movies – Page 2 – Phantom of the Backlots

“The Stuff that Dreams are Made Of”-1924

February 3, 2025 Phantom of the Backlot2 Comments

Screenland turned 100 years old this year…

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

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

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

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

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

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

1924- A Man and his dream…Thomas Ince

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marion Davies and her famous first make -up trailer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The film that started it all at MGM

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

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

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

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

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

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

My slice of the Golden Years…

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

Culver City 1924-We begin…

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

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

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

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

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

Speaking of which…

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

Coming soon on Amazon

Written and lived by… Donnie Norden

The Outer Limits of MGM Lot 3

January 26, 2025 Phantom of the BacklotLeave a comment

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…

“**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*“

**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!*

*The MGM grip department mounted* *this 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* *contro*l.

*These Zantis are available for purchase on-line…duplicates of course.* *Technically,* “***Zantis are trespassers!”***

“*Where’s MGM security when you need them?”..*.

“*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.**

*The camera twists in the wind as the TV tries to regain* *control 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…

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 for* *David McCallum would be* *used 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 Cassidy and 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!

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden

The Cruise-Snap shot- 1924

January 18, 2025 Phantom of the BacklotLeave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enter; Randolph Hearst

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

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

*Charlie Chaplin and Marion Davies were tied at the hip…*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imagining the stories these mirrors can tell create *goose bumps.*

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

*Page’s Silver Mints*…***aid digestion.***

*Digestion mints were popular in this ancient trailer that also sports bottles of imported Italian wine. These tins were inside on shelves.*

*This make-up room probably knows everything, imagine the discussions in front of these mirrors the days following Mr Ince’s death* *and the rumors of scandal that* *reverberated through Hollywoodland.*

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

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

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

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

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

If there was ever a more appropriate title...

I send out this invite:

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

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

***Marion’s trailer*** was in use before and after this event, imagine the stories it’s heard from those involved. It’s too bad this section of Hollywoodland was forgotten when this film was produced. **Marion’s Make-up room** *should have been used,* if you like **realism**… anyways.

“*Bon voyage everybody.*..when we return, we will be **Ince/Cosmopolitan Pictures**“

**Front page news**…*The Hearst Newspaper had this story on 3rd page, adding fuel to the speculation…*

Take a deeper dive on – Phantomofthebacklots –You Tube

Written and lived by Donnie Norden…

“Now Showing” at a Theater Near You

December 29, 2024 Phantom of the Backlot8 Comments

**5th Avenue-just needs a new billing to regain its former glitz and glamour.**

Through the eyes of Maureen…

Peace, Love and Jamocha Almond Fudge

Today, I will ride cross town on the handlebars of Donnie’s 10-speed. Every kid knows all the back alleys and short cuts in this town, every hill to ride down screaming, “No brakes! No brakes!” and every pothole. He manages to hit every single one and crack up. “Oh sorry, sorry…” This immature humor keeps him entertained at my expense. I endure all this because I want my Thrifty ice cream. Three scoops for 15 cents.

As we pass the Studio Drive-in, they are changing the marquee to advertise the next movie playing. The Fortune. “Hey, I remember that set. I got invited. You had to sneak in,” I recount. “I saw you and Jimmy hiding in the church tower. I flipped you the bird!” I laugh. “I remember it well.” he mutters as he purposely hits another pothole. Watching that guy put the letters up gives me a thought, nay a brilliant idea. I can feel the lightbulb shining over my head. “Hey, we have a marquee… Ouch!” another pothole jolts the idea from my brain…

**This Studio Drive-in screens many films we watched get made on the backlots-it’s like a backlot movie theater.**

We sit outside of Thrifty’s on some kid rides that we are way too big for. We choose the stagecoach as there is room for two. He politely asks, “Should I put my last quarter in and fire this bad boy up?” “No thank you” (I’m too proud to tell him I am already saddle sore from the ride over.) After some vanilla, strawberry and jamocha almond fudge, we head back. Pretty soon the streetlights will come on, my cue to get home.

***The Pony Express, where we eat* *and* *horse around.***

I remember my plan in sewing class, the next day. I tell Ms. Burum I want to make a banner. I want to paint a message on it like, “Go Big Blue.” I ask her what type of material I should buy. “About three yards of 54” vinyl should work well,” she concludes. Bless her heart, she thinks she is helping to boost student pride. She will never know she is an accomplice to a young trespasser’s quest.

It’s a tough choice spending my hard-earned babysitting money on vinyl and I’m not talking about 33rpm vinyl. I guess I can go without Slurpees and Abba-Zabbas for a while.

I know Donnie will buy in to the simple plan. I catch him on his way home from school. I excitedly explain, “We will hang a sign. The sign will display what is, Now Playing on the theater marquee in MGM!” “Sure, no sweat,” he agrees, like it’s a routine request. I’ll bring the material and you get the paint.” “Sure thing!” This leaves me feeling a little dumbfounded. However, I just shrug my shoulders and head home to a mountain of homework. I guess it’s just another day in the lot to him…

We make the sign in Donnie’s backyard. Mrs. Norden peeps her head out now and again. “It’s for a special presentation!” I blurt out. She gives us the fisheye as she sees it drying out on her clothesline. She just goes about her business with a certain non-spoken approval. I love it when Mrs. Norden is home. She makes Donnie offer me refreshments. Tang? Why yes, please. Ice? If it’s no trouble… They have a new-fangled fridge with an ice maker. No more refilling trays in the modern age. His mom makes him offer me some jelly tarts. He is clearly reluctant to give these homemade treats up, so naturally, I generously help myself. Mmm, mmm delicious! I make sure to emphasize my enjoyment of every bite. That’ll show him for riding me over all those potholes I think to myself.

Once the sign is dry, I roll it up, tuck it under my arm and bring it home. Now, we just need a quiet day in MGM. Christmas Day will present just that opportunity.

Merry Christmas Baby

We meet at the laundry room behind my apartment and exchange gifts. St. Christopher’s. Just a secret between us two. We’re not mushy about it. Today, we’ve got an agenda. I’ve got the sign. Donnie carries a long-handled broom and a roll of duct tape. He is wearing a bright red Santa Cap. Even Bronco Bob wouldn’t shoot Santa on Christmas morning…would he?

The North Pole…Theater District

We are armed with stuff we got in our stockings. He is toting a couple of toy paratroopers. I have a pocket full of mini candy canes.

Our antics today are a little naughty but should prove harmless. Our mission: to hang the banner on the marquee to promote what is “Now Showing” at a backlot near you.

We swiftly make our way over to 5th Avenue with sign and broom in tow. The marquee is quite high, so I get up on Donnie’s shoulders. The top left corner of the sign is being lifted by the broomstick. I need to stick it to the marquee. Once that’s done, the rest will be easy. It is heavier than I thought but fairly easy to control. This is complicated by the fact that we are laughing, and Donnie I think is purposely wobbling. “Stand Still!” We’re determined, we’re focused, we’re screwed! We WAY underestimated this. It’s too high! Abort! Abort! I say and nearly tumble to the pavement. Oh well, it was fun getting up on Donnie’s shoulders anyhow.

**The marquee displaying The Band Wagon as seen in The Long, Long Trailer… It looks a lot lower than it really is.**

**The Marquee from the top story of this theater building we named Crow Top. The name applies due to the large number of black birds that roost on this rooftop.**

We’ll have to work from the top like billboard hangers, he says. Genius except for the up high scary part. We climb the stairs to the top of crow top to survey our options. I understand the name now. “Proceed with ‘Caw’- tion” I nervously pun.

It’s because crows congregate on wires that are suspended over the street. They were once used, in conjunction with black tarps, to create the illusion of nighttime in daylight. From the rooftop, you can easily see that this 4-story structure is the hub of the lot. It may have been the hub in the past. As you look down from above, you see four different roads below. They take four separate shapes and lengths.

Wires converge on this roof, like the mast of a pirate ship. The spot where you would climb with a telescope looking for land. Old, rusted metal wires with rings attached spread out like a Spirograph. Donnie starts playing on this roof which overlooks the entire city. “The wires can be balanced like teeter totters,” he says. “Just hold one and stand on the other,” he demonstrates. He offers me a turn. “Thanks anyway Matey!” I impulsively refuse the offer as I regain my sea legs and clear the lump out of my throat.

**Wires connecting more wires traverse like highways above MGM’s New York Street sets.**

These steel cables make like teeter totters and they extend over the streets in every direction.

I remind Donnie we are here on a mission and need to formulate our execution. We stare downwards to our target. Then we both look at each other at exactly the same time and announce, “Santa was here!” To our amazement, we see ladders. They are set up leading from the windows of the 3rd floor to the actual marquee itself.

*Whoever left these ladders were unknowingly aiding and abetting*…

We go back down two floors and climb out the window. We descend the ladder when suddenly my enthusiasm takes a beat. This set was used in many old timely classics. It featured in The Long, Long Trailer with Lucy and Desi. Therefore, the structure itself is vintage, classic MGM too. I am hesitant, so Donnie steps forward “I’ll take it from here.” “He is unnervingly agile, traversing this unbalanced territory. Draping, unrolling and sticking the sign while I clutch my St. Christopher and say a little prayer. Donnie uses the long-handled broom in a downward sweeping motion to make sure the tape adheres all the way down. It’s working so well, like the marquee wants to be recognized again. I will have to give Ms. Burum a thank you card.

Phew! That seemed like it took a really long time and I for one am grateful to go back down. Donnie lingers for a minute to drop his paratroopers into enemy territory, which is really only 5th Avenue.

We stand back in admiration, candy canes hanging from our mouths.

“EAT MY DUST BRONCO BOB!” is prominently displayed on the theater marquee as if it were a premiere feature film starring- us!

Baby It’s Cold Outside

As nighttime brings reflections on the day, I try to imagine the look on the guard’s face. It will be when he sees our Holiday Greeting. I enjoy a satisfied smile. It’s fun having secrets. My lava lamp is hypnotizing me into a dream state, your eyes are like wax… melting wax… you’re getting sleepy… sleepy… when I hear a tap on my window. It’s Donnie. I quietly run out to greet him. He gives a cruelly long laugh at my Elf pajamas. Then, he dangles a sprig of mistletoe over my head. He expects a kiss as the old tradition commands. We reach for each other’s St. Christopher just to see if the other is actually wearing it, and smile. “I just wanted to say good night under the lights.” He is referring to the strands of lights visible from the Vet’s Memorial tower. “They’re beautiful.”

“I have one more gift for you,” he says “hold out your hand.” Wrapped in a napkin is a warm, freshly baked jelly tart. “Mmm…” I purr, as I split the gooey treat to share. “I must have been awfully good this year, Santa. They’re magically delicious.”

Our film advertisement was ripped down in less than 24 hours, most likely by Bob himself!

“My name is”, think quick, “John Orden.”

The Evolution of the MGM Records Label.

December 21, 2024 Phantom of the Backlot1 Comment

Music tames the Savage Beast. This Metro Goldwyn Mayer label was supreme. Let’s play a stack of some 45’s today …shall we?

MGM Records began in 1946 –when the King of Beasts started spinnings his head in circles…

The “other” MGM King. Of all the artists you would expect on the MGM Label, Elvis Presley was not one of them. In 1954, he signed his first contract with Sun Records.The next year, RCA Records took on his record contract.

This moment was connected to the MGM label, Apple would become The Beatles label.

2013- The British Invasion Flag flies above Sony, Stages 27/29, formerly MGM Studios.

Take a taste of this. Turn up your Marantz Stereo and light the living room up in colorful patterns with a sound reacting Light Organ… if your hip!

Artists signed aboard include…

Louie Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Mickey Rooney, and Tony Bennett graced the stage. Leslie Caron, Richard Chamberlain, and Maurice Chevalier added to the charm. The Cowsills, Bing Crosby, and Jimmy Durante entertained the masses. Billy Eckstien, 5 Man Electrical Band, and Eydie Gorme mesmerized the audience. George Hamilton, Jack Jones, and Hugh Masekela captivated listeners. Donnie Osmond, Mel Torme, and Eric Burdon and War thrilled fans. Hank Williams, Tony Sheridan and The Beatles—also known as “Beat Brothers”—and Three Dog Night were unforgettable. This part of the studio specialized in sounds and soundtracks. Over time, the sounds faded away. They disappeared like the studio itself.

Three Dog Night, an All -Time Favorite of mine, seen here in 1972, on float in the Rose Parade.

Put -some “Whiskey in Your Water” and continue…

Never too late to cherish an iconic MGM experience, A studio most famous for legendary musicals…Many large bands continued on, under RSO Records, Robert Stigwood’s label. The Bee Gees, Peter Frampton, Earth, Wind and Fire, Billy Preston etc, performed on the MGM backlot in 1977. That year became my own “Rocker” on the set of SGT. Pepper.

This label was originally developed for releasing MGM Soundtracks from MGM Films. It quickly evolved to include several musical genres. Nevertheless, it maintained an accent towards Country Western. MGM’s western collection is interesting because it includes western films, trains, and carriages. There are also horses, western streets, and legendary musicians influenced by country artists.

MGM created the old west right here in Culver City. They shuffled in Singing Cowboys. They developed and delivered music for this studio to market.

This MGM label took off as a major player. Its competitors in the early 50’s were Columbia, RCA, Decca, Capital, and Mercury. MGM manufactured their cataloged at the studio more legendary for films. the only label besides Columbia that are dual film/records. But MGM forever will be-King of Beasts!

In the mid seventies, I was found at this studio on a daily basis. I was part of this Rock and Roll landscape. Polygram took over this label as MGM divested all its assets. The 1970 MGM auction was the beginning of the end of MGM as we knew it.

The 50’s and 60’s

Connie Francis, Hank Williams and Conway Twitty led the way for record sells. 45’s turned into ten inch 33-1/3. That brought on album covers, and artwork, instead of paper envelopes with vinyl wrapped inside. In 1961, MGM bought Norman Granz’ Verve record label and MGM became-A rock label. The Righteous Brothers, The Velvet Underground, and The Mothers of Invention.

These artists were not happy with MGM’s censorship, and often released content without artist approvals. Welcome to the world of MGM labels and holding stables. Actors and films came before musicians and tunes. Studio higher ups gave them all a take it or leave it response. Censorship ruled supreme as Rock Music was taking off. In the mid 60’s, MGM distributed a new Kama Sutra label, The Lovin’ Spoonful signed on. Acid Rock competed against Vietnam protests. Tough times make for great music, L.S.D was a music gateway. MGM was buying artists from other labels to hedge the future. This label evolved from singing cowboys to singing hippies!

MGM bought in the the colorful decade to come by signing Eric Burden and The Animals. But profits plunged. MGM Records lost 18 million dollars to close out the 1960s. Records in music stores were unsold.

The 70’s–I became a member of that culture…

Nothing funner than L.S.D on the MGM backlot while listening to Acid Rock, just sayin!

MGM was busy auctioning off their soul right after Woodstock changed the music world forever in 1969. One entity was headed upwards while the other was sinking below the surface. MGM executive Mike Curb, a future Lt. Governor of California, fired 18 groups who publicized …the use of drugs!

“I couldn’t be fired” since I was just a Trespasser with his own personal…Hole in the Fence. I counter cultured and embraced escapism- literally and figuratively. I was a rebel with a cause who did not want to end up in Vietnam. President Nixon agreed and praised Mr. Curb. for his unrelenting attitude against drugs. Drugs became a huge item going ahead in Hollywood. Stars were using drugs. Cocaine use was an issue at every studio. When I began my long career at Universal, several major stars would take “powdered lunches.” Dirty stories for another time. Alcohol and cigarettes were no longer enough.

My hero, WW2, veteran, Lee Marvin. The leader of The Dirty Dozen. In the 80’s, “Maggot” Telly Savalas could be found at Universal. He was often in a limo, at Telly’s Bar at the Sheraton Universal. A big mirror was inside, driven around the property. Prefabbed “white lines” were also inside. The studio that promoted drug films, such as Cheech and Chong, hosted a wrap party on Stage 4. It was a legendary drug fest. Drug use escalated effecting in someway almost every star we had on the lot!

As I was experiencing MGM first hand in the early 70’s, MGM switched to “bubblegum” acts. Sammy Davis Jr, Petula Clark, and The Osmonds. These successful performers helped stabilize MGM financially.

In 1972, a conglomerate of Dutch /German Polydor and and Phonogram was buying into the U.S market. Polyvgram was now the MGM record label. The merger failed and was reduced to going forward with soundtracks from MGM films.

The 80’s

After the merger of Metro, Goldwyn, Mayer Inc. and United Artists in 1982, the label discontinued all together. For me, I became employed at MGM. My dreams came true” and I worked for the last MGM entity still using the MGM logo. MGM Film laboratories was the final MGM department identified as MGM.

My job took me all over MGM Lot 1, Job description” Reel Router.” The processing of film is very involved, from waxing to reduce projector noise, editing of course, and color corrections. Cannery Row was one of our films, starring Nick Nolte, Deborah Winger, and John Huston. Based off a John Steinbeck novel. Almost entirely shot with clever Art Direction using MGM’s main lot. the only lot still standing.

In 1972, Raquel kicked ass dressed like this, in 1982 she” kicked ya and flipped ya.” She won a match race that paid her –extremely well…

I wanna tag team with her…I’m a great skater! I watched Roller Derby, L.A Thunderbird’s, The Olympic Auditorium. Announcer, the legendary Dick Lane.

During the making of Cannery Row, a lawsuit occurred involving the original casted star and MGM. Additional legal entanglements came under scrutiny, focusing on stolen MGM raw stock film. It was being hijacked and resold to Hollywood film labs. The F.B.I arrested the perpetrator “on set.”

Meanwhile back in the MGM lab, I walked in on a pile of cocaine in the “film timers” studio. The color correction involved magenta, cyan, and all things color. It took place in a state of the art post production facility. Expensive consoles corrected the 35 millimeter prints based off the timers recommendations. A huge movie screen completes the interior of this facility. Next to a basket of fruit and tasty munchies was a pile of “blow.”

Cocaine became as prevalent at “craft service” as snacks themselves. no one hid it, you were welcomed by it. An MGM security guard named George Barner was hired to catch me a decade ago. He ran a sting operation to bust employees. He used a famous Hollywood watering hole across the street, still operating as a bar today, The Backstage.

CHiPs Television– wasn’t safe, either. The star, Tom Reilly, was arrested for drug use and relieved of duty. End off Watch, end of his involvement in that hit series. MGM then started searching star dressing rooms when actors on set. MGM Studios would disappear. It would fade to black. Nonetheless, the Acid trips and drug use would continue. I would experience much more at Universal.

The Who “Long Live Rock” was a song and signal of more to come…

Written and lived by…Donnie Norden

My Female Side Kick at MGM

December 18, 2024 Phantom of the Backlot8 Comments

Her friends call her Esther…I call her Maureen

Let’s Go Back Jack and Do it Again… There’s those old kids again they never stop climbing fences

Book signing at Sony – If MGM Guards could see us now. They are represented fondly in this book Maureen is holding.

I hear sirens , Hurry up and get this shot!

Huron Avenue, that’s my street, and all the kids who live on it know my new hobby… Trespassing MGM.

My helmets and ammo made a big impression. While playing Combat, I had a belt full of blank ammo shells and a fancy helmet. I had found the helmet in a building in German Village, when we first met.

Her backyard is France …1944. I was at war. While running through the neighbor’s yards, I met this girl while I was shooting other kids. Now, I just tolerate girls mind you. She is different. I think- I kind of fancy her, and her bombed out backyard!

I always thought she would have made a swell boy. Her name is Maureen. The prettiest girl around these parts, I find myself wanting to impress her. I want to show her around MGM, but I am torn. Jimmy and I have an alliance that girls do not belong there. They would slow us down and they scare too easily. Dare I say our first crush is MGM lot 2. I figure she will probably say “No” to trespassing anyway. I casually ask her if she would like to come with me. I offer fair warning: “I guess this is illegal.” She rubbed her hands together and said “Let’s Go.”

Understand, most of the boys are scared. The prettiest girl around is all in. That is, if she can climb.

Well this Saturday morning she strolled down to my house in comfortable pair of running shoes. We walk the tracks on the steel rails themselves, like a tight rope. When we arrive at the barb wire pole behind Grand Central station. I brief her. I fill her in on what to expect. We kick at the gravel alongside the rails. This is where the rubber meets the road, literally. If she climbs this successfully, it’s a good sign we will work out. She is dressed in cutoff jeans and a T shirt, not a whole lot of protective clothing. I am going to get a kick out of this!

” There you are, that’s the climb, I will go first, watch where I grab.” I say

I’m now inside as her pretty little head pops above the fence, followed by her pretty behind. The prettiest climb I have ever seen. Slow-motion, pretty, like a shampoo commercial. She jumps down and looks thrilled. I dampen her enthusiasm by letting her know she needs to do it faster … next time. Silently, I am Frigging impressed.

I first show her the trains. We sit in the plush but filthy seats and talk about things. We avoid sports and the army. We just talk about stuff. There is really nowhere we have to be…any set is cool. Somehow, I am relaxed. This is going well, this girl thing.

I feel brave and we cross the field to a building we named Boystown. We named it after seeing a movie that used it called- Girls Town. Jimmy and I changed it to Boystown, since we’re boys…

We find a bench on the bottom floor. I wanted to bring it up to the top of this building. We can sit and view the Tarzan lake from a nice high vantage point. She helps me get this bench up to the top of this 4-story maze. I couldn’t do it without her so she is already paying off.

She is covered with dust but she even looks prettier filthy. Plus, none of the guys smell this good. The first piece of furniture is in the new Penthouse fort we are building. The Red Bronco has come in, and does the the rounds, below us. We can see the main gate from here, that’s big. We know we are alone when the guard exits that main gate. Not sure when he comes back, but, he is gone now…we are alone.

Jane’s looking pretty good to me right now …up here, not wanted or being chased. She’s is an angle. She glows in this dim room. Sun beams direct themselves on her glittering blonde hair. Her blue eyes are silver. A strong attraction takes over. I release a Tarzan like yell projecting over her towards Tarzan Lake. It is powerful enough for the birds in the forest below to take flight…

I lead her down from this maze of a building. We run across a dirt road holding hands. So Romantic, we our overdressed for this party.

Then, we cross over the lake. on a tiny foot bridge. I have a row boat stashed with a couple of paddles, just above the pond edge in thick bushes. Aah, the perfect way to end this afternoon. We float around listening to a transistor radio playing 93 KHJ…Boss Top Thirty hits.

The Real, Don Steele. Charlie Tuna, Humble Harve and Robert W. Morgan spin classic vinyl on a classic lake. The prettiest girl I know framed by this exterior,

Jethro Tull’s hit song Bungle in the Jungle evokes a journey to the jungle. The lyrics take you across the green pond. You traverse under two bridges. Meanwhile, the sun slowly begins to sink into a blaze of orange blinding light.

This area is secluded and a guard would probably have to leave the vehicle to see us…that rarely happens. We even doze off as we sit low in the boat. Hazy sun reflects through the trees and off the water. The lake is the sky as clouds in the sky duplicate their image on the water, as do our faces. The lake is a giant mirror of its environment. A pair of ducks mingle around us, as does a bull frog. This lake is loaded with crawfish, minnows, and carp but more so than anything else- history!

This is like dream, this legendary place is my new backyard. And, I have a new friend to explore it with. We dock and step off into the jungle that is magical and gigantic. I step on a twig, as it snaps, a thousand birds took off like a Hitchcock movie.

That can work for us. I remind myself of this. If the birds suddenly take off, it’s a signal someone bad may be coming.

The only problem the lake has for us is that it is located in the middle of the lot. This means you have a long run from here to the fence if things go bad. Better off hiding, most likely. I am always thinking ways to keep ahead of my pursuers. Small stuff adds up. I’ll take any advantage I can.

We end our day hungry like typical teenagers, so climb out over an old green wood fence. Maureen is probably the dirtiest kid in town right now. Using lake water to clean up smeared dust and created mud. She looks like a native in war paint. and now she smells like an aquarium. There is just something magnetic about her…

We picked a spot not barbed to exit. Maureen has already earned an advanced climbing badge. I grade kids on my own set of expectations like an Iowa Test at school. swears she will someday pole vault this sharp obstacle.For now…she’s one pretty -pole dancer.

Donnie thinks he so tough…Guys are the biggest chickens! That fence is nothing…

She runs over to her apartment. “Wait till she looks in the mirror. Good-by Jane,” I salute. She looks like she exited a Hollywood Movie.

I thought to myself as I was going to bed…”Girls aren’t so bad after all!”

Maureen and nephew Chad… notice MGM in background…German village and China St.

Leon, you asked for more Maureen, who doesn’t. Try this on for size.

A typical day in the life in our private Disneyland…

Written and lived by Donnie Norden and Maureen Miller…

The 23rd Century

December 7, 2024December 7, 2024 Phantom of the Backlot8 Comments

This story is in my Book Two-“The Uninvited Visitor”

A very special moment on the set of ...King Kong

All activity on the lot indicates to me Kong is close to ready. However, sneaking in Lot 1 is dangerous. The MGM guards all know me. They know I don’t belong on this set or lot…Period!

However, I need to see where we’re at, like some producer kid. It’s time to pay Little Italy a visit. But first, I’m getting a couple of donuts, one orange iced, the other, a Kong cream pie. It’s a specialty donut, in honor of the Great Ape, being dressed just across the street. This donut shop, as is this city itself, is all things Kong.

It’s across this street I’m headed next. I have my little bag of delights. I need to climb a fence. A billboard of Logan’s Run proudly displays itself there. Poor Farrah. She is getting shoe marks all over her face. Her skimpy outfit is marked too on her section of this advertisement board. It’s the only spot I can get over at… sorry Farrah!

First, I hold my breath and close my eyes. Then, I toss this tiny donut package over the sign. I hope it floats softly like a balloon, limiting damage.

**23rd Century -Get in spot for MGM Lot 1**

I’m next. After grabbing one hand hold, my tennis shoes slip and slide. They glide like a cartoon on this extra-large movie poster. My right hand barely clasps the top of the fence. My momentum buys me the extra inches to pull myself up to the top. Then I go over, reuniting with my tiny bag of donuts. I may have just landed in the 23rd Century.

Kong is getting the star treatment and looks like an actor getting finishing touches before hitting the set.

The fabricated tree area has been switched to a rubber hose forest. Miles of hoses or tubes have been cut. They fit inside this massive, formidable 40 ft object. It has been hibernating here for months. He would be just a rubber doll without these arteries for oil to activate all his digits and facial expressions.

Activity is taking place around me at a mesmerizing pace…I find myself in between pit covers, artificial trees, and pallets of rubber hoses towering above me. I appear like Johnny Quest, with donuts!

**That’s a fancy car kicking up all that dust…**

A long black Mercedes-Benz wheels onto the set. It sends up a cloud of dust as it suddenly stops. I realize the attention all shifts to a dapper man, dressed in attire fit for a producer. I lick orange frosting off my fingers. I stand behind some artificial trees to get a better view of this person of interest. This is him, I think to myself, it’s Dino…

Everybody stares at the car, waiting for the great man, the producer, to emerge. Even King Kong stares, impassive, his giant ape face frozen 40 feet above the car. After a couple of seconds, the producer, Dino De Laurentiis, bounces out of the car. There is no doubt that he does this for dramatic effect. He flounces with energy. He pays absolutely no attention to the rest of us on the set – about 50 people. Looking up, he locks eyes with King Kong. He is here to see the giant monkey. De Laurentiis doesn’t even glance at the maybe three dozen special effects people who are swarming over Kong. Several of them take up positions at big instrument consoles. Each console has a series of levers that control hydraulic valves within Kong.

Slowly, gradually, I hear the hum of electricity. Then the whoosh of valves. Kong is coming to life… Maybe. Dino De Laurentiis has come to see the beast move. And it better move and move well. The Hollywood Press has been hinting at problems with the giant hairy star of the movie. Rumors suggest that the whole movie is at risk. And that is no small risk. It’s 1976. The $30 million budget for King Kong makes it the most expensive film in history at this point. Many people in Los Angeles think De Laurentiis’ remake of the 1933 classic starring Fay Wray is a folly. They believe this because the original is such an iconic movie. Additionally, they think no movie should cost $30 million and depend so much on unproven, untried special effects.

Giant jungle robots, indeed. Many movie insiders in ultra-competitive Hollywood are happy. They take not-so-secret delight at the prospect of seeing De Laurentiis fall flat on his face. He is the flamboyant Italian interloper. De Laurentiis is moving to the United States. He had a career in Italy. His work focused on spaghetti Westerns and niche films like Barbarella. He also worked on derivative, knockoff spy and gangster movies. Some people think De Laurentiis is too big for his riding britches. Remaking King Kong could be his Icarus moment. It is the moment when he flies too close to the Hollywood sun.

De Laurentiis is looking less than cocky at this moment. He looks worried, his eyes never straying from Kong’s as he stands a few feet from his car, waiting. I’m enthralled, this is a very big moment in this film. He doesn’t speak. He doesn’t need to. Men scramble, levers are pulled, hums and wheezes and whooshes get louder. Is the big ape going to come alive for the big cheese?

Kong’s ears wiggle. There is a murmur on the set, but nobody shouts or cheers. Nobody says anything. Everyone is concentrating so much on the big robot that I can step out of my hiding place. I just turned 16. I am not supposed to be anywhere on this studio lot. I definitely should not be here on the tightly closed, high-security set of the biggest movie ever. This is happening during a critical special effects test. I am about half a football field away from De Laurentiis. I am next to the jungle scenery that has been my hiding place.

Kong blinks, slowly. This is promising. But the robot needs the capability to make much more complicated movements with its arms and legs. He must look real – and huge, and menacing – on the screen. If Kong moves like a robot, the movie will be not only a flop, but a laughingstock.

Slowly, Kong’s left arm rises, a little. He blinks again. His head turns left. His head turns right. His partially raised left hand is in a fist. Slowly, the ape’s massive fingers, the size of a real Gorilla’s legs, start to unfurl. I sneak a quick glance over at the Mercedes, and De Laurentiis is starting to smile.

Kong raises his left hand higher, so his hand is chest high, palm toward his chest. I suppose if you know how a 40-foot gorilla would move, the robot’s movements look pretty natural. Kong extends all four fingers and his thumb, so his palm is facing his chest. Amid more wheezes and whooshes and buzzes, slowly Kong folds his thumb in. Then his pointer finger, ring finger, and little finger. His middle finger remains extended.

King Kong is giving Dino De Laurentiis the bird.

The set erupts in cheers and shouts and laughter. I eat my cream filled Kong donut as Kong stares down, paralyzed. He passed his audition, barely… People clap, and so does De Laurentiis. With a cigar in his mouth, Dino flips the bird at his creation. He smiles as he exhales a plume of tobacco toward his leading man. This is the moment it’s become clear that the King Kong remake would become a mega-hit. This time it stars Jessica Lange in her first film role, along with Jeff Bridges. The film is released at the end of this year. I can feel it, all this hard work is culminated in this magical moment.

As fate would have it, after the exchange of gestures, everything is green-lighted to move to the backlot. The largest scenes yet remain to be filmed. Kong stands proudly with his finger extended over the Italy assembly area, I see everyone laughing and celebrating by smoking. The only one not smoking is me and Kong.

As the thrill of victory wears off, Dino leaves in a cloud of dust, excited as Dr. Frankenstein when his monster came to life before his eyes.

Kong stays in the same position, not contorting even for a moment to wave farewell. It turns out, this demo was like test driving a used car. Our hero has a hydraulic leak in the miles of rubber hose inside. This leak has depleted our star of the life blood. It’s needed to pump his massive joints. He’s not broken, just leaking oil. like some old used car.

Don’t worry-I’m hiding behind stacks of rubber Kong hydraulic tubing sitting on a sea of pallets…

Kong will maintain this posture until the leaking section is identified. It needs to be replaced. I’m not sure if Dino caught wind that Kong’s hand is stuck after he left the test range…

As we say in Little Italy…cambio olio -sprigati, sprigati, –Ti stiamo aspettando!

Welcome to Hollywood fellas, Winchell’s donuts is across the street, you still got a lot of work to do…

I better get out of here, Little Italy needs to cut up more rubber hose, Pronto!

Behind the Scenes: Animal Actors at Universal

December 7, 2024April 27, 2025 Phantom of the BacklotLeave a comment

“Welcome” from some of the most friendly stars in Hollywood.

It’s a Wild World- applies here. You may remember the Eagle that would take paper money from visitors hands and bring it back to the handler. That’s how we pay these guys…

Things to note; Three car Pink and White Glamour Trams, an open air Universal Amphitheater. and Castle Dracula towers above the theme park.

Lassie made this show famous. “He” had his own T.V series at Universal.

I was wrapping out a show one late Friday night. I ran into three escaped dogs on New York Street. They were taking their own guided tour. Because of predator dangers, I wrangled them up, put them in my vehicle, and security reunited them to their handlers.

Before it was an actor stage, we had a zoo. It was located behind Courthouse Square.

This guy is the biggest star and has been know to escape into the studio. He has a mind of his own.

Every Which Way but Loose… describes my animal tale.

Who’s the bigger Ham here? I say Erik!

I saw this scene filmed…This is Culver Blvd, my street corner. Erik and his Kawasaki are on back a trailer, attached to a camera truck.

Get me outta here…

“I love donuts” this was how my boss was confronted… face to face.

These actors never strike or complain…

In my career at Universal, I saw a lot of things. Early on, I worked as a tram driver. On this particular morning, drivers and guides were notified. An Orangutan was on the loose somewhere on the backlot. Apparently, it escaped its cage, located just behind the famous Universal City sign overlooking the San Fernando Valley. But the tram tour must go on, “Keep your eyes open,” was the orders issued. A manhunt was on, an all points bulletin that affects the entire studio.

A Dragnet was taking place, but no need to panic the public, act like it’s part of the tour. Animal trainers scoured the lot with tranquilizer guns, because this “most wanted” could kill you bare handedly. Not that he would. He’s a friendly beast. He works around the public all day performing at The Animal Actors Stage. When not guest starring in some movie or T.V show.

As if King Kong was loose, undercover operations vehicles scoured the backlot. The theme park had to be cleared first, because the paying public had to be provided a safe haven. That sequence took place before the park opened. He could be anywhere, on our 473 acre movie studio.

I was one of the first tours to embark that summer morning. I drop off guests at the I Love Lucy stage for a taste of Movie Magic. Videos of Robert Wagner welcome you. I take my empty tram back towards tram dispatch to grab another load of customers. As I drive behind our original Property Department, I notice it is full of ancient Chinese vases. Night Gallery Pictures from Rod Serling’s T.V series also fill the department. I see commotion on the hillside above. Branches snap and foliage disturbs in a jungle type setting. This setting connects the lower lot to tours. He is swinging vine to vine, like in a Tarzan Movie.

Our featured star was just playing in his own rain forest, having escaped from a barred, dank cell. Who can blame him really, I sadly called in his location and he was instantly apprehended without incident. He even performed at his 11 A.M showtime in the popular stage of unemployed movie animals. This show is their back up gig when not in front of the cameras.

The 90’s have arrived quickly. I am now an electrician. I am part of all production taking place on the lot. A de-ja-vue is taking place, I’ve seen this movie before. An orangutan is once again on the loose, this time it’s 5 A.M, as employees are arriving for work. A misty mountain fog permeates the parking area above the collapsing bridge animation. I was driving up to pick up my boss, Tony G. He arrives an hour after my call time. He parks on a steep hillside. It’s pitch dark, and the fog does not help. Shadows are what you see, not employees. Tony gets out of his truck and places donuts and coffee on the roof of his vehicle. Seeing a figure coming his way, he mistakes the shadow as another employee from our shop.

He locks his truck when he realizes, this is not an electrician, it’s an Orangutan. Like a Hitchcock thriller, he is face to face with something that could ruin his day. Tony quickly jumps back inside the cab of his truck. He leaves a dozen donuts and a cup of coffee on his roof. The Animal Actor approaches Tony through his car window. Tony is very frightened at this point. He has entered…The Jungle Book.

Call it Gorilla’s in the Mist if you will since we are Universal Studios. The lead actor has the lead boss in a quandary. The goodies on his rooftop entice our Orangutan star, who apparently likes donuts. Now the ape is feeding itself in the bed of Tony’s truck. The coffee gets poured out on the windows as Tony gets an up close and personal early morning star treatment. Our star, now with a sugar buzz, decides to go from car to car, looking for more pastry. Employees notify security who contact the animal handlers, who were once again on the hunt.

As they arrive with a tranquilizer gun in hand, the ape is snapping car antenna’s. Not in a mood for negotiating…”shots fired”

Our star is apprehended and life goes on as usual in this land of…Movie Magic!

My friend and former boss passed away today, April 26, 2025. Tony Grillo, a great man with many accomplishments. He helped me get the right job for me. He takes with him many great stories so I share this one with you guys on a sad day. R.I.P Tony, from all the guys who worked for you and with you….

Written and Lived by….Donnie Norden.

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

October 13, 2024December 7, 2024 Phantom of the Backlot8 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

My hero- not Batman anymore-Catwoman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We start our journey “Dazed and Confused”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March on Starship Troopers…

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

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

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

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

We too are a Mod Squad…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best of Culver City’s Backlot Stories: Wally’s Gas Station

September 24, 2024 Phantom of the Backlot2 Comments

The last picture ever taken of this set. A set surrounded by dirt roads. Every show that came on this busy backlot had to pass by here. I will take your inside this set in this post. Very small but packed with history. Often this was the first set we would hide in briefly. It was 20 yards or so from the La Ballona creek. The creek was like a set and was when Thomas Ince was alive. The Army Core of Engineers paved the pristine tree lined location to control flooding in storms. MGM Lot 3 was down stream. When backlots flood, workers use row boats.

Wally’s filling station had a different location originally but was removed to build a bridge for Hogan’s Heroes. This new Wally’s is a Frisbee toss from and his future Barracks and Camp Henderson.

Not the same building. This is the original. Replaced to build a permanent set -The Bridge for Hogan’s Heroes. An episode of The Untouchables filmed at this original station. Night scene-Tommy Guns blazing- fire and explosions. The next day – had to erase all signs of carnage and mayhem for the simpler life in Mayberry. These two series used the backlot for 3 years – same time. Chicago/ Mayberry, Atlanta, Gotham City or just Superman’s Metropolis are cities once represented here. This is the most famous of all backlot ranches.

This set replaced Wally’s original Gas and Service station.

For perspective–Original Wally’s location, pictured on left, was replaced by Hogan’s Heroes Bridge. Picture on right highlighted-was Wally’s second location. Not moved-torn down. Rebuilt net to Camp Henderson. I’ve been chased along side the creek bed the entire length of the studio …and a bit beyond.

The gas station attendants on the let. Sheriff Taylor fueling up on right. Center is pre Gomer Pyle’s -Camp Henderson. Gomer would mover over one set-twenty yards as the crow flies-to his new home away from home and a set he would make famous for years to come.

This area would become-Camp Henderson. If you examine earlier trio of pictures-you can see reverse angle where Gomer has nozzle in his hands. Danny Thomas had bigger plans for Gomer-“his own series

Sunday- at the filling Station– “No reason to be in a hurry”

“JUST FIX IT!

“Your mileage may vary” – This sign was on this dirt road pictured left. I’m standing where the pumps would be for my color photo. Behind the eucalyptus trees that still exist today is the La Ballona Creek. Through those trees is where …”We’d Appear” Many adventures of mine start peeking through trees. You’re not trespassing until you reach dirt. You can run forever along that creek. Once, while getting ready to film something on the nearby western street, a guy in a suit of all things sees us- Jimmy is with me.

He starts chasing us…We cut through a village thinking he would stop but he didn’t. We continue running and slide down the embankment along side the creek. Certainly now he would stop-not the case. We are running as fast as we can and so is he. We are covering 40 acres of real estate, the longest stretch possible.

“Will this ever stop-who is this guy” like a Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid moment. Running scared and out of breath -pure adrenaline now-Jimmy is ahead of me, the suit guy is getting closer. Finally as we get to a bridge at the very East end of Culver City- he terminates his pursuit. I have never had a guard chase me that far- he is dressed to nice to be a guard. We will never know who this guy was -but talk about a run for your life! We decided not to go back inside that afternoon a face this Super Hero again. We were only in there for 5 minutes– but the chase lasted 10!…Buzz Kill

No more Wally- a new CEO. Goober. While Gomer films right across a tiny dirt road. So close, it has to be blocked, almost always by an oversized vehicle–Shazam, my own series …

Not the same Soda Machine that greeted us- seems to be standing on a furniture dolly. Fire extinguisher was missing but would later- turn out to be needed! A car or truck can be seen here parked over a pit used to change oil. Sitting in those chairs, you would be looking at Camp Henderson, beyond the gas pumps.

Behind that military box trucks is Gomer’s old filling station job. He becomes a Marine. He becomes as big a star as any of the actors on The Andy Griffith show. The ratings on this show were always top 10. You didn’t want to be slotted up against this show. Star Trek was knocked off the air when slotted on different channel -same time. Ronnie Schell-Duke Slater had nothing but love for Jim Nabors. Jim moved on to Variety shows. Everything he touched was gold.

Speaking of Gold – a shipment passed through here in a “top secret’ transport. A fantastic backlot episode.

Boot camp is rough but it’s an honor to serve our flag and this country. I trespassed with real Marines. They all tripped out being on a set of the most famous ‘Marine’ in Hollywood. This series motivated young men into service. Fittingly, Mr. Nabors is an honorary Marine- Full Corporal. When it was on the air- Vietnam was a live war, you could be drafted- for perspective of time. I loved Sargent Carter, he was the perfect fit to offset Gomer’s silly personality.

Add Ronnie Schell and Ted Bessel. You have a series that is as popular today. It is viewed more than in the past. The show wasn’t canceled because of low ratings. A purge took place of great T.V all over Hollywood. My biggest thrill was spending an afternoon at Camp Henderson with Ronnie Schell. He played out what it was like to be on this series.

He also described life in general at Desilu. We sat in his car exactly on the spot of the barracks. I watched his eyes glaze over as he looked around at what is now an industrial park. To think of the things he saw 60 years ago, it reflected on his face and in his soul. Who would have thought a trespassing kid would become a carrier of the TV Land Torch.

Did you know-this dog can talk?- Just ask Opie Taylor.

Trouble Makers…

In 1966, Goober went on vacation and the station never did better…In 1965 -Color T.V episodes begin…

In 1967, Goober held a raffle to pick up business–Aunt Bee-is a winner- “Oh Boy” says an excited Opie

***Pictures attach to the night of the gas station fire disaster***– Area where fire started King of Kings set. Built in 1927. In this picture, Andy Griffith wasn’t on the air. There was no gas station yet. It would be added on the left side very close to this set. Eucalyptus trees separated the two sets. I had a great fort in that village. Used in Harum Scarum, yes Elvis Presley was in my fort, before me…

The village that burned this night-Elvis is running up stairway-picture on right is in picture below. Behind that stairway is Goober’s filling station. Imagine Elvis visiting Mayberry -it happened in real life.

“What a Great Place for a fort!” says Elvis

“Check the tires-filler up please”… Elvis’s Trailer was parked here at Goobers in 1967 while filming Harum Scarum.

Time to go inside the filling station on a warm summer day…

When I first set foot here- the set dressing still existed although the series was over.

We start by climbing up an embankment in the La Ballona Creek. We stop at the summit and peek through eucalyptus trees. We aren’t trespassing yet, cross the dirt road in front of us and anything goes. Where the rubber of our tennis shoes meets the dirt roads once used in Gone with the Wind.

Jimmy and I’s options start here – Camp Henderson provides cover as does this tempting filling station. Refrigerated Soda Pop sits inside a red ice chest. We have gas pumps and of course we pretended to pump gas to invisible cars. A cigarette machine offers fine packs of tobacco. After all, this is fictitiously Carolina. Still, it is located in Culver City. The eucalyptus trees along the road leading up to pumps still stand as they did then. Living Monuments to a wonderful past. They stood tall over every episode.

Open the filling station door and what do you see, dirt on the floor, no floor boards exist. 5 people barely can squeeze in here conga line style. I know families with bigger closets than this station. Motor Oil can be bought and a rack greets you through the front window. Jimmy and I check out these empty quarts of lubricant quickly learning everything is fake. There is no gas in pumps. There is no STP Oil in cans wrapped generically. There is no air for tires. There is no cold soda pop on this summer day. There are no Mayberry Lucky Strike Cigarettes in the tobacco machine of fake cartons to take home to dad. Early lesson learned -nothing is real here-entirely illusions. Everything here is like a magic act-just smoke a mirrors- abracadabra !

It’s musty inside, no interior walls, the wood outer walls are what frames the inside, except with out paint. Filming has to always take place from doorway going outward, inside, no counters or cash registers. The big glass front window is covered with dust, it has been awhile since the windows have been cleaned. The other window is on the front door.Each window, looking outward views the pumps and beyond to-Camp Henderson. Cobwebs cover the ceiling.

You expect at any moment George Lindsey or Jim Nabors to walk by. Or perhaps Opie Taylor will ride up on his bike. Or maybe a car in need of repair, like “The Man in a Hurry.” That is a great episode that uses the entire backlot and actually drives home a point. “Slow your roll” be in the moment to get the riches of the Universe. Jimmy and I are two young boys…Not in a Hurry

All this is not negative, just factual. Nothing fancy greets you. Powerful images from all the years of filming here start dominating our brains. They spool out memories. Jimmy and I soak in past, rapid firing different scenes and episodes. This is an easy way to go back in time

In between the garage and station lies a pit for the attendant to stand in. This pit is used so car’s oil can be changed. Opie once jumped over this in a scene -so of course, we do to. To a kid – it seems like the thing to do. We watch reruns of this show everyday. This gas station always is used, but never this pit, maybe it was dug for one episode, we ponder. At night, take note of this-or you may fall in. We have chase games around here, this is a slick place to lose your pursuer, in a dark hole.

Just a couple weeks ago in a chase game, I was running as fast as I can. It was a pitch dark Saturday night. I was running from an older boy. He had to tag me to capture me. I was running down the sidewalk at full speed in downtown Mayberry. I was running from the Mayberry Hotel towards the courthouse. I hear a thump and an instant groan.’ My friend Mario was just a couple feet from my tail. He got plastered by a metal protruding sign holder extending from where Emmit’s Fix It Shop stands. I was lucky to have missed being the victim here. I didn’t see it-it has no sign on it, just a metal rod.

Mario lays on the pavement groaning in pain with a very long 9 iron cut across his forehead. He has a concussion, he takes awhile to come to his senses. Just a reminder, there are a “million ways to die” at this old studio ranch. On some nights, you experience several. Boys will be boys!

This set, as did most of this lot-died a fiery death. These stories are in my books, book two, The Uninvited Visitor, will put a fire hose in your hand.

The past meets the current on this corner…

One night after almost every set was destroyed in one way, shape, or form. We were riding around when we saw flames. We just walked out of a liquor store that served basically this studio. The location is next door to a famous bar. The bar is used often in film. It is across the street from a Chevron Station that served this studio on Ince Blvd. Located next to an Ice Company and Laundry Matte that served this studio. Costumes used in epic films get cleaned here. The Paramount Laundry is etched in cement above the door. Ice is used for several reasons. It can be bought in truckloads here. It can be shaved and used as ground snow. It can be used with fans to cool things down on hot. Non air conditioned stages need fans. I have found ice picks in dressing rooms that were once used by stars.

The Culver Hotel overlooks the iconic plantation building. Thomas Ince built it. It was the center of this ancient studio. Lucy and Desi Arnaz would occupy this office space in the TV years. Times were different back then. The business outside the fences provided some service or just an escape from filming. Stars can be found here walking public streets.

Studio Spirits Road…Desi drank at this most legendary bar that has a tunnel to the Culver Hotel, used in prohibition times. I saw “That Girl ” in a phone booth in the Chevron Station on Ince Blvd. There was a line waiting outside the phone booth’s glass folding door. She talks emphatically with her hands trying to describe things. A stack of tires and real motor stands next to the repair garage, next to this booth. The next closest gas station is Goobers. Real stuff, not fake stuff, like at Wally‘s, can be purchased here.

The sky is burning…

We exit this liquor store with bags of candy. I have a Mars Bar and Fritos. As we mount up prepared for a sugar high, the sky above is turning a bright orange. We figure right away… Desilu is on fire…again.

We quickly race down Ince Blvd and see a huge fire. The main gate is locked, the fire department can be heard responding, but are not here yet. As the fire department arrives, as they cut the lock on the main gate, they are responding to an inferno. Before they can pump water a large two section collapses before our eyes. Sparks fly skyward, some disappear forever while others land in dangerous high risk areas. Many citizens have followed the firemen inside, this isn’t the first fire off Lucerne, the side street closest by. Some residents here were on the street when “Atlanta” burned in 1938. I found this out much later in- Gone with the Wind.

The lot is scheduled for demolition, this is the last action ever on the backlot. A fire engine stations itself at Goober’s at the filling station and begins pumping water on the flames. The King of Kings Set, built in 1927 by Cecil B. DeMille, is next to collapse, as if being directed by the “Man Himself.”

The fire spreads to the gas station. It has water being pumped on it and never delivered even a gallon of gas. That too collapses. Fire Department is in contain mode, so burning embers do not light the Baldwin Hills that overlook this studio. Stray tiny fires from embers are quickly extinguished by Flashing Red Light landscape.

The filling station falls backwards and downwards spewing even more sparks as it disappears forever. No one here feels the connection I have with this simply constructed facade. This is as much a friend as it is a building. It’s like if my bedroom burned down. As spectacular as this is, the ramifications are-it will never be again !

The Day After…

Basically, the landscape is several different fires, earlier fires already destroyed the neighboring Western Street. Saloon has been gone for months. I lost my Harum Scarum Fort in this last fire. I have one fort left here in an isolated location. That’s why it still stands. A pond surrounds the front and rolling green vegetation keep risk down. That fort is also known as the Mayberry R.F.D House stands.

Mayberry R.F.D House– left -set standing “safely” at Desilu. My fort “where Elvis entered” is up that stairway-pictured right. Behind this set is Goober’s Filling Station. This building collapsed igniting America’s Favorite Filling Station.

Mayberry itself is a skeleton. The Church Fire destroyed that area months ago. It’s Ghostly here. Spirits are still here just because the sets are gone or in desperate need of …love!

This fire is almost fitting for a backlot best known for fires. This finally “if you will” is a Gone with the Wind moment. Fire made this backlot famous with the Burning of Atlanta in 1938, in 1976 fire concludes its part of history. All that remains is now ash.

Farewell my backlot, a blaze of glory has taken you to a better place. Until we meet again. I will watch all the reruns. It’s like I’m still that “Uninvited Visitor” who grew up in this place.

For this story and many more -Read my books available on Amazon.

A footnote -this was the last ever backlot fire in Culver City…In August, 1976, No sets remained. A dirt 40 acre lot blows away in clouds of dust as do tumbleweeds headed somewhere else. A final sound of …Silence

Written and lived by …Donnie Norden

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