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.

Melinda Goes to Universal

Daveland reader Melinda S. noticed that my collection has a huge void of 1980’s photos and generously donated these images to the cause! Her collection included shots from her June 1980 trip to California. Today’s post features her photos from Universal Studios. Melinda’s memories of Disneyland (coming soon!) are more vivid, but what she doesn’t recall is made up for in these vintage shots! As she remembers:

We took this trip somewhere in the middle to end of June 1980. I would have been 9, my sister 5. The Universal Studios tour was neat and being able to pick up the van all by myself was pretty darn cool - I do remember thinking it was still pretty heavy and almost not being able to do it!





Some of Melinda’s images you Universal nutz will have to fill in the data for, as I do not recall what they are from, either.





I really love this overall view of the backlot:



A closeup of the Town Square area that was used in “Back to the Future” and so many other movies:



Compare with my shot from 2004:



While very similar, there appears to have been some movement and rebuilding that occurred over those twenty years, most likely because of having to be rebuilt due to fire(s).



Back to Melinda and 1980! Another backlot view:



A quiet little seaport town. But wait…what’s at the bottom of the frame?



That dastardly shark, Bruce from “Jaws”!



I don't remember meeting the Cyclon, but my sister says she does.

I’m sure Universal was thrilled to have Melinda’s family wearing Disney merchandise! I LOVE it!!



All locked up and no place to go:



Compare with this September 1969 shot from my collection:



Back to 1980 and Melinda enjoying those oversized props.



Here’s another feat of strength from Melinda. As she remembers:

The jail 'bars' were rubbery and really easy to pull apart.



I am going to guess there was some kind of “attraction” at Universal where you could see a snowfall, something Southern California is not known for.



From my collection, the same set in November 1965:



One of the shows Melinda and family went to was a trained animal show:







And another family favorite, the stunt show!



Stay tuned for more from Melinda S.!

See more Universal Studios photos at my main website.