Paramount Studios, 1970: Let’s Film on the Studio Today

One sub-niche of 1960s and 1970s television is the show that demonstrates the studio backlot for what it is. It’s a fascinating snapshot into the state of the backlot at that moment, with little embellishment. The Brady Bunch ends up at a mysterious ghost town with a menacing prospector. Tumbleweeds tumble. But it’s patently obvious… Continue reading Paramount Studios, 1970: Let’s Film on the Studio Today

Fake Americana With a Topping of Grit: 4 Aces Movie Ranch, Palmdale

4 Aces, located in Palmdale, California, is every Highway Patrol with Broderick Crawford and B-Minus-film noir from 1949 to 1960 wrapped up into one, big, delightful fake. The Diner This is where you take the woman hitchhiking in heels with a suitcase and a shady story about her father, in Chicago, kicking her out of… Continue reading Fake Americana With a Topping of Grit: 4 Aces Movie Ranch, Palmdale

Paramount Studios’ “Murder Your Wife” Bricks in Murder Alley

At one time, it was assumed that New York City was the world and the world was New York City. So, films of the 20th century over-represented New York City in their depictions of ordinary, and often extraordinary, life. This meant that film studios always had to have a New York Street: a collection of… Continue reading Paramount Studios’ “Murder Your Wife” Bricks in Murder Alley

The Real-Life Airflite Cafe from Twilight Zone’s “100 Yards Over the Rim”

In Twilight Zone’s second season show, “A Hundred Yards Over the Rim” (1961), Christian Horn, the leader of a wagon train from 1847, leaves the party to help his ill son.  What he finds is present-day, early 1960s New Mexico.  The center of the action is the Airflite Cafe.  Recently, I was amazed to learn… Continue reading The Real-Life Airflite Cafe from Twilight Zone’s “100 Yards Over the Rim”

Universal Studios 1972: Scenes from a Studio on a Verge of a Boom

Universal Studios 1972 - Snow Backdrop

With these photos of Universal Studios in 1972, understand the context:  this was the studio at one of its lowest points.  Its big, bustling period of huge stars and directors was well in the past.  Its next boom, the Easy Riders, Raging Bulls period detailed by author Peter Biskind–Jaws, The Sting, American Graffiti–had not yet happened,… Continue reading Universal Studios 1972: Scenes from a Studio on a Verge of a Boom