Daveland & Liberty Ranch Go To Universal Studios, Part 2

Welcome back to part 2 of my September 1969 journey back to Universal Studios in Hollywood. Excuse me…Universal INTERNATIONAL Studios! If you haven’t ordered a copy of Stack’s Liberty Ranch Volume 3, which covers Universal Studios, Lion Country Safari, Buffalo Ranch, and Jungleland AND was designed by yours truly, what are you waiting for? Head over to the Stack’s Liberty Ranch website to get your copy NOW before they sell out!

These shots are from my collection (you’ll have to buy the book to see the incredible Stack’s Liberty Ranch collection) and start off with that pain in the rump lady wearing the wide brimmed hat. GET OUT OF THE WAY! YOU’RE BLOCKING MY VIEW!



The backlots featured just about every type of terrain and architecture that one could need for a movie.



This old riverboat looks like it has seen better days.



The area below is known as the Court of Miracles, dating back, to Lon Chaney’s “The Miracle Man” (1919). By the time this 1969 images was taken, the area had to be rebuilt due to a 1967 fire.



A fantastic overview:



The detailed view below shows Prop Plaza; great for guest photos:



It’s fun to take a peak at the backs of buildings, which guests aren’t supposed to see:



Another view of the backlot from above:



Zooming in you can see the “Back to the Future” courthouse:



There are plenty of photo opps at Universal Studios; in this one, I especially love the wayfinding signage that covers not only restrooms, but Marineland, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and Knotts Berry Farm. I wonder if those were paid advertisements?



The Wild West Stunt shows were always a popular draw.



Don’t worry, folks. It’s all movie magic!



Care to see an animal show?



A closeup of the original stage used for the performing birds:



Bob Hastings, star of the TV sitcom “McHale’s Navy,” was a frequent visitor to the park, graciously posing with guests for photo ops:



That’s the end of this tour! Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Stack’s Liberty Ranch Volume 3 at the Stack’s Liberty Ranch website.

Daveland & Liberty Ranch Go To Universal Studios, Part 1

When one visits Hollywood, taking the Universal Studios Tram Tour has always been a must! One of the few studios that still has a backlot, Universal saw the value early on in collecting tourist revenue by allowing them to see where the magic is made…all in a controlled manner, of course. Recently, I had the honor of doing the design for the book Stack’s Liberty Ranch Volume 3, which covers Universal Studios and three other nearby theme parks that I had never heard of: Lion Country Safari, Buffalo Ranch, and Jungleland. Anybody interested in the history of theme parks needs to acquire this library! Head over to the Stack’s Liberty Ranch website to get your copy NOW!

Today’s post features images from my collection that a guest took in September 1969, documenting (in chronological order, natch!) their visit to the famed movie studio. Apologies for the blur/low quality of some of these images. Like anything vintage, equipment and skill were not necessarily all that important as these images were just meant to share with loved ones, not be posted on the web or published in a book. I am guessing that the tour started with this presentation by a Guide. I immediately noticed something familiar in the pictures behind the guide.



Looks like a matte painting of Bodega Bay from Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” (1963), released by Universal.



Sure enough, it’s a match!



How the painting was combined with live action footage for the final film:



Afterwards, the tour proceeded with what was probably a movie/TV set:



A soundstage where guests could see/experience how rear projection works:



A setup that shows how miniatures are used in movies; much more economical than building things full-scale!



Now we reach the tram part of the tour. The person on the right in the large-brimmed hat is the bane of my 1969 existence. Get that hat off and quit blocking the photos!!!



A tour of the backlot:



Anyone know what production featured the Crawford Buttonhole Co., or Joe’s Bar?



Although it doesn’t have the clock tower circa 1969, this building should look very familiar to fans of “Back to the Future.”



It’s the courthouse! Keep in mind, these buildings are used over and over in again in many productions. Some undergo extensive changes to look different to suit the use of the film or show that they are being used in.



Stay tuned for more September 1969 images of Universal Studios!

And don’t forget to pick up your copy of Stack’s Liberty Ranch Volume 3 at the Stack’s Liberty Ranch website.

Timber Mountain Log Ride

Another day at Knott's Berry Farm as I take you on a journey through the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Debuting in 1969, this classic attraction was recently refreshed in 2013. I can't help but get annoyed by the background tower, which takes me out of my Ghost Town haze.



The rock work doesn't quite seem up to Disneyland standards, but it still works.



Plenty of waterfalls along the queue.



A little animated gif loop of the first hill in the attraction.



The back-side of water, Knott's-style:



A nice tribute to Bud Hurlbut:



The view as I saw it up the first hill (it was a challenge keeping my camera dry!):



Lots of animatronic figures along the way:









They all look fairly realistic, but I prefer the artistic stylings of the Marc Davis figures from Pirates of the Caribbean instead vs. a figure that attempts to look perfectly human.







A few animatronic animals to give a bit of a scare:





This detailed view shows another Hurlbut tribute:



Plenty of action:



Still, this attraction just doesn't pack the same wallop for me as the Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean. Maybe somebody more eloquent can express why the individual scenes from those two attractions seem much more exciting and beg more frequent trips than the Timber Mountain Log Ride.







Another lift:









Either the blast effects were off or the grand finale just isn't very grand:



Ken Stack (of Liberty Ranch fame) and John Waite are shown finishing up their journey on this attraction:



Overall, it was a fun ride; you definitely get wet and compared to Splash Mountain, the thrills seem much more uncontrolled (in a good way!). Still, without any truly memorable characters (like the Red Headed Wench, Hitchhiking Ghosts, etc.), other than to reshoot it with my low light lens, I really can't say that I have a huge interest in riding it again soon. I have been spoiled by the Disneyland dark-ride attractions that are thought out like a very well-planned movie: perfectly designed, perfectly lit, and full of heart & humor.

See more Daveland Knott's Berry Farm Timber Mountain Log Ride photos at my main website.