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Film Universal- The Brochure

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All production services your company can possibly need can be fabricated, built, produced on this the biggest and most grand studio in Hollywood. We provide power sources, air conditioning, transportation rentals, lighting equipment and professional staff at every level including post production services. Your one stop shop for film service…Universal Studios.

Just behind this Neon sign are…Animal Actors-

Always on stand buy- when not starring in their own shows.

Our residential look-does not get as much action as Colonial Street. That street looks down to this one from a higher hill side.

House used in-To Kill a MockingBird. Real interior filming can take place inside this set. Rooms, doors, carpet greet you- furniture can be rented from our Property Department.

Ready to move in-yes indeed–we rent furnishings.

Yes we rent snow-earth, wind and fire.

No studio has more exterior sets and landscapes as Universal. Included is a water basin and sky backdrop. Any ocean needs- we provide wave makers, wind machines, boats, aquatic personnel, and every conceivable prop from the distant past to present day. From Pirate Ships to Fancy Yachts-Pyro technical often happens safely with our team of specialists at your beck and call. All for cost-rent us, you won’t regret the first class service.

Falls Lake- Backdrop, here dressed for Pirates of the Caribbean

Underwater, above water, film Universal. Only one backdrop water basin exists besides ours- Paramount has the other. This basin is currently being used in Jumangi, starring The Rock and Jack Black.A train set has been built in the basin-void of water for this film.

Do you need a bridge? We have the room, the backdrop for the Green Screen, and an expert metal shop.

Park Lake=This body of water separates for trams to experience-The Parting of the Red Sea.

Skull Island for King Kong

Skull Island/ Red Sea – miniature ship-promoting King Kong, the animation Universal replaced the burned up Kong with. No longer mechanical, it is virtual in the experience, This Studio Tour in the future will be roller coasters and virtual Fast and Furious virtual encounters.

The Backlot is so extensive, we have a set for anything you can possibly need. If we don’t- then we can build it. New York City is hard to film, but New York at Universal allows those technical difficult shots to easily be controlled and manipulated. Spiderman features come use this backlot for Spider Action involving the Spider Cam that runs on cables or zip lines creating P.O.V of the Super Hero perspective of creating and traversing a spider web network sensationalism.

A calm morning before “Bruce” the Shark awakens…Named after Steven Spielberg’s attorney.

Sharks for rent-dead or alive!

“I can fit into your budget, I’m one of the oldest stars left in Hollywood.”.

Cabot Cove is also…JAWS

Where the past, present, and future intertwine

From Leave it to Beaver to Back to the Future and a million shows in between-From small towns to large airplanes, we have a stage built just for these scenes-called the 747 Stage, it is located behind New York Street on our backlot. In Hone Alone 2- this is the plane the family split up on. New York Street was also used as Kevin outsmarts his potential captors….The Clocktower from Back to the Future sits above Courthouse Square to promote the film to our Tram Guests and top photo was called Rock Hudson Circle- tour guides joked “It’s Rock Hudson a circle because it goes both-ways.”.Joke went over well back in the day.

This generations- Dennis the Menace, Kevin McCallister boarding a prop designed to be an airplane interior.

Scenes done in our 747 Stage…located in the backlot behind New York Street.

Well, so much here, we have had 3 New York Streets in my career here. The original burned down destroying 21 picture cars like the one pictured here. The film titled “Oscar” and the sets along with these irreplaceable vintage cars. Directed by John Landis, starring Sylvester Stallone.

A production disaster…

Things happen around here but we are insured and bonded. But the cars ruined on Brownstone Street are irreplaceable. What survived-the 747 stage and Courthouse Square-top of frame-the square building right side ended up being torn down. Inside was Kong for the Glamour Tram Tour.

Get me out of here….Is this fire real or fake?

Big Apes -we got them also.

All this area burned in 1990-a year later-these several blocks were rebuilt and the Disney feature “NEWSIES”- a musical feature christened New York Street 2.

Disney’s film “Newsies” inaugurated New York Street 2 in a high budget Musical.

Alleyways available for rent.

We can light the lot in any style you need with our’ second to none’ Set Lighting department, always at your service. Pictured here -Spiderman left-Bruce Almighty right.

This car -will be launched into this delicatessen like a sling shot. You dream it, we make it happen.

The deli being prepared for a car to fly through it-not C.G.I-this is all real. Pictured right, the backside of this soon to be destroyed set. Spiderman ‘Sony’ comes to Universal for those hard to get shots.

We have a Fire Department on the lot to oversee all pyrotechnique activity-Do your explosive scenes here at Universal. Last blasts must “go off” or detonate before 10 P.M. A courtesy for our neighbors, you can film all night-minus gunfire.

The last western street in Hollywood was used a just that in -‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’

We can make you a cowboy in a matter of minutes...

The roads are paved under this dirt covered street. Trams visit the old west daily and dirt kicks up too much dust, the dirt is removed immediately after filming.

The last Western Street left standing these days in a major studio is…Universal Studios.

This two story building is located in the hub of 6 Points Texas. A legendary ghost town that links back to all the Universal westerns including the last western classic T.V series…Alias Smith and Jones..The bricks are rubber…why, for fight sequences. Cowboys could be slammed into the walls and soften the blows. Some doors are built smaller to make the cowboys seem larger than life.

Two men sitting on directors' chairs in a Western film set, with wooden buildings in the background.

Take it from Soup, this guy has lived it…

“Soup” is his name, he is an image etched on a wall just inside a door across from the saloon used in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This art dates far back in Universal History, truly-Once Upon a Time is this backlot, especially this street.

When the old west is needed, there is only one backlot left to flip the bill…Universal Studios.

The old west-Once Upon a Time at Universal. Pete Duel and Ben Murphy are legendary in these parts…

Alias Smith and Jones-my favorite T.V western series, based off the success of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The train, the depot, and the tracks- no longer exist.

No studio can still provide a Wagon Train like Universal can.

Denver Street- No longer rentable – this street has been removed.

This area often gets rented out since traveling to Europe gets expensive, Set dressing, cars, and signs can all be rented here. You supply the actors, we can rent you the costumes. Your one stop film shop.

Rome used to be available for rent. Large Parties took place here with top chefs Since removed for multiple Stage’s with A.I capabilities.

This fountain is still available for rent- used in our Monster Movie History in this-Court of Miracles

The Hump on Quasimodo is a prop. Bud Westmore and Edith Head can make a a new man, an old man or just….A frightening monster.

Spooky-is our middle name…

Edith Head going over outfits as Bud Westmore prepare this Black Lagoon Creature.

Be careful with the cup holders, they really grab hold.

Anything you need-we have…

Yes, we have thousands of paintings-“Tonight’s tale steps out of the painting and take place here…at Universal.“
Screenshot
Screenshot
Amazing Stories take place here
Looks like my childhood!

State of the art-Post Production.

There is not one picture in this brochure that I haven’t worked on, in, or around including these dubbing stages and Foley rooms. I worked on the wall lighting and floor monuments “power” in this stage located by Stage 12.

This is not an ice rink – it is part of Universal’s newest stages…

The only thing lacking is -The History.

Welcome to my former haunting grounds…

Universal Studios is cut into divisions, facilities, production, first responders, tours, operations and every technical department you can think off, We work like a well oiled machine involving several moving parts. No job is too big or to small. Founded as Universal Pictures by Carl Lemmele, We would later be M.C.A -Music Corporation of America. Our T.V Division was titled Revue Studios and movie mogul Lew Wasserman was our leader and resided on the Top Floor of the infamous -Black Tower.

The stories from this lot are often handed down from the generations of employees that worked here and lived them. Everyone has memories of actors, films, shows, and just everyday going -ons that take place inside this city. A top employer, the surrounding city of North Hollywood and Burbank were developed around our city affectionately know as Universal City.

Tours started in 1964 and continue today, I was part of that for almost 5 years before taking on an apprenticeship and 4 years later becoming all things electric is a workplace that craves power. You can never have enough, especially in summertime when the demand is crucial. Shows call non stop for more power needs on hundred degree days especially. Production power from shooting stations dating back to the 1920’s and 1930’s cannot keep up with today’s demands and mobile power is often required. Generators fill the bill when our old system gets taxed.

Westinghouse Mobile Generators were strategically position in every town on the backlot to provide current. D.C -Direct current is produced. A.C- Alternating-Current is augmented with our old D.C to fill amperage needs that shows require. Advances in lighting no longer require D.C as the industry modernized.

I did not realize I was working in an environment that would no longer keep on -keeping on!

I was in the old days, the tail end of movie making. We had everything you could need. A mill to build any set-interior or exterior. A metal shop, of course electric, plumbing, transportation, a fire department -Squad 51- named from Emergency T.V series, is tour fire department.

Located on the lot, this department oversees pyro effects and the permits have to be pulled for burning or exploding scenes period. One tiny flaming ember can light this wooden backlot up like Gone with the Wind. I lived two of the biggest fires ever to take place on the lot.

Location scouts contact me on scouts for tech needs on the shows looking to rent our lot. Rentals turn a tidy profit as you can see in the brochure. The one set I always heard from scouts that they wish we had was ‘mini malls.’ They are hard to lock down for location filming- often needing to negotiate and compensate several business’s, where at Universal you just deal with us. Surprisingly, this simple mall type set as never built. Steven Spielberg was consulted as a visionary for our 3rd New York Street, at the time we ere owned by General Electric. He requested a waterfront, harbor set to be built behind New York Street- but the powers to be did not want more studio.

A drift of what future is ahead- real estate development was proposed and a complete backlot tear down was on the plans-widen Barham Blvd for traffic was being evaluated. This was a go- until the Seagrams liquid spirit company bought us. From the Grinch Company General Electric, who didn’t even decorate for Christmas, to an alcohol empire that threw the best ever Christmas parties ever.

The entire backlot was a themed event, snow rides were provided to sled on, horse rides, music, strolling entertainment. Bring 6 guests on top of it. Western Bar -B Q and Whiskey drinks lined the old west. Animals were brought in for children to pet, a Ferris wheel was set up on New York Street.

Seagrams knows how to throw a party, they threw two of these swashbuckling Christmas events before leaving with our Universal Music catalog and disbanding plans to build The Seagrams World Headquarters behind Stage 12. I saw the plans and this studio survived a General Electric alternate ending.

NBC Comcast rescued this studio and designed a plan for all incumbents. A Theme Park, A City Walk, Production Facilities and keeping alive the spirit….somewhat. Negatives happen in big business, removing the Phantom of the Opera- Stage 28 was a mistake, that’s the most prized stage ever built. Certainly we could have made it the tour museum of all things…MONSTERS.

A plan is underway to remove all the original stages used in the %0’s and 60’s T.V series such as Leave it to Beaver, The Munsters, Dragnet, McHale’s Navy, and long running Coach T.V series. The Make Up rooms adjacent to the stages played home to –The Beatles in 1965. The Band was rejected by hotels because of the potential for being overrun, so Lew Wasserman put them up inside this area of the studio.

Epilogue :

Time line fact-Since many moons has passed by since this brochure was handed out to Location Managers in the industry, massive changes have happened and are still underway. Many sets and stages have been removed, new tech stages have been built. More significant stages are on the path of being destroyed, an entire quadrant of our oldest T.V Series-“Revue Studios” in credits.Theme park expansion is what this area will become-The Mario Brothers will replace The Beavers, The Munsters, McHale’s Navy, Dragnet, etc,etc.

Most recent, the Barn on Western Street, know as 6 Points, Texas, has been demolished. If you ever rode in a Tram, you have driven down these same streets.The Barn, also known as Stage One, was raised. sadly, this landmark existed before this property was owned by Universal Pictures. The centermost backlot set, used on Carl Laemmle’s Box Lunch films. Uncle Carl filmed in the “open air,” allowing visitors onto his sets.

A Grandstand was set up to watch the slow process of movies being made, so included was a box lunch. This is the true origin of Universal Pictures and the legend of Universal Tours in the year- 1909.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood…All this took place!

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden

Red Dawn 1983-MGM

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The Wolverines

Base Camp…New Mexico

1-3 -84 Happy New Year!

This scene was “cut out” because of a shooting ‘murder” at this establishment.



Also appearing in Grandview ,U.S.A. Same year. This role on Red Dawn helped propel Patrick to Stardom.

Actor and stuntman George Fisher

Patrick Swayze, C.Thomas Howell, and Charlie Sheen ready to take on the Soviet Invaders.

The part a KGB Major, George Fisher leads his invading forces against -The Wolverines.

Rick Waite, Emmy Award winning cinematographer, responsible for the films overall look.

“Mock up’s” –Aerospatiale S.A 330 Pumas – designed to resemble Soviet Style “Hind -A ” gunships.

Three fine “set electricians” on the way to the bank. Paul Vaskay, and Joe Vinetz, proudly wearing his MGM sweatshirt.

Let there be snow…

These mocked up choppers would later be used in Rambo 3

Universal had a hit helicopter series at this time titled-AirWolf – 1984-1987.

Chapman Camera Crane puts the camera where it needs to be.

Camera Copter

Another “Mock up” Armored vehicle undercarriage mainly from M41 tanks-and fabrication recreated a T-72 Russian Tanks.

Always potential hazards, both seen and unseen, exist in any scene flying in proximity to crew below.

Farewell Comrade-until a sequel is made…

A Cult Classic and one of the last films done by MGM before all the restructuring with Lorimar and United Artists...

The Russian Equipment needed was fabricated, yet highly realistic to resemble Soviet T-72 tanks. Constructed on a cargo and Walker Bull Dog chassis’s. Fiberglass turrets and aluminum guns. built by MGM’s production team. A job so well done, these tanks were repurposed for other war films to follow.

The plot...

The film portrays a fictional surprise Soviet Invasion of the U.S stemming from instability in the Soviet Union and a poor food harvest. Soviet soldiers invade a small Colorado town, prompting brothers Jed and Matt Eckert to escape with friends into the forest.Their dad was captured by the invaders so the children fight back against his captors-the Soviets.As the country comes under increased attacks, the group teams up with Lt. Colonel Andrew Tanner to take back their town.

Originally titled “Ten Soldiers,” this film had a modest budget. Producer Barry Beckerman saw something in this story written by Kevin Reynolds. Kevin wanted to direct it but the producers wanted Walter Hill to direct it, but like a few other directors, they turned it down.

The Beckerman’s father /son team pitched the project to David Begelman at MGM. Although turned down, it was considered an anti-war film the sort of “Lord of the Flies.” The film chances increased when Kevin Reynolds became mentored by Steven Spielberg-who helped him make “Fandango,”:the script was finally purchased by MGM.

John Milius was signed on to direct and the top brass at MGM decided against a poignant antiwar movie and twisted it into a war movie…The style of “Rambo.” Mr. Milius loves war movies. MGM Board of Directors included General Alexander Haig, the former Nixon Chief of staff, who yearned to personally supervise production.

Most the staff did not want John to direct and lead an effort to have the writer, Kevin to direct it. and hoped Steven Spielberg could put this subject to bed with his recommendation. That did not happen, “Fandango,” their previous project, was not shaping up as expected during the editing, prompting Steven not to cast a vote in favor of sealing in Mr. Reynolds. John was signed to direct for 1.5 million dollars.

Milllius began a rewriting the script based off Hitler’s proposed plans to invade the U.S. Haig took John to The Hudson Institute, a conservative “think tank’ for a plausible scenario. The director and Mr. Haig had differing vision than the director, but Haig controlled the money and the budget jumped from 6 million to 18 million dollars.

Director John saw this as an anti-war film, if Americans, see what war might look like on its own soil. Production pushed this film faster than the director preferred because MGM wanted this ready for a summer release. The director wanted more time to prep including devising futuristic weaponry.

The Department of Defense agreed to provide assistance to this film, an interesting subject itself. But director J.Millius failed to cooperate deciding doing so would drive up costs. Robert Blake was first option to star by John, but was overruled and Powers Boothe was selected.

One scene was cut involving Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. A sex scene, Patrick was drunk and messed up his lines while filming, while I was “Jennifer Grey” high on marijuana so it got cut out, according to Ms. Grey. Her negative interaction made her anxious to work with Patrick Swayze again but, never say never, and the two delivered a happy ending in “Dirty Dancing.”

Locations…

New Mexico and Las Vegas. The Fred Harvey Company, next to a train depot was repainted Calumet, Colorado.” An old Safeway grocery store was converted to a sound stage and used to film several scenes. The McDonald’s restaurant scene was cut out do to a shooting right before the film release at that restaurant.

In a real world nod to this movie “‘Wolverines” graffiti was spotted on destroyed Russian armor during the 2022 Ukraine invasion. Final costs totaled 17 million dollars returning 38 million dollars back.

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden.

MGM/Lorimar-Dallas TV Series

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J.R. Ewing played by Mr. Larry Hagman

Bobby Ewing played by Patrick Duffy

Sue Ellen played by Linda Gray

Pam Ewing played by Victoria Principal

Miss Ellie Ewing, The matriarch of the Family, mother of J.R, Gary, and Bobby Ewing, played by Barbra Bell, replaced briefly by Donna Reed due to health issues, she recovered to return back to…The ranch.

Ray Krebbs played by Steve Kanaly

Donna Krebbs, played by Susan Howard

Jock Ewing played by Jim Davis

Lucy Ewing played by Charlene Tilton

What a cast…That’s the menu of meat and potatoes that fed this hit television series from 1978 to to 1991

I get by with a little help from my friends for this tale on this iconic series, Lets dive in the Norfolk pool…

A friend of mine named Paul Vakay was the Best Boy for Set Lighting Department on this top Rated T.V Series that ran from April, 1978 through May,1991. Paul’s Dad ran the MGM Set Lighting department. in the 50’s, 60’s and into the 70’s. This job is best learned from the ground up, so before you become a lamp operator or Best Boy in the era of Arc lights. A show Best Boy over sees all things Electric. Set Lighting starts with Rigging sets with heavy cable that is necessary to distribute the power where lighting will be taking place.

The Best Boy is a very important puzzle piece. He is the “go to guy” for all things lighting on any set. The term itself is a spin off over time when department heads would request from other crews there best and most capable “Chief assistant” to fulfill needs by the department head. Second in command to the “Gaffer” and work with “juicers” to fulfill electrical demands. I “Donnie” was a “Juicer” that made sets “Hot”at Universal. Each show’s Best Boy on our lot in my Universal career had my “pager number” for emergencies or other electrical needs. Sometimes I worked with 10 Best Boys a day in several capacities. Generators Operators, Special Effects, Transportation, all have large electrical needs. The power is delivered from a building with huge generators located The Power House. This facility pumps the juice, D.C “Direct Current” juice, which in the day was the power standard.

An example of a Powerhouse and every studio had one of these in the day.-at Universal, we had 7 2000 amp D.C -Westinghouse generators feeding D.C to every stage. Best Boys contact the 40 shop “juicer” to throw in the switches to energize the stage they are working in. Our Universal Powerhouse has been used in Vintage- Horror movies as a laboratory because of all the classic- real switches and meters- throw in a switch, if polarity is correct- The Monster will – “Come Alive.”

Tunnels and conduits run to every stage on the lot below each stage. The bowel’s of the studio is where electricity spreads its tentacles to shows in need. Many Powerhouse operators ended up with Leukemia, no thanks to magnetic fields which get created in these cement cellars. Asbestos, a strong carcinogenic, insulates cables. It took decades to realize all the negative effects working in and around this environment. The Golden Age of Hollywood came with side effects.

A.C “alternating current” has replaced D.C. A very expensive option but lights flicker on A.C, unsuspecting by the Naked Eye, but jumps out when film gets processed. This is a technical business where lots can go wrong. Remember, power is invisible, odorless, and always ready to strike. More electricians die annually than police officers get killed in that line of work. I salute those who master this world of movie set power.

“Bull Cans” are on most every stage wall and provide power to the copper inside these 50 ft. one hundred pound cables that tie into spider boxes by connect cable lugs to buss bars. Often, the cable goes up to the top off the perms or catwalks that exist above the stage and over look each set and every room on whatever set is below you. This is…set lighting country-don’t be afraid of heights in this career.

Generators replace Bull Cans on exterior and location work. My job as a Local 40 ‘juicer” was to make sure power sources were available to breath life into the cables after all the rigging is complete. We usually pre-light with the “gaffer” who knows just what ambiance or light effects are needed. This way when the stars arrive and camera get set up we are ready to roll.

This is a well oiled and polished machine, no department wants to hold up shooting so this job is all about prepping. On cue, when everything is tied in…the juicer will say ‘Coming Hot”-magically the set comes to life. Amperage is now flowing through cable like blood flows inside your body, it’s the life source. Heat rises and these perms get extremely warm. Lighting throws off heat, a summer day- up high- with the set totally lit creates more problems, make up on actors may melt and make acting uncomfortable or impossible.

Another responsibility I had on sets is Hooking up 30 ton Air Handlers, the more lighting, the air needed. I was a very popular guy on hot days. A lot of work and cable goes into installing portable air. Grips, Set Lighting, and Special Effects are the departments that you find up high in places raccoons like to hide out!

Welcome to Hollywood

So enough tech mumbo jumbo, we are ready to film….

On the Dallas set, the company had 4 stages committed to them on this very busy Lorimar, formerly MGM, main lot known as Lot 1. Dallas is the Top Dog on this lot as the 80’s arrive. CHiPS, Little House on the Prairie, Flamingo Road, Fame are also clients in need of stages. The lot formerly know as MGM is in transition like a subsidiary of Warner Brothers. That studio is known at this time as The Burbank Studios, the T.V Division was booming and one home was not enough, but MGM is now available for occupying first class film making facilities.

The former MGM Lot was a busy as any time in its history. Rigging crews work 3 shifts round the clock-rigging and striking. This cable only stays put on sets that are continuously used. Dallas had 4 stages with rigging left in place.

My friend Paul from Local 728 became a lamp operator on this series after training – rigging these stages and sets. Paul, formerly a baseball star at Pepperdine up by Malibu, his dream was not ‘Rigging,” it was baseball. He could pitch a mean game until he tore his rotator cuff, where pitching careers usually end. Now Paul falls back on his father, the Department Head. Paul works his way onto this series and his life changes dramatically. Not only is he on the top rated series, actresses take notice of this fine looking surfer/ lamp operator.

Ted Turner bought MGM in 1986 and sold it to Lorimar, who already had a foothold on the property. Dallas had 4 continuous Stages, 5,18,19 and 23. Knotts Landing also had 4 Stages at MGM as the Lorimar impact began to dominate the studio landscape.

Stage 5 housed the Oil Baron’s Club and various “swing sets.” Side story here is- passing the dressing rooms between the 4 Stages clumped together, the smell of marijuana often filled the air. Drugs, especially weed and coke twisted its snake like head not only with cast but crew also. The industry at this time was like Woodstock, with out the war going on anymore. Big money and fast times is how this industry rolled in the 70’s and 80’s.

I can tell you first hand the same environment was taking place at Universal on all your favorite series. The Hulk, The Bionic Woman, Airwolf, Cheech and Chong and the Blues Brothers could party with the best of them, different time in space in that era. I don’t want to personalize who did what, things happened like this inside any gate at every studio. I digress…

Stage 18 was the Ewings living room, there was also an attached dining room and this stage and Stage 19 had sliding doors and two stages could become one stage inside, this offers versatility.

Stage 19 had “swing sets”, sets that fit an episode but are not permanent. It was on Stage 19 Paul, the source for this remembrance we are sharing, met his first wife while on top of a ladder outside the living room set when a spark would later ignite a relationship/marriage. While on location in Texas, Paul’s eventual first wife would stand-in for her mother while on summer break from college. She would later meet Paul at Culver City. Stage 19’s sets constantly changed to introduce new cast members, love interests or simple office sets, Susan Howard, who played Donna Krebs-“Ray Krebs wife was the mother of Paul’s first wife. Pretty cool how they met.

Stage 23-The Ewing’s back yard, based of this actual location in Norfolk,Texas. That yard on location was dominated by a swimming pool. This was a difficult task to match the real location to the stage version, matching the daytime lighting on this summer location to that of the stage mock up. Most backyard scenes were on Stage 23. Location provides ‘establishing shots” cleverly edited to match Culver City’s sets.

This describes how the MGM Lot and Lorimar Pictures blended together.When the studio operated as MGM, before the purchase, Lorimar rented everything from stages to cable from MGM. Lorimar kept MGM afloat through payment on rentals. Lorimar was going bigger and bigger, how high can they fly. The answer is….they bought the studio. My old MGM Sign and Leo the Lion overlooking the studio and city was replaced by Lorimar Telepictures, A thriving upstart company replaces the most legendary first class film lot in American History. MGM fades to black just like the backlots that preceded this evolution. T.V is King!

This show became so big, the cast was recognized wherever they went. Most actors just dealt with it, the trade off of being a star and all the fame, success and money that follow you. Larry Hagman had a bodyguard named Tim, who was also a stand in on this series. Between the actors salaries and the residuals, money rained down like Pennies from Heaven…

That show was done at MGM in 1981, starring Steve Martin, as this series was being filmed. CBS was the network this series aired on. The number 7 actor on this series in those days was making 35 k an episode folks. You couldn’t watch a football game on CBS without “What’s next on Dallas.” Usually during a Dallas Cowboy football game. Our country relaxed with –All things Dallas!

Larry Hagman lived in Malibu and came to work in a two seat Mercedes coupe. often enjoyed a drink on set, or across the street from Lorimar at the legendary Backstage Bar. Larry had his own Red Booth vinyl seating corner in this legendary bar. The stars of Combat drank here-at wrap, before going home -7 shot glasses greeted the cast after playing Army all day. A legendary dark dive bar across the street from MGM’s South gate.

This hit show became a machine, like a Ferrari, Today, the shiny show that dominated television on the most wanted, hard to have success- Friday Night Prime Time Network has been relegated to reruns. I’m surprised it isn’t more popular today. Kinda hard to locate on television today. The Waltons still dominate the rerun world, but all those other T.B.S Lorimar series remain stored in film cans, like a genie returning to its bottle. Things went so smoothly on this set that often shooting was finished by lunch time, and prep started immediately for the next day. They stayed a head of the curve, that is the key to success, don’t get bogged down. be professional, you know what’s needed, Do It.

Success follows hard work…this show is an example as all the departments come together to create memories that will be ever captured on film. There are just as many fantastic stories behind the scenes as what you see on your T.V….

A list of Directors includes the stars itself.

Lorimar could not pay stars more money so being a Director became a perk. Patrick was a natural, Larry was shrewd, always asking the camera operator what the shot would and should look like. The camera operator and set up continuity, absolutely essential to film. Just ask Thomas Ince.

Written and lived by….Donnie Norden “with a little help from his friends, Thank you Paul for your insight and detailed memories.

Gomer Pyle – Camp Henderson D.C# 1

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This road-Ince Blvd, named after film pioneer Thomas Ince, leads to this Marine Base.

This puts the lot in perspective in the mid 1960’s. Notice the creek- that’s where we entered in my trespassing adventures. Camp Henderson starts most every visit.

You know you’ve arrived when a MP greets you and paved roads turn to dirt. This set is actually the Main Gate to enter these most historic…40 Acres

The Main Gate to 40 Acres. the guard shack pictured above is where backlot security was posted in this picture pre-Camp Henderson. These 9 square roof hatches are-The Desilu/R.K.O Film vaults in blast proof bunkers. This borders the residential streets of Van Buren and Ince Blvd.

Desilu Studios…NO TRESPASSING

The Batmobile should be arriving soon…The Bioscope sign as put up just for Batman in an episode that drives right behind Camp Henderson. Bioscope is known as the historical hub of silent films and news reels. I would find a Silent Film trailer 60 years after this was filmed. the trailer turns 100 years old in 2026. Marion Davies had it built. Nitrate Film from the silent days is stored within sight of this main gate. Fireproof cement bunkers protected the film and their propensity from catching fire.This simple prop reflects the depth of film history in and around these 40 Acres…

Sand Point is Camp Henderson and this set is…The Forty Acre-Desilu Guard Shack. I found this report inside this military outpost where studio backlot security operates out of- located on Ince Blvd.

Military Experiments Gone Wrong…

n this picture I took, 2 barracks are missing after collapsing. Only one full barrack stands, a front door and back door seal the barracks on the right side of the pathway. the barracks on the left have open backs as I explained earlier. The flagpole was located left side of that farthest bungalow, that one is also just a front with no backside. The guard shack is blocked by that structure and that’s the area where Sergeant Carter had his car blow up.

Ronnie Schell, Ted Bessell, and Jim Nabors inside the camp. This set was built for this television series in 1964.

Look who’s kissing ‘That Girl”- Donald Hollinger double dips TV Series at Desilu. 1966-to 1971.

Ronnie and Greg Schell, along with myself in the backseat return to Camp Henderson in 2024 to spin some tales, Ronnie teared up and told me stories of all things this series and this Desilu Studio in general. Ted Bessell was one of Ron’s very best friends as was Jerry Van Dyke.A series that never dipped below the Top Ten in ratings. A hit then and a hit now-60 years later…

Ronnie Schell – Pulling Rank!

Paramount Hollywood handled the interiors for this series- but-Thursdays and Fridays were reserved for location work at Paramount Culver City.

Across from this gas station is the Culver Hotel, a bus bench is just out of view. We often took the bus to the backlot and got off right here across the street. Culver Blvd and Van Buren.

Al Lewis pictured left-“Grandpa” on The Munsters and a prank by Sgt. Hacker that backfired. Every show that films on 40 Acres funnels down the dirt road and eucalyptus trees that hide the surroundings and leads to the main gate.

I had this lunch pail too, along with The Rat Patrol.

Ready, set ….Place your bet-Yellow Bear or Gomer Pyle.

“Slater-keep your eyes out for those ….Dogs on Duty!–One of my favorite pictures with the Baldwin Hills looking down on the lot, That’s where we watched over this lot from, Slater is following- Gomer racing Yellow Bear in an effort to settle a bet between Sergeant Carter and Sergeant Hacker.

Gomer racing Yellow Bear in an effort to settle a bet between Sergeant Carter and Sargent Hacker.

Carter bet on Hackers horse in the race…Pyle won making both Sergeant’s losers. This road borders the creek and is usually our point of entry.



Friendly Freddie hangs out at the two main gates at this camp. A woman Marine, is actually in disguise to visit her husband but can’t resist “cheap sale.” This chain link fence is Camp Henderson’s other gate, ironically, it separates two camps, the other being-Stalag 13. A row of eucalyptus trees, conceals the camps for camera angles.

Sgt. Ronnie Howard in Opie Joins the Marines.

Green recruit quite out of uniform, I wore shoes like Gomer has on here.

What’s with this Private?

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Before the barracks were put up, this set stood here and was used in Andy Griffith. For the die hard backlot detectives-Notice the tree behind squad car. It is in every episode since it was the only tree in the camp. The Barracks were on both sides of this tree, a landmark that stayed after the backlot was torn down.It finally died on its own doing of old age-20 or so years later. A natural landmark, two more exact style of trees also were on the western street close by. We called them-The Hanging Trees, where bad folk find the end of a noose.

Before being Gomer Pyle-The Marine- he worked across this tiny dirt road at Wally’s Filling Station. The camp could not have been built any closer. Behind Gomer would become Camp Henderson.

Same area as pictured below, this is the field where military practice takes place.

This area would become Camp Henderson in 1964

Before entering…I can’t believe after all the time I spent being part of this camp I would ever meet any of the stars…especially Mr. Cool Duke Slater. God bestowed me a blessing allowing me to climb into my TV Set and let me pull out Mr. Ronnie Schell. Oh my, I will forever be grateful to experience Camp Henderson with the legend and one of the most popular actors in the 60’s. He’s in everything, not just this series, his memories and stories just moved me like a film reel being rewound to the opening credits. Never, could I possibly imagine that this young trespasser who grew up sneaking in this camp would meet this Shaman of Desilu History. I even had a Gomer Pyle lunch pail. I really enjoyed Sergeant Carter blowing his fuse- Frank Sutton played his role so well. This was my world…

We begin in the La Ballona Creek, just kids having fun on a summer afternoon kicking a can, Like the opening Credits of The Andy Griffith Show, also produced by Danny Thomas. Water in the basin is barely deep enough to float a raft as the creek current drains to the sea. Tarzan filmed across the way from this camp set in the R.K.O. version of the Legend of the Jungle.

Eucalyptus trees line the studio property on our other side. Climbing a 10-foot embankment puts you level with the trees. It’s here you scope the terrain. A dirt road separates you from the first sets you come across, which is the Quonset Huts that that make up this camp. Your first move with the coast clear is to run inside the barracks that stand open end facing the creek.

These barracks have lockers and cots inside and movie cameras easily enter through the open back end and face the front door that when open connect to the roll call center of all things barracks. This is the set where everything we do- day or night usually starts here when trespassing this wild movie ranch. What strikes all who do is fascination – the contents in one of the open-end barracks is roughly 25 TV Sets that are sitting inside. This seemed so odd, like a TV Land commercial several decades before those cable outlets even existed.

Think about it in this context, the programming used on these cable networks today was being made where we play every day. Back in the 1960’s. you only had channels 2-13. To watch Gomer Pyle, you watched channel 2-primetime. This was the era all our favorite TV shows and this backlot was a busy as any in Hollywood back in the days when TV’s replaced theater films and TV dinners replaced family table dining. TVs were like toy boxes stuffed full of images and sounds and commercials usually containing muscle cars, alcohol, and movie and TV advertisements. Everyone smoked it seemed- there were no rules against it!

Many commercials were filmed in backlots, once you dare to come inside these sets, you can’t turn the place off because when you go home and turn your TV on- there it is stating at you, the place you just left.

You have entered…The Magic Kingdom

No risk-no reward was taught to me here on these tempestuous backlots. Many friends refused to cross the line, take risk, fearing a trip to jail and the punishment they may receive- if their parents find out. I’m not that kid, I can talk my way out of most situations and when that doesn’t work-I’m a great climber and run really fast. I only had a few close friends to share this old Bioscope backlot with.

Often, I just traveled here alone which creates its own risks. If you fall through a roof for example, you may not make it out of the fall zone and worse-often there is no one inside or close to hear your pleas for help. On the Gomer Pyle sets, there is no fall danger. Unless the corrugated steel framed with 2 by 4’s inside collapses, which happened in strong winds back in 1975.

I have several friends who are a bit older and joined …The Marines!

I would give tours to actual Marines who watched this series and were inspired to join the Corps. Recruitment soared due to this series. The look on their faces might as well symbolize the raising of the American Flag after a decisive battle. They train in Pearl Harbor, Alaska, and San Diego, yet this set resonates to these highly trained warriors that look up to…Gomer Pyle.

A true Cultural Phenomenon

I saw firsthand how a television show steered a course of teenagers minds looking for adventure into the Armed Forces. I was too young to join but I felt like a soldier, especially leading soldiers around this backlot. Jim Nabors was a good friend of Rams Q.B. Roman Gabriel at this time and often would sing the National Anthem before Rams games. Jim is also known to have visited neighborhood kids at this front entrance-the Ince Gate. He loved cherry lifesavers and handed them out to the local girls trying to catch a glimpse inside. Jim would serenade and pass out treats.

From his arrival at the studio on The Andy Griffith Show-5 years later-he starred in his own series and surpassed that series in the all-important ratings game that pitted these shows against each other depending on the time slots the networks positioned you in. Mayberry R.F.D., Hogan’s Heroes, and Star Trek were stiff competitors. Needless to say, Batman surpassed all the other Superheroes, distancing itself from the first Caped Crusader known around here as Superman. Bruce Lee- “KATO” lived a short walk from here on Van Buren Ave. He had charisma and was our favorite hero- besides Batman.

My friend, neighbor, and fellow trespasser Danny Hancock was Bruce’s biggest fan. Danny has a blackbelt in Tang Soo Do and his instructor, John Natividad was in a Bruce Lee film. Instant “street cred” for John...Kato had a special something about him that transcended beyond just being a TV star-he will forever be a very special spirit. While living on Van Buren- Bruce not only a fine neighbor, he wrote his manifesto on his predicted stardom and achievements his spirit resonated. He had a big dog, a boxer, and this Desilu backlot main gate was part of his every day itinerary in the 2 years “1966-67” he lived next door to this entrance on Ince Blvd… Only the Good Die Young!

This camp is so close to the guard shack that in daytime with the gate open and shack occupied, we would avoid it as to not be seen. Escape is simple since you’re right next to the creek. I did get caught here at the edge of camp, security called the police, after a search and interrogation, the police took down our info on what we call “Scare Cards.”

We were trying to get my friends motorcycle, a Honda 350, down the embankment and back into the creek after riding around the backlot, we knew we were in trouble when the guard saw us in Mayberry. We were pretending to be Barney patrolling, when we saw the real backlot sheriff -we sped away. But reinforcements caught us right before we could wrestle this two wheeled contraption down a steep grade. There is no funner place to ride a motorcycle that this backlot.

In my book-Hole in the Fence-Maureen and I take a dirt bike down these dirt roads and city streets in a romp titled…Born to be Wild.

As we finish this tour of the camp, everything is ground level, no stairs leading up to anything or ladders. When inside a barrack, you see every hole in the sloped roof. You can see the clouds in the sky which translate to mud inside when we get rain. The only floor is by the lockers just to see floor as the door opens, the interiors get wet and smell of mold. The light is natural, no light switches, just sun through holes, windows, and doors or the open-faced backside barracks. It’s neat to see the sun’s rays protrude inward, at night moonlight replaces the sun.

The landscape behind the barracks on the North end towards Stalag 13 is green grass and eucalyptus trees, in summertime-this field dies and turns brown with tumbleweeds taking over and blowing into the old west which lies next door. This was a ranch with a studio built into it. Indians, real ones, once occupied this area below the hills and adjacent to the La Ballona Creek.

This spot where Thomas Ince met Harry Culver while filming the original creek with lush landscape on both sides. That was removed by The Army Corp. of Engineers because of flooding all things alongside this creek. Harry Culver steered Ince away from Inceville- by the sea and into a more favorable area for the westerns Ince was making.

Before Gomer’s sets were constructed, a farm was located here used in the Andy Griffith series titled “Ellie Saves a Female’

Every time we watched a rerun after school, usually sandwiched between Gilligan’s Island or The Munsters, we reenacted the scenes using this camp as fast as our bicycles could get us there. Like we had a buzz on-what we just watched we would now go-relive. You can if you listen closely, still hear Sergeant Carter yelling at Private First Class…Gomer Pyle.

All the channels you will ever need….

Bruce Bilson-Desilu Legend

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The Desilu Studio Backlot, where Television Stars and Directors became legends.
Let’s revisit this Backlot Ranch known as 40 Acres as we reflect on the passing of a Hollywood Great-Mr. Bruce Bilson. He just may be in this picture as Hogan;s Heroes was in production when this as taken. Look closely at Stalag 13…

More history on this part of Desilu than you can imagine. Gone With the Wind, King Kong proceeded Stalag 13 standing for 10 years…1964-1974. This site also ties to the first ever movie compound on Lucerne Ave.

This list was found by myself inside a P.O.W barracks and lo and behold-Mr. Bruce Bilson happened to be directing it.

The matching sequence- paperwork. Found at Stalag 13

What is really neat is this paperwork was found where it was filmed, I became the Stalag 13 caretaker, that was my favorite set. But I also had a fort in Andy Griffith’s house at this time-1973

Gray skies over Desilu in this picture I took today. I went on a nostalgic journey today after hearing of Bruce Bilson had passed. He was my friend, I looked up to him when I would see his name as First A.D on the Andy Griffith series and then Director on Hogan’s Heroes. I never thought I would ever touch base with this legend…

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Amazingly- I would be given his contact- so I nervously called him and kinda picked his brain on his career as he sat outside his home. I told him my stories too…Like taking the Tree Stump from Hogan’s Heroes and having a fort in the Taylor Home. I have a lot of history in my Radio Flyer Wagon myself.

How honored am I, this man that as a kid I respected because he directed all my favorite T.V shows. I was the Opie no-one knows. Sneaking around this backlot, building forts, grabbing props, even making out in the Stalag 13 Guard Towers. I was like a blood-hound on all things Desilu and Bruce Bilson rained supreme all over this backlot. Bruce is pictured here with my book-Hole in the Fence-one of my greatest honors, never did I in my wildest dreams did I ever think I we would connect.

Pictured here is The Mayberry Group that connected Bruce Bilson with my book. Dixie Griffith, Andy’s real life daughter, wearing the Cowgirl Hat.The lit mirror you see is from Desilu, last used in Hogan’s Heroes and first used by….Marion Davies.

From the hilltop above Desilu, let’s look back down this real life….Memory Lane

From the hills above Desilu great television and film played out.



A Farewell to Bruce Bilson involves a heavyweight guest list!-Desilu lies in the background-The Tara Plantation can be seen here. Let’s follow Superman to the 40 Acre’s Backlot today-upon hearing this news of Bruce, let’s see those sets today!

Desilu Forever…This is The La Ballona Creek, how to best trespass this backlot.

The Mayberry Courthouse stood right here–

Inside the Courthouse Door, on the floor inside, was the sign….Mayberry Courthouse

The Courthouse as it looks today on the day of the Bilson passing. Studio 43 replaced it. The wooden framed window looks like a typical thing you would see at RKO. A friendly homeless guy is sleeping just out of view at this entrance.


“Who’s that guy asleep out there? I want out of this Studio 43 jail cell !”

“Do not disturb” now hangs out in front of this once alcohol prohibited town of Mayberry.A Man in no hurry fell asleep right at what was the -entrance to the jail!

From silent movies-to television- from Thomas Ince-to Bruce Bilson-they all begin and end their day at this main gate on Ince Blvd.

Meanwhile, at the former Stalag 13, we have another Hollywood empty stage as the industry shifts to A.I. Catering is taking place where Gomer Pyle once ate catering, now we have Court T.V . From the Mayberry Courthouse to Court T.V…The shifting sands over time!

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Epilogue of the passing of Bruce Bilson…

I’ve had the privilege to meet and work Ron Howard-Apollo 13 and The Grinch, Andy Griffith,-on Matlock, and Bruce Bilson. These 3 individuals all started together on this backlot. All became legendary Hollywood Stalwarts – this lot is where it began. My first experience here involved seeing Batman. I was lucky enough to see in real life that Super Hero I emulated, I’d wear a cape and mask, bought with Blue Chip Stamps, like a million stamps were needed -but so be it!

Only Ron Howard is left now to shed light on this legendary figure. I was always in the shadows, grabbing props, building forts and living my own life on this backlot. I was my own Indiana Jones, before the character existed. Hanging out here at the Desilu Studio was funner when you could connect dots on all the series and shows that preceded me.

Clues were everywhere, signs on buildings referred to business’s in Mayberry, ammo boxes were stored in the Stalag Barracks-both in English and German. We decorated our forts with those. Plaster white snow surrounded the Stalag and some slabs- full of spider webs- found there way into my hide outs. I had four forts…The Taylor Home, until it burned down, The Mayberry R.F.D Home, we turned that farm upside down, the parties we had upstairs at that set. I had a saloon fort that for awhile had a rolling phone that called both on and off the studio backlot, and one in the Cantina that also burned down when Goober’s Gas Station went up in flames.

Needless to say I was living my own movie, I even filmed a western with an 8 millimeter camera on the aforementioned western street, I pretended to be …Bruce Bilson.

This was a very special moment today as I retraced his footsteps as a director here, a gathering of spirits followed my every move. A calm and quiet revisit with a town drunk and television caterer before me in real life. His legend will never disappear around this lot, another soul from this glorious movie studio, is now-Gone With the Wind

Streets and places I had forts…

R.I.P Bruce Bilson, thanks for being my friend-

Written and lived by….Donnie Norden.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

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Watch Football, Eat Well-When you drink–DRINK DOS EQUIS

Jonathan Goldsmith arrives on set to meet his costar…

This Mule has an extreme toothache

Leave it to …The Most Incredible Man

With his pliers safe and ready for action- he must now sedate this ass.

“He’s Got Me Hypnotized” as the ass relinquishes it’s fear

I have just met…The Most Interesting Man in the World

Anyone say…Dos Equis

Right before this Most Interesting Man was launched into space, he visited Universal Studios backlot to extract a tooth from 4 legged patient. Swiftly, this busy man passes through wardrobe and make-up and visits our tiny European Street that can easily double for Spain. His costar stands patiently, often showing his large yellowish teeth.

As the thirsty dentist arrives on set, he quickly surmises a fix. Having the mule focus on his pocket watch, this Most Interesting Man is able to get the mule to…OPEN WIDE!

Faster than any Dental Service ever performed on me, this Showbiz Donkey plays his part well and the only thing left to say is-“I don’t always drink beer but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis”

Welcome back to Planet Earth, just in time for …KICKOFF!

Written and Lived by…Donnie Norden

Columbia Ranch Retro/A.I. Update-2025

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The Columbia Ranch and the conceptual future…

The Future is Now …Ready for business in the Artificial Intelligence Era of Film Making

Gate 11 on Hollywood Way- as the sun sets on my old ranch backlot. Maureen and I bidding another backlot farewell. as the guard in the shack screams and calls the police.

Not my first Rodeo…

Here is an example of A.I at work- who is who and what is what…The Twilight Zone

Security in a panic-that part is real-“Hey buddy, your pissing me off.” says Donnie the transformed ape..Fantastic examples of A.I.-right down to shadow placement. You use any picture as a base point, and simple audio commands create whatever ambiance you are looking for. This is the new Hollywood, game changing stuff-what could go wrong…EVERYTHING! Enjoy it before we become the prey to an intelligence that thinks and acts at the speed of light and never sleeps…

Gate 11 now- That W.B on the street sign may turn into ….Netflix

The new Gate 11 -Ready for service.

Obey all traffic laws, no cameras or recording equipment- is the first two rules…

More rules…“You will do time here in Burbank”

They still insist you “Keep Out” The new boss is the same as the old boss-“Don’t Get Fooled Again”

This tree was saved because-it’s in a shopping center where we use to enter this Studio ranch. Warner Brothers chose scorched earth and removed every single set, tree or bush. Behind this wall use to be Fantasy Island.Picture on left taken when sets existed-the other two our what we have today.

This was an old growth jungle, that’s why this set was built in this zone-a wonderful jungle greeted you.

The few stages this lot use to have can be seen in this picture only because the jungle had just been removed, otherwise magnificent trees towered above these barb wired walls.

The buildings overlooking the fountain and park set.

View from the rooftops…

Another view from the rooftops-A stage in the distance, The Fantasy Island Jungle as you creep closer and storage of things once used on shows.

Let’s go around the corner, check that fence out…More rules- Like Catholic School!

When sets shadowed city streets…

Oak St, -Stage 66 replaced my favorite Witch!

“Wiggle your nose Sam, make it comeback like it was!”

Stages that probably can simulate artificially what use to be here, albeit ARTIFICIAL.

“On lot” picture and appearance from street side.

This street has lost it’s Lucky Charms…

Zero Appeal Gate 31. That fence is built like a ladder, I could easily climb this at age 65. Expect a bank of cameras here soon. This once wonderful ranch now looks like a hospital …

“Get Me Outta Here!” says Hooper.

Even the Partridge Family wants no part of this “Artificial Hollywood“

A short hop from the Ranch to Warner Brothers on Hollywood Way.This car wash serviced part of our fleet at Universal Tours. Stand -By Transportation Vehicles were cleaned up at this car wash that serviced these 3 studios near by. The Ranch, W.B, and Universal, I would get calls to run vehicles through here when our own garage was too busy to wash cars, vans etc. The tram garage main focus was keeping trams up, running and clean.

I use to drive these in real life-what a fun job this was!….The stories these trams could tell !

Several trams have retired…The next thing you know-This tour will be …Artificial!

I have a site on WordPress-The Glamour Tram. Real life ” foot on the pedal” Tram Stories…Take a Ride with me!

These trams have been rolling since 1964, this one is going through the Earthquake animation.Boulders made of Styrofoam tumble towards this original Pink and White Tram.

A Future I didn’t need to see…

I just was at my old stomping grounds for a Christmas Party at The Universal Sheraton and drove around the Warner Brothers backlot and the Columbia Ranch. Of course I was saddened. I had to force myself to see what was the Columbia Ranch. Little did I know it’s still a virgin.

Not for long-finishing touches are being put in place and the future is here, weather you signed up for it or not. I spent a lot of time here beginning in the mid 70’s. This place replaced my urge to trespass when MGM was torn down. This became our go to lot. I trespassed all the studios in every city back then. No cameras, no sensors, the doors usually weren’t even locked where valuable props were stored.

This place, as was MGM, was extremely busy right until demolition started. Covid delayed the tear down because of the need for control for film crews to be in a safe environment. Filming did not stop, backlots still see lots of action. Universal and Warner Brothers get other studios rentals that no longer have backlot options. Scenes with lots of effects especially prefer being on backlots. Jumanji is currently at the Universal as I write this. Proof the backlots will always be popular to use if left standing.

I visited an old neighborhood above Universal...From a road above Universal-A train is at the backdrop surrounded by Blue Screen pictured right, At left, you see a Base Camp for Jumanji and the Psycho House. The Rock and Jack Black are the stars. My point is Backlots allow companies many more options than locations that require a ton of permits just to tie your shoes!

This is how my backlot looks today, right before Christmas 2025. Harry Potter’s Castle replaced the Universal Amphitheater, you can see the turrets above the giant blue backdrop. Stage 30 did not exist when I was there, Universal has added several high tech stages to keep up the cutting edge of how films will be made going forward. Stage 30 is located right behind Mayfield, or for others, The Back to the Future clock tower.

Our Destination for today’s party….

A peek inside The Sheraton Universal, our party is located on the 21st floor in a building Telly Savalas use to have a popular bar in. He lived here in a Penthouse. Kojak knew how to have a good time. His stories are legendary from us who met him, he use to offer up free booze to our tour guides.

View from floor 21. A Roller Coaster is being built where the Universal Sign use to display itself to the entire valley, but now Universal is is a resort / theme park/ studio.

The next big thing at Universal Tours is….A Roller Coaster

Merry Christmas…From all of us retired studio electricians- to all of you!

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden

The Rat Patrol- MGM

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We can’t use jeeps in this mission-stealth is required. Escape will be by hijacking German transportation.

Today’s Mission involves infiltrating Verona Square, a war torn village used in every MGM War T.V Series in the decade of the 1960’s.

This balcony dates back to…Romeo and Juliet, the 1936 MGM Classic, Directed by George Cukor. I had a fort inside the ledge Christopher George happens to be firing from. My special friend Maureen and I spent a Valentines Day Night under the moonlight right here.

“I’ll be right there darling- I have a grappling hook in my pants”

“I got it from here, Moffitt-yes -she is worth …the trouble!”

1967 Verona Square, the oldest section of MGM Lot 2, and the closet set to my house.

This picture is Verona Square, the site of today’s mission. Picture taken from Maureen’s front porch area, she lived even closer than me to this magical kingdom. We became a perfect fit-like say… Bonnie and Clyde.

1936- Romeo and Juliet set under construction.

Before Jeeps with 50 caliber machine guns, battles were fought like this…

The things these ancient plaster faces have seen. So much history, so much war. George Cukor was the first director to film here, Gene Levitt was the last-Fantasy Island pilot in 1977. But, prior to that in the 60’s, he ripped this town up in COMBAT! -In 1973, Gene Directed a must have MGM movie of the week, using all my stuff, so you know MGM Security called me-The Phantom two years before this film was filmed.

Recurring faces in history….

I met this T.V Phantom, also directed at this set by….my director hero-Gene Levitt.

Heads up …Trespassers!

From Verona Square to …Joppa Square-right across from each other.

The chase is on…

Our Hero’s steal their escape vehicle.

MGM Art Department, my collection given to me by- MGM.

“They Met in Bombay”-1941. MGM Art Department classic photo.

Location in Spain- the chase continues-filmed months apart.

Mission Accomplished…1967

I WAS A KID SOLDIER

A simple nostalgic romp through the MGM Backlot 2. As a kid, I could not get enough of W.W 2. Luckily, that war was often fought right behind my house. I heard every round ever fired, I was too young to trespass but this soundtrack influenced my life going forward. I rode my bike to school and stared through every hole in the old green fences that barely contained what was taking place open the other side of the old green barbed wire fence.

The holes became my T.V, I could not wait for each episode to to “AIR” on T.V. Combat was my soul, best series ever made. As the sands of time spilled out of the hour glass, war had high ratings!

Hit series after hit series carried on for 10 years, The Rat Patrol, Garrison’s Gorillas, and Jericho continued the backlot assault longer than W.W 2 took place. MGM was my history book and I’m forever grateful, Before VHS tapes were engineered, I would try to screen grab with my Polaroid camera. Very poor quality turned me into an artist, I would sketch, diligently images from my mind onto paper, often at school. I sat in the back of the class and appeared to be taking notes.

When that alarm bell rang I was first out the door, like a fire alarm went off. I had to get home to a place called…MGM.

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden

Charles Bronson-Death Wish 4

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My opportunity to meet….Mr. Charles Bronson.

Charles Bronson, in a sniper position here firing towards a Plexiglass covered camera lens and operator.

Reverse angle as the battle begins…

All the parties have arrived in the Baldwin Hills oilfields. Everybody is -Armed and Dangerous!

No place run -Charles has you in his sight.

The camera captures these final scenes protected from full load blank ammo under a blanket.

We need a bigger gun…

As the sunsets, investigators sort through all the carnage.

All in a days work…

Another fine job by man….Charles Bronson.

THE CRACKDOWN

A day on set…1987

A 5 million dollar budgeted film spun off collective series of successful features, this one is directed by J.Lee Thompson.

I discovered this production while mountain biking up in the oilfields above Culver City.I had just got home from my job at that time as a Tram Driver for Universal’s Studio Tour. I gave four tram tours earlier in the day but nothing going on at Universal today was a cool as this set I rolled up on. Fortunately, I had a camera with me. At first I wasn’t sure what I was watching until I saw all the show cards in the Transportation equipment.

Death Wish 4 is on every dashboard in all the production vehicles. Ironically, this is a MGM Film. We are above the former MGM Lot 3 for these action sequences. As I malinger myself around set I manage to capture a close up of one of my all time favorite stars…Charles Bronson.

I hesitantly approached this man, more clean shaven but, just as mean-if not meaner,

I had to take advantage of my “one minute in the sunshine.” As Charles wondered off alone I pulled up alongside him. “I’m sure glad you survived that chateau assault in the Dirty Dozen. He gave me this stare as I kept rambling on, “that set was on the backlot in the MGM facility in the U.K I believe?” as he responds. “The entire chateau was a set, we destroyed it”. “I’m a huge Lee Marvin fan so you two are quite the pair of survivors.”

” Lee was in The Battle of Saipan, he’s seen a lot of real action.” said Charles.

We happen to be overlooking the City of Culver City but more specifically, the former MGM Lot 3.

“My favorite show ever, I wanted the entire cast to survive, I cried when Jim Brown gets killed, what an ending!” Here I am on a hill top with the baddest dude in film. Next question I always wondered is – ” In the Twilight Zone episode “TWO” where was that New York Street?

I never could figure out this set, it baffled me for decades…

Charles impressed me as he scoured the horizon. He was trying to point it out, but – he became as baffled as me. I then point to Raintree, formerly the MGM Backlot 3. He stares towards Desilu and its grand water tower, then responds, “I don’t see the studio.” Then the bombshell, “It was at Hal Roach Studios.” “That studio was torn down in 1964.”. He is needed on back on set to undoubtedly kill more people, I sit in an afterglow.

No wonder I couldn’t pin it down, I never got inside Hal Roach. The Twilight Zone never filmed there or so I thought. They did it turns out-only this mentioned episode. My moment with Charles was fleeting yet still imprinted in my wonderful life memories forever.

I would find out later…

I did not know I was talking with a W.W. 2 hero himself, Mr. Bronson was a B-29 Superfortress aerial gunner. A Purple Heart was awarded to him for injuries sustained in action over Japan. They don’t make actors like they use too….

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden

Evolution of the Andy Hardy House…MGM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mickey Rooney returns home in 1974…That’s Entertainment

Nothings changed…

Looks like more fan mail for our star…

I’m sure Mickey delivered to his fan..

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

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

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

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

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

Fine Craftsmanship stands the test of time…

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

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

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

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

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

I took this picture upstairs in the Hardy Home.

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

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

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

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

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

The trolley to St. Louis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The last picture ever of this Hardy front porch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What a bunch of quitters

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

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

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

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

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden.

Happy Holidays Everybody….