The final scene from MGM’s Easter Parade 1948. I have my own special Easter celebration on MGM Backlot 2.
Easter is when the difference between Catholic School and Public School is most noticeable. The days off don’t line up at all. Catholic kids wait for the resurrection before being cut loose with days off. Public School just calls it “spring break” no morals or scruples, just colored eggs and time-off. We pray- while they play!
But on Easter Sunday…all is forgiven. We all unite as one-under the guise of a good Peter Rabbit story. This is the time east meets west, all roads lead to God.
Jews, Catholics, Muslims, even Atheists, can come together as flowers start their magnificent blooms. Today, God, in his magic, created colored eggs and chocolate bunnies. These are for kids of every age and color to unite in this small, small world. It’s amazing what candy can do…it breaks down fences and barriers.
My Easter lasted three months last year. That’s when Jimmy and I finally finished finding all the eggs. Two stubborn faded hard-boiled guys stayed hidden until around the 4th of July. Their odor and decomposition finally gave them away. They were lodged inside the steel bumper of an old Rambler that my dad has parked in our long driveway…
Odor solved; it was beginning to affect our kitchen table breakfasts. “No mom, I don’t want any eggs today or ever again.” We’ve been living off pancakes for over a month due to the foul effects of rotten eggs.
This year, my mom has encouraged me to do this elsewhere, like Jimmy’s house. She still wants to spend Saturday coloring a couple dozen fresh ones. Mom’s quite the artist. The rule this year is to hide them somewhere else.
I am walking home from Market Basket with 2 dozen eggs in tow. I also have a box full of chocolate marshmallow bunnies. I see Maureen as I turn the corner headed home for the decorating party. She is wearing a new Led Zeppelin t-shirt. We both attended the concert at the Fabulous Forum. However, we were not there together. We excitedly exchange notes: “My seats were terrible” she says, “My seats were great” I brag. “They sounded sloppy drunk” she complains but it was mind-blowing!” we agree. “What ya got there Donnie?”
“Oh yeah, eggs!” then I ask her, “do you want to sneak in MGM and hide these with me?” “You hide a dozen. I will hide a dozen at the same time. There’s no better place for a hard-boiled egg hunt than MGM.”
“Of course, what time?” she chimes. “Bright and early. I have to go to church about 11.” That was the one condition I had to agree to, to get this bag of Easter goodies.”
My mom loves MGM, if she didn’t walk with a crutch, she would come with us, I’m sure…bless her heart. In the spirit of living through her son, she has helped me decorate my eggs. We decorated them after MGM movie stars!
We are talking an Easter Parade of eggs, saluting MGM legends. Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Liz Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Ricardo Montalban, Roddy McDowall, Clark Gable, Judy Garland and Laurel and Hardy. MGM’s big hitters made up and ready for their 7am backlot call times.
A BrightEaster Morning – 7am
Maureen greets me on my porch, my parents are still asleep, we sit on the stairs admiring these hard-boiled legends. My mom should work for the MGM Art Department. Fantastic stuff, mom outdid herself on these hard-boiled entertainment legends!
We know these will end up being pulverized, that’s how most our egg hunts terminate, with a Battle Royale.
We load everything in a canvas bag with handles. It’s easy to run with, just in case a whiskered easter villain with a badge interrupts us. TWA has its logo stitched on each flapped side; it fits nicely on my shoulder. I feel like a pilot. Why not? We do have a jumbo jet inside the airplane hangar. It was used in the movie Skyjacked, starring Chuck Heston.
TWA meet MGM as 4 tennis shoes hit the ground at the same time at our Grand Central Train Station. We quickly occupy a seat in the Pullman train cars to get a feel for what’s up on the backlot. I expect zero security, or a courtesy Bronco drive through at best. Maybe the White Rabbit will run by, anything can happen here. We’ll tell him a hookah-smoking caterpillar has given us the call.
The sun enters through the train windows. These windows are caked with dust patterns on the east side compartments. It shines on the eggs we are looking over one last time…Nice, mom made a Louis B. Mayeregg, and it’s gold, with round glasses!
Maureen finds a special egg in her carton… Lassie… mom painted the dog!
We love all of Lassie’s shows. I should have brought my dog Pebbles with us, that’s all that’s missing here. This is like That’s Entertainment- hard boiled!
Ok, here’s the rules…Catholic kids always have to have rules, it’s the law.
“You hide yours here, in these trains…and inside the Grand Station,” as I gesture with my arms. I will go to the cemetery behind the Romeo and Juliet sets. Your hunt will be in the graveyard.”
“Sounds fun …get out of here!” as I am pushed out the side train door back onto the cement platform. “I’ll be back after I hide these guys, you have this entire train station to work with…see you in about 15 minutes!”
Twenty – minutes later, at the depot…
There are five trains at this depot. Each train has its own long aisle with rows of seats. The seats provide hiding places.
I find my first egg, sitting proudly like the head of a movie studio would. It’s the Golden Egg, with Louis B. Mayer on it. It is in between the arm rests separating two reclining seats. His glasses are facing forward, as if he’s ready to have his ticket punched… in the first-class section.
He is the first one to go back inside the egg carton. Maureen is upset I found that one so quickly. She said, “I think he wants out of this dusty train.” He would like to head back to his clean white office as I shut the lid on this mogul.
Peter Lawford has just been located, in an overhead compartment, he is yellow and hidden properly. The initials P.L. are on this egg in case we couldn’t recognize this member of the rat-pack. One of my mom’s heart throbs. This is so fun!
Maureen says there are a few outside also… I climb down the steel steps. I examine the exterior, underneath the carriage, the train’s massive wheels, the couplers, and the air hoses. It feels like a conductor doing his pre-trip inspection. As luck and hinting would have it, Fred Astaire has been spotted on the sprouting grass between the rails. This spot is where he filmed the Band Wagon and the classic song –By Myself.
Astaire… scene from the Band Wagon, but mom has drawn him in his more familiar top hat. (Grand Central Station MGM Backlot #2).
My Easter Egg Hunt location (Grand Central Station MGM Backlot #2).
Free Range Fred Egg
Roddy McDowall is hiding around here I’m told. That hint takes me to the doorway he walked through when we both met him on Planet of the Apes. As I walk through that same door today, his egg appears, it’s on the fence cross brace in plain sight. It says Roddy on one side and is died Purple. That is a perfect color for the Bookworm.
I met Roddy McDowall for my second time on this TV series in 1974. He greeted all the kids who were watching these scenes filmed at Grand Central Station. The series wanted an abandoned look, bringing in cement fragments. The station was used in Young Frankenstein right before this and was very fancy. Both Planet of the Apes and Young Frankenstein were 20th Century Fox renting the MGM backlot. This station would get fixed up nicely for The Fortune, this deterioration is set dressing. This would become fit for a Band Wagon, once again.
The hunt begins here, we climb in where these train tracks enter the backlot.
We’re leaving the Train Station and off to the cemetery! -There is a fence in this picture laying on the ground, white and dented, a car crashed through it. It was a traffic accident, not a stunt. Imagine crashing your car on the backlot. I’d keep driving around, leave out the main gate. The studio added a replacement fence. Funny enough, it was the side of a ship. It had port holes to look into the studio. That’s the story behind this picture. Look closely, the rear of the train has a guard getting out of the Red Bronco. They patrol this area knowing this is our favorite way in.
My partner in today’s story…This picture is from Maureen’s balcony seen here holding her nephew Shad, In the background is Lot 2. Yes, she had balcony MGM seating. We watched filming from her bedroom. So much fun…Notice the fence and you will see two-port holes. That’s the replacement to the fence-the side of a ship. Only in Hollywood…
MGM Lot 2 cemetery in its glory. Site of my original Hole in the Fence. When we entered, we were scared stiff, we crawled in the high grass along these tombstones. This cemetery was moved around to different locations. NY Street used it on Soylent Green. Also, The Phantom of the Backlot used these graves at Tarzan’s Lake. Then Young Frankenstein made a graveyard below the Girls Reform School I still call Boystown. These are Styrofoam. Some are wood.
These gravestones were used in “Young Frankenstein” and seen here in transit.
A picture I took of the location of the Lot 2 cemetery. I’m peeling apart Peter Lawford as we head over to the next set. I’m hungry… it’s always fun when you can eat game pieces. The cemetery relocated for more filming.
We are done on my part of the hunt, next it’s her turn!
An egg hunt in a haunted cemetery…
“OK girl,” I kept it simple; most are in this cemetery but two are at the pool, just sunning themselves.” She scans the field of retired souls, and now slowly walks apprehensively in search of…movie eggs. Cautiously, she touches the tops of the graves, like she’s knocking on a front door. She is warming up to this macabre environment. I bet no kids anywhere are having an Easter Morning quite like this… except maybe in Transylvania.
That’s good because I hid a white egg with Red Slippers on it- inside a coffin. This coffin has weeds growing out of the partially open lid. The egg just rolled under a wad of ancient and current spider webs. We will see if these slippers can be recovered. Otherwise, Boris the Spider is the new owner of these painted on Ruby Red Slippers.
She points to the sarcophagus, looking for some reaffirmation, I blankly stare back, “Open it!”
Knowing she hates spiders -her head turns as if she’s seen a Phantom, perhaps Lon Chaney. He lurked this lot in the silent era after all… Boldly she grabs the Judy egg. “It’s cracked”, she says. Then in one smooth move as I approach her, she throws it at me sidearm.
Bullseye! She’s good… she can turn a double-play, she’s that good. The cracked egg is now pulverized as I tumble backwards alongside someone less fortunate than me. From a horizontal position, I look up at the graves as the dust settles, I slowly lift myself back up. We both bust up, “keep hunting”-as I think-your time will come!
I left this simple. A six-year-old could do it. Most of these hard-boiled movie stars are now recovered, except the two “E’s”…Elvis and Esther. Esther sits balanced on the edge of her own diving board. Skateboards have replaced swimmers nowadays. Maureen examines this blue egg with Esther on it. We agree to let her roll off the diving board. This will be her final plunge. We will leave her in the pool for eternity… Elvis, with your collar and fancy hair, you just stay seated in that metal lawn chair.
We sit next to King’s egg and talk. Just Maureen, me, and an egg painted with hair, glasses, and a collar. We decide to leave him be, “Happy Easter Elvis, if you get hungry, my mom’s having a buffet, around 2-ish”
Written and lived by… Maureen Miller and Donnie Norden
In the movie business, there is no such words as TWO BIG…
We will explore this iconic building. Scenic artists created canvas paintings large enough to change the view out of the living room. They could even cover your house completely. Anywhere and everywhere, pick your era, it probably is rolled up inside here. The creations made here are museum quality, and J.C Backings operated out of this iconic building from 1972 until recent. The building and the Art Department itself date much farther back. Basically, this place is the museum of movie backdrops.
The building itself is so iconic it has doubled as an exterior film set. In Somebody Up There Likes Me, it is part of a prison. In Soylent Green, it is hidden in a matte painting of future New York.
The elevator that greets you as you walk inside this structure is fit for a king. A king from the thirties named Irving Thalberg. In the 1950’s, his personal elevator moved from the Thalberg Building. Louie B Mayer resided there. It found its way to this iconic facility. It does more than just take artists up to the painting platform, it’s more like a Time Machine.
The fact the vendor J.C Backings has relocated has created rumor’s this building may be torn down. It has outlived it’s usefulness if there is such a thing. CGI can green screen images where paintings once occupied window and patio spaces, along with rolling vista’s.
This building is designed to capture all the natural light the sun has to offer. I will take you on the roof as to show you the concept capturing sky light through clever engineering. This place is a palace few outside the studio know or appreciate.
If indeed Sony does remove this iconic building, Hollywood needs to salvage Irving’s Thalberg’s elevator. This building in it’s entirety should be a Hollywood Museum.
This scenic backdrops still get rented and are part of J.C ‘s stockpile of history that sits silently, collecting dust. Many canvas paintings have been rolled up for decades from the looks of things. The Sony Tour refuses to walk you inside even though the tour starts right outside. They should at least allow you to poke your head inside. You should at least look up at this uniquely designed art house. At least, let folks see this elevator.
Today, I will take the liberty to show you around the MGM Scenic Art Building…
Irving Thalberg’s elevator!The upstairs exit The coolest elevator I’ve been in since Blade Runner at the Bradbury Building. My pictures don’t do it justice, this is a thing of beauty.The West entrance to the scenic art building…The entry as you walk inside the Scenic Art DepartmentThis not look like much but, there is a ton of engineering involved here. To get these massive canvas’s to become a picture easel. Old artist’s would teach “hands on” to the next generations of artists. This place was integral to the Motion Picture Industry. A Quote from Arnold Gillespie,Art Director, Head of Special Effects. 1924-1965. The True Wizard of MGM.Grasp this depth best needed by these artists.
Let’s take this opportunity to access the roof…
Even the roof is slotted and glass. Painting can be done at night and lighting used on sets helps light these backdrops inside this department. In the day time, existing day- light is sufficient.The studio water tank for filming actors swimming while the camera never gets wet…This was removed a few years back. It sat at the base of the side of the Art Building that has all the windows.This area doubled as a prison in Paul Newman’s- Somebody Up There Like’s MeThe bottom of this picture is the live half. The top is a matte painting. This scene took place on Lot 1 below the scenic art building. Soylent Green 1972The scenic art building in a matte painting in Air Raid WardensThe Overland Gate expansion. This picture is taken from upstairs in the Filmways building across the street. It is the Sony Studio’s west entrance today. It was still MGM when this was taken. It is a construction entrance only at that time. The right side of the photograph has an edge of the scenic building. The movie sign above the studio, left of the water tank has the title… Why Would I Lie ?Hopefully, The Clock never strikes Mid-night at this legendary Scenic Artist Facility that almost secretly ignores time…
I Share with you a story on this Windy Christmas Morning about a windy day onthe MGM Backlot. Follow me knowing this -“If I run- you better run faster!”
Picture taken from same roof as the picture below– the Small Town Courthouse
Windy days on the backlot are exhilarating. The wind can choose to be gentle, romancing you into the peaceful backdrop, or she can irrationally shift her mood. You can hear the rustling when her temper gets riled up. My eyes get wide at her warning not knowing how tumultuous her fury may manifest itself. It’s wildly fun.
During the day, rooftop views are those of fairy tales. The distant villages and steeples have extra vibrancy, like a brand-new color TV. Chimneys on the cottage roofs endure another high velocity test. They still maintain their fake red brick storybook appearance.
The rooftop of the courthouse in Small Town Square is located at the center most point of the lot.This roof is equal in distance to the fence in almost every direction.This is dead center of thislot-Looking North.Andy Hardy’s House is behind the Arco sign,the opposite side is the Hardy front door.Pictures taken on a windy afternoon on the MGM backlot from the same rooftop…
Who’s peekin’ out from under a stairway Calling a name that’s lighter than air Who’s bending down to give me a rainbow Everyone knows it’s Windy
Who’s tripping down the streets of the city Smilin’ at everybody she sees Who’s reachin’ out to capture a moment Everyone knows it’s Windy
And Windy has stormy eyes That flash at the sound of lies And Windy has wings to fly Above the clouds
-The Association
Earth, Wind and Fire are three elements. They have shaped not only this planet but also the backlots I traverse daily. When the wind howls at my house, it’s like an invitation to explore my backlot under conditions similar to war. All my friends know what I’m talking about. The wind opens up new horizons and changes the landscapes, then slams those same doors shut, all within seconds. Like some backlot magic act by invisible magicians.
The stirring breezes invite you, no words needed. It’s magic time on a backlot, cherishing the earth’s moods. The planet must feel exceptional today, every direction I turn is pure crystal blue persuasion. Accompanying sounds can be deciphered many ways. A mad influx of studio history mingles with the present-day vibrations. These vibrations resonate all around us. We enter this windy old place for an unplanned, spur of the moment afternoon…
Don’t be afraid…it’s just the wind!
Wind inspired this Twilight Zone episode–The GraveThe Wind Cries...Lee Marvin!
The MGM sound department should record these haunted wisps. They conjure up so much imagination on windy days and nights on their ghoulish backlot. The winds kick up swirls of dust. It’s as if they are trying to recompose famous scenes that took place on these dirt and cobblestone roads. Ghostly images dance in period costumes. Spirits come and go through doorways as they wish. They magically disappear only to reappear in a window or archway across the way. It’s playtime, spirit wise, in this dream factory.
Every landscape, village, and courtyard come to life in its own unique style. Tall mature trees dance to whistling howls. Revolving doors on the fronts of New York Street try revolving. They muster up just enough energy to partially turn. But it’s plenty enough to scare any nearby trespasser. But this is the fun part, everything is alive inside here.
An Eskimo has nolife– an igloo at the base of this old castle
I imagine security has a hard time, noise-wise on patrols. It’s like kids are everywhere. At nighttime, I bet the guards are even a touch frightened. Strange goings on take command of the landscape. Old, decrepit walls often blow over. Even the arch on Combat Street met its fate from a very strong wind recently. The weather finished off what W.W 2 couldn’t.
Rooftops are supreme on these windy afternoons, the views are sharp, clear and priceless. The keys to my imagination are engaged, the breeze of MGM’s past filters through my lungs and into my brain. I never want this moment to fade away. This magic is what life’s about!
The wind only enhances what is always here. The spirits use the opportunity to present their pent-up energy and flirt with us. A glimpse, a feeling, a hint of where they want us to go next. Whose memory are we chasing? Is it The Little Rascals? Or perhaps Laurel and Hardy. We often feel them here with us. The wind is a stimulant and makes my senses keen. Wild eyed and willing to follow wherever they push us.
I think Rod Serling probably did exactly what Jimmy and my other friends do on these special spirited days. The Lee Marvin episode, The Grave, about outlaw Pinto Sykes seems inspired by a MGM backlot on a windy night. “Hey- is that Lee over there, with Battling Maxo?”
Anything and everything has happened here, the wind simply turns back pages in the MGM history book. The wind creates sound from past troubadours and whips them into spinning shapes that appear as fast as they disappear. Each page is its own story. It is its own place. It is not linked to a clock. It is just a magical place built with extreme imagination.
BattlingMaxo,fresh off the bus, Small Town Square-MGM lot 2, on skates no less.I’ve roller skated there too...
Writers often wander this lot for inspiration which can easily be drawn into their imaginations from these desolate villages. Every twist and turn is stirring in some way when you take a walk around this lot. You might jot down notes with a pencil and paper. Alternatively, you could talk into a cassette recorder. Many stories actually originate from inside here, from the backlot. It’s where they will be filmed so the saying, “You got to see it to be it”, applies here.
I’m caught in the MGM jet stream. It’s like I’m a character in a book or movie. The backlot will become my personal Genie in a Bottle, where all my wishes come true.
Curtains in ancient windows move about behind the dirty glass, like they’re exercising. Soon again, they will hang stagnant, like in a picture frame. But today is play day, like a ghostly, haunted Disneyland. Some fabrics dislodge from their present location with large gusts. They take flight back to the past, as if they are magic carpets. Romeo and Juliet’s balconies seem extremely active, as glass doors reverberate off the door jams. Eucalyptus trees bow under the pressure and leaves fly into the village below. The rustling trees blend in like musical instruments in the wind…
Doorways, rooftops, real windy-special effects
My best friend Jimmy and I enter today at the Grand Central Station, the train compartments are alive this afternoon. Curtains blow through windows that are open in these old Pullmans. They greet us by waving, full of exuberance, like an orient express. Everything on this lot is alive today with a little help…from the wind.
Next to the trains is the snow room, even the slightest breezes create blizzard-like conditions inside this old dungeon. We open the thick ancient door. We stare at a calm environment of stacked boxes. They face every direction and are packed with plastic snowflakes. A huge gust kicks this place back to life. It is as if Wizard Arnold Gillespie turned on a switch. I bet he’s in here laughing at us, MGM’s effects guru for four decades.
It’s windy and clear on the lot, but a snowstorm is underway in this storage facility. We shut the door and walk away from the weather effects we just created. No wind machines are needed today.
The first backlot cemetery I explored is located just beyond my original Hole in the Fence. It was also the first set I ever hid in. It is as spooky as any cemetery I’ve ever seen, day or night. A coffin sits waiting to be buried or maybe it was exhumed. I want to climb inside, but it has too many spiders, so I lay alongside the sarcophagus. Jimmy and I recreate our own graveyard scenes as blowing tumbleweeds bounce off tombstones. I laugh like a witch as Jimmy pretends to get killed. This is how we have fun. Watching TV shows and recreating cool scenes. We just happen to have our own graveyards.
We hide here often, the outskirts of a cemetery. It’s close to the fence on Elenda Streetand the pool set.I was laying in the weeds for this picture- like a corpse.
Dirt blows into the sets adjacent to the many dusty roads that remind you you’re on an ancient lot. Most roads are dirt here. Cobblestone is the pavement of choice, except on New York Street. We often skateboard down the metropolis’ sidewalks, under the famous 5th Avenue marquees. Yes indeed, I’ve been chased on my skateboard. It’s plenty safe, faster than any guard, and portable to climb with. Tools of the advanced trespasser. The pavement here is smooth enough for a movie star…
I sing and dance in the rain on rainy days. It’s just around the corner on Waterfront Street. The sidewalk and street still exist long after the 1967 MGM New York Street fire.Gene likes baseball too, he’s a Pirates fan he told me- we havebacklots in common. Anything not anchored down takes on a life of its own.The theater district on a stormy, windy day
New York Street is an orchestra on days like this. The rest of the lot is just a series of small clubs. This pales in comparison to all that takes place on this street of a thousand doors and windows. Today, we can slam doors if we wish, throw stealth out the window. We might as well have cymbals to smash together on large gusts. We try to imagine what we are hearing all around us, what sets have become active. So much is alive in this deserted, desolate landscape.
Look what the wind blew in...
The Bronco makes its first appearance of the day and drives slowly below us. A black sleeved left arm extends upward out of the window like the long arm of the law. The guard, Bronco Bob himself, clutches the top door of the vehicle. It safely passes by. He is unaware it has an audience above him.
“Will the wind ever remember the names it’s blown on in the past?” “Yes forever” they whisper to us; “the spirits will never leave here, and they enjoy your company”
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…
“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 Waybut 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….
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 todie” 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, TheUninvited 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
Civil War -GWTW recreation…I can’t offer more-I wish I could. This pictorial is basically my pictures trespassing this lot circa 1982.W
“What a find this Ranch was- I took full advantage!”
If I remember correctly – this was a recreation of a Gone with the Wind scene. That would be Scarlett O’Hara…
Sound cart, sensitive equipment. Airplanes flying over have to be waited on. Especially if the time frame of show preceded aircraft, such as what’s being filmed here on this day.
Oak Trees dominate the landscape…
Lake Keezia-Little House on Prairie starring Michael Landon.
Big Sky Ranch in Simi Valley was the location most used… but this lake at Golden Oak Ranch was also a location.
Zorro took place here…
Same Bridge -Hazzard County. This lot was a frequent location in this series. Usually, scenes filmed here end up being mixed with The Burbank Studios Backlot.
John Schneider at Gold Oaks. This car usually is going high speed at this location.
Double vision…off to Golden Oaks we go!
You can never have enough action cars…
This show went through a lot of cars if you remember this hit T.V show.
Lunch is served -to a couple of trespassers…
Life is good here–maybe I’ll find some Gold!
Myself, my Sheltie- Grady-this dog caught frisbees par excellence.. Jimmy, my trespassing buddy for well over a decade took this photo. This day we added another studio to our resume.
There’s Gold in these hills.
March 9, 1842 Don Francisco Lopez became rich!Hence-Golden Oak Ranch
My history here started with a trespass in 1982
My pictures take you along with me on another trespass. I had no background information as we arrived at an open main gate. Lucky for us, filming was taking place, so traffic coming through the main gate was allowed. Just wave “hello” and don’t come to a complete stop. That’s how you trespass… in a car!
I’m 22 and my friend Jimmy and need a backlot fix. Having been to all the major studios, several times-Jimmy suggested “Let’s try Placerita Canyon, there’s a studio out that way.” We arrive in a VW Square back with a dog anxiously waiting in the backseat. With filming taking place, we feel right at home. Actors in civil war costumes provide atmosphere and a female, playing Scarlett O’Hara is wondering in a field. Within an hour of our arrival, lunch is served.
This is how this trespass begins on a ranch we have yet to explore. After a filling lunch, and a brief nap-we soldier on. Nothing is more fun than exploring sets for the first time. The only guard is at the main gate. We look old enough to be crew, and I doubt this ranch gets trespassed much-if ever.
Here are some facts about this place we had no idea of at the time we first visited. Walt DisneyProductions leased this land for the Mickey Mouse Club-“Adventures of Spin and Marty” in the 1950’s. The company bought the 315 acre ranch in 1959. More land was acquired and quickly, this movie ranch increased to 890 acres. That’s bigger than any studio or film ranch.
The gold found on this site started the California Gold Rush. A heliport exists here, two creeks, a waterfall, and several Western sets. In May 2013, Disney expanded with 6 new stages and offices. this site would be named Disney/ABC Studios, at The Ranch.
Desperate Housewives was a show on ABC that was a staple on Sunday nights for 8 years. All episodes were filmed at Universal Studios because Disney in Burbank did not have the capacity for this humongous T.V series. Often, they had 6 stages on the Universal Lot and an entire street on the backlot. This show had 2 sometimes 3 basecamps. It was the biggest thing going at Universal.
Because it’s Disney, tour guides were instructed not to mention it, Universal will not promote Disney. But they will cash their checks, this was the most expensive series on television for 8 years. So as trams passed by, the show stuck signs up promoting themselves “Desperate Housewives” as the guides remained silent on orders from upper ups.
Finally after year 8 completed, ABC /Disney Ranch built facilities took move the show to this ranch. They built another Wisteria Lane out at the Placerita location and the Golden Egg Universal that pumped extraordinary rental fees into their coffers dried up. Marc Cherry, the show creator, surprisingly pulled the plug on the series before ever filming at the ranch. The ratings were great, but he had some problems brewing with the girls. Nicollette Sheridan had a 20 million dollar lawsuit against him, pitting cast members against each other.
I lived that turmoil, I often received emergency calls to power up separate make rooms because the girls were having cat fights. The girls were jealous of perks others received, motor homes had to be top quality, every girl thought she was the rating draw. Oh what fun that series was. I have seen Ms. Sheridan pull up in a Ferrari, wearing practically nothing, go inside her make up tent, only to get into it with Teri Hatcher. No one was sure who the star was. Teri Hatcher was the big name, but Eva Longeria rose to stardom on this series.
Each year, heads got bigger and bigger finally pushing Marc Cherry to fold his hand and the anxiously awaited move to Golden Oaks Ranch never took place…
Universal Studios European Village in the 1930’s era…Sets I would never get to explore.
1967-Sets affected that remained for decades more, include The Court of Miracles, buildings closest and not entirely engulfed and Spartacus Square. In this photo, a section of buildings on right of frame would remain standing. Paint, wood and stucco would repair the cosmetics as firefighters preserved the integrity of the stairway leading up to the structure itself.
The rooftops I’m on in this picture were built to replace the buildings devastated by the fire.the 1987 fire. This section burned twice, 67 and 87. Construction would start immediately after clean up. The buildings on the left -across the way are in pictures where fire department was battling the blaze. They saved the front side and that street was repaired. Spartacus-most distant- right side of frame avoided any damage.These rooftops pictured-have burned down twice.
Both sides of street burned below me, the cobblestone road is original as buildings went up in foot print of original.
You can see this building from rooftop pics-notice the gated columns. Building salvaged and repaired.
Same building in flames 40 years later…Dressed for- Monuments of Men. A George Clooney film 2014
Buildings in Spartacus Square that survived and were repaired. No longer do they exist, Sound Stages fill this area now.
This building survived and was repaired…Same courtyard, fire department is seen battling in 1967.
Universal color photos from Company 51, Our Emergency Fire Department on the lot.
Spartacus- not touched but as close as you can be. This photo is “Berlin” in Monuments of Men. 2014. Spartacus was torn down, deemed unsafe by the fire department.- I can vouch for that, we had electrical panels on the backside where we ran cables for lighting and transportation power, The floor caved in on me one evening carry a heavy load of electrical cables. Wolfgang Puck Food and Wine festivals used this section of the backlot for magnificent parties. All the food and wine you could handle, entertainment, fancy lighting and movie props, such as statues, sarcophagus’s, chariots, and harems. An annual huge event…some buildings deemed unsafe basically ended this event. Now, brand new stages stand in this area.
Spartacus Set survived as flames surrounded it.In the two New York Street fires I experienced, helicopters were key to saving the lot, especially the film vaults. The main focus was film storage and water dropping helicopters filled up “rapid fire” from our Red Sea. Our lake helped fight these fires.
Spartacus Set-The Long Building in right of frame with a dirt road behind it miraculously survived this event. Universal Studios hosted a party sponsored by Wolfgang Puck, annually, called an American Food and Wine Festival. Mood Lighting, Music, Set Decorations, Spirits and Gourmet Food awaited you. Often used for Basecamps, trailers and tents packed this square. No longer exists…
I would guess this is after the 67′ fire. Everything is exactly detailed as it was. every doorway had an electrical panel inside. Called shore power, we could handle large events here power wise, plus, we back it up with generators in case something gets over amped!The show must go on…
Replacements of what burned down…
“And on my side of the tram”…I did this a thousands times at least….Trams exiting the Parting of the Red Sea next will end up here…
My focus of amazement is not the fire itself, it’s the Showboat in the Black Lagoon. McHale’s Navy filmed in this quadrant of the backlot from 1962 to 1966. In fact, I see P.T. Boats next to a structure we called the Snow House. Fake snow was stored inside. The River Boat would be relocated for a Studio Tour highlight at the opposite end of this lake. The lagoon branches off the lake. This is also where The Parting of the Red Sea animation on your Glamour Tram Tour would be built. The sea would part and trams would drive through here on the way to European Street. That Showboat had 3 separate locations on this lake that I know of. It was not seaworthy when I explored it. This Showboat, Lagoon, and The Parting of the Red Sea no longer exist. The Lagoon became a Satellite Farm for large Satellite Dishes for NBC to broadcast live.
Everything with a gray roof pictured here is a rebuild. Fringe sets, farthest away survived fire.
Court of Miracles is about to become engulfed.
This alley still stands today- all this burned in 1967.
Cobblestone still remains from this fiery event. Castle from TheScorpion King.
This “Court of Miracles” area is often used for catering-tents, tables and a nearby catering truck circle the fountain. A nice place to eat!
It’s a miracle what this fountain has “lived” through…
Our fountain survived the fire, and sits in The Court of Miracles to this day. The most special “prop” on the backlot. It has four flying Lions, and has been used in everything from Monster Movies to Playboy shoots. This fountain has seen it all!
Court of Miracles fountain withstood this holocaust but this village burned. The building in background is the final stop of the Universal Train used in all our old westerns. The tracks continually do a slight curve to give impression they disappear into the frontier. I will take down those tracks in future post.
That’s where my beloved fountain was located in the 1967 Fire.
Every picture tells a story…Be Cautious and follow me, this is my home away from home!
Let’s begin in a blaze of fire-1967. Historic sets, chateaus, and villages, areas most utilized in classic Universal Monsters Films. Chew on that for a moment.
Strange Things Lurk Here
The staple of Universal Pictures, Monsters roamed freely here. It’s almost fitting these ghosts from the past disappeared in one flaming afternoon. Only they didn’t die, nothing really dies around here…it’s the very place I take you through today. Walk softly, trust your instincts, you’re in the footsteps,,, of Monsters.
Two stages still exist that were used in Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi films-a third, Stage 28, the most haunted of all-has been removed- willingly by NBC Universal. Shame on them, you have unleashed a curse! Stage 12 and 27 remain as testament to studio origins.
Monsters are our Friends
Personally, I would have made Stage 28 the defacto museum of Universal history. The Paris Opera House was built inside and these walls from the Original Phantom of the Opera have been witness to all our history.
Better known as- The Glamour Tram. Celebrating 60 Years on the Backlot
Who Didn’t watch- The Munsters.
Even the Beatles watched them– then they all met in person when the Beatles played in Dodger Stadium in 1965. Unable to book hotels because of potential of being over run, Founder Lew Wasserman put them up here at Universal. If you do not know-MCA stands for Music Corporation of America. That’s who signed my paychecks -those three formidable letters. Monsters and Rock Stars united. A decade later Paul McCartney would return with new friends who love monsters…
Everyone loves our Monsters…
Even Steven Spielberg...This Frankenstein set is located inside Amblin Entertainment. Steven always uses our oldest biggest stages- where all our monster history took place on the front lot.
Let’s Tour the Backlot Sets used in these iconic films…
“All Aboard-I’ll Drive!”
No Smoking is the first rule you will hear from these pretty ladies. To build up enthusiasm, guides are provided “call sheets” to point out who and what we may run into on today’s tour. In 1967-these were the studio productions…
Tram Keeps a Rollin…
After a leisurely tour outside stages we enter the backlot. “All original streets back then.”The P.T. Boat 73- from McHale’s Navy still sits in the lagoon after the show was canceled,” points out our beautiful Glamour Tram Tour Guide. Let’s push on through the Red Sea- ‘Part the Waters Everybody.”
“My cue” to activate the genie that triggers a drain to lower the water level.
“Ahead you see trailers that are used as dressing rooms during filming.” says our expert sitting next to me.
Sometimes – the water level is higher than other times creating severe drag on these vehicles that carry 125 passengers. With wet tires and wet roadways from previous trams ahead of us-this can be a “spinning tire- 16 wheel battle.” On the other side is our Little Europe Set, Spartacus, and the Court of Miracles.
As Blood, Sweat and Tears would sing back then “Spinning Wheel got to go ’round.” No truer words here…I sang that in my head. High water level also sometimes snagged women’s purses if they were on the steel plated floor. Once that happened on my tram with cash spreading into lagoon. The Tour Guide warns you to not leave things on the floor before proceeding through-“So we’re covered-pay attention!”
What a difference a year makes, Red Sea Location – Right before the 1967 Fire McHale’s Navy was still on the air. Dry docked in photo on the right. The Creature from The Black Lagoon set became the Parting of the Red Sea for a rapidly and successfully developing Universal Studio Tour.
“Are those flames ahead ?”
Our vintage tour ends here in the first big Universal Backlot Fire. I saw three huge backlot fires in my career. Two on New York Street and one in our European street area featured today. That was quickly contained limiting damage, so fact is -this area burned again in 1987. It was contained to 4 structures and rebuilt very quickly.
Maureen and I had to pay a final visit to show our respects and we ended up being the center a “Code 3.”The Burbank Police showed up after an irate guard threw a frenzy as we took pictures at the entrance. We are 63 years old at this point in time. We will start herein the present -before going back in time.
The culprits:
They seem innocent …
Grown up version of this same duo oftroublemakers over at the former East End of MGM Lot 3…We never stop playing this game!
We don’t cause trouble-it follows us.
I hear trouble behind me…
Behind me is one upset guard with his camera out and calling police.
The police have arrived with sirens no less, we didn’t think it was for us until, they positioned themselves on the street corners. One police car went inside the lot. I quickly concluded it’s time for Bonnie and Clyde to make for the getaway car. We hid behind the white truck before driving past this developing situation. We decided to cover our tracks, literally in a Pullman car at nearby Travel Town to process what just happened. It wouldn’t be the first time a Pullman car would provide a hideout for us. Calmly like the 63 year olds we are, we left the area with one final memory. Maureen and I love backlots – We plead guilty to that charge!
These Stages once used by Bewitched, The Monkees, and The Partridge Family. An entire forest was viciously destroyed in this now desolate area that once was Fantasy Island. Foreground was a lush forest…”we don’t need those anymore.” says the project manager…Disgraceful!
Backside New York Street.
Once Upon a Time this was our entrance.
Gate 11 in better days…
One final Goodbye
“Come and get me Mr. Security Guard- Be careful not to fall in the trench”
Fountain foreground, pool behind me. My color and Black and White pictures years apart.
Let’s go on top of the buildings off in the distance. Keep your eyes out for guards…
I can be found on backlot rooftops…
Same rooftop-years apart.
Looking towards Forest Lawn Drive from the highest vantage point on the Columbia Ranch
Gate 11-Hollywood Way-located behind trees.
Same rooftop, same angle, years apart.
The backside view from same roof–a silver spaceship, off in the distance, left side of building.
Subtle changes-years apart
Transportation/picture cars. Columbia Ranch stages
Same roofs looking toward Western Street. Very few shots exist from rooftops, these are special-I’m like an owl, watching over everything…
Hoot hoot…
Those rooftops overlook the backlot, a fountain is situated on the front side-in a park setting.This place is like a kid’s toy chest. I’ll take you up there in today’s story, a night time trespassing adventure…
The pool area-fountain is just out of frame.
Dive on in…
Steel structure contained hand props, really cool stuff inside. Trees in back of frame is where Fantasy Island-studio version of Queen Anne Cottage in Arcadia, California. A seldom used nearby location. This ranch reproduced that location.
My pal Jimmy as we approach this backlot version of Queen Anne Cottage. Exterior set duplicated on the Columbia Ranch. Discovery after discovery around every corner.
Welcome to Fantasy Island…“You guys remember me?” I met “you all” on your second ever episode-over at MGM lot 2… “Pleasure to be here!”…I have an amazing story to share on this set in 1977, when I spent the day with this cast and crew. My story is titled “Glass Onion” You will trip out, literally. This colorful event will be in book three, not yet titled- so Stay tuned!
This is a picture of set duplicated at the Ranch. This is the real Queen Anne Cottage.
What’s real and what’s illusion?
Fantasy Island Storage Company-Set decorations as simple as a palm tree, a sign, and tropical jungle reeds save going on location. I was on set at MGM for Fantasy Island. Bert Convy and Robert Clary guest starred with MGM legend Ricardo Montalban. The show had not yet aired, second episode. Plot was about escape from Devil’s Island. This story will be in my 3rd book. Episode Directed by Gene Levitt. Famous for his Combat history at MGM, he also was the Director on The Phantom of Hollywood. A film the parallels my dealings at MGM in the beginning of the 70’s. I’m that Phantom- that plot is ghostly-because it’s my story at that studio. That’s why I’m –The Phantom of the Backlots
TBS Backlot
Walton house over at Columbia Ranch
Replica barn -Columbia Ranch for Waltons reunion.
Original barn set-picture taken by me in 1975. We would later on that holiday afternoon drive a car used in this series and dress in clothing found in trunk as we toured the backlot, in a Waltons car, dressed as family members.” “Hey, where is everybody?…When’s supper?”
“There’s those trespassers again… Kami go back inside…these boys are up to no good!”
Let’s check out that spaceship…yonder –apparently we’re not alone
He was a Sheriff on earth–I had a fort in his house!
I’ll take the window seat
This backlot is a portal to…Outer Space!
Water tank set on backlot-real homes across from studio on Hollywood Way
This corner was where we entered for over a decade, the parking lot of a shopping center. We would park here, listen to music and plot. That’s the water tank, surrounded by scaffolding. Actors swim inside as cameras film from windows. Universal and MGM also had these heavy duty steel drum sets. Esther Williams made her living in one of these at MGM. Plus she had a deep pool to dive into…
Recent picture where all my adventures began…
As time passed…More barb wire was added and a moat full of alligators…Just to keep me out!
Church from outside studio
Church inside studio
Backlot fencing, covered with ivy. On the other side is a utility road. This public street is Oak St.
I love this studio because it was nestled in with real life normal people living everyday life with a balcony view of the studio. Maureen’s apartment growing up was just outside MGM’s fences. Sequence of pics from off lot, behind house and front door. Picture one of Bewitched house from Oak St.The address used for this fictitious house is 1164 Morning Glory Circle.
Just inside the fence on Oak St.-This utility road separating the public street “Oak” from Samantha Stevens home in Bewitched.This is picture 2 of 3
The most familiar angle of the three...The front door of the Bewitched home.
This series aired from 1964 to 1972. Created by Sol Saks. 254 episodes were created, most directed by William Asher.Hanna-Barbera produced the opening and closing animated credits…
Bewitched is rated number 50 in TV Guides fifty greatest TV shows of all time.
When I started in the business as a Teamster-driver I met drivers from shows with stories to share. One of these men was Elizabeth Montgomery’s personal driver. No star was as nice as this beautiful witch. Very caring, generous and giving. She is famous for special Christmas presents. One of my first TV Star crushes!
The studio residential neighborhood- a slingshot from real people’s homes with everyday normal lives.These homes were built between 1946 and 1951.
Front and side view– Dennis the Menace’s house.
1981 Ghost Town-This is where trespassers are hung!
Ghost Town bus break down...Partridge Family 1970 Christmas episode.
Gold Rush turns to Ghost Town. A window/wild wall put up for this shot-middle of street. Atmosphere extras replaced by tumbleweeds blown by a wind machine.
1970 meets 1981
Is that David Cassidy on those steps strumming his guitar? –Andy Griffith is also a Singing sheriffover at Desilu
Merry Christmas from the Partridge Family- 1970
Same Saloon entrance-10 years apart…
More backlot musicians policing the old west. The Monkees were not an organic band. They were successfully cast by Hollywood for this series. Picture on left- you can see sky through upstairs windows. Picture on right in same saloon the Partridge Family wished you a very 70’s Merry Christmas.
The Monkees became a huge pop culture sensationwith four chart topping albums and three chart topping songs. “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer” and ‘Daydream Believer.”They sold 75 million records world wide…A little know fact is- David Bowie’s real name is David Jones, he changed it to Bowie because of the success David Jones was having as a Monkee… The rest is history!
This Ranch is like a movie museum…
The stories these old sets can tell…
Sets used in Hooper- I met Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham back here when this was going on. Story in detail in- Book Three.
I love Stunts…I loved this studio!
Welcome to season three of…The Phantom of the Backlots
Or does it?…
Introduction...I hope all is well with my fans- I look forward to personally reuniting with all of you. I disappeared to focus on my books. Out of the mist, under the cover of darkness-I’ve reappeared. The Uninvited Visitor is now available on Amazon.
On the One Hundredth Anniversary of MGM Studios, I’m proud to go back 50 years with my own stories and experiences at this legendary movie studio that ended up having a major impact on how my life would play out. The MGM Effect is real, I salute you MGM as I would any dear friend I’ve known so long. We shared so much fun together, you’re forever part of my DNA. From hundreds of tiny wooden slivers, a few small yet still distinguishable scars from cuts and stitches from long ago that required a few trips to the ER for repairs. And a tooth that broke and ripped through my lower lip while running through buildings on New York Street. That’s not counting several other…near misses!
A third book detailing MGM’s final years 1977-80 will be my next and final installment. T.U.V will travel back through 1975/1976. A lot happened in these two years including my final stories involving Desilu as it disappears and literally becomes… Gone With the Wind.
Meanwhile a blockbuster film titled King Kong moves in at MGM and that set becomes my home. I will take you to Skull Island. Climb the walls with me in a story titled Dark Side of the Moon. I even briefly go inside Kong as he arrives on the backlot. That story is titled…Welcome to the Machine.
So without further ado, sit back, relax, smoke a cigar and enjoy the show…it’s a 70’s Rock and Roll-experience, like no other. As MGM celebrates 100 today, lets trespass back in time to the most recent backlot no longer in existence.
My favorite books on MGM Studios. Arnold Gillespie was truly The Wizard. His career at MGM was so long that he worked on the original Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925)and its remake Ben-Hur (1959) and the original Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and its remake Mutiny on the Bounty (1962). Buddy G. will explain how each challenging scene was put together and captured for eternity. When you finish this large book, you will have an engineering degree involving how movies are made. A tip of the hat to Mr. Robert Welch on such a marvelous presentation on his legendary grandfather.
Dear Pal- Steven Bingen captures a history both in pictures and interviews in his two hard covered books pictured here. Proudly, I’m part of “The MGM Effect,” no one ever was probably more “effected” than me in that fairy tailish wonderland I had the pleasure of growing up inside of.
Warner Bros. Closes the Gates on what was a very special…backlot
Pretty amazing the final events that have taken place around this Burbank facility. The fact it’s so popular makes you wonder why tours were not offered in the Warner Studio Tour. This lot wasn’t always connected to Warners or TBS, it had rich history as Columbia Pictures. I am positive many historians would have flipped a hundred dollars for a final Curtain pulling event on this backlot.
Who doesn’t love studio history-Studio executives -that’s who!
Maureen and I have seen this movie before at- MGM, lots 2/3, and Desilu in Culver City. Now this legendary backlot all TV Land viewers have grown up inside of-has bitten the dust. The difference was the internet didn’t exist then and only we seemed to care. Apparently, this tear down spread like wild fire thanks to this cyber world we all now live in. You can’t rebuild it now and many things could have been auctioned and a more creative demolition or reimplementation in this land of captured memories. The park and fountain, and some wonderful mature trees who were part of all this backlots history could and should have been incorporated to respect the past in what will now be a concrete jungle of endless stages. A campus setting blending past, present and future- Not to be-thanks to contemporary visionaries.
At least MGM, RKO/Desilu and 20th Century Fox offered up incredible bargains of a historic nature. Desilu was like some circus that left town and not everything was packed on the train.
But not this place, not this legendary ranch “don’t even look inside or I’m calling the cops!”
“Go ahead, just saying- Hi, is all” was how my exchange with security at Gate 11 began as Maureen and I paid our last visit.
Whatever happened to the Ken Hollywoods of the world, security guards who double as legends themselves. The icons of MGM security, who wore bright smiles above shiny silver badges. Friends to movie stars and trespassers alike. Guards such as him who would introduce this impressionable teen ager to MGM’s legendary talent. Complete with decades of stories of how wonderful the magic of Hollywood touched all of us. Both those who wear shiny black shoes and those of us wearing worn out tennis shoes…we embraced history under that famous Lion logo.
For my third book which is in the works, ironically, I have a story that starts at this exact gate… Gate 11-Columbia Ranch. The story is Hooper, starring Burt Reynolds. Security, back in 1978, greets me and my actor friend Tim that morning, reminding us the speed limit and rules we should know. Tim was a bit actor in this and many other films.
If I followed every rule, we wouldn’t have all this content I present you. The Ten Commandments are the rules Maureen and I were taught to follow in our Catholic upbringing way back in our early years, we rationalized that trespassing isn’t specifically addressed as a sin in any one of those commandments. Never did we feel we were doing wrong…because this is not on Catholic school lists of sins.”…Thank God!
Like a King and a Queen, we’ve sat in carriages used by movie royalty. We occupied Castles, steeples of every size and shape, including trying on left behind wardrobe from ancient times. From tree stumps with tunnels underneath to famous prisons, we became part of the dangerous landscape…literally. We kept finding things others who preceded us overlooked. Most recently, Marion Davies and her Divine spirit allowed me to rescue a vital link dating back to Hollywood’s earliest days. As if we were selected to pass on these magical heirlooms of motion picture history. We gratefully accept the challenge bestowed upon us. You can be anything you wish to be once inside these fences. These backlots were where we grew up, truly our “Home Sweet Home.”
January 3, 1981-we begin our rooftop story:
The Boys and I love a good challenge, my gang tonight are all good friends who have grown up together on movie backlots- along side me. You may recognize their names-Jimmy, Pat and Danny from previous adventures. Tonight, we’re going to do something special –trespass the Columbia Ranch at night. We have done Warner Brothers and Universal in the dark and of course the MGM lots and Desilu, but we’ve yet to tackle this 40 acre ranch.
We arrive by way of Jimmy’s square back VW and park in an empty parking lot behind a barb wire cage that protects Hollywood from onlookers. We sit momentarily staring at a sharply covered brick wall, Blondie sings “Call Me” on the radio and we get out the car and stand on our horseshoes. “They’ve added more barb wire since last visit” I point out. The four of us are sizing up the situation. Looking for the path of least resistance. We see a section of brick wall not wrapped in wire.
This is where the rubber meets the rode and in 30 seconds we are all now taking cover in near by bushes inside the backlot. We use a climbing method so simple it childish. One kid puts his hands together forming a cup, the next kid puts his foot in that cup and is lifted high enough to pull himself up to the top. Once there-that kid on top pulls the kid who boosted him upwards by his extended arms. It’s almost like cheating it’s so easy and quick. All you need is the right fence situation, meaning no sharp barbs or edges.
We lurk slowly towards Fantasy Island, which is as dark as you can get. We let our eyes turn into night vision goggles, on the look for the slightest movements. Employees move around in the daylight, but spirits travel at night. We fit right in.
Clocks are unnecessary since we have no where we need to go-we’re in exploration mode. We’ve all been here before and know certain sections better than others. It takes time to learn every square inch of a backlot-it took a couple years of “all the time visitations” to master the MGM backlot 2. The area we that attracts us is the rooftops on the tall New York Skylines. Weaving in between parked Police cars, ambulances, Army trucks, all boxed in tight formation like a Hot Wheels carrying case.
As tempting as it is to sit inside some of these unlocked picture cars from from various shows, it’s just not safe yet, that still needs to be determined. Roof tops will determine exactly what and where is safe. Soldier on…we continue behind buildings and through every kind of doorway possible, we arrive at the staircase that takes you 4 stories high where we can get a handle on what we may be in for tonight.
Much of this interior ascension upwards is in Braille- meaning you can’t see. Slowly proceed up each step, making sure- there is a step. Just because- it’s long fall the higher you go. The rooftop is our sanctuary. It overlooks the entire backlot, this set is in the middle of the backlot with very long distances in each direction to reach safety if being chased. Anythings possible, but no time to worry, rather time to celebrate…No risk-No reward moment!
We quickly light a joint and take in all our surroundings. A cold breeze blows off tiny sparks like fireflies towards our faces. You know- Danny’s high- when he goes into a music trance and everything becomes part of a Slingerland drum set. Everything…His lap, the wood he’s sitting on, and the guy he’s sitting next to are all make shift drum set pieces. Just the other night we enjoyed Buddy Rich on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Danny went completely nuts over this band leader, drummer extraordinaire as did Doc Severinsen. Buddy is the real deal. Rodney Dangerfield added humor as only he can deliver.
Just 3 months ago, exactly where are car is parked tonight, the F.M radio dial, 95.5 KLOS informed us John Bonham, Led Zeppelin’s drummer, passed away. That afternoon we all trespassed this same wall… with very heavy hearts. I digress…
Still up on the roof– Jimmy and I pass this Bomber doobie while game planning what to expect in tomorrows championship football game between the Raiders and the Browns, while Pat sits fixated on the picture cars below. He’s a trespassing Transportation Captain, specializing in cars that aren’t his. Pat and Danny have beards, and Pat has on a Fedora he picked up at MGM awhile back. Up on this roof we must look like an Allman Brothers record cover. The only thing missing are the instrument cases.
We can relax up here because we have the upper hand. No one knows we’re here, and we can see everywhere. There is always anxiety when – traversing in the backlot- since these studios are 24/7. Never take anything completely for granted but it appears tonight it’s just us. Very few lights are on and none where we choose to go.
We retrace the stairway back down and cross a paved street, passing a large circular fountain and square pool. We are a slingshot away now from the Dennis the Menace house now, which I enter for the first time at night. “I too- my little blonde friend- am extremely accurate with rubber band attached to a stick” I say as I open the front door. Just in case he’s hiding in here…
It’s always fun when a group of kids get in character when entering a set with a glorious past-we become that family that was …canceled!
In the dark, at ground level, the large buildings we were just on top of look so imposing. We have a tendency to compare sets we are on to other sets at other studios and that’s because…we’ve seen and touched them all. Both daytime and night time. The night winds down without any unwanted visitors or interventions as we quietly touch back down on the asphalt parking lot where this night began…
40 years later here we are again…
We came to the guard shack with high hopes of sharing a little past history and perhaps getting a snapshot or two. We were appropriately dressed. She said I looked like I just stepped out of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” and she was wearing her “C’mon Get Happy” Partridge Family t-shirt.
Ch-ch-changes… The former Columbia Ranch is now run by Warner Brothers. Columbia Pictures can now be found on the iconic and still standing MGM lot. Just the names changed. This backlot was entered off a street named Hollywood Way and was the best backlot still standing … it will truly be missed.
I conclude this post with another picture drop presentation of my pictures tied into the past, from a couple of old folks who cherish places like this and will never forget all things we experienced inside. Put up all the cameras and barb wire you wish- but you can’t take our memories Warner Brothers.
Written and lived by Maureen Miller and Donnie Norden.
Phantom of the Backlots 