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!
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.
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….
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 Carvelas 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 outjust 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 destroyedpictured 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 masterof 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 gottasmoke. 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.
“That’s a wrap,” Eddie Murphy #67, Tony Scott, a cigar and a movie star in his arm and the entire cast.Enjoy this very special pictorial of my pictures I took on this set in 1987.
Director Tony Scott, fresh off TOP GUN, giving direction to Brigitte Nielsen in her final thrilling scene.Cigar in hand as always, this picture is my favorite one of all I took on this location in The Baldwin Hills Oil Fields. Dent Industries is crooked oil business. I could’nt have posed this better, this content laded direction. Cigar, pointed finger, with hat he wore directing TOP GUN. Picture means more to me now than then. Absolutely great director at work….
Eddie Murphy in his impressive Detroit Lions vintage jacket.He is about to be shot in this plot twister moment…
Brigitte Nielsen right before this action sequenceis to beginfilming.At this time she is married in real life to Sylvester Stallone
I’mShotgun alongside the Panavision camera. Sequence is the pivotal twist in this film. Who shoots who…Tony Scott in previous picture is directing our blonde star on her movements, what the camera sees and reaction needed.
Brigitte twists and turns as her character is taken out. The legendary Buddy Joe Hooker is assisting this action sequence.
Our female lead, Karla Fry- is about to pull the trigger and kill Axel Foley but Sergeant John Taggart shoots her before she can unload her gun.
A round of applause..excellent death scene indeed!
Buddy Joe Hooker doing his own stunt being shot off this rooftop. Dent is a fictitious oil company.
This crime is all but solved…
Beverly Hills P.D.
Case solved…Axel explains to the chief of Beverly Hills police.
Let’s make 3 – This show is Good. Sure enough, #3 was to be made and they used Universal Studios for several sets and animations for Wally’s World- Theme Park.
Brigitte Nielsen and Donnie Norden. Brigitte never stopped working out in between scenes, part of a hockey family. Her brother was on set and he plays Hockey in Sweden.
Downtown Los Angeles…distant. The final shot of the day on location in the Baldwin Hills Oil Fields.
The Sequel Everyone is waiting for…
Beverly Hills Cop- 2 filmed the action packed finale on a location I grew up on, in Baldwin Hills. In 1956, The Highway Patrol, starring Broderick Crawford, used these exact roads and sets in an episode titled Oil Lease. In that episode a bazooka was used as a weapon to hold up oil workers from their hard earned payroll checks.
30 years later – rocket launchers replaced bazookas as weapons of choice. In each case, the law outsmarted the bad guys and apprehended them. On this set of COP 2, Tony Scott is the hottest director in Hollywood. Fresh off TOP GUN- he’s pumping out gold. This was the first time I met him. Later on, he would film scenes with Deja vu, starring Denzel Washington. A chemistry exists when actors and directors have synchronicity that takes over the stage. It’s a rare quality.
TOP GUN and Deja Vu are serious films, while COP 2 is a comedic adventure. One of my all time favorite sets I’ve ever been on was Blade Runner, directed by brother Ridley Scott. Quite the brother combo. Tragically, Tony took his life by jumping off the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro after a bout with brain cancer. Even in his own death- a finish fit for a sad blockbuster movie was his chosen final scene. Legends never die…they just move on.
Tony Scott R.I.P… This stone at Hollywood Forever Cemetery has his name carved into it and all his films. A fitting tribute to a man who lived life like his own movie…
A cover up of a building that has been a centerpiece of the backlot. Trams always stop here.
This square was used regularly in Leave it to Beaver. Decades later, it became the centerpiece of Ghost Whisperer with Jennifer Love Hewitt.
“Come on up”- it has been refortified after two devastating fires took out this village.
Picture of road, bottom right is the road the DeLorean speeds down towards theater…
My Books make for popular reads in…any decade!Book 2–Uninvited Visitor, is aMcFly Favorite.
Back to the Future …1985
Gremlins-1984 filmed in this square at Universal and the Warner Bros. Small Town Square. Snow scenes done in 100 degree summer days at Universal.
“Wonder why we don’t have a cartoon?”
This side street at Universal Studios Courthouse Square is featured in these two films a year apart. The Town Theater had an infestation problem!.
“What do ya mean I’m Fired?”…says Eric. “There’s a new kid in town stepping into the role of Marty McFly,”says Dr. Emmett Brown.History is made in Small Town Square.
Hill Valley’s Future was an Apocalypse…
But it would rise again! You to can pass through Hill Valley in a Glamour Tram.
My-How Time McFlies…
For me-it seems like yesterday when this trilogy was launched… I remember vividly Special Effects setting up for the DeLorean’s burning tire tracks. The car reached the speed needed to travel forward and backwards in time. I have been on so many sets in my life. I didn’t realize the significance of that evening’s events. At the time, we had no idea – this was going to be just one of three-major successes!
We weren’t sure ‘one’ was going to even get off the ground. Two weeks in-Eric Stoltz, the star, was fired. Michael J. Fox was ushered in as the “future.” Many gas station scenes were filmed already. They were shot in a filling station built across from the Courthouse in Universal’s Small Town Square.
Eric would move from here and make the film MASK, with Cher. A part he was excellent with.
A smashing success at the box office tilted the scales in favor of a trilogy. The Glamour Trams promoted all things Michael J. Fox and this was the most popular set for a tour picture stop.
Lions sat on each side of the clock tower as guests aboard these trams took deep breaths looking upwards. Toys could not sell fast enough. Everyone wanted the silver car. What we have here is… a marketing bonanza. I feel very safe to say that this film became an extraordinary success because of M.J.F. We even built a B.T.T.F Ride. Since replaced by The Simpsons Ride.
Since the trilogy was made, two fires, 10 years apart burned down this entire square…twice. Everything that is except…The Clock Tower building. Talk about a survivor, only one other building can say it survived both apocalyptic events. The other is at the end of New York Street. We lost 23 vintage picture cars in ‘fire one.’
This square becomes a Base Camp for films on New York Street. Trailers get squeezed into every nook or alley way. Tents sprout up like a Ringling Bros. Circus is in town. The delicious smell of catering satisfies every appetite. I grew old in this often-remolded square. I just didn’t realize it was happening. “It always has been and will continue to be …the longest, most popular town square in Hollywood History”
Paramount Studios …early 70’s–It’s built like a penal institution with Insurmountable walls.Maybe we can get into the studio through here…this backlot cemetery?
I turned 65 on this Friday the 13th, and I’ve still “got it!”
My office at Home-Tea with Marion is how my morning beginsand I’m headed out today to see her grave, in respect and appreciation for this gift of extremely tangible Hollywood History. My day always begins with Hollywood Spirits…This stool is where Marion sat with a make-up artist in a tiny room that fits two. You’re surrounded by mirrors inside. It’s amazing how good of condition this chair is. It could be fastened to the floor when this trailer was originally moved by horses.This trailer was made when Marion was working at Paramount Studios. This room bore witness to sound revolutionizing how films are made. Silent to talkies, films were silent when this unit was built. Underneath some white paint is a distinctive color green. Paramount and RKO were that green color, it’s on their equipment. The degree of craftsmanship is astonishing. The mirrors are built into the wall, not hung. Shingles would be added at some point to preserve the original wood integrity. Randolph Hearst did not have film facilities, but he had a star he controlled and endless stories fromCosmopolitan Pictures, which he owned. A disconnect happened between Paramount and Hearst, and this portable trailer went on a long company move cross town to Culver City. That’s when the story I’ve discovered becomes overwhelmingly compelling….Bottles of various Ambrosias. Wine bottles imported from Italy still remain. “Hey, wait, is that the Phantom, who’s drinking that bottle? “This is the room’s entertainment system. Installed in 1925 …I brought the music and the wine...what guests should we expect?Everything ages, time waits for No-One. It just folds up to be revisited… you just gotta believe. This room never died. I applied power to the lighted mirrors and they illuminated like they did in the early 1920’s. “Horses are hitched, we’re ready to roll” One of two rubber wheels, not counting the “steel wheel” above the hitch.Randolph Hearst strolling around a Koi pond San Simeon. Culver City also had a similar pond in- between Marion’s dressing room and the Ince Backlot. This statue from antiquitysat above a Koi Pond outside Marion’s make up room door.It came along in the relocation. This is her art; I’m just keeping it for her.
The iconic Paramount Water Tower…distant.
“Pull over, who’s driving this car?“…Before being ordained as The Wizard of MGM, Arnold Gillespie worked with Cecil B. DeMille on the Paramount Studio Lot. This stunt gag by A.G. preceded his long heralded career at MGM.They don’t make movies like this anymore-you know –the feel good ones-1922. An Exodus was taking place at this time…both Marion Davies and her overseer, Randolph Hearst, and Arnold Gillespie would move on to Culver City. Ironically, these parties would reunite at Metro Goldwyn Mayer. A top actress, a top art/effects technician and the richest man in the world all packed up and set foot at the brand new facilities built by Thomas Ince. Cecil B. DeMille (hand on hip) directing one of his early motion pictures. ca. 1920.Don Adams-A Gentlemen first, television star second…now resides very close to Marion Davies.Get-Smart filmed at this Paramount Studio.
I gave this man and his family a Tour of Universal and a humorous discussion took place involving “Shoe Phones.” Dial me up on my at –The Glamour Tram ...WordPress site.Ride with us on WordPress…The Glamour Tram. Stories aboard trams lived by yours truly.Take a tour around Universal with Agent 86. This is a priceless tour, follow me for more on T.G.T.
“I Love Stuntmen” Burt Reynolds checked in to Hollywood Forever Cemetery because “we needed an actor capable of doing his own stunts!”“I know I can jump this pond-Get me my Trans Am”…”I’m bored”
I’m reading Burt a story featured in my latest book, just released. We spend the day at The Columbia Ranch and I meet and gab with Hooper. He loved it then,he loves it now. Going on fifty years at this graveside visit.
“Stay out of trouble Charlie, for mom’s sake!”This was Marion Davies mother figure. Hannah Chaplin, Mother of Charlie. Two top box office stars but more importantly-Soulmates. His soul sadly, was not allowed back into the U.S.A. He rests in peace in Switzerland at the Corsier-sur-Vevey Cemetery. Grave robbers dug him up and held him for ransom. This was Marion Davies’ best Male-Friend. Not Randolph Hearst. That leads to speculation…was Thomas Ince accidentally killed on board the Oneida. Was Charlie the real target do to shenanigans between the two? Hearst covered it up in his news papers, nothing to see here!
Persons of interest…Thomas Ince, deceased on voyage. Charlie Chaplin-potential target of jealousy. Marion Davies and Randolph Hearst.
“Charlie…was it really indigestion that killed Mr Ince?”A report of blood was mentioned in the La Jolla medical facility that Mr. Ince was dropped off at after the fateful cruise. “Was that supposed to be you Charlie…Was Ince at the wrong place at the wrong time?
“My Make-Up Trailer would know”-these mirrors were privileged to experience what really happened aboard ship. History documents itself forever in mirrors. Belief is portals are created when mirror reflect other mirrors, as they do in Marion’s room from antiquity.
So let me get this correct Charlie, it was you-not Thomas Ince-that Randolph Hearst was perturbed with?Wasn’t the merger of Ince/ Cosmopolitan the entire point of the cruise? Rumors persist you and Marion had a thing going on…
Marion being serenaded by Charlie Chaplin
This was Marion’s very best friend. The highest grossing box office duo for eternity. The attraction between these two is part of the mystique of that famous 3-day cruise that changed motion picture history. What I have discovered in Culver City fuels this conception that things were going on behind the scenes involving Thomas Ince and Randolph Hearst. Cosmopolitan Productions and Thomas Ince Productions had an announcement to make on the return voyage… Connecting Dots is what I do…
GWTW used Marion Davies’ trailer. Scarlett refers to the compound I discovered on Lucerne Avenue in Culver City as “Tara Next Door.” Quote “If you need me I’ll be at Tara Next Door!” Make up done for Vivien Leigh was done right behind The Tara Plantation. At the time GWTW was being filmed, Marion Davies, Clara Bow, The Little Rascals, and Fay Wray all connect to this tiny little Trailer. The first ever mobile star studded Make Up Trailer in Hollywood.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road-Judy Garland is also laid to rest here.
Marion’s neighbor, The Tower of Power.“Only the good die young”said Tyrone.More neighbors…Mickey Rooney 1938-“Boystown”-same year as fan letter. My kind of kid!“So Mickey, I had the coolest fort upstairs in the Andy Hardy house at MGM. And another fort in building we called Boystown. Your sets became my forts. We think of you all the time-I brought some mail…from 1938.”Mickey Rooney fan mail from 1938.I found this in a desk on the backlot in MGM.Cecilia is best know as Marian Hardy, the sister of Andy Hardy.Alabama Power Company top corner-crossed out.Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. She passed on in July of 1993 in Ventura California. In 1938, the time of this letter, she married actor Dick Baldwin.“Ohh… Lonely Boy You”“Stay Away from Her!”Reflections of simpler times. Marion’s make up trailer had a koi pond right outside also.Home for Eternity yet, I feel she’s in my house. Marion Davies’ crypt.Family name Dovras-Marion Davies is incognito for eternity.Knock, Knock, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door…Marion at the entrance of Hearst CastleAlways the Clown- Like ChaplinCool stuff like this ornate decoration- both trailer and tomb…Entrance to Hearst CastleThe make-up trailer and the crypt she is buried in both have just one door to enter, like the Twilight Zone“Welcome to my Life…come on in!“My dog Thora visiting with Marion–she talks through this mirror, in the –Twilight Zone.Marion’s room lit right up like no time passed by at all. The bulbs were all unscrewed but original and in a box inside her room. Different colors and frosts helped provide the tint most favorable. Blue and red bulbs were options.Randolph Hearst is Mr. Statue, besides other things. She took a ‘fancy’ to his same art tastes. They had that in common.Marion’s-Fan Mail Box or simply “Somebody just wanted out!”…beneath her crypt lies this protrusion. This is how I find treasure others miss or simply pass over. You gotta get your hands dirty to go back in time.
Across from this opulent crypt his a simple stone grave in a fancy location.
We shared a Make up trailer, a Movie Compound, and now are neighbors forever…A camera from 1933, on display at the Culver City Historical Society, was discovered in Marions’ trailer. In 1933-Marion had a new trailer. This original trailer location was a sling shot away from Skull Island and King Kong’s massive walls. Fay Wray had her make up done in this trailer, hence the camera. Continuity of make up…funny how things play out over time.
Marion Davies’ Make -Up trailer would be used by Fay Wray in 1933 for King Kong. Now they share the same cemetery, very close proximity.
My dog Thora was with me when we went inside Marion’s trailer on Lucerne Ave. We said “Open Sesame” and as the entry door opened, it revealed the secrets still hidden inside. As if this room wanted to be discovered by a caring figure, which I am.
Legendary Director Tony Scott, here directing Brigitte Nielsen in Beverly Hills Cop II is located at this plot. Expand and you will see his name in granite at the top, with his list of shows also carved in below his etched name. Victor, the gentleman pictured on the right, worked with Tony and still does for Ridley Scott. I have met both of these legends. Blade Runner is an all time favorite. 90 nights was the schedule for Blade Runner. Mostly all at Warner Brothers and many on New York Street. One of my all time favorite films. I was told that the affair Tony Scott had with Brigitte ended his marriage and Sylvester Stallone’s.
I was on that set-pictured here with our female star. Turmoil began here with the Scott family.
Your Mission, if you choose to accept it, is scale this impregnable fortress…. “I was here 50 years ago, scouting for a way in, it doesn’t exist. Mission Impossible best describes trespassing here.New York Street peeks over the top of the fence above this graveyard... A symbol of excellence…Spirits in the Night..You don’t know what they can do to you...
My Third Book is finally completed. An anthology of the decade of the 70’s ‘Trespassing Adventures on all of Hollywood’s Backlots’
Pictures on covers: John Ritter rescuing a kid from a burning building in the last MGM Feature ever done on their historic backlot. Hero at Large 1979. A special thanks to the legendary Marc Wanamaker for his fine words. The Front Cover is picture I also took in 1977. Behind the Fireworks-in a Hot Air Balloon is Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees sailing above the MGM Backlot. They had to duck for cover and this scene was replaced by CGI cheesy replacement.
This is a must see color experience, you won’t be disappointed. I’m not trying to sell you a used car like Cal Worthington does, fact is my diary just kept getting better. I took more pictures of MGM than anyone ever. This color book presents my personal photos on every film set used by MGM in this era.
Included are never seen before tear down photos in 1980. This book will make you laugh, and make you cry. Some stories will scare you but you will come away wanting more, after you catch your breath anyway. The final chases and events at MGM are inside these magical covers…enough said… Roll Film!
We begin today’s adventure mingling through grave sights and tombstones from the distant past. In this haunted landscape-I appear…
The date, June, Friday the 13th, 2025. It could just as well be 1925, clocks aren’t needed here, the sands of time are just… Blowing in the Wind.
I discovered my Hole in the Fence at MGM’s legendary backlot 2. The first set I saw was a cemetery. My friend Jimmy and I were frightened. We hid behind tombstones. We even hid alongside a coffin with weeds growing out of it. Ironically, my studio life began in a cemetery. A big fancy studio stood beyond, like what is in front of me today.
I immediately cross paths with Paramount Security guards right off the bat…”How is that, why are they here?” I ask my dog. I approach a gentleman with the badge and Paramount baseball cap. I ask why he is stationed here? Stonework surrounds us with names and beginning and end dates chiseled on the surface… Eternity begins here.
His response was the Paramount lot is so busy that overflow parking is taking place in this cemetery. Satisfied with his response, I asked “do you know where Marion Davies‘ grave is?”
No one that works here could direct me and neither can Paramount security. However, I was informed that question gets asked frequently. I have my suspicion because of the Italian architecture. It has a flare of the Randolph Hearst. I’ve found it. It’s fancy as expected.
It’s not a crypt -it’s a condo.
I’ve seen this movie before. Marion plays hard to get, except for me. It could be 1972, when I first visited here. It could even be 1899 when these pearly metal gates first opened.
Just me and my hunting dog on a hazy sunny summer afternoon. We see tomb after tomb of movie legends. I have met many of them. Very surreal, yet pleasant. We all have to checkout and what better place than backside a movie studio.
My dog and I sit in the shade under a tree as the sun gets reflected in patterns. I’ve found tranquility. The grave that happens to be next to me says- June 13, my birthday. Inviting me inside, “I’m not ready, Thank you.” The Paramount Studio fortress overlooks this graveyard. My dog’s ears rise a bit crooked as we hear conversations on the studio side of this graveyard. Past, present, one doesn’t know...just voices.
The graves closest to the backlot are as old as the studio. I’ve been here several times before. I never came to star search. I was looking for a way in Paramount Studios. After all, I am the Phantom. But that never happened, it’s impossible or should I say Mission Impossible…Yes, that show was made on the other side of this blockade. It’s built like a prison. The walls are insurmountable and several stories high. The perfect design to prevent trespassing. I remained in denial. I went back and forth, seeing if I missed any way to get in. I don’t need much but…
I was given a tour by my friend Tim in 1974 who was often in the television series Happy Days. Then, in the 80’s, I got a driver job on the film 48 Hours with Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy. I drove a San Francisco trolley from the Paramount lot to downtown L.A. It was supposed to be San Francisco. I have very little history here at this studio but certainly not for lack of trying.
In 1976, MGM became Paramount. Dino De Laurentiis took over Louis B. Mayer’s office and the work force was all things Paramount Pictures. Kong was too big to be contained at this tiny facility. I experienced Paramount under the grandeur that was MGM.
Memories cloak their selves with silence. Dead Men Tell No Tales around these parts. Silence is as powerful a tool as a jackhammer. Become in touch with frequencies and dimensions, they are everywhere, invisible, like electricity…soak it all in or you may miss a key road marker.
My googling leads me from Cecil B. DeMille and his family, past Don Adams tomb to Burt Reynolds. I visit each grave, and find myself connected here, almost eerily. I met these recent additions to Hollywood Forever on studio backlots. Hooper– I talked to him about stunts in real life. I also discussed them with Hal Needham. This happened while filming chariot races around the High Noon western street on the Columbia Ranch. Burt was wearing a cowboy hat that day, as he is now and for eternity.
I circle him in respect, I had no idea he was here. Close by, Don Adams’ grave is a tribute to Maxwell Smart. He is saying “Farewell” in his shoe phone. Heaven needed a good comic actor and took Agent 86 from us. I gave him a tour once at Universal. At the Flash Flood, the water jumped the retaining wall. It soaked my shoes as we all watched 10,000 gallons of recycled water reach its catch basin. Other than the 5 gallons that hit my floor pedals. My shoes got drenched. In all his wit, Don Adams, in Maxwell Smart’s voice, says, “I ruin more shoe phones that way!”
Here he is today, his gravestone forever will portray him calling the chief from his shoe. I love this guy. That series was shot close by at Sunset Bronson for four years prior to CBS. He belongs here-forever placing that call to CONTROL.
As I pass Tyrone Power, I’m suspicious of a crypt next to Mr. Power’s simple residence. The name doesn’t match, I carry on yet hear a ghost whisper… I’m drawn to this crypt like a magnet-very similar to the mysterious make up room of hers I discovered. Personal items belonging to her from as far back as the silent days. The truth is this 100-year-old horse drawn Make-up trailer would deteriorate quickly. It could become like a rotted old garden shed in just a blink of an eye. Marion’s spectacular room and all its movie history would disappear, as if it never existed. That was the fate until it called out to me, begging to be rescued. I discovered a photo that confirms who this was built for… A needle in a haystackpossibility suddenly turned to 24k gold.
If that isn’t enough, it continued as a featured Make-up station for two of the biggest films ever made. These films were King Kong, released in 1933, and Gone With the Wind. Yes, the mirrors in this trailer are like the paintings Rod Serling stands in front of in Night Gallery. Laced with intrigue, you’re looking back to flapper days.
Mirrors are portals, and you feel her presence. Her original room continued to light up stars’ faces. This happened even after she moved to MGM in a new, fancier trailer. The same power that pulled me into the trailer was now magneticallytugging at me in this graveyard. Finally, after a short visit with Mickey Rooney I find the electronic clue to Ms. Marion. I leave Mickey after telling his nameplate, “I had a cool fort Mickey. It was in your Andy Hardy house in the 70’s. I grew up at MGM too…see ya Mickey”
Back to where I heard those ghost whispers- yes it’s Marion. Another obvious clue is the simple grave alongside. Charlie Chaplin’s mother, Hannah. Marion’s best friend, is buried alongside her there. His mom is located next to Marion’s crypt. Her death long preceded the building of Dorvas family crypt, meaning Marion specifically built hers alongside Ms. Chaplin. Charlie never made it, his grave in Switzerland was ransacked and he was held for ransom. How many dead people can claim a ransom, it’s usually reserved for the living. That’s immense Star Power.
Now that I’m in Marion’s resting place, I show respect and thank her for sharing this most amazing Hollywood relics still useable. I’m sure that’s the reason her spirit connected with mine, to preserve what’s left of this fabulous piece of history. My thoughts and exchanges with this legend are reciprocated through telepathy. We do this at my house too. My office- is her old Make-Up station. How cool is that!
She knows me. I think I am the most recurring face she sees now. We crossed paths in that backyard long ago. She wanted me to have this in my hands. I earned it; I won’t break up all the treasure inside it. I had my suspicions 50 years ago about that mysterious room.
Now her room, itself a star of a million magical moments of movie history, will forever be safe. Reflections of the way life uses to be stare back at the image that stands in front of it. They can also take you on a journey back in time, before sound in movies existed. Expressions ruled, they made you laugh, or cry. Silent films are like this cemetery, this place is one large silent movie. Horses not only pulled coffins around in a snapshot of history. They also hitched up movie trailers and went “On Location.”
Louis Armstrong..All Right, send us off with a little Jazz, Mr. Satchmo!
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!
Phantom of the Backlots 