots fired!Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, and Telly Savalas appeared in the Twilight Zone before making this film.This pointed ear concept developed forDavid McCallum would beused on Leonard Nimoy as Spock.
1963- MGM Backlot 3
The Outer Limits filmed a few episodes on the MGM backlots in its two-year run. Joseph Stefano wrote most of the episodes. He just completed work with Alfred Hitchcock. He wrote the screenplay for Psycho. He was this show’s –Rod Serling. Many monsters and props got reused after the show was canceled. Many of the crew ended up on a new series-Star Trek. William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy both appeared in The Outer Limits before liberating outer space.
The process used to make David McCallum’s ears pointed in The Outer Limits would be copied for Spock.
Talent existed everywhere and Cinematographer Conrad Hall photographed 15 episodes. He was the man behind the lens for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969. This series ended abruptly due to a schedule change. it would be located as the lead in for Lawrence Welk. The opposition was Jackie Gleason, my dad’s favorite guy. It was an attractive show for a younger audience, so this change to a mature time zone lead in failed. I watched it. I love this show’s opening television take over. It seemed real. You can tell by my kid picture. This TV is for watching Combat, back off Space Men.
My last post was located on the Universal Backlot, featuring The Birds, in 1963. 21 miles away, these Zanti creatures were terrorizing MGM, by way of The Vasquez Rocks. MGM Lot 3 fits the landscape needed to match up those real rocks with sets built at MGM. Lot 3 is the most rustic backlot ever built.
A 67-acre playground of bombed out European Villages, Western Towns… complete with blowing tumbleweeds, jungles with canoes, tall ships and even a paddleboat. Half-tracks, tanks, jeeps, trains and planes are parked everywhere. All these sets have a 1400-acre oil field directly behind it.
The Baldwin Hills are the backlot extension very few are aware of. But you have seen them. Laurel and Hardy and The Little Rascals used dirt roads. These roads can easily get you lost. They are located right behind MGM Lot 3. I worked on Beverly Hills Cop 2 in the hills overlooking these sets. We were firing bazookas; “Dent Industries” was an fictitious oil company. I recently saw an episode of the Highway Patrol. It starred Broderick Crawford himself in 1955. He was pursuing oil larceny suspects. They were robbing payroll with a Bazooka of all things. If you live long enough, everything happens twice. Bazooka attacks, 30 years apart. I also met Charles Bronson up here, overlooking this studio, on Deathwish 4.
We chatted about the Twilight Zone episode titled- TWO. He starred with Elizabeth Montgomery in that classic on MGM Lot 3. We were pointing sets out, where they stood, from atop these hills. Then we talked –The Dirty Dozen. The famous climax on a backlot located in England. Yep, “The Chateau” was on a backlot across the ocean at MGM’s British Studio. Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson and John Cassavetes fought for their lives as the Chateau goes up in flames. This show happens to be my all-time favorite movie along with Butch Cassidyand the Sundance Kid. My 3rd favorite is Kelly’s Heroes.
So, these hills are extensions of the backlot, and Howard Hughes owned a hilltop overlooking Desilu. Howard was going to build a mansion up on the top. It would overlook Los Angeles and the distant Hollywoodland sign in the Hollywood Hills. However, something happened in 1924. Richfield/Standard Oil discovered oil reserves up here. An oil boom sprouted wells surrounding this entire area. Howard sold the property to Charles Wright. He stated, “The last thing I want to see is oil wells out my living room.” Wrightcrest became a Culver City Street. Charlie built himself a mansion where Howard had planned to build one. This change came after crude was discovered.
Rance McGrew and Mr. Garrity and the Graves have the hills off in background in those classic Twilight Zone episodes. Combat avoided camera angles that would connect to these hills.
What’s cool was this lot was a wildlife area due to its location. Skunks, possums, raccoons-like the one that took out hunting dog- Rip and Hyder Simpson. This is-that place, The Hunt was done here. Rod Serling would walk these trails developing concepts and plots. I daydream here too.
Owls, hawks, crows, and doves combine aviation forces here. Snakes, squirrels and gophers complete this fun backlot. Horse stables still exist up in these hills. When Combat filmed, birds took flight and rodents took cover on the safer oil field side. Filming turned into escape time for these critters who fled this studio home when Combat yelled “ACTION”
When the lot was quiet, you could hear the churning oil wells. MGM Lot 3 was the best backlot in history. The legend of Arnold Gillespie and his MGM ocean still resonates back here in this wilderness area.
Lastly, The Zanti Misfits was ranked #98th on TV Guide’s 100 Greatest Episodes of all-time.
That’s today’s story, everywhere I go –I kick up movie dust
Good news…I have regained control of my TV- just in time to watch some quality reruns!
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 deathand the rumors of scandal thatreverberated 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 roomshould 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
Music tames the Savage Beast. This Metro Goldwyn Mayer label was supreme. Let’s play a stack of some 45’s today …shall we?
MGM Records began in 1946 –when the King of Beasts started spinnings his head in circles…
The “other” MGM King. Of all the artists you would expect on the MGM Label, Elvis Presley was not one of them. In 1954, he signed his first contract with Sun Records.The next year, RCA Records took on his record contract.
This moment was connected to the MGM label,Apple would become The Beatles label.
2013- The British Invasion Flag flies above Sony, Stages 27/29, formerly MGM Studios.
Take a taste of this. Turn up your Marantz Stereoand light the living room up in colorful patterns with a sound reacting Light Organ… if your hip!
Artists signed aboard include…
Louie Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Mickey Rooney, and Tony Bennett graced the stage. Leslie Caron, Richard Chamberlain, and Maurice Chevalier added to the charm. The Cowsills, Bing Crosby, and Jimmy Durante entertained the masses. Billy Eckstien, 5 Man Electrical Band, and Eydie Gorme mesmerized the audience. George Hamilton, Jack Jones, and Hugh Masekela captivated listeners. Donnie Osmond, Mel Torme, and Eric Burdon and War thrilled fans. Hank Williams, Tony Sheridan and The Beatles—also known as “Beat Brothers”—and Three Dog Night were unforgettable. This part of the studio specialized in sounds and soundtracks. Over time, the sounds faded away. They disappeared like the studio itself.
Three Dog Night, an All -Time Favorite of mine, seen here in 1972, on float in the Rose Parade.
Put -some “Whiskey in Your Water” and continue…
Never too late to cherish an iconic MGM experience, A studio most famous for legendary musicals…Many large bands continued on, under RSO Records, Robert Stigwood’s label. The Bee Gees, Peter Frampton, Earth, Wind and Fire, Billy Preston etc, performed on the MGM backlot in 1977. That year became my own “Rocker” on the set of SGT. Pepper.
This label was originally developed for releasing MGM Soundtracks from MGM Films. It quickly evolved to include several musical genres. Nevertheless, it maintained an accent towards Country Western. MGM’s western collection is interesting because it includes western films, trains, and carriages. There are also horses, western streets, and legendary musicians influenced by country artists.
MGM created the old west right here in Culver City. They shuffled in Singing Cowboys. They developed and delivered music for this studio to market.
This MGM label took off as a major player. Its competitors in the early 50’s were Columbia, RCA, Decca, Capital, and Mercury. MGM manufactured their cataloged at the studio more legendary for films. the only label besides Columbia that are dual film/records. But MGM forever will be-King of Beasts!
In the mid seventies, I was found at this studio on a daily basis. I was part of this Rock and Roll landscape. Polygram took over this label as MGM divested all its assets. The 1970 MGM auction was the beginning of the end of MGM as we knew it.
The 50’s and 60’s
Connie Francis, Hank Williams and Conway Twitty led the way for record sells. 45’s turned into ten inch 33-1/3. That brought on album covers, and artwork, instead of paper envelopes with vinyl wrapped inside. In 1961, MGM bought Norman Granz’ Verve record label and MGM became-A rock label. The Righteous Brothers, The Velvet Underground, and The Mothers of Invention.
These artists were not happy with MGM’s censorship, and often released content without artist approvals. Welcome to the world of MGM labels and holding stables. Actors and films came before musicians and tunes. Studio higher ups gave them all a take it or leave it response. Censorship ruled supreme as Rock Music was taking off. In the mid 60’s, MGM distributed a new Kama Sutra label, The Lovin’ Spoonful signed on. Acid Rock competed against Vietnam protests. Tough times make for great music, L.S.D was a music gateway. MGM was buying artists from other labels to hedge the future. This label evolved from singing cowboys to singing hippies!
MGM bought in the the colorful decade to come by signing Eric Burden and The Animals. But profits plunged. MGM Records lost 18 million dollars to close out the 1960s. Records in music stores were unsold.
The 70’s–I became a member of that culture…
Nothing funner than L.S.D on the MGM backlot while listening to Acid Rock, just sayin!
MGM was busy auctioning off their soul right after Woodstock changed the music world forever in 1969. One entity was headed upwards while the other was sinking below the surface. MGM executive Mike Curb, a future Lt. Governor of California, fired 18 groups who publicized …the use of drugs!
“I couldn’t be fired” since I was just a Trespasser with his own personal…Hole in the Fence. I counter cultured and embraced escapism- literally and figuratively. I was a rebel with a cause who did not want to end up in Vietnam. President Nixon agreed and praised Mr. Curb. for his unrelenting attitude against drugs. Drugs became a huge item going ahead in Hollywood. Stars were using drugs. Cocaine use was an issue at every studio. When I began my long career at Universal, several major stars would take “powdered lunches.” Dirty stories for another time. Alcohol and cigarettes were no longer enough.
My hero, WW2, veteran, Lee Marvin. The leader of The Dirty Dozen. In the 80’s, “Maggot” Telly Savalas could be found at Universal. He was often in a limo, at Telly’s Bar at the Sheraton Universal. A big mirror was inside, driven around the property. Prefabbed “white lines” were also inside. The studio that promoted drug films, such as Cheech and Chong, hosted a wrap party on Stage 4. It was a legendary drug fest. Drug use escalated effecting in someway almost every star we had on the lot!
As I was experiencing MGM first hand in the early 70’s, MGM switched to “bubblegum” acts. Sammy Davis Jr, Petula Clark, and The Osmonds. These successful performers helped stabilize MGM financially.
In 1972, a conglomerate of Dutch /German Polydor and and Phonogram was buying into the U.S market. Polyvgram was now the MGM record label. The merger failed and was reduced to going forward with soundtracks from MGM films.
The 80’s
After the merger of Metro, Goldwyn, Mayer Inc. and United Artists in 1982, the label discontinued all together. For me, I became employed at MGM. My dreams came true” and I worked for the last MGM entity still using the MGM logo. MGM Film laboratories was the final MGM department identified as MGM.
My job took me all over MGM Lot 1, Job description” Reel Router.” The processing of film is very involved, from waxing to reduce projector noise, editing of course, and color corrections. Cannery Row was one of our films, starring Nick Nolte, Deborah Winger, and John Huston. Based off a John Steinbeck novel. Almost entirely shot with clever Art Direction using MGM’s main lot. the only lot still standing.
In 1972, Raquel kicked ass dressed like this, in 1982 she” kicked ya and flipped ya.” She won a match race that paid her –extremely well…
Screenshot
I wanna tag team with her…I’m a great skater! I watched Roller Derby, L.A Thunderbird’s, The Olympic Auditorium. Announcer, the legendary Dick Lane.
During the making of Cannery Row, a lawsuit occurred involving the original casted star and MGM. Additional legal entanglements came under scrutiny, focusing on stolen MGM raw stock film. It was being hijacked and resold to Hollywood film labs. The F.B.I arrested the perpetrator “on set.”
Meanwhile back in the MGM lab, I walked in on a pile of cocaine in the “film timers” studio. The color correction involved magenta, cyan, and all things color. It took place in a state of the art post production facility. Expensive consoles corrected the 35 millimeter prints based off the timers recommendations. A huge movie screen completes the interior of this facility. Next to a basket of fruit and tasty munchies was a pile of “blow.”
Cocaine became as prevalent at “craft service” as snacks themselves. no one hid it, you were welcomed by it. An MGM security guard named George Barner was hired to catch me a decade ago. He ran a sting operation to bust employees. He used a famous Hollywood watering hole across the street, still operating as a bar today, The Backstage.
CHiPs Television– wasn’t safe, either. The star, Tom Reilly, was arrested for drug use and relieved of duty. End off Watch, end of his involvement in that hit series. MGM then started searching star dressing rooms when actors on set. MGM Studios would disappear. It would fade to black. Nonetheless, the Acid trips and drug use would continue. I would experience much more at Universal.
The Who “Long Live Rock” was a song and signal of more to come…
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 afternoonand 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.
Universal Studios European Village in the 1930’s era…Sets I would never get to explore.
1967-Sets affected that remained for decades more, include The Court of Miracles, buildings closest and not entirely engulfed and Spartacus Square. In this photo, a section of buildings on right of frame would remain standing. Paint, wood and stucco would repair the cosmetics as firefighters preserved the integrity of the stairway leading up to the structure itself.
The rooftops I’m on in this picture were built to replace the buildings devastated by the fire.the 1987 fire. This section burned twice, 67 and 87. Construction would start immediately after clean up. The buildings on the left -across the way are in pictures where fire department was battling the blaze. They saved the front side and that street was repaired. Spartacus-most distant- right side of frame avoided any damage.These rooftops pictured-have burned down twice.
Both sides of street burned below me, the cobblestone road is original as buildings went up in foot print of original.
You can see this building from rooftop pics-notice the gated columns. Building salvaged and repaired.
Same building in flames 40 years later…Dressed for- Monuments of Men. A George Clooney film 2014
Buildings in Spartacus Square that survived and were repaired. No longer do they exist, Sound Stages fill this area now.
This building survived and was repaired…Same courtyard, fire department is seen battling in 1967.
Universal color photos from Company 51, Our Emergency Fire Department on the lot.
Spartacus- not touched but as close as you can be. This photo is “Berlin” in Monuments of Men. 2014. Spartacus was torn down, deemed unsafe by the fire department.- I can vouch for that, we had electrical panels on the backside where we ran cables for lighting and transportation power, The floor caved in on me one evening carry a heavy load of electrical cables. Wolfgang Puck Food and Wine festivals used this section of the backlot for magnificent parties. All the food and wine you could handle, entertainment, fancy lighting and movie props, such as statues, sarcophagus’s, chariots, and harems. An annual huge event…some buildings deemed unsafe basically ended this event. Now, brand new stages stand in this area.
Spartacus Set survived as flames surrounded it.In the two New York Street fires I experienced, helicopters were key to saving the lot, especially the film vaults. The main focus was film storage and water dropping helicopters filled up “rapid fire” from our Red Sea. Our lake helped fight these fires.
Spartacus Set-The Long Building in right of frame with a dirt road behind it miraculously survived this event. Universal Studios hosted a party sponsored by Wolfgang Puck, annually, called an American Food and Wine Festival. Mood Lighting, Music, Set Decorations, Spirits and Gourmet Food awaited you. Often used for Basecamps, trailers and tents packed this square. No longer exists…
I would guess this is after the 67′ fire. Everything is exactly detailed as it was. every doorway had an electrical panel inside. Called shore power, we could handle large events here power wise, plus, we back it up with generators in case something gets over amped!The show must go on…
Replacements of what burned down…
“And on my side of the tram”…I did this a thousands times at least….Trams exiting the Parting of the Red Sea next will end up here…
My focus of amazement is not the fire itself, it’s the Showboat in the Black Lagoon. McHale’s Navy filmed in this quadrant of the backlot from 1962 to 1966. In fact, I see P.T. Boats next to a structure we called the Snow House. Fake snow was stored inside. The River Boat would be relocated for a Studio Tour highlight at the opposite end of this lake. The lagoon branches off the lake. This is also where The Parting of the Red Sea animation on your Glamour Tram Tour would be built. The sea would part and trams would drive through here on the way to European Street. That Showboat had 3 separate locations on this lake that I know of. It was not seaworthy when I explored it. This Showboat, Lagoon, and The Parting of the Red Sea no longer exist. The Lagoon became a Satellite Farm for large Satellite Dishes for NBC to broadcast live.
Everything with a gray roof pictured here is a rebuild. Fringe sets, farthest away survived fire.
Court of Miracles is about to become engulfed.
This alley still stands today- all this burned in 1967.
Cobblestone still remains from this fiery event. Castle from TheScorpion King.
This “Court of Miracles” area is often used for catering-tents, tables and a nearby catering truck circle the fountain. A nice place to eat!
It’s a miracle what this fountain has “lived” through…
Our fountain survived the fire, and sits in The Court of Miracles to this day. The most special “prop” on the backlot. It has four flying Lions, and has been used in everything from Monster Movies to Playboy shoots. This fountain has seen it all!
Court of Miracles fountain withstood this holocaust but this village burned. The building in background is the final stop of the Universal Train used in all our old westerns. The tracks continually do a slight curve to give impression they disappear into the frontier. I will take down those tracks in future post.
That’s where my beloved fountain was located in the 1967 Fire.
Every picture tells a story…Be Cautious and follow me, this is my home away from home!
Let’s begin in a blaze of fire-1967. Historic sets, chateaus, and villages, areas most utilized in classic Universal Monsters Films. Chew on that for a moment.
Strange Things Lurk Here
The staple of Universal Pictures, Monsters roamed freely here. It’s almost fitting these ghosts from the past disappeared in one flaming afternoon. Only they didn’t die, nothing really dies around here…it’s the very place I take you through today. Walk softly, trust your instincts, you’re in the footsteps,,, of Monsters.
Two stages still exist that were used in Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi films-a third, Stage 28, the most haunted of all-has been removed- willingly by NBC Universal. Shame on them, you have unleashed a curse! Stage 12 and 27 remain as testament to studio origins.
Monsters are our Friends
Personally, I would have made Stage 28 the defacto museum of Universal history. The Paris Opera House was built inside and these walls from the Original Phantom of the Opera have been witness to all our history.
Better known as- The Glamour Tram. Celebrating 60 Years on the Backlot
Who Didn’t watch- The Munsters.
Even the Beatles watched them– then they all met in person when the Beatles played in Dodger Stadium in 1965. Unable to book hotels because of potential of being over run, Founder Lew Wasserman put them up here at Universal. If you do not know-MCA stands for Music Corporation of America. That’s who signed my paychecks -those three formidable letters. Monsters and Rock Stars united. A decade later Paul McCartney would return with new friends who love monsters…
Everyone loves our Monsters…
Even Steven Spielberg...This Frankenstein set is located inside Amblin Entertainment. Steven always uses our oldest biggest stages- where all our monster history took place on the front lot.
Let’s Tour the Backlot Sets used in these iconic films…
“All Aboard-I’ll Drive!”
No Smoking is the first rule you will hear from these pretty ladies. To build up enthusiasm, guides are provided “call sheets” to point out who and what we may run into on today’s tour. In 1967-these were the studio productions…
Tram Keeps a Rollin…
After a leisurely tour outside stages we enter the backlot. “All original streets back then.”The P.T. Boat 73- from McHale’s Navy still sits in the lagoon after the show was canceled,” points out our beautiful Glamour Tram Tour Guide. Let’s push on through the Red Sea- ‘Part the Waters Everybody.”
“My cue” to activate the genie that triggers a drain to lower the water level.
“Ahead you see trailers that are used as dressing rooms during filming.” says our expert sitting next to me.
Sometimes – the water level is higher than other times creating severe drag on these vehicles that carry 125 passengers. With wet tires and wet roadways from previous trams ahead of us-this can be a “spinning tire- 16 wheel battle.” On the other side is our Little Europe Set, Spartacus, and the Court of Miracles.
As Blood, Sweat and Tears would sing back then “Spinning Wheel got to go ’round.” No truer words here…I sang that in my head. High water level also sometimes snagged women’s purses if they were on the steel plated floor. Once that happened on my tram with cash spreading into lagoon. The Tour Guide warns you to not leave things on the floor before proceeding through-“So we’re covered-pay attention!”
What a difference a year makes, Red Sea Location – Right before the 1967 Fire McHale’s Navy was still on the air. Dry docked in photo on the right. The Creature from The Black Lagoon set became the Parting of the Red Sea for a rapidly and successfully developing Universal Studio Tour.
“Are those flames ahead ?”
Our vintage tour ends here in the first big Universal Backlot Fire. I saw three huge backlot fires in my career. Two on New York Street and one in our European street area featured today. That was quickly contained limiting damage, so fact is -this area burned again in 1987. It was contained to 4 structures and rebuilt very quickly.
A friend, Kenny Paes, sent me this colorized version of the Desilu Backlot. Stalag 13-upper right.Yes they are actively filming an episode of Hogan’s Heroes on this fly over…Notice crew parking and how trucks get positioned to hide things or just remain out of frame.Equipment most closest to set is usually most often is -a camera truck. Film needs to be constantly added for camera. It’s why were all here. I can break this picture down for days straight. This captures the lot I know best.
Hahaha-a security guard sits parked in his car when filming isn’t taking place. The “third” guard tower exists in this photo. Security is facing the Western Street. He can see any approach to Stalag 13, except if you climb in back in the heavy brush on the corner of Lucerne. That’s exactly the where my Mission Impossible exploration began on a Sunday night in 1972.
In this photo, you see snow. Ground level and hillside, this was heavy plaster molds with spiders living underneath. You could pick them up and move them. The rooftops were simply painted patches of snow. Neighborhood houses on Lucerne Avenue looked directly into Stalag 13. Only two guard towers existed when this shot was taken, a 3rd would be added at the very left side of the camp fence. It overlooked the backyard that contained a make up trailer used by the show. That trailer originally was built and used by Marion Davies. Three snow patches on right hand hill side our where the three tree stumps are located. A Tiger Tank is parked along the fence line by crew parking, that’s where it was stored. The guy who owns the house that connects to Stalag 13 has started it up, a diesel motor, and was arrested by Desilu security and C.C.P.D. That’s where the make up trailer sits, in his yard…still. I have the mirrors and items from antiquity that were hidden inside.
Residential neighborhoods surround this property on two streets. Lucerne and Higuera Streets. Ince Blvd takes you inside the lot. One other gated entrance exists farther down Higuera. Two roads to enter and exit-both are dirt, as is most of this backlot. The fences were chain link allowing easy view points. The Atlanta Train Depot is the first big large structure left of the camp and hillside I take you on in this story. That is the Gone With the Wind set.Gomer Pyle’s barracks can be seen upper right corner of backlot, La Ballona creek is the southern most boundary of this backlot.
Five complete barracks that have four walls is all we have here. Three others are partials as is Klink’s office. Power is fed by generators behind Klink’s office also. Those generators are mobile., I see a cable run from a barrack to the barb wire fences-another generator positioned there. The long piece of Transportation equipment appears to be a “honey wagon.” Portable mobile bathrooms. This backlot only had one bathroom facility, located off Higuera Street. That way it could tie into public sewers….12 stalls, 6 for men, 6 for women was all that this backlot had at its disposal. Located in between Mayberry and Stalag 13 on the infamous Desilu Dirt Highway. This lot was busy and not enough bathrooms existed, so shows utilized the same equipment used on location. The things we take for granted need planning on movie sets.
he last film here was not what you would think …The only part of the camp to survive in 1974 was the shed aside from Klink’s office. That became a tool shed for The Fortune Movie.
An adult movie finished of this Stalag- She Wolf of the S.S
The hill behind this discussion is how we first approach this liberated P.O.W Camp.
Fact-Klink’s office was just a front of a building, the backside was wide open and the view opposite the front door looked upon the Western Street towards the saloon.
Klink’s office is located behind that corner building with a German truck parked alongside.I had a fort in the saloon located on this street.
More facts–These rope cots came out of the P.O.W’s barracks. The set they are behind is a crossover set, used first by The Andy Griffith Show but also seen in Hogan’s Heroes. In the distance, an original Stalag 13 edifice, with a snow painted rooftop. ‘You gotta keep pushing snow when you’re really in sunny Southern California!”
Front side- this house pictured above.The tree stumps are hidden behind camouflage as is much of the house because…This is Mission Impossible. All the snow on ground and painted on roof had to be removed, then put back immediately.
“Sheriff Taylor” is being shot at as the State Police can’t believe their eyes- This is that set, in my picture I took from backside.. Pre Hogan and Gomer Pyle. You would see Camp Henderson after 1964 in background. With a sharp set of eyes, you can see this set in wide camp views, usually with a big wheeled, red- Fire fighting piece of equipment in background. Cross overs continue on this tight knit tiny backlot…Desilu is family, on the lot and on Television.
Colonel Crittendon on one set
Malcolm Merriweather on another , A Gentle Men’s Gentlemen just down the dirt road that attaches Mayberry with Stalag 13
If that guard tower could speak, Maureen and I’ would be embarrassed!
The Mayberry Highway dirt road-connects Stalag 13 to Andy Griffith’s Courthouse.All Desilu shows have one thing in common, this centralized bathroom in the middle of the backlot. Right side of picture, nestled into hill side. 6 stalls for men and 6 for women.Notice the painted snow on the rooftop, for Hogan’s Heroes, plaster snow comes into play the closer you get to Stalag 13. So many episodes utilize this road, this hillside was my portal to watch filming in the camp area.
John Dehner selling Elixir in Mayberry. Another Desilu cross over star. I had my own Elixir’s that we partaked in up in the Guard Towers of Stalag 13 and in the Taylor Residence where we had a fort upstairs
General von Platzen… Character
Cross overs…Hal Smith, Otis Cambell also known as “Hot Rod“
We loved this character and relived his character running around the Desilu lot…Everyone loves Elixers, even Desi Arnaz.
Put some Whiskey in your water, sugar in your Tea, what are all these crazy questions your asking me?
The people behind the making of all our favorite shows including Hogan’ Heroes. Three most famous D’s…Danny Thomas, Dan Cahn, Desi. Arnaz. Desilu is a union of these fine Gentlemen. The men behind the empire…Let’s not leave out the- The Desilu Queen . Picture courtesy Daniel Cahn, son of the legend.These are the brains to all your Desilu T.V shows, read the credits. If it says Desilu= Top quality!
We need a director and Bruce Bilson worked his way from a 1st A.D on Andy Griffith to directs several Hogan’s Heroes. The ultimate cross over, the man, the legend, I’m so honored to have talked with him! Maureen and I love this legend of a man, here with our first book- Hole in the Fence. If you need just one Director for all things Desilu and Paramount… this man captures what Hollywood was and shall ever be from the Golden Years of Hollywood.
.We start in 1964 for this read on Desilu History;
A Prisoner of war camp that was constructed in the tail end of 1964 for the very first episode of Hogan’s Heroes that was the only aired in a Black and White format. The pilot episode is titled “The Informer.” The series would begin at this time would run from 1965 to 1971. CBS pushed for color as this series was picked up.
Welcome to the Color Revolution as color console TV’s. This was as big of a culture as A.I is becoming today…60 years later. Viewing habits changed, making homes- mini theaters.
You could lay on shag carpets and eat T.V dinners off a tray parked in front of T.V sets. Some families demanded dining room participation but eventually, the talk at these table was as much about television shows as it was “what’s new with our family?”
My mom believed in family prayer at the dinner table. Going to a Catholic School, it seemed I prayed all day.” Lord- please provide me good television was my mantra and bless all the animals…Amen”
Prayers answered-not only did I receive that, I was steered divinely to places where these T.V shows were made. We were taught the Golden Rules of the Ten Commandments and luckily for me-“Trespassing wasn’t one of them.”
Trespassing isn’t a sin mother, she saw a passion in her son’s eyes at a time when television was taking off.
Stereo’s had built in record players and slots for 8 Tracks tape players to slide into, so much entertainment, you hated to have to go to school!…Columbia House had adds in magazines offering 8 records or tapes for a dollar. Once they hook you with that deal- expect a stack at your front door monthly, at a readjusted price. That describes the Home Front where we watched all are favorite shows and series in comfort and luxury, complete with a dog or two at your feet, and a 67 GTO parked out front.
I knew these studios existed, I could see MGM Lot 2 from my house, Desilu was a bike ride away. Imagine for a moment when I finally crossed the Blue Line and began living amongst these iconic sets. Reruns allowed me to relieve things filmed at these studios months, years and even decades before.
Over time- I would become in contact with almost every famous set in Hollywood, beyond Culver City and our neighborhood film factories.
Because of ‘Dogs on Duty” and there indeed were, it delayed my exploration of this famous Stalag. The night we finally entered Stalag 13, we were scared to death. I had very few volunteers to to go on this expedition.
We studied the camp from the big hill that looks down upon it. A calling to me was being transmitted from who I don’t know, finally on a Sunday Night the time had come to live on this sacred site. Sneaking through a yard of a city resident was the shortest path to this Stalag. At night it is pitch dark, factor that in to a place secured by vicious dogs.
Marion Davies to the rescue
First we had to climb a fence to get to the Desilu Fence, in between climbs, in someone’s yard, we hid behind a shed. This was a point of No Return. Like the Dirty Dozen at the chateau, we went over possibilities that might occur, gathering confidence needed for the next climb, we finish this planning behind a shed that 50 years later, I discovered this is Marion Davies make up trailer. This night- it was mission command post.
Like the P.O.W’s had to do, we are now sneaking into…Stalag 13. We are inside laying along side fake snow and deep grass, ready to retreat if need be. Still close to a fence to escape, our eyes become night vision goggles…or better described as a nest of owls. We carry cans of mace in case shit hits the fan in Stalag 13-with dogs on duty!
The coast seems clear- next-run like a bat out of hell to a guard tower located next to the red and white guard shack. We shut the main gate and latch it in an attempt have a barrier in case dogs show up. We are now living our own episode of this cancelled T.V show. Now-up a simple ladder, and we are looking down on this Luft Stalag. If Hogan could see us now, he would salute us. We came and conquered another landmark set.
Fast forward 1974
This perfectly conditioned camp was ours to enjoy. I felt like a teenage Producer, having a full backstage pass. I would thank God in my nightly prayers for providing me with the Super Powers needed to be a top notch trespasser. I owned Stalag 13.
All Things Must Pass
In an unexpected move, I arrived on the lot only to find the Stalag is being decommissioned. The Guard towers were relocated toward the fence we first climbed in on. The kennel and the dog house were no where in site. Only a shed next to Klink’s office was still left where it has been since 1964. Turns out this would be used as a tool shed for the production that is now taking away everyone’s favorite prison camp.
The series lasted 6 years and the Stalag itself- 9 years. I was in charge the last two. I had every set in Hollywood to work with but this one was far my favorite…a deserted Stalag.
It wasn’t built to last forever, the barracks had ho floors inside, just dirt. No foundation, they leaked heavy in rainy season with puddles building up inside, making everything muddy. Wood and rope cots were the only contents inside. This camp never was vandalized, trespassing hadn’t taken off inside yet.
No one knew the place was empty and yours for the taking. Guards patrolled in cars now and then, but not in a forceful high profile way like MGM. More like a farmer checking out his ranch.
In 1965, Hogan’s Heroes became a Top Ten Show in its first season. When the network pulled the plug 168 episodes later, its ranking was #39, but pulled 19.8 in ratings. Gomer Pyle shut its gate just through the eucalyptus trees that separate these camps the year before in 1969. Pyle’s ratings were extremely high, winning out over Hogan’s Heroes. Only once did Pyle fall to double digits, #10 in ’67, but #2 or #3 all five other seasons.
Bonanza rates as the all time powerhouse and filmed many episodes on our Western Street whose upstairs saloon I had a fort in with a working off-lot phone, I have called my mom from this saloon telling her “I”m Fine and am staying over at a friends house,” Pat did the same as we camped out in the backlot all night.
Desilu Television dominated T.V Ratings-Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, Batman, I Love Lucy, followed by Hogan’s Heroes. The Andy Griffith Show spun off to Mayberry R.F.D and that series took off, briefly. The Jim Nabors Show replaced Gomer Pyle, Hogan’s Heroes never finished back in the Top 10 after its initial season.
Star Trek, Batman, Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, Hogan’s Heroes, That Girl, and a collie named Lassie all had successful series overlapping each other using this backlot. The only fights they had were over prime time and slotting against other big hits. Star Trek was knocked down when slotted on Friday Night against Gomer Pyle.
As Jim Nabors became the king of this lot, Bob Crane guest starred on various series such as Love American Style, and two Disney features, Superdad and Gus. and even doing the Dinner Theater circuit. That is when he met his fate, in Scottsdale, Arizona, still a mysterious and unsolved mystery.
Rest in Peace– Colonel Hogan, your surrounded by fans still!
These three are also linked for eternity…Their graves look at each others…
What a gem this short interview is…amazing how fate plays out- Destiny!
Bob is laid to rest just across from Marilyn Monroe. Forever this close…
A film titled The Fortune is clearing out all things Stalag 13 for a large build on a southwest Bungalow type setting where much of this film is to be filmed. Warren Beatty is the star alongside Jack Nicholson. Jack would soon win an Academy Award for China Town following this effort. All you followers of Hogan’s Heroes will recognize the trees, grass burms, minus the fake plaster snow and all things the landscape minus the camp.
I was on this set all the time, looking down from hillsides that were used by our merry men. I actually needed to be rescued by this film crew when this hill caved in and I fell into it’s bowels. I didn’t realize this hill was partially fake and hollow inside.I found at the hard way because there was no escape with an extension ladder.
The Fortune rescues Donnie…
Fortunately, I was the only one captured inside this hillside that was part of Stalag 13, close to the tree stump, which I had already removed from the lot. I got to know the construction crew who built this new set and they showed up for the rescue. “Oh it’s you” was how I was greeted when my head appeared through the tall grass.
“Hi Guys -Thanks for showing up!”
Stuff from the camp…
Well I got the Pearl, this tree stump would continue on entertaining kids for about 5 years before collapsing from over use and oversized kids. The Stalag Barracks doors ended up in a yard close by, the same yard we hid in our first trespass. The black door handle on Klink’s office at this time had no significant value. Nothing in this camp was considered legendary- chew on that folks!
That’s the one consistent fact of life, this was just stuff no longer needed. I wanted a dog house and a guard tower of course, but I was able to rescue “The Stump”
That home on Lucerne can still be seen today, Chris the property owner says the fence had a gate connected to the Stalag and this show used Marion Davies 100 year old trailer for make up touch ups. The stars congregated in this very special yard that Desi Arnaz was part of including for this T.V series. Desi updated Marion’s 1925 music box to a modern Panatron system of entertainment where actors could be notified they are needed and their make up status. A sink to take make up off and a bar of soap last used by- Who Knows -sits along side my ancient mirrors from antiquity. Yes Marion Davies and myself are connected to Hollywood Forever. I’m truly an old soul that’s why I was picked to rescue this from demolition that is most certain for this corner.
The last series ever to utilize this room was Hogan’s Heroes. A personal gate separated this room with Stalag 13. This property, formally owned by R.K.O has green under-paint, everywhere, walls, sidewalks, etc. This room was locked shut after Hogan’s Heroes, with all the spirits still inside. I let them all out to live on forever.
Picture most -left -is where we first snuck in, the yellow streak represents Marion Davies 100 year old make -up trailer. That tiny backyard shed is where we first hid, in between fence climbing, it’s connected to Stalag with in own entry to and from camp.These screen grabs our from 1967, Mission Impossible.
In the pilot episode that started it all, General Burkhalter was a Colonel, not a General. I did not know until much later, Robert Clary was a P.O.W in WW2. I met him after the series in 1977, on the set of Fantasy Island. Yes- he was in a prison for that episode…Devil’s Island. His character Ipsy La Fan had to escape or rot forever in this jungle prison. Bert Convy also starred in this as a magician who could escape from anything. Together, they found freedom. I sat next to him in director chairs used by the cast and talked Desilu on the MGM backlot, I broke him the news that Stalag 13 was removed but softened the blow by telling him my tree stump rescue.
Decades later, here I am connecting dots in history. This kid trespasser is now a historian of sorts, based of boots on the ground experiences that stand up to…the test of time!
Hope you enjoyed my romping around with me. My book –The Uninvited Visitor-takes you to Desilu as a trespasser and we close the curtain on this wonderful backlot with never heard -real stories. Available on Amazon…
1927– Welcome to United Artist Studio Corp. Charlie Chaplin was the key to this Independent as was Buster Keaton.
The General -1926…Buster Keaton
Pioneer film making that can’t be beat!–The General-1926
Not scale-Not CGI-“We don’t even know what that is yet” – Just a real train on a real wood bridge with a little dynamite to send things in motion..
Nothing like the real thing…1926-Cottage Grove, Oregon
Cottage Grove, Oregon location…
In 1924, Mr Goldwyn would become the founder of MGM
Thomas Ince built this Colonnade in Culver City and it was his Triangle Studios- first, but he got a sweetheart deal down the street from here thanks to founder, Harry Culver. This pioneer is who Harry loved the most. Samuel Goldwyn would take this over afterwards. All things leading up to the merger of the best of all studios…MGM!
Samuel Goldwyn would ring lead cross town to Culver City as founder of the consortium known as Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer. In 1981- MGM would acquire United Artists and has much of the library that another mogul-Ted Turner would purchase this library and TCM was born. The greatest movie channel ever devised. The only channel many of us watch- besides T.V Land. I worked at MGM in 1981 in their Film Lab. I was so proud… I was earning paychecks with the MGM logo after a decade of trespassing their lots. Moral to the story-“Don’t give up your dreams, the Universe works with you if you just let it!”MGM Film Labs, do to contracts lasted longer than MGM department. Lorimar was briefly running the place. Our shows at that time were Little House on the Prairie, Fame, Chips, Dallas and Victor Victoria. Michael Landon, well he’s the coolest guy on the lot. I met him at the guard shack, chatting with my guard friends. Larry Hagman was high profile and would often drink over at The Backstage, a watering hole across from the “South Gate” on Culver Blvd. Combat stars would drink there at ‘wrap,” the shot glasses were lined up waiting for our war hero’s.
Charlie Chaplin, Ronald Coleman, Douglass Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, D.W Griffith are the founders of United Artists in Hollywood on Santa Monica Blvd and Formosa Avenue.
Buddy Ebsen or Barnaby Jones, this hit T.V series was effected by yet another studio fire. I miss T.V Guides, the Guides were better than shows on T.V today. “I’ll just read thank you, you keep the remote.” Looks like Barnaby is looking for clues of the fires origin…
Bring in the Detectives Please…
Nothing like “Top Flight Detective Actors” to solve a a mystery.
This set burned down- Sometimes I don’t think the studios care when sets that are old burn, cheaper than demolition and we need area for new sets. Studio Executives are detached from sentimental journeys. We want Fresh Money!
Opened its doors in 1939, right across the street from Goldwyn Studios. Frequent visitors include Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and Ava Gardner Even Elvis Presley and James Dean popped in. John Wayne passed out in one of the Red Leather Booths only to wake up and cook himself breakfast in their kitchen. This was the go to joint when working ‘The Lot.”
A Formosa Cafe moment – A Marilyn Monroe Birthday Party.
Samuel Goldwyn Studios looks down on this iconic establishment.Both entity’s still remain.You too-can have a Martini and dinner. The Studio is now called…The Lot.
Formosa Cafe–John Wayneonce passed out here. When he woke up “after cafe closing” he made himself eggs in the kitchen. Elvis frequented here and practically everybody that worked at U/A, Goldwyn, Warner Hollywood etc. You could stumble back to work it was so close.
Trivia –Every Studio has a bar just outside its gates, that’s a fact. I’ve been to them all, they even let in minors to watch the adults. Dark, sleazy, places your mother would not go. A minor, on a stool with a glass of orange juice under a haze of thick tobacco smoke. As pool gets played on tables that our crooked or ripped. “Donald Sr -where is our son, he was with you in the car” a conversation between my parents I’ve heard. “You didn’t bring Donnie here did you- you better not have” as I hide under a table. Mom knew where to find dad at certain times.
Let’s begin here-1981- MGM /United Artists
I worked at MGM in 1981 in their Film Lab. I was so proud… I was earning paychecks with the MGM logo after a decade of trespassing their lots. Moral to the story-“Don’t give up your dreams, the Universe works with you if you just let it!” MGM Film Labs, do to contracts lasted longer than MGM department. Lorimar was briefly running the place. Our shows at that time were Little House on the Prairie, Fame, Chips, Dallas and Victor Victoria. Michael Landon, well he’s the coolest guy on the lot. I met him at the guard shack, chatting with my guard friends. Larry Hagman was high profile and would often drink over at The Backstage, a watering hole across from the “South Gate” on Culver Blvd. Combat stars would drink there at ‘wrap,” the shot glasses were lined up waiting for our war hero’s.
This box remains with me today as a souvenir from my “Tour of Duty” at MGM/UA. Inside, pictures of MGM. I have box loads. That picture with the light outside my old “back cottage” says 56th Precinct. Off a show titled Popi, seen here lighting up my backyard…MGM Laboratories. A story for another time, quite an experience.
Yet another film reel container from a James Bond film “Moonraker” produced by MGM U/A. Technicolor was located on the Universal Lot and all the naughty chemicals used in these labs were dumped run the L.A River at that studio. That’s why it was built alongside the channel, easy disposal.Now NBC News sits where Technicolor stood. All those slides are MGM and will be in my Picture Book of my “El Supremo” picture stash of Studio Backlots. Yes-it will be in color with a Hard Cover. My life in pictures…”Holy Shit Batman”
Out of Business …Do to no fault of mine, the desert sands shifted. MGM as we knew it was officially done.
Like a desert horizon void of water, it was time to do something else. Poisonous snakes were everywhere it seemed. It’s not easy to get jobs at the studio, so I applied for Police and Fire Department jobs in surrounding cities. I looked into stunt work, did some cool extra work, but it was the Southern California Gas Company that threw me out a solid contract. I accepted, and wouldn’t you know it, I wanted Santa Monica Base-since I lived in S.M at that time having just been married. But I was assigned to Hollywood Base, on Formosa. Just behind The Formosa Cafe and alongside The Warners Hollywood Studio. This was the former Goldwyn Studio looking down on us.
I had to watch “Cattle Calls” sometimes a block long, of pretty girl behind pretty girl “demonstrating their abilities” while trying to catch the fancy of casting directors. This line took forever to move as truck after truck of heavy equipment moved slowly down Formosa Avenue checking out who we would choose for what- Only the Lord knows…
I had taken tests for IBEW Local 40-Studio Electrician and was accepted to be a trainee but, there were no openings. I had to wait my turn, so I did this “manly man” job, working on live Gas Mains around Hollywood. Funny thing is in the studios, the jobs requirements at So Cal Gas equal 4 different unions in the studios. Here, we just wear 4 different hats and flame retardant clothing.
Teamsters, Laborers, Welders, and Electricians would be required in the studios, due to Unions- here “it’s just me and my crew leader.” I learned a lot and am thankful for it- but I wanted to be in Showbiz. I was reminded of that every time I went down Formosa. We return to base all worn out & filthy, while the studio side of the street was all smiles and kisses…just a typical days work trying to get a part on Love Boat. The most famous Party Boat in Hollywood History!
A very successful series that ran from 1977 to 1986. Basically “Love‘ sums it all up.
Casting –Little Mermaids-Where’s Mary Pickford? All So happy and full of energy.A very difficult search that’s going to take some time- says every “Male Casting Director.”
I Want Some Kisses… Too
Rumor has it -Cocaine is rampant.Not at the Gas Company-we get tested,but across the street in those long lines of females at that studio. “Producers help enable this conduct”according toLauren Tewes one of the stars.
Samuel Goldwyn wouldn’t do that…
Whose “High” in these following pictures
How come my gums are so numb?
I’m not sure” answers Margot Kidder, another regular at ‘The Lot”… “Can I borrow some clothes?” Superman even looks like-A person of interest. ” Fly a Straight line for me-Mr Clark – S”
The joke was the “Love Boat” smuggled drugs. Probably as accurate as it is funny. Cocaine flourished at the studios. I have stories with top actors at Universal heavily under the influence, witnessed by myself-first hand from my predecessors. Parties are legendary,
Cheech and Chong/ The Blues Brothers had a ” combined wrap party” that’s better than their movies. The stage was-Up in Smoke so to speak. Kids, well they had their own stage to play on so grown ups could “chill privately” – the kids weren’t allowed on the party stage. They had plenty of gadgets and gizmos on the stage next door, popcorn and clowns were provided to keep their little minds occupied. The studios are experts own keeping everybody happy. This was the most talked about party from insiders who lived it.
Tram Drivers and Tour Guides often lacked scruples and tuned up together before heading into the cockpit of our vehicle- tours were better that way. The kennel where the guests “dogs are boarded” doubled as a “last chance saloon.”… If those dogs could talk!
Let’s not forget the bands that played The Universal Amphitheater, no rules apply where the Red Carpet connects to the “Green Room.” The holding area where Rock Stars anxiously wait to go on stage while downing expensive and hard to get liquors, pallets full of Heineken beer , and piles of white powder. All was provided and considered a must it this holding area.
You had to feel it -to sing it.
I know I’ve been all over the Boat with this story and this iconic studio -but I’m never coming back here so lets- let it – all hang out-right! I’ve just been connecting lines and dots. I would soon get my invitation to party, not on a boat, but a tram that’s- as long as a boat.
Universal Studios hires me to be Captain of my own Ship… The Glamour Tram– All Aboard Ladies!
I know the guards, Al Black, pictured in guard shack and MGM Lot 3 entrance. Another grizzled veteran, Les Green. Al was the most difficult guard to escape from due to his athleticism, Les, well, he may just shoot you, MGM security often used “salt rock” in the backlots…Al Black has chased me more than any guard at MGM, he never caught me, he had is hands on me as I jumped off the fence once and I needed stitches to close the gash. He was grabbing my hand right when I jumped. This is a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
My Art Department picture dated Feb 9, 1949-10 A.M, to be exact …Right side of frame has the fence and on the other side is another Eucalyptus Road in a grove on the oil field side.
Every great adventure begins with...A Hole in the Fence. The Eastern MGM border connects to the Southern border here. The fence post “rusted “is original to MGM. The wall you see was also a chain link fence back in the Backlot days.
Just ask Todd Spiegelberg about lurking dangers…The MGM Curse is still in effect...This is the area we snuck in at, the weak link in the chain of fences.I couldn’t help but laugh at his injury, he is now in the club of –Blood Brothers. We have all had bad days, it’s how you earn stripes
Roads less traveled – many still exist. Chances are, you will find me here wondering around Eternity Road. Be careful if your dog picks up the scent of Brimstone.I am the closest thing to Hyder Simpson you will ever meet.
Yellow line indicates the area most used to trespass.In a jungle know for Tarzan...We often AppearedNotice Eucalyptus Roadinside MGM, but it has a sister grove on the oil field side of the fence.
This is that Eucalyptus grove today. My dog hunts where Mr. Hyder Simpson and his dog RIP went “coon hunting” in The Twilight Zone.
Wildlife that passes by to this day include…Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, owls, Canadien Geese, ducks and Crawdaddy’s. I transported crawdad’s from MGM Lot 2, as the lake was being drained once and for all, I transferred the crawfish whose pond was turning to mud, to this MGM lake that partially still exists. Picture me on a ten speed bicycle, going back and forth down Overland with buckets of crawfish hanging on my handle bars. I was so despondent, on a mission of mercy…
A Full Moon-over MGM Lot 3
Many of these trees still exist, witness to all history, both in film and oil production. The drainage channel is here to prevent rain run off from inundating the former MGM Backlot and now it’s replacement …Raintree. This concrete catch basin was a safe refuge, like a trench in WW1. When your being pursued, this was you exit and and security unloads their weapons. Real Combat, happens here!
Original trees east border, wall replaced barb wire fence. The steel pole in the picture most right was for oil well tie downs. This was an oil field when MGM was shooting on their side of the fence. This area has had their oil wells removed that existed going back to 1924.Original trees still can be found all over this development. This lot was the first one I saw demolished, of course I was devastated.
In my MGM Art Still-notice the fence. A four footer with 3 strands of barbwire, Made to discretely blend into the landscape. WLA College lies beyond this area today. The Football Field-the team name in the 70’s, when Warren Moon, NFL Hall of Fammer was the QB, was “The Oilers.”
My first ever sneak in happened at this rock formation which of course is fake. All kinds of platforms to position actors on. Shells remained from Combat, here- and in all the French Villages in the series. That show was all things...GUNFIRE!
Eternity Lane-“Man will walk into hell with both eyes wide open…But even the devil can’t fool a Dog!” …No truer words
I live this everyday...Every dog I’ve ever had has watched this episode with me then-then we go relive it!
We Begin in an era of war, “Vietnam”- music “Woodstock” and the infamous MGM Studio Auction.
The landscape we traverse backwards through. MGM filled the 60’s with the best War TV of any studio ever by far. Combat, The Rat Patrol, Garrison’s Gorillas, and Jericho. Features include The Dirty Dozen, The Bridge at Remagen, and Kelly’s Heroes. Ice Station Zebra even filmed here on MGM Lot 3.
The gunfire these shows delivered were twice what you see on your TV screen. Reverse angles create more and more noise, machine guns, rifles and bombs. Part of growing up next to MGM, it was the hook that became overwhelming and fueled an addiction that has never stopped. I have all these series and watch stuff daily-60 years later.
What you may not realize is, half this landscape still exists. On the oilfield property and also WLA College. As flowers bloom, hummingbirds hum and butterflies flutter, I remember when gunfire was king. Upsetting and even terrifying nature’s paradise. The sounds of war are long gone, peace has been achieved.
The Eucalyptus Road was actually two roads, one existing the oil field side and the other on the MGM side of the fence. This is the jungle area of a backlot that covered 67 acres. Three of the four studio fences were framed by Eucalyptus trees. This backlot had more trees than any backlot with Universal a close second, depending on your math. Universal has the most Oak Trees.
Looking back now in a time when almost every old set in existence has been removed from our Hollywood backlots I respect something I never expected to say ” this development captured the spirit of this MGM Lot 3. A partial lake with “my generation of transported Lot 2 crawfish” and many original trees were preserved. I rescued the craw daddy’s from death when they drained the Tarzan Lake on Lot 2 and bucketed them cross town to this former MGM lake. Lot 2,Studio Estates, saved nothing, absolutely nothing.
Plaques of how things were remind all who read them of what once was. I feel like I’m at MGM Lot 3. It is embedded in my mind as if it’s still 1969.
Phantom of the Backlots 