The entertainment section of the Valley Times featured a story on October 30, 1963 covering a tour of the back lot of Universal Pictures where many classic movies like “Psycho”, “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Sparticus” were filmed. The photos were shot by staff photographer Gordon Dean.
This is an aerial view of the 300 – acre lot bordered by the Los Angeles river, Barham Boulevard and the Hollywood Freeway. The panorama is a composite of four images:
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Here’s a closer look at some of the sets that served as backgrounds for some of Universal’s classic films and television shows.
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- The original cathedral used in the 1923 Lon Chaney film, “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” It was also Notre Dame in Universal’s first Academy Award picture, “All Quiet on the Western Front.” #00109483
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- One of the four Western sets on the lot, which date back to the days of silent film. Many TV shows such as “Wagon Train” and “The Virginian” were also shot there. #00109482
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- On one of lot’s three lakes. The riverboat was built in 1952 for Jimmy Stewart’s “Bend of the River”. At left is “McHale’s Navy” PT boat. #00109484
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- A New England street #00109479
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- “Egg and I” ranch house used in the “Ma and Pa Kettle” films and the “Wells Fargo” series. #00109480
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- P-51 stored near “Tap Roots” mansion. The house also doubled for schools and churches. #00109478
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- One of the oldest sets on the 300-acre back lot, the “plantation house” came into being during the silent days. Since then it was used in hundreds of films, including the Sinatra Enterprises Western, “4 For Texas.” #00109481