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STUDIO TOURS

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Take the Sony Pictures Studios Tour and step back into a legendary time. Located on one of the world's most famous studio lots, our walking tour gives you a rare glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days and an insider's view of a state-of-the-art motion picture studio.

Not only is this the studio where the Yellow Brick Road once wound through Munchkin Land, it is also the place where the agents from "Men In Black" battled aliens from outer space and Spider-Man catapulted from skyscraper to skyscraper. Our dynamic studio tour guides will shed light on the film and television production process by taking you to various soundstages and by sharing tales of days gone by. You may even have the chance to visit the sets of the hit game shows "Jeopardy!" or "Wheel of Fortune."

Filled with movie, television and commercial productions on any given day, you never know what- or who- will be just around the corner!

For more information or to make reservations, please call  310-244-TOUR (8687)  or purchase tickets online at:  http://www.sonypicturesstudiostours.com .

© 2024 Sony Pictures Digital Productions Inc.   All rights reserved

The Studio Lot

• Operations Team
• Maps & Directions
• Global Connectivity & Content Security
• Sound Mixing
• Capra Design Suite
• Dub Stage 15
• Sound Library
• Sound Supervisors & Mixers
• Foley Artists
• Foley Mixers
• VFX & Digital Animation
• Stock Footage
• Photo Gallery
• Other Services
• Creative Editorial
• Audio Layback
• Blu-Ray/Audio Conform
• Audio Restoration
• Sound Archiving
• Sound & Video Transfer
• Costume Department
• Expendables
• Costume Gallery
• Client Forms
• Theater Rentals & Projection
• Production Offices
• Editorial Suites
• Special Events
• Restaurants & Food Services
• Athletic Club
• Studio Store
• Studio Tours

Sony Pictures Studios is one of the world’s most storied locations for motion picture production. Dating back nearly a century, the Culver City lot has been the site of countless entertainment classics, including Ben-Hur, Mutiny on the Bounty, Grand Hotel, The Wizard of Oz, and Singin' in the Rain. For more on the studio’s history, visit the Sony Pictures Museum website.

Today, the studio continues to be a premier facility for film and television productions of all types, offering an impressive array of sound stages, state-of-the-art post-production facilities and world-class support services amid an inspiring, historical setting.

The studio is open to the public for tours and also hosts a variety of private screenings and live events.

Sony Pictures Studios

10202 West Washington Boulevard

Culver City, CA 90232

310-244-4000

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Sony Pictures Studio Tour

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Sony Pictures Studio Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

• Studio Tours
• Celebrity Homes Tours
• Ways to Save on Tours
• LA TV Show Tickets
• Things To Do in Hollywood
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

• Warner Bros.
• Sony Pictures
• Universal Studios
• Paramount Pictures
• Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

• $70/adult | $60/child
• Availability: Thursday - Monday
• Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Available in both English and Spanish
• Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

• $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
• Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

• $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
• Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 1 hour
• Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

• $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
• Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
• Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
• Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
• Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
• Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

• $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
• Availability: 2-4 times per month
• Duration: 6 days
• Hotel accommodation included
• 11 Meals included
• VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

• $109 for 1-day pass
• $164 for 2-day pass
• $284 for 3-day pass
• $344 for 4-day pass
• $374 for 5-day pass
• $434 for 7-day pass
• $99 for 2 choices
• $119 for 3 choices
• $144 for 4 choices
• $154 for 5 choices
• $189 for 7 choices
• This attraction pass is available every day of the week
• Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

• Not currently available as of January 2024

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
• Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

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• Top Things to Do in LA
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Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Founded in May 1912, Paramount Pictures Studio (5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 90038) is the longest operating studio in Hollywood. Cecil B. DeMille, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, Mae West, Gary Cooper, the Marx Brothers, and Elvis Presley have all filmed at the iconic studio lot. Paramount Studios is also home to an elaborate New York Street backlot that can transform into 10 different NYC neighborhoods — making a visit to Paramount the fastest and cheapest way to travel across the country!

The Studio Tour  features a 2-hour guided cart tour of iconic filming locations and the Prop Warehouse - along the way your guide will provide insight into the studio’s rich history. The VIP Tour  is a 4.5-hour cart tour that includes VIP access to the archives, backlots and production facilities; a gourmet catered lunch (morning tours) or champagne & hors d’oeuvres in the Prop Warehouse (afternoon tours); complimentary parking and a personalized souvenir photo.

Where to eat nearby: Osteria La Buca (5210 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038)

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

At Sony Pictures (10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232), a two-hour walking tour ($50) will provide you with a glimpse of the soundstages where The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black and Spider-Man were filmed; and beloved game shows Jeopardy! and  Wheel of Fortune are currently taped.

You may also get to a chance to see the Barbara Streisand Scoring Stage or the set of the ABC comedy The Goldbergs . The lot is also home to a studio museum and is the permanent home of the Breaking Bad RV . The Sony Pictures Studio lot took over what used to be MGM, and many of the buildings still boast the same Art Deco styling that dates back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Available Monday-Friday at 11:00 a.m., the 3-hour VIP Tour ($200) includes Sony Museum access, three-course prix fixe lunch, souvenir photo, and an employee's discount at the Sony Studio Store.

Where to eat nearby: Ms Chi Cafe , 3829 Main St., Culver City 90232

Discover LA Newsletter

Sony Pictures Studios / MGM Studios

Sony Pictures (aka Columbia Tristar) has created an excellent website as a celebration of it’s history and a resource to find out more about Sony / Columbia / MGM history, and the movie business in general.

Check out the  Sony Pictures Museum  at  http://www.sonypicturesmuseum.com/

Address:  10202 West Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

There are some companies resident on the Sony lot;

• J.C. Backings  make highly detailed scenic backings (to be positioned outside set windows on soundstages to make it look like a real building)
• Happy Madison  is the production company owned and run by Adam Sandler. He drives a Cadillac Escalade golf cart around the lot. As well as production offices, there’s also a Happy Madison Baseball Court on the lot for relaxation. The company is named after two of Sandler’s successes Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison.

Sony Pictures VIP Tour

The Sony tour is entirely on foot, and takes you from the Sony Pictures Plaza building through the gates of the former MGM Culver City lot, past the Thalberg building and in amongst the soundstages. Unfortunately photography is limited once you get into the bulk of the studio, but there’s still lots to see, and very informative and enthusiastic guides. Although many MGM and Columbia movies are mentioned, the emphasis is very much on the current owners of the studio and their recent redevelopment of the studio. Columbia and MGM history is of course mentioned, but there’s so much to get through, a 2 hour tour can barely scratch the surface. Where possible, guests are taken into the studios where game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are taped, along with at least one other soundstage visit. Other visits  may  include a New York Street backlot set behind Stage 12, a Foley Stage and the Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage, when there is no production work taking place in those areas.

• Official Sony Pictures Studio Tour website

More information

• Buildings on the Sony Lot
• MGM Backlot
• Soundstages
• Post Production Facilities
• History of the site  (including MGM, Columbia, Sony)
• Movies and TV Shows shot at Sony Pictures / MGM

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You?

Posted on Published: June 29, 2019  - Last updated: February 26, 2024

Categories North America , California , Travel

There are four major Hollywood studio tours that you can go on in and around Los Angeles : Warners Bros., Sony, Paramount, and Universal Studio Tours.

It’s really not necessary to do all of them , especially on the same trip. There’s quite a bit of overlap between each studio tour, and the ticket prices can really add up.

Throughout my visits to California, I’ve managed to visit all 4 Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles (and some more than once!).

Here’s my in-depth reviews of all the major Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. This is what to expect from each one so you can decide which is the best studio tour in los Angeles for you!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Why Should You Go On A Hollywood Studio Tour?

Hollywood Studio Tours in Los Angeles are a great way to gain an “ all-access” pass to the biggest backstage lots in California .

They give you a chance to go behind the scenes on some of your favourite movies and TV shows.

You’ll get to see the sets and props, and learn about the magic of making movies. And, if you’re lucky, you might get the chance to either see a live film set or a celebrity at work . 

Let’s just say, visit a movie set is a quintessential Los Angeles activity … p.s. see my L.A. guide here .

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You ?

The best Hollywood studio tour for you will depend on three main factors :

• Your favourite films and TV shows

The studio tours vary in budget and tour length. The price ranges between $55 to $110 / ticket . And the tour can last anywhere between one to three hours .

But your favourite movies and TV shows are the most important factor when deciding which studio tour in Los Angeles to go to. If you haven’t watched anything the studio has produced, you’ll be less interested in what you’re seeing and learning about.

Best Studio Tours In LA: Overview

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Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

Universal Studios is a bit of a unique studio tour in Los Angeles. The studio tour can only be accessed if you buy a ticket to the entire theme park .

This also puts the studio tour at a much higher price point compared to the others around Los Angles. But, on the other hand, it is an ENTIRE day of activities instead of a few hours.

The tour itself is only 60 minutes but there are no shortage of other rides and shows to see once you’re in the park.

Quick Information & Links

Total Time : 1 hour (not including wait time in line) Admission : $109 -$119* (includes access to the entire park, price varies depending on the season) Book Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood . Parking : Starts at $32* (General Parking)

*Updated January 2024

Movies Referred To/ Filmed Here:

You should check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Jurassic Park
• Fast and the Furious
• Jordan Peele’s horror epic, NOPE

Pros Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

You are on the LARGEST film and TV studio in Hollywood and the world! You get to drive by some of the most iconic sets in all movie history.

You drive-by the sound stages, new and old sets.

But this is still a ride in a theme park so they’ve added some more ride-like adventure elements to make things more exciting, unlike any other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles.

At times you feel like you’re in the movie rather than just seeing where one was filmed!

And it’s not all for show either, they do still use these sets to film. In fact, this was the only Hollywood studio tour where I caught a live taping , so it’s still possible to see!

One thing’s certain though, you won’t be bored for a second on this tour even if you don’t happen to see an active film set during your tour. 

P.S. Make the most of your time at Universal Studios and book an Express Line ticket through Viator here . It gives you one-time express access to each ride, show, and attraction at the park !

Cons Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

It’s the least personal studio tour in Los Angeles. You’re on a tram the entire time for 60 minutes straight, with about 30 other people!

As I said, this tour is sometimes more of a ride than a studio tour (so it’s both a pro and a con!).

At times, the tour felt very streamlined , because most of it is. You still have a guide, but he’s following a script on a set path so it’s the same tour every time (unlike the others which have a bit more variance based on your guide).

The tram is on a set course and there are timed animatronics and effects throughout the tour.

Value For Money – Movie Location Los Angeles

I will admit, you get pretty good value for your money with your tickets to Universal studios. But that’s only if you wanted to visit the theme park.

If you were already planning on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, then the studio tour is a must-do ride! 

But if you don’t like theme parks, and your only interest is the Hollywood studio tour, I wouldn’t recommend paying for the entire theme park just for the tour.

You might also be interested in reading…

• How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation

Logistics: What To Know Before You Go

A tram leaves about every 30 minutes for the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour so the line builds up pretty quickly. I’d prioritize this as one of your first rides of the day.

As I said, don’t expect reality with this one, they do show you real sets but it’s also still a ride. So you’ll get a lot of gimmicky routines created specifically for this tour. 

Also, some advance warning, you might get wet at certain points during the ride. If you’d prefer to not get wet, try to sit in the middle of the row.

Book Universal Studio Tours Tickets In Advance Through Viator

Book General Admission tickets →

Book Skip the Line Express Tickets →

Book the VIP Experience on Viator (giving your exclusive access to off-limits areas of the park) →

For more Los Angeles organized tours from Viator, click here .

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio is actually in Burbank California , but it’s close enough to Los Angeles.

Warner Bros. studio tour takes you on a tram around different parts of the studio, with only around 12 guests at a time on the tour.

So unlike Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour, it’s a lot more personal and you’re only on the tram to get from place to place (because their lot is HUGE!).

You drive by sound stages and countless outdoor sets. But you’ll get off and walk around a bit, even walking in some sets if you’re lucky. So you should be prepared for some walking on this studio tour in Los Angeles!

Total Time : ~3 hours (1 hour guided, 2 hours unguided). Leaves every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 3:30 Admission : 70$* Parking : 15$* Website

What Was Filmed Here (Sets You Might See!)

Check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Harry Potter
• Gilmore Girls
• Back to the Future
• The Big Bang Theory
• Pretty Little Liars

So Much More Than A Studio Tour

Over the years, the Warner Bros. studio tour has grown. It’s no longer just a backlot tour, now, that’s just one part of it…

Museums, Props, Sets, & Photo Ops At Warner Bros. Studio

Tickets to the Warner Bros. studio tour also includes interactive museums where you’ll want to take all the pictures you can!

You can interact with different sets from your favourite movies and TV sets, like Friends, the Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter! on the magic of movies, costume

There’s also an entire exhibit on the DC universe with all superheroe and villain props. They have Aquaman’s lair, Wonder Woman’s study, Superman’s office, and the Batman’s bat cave.

And finally they have an in-depth exhibit on all things filmmaking. Staring with the writing process and finishing with the special effects of movie making.

Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets With Viator

General Admission tickets →

Pros Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

They are constantly updating the Warner Bros. studio tour – that means you can even go back the next time you’re in Los Angeles, I’ve already gone back twice!

There was some over lap with the sets and information, but very little. A lot had been updated and added to the tour. And I’ve already noticed that they’ve added a lot more content since I’ve gone!

Also, the guided portion of the tour will rarely be the same. For starters, where you go will all depend on what they’re filming at the time. So not only can it change over the years, but it can change within the hour!

It’s also a very personal tour with only being 12 people on the tram. You can also all your questions about movie magic!

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Cons Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

With all the new additions to the tour every year, I’ve noticed the guided portion has become less and less…

The guided tour portion is only hour , and then two hours are a self guided tour through the museums.

But it’s the guided portion of the tour that’s always fresh and what brings me back! I’m a bit disappointed that the museums seem to have taken over the tour now, making the tour a bit more gimmicky and less about touring real sets and sound stages…

How to See San Diego in One Day

Bring government I.D. when you visit, and make sure to arrive early!

You have to go through security and there might be a lineup. They suggest arriving 30 minutes in advance.

Don’t worry about getting lost on your way to the studios (if you’re driving there)! I followed the instructions we were given on how to get to the visitor’s centre, but my GPS brought me to the wrong gate. No need to panic if this happens to you too! The patrol was very understanding (I’m sure this happens all the time) and told us exactly where to go.

If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot across the street from the visitor’s centre (paid, of course). The studio is in a pretty secluded area, but there’s a Starbucks in the visitor’s centre .

You can book Warner Brothers Studio tour tickets in advance on Viator here .

Paramount Pictures Hollywood Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures is really interesting because it’s the last Hollywood studio still in Hollywood (well in Los Angeles). 

So it’s only about a 15-minute drive from Hollywood Blvd. FYI, Warner is in Burbank, and Sony is in Culver City.

It was very similar to Warner Bros. Hollywood studio tour in terms of the scale of the studio. They have several sound stages, a water tank, and a totally customizable New York set.

Like the other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles, there’s a museum portion of the tour with props. Paramount Pictures one had a lot of “ unwanted ” props (those that could only be used once for the film they were designed for).

There was A LOT of props from the Transformers franchise, but there were also Star Trek, Gladiator, and Dream Girls props.

Time : 2 hours * They leave every 30 minutes from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Admission : 65$* Parking : $22 – (used to be cash only)* Website

What Was/ Is Filmed Here

• The Godfather
• OG King Kong (In Set 19)
• Breakfast at Tiffanys
• Forrest Gump

Pros Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour In Los Angeles

The best part about the Paramount Pictures Hollywood studio tour tour was the small size of the group. There’s a max of 7 people on the tour (you’re in an 8 seater golf cart).

The tour also provided earphones to be able to perfectly hear your tour guide at all times, so they didn’t have to shout at you! There can be a lot going on on sets with a lot of noises, so the earphones were definitely appreciated.

I also liked that they provided visuals for what you were looking at during the tour. Our tour guide carried around an iPad showing examples of what a specific set was used for over the years. So instead of looking at a giant green screen, they showed us how that green screen was used in different films.

Cons Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures studio tour taught me a few things about Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles…

First, the quality of the tour really depends on your tour guide – they can make or break your visit. And unfortunately, you won’t really know who you’re going to get beforehand.

Unfortunately for me, my tour guide at Paramount Pictures wasn’t the best. There’s so much history to this Hollywood studio that I ended up lost most of the time because I didn’t know who or what he was referring to, I guess the references were also a bit ahead of my time…

Paramount Studio tour also really showed me how important it is to have seen (or at least heard of) the films or shows the studio produced. 

So if you’re a fan of classics like I Love Lucy, Alfred Hitchcock, or the original King Kong then Paramount Pictures studio tour is a must for you!

For me, Paramount Pictures studio tour was a bit of a mixed bag. I really see the potential of this tour though, but I think you have to be a really big movie buff to enjoy Paramount Pictures studio tour.

The visitor parking is across the street from the main gates. Be wary of the address on Google Maps, it brought me to the wrong gate.

When I visited, parking was cash only, so it’s always good to be prepared. There’s an ATM you can use at the end of the tour if you need (apparently no one does cash back in the area…).

Like the other tours, you have to show I.D. and go through security, so they ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your tour . But, in case there’s no wait at all, there’s a mini-exhibit you can visit to pass the time before your tour starts. 

Make sure to bring water and food, there’s really not much in the area. But drinks aren’t allowed on the tour itself, so leave it in the car!

SONY Studio Hollywood Tour

SONY Hollywood studio tour ended up being my favourite studio tour . We were only about 5 people on this tour, so it was very personal. But I don’t know if this was the max, or that fewer people happened to sign up for it.  

I know online there are 25 spots per time slot. I don’t know if that’s the typical tour size on a busier day, or if they would always split you up into smaller groups once you get there.

There are famous cars on display from movies and shows (like Breaking Bad and Ghostbusters). They also have a prop museum at the start of the tour. There’s even an Oscar and an Emmy award you can see (and even hold!). 

Time : 2 hours * Leaves 4 times a day: 9:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Admission : 55$* Parking : Free Valet Website

What Was Filmed Here

• Breaking Bad
• Wheel of Fortune
• Ghostbusters
• The Goldbergs

Pros Of The SONY Studio Tour

SONY is a MUCH smaller studio than the other three Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. That means you don’t even need a tram to get around, we walked everywhere (so you should also be prepared to walk!). This made it easier to take appreciate it all and take pictures!

I also absolutely loved our tour guide, he was by far my favourite out of all the ones we had on any tour. It didn’t seem like he simply memorized a script. It was as if he lived and breathed SONY and films in general. I would’ve believed it if he’d told us he grew up on set.

We also got the chance to walk on to a sound stage from one of my favourite TV Shows – The Goldbergs. And our guide brought us onto a working foley stage (where they create extra sounds for movies). 

If a sound or foley stage isn’t available to see, you are guaranteed to see either the Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy set . They film on opposite days, so you’ll always be able to see one of them.

But the best perk of all is… You get your picture taken on the set of either Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, which they’ll print out and give to you as a souvenir… FREE OF CHARGE! ! Seriously when is anything ever free these days…

Cons Of The SONY Hollywood Studio Tour

As I mentioned, there’s no tram for the SONY Hollywood studio tour. Although the studio isn’t as large as the others, you have to be prepared to walk quite a bit.

Another sort of pro and con is that it’s 80 % outdoors . So you really want to go when it’s decent weather. And be prepared to be in the sun!

How to Make the Most of Your Time in Long Beach California

Value For Money – Hollywood Studio Tours In Los Angeles

I think you get a lot of value for your money at SONY studio tour. It’s the cheapest out of any of the Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles and they give you some nice freebies (like parking and a photo souvenir!).

The scale of the studio might be smaller than the other three major studios, but there’s still a lot to see. And despite the lack of big blockbuster sets, they make up for it in different ways (like seeing the inside of a game show set, and a foley stage).

Like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures studio tours, they ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to go through security. 

If you drive there, they offer FREE valet parking in the Overland lot. 

The studio is very much out of the way, so plan your meals and snacks in advance. All they had at the studio was a vending machine .

Don’t expect to see large outdoor sets like from Warner Bros. or Paramount, SONY is a lot smaller, so most of their sets are on sound stages. So if you’re interested in the big New York outdoor sets, SONY isn’t for you!

Overview, What’s The Best Studio Tour In Los Angeles?

Like I said before, Universal Studios is the most expensive, but you do get an entire days worth of activities. But if your intent is to learn about movie magic, the other three are better choices. 

If you have time for more than one, you don’t need to see both Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. There’s quite a bit of overlap between the two. Instead, choose one of those, and then either Universal or SONY as your second option.

P.S. Need A Place To Stay In L.A.? Hotel Recommendations

Finding a place to stay in Los Angeles can be quite overwhelming – it’s HUGE!

I stayed at the Sofitel and would highly recommend it. It was in a safe area, and across the street from the Beverly Hills mall (which proved to be very convenient). It was also within walking distance to some local restaurants you need to try – like the Kings Road Cafe! See room rates & availability here .

If you want to stay on the beach outside of the city life instead, we stayed at The Georgian in Santa Monica and couldn’t recommend it enough! It’s only about a 25 minute drive from the city. This was a beautiful art deco hotel that is begging you to go there! It’s a minutes walk to the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade. See room rates & availability here .

For more accommodation options in Los Angeles, click here . Interested in longer stays in L.A. check out Plum Guide here .

My California Amazon Must Haves

Related Posts

• How To Spend One Day In San Diego: What To See, Eat & Do
• How To Plan The Ultimate Vacation To Santa Monica

Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tuesday 26th of September 2023

You've gotten me excited about my next trip to Los Angeles. I've done the Universal tour and the Warner Bros tour, so I may do what you suggested and do Paramount and Sony next.

You're right about Universal's tour being more of a ride from what I remember. However, it was cool to see sets from The Good Place, Jaws, and Psycho. Being on the tram the whole time was a little different, and my experience was a bit thrown off because I hadn't expected Universal, CA to have such similar rides to Universal, FL, and I loved how Universal, FL made it really seem like you were on a set walking through various cities. Definitely not the same as CA. I think I was there for about 2 hours and was done. The weather was weird where it was kindof warm at first, but then turned super cold while I was in line for a ride, so I was done sooner than I expected.

I absolutely loved the Warner Bros tour. The guide was super nice and knowledgeable. I almost died when I saw the Gilmore Girl house and Luke's Diner. Of course I took pictures at the Central Perk. To me, the prop museum was a tad boring, but still overall decent. The tour was partially walking and partially riding. There were so many moments where I was like...."this looks familiar" and had to think of where the set had been used. Super cool. I highly recommend it.

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

That's awesome!! Definitely I enjoyed that the Warners brothers was mixed with walking and a tram ride you were able to get so much further that way - and the lot is HUGE! It really is cool seeing sets from your favourite TV shows and movies! I really liked the SONY tour but it was definitely a lot smaller than Warner bros!

Sunday 19th of February 2023

Hi Meghan, great article. Easy to read and allowed me to choose the studio we should visit in the short time we will be in L.A. Thanks you.

Monday 20th of February 2023

That's awesome to hear! Glad I could help :D :D

How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation | Afternoon Tea Reads

Thursday 1st of October 2020

[…] sure which one to visit? Read my overall review of each studio tour to help you […]

Monday 1st of July 2019

Wow what a great list of tours to choose from! I personally don't like these types of things however I think your post will be super useful for those who do!

Thanks! I hope it will be :)

I’ve done the Universal tour but it was like 20 yrs ago! I really want to go back and do all these studio tours. I’m film mad me 😃💕

Oh wow, you really should I'm sure a lot has changed since then. It's a movie geeks dream :)

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Silver Screen Modes by Christian Esquevin

Mgm: a virtual tour of the old m-g-m back lots.

The 1974 film  That’s Entertainment,  was a surprise hit for   M-G-M, placing in the top 20  movies of the year and resulting in a sequel in 1976. The movie showed clips of the studio’s library of great musicals, narrated by its former stars.: Fred Astaire; Gene Kelly; Elizabeth Taylor; and Frank Sinatra, among others, and were filmed as they walked through the old standing sets of M-G-M’s back lots 3 through 6. In 1974 these back lot standing sets looked forlorn and worn down. Fred Astaire began the documentary at the train station on lot 2, where years earlier he had sung the first song in Band Wagon. He walked in front of a   train wagon that was falling apart .  Bing Crosby narrates a visit to the English lake and its Waterloo bridge that he describes as looking “scruffy.” Donald O’Connor introduces the Esther Williams movies by visiting the outdoor pool that had been built just for her films. It was a sad contrast to the glossy Art Deco sets and Technicolor movies that had been filmed there.

The 1970s were not good years for M-G-M. Losses from declining revenues led to a corporate take-over by Kirk Kerkorian in 1969. He had little interest in movie-making, Kerkorian was mostly interested in using the M-G-M name for his hotel development in Las Vegas and other locations. Kerkorian installed James Aubrey as his hatchet man.  A large staff-cut was Aubrey’s first move, with several film projects cancelled. Next was the  famous (or infamous) 1970 M-G-M auction held over eighteen days of the studio’s collection of 12,000 props and rolling stock, even including its paddle steamboat, as well as some 350,000 costumes and “star wardrobe.” The year after That’s Entertainment  was made, all of the lots with the standing sets were sold for residential development, thus all traces of them are gone today.

With its patriarch Louis B. Mayer long gone, apparently the only persons that thought the back lots should be preserved for posterity, as a museum  or attraction park, was Debbie Reynolds, and Robert Nudelman of the Hollywood Heritage organization. Debbie had tried to buy them for that purpose (no doubt at an affordable rate) but was unsuccessful. A virtual tour of some of the standing sets through M-G-M’s Golden Age follows.

Above is a view from the old Washington Street entrance, photo taken 1939.

In the classic era M-G-M studio had several lots. Lot number 1 where all the offices and major buildings were located was bordered by Washington Street, Culver Blvd. Overland Avenue, and Madison Blvd. While most of the lot had been taken over by sound stages and various buildings by the 1930s, part of the lot still had exterior standing sets through the 1950s. That lot is now occupied by the Sony Studios. Before M-G-M, it had been the Goldwyn Studio lot, and before that, the Thomas Ince/Mack Sennett Triangle Studio lot starting in 1915.

The photo above shows  a view of the old water tower and the long gone Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios sign.

An M-G-M trolley get set to move along Avenue C on Lot 1.

Lot 1 also had standing sets, these changed over time, some having been there since the days when it was the Thomas Ince studio and then the Goldwyn Studio. The M-G-M standing sets were on the Overland Avenue side of the lot. This area even included a concrete lined “lake” and the waterfront town as can be seen below.

The European town waterfront above could be changed with its storefronts reconfigured and re-painted as-needed for each movie. It extended its length and was known as “Waterfront Street.”

The more wild appearance of the lake or lagoon above was used for jungle-like settings, including for filming parts of  Tarzan the Ape Man. Lot 1 also had standing sets replicating haciendas, medieval France, and New York City.

Moving over to Lot 2 across Overland Avenue, the lot was mostly used for standing sets, although various storage facilities were scattered throughout the lot.  The New England town of the Andy Hardy movies was there, and the “Small Town Square”  used in movies as diverse as Raintree County and The Philadelphia Story ,  not to mention The Twilight Zone episodes , and there was also  the “Grand Central Station.” used in various films.  The “Waterloo Bridge” seen in  That’s Entertainment , was also on lot 2, used in its prime for movies like The Divorcee in 1930 , The Three Musketeers in 1948 , Little Women in 1949, and  Royal Wedding in 1951.

Nearby is “Quality Street,” which was used for a variety of medieval and 18th century European towns.

Quality Street was one of the old standing sets, originally built for Marion Davies’ starring vehicle  Quality Street ,  from 1927, which William Randolph Hearst and his production company Cosmopolitan Pictures produced for her at M-G-M. It was also used for filming the 1948 production of The Three Musketeers.

Quality Street was also redecorated as an English Street for the Jeanette MacDonald film,  Smiling Through in 1941, as seen above.

A continent away in architecture and theme but adjacent on the lot was a Chinese set used for  The Good Earth   in 1937. The castle wall and entry was used and re-used for a variety of films set in different countries and eras. It may have been originally built for the first  Ben Hur   in 1925.

The mansion-looking set above was used for several movies but looked different for each. In two it was an academic building, having been built, apparently, as a “girl’s school” for Forty Little Mothers   in 1940, where the structure had a bell tower. It featured notably in   Tea and Sympathy   with Deborah Kerr and John Kerr in 1956. The structure as it looks above was used for   The Cobweb ,  where it was a psychiatric clinic. This 1955 movie starred Richard Widmark, Lauren Bacall, Charles Boyer, and John Kerr.

The New York Street on Lot 2 was a larger set than a similar set on Lot 1. It had nearly ten acres of sets and could serve for a variety of urban settings.  Many movies were filmed there, starting with  Wife vs Secretary in 1936 ,  others including Words and Music, Band Wagon, Singing in the Rain ,  and many more were also filmed on these sets.

The photo above shows the suspended electrical power lines feeding into the various sets. The framing supports behind the façades can also be  seen.

Down Overland to Lot 3 at Overland and Jefferson. This more remote lot (or so it was in the 1930s and 40s), allowed for some expansive outdoor sets.

One of the most famous “neighborhoods” on Lot 3 was the “St Louis Street,” named for Meet Me in St. Louis   starring Judy Garland and directed by Vincent Minnelli. It was built expressly for the latter film at Minnelli’s direction. Minnelli can be seen directing the scene on the boom above at the right bottom.

The outdoor set below is the New England street and set for the Andy Hardy movies starring Mickey Rooney. It became known as the “Andy Hardy Street.”

The first permanent Western Town set on Lot 3 was built for the 1939 film Stand Up and Fight , starring Robert Taylor, Wallace Beery, and Charles Bickford. The standing set is amazingly detailed, especially compared to the western sets of the films from the 1970s  in and the spaghetti westerns.

Above is the Adam & Thomas McGara Store set from Stand Up and Fight.

Above is the General Store in the center of the photo with the Drug Store to the left.

The “Bullet Stage Yard” is in the foreground above with a view to Dan Rock’s Restaurant and Saloon.

Dan Rock’s Restaurant & Saloon is seen above with its hitching posts for horses and teams.

The house above was the attorney’s home on the set – note the partial front on the neighboring house, but the carefully built picket fence and shutters.

Note all the paraphernalia at the Hardware Store.

A proper town needed its Sheriff, and the town of Cumberland had theirs as seen above.

Luggage is part of the set dressing at the “Bullet Stage Line.”

The teams and wagons are part of the set at the Bullet Yard

The Blacksmith’s shop looks like it’s ready to take on any work

A porch on Cumberland Street opposite the Restaurant & Saloon

The Church is our last stop as we leave the wild west for other locales.

Lot 3 also had another lake and waterfront, seen below in this Port scene from some unknown film.

More familiar is the “Cotton Blossom” from the movie  Show Boat , which M-G-M publicist Lionel Ascher visits below.

The photo below shows the concrete storage sheds for storing M-G-M nitrate film cans, circa 1936.  Later, M-G-M had an electrical fire in 1967, destroying most of the studio’s cartoons, silent films, and films from the earlier Metro, Goldwyn, and Louis B. Mayer Pictures.

A fly-over Lot 1 shows the classic era M-G-M and the standing sets that existed, with the Thalberg Building at the bottom left.

From silent film, filming location historian John Bengston, this link  shows where Buster Keaton had his special dressing room on the lot: Keaton’s Kennel

His three books on the Hollywood and Los Angeles area filming locations for Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd films are fabulous.

The corporate history of MGM post-1974 is its own story, but it separated the classic film library and the studio lot from the name. Similar fates had befallen RKO and Columbia. The three-week long auction of the props and costumes is its own fascinating, if sad story, a subject for another post. The destruction of the many standing sets and the sale of the lots was a tragedy to classic movie fans.

For a thorough history of the M-G-M back lots, please read Steven Bingen’s, Stephen Sylvester’s, and Michael Troyan’s  M-G-M: Hollywood’s Greatest Backlot  published in 2011 by Santa Monica Press.

152 thoughts on “MGM: A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE OLD M-G-M BACK LOTS”

Back around 67-68 I remember as a kid “7 years old” climbing a tree with my friend off the main hwy, jumping over that huge wall and walking the backlot. Back then I had no idea what was filmed and what was used on location for those vintage movies. I do remember the western sets that I pretended we were cowboys and a huge temple like building that toward over me maybe Ben Hur set. We where on the backlot for 3 hours before we were caught by security and held until my mom picked us up. I’ll never forget MGM’s Backlot.

Hi all, wonderful to read this thread and see the amazing pictures and historical anecdotes.

Is anyone here familiar with Stanley Church–MGM sound engineer that designed and built microphones for MGM in the 1950’s? My wife and I are musicians and own one of these such microphones are incredibly fascinated with the history…

I worked on Speilbergs film “Hook” which was filmed at MGM which was then Columbia Pictures and at the time changing over to Sony Pictures. I remember one of the guys taking up in the “perms” in one of the stages we were filming on. Once up there he said check these out. What I saw was these old dirty winch units that looked heavy and very old. I asked what are they? He told me they were part of the flying monkey rigs from “Wizard of Oz”. My mouth dropped! I was looking at what was probably the last remains existing of that film. I guess it was a case of them being so big and heavy that they were just abandon there after the film wrapped. I’m from San Francisco and worked for Industrial Light and Magic at the time. I was so grateful to see what to me was these historic motion picture rigs still in existence. I wonder if they are still up there today? I work in Special Effects and that’s why I was so impressed by them and that they were “Oz” related.

Thank you for sharing this special story about a unique facet of the making of The Wizard of Oz. Anything WOZ holds special movie history significance, but who knows if these rigs are still around and if anyone knew of their history in the more recent Sony period.

That’s absolutely incredible! I can imagine with sheer amazement and shock you realizing that you’re standing in the exact spot Oz was brought to life! Do you remember what stage this was and how many you saw?

So you didn’t think to take a picture, or have someone else photograph them? Sigh…

Reading through these comments reminding me of my memories of lot 3 of MGM. I live off Overland on Northgate St. as a kid, played baseball on weekends at the 2 fields next to the lot now occupied by West LA college. My friends and I first experienced lot 3 when we would retrieve baseballs that were fouled into lot 3. After that experience we would sneak into the studio numerous times. We liked the lake where the boat was. We were chased by security many times with a few friends being caught and released at the front gate.

It sounds like you had fun – taking your time retrieving those fowl ball. And I’m sure looking back you’re glad you did.

Worked at MGM in the 70s and 80s Logans Run, King Kong, and some tv shows i had access to the entire lot and backlot what was left of it. The saucer tank which was the name given to it was built in the 30s for the Tarzan movies with Jonny wisemuller. There was a water tower built at the same time to fill and drain the tank at a moments notice. The tank was made of steel and would have to be drained so it would not rust. The capacity was 50,000 gallons and was used in countless film throughout MGMs golden days. Yes Ester williams scene from Thats entertainment 3 was the last time it was used , but was not filled at that time , do to the fact that it was not used for so long before that it might have been deemed safe to use and to restore it would have been cost prohibitive. Stage 30 the biggest single stage on the lot, housed the water tank,basically an olympic size pool only deeper, was used mainly for Ester Williams films. Lot two had her first pool built for her used in her early films especially take me out to the ball game with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra . Used to walk around the back lots 2 in late 60s and 70s it was a time of my life i will never forget, seeing all those set that appeared in the films i love. One of my favorite was a port with a side of a ocean liner of about 150 long, i remember it war used in a night at the opera. The lagoon and river used in Tarzan and showboat. Lot 3 was Meet-me in St louis street i could go on for pages about what i saw and were i worked.

Thanks for this information Matthew. Great that you got to work there.

Thank you so much, Christian. I am a big A Man From Uncle fan, and I think they filmed all the episodes on Lots 1 and 2, including the iconic entrance to the dry cleaner on the New York set. Did these sets survive? Or were they sold off for property development in the 1980s to fund the MGM grand? If they still exist it would motivate me to go to LA to go on the Sony studio tour! Thanks so much

Thanks for your comment Jonathan. The story of Lot Two, where many of the best and most classic movies in MGM’s history were filmed is appalling. Even by the 1970s the condition of the standing sets had deteriorated greatly and were used for sets of cities in wartime or in chaos. But mostly they were an embarrassment in the movie “That’s Entertainment.” The Lot’s many sets were finally bulldozed and developed as housing. Lot One is still the main Lot for Sony, although most of the old standing sets are gone. The sound stages are still there, and a tour is given during the week-days. Call or check for details.

I walked the decaying New York Streets in the very early 80’s before the leveling of the standing sets. Interesting in that Jon Heitland’s book about The Man From Uncle was in error as he said that the New York sets were located on Lot Three.

Hello Christian. In the 1980’s, I worked as a stunt diver on Man From Atlantis and I was trying to remember where on the lot, the giant outdoor tank was, where we filmed. Also, I was curious about how many gallons that tank held. Any ideas? Thanks. Great job with the tour.

Don’t tell anyone, but as a teenager, we snuck into the lot a few times (never took or disturbed anything) and wandered mostly through the western town.

Hi Margery. That’s great that you did stunt work on that series. The “Saucer Tank,” as it was called was used since the early days of M-G-M, including for several of Esther Williams’ movies. It was located located on Lot 1 near Overland next to where the Scenic Docks were.. And several people have commented that they snuck into the lot as kids, Must have been fun.

That tank was near the grip department and to the south of stage 14, which became storage for the lighting equipment used on the lot. The last movie shot on stage 14, before it was converted to storage for the set lighting department, was King Kong. I worked on a few productions that used that tank. It was called The Saucer Tank by those of us who worked there.

Thanks for this information Paul.

Hi Margery,

I’m Felix – just finished my MA at the Royal College of Art here in London and stumbled across your comment whilst researching for a film I’m making.

Your sneaking through the western town sounds like an amazing story, I’d love to ask you more about it as part of my project – if that’s something you’d be up for reply to my comment and I’ll find a way for us to get in touch! Thanks, Felix.

Do you know the name Donnie Norden? If not, check him out on Phantom of the Backlots.

FYI—St. Louis Street, and the western streets were not on MGMs Lot #2, but Lot #3.

Thanks for pointing out this correction – it will be made.

I worked the three summers of ’65, ’66, and ’67 in the Communications Dept. delivering interoffice mail along with a group of other young people. About once a week would be “tour day” when I would take a small group on a walking tour of Lot 1 and possibly get them into one of the sound stages to see the filming of a tv series. Then we’d hop the tram to bring us over to the sets on Lot 2. Occasionally, I would be able to bring my group over to Lot 3. Such fun! Some members of my family also worked at M.G.M.: My mom, Dorothy Austin in the Fan Mail Dept. during WWII; my dad, Don Austin in the Paint Dept. along with my grandfather, Emil Lorette; and my uncle, Tony Lorette in the Hand Prop Room.

Hi Don, Is very great your work in the three summers of ’65, ’66, and ’67 in the fantastique MGM studio in Culver city California! The Man From Uncle in 1965 with Bob Vaughn and David Mc Callum!!!!!!!!

Robert Vaughan

I’m currently doing some research and saw your comment from 2020 about working at MGM. Do you happen to have any stories about the fire of 1965 that occurred there? I would like to hear from you if you have any perspective on this. Thanks you.

Hi Daniel, Don may have personal stories, but in the meantime, you may want to look at my blog post on studio fires: https://silverscreenmodes.com/films-lost-in-fires/ This post has a section on the M-G-M fire of 1965. Best, Christian

Hello does anyone know what happened to the big gold Lion that used to be in front of MGM Studios nearby the gates into the lot on Overland?

This might sound like a dumb question, but was the theater marquee seen in the above photo possibly where Our Gang filmed their 1942 short “Mighty Lak a Goat?” I am a big fan of Our Gang and that film is my all-time favorite MGM-produced Our Gang short. Thanks.

Fun Fact: Part of the music video for “Stayin’ Alive” by The Beegees was filmed on Quality Street.

Hello everyone … thank you for the wonderful information and memories … whilst “That’s Entertainment’ has been mentioned, thought I’d give a mention to ‘Phantom of Hollywood’ from same year. A quickie film made for TV taking advantage of destruction of Lot 2. Much of the film is shot on Lot 2 as well as others, showing what the sets looked like then. Early in the film are short segments from films using same sets. Film ends with with bulldozers destroying the sets. All very sad. Certainly not the greatest film ever made, yet remarkable for the way it portrays the Lots. Great historical film in itself now! Some of the film is filmed in the underground cabling tunnels. Been searching for this film for a long time and recently discovered it alive and well at:

https://archive.org/details/thephantomofhollywood1974

Of course its a silly spoof on Phantom films. Some older actors inc Jackie Coogan appear. Trivia – This film was quickly made by people obviously interested in documenting ‘the moment’ in cinema history. Has great TV pedigree. Burt Nodella produced this film – he did Get Smart. Gene Levitt, the director / writer, created – Fantasy Island, Produced – Combat!, Adventure in Paradise, etc. Was filmed by Gene Polito, son of the very famous Sol Polito who filmed much of Warner Bros 1930s and 1940s films inc 42nd St, Petrified Forest, Sorry Wrong Number. Gene worked almost exclusively in TV. Thanks again for terrific memories and info on The Backlot!

I am based in Melbourne, Australia, and teach Cinema to older adults. Now via Zoom.

That’s an amazing link, Paul! Also check out this blog which I think you’ll enjoy: https://phantomofthebacklots.com/

Hi Paul. I believe the episode titled The Trap for the Planet of the Apes TV show was filmed on the same backlot, also around 1974. It’s on YouTube if anyone wants to take a look.

I AM JOHN IN AUGUSTA GA WHO HAS HAD A LIFE LONG INTEREST AND FASCINATION WITH THE MGM STUDIO MERE WORDS CAN NOT SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR GREAT INSIGHT ON THE OLD MGM YOU ARE TO BE COMMENTED GREATLY FOR YOUR MONUMENTAL TASK YOU ARE MONUMENTAL YOURSELF!!!! I would certainly like to hear from you by e mail I am most appreciative of your efforts sincerely john

I enjoy watching old movies on TCM or anywhere. I’ve seen them all so many times that I find it fun to spot sets that have appeared in more than one film. I’ve spotted the spectacular staircase in “Auntie Mame” in 14 other films and posted it on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXCrBYVQtbM

But its also fun seeing other studios using the sets for non-MGM films. For instance the St. Boniface School in Warner Brother’s “Auntie Mame” was filmed at the Tait College set at MGM. The 1951 “Cheaper by the Dozen” from 20th Century Fox used the “Meet me in St Louis” house for the family home.

I went to the MGM Auction in 1970. I was a college student and didn’t have money to buy anything but for the price of a catalog ($10) you could tour everything. I was dazzled. There were chandeliers the size of automobile, hanging on special portable dollies. There was a sound stage full of costumes and two or three more full of furniture, some of it junk and some priceless antiques.

I especially remember a humble wooden shed that had shelves with dozens of ornate hour glass stands. They were made of plaster of paris and had not yet been painted to look like wood. It was a prop for The Wizard of Oz that was meant to be broken in the film so they needed many back up copies. These unpainted ones were never used but had been stored for 30 years. It was an amazing experience.

Thanks for sharing your recollections Richard – all fascinating. I regret not having attended the auction. I lived in L.A. and was a college student too, living off job earnings hand-to-mouth. So I figured I could buy nothing but I hadn’t the forethought to think of the experience. I appreciate you providing yours.

My Grandfather, two of his brother’s, & a sister all worked for MGM for years. My Grandfather was a set designer. Some of the titles of the more famous movies he worked on are the Wizard of OZ-Kismet-Northwest Passage, one of his brothers was a builder in the mill, a second bother worked as a camera man on Our Miss Brooks and all the Ester Williams movies, and his sister was an artist she worked on Tom & Jerry cartoons. My dad as a young boy went to many a movie sets on location. He went to Arizona when he was about 8 or 9 about 1937 or 38 or 39 and stayed in a hotel while the movie was being made. He has been looking for the name of that movie for years. He said it was outside of Tucson and it was a western. He saw it when it came out and the only thing he remembers is there was a big gun fight seen. He thinks the name was either Arizona or it had the name Arizona in it. Do you have any suggestion on how to find this movie. Oh year Grandfather’s name was Mirt Burdick, his brother Leonard Burdick, his other brother Clarence Burdick and his sister Onida. Thank you

I don’t know where to find the movie itself, but the set it was filmed on is located at Old Tuscon just west of Tuscon Arizona at 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735. The movie “Arizona” is talked about here: https://oldtucson.com/film_history/ .

My dad starting working at MGM in the mid 50’s after serving in WW2. He eventually became the head of Set Lighting in 1971. Prior to that, he was the main rigging gaffer, tasked with putting lights and cable in the stages and outdoor sets before shooting. In his earlier days, there were several MGM lots, mainly along Overland Bl. He retired in 1985, thankfully right before Ted Turner bought MGM and starting selling off property. I started there in 1977 and was around until Lorimar bought the lot in 1986. I then transferred to Lorimar until it merged into Warner Brothers, where I spent the last 30 years of my career in the set lighting department.

Thanks for your comment Paul. It was Kirk Kerkorian and his man in charge James Aubrey that did most all of the damage. Kerkorian was interested in the M-G-M name for his hotels, Aubrey sold off the backlots for real estate developers – as well as the props and costumes to the auctioneer. Turner bought and resold M-G-M but couldn’t afford the debt. But he was mainly interested in the film library for his superstation.

As an author and historian of Western films, I wonder if the auction catalog is available on websites such as EBAY, etc. Must have been fascinating!!!!

Hi John – are you referring to Western Costume Co. or MGM catalogs? I’ve seen the M-G-M catalogs on Ebay before but not those of Western Costume.

MGM built a 63 million gallon lake on Lot 3. That private lake is still there at Raintree Circle and Jefferson Blvd, Culver City. The rock that Tarzan dove off is still next to Raintree Lake.

ill have to check this out when im back out

I moved to Rain tree in 1978. I lived on Showboat Lane and remember walking around the lake many times .Wonderful times

Did you happen to notice the bass that Frank Gorshin plays in Where the Boys Are being at the Auction? I think my bass is that bass! I bought it in 1976 at Studio City Music.

Sounds like me. I was a college student then too. I spent the money for the catalogs just so I could wander the lots. I still have the catalogs.

The quest of Debbie Reynolds may have been quixotic, but what a thrill it would have been to tour the huge sound stage where so many MGM musicals were filmed, not to mention the duel sequence from “Scaramouche”. I think it would have meant a lot to MGM fans.

You are so right Edward. The sound stages and standing sets would have been a wonderland of great films and stars of American movies. MGM could have been the one to build on to the Movie amusement park idea with newer movies like Indiana Jones and Star Wars etc. MGM was in not much worse shape in the 1970s than the Disney Co was.

Also, I grew up in the business. This is my godfather and namesake, a long time Paramount guy.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0567007/

He passed when I was young, so I have scant memories of him. Lots of memories of the many people we knew that were in the business, only one an actor. But back then, it was just life. It was all I knew.

The on exception was when they were shooting Batman at Desilu and Batman was on the water tower over there, that got my attention. WOW! That’s Batman!

You want some fun history, the very nice Culver Hotel, when I grew, was an abandoned dump. But well before that, when they filmed The Wizard Of Oz, the housed all the little people there. One night they got drunk and rioted! LOL

Thanks for sharing Bob. I had heard about the episode when the little people got out of hand. The story was probably exagerrated, but I’m sure they partied pretty hard.

I was born just a few houses away from Desilu and then at age four, my parents bought a duplex on Jackson Avenue. We were about 7 or so houses from MGM.

We (friends I have long lost contact with) used to jump the fence and have been to all the places you note. Back then, the security guards were retired guys in golf carts.

But the prize for us delinquents was a blackish prop storage area that looked almost like a graveyard for walls and sets. The area looked very post-apocalyptic.

The reason was a prized area was twofold. It was VERY hard to get to. As you were looking at the main entrance, it was tucked kind of to the right, back far corner. There was only two ways to get there, run on the back grass area directly behind the buildings at the entrance, or do a ton of climbing over a ton of obstacles. The only time we ever got caught was our first attempt at accessing the area.

We got there attempt #2. LOL

Beyond all the adventuring, I loved finding scripts casually tossed about. That and all the secret rooms, usually used for storage, tucked into the sets.

Although I applaud Ms Reynolds efforts to save MGM, it may not have been much of a reality. In order to maintain any viability, the remaining sets would require extensive work to be kept up. This would have been very costly, if not impractical, as the sets were falling into disrepair as it was. Then there is the shear cost of maintaining a tour at attraction on so many acres of land. What should have happened, is a MGM mueseum created, with selected props and wardrobe items that were used in the feature films. A section of the original yellow brick road per say( I understand that it’s now all gone from the sound stage). Anyway, I grew up in Ladera Heights, and remember on more than one occasion, riding my bike down to Culver City just to sneak into the backlots of MGM. I remember the famous bridge in lot 2, the Please Don’t Eat the Daisies house and the ship pool( Mutiny on the Bounty) in lot 3, as well as the concrete film vaults. It was a lot for a 14 year old to se and take in, but each trip was awesome. I had no idea of the reality of what MGM stood for at that time, as I do now. It is sad to think that MGM’s contribution to the arts, it’s business savvy and genius, was not enough to be remembered properly. It seems almost ironic that such an era was simply allowed to crumble, and be Gone with the Wind.

I think you are right Joe about the inability of Debbie Reynolds to have started an “MGM Park” from the back lots. The idea was ahead of its time and too expensive to work. Her collection was big enough, however, to have formed a movie entertainment museum -the kind the Academy is building now, minus all the significant treasures that as you say are “Gone with the Wind.”

Stumbled across this site while researching the 100’s if not 1000’s of photos left behind by my Dad who passed away this past Oct. 2018. He was the head of the paint department at MGM for some 40 years. He was one of the only people allowed to take behind the scenes photos while shooting films.

His collection is vast, pretty much everything you could image by way of location movie photos to the back lots, all of the back lots.

As a Child I crew up playing on those lots. Lot 3 was our favorite, the Street of houses, the western town, the dutch town and best of all the jungles! I have such fond memories of all those lots. I would very much like to see the history of my Dads collection saved and preserved for future generations. If anyone can suggest a place for me to start I would love their input.

Thanks, Katherine PS…my Dad was Anthony Leonardi Sr, Father of Anthony Leonardi Jr and Grandfather of Anthony Leonardi III – you can see their movie credits online.

Hi Katherine. Sorry for the late reply to your comment, which I just noticed. The email notice I usually get for comments must have gone astray. How wonderful that you still have these photos and what a great resource they are. This is a great legacy from your father, and a unique one. There are some excellent repositories of film history. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences – Margaret Herrick Library in Beverly Hills for one. Both USC and UCLA have film fistory collections in their libraries. There are others if you no longer live in the greater Los Angeles area, or have an affinity to another part of the country. You can contact me at [email protected] if you would like further information.

Hi Katherine

I am one of the authors of M.G.M: Hollywood’s Greatest Backlot and I saw it all just before it was all torn down.

It was magical!

Have you considered the Hollywood Heritage Museum for your Dad’s collection?

I saw your post and thought you might be helpful. I have been researching Worlds of Fun park history for 20+ years, and one aspect of the park is that it’s founder, Lamar Hunt, bought over a dozen items at the backlot auction for the park. of course Cotton Blossom and Victrix (which are both, sadly, gone), but several wagons too, of which one I know of is still there. I am trying to identify it, I believe it is either the prison wagon 3/1307 or Police Wagon 3/1308 (I have the auction books). I have several photos I can send you if you could please help me identify it! Thanks in advance!

Katherine- I would like to ask if your father had worked with GLEN ROBINSON. I have an interest in his work for the amusement park PLEASURE ISLAND here in Massachusetts. Some props were built in Culver City. Robinson built the famous full scale MOBY DICK figure that rose from the ponds waters and scared the visitors. Is it possible your dad may have worked on such a project? Thank you for your time and I’ll be looking for your fathers’ name in film credits from now on. Robert

Reach out to the Academy Archive! They have a photo vault, and I’m sure they would be very interested in what you have. The Margaret Herrick Library on La Cienega houses the archives.

Thanks for the comment Michelle. I’ve used the Academy Library and Photo Archives myself and recommend them highly.

I would love to see a photo album like you have described. I have a love for the old classical movies I wish this generation could see. Do you have a great story thank you for sharing.

Good evening.

Do you know where exactly was THE SAUCER TANK located at MGM STUDIOS?

By the way I recommend you this book M-G-M: Hollywood’s Greatest . Is amazing.

Thank you very much for your answer..

Jorge sanchez

The Saucer Tank was just to the south of stage 14 and just to the west of the grip department.

In 1979 I was working on a film ” Hearts of the West” one of the sets I believe it was the Rose hotel in the movie was one of if not the last feature films shot on lot 2 at MGM. HEARTS of the West starred Jeff Bridges another film shot a few years later Harts of the West starred Beau Bridges and Loyd Bridges it wasn`t shot at MGM but i thought that was interesting. While we were working on the set we were all drinking water out of an arrowhed water thing, later in the day someone knocked the water dispencer over and broke the ceramic crock inside I went over to see and in the water was hundreds of dead ants and some white gloppy junk. A few of us threw up right then but no one got bad sick. Who knows what film that was left over from or how long it had been there. Shortly after that it was all torn down and homes were built. For a long time that had been our parking lot

Interesting story – that could have been a scene from a movie.

Hearts of the West was released in 1975.

Hello Christian, Do you know who designed the St Louis Street for M-G-M, particularly the main house used in Meet Me In St. Louis? Any recommendations on trying to find this information?

Does anyone know if it was only a shell used for exterior shots or if was a complete house?

Thank you for any information!

That’s an interesting question. The street and the “houses” were designed in the Art Department under Cedric Gibbons. Most of the designing for the “Meet Me in St Louis” house and street was done by Jack Martin Smith. The houses were not complete houses but fronts and sides with partial roofs. The interiors sets were filmed in the sound stages. For this film they were designed mostly by Lemuel Ayers with set decor done by several people.

It was a shell. It had short returns so that you could shoot doorway entrance and exits.

I worked on the lot on the Medical Center TV series as an assistant director trainee and a second assistant director in the 1970s. Also dated the daughter of the producer of Man from Uncle and Girl from Uncle for a while. Lot 2 was still standing when I started in 1974 but gone by the time I returned as as 2nd AD in 1976. Nice job with good images. One error though. I believe St Louis Street was on Lot 3, not lot 2. And Andy Hardy was exclusively on lot 2 if I am not mistaken.

Hi Christian, I lived less than a mile from Lot 2 and spent many hours sneaking into the Lot along with friends. We also went into Lot 3, but it was still being used in the late 60s and early 70s. I wrote a Young Adult novel (The Sift in the Backlot) based on my experiences (it’s available on Amazon) and turned it into a paranormal adventure story. It’s been well received on line. Thanks for the site. Brant Vickers

That’s great that you wrote a novel based on your visits to the lot. I never visited other than passing by. I can imagine going through at night alone – back when it was mostly intact. I have to believe the place was haunted.

I too would sneak into lot 3 with my friends at night from the little league field that is not West L A College one night we almost got hurt, we snuck in while thy were shooting the TV show Combat. We were hiding on a little hill a little from all the action when someone started yelling at us. We ran off aways and shortly after some explosions started near where we were

Hi good memories for lot 2 I was working security in early 70s till it closed….

Hi Christian, I found your site this morning after seeing Todd Fisher talking about his life with his mom, and sister, while visiting the MGM sets. I am aghast that Debbie was the only actress who felt the need to preserve the costumes. Where was everyone else? Todd said that he used to climb onto the sets, and play on the ships, etc. Why were they demolished? Not preserved? It makes me ill, thinking about how all of this history was virtually destroyed. It seems that the 70s and 80s made a huge set backwards in “developing” land. How interesting are these photos, though. And, that in a comment above, the roads were actually back roads in the orange groves. It’s like seeing your neighborhood on film, the little paths you trek. So much for progress, I can never get enough of Old Hollywood sets. Especially the general stores! Oh, I always say, “I wonder where that item is now?” when I see something I like. Well, sadly, probably dust in the wind. I wonder how much is warehouses? Anything left?

Thank you, Christian, for sharing these photos and your comments. It’s a nostalgic look at a neighborhood I knew in the 1960s. My grandmother lived less than a mile from Lot 1, at the corner of Jasmine Avenue and Tabor Street. Looking down Jasmine, the studio was clearly visible. My grandfather, Frank Ball, moved to Los Angeles to act in silent movies and found work at Thomas Ince Studio. My grandmother, uncle, aunt, and mom joined my him in L.A. in 1923. After Thomas Ince died and his studio closed, my grandfather had difficulty finding movie roles, but he did do some acting in Bob Steele westerns and a few other movies. My grandmother also worked in the movie business, playing piano and organ accompaniment to silents and sewing costumes at M-G-M. When I watched silent movies with my mom, she could often name the streets, some of which were dirt roads through orange groves and undeveloped land. I like thinking of the Los Angeles of the early movie days. I grew up there in the late 50s and 60s but feel connected to old Los Angeles through my family’s experiences. Thank you for escorting me on a visit to some happy memories.

Thanks for your comment Christine. You have a great family association with MGM and the movies.My great-aunt worked briefly in wardrobe at MGM before moving on to Fox and then RKO.While we bemoan the loss of the backlots, at least we have the films to remember and these great photos that the studio itself had taken to document the lot.

Hello Christian,

Note: The sets shown built for Meet Me In St Louis, were not located on Lot 2, but on Lot 3. Secondly, the photos in which you identify overhead lines as being electrical service, not so. Close up visual inspection reveals reveals their meeting points and methods of attachment prove impossible for such a claim. These wires supported overhead tarps positioned for varying degrees of darkness provided for exterior shots which otherwise would have costed the studio huge amount of overtime, if filmed at night. All power was supplied via massive service wires via underground conduit to various fixed points from where large ‘extension cords’ were routed to lighting and equipment. Thank you for the beautiful memories.

Hi Jim, thanks for the clarification on these points.

Alas, too bad these historic lots could not be designated landmarks – today they probably would be. We can thank Kirk Kerkorian for destroying MGM, much the same way Howard Hughes destroyed RKO. Debbie Reynolds made a heroic effort to preserve as much as she could of MGM memorabilia, but she could only do so much.

Yes Debbie did all she could and it was amazing what she was able to preserve. Alas that collection itself has been blown to the winds, and we”ll never see its like again.

Hi Marg, thanks for your comment – yes this is a sad episode in movie history and for the history of the Los Angeles region. Those standing sets and back lots – the best in the industry at their peak – are gone forever. Debbie Reynolds managed to collect many treasures from he sale of props and costumes from MGM, as my posts on the sale of her items indicate, she had “sets” of items and costumes from the same movie. These ending up getting divided at auction and scattered, sometimes to different continents. As you say, dust in the wind.

You can also thank Ted Turner for greedily hoarding all the pre-June 1986 MGM movies and TV shows. Perhaps if Turner hadn’t bought the pre-June 1986 MGM library the studio could be surviving a little better than they are now. (I also understand MGM filed for Chapter 11 in the mid-2010’s, reducing them to the “mini-major” studio they’ve become today.)

Of course one couldn’t have wires of any kind crossing the movie sets that were streets. Think of the problems the shadows would have created when filming.

In That’s Entertainment part III Esther Williams presents next to her original saucer tank. Where was that located? Is one of the lots that was not sold?

The “Esther Wiliams Swiming Pool” was located in Lot Two that was lost. Many of her films, including I believe the scene you mention were filmed in a tank in Stage 30 on Lot One. The Stage and Lot are still there but the Tank is gone.

Hi there, loved reading everything here. The “ Saucer Tank “ was still around 15 or so years ago as I saw it on the Sony tour, sadly its gone now. I’ve been to the Sony tour a few times in the last 10 years. It still excites me to be in the LOT. ?

Thanks for sharing that information Brett. Sad to see one thing after another disappearing. The fate of the old 20th Century-Fox “Movitone” lot is unclear. Warner Brothers is still interesting.

You can still see the location of the saucer tank on Google Earth Download Google Earth and search for SONY pictures studio tour You’ll bring up an aerial view of Lot 1 At the lower right towards the intersection of Overland Ave and Culver Blvd you see a large garage parking lot and to its upper right you’ll see what appear to be 5 roof lines. Immediately below that is a small parking lot and that’s where the saucer tank was, bulldozed in 2003, but all is not lost! At the top banner bar select “historical imagery” If you move the image towards the intersection of Overland Ave and Culver Blvd and move the imagery pointer to 1989/1994 timeframes you’ll see what looks to be 5 roof lines and below them you’ll see the saucer tank I confirmed the location within the book “MGM – Hollywood’s Greatest Backlot”, page 24, item 38 (and, if you’re interested in an excellent history of MGM Studio, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing the book)

The circular tank was outside, across from a set shed near where the backlot parking lot stands now. As far as I know the big tank still exists. I filmed there several years ago.

Thanks for this information Roy.

Came down fm Seattle 1946 to attend art school Chouinard, stayed at uncle’s home Manhatten Beach. Had to take bus to Pershing Sq, passed MGM lot Culver City daily, see sets looming over fences, particularly large skyscape, must’ve been used countless films. Developed early (16) interest in Adrian after seeing Eugenie Leontovich and Basil Rathborn play Obsession, amazingly dramatic outfits, began collecting ads and pics. Back in Seattle, took summer job as stock boy Best’s Apparel, unpacked, handled countless Adrian’s, heaven! 1949 to Parson’s NYC, wangled way into Gunther Jaeckel spring Adrian collection and paintings at Knoedler Art Galleries, double heaven! Back to LA and got into Adrian Salon for fall African collection, exciting beyond words! Interest began to wane as moved to San Francisco, then Lovely to Look At revived appreciation, out of blue, invite fm J W Robinson for fall ’52 showing, no idea of his heart attack, and this would be end of it. Lovely show, new girls modeling in small Adrian Rm , looser, sportier, would’ve been interesting to see where he was headed, but he and Janet were off to the jungles of Brazil! and retirement. T’was end of it, gave my drawings and collection to old schoolmates, for 30 yrs just vague interest, then my mother passed 1995, found she had saved boxfull my drawings, pretty good, hmmm thot I’d try again, checked EBay, got into swing and am again avid fan, enjoy yr book and am collecting all over again, guess I will into dotage. END of SAGA!

Thank you so much Randall for sharing your anecdotes and recollections of MGM and Adrian. How fortunate that you were there for to see his collection at Gunther Jaeckel, at the art gallery, and the finale (little did anybody know ahead of time) at Robinson’s. The end of an era indeed. Neither the Adrian Salon building, Robinson’s or most of the MGM back lots & Wardrobe are in existence any longer. I have a few of his fashion sketches that seemed to have been done after he retired. Quite beautiful and of course very fashionable – a few are in my book but unfortunately the black and white does them no justice. Thanks again for your comments.

Thank you these pictures are amazing. I live in one of the complexes that would have been lot #3 so it’s really interesting to see what was here before. I’m interesting in knowing where you got these pictures because I’d like to have some blown up and hung in our office.

I’m glad you enjoyed the photos Lea. That’s great that you live on one of the former lots. I’ve been collecting these, and other Hollywood movie photos for many years. You can find many of them on ebay under “MGM” movie collectibles.

If you get a copy of the book MGM Hollywood’s Greatest Backlot it is full of pictures of the old backlot including a full section on lot 3. There is a map of each lot so you could find out what set stood where your home now is and it also tells you what films were made on each set.

Yes, this is a great book. I mention it in the post.

I would love to have a copy of this book. I moved to Raintree condos in 1978. I lived on Showboat Lane and loved living there among all the history.

I purchased a digital copy of ” That’s Entertainment” on Vudu for $5.99 ( you can rent it for $2). That’s the impetus for my wanting too see more of the MGM back lot! 🙂

Yes, that’s a great way to appreciate the old studio, plus That’s Entertainment part II.

Like so many employees at MGM in 1943 WW2 I was drafted

That was tough service years during WWII. I believe MGM honored their veterans at the time. Many Navy veterans where I live in Coronado.

I mosty know MGM from Twilight Zone, since it was shot there, but its cool to see the layouts & the old movies!

I’m glad you enjoyed seeing some of the other outdoor sets. It was great that Twilight Zone got to shoot there. I’ve watched just about every episode too.

I thought I recognized the hardware store from the Twilight Zone episode “Hocus Pocus and Frisby”.

Thank you very much for your very welcome post, Christian, which is especially nostalgic for me. I first stepped on the MGM lot in the 1950s, when my father Lee Le Blanc was head of the Special Effects Matte Painting Department. It wasn’t until 1970 that I began my career at MGM, the year that Kerkorian took over the studio. I was working as secretary to the head of the Property and Upholstery Departments until Property was closed down the following January by Mr. Aubrey, at the commands of Kerkorian and his henchmen. It was just one of the many departments that were closed, but when production began to pick up again it became apparent that some of these departments were essential, so were reopened. I have just one correction. The auction began before James Aubrey stepped on the lot as head of production. When I left MGM in 1991, there was no longer an MGM “Studios”. First, all the secretaries and most department heads were all ecstatic when we thought Ted Turner would be taking over the studio, but that was not to happen. Lorimar succeeded in taking over the lot, but that didn’t last long before Sony had the money and wherewithal to claim it and contain it. In the meantime, the rest of MGM was scattered across town in different buildings until they were finally rounded up in a business park in Santa Monica. I can at least say I remember what a great studio MGM was and how happy I am to have been a small part of it.

Thank you Deirdre for providing this additional information on MGM and its fate. Your father and the department he headed produced such great work for the films that MGM produced. In the days before CGI, entire scenes and backgrounds could still be produced with studio special effects and matte painting. The latter needing high artistic talent and the former years of practice and skill development.How great that you were there to see while it was still MGM.

Hello Deirdre- I would like to ask if your father had known or worked with special effects man Glen Robinson. In particular I am interested if maybe he knew of Robinson’s work for amusement parks. Robinson built and installed the full scale fiberglass MOBY DICK figure for the the PLEASURE ISLAND amusement park here in Massachusetts. It rose out of dark swamp water to scare visitors for the park’s 1959-1969 lifetime. Maybe your dad was present on the lot when this project was constructed? Thank you for your time and enjoyed your comments. Best to you. Robert

What! No pictures of “Tara”? You used to be able to see it from the surrounding streets (Jefferson & Overland?) when I was a kid.

The Plantation House set used for Tara was on the the Selznick Studio lot’s 40 acreas (once the RKO/Pathe lot now the Culver Studio lot). The set was sold off in 1959 to go to Atlanta. MGM had a similar looking building that tour guides used to say was the Tara building but it wasn’t. The Mansion on the Culver Studio lot is sometimes confused with Tara.

Wasn’t the Meet Me in St. Louis set also used in The Long, Long Trailer?

Yes Michael, I believe that the St’ Louis Street was used for the Long Long Trailer. Certainly the opening scene of buying the trailer was filmed in the sound stage at the MGM lot.

And both films were directed by Vincent Minnelli.

The house where “the boy next door” lived in Meet Me In Saint Louis” was used to house Lucy’s relatives in “The Long, Long Trailer”. A gingerbread porte cochere was added to the house, which Ricky knocks down with the trailer.

Thanks for this information Shawn. I had heard that The Long, Long Trailer was filmed on that street but I didn’t know the other details.

A few weeks ago I met a guy who told me he would sneak on the backlots and take pictures of the lots when he was a kid. He mentioned the lake and how MGM once owned all the land where the Tara Hill condos now stands. He also said that he visited the lot where Gone With the Wind was shot.

That must have been fun as a kid, although by then many of the outdoor sets were dilapidated. But they did shoot such classic TV shows as the Twilight Zone on the MGM backlot, so its great to see many of the outdoor sets on those shows. Gone with the Wind was shot at the Selznick Studio, which is now the Culver Studio. The Tara plantation house is no longer standing (not to be confused with the mansion house which is seen at the opening of the Selznick movies, it is still there).

When I was about 9 years old I was riding my bike past MGM on Washington Blvd. I noticed a gate with a chain and lock, so I went over and began looking through the crack between the two gates I could see the stages one was open and I could see part of a set. About 12 years later I was working at MGM as a Set Painter and I was riding my bike to get around the lot, most people did, I noticed a gate with a chain and a lock, so I went over and started looking through the crack between the two gates, there was a big church and some other buildings. All of a sudden it dawned on me, It was the same gate that I had looked through years before I guess it doesn’t matter what side your on you always want to know what is going on over on the other side. I was there working on the movie Logan’s Run

What a great story Robby – thanks for sharing it. Logan’s Run was a great science fiction movie and you must have enjoyed working on it, especially now looking back on it. The church must be gone by now, however.

Logan’s Run is a personal favorite. Most people think my oldest boy is named after Logan, The Wolverine, but it’s actually after Logan 5. I had joked with my wife that his middle name should be ‘Cinco’.

Fantastic site. I love seeing the old back lots!

Amazing. I have the book on the MGM back lots and have read it 3 times already. It is all so fascinating to m e. Being a big fan of Turner Classic Movies , I frequently try to imagine what it must have been like to work at MGM surrounded by the amazing sets and backlots. I am still sad to this day to know that they are gone. This history is part of our culture and the angst is how we treated it. But the back lots will live in the movies for all of us to enjoy. Thank you for the great post and photos . Excellent job.

Thanks for your comment Glen. Yes, as you say it is very sad. The book is great in its documentation. Have you seen “That’s Entertainment” where they show the back lot’s in 1974 when they had deteriorated? That was just before they were all torn down and the lots sold for development. I’m sorry I never got to visit MGM in its heyday.

Yes I saw That’s Entertainment in the movies when it first showed. I was just 16 and fascinated. I wanted to run away to Culver City and see them in person. My interest in how films were made , pre 1960, started then. It has continued ever since. I would have liked to be part of film preservation too. Again I find all the amazing craftsmanship in these temporary sets so wonderful. I thank you again for keeping this alive and for doing such a great job on the subject.

Thank you Glen. My great-aunt worked in the Wardrobe Department at MGM back in 1925, then moved on to Fox and RKO. There were so many people that worked making all those films look so good. I think of her and the others in bringing some of these scenes back to life.

Hello Christian, thanks for presenting these MGM backlot photos. Many unseen before. I found out about the backlots when I began to see similar sets in different films back in the 70’s as a teenager watching the films on late night tv. It began a quest to put it all spatially together for me- how one set segwayed into another- how the designers built it all.

The picture under the St Louis picture (Minnelli) is actually New England/Andy Hardy Street. Not to prove a point but to show amazingly how one can pin point exact sets after seeing so many film from so many shots. Thanks again! I am always searching for new photos of the lots.

Thank you for your informative comments Craig. I first saw many of these films in the 50s on daytime TV, and then much later when I appreciated them more. I collect these photos too, and other Hollywood memorabilia, notably costume design sketches. Thanks for the info on the Andy Hardy set, I’ll re-caption that image.

Dear Christian, I found this concept fascinating. I was fortunate to spend many years sneaking on the backlots and living amongst that history, I collected call sheets, took pictures and saw many amazing productions. i also have pictures from MGM art dept. And coup de gra meeting Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly on Thats Entertainment.On rainy days we danced exactly where Gene did in singing in the Rain. On the Combat sets we pretended to get shot and die recreating the actual scenes. It was marvelous such a special place. Even funner when vacant of employees and it became mine!

How lucky you were to sneak and the lot as a playground! And meeting Fred and Gene during That’s Entertainment. Great memories. And the lots were used for thw Twilight Zone episodes too, which can be seen with a more eery and perhaps more fitting image now. Thanks for sharing your unique experience.

Around 1960, 61, 62 we used to sneak on the lot where the college and the condos are now off of Overland. We lived less than a mile away. None of us kids owned a camera then but we had a great time wandering through the sets. Ironically my daughter now works at Sony ATV.

Sounds like this was great fun. Too bad you didn’t have a camera – those photos would be rare and valuable now. At the early side of this time period we used to go on bikes to see the Dodger stadium being built – not as much fun but good memories.

Yep,I used to hang with you on this lot.AND I believe I saved your life when someone threw a large wooden crate off of the roof of the Logans Run set.I was glad to have saved you from that.

You and Don were lucky to have the run of the lot, and Don was lucky to have you save him from a crate on the head. Great memories from MGM’s ghosttown.

Were you friends with my cousin, Gerald Strachan, who also talked about meeting Fred and Gene?

Dear Christian, I found this concept fascinating. I was fortunate to spend many years sneaking on the backlots and living amongst that history, I collected call sheets, took pictures and saw many amazing productions. You may be interested in my story. It is unique in its perspective and all hands on MGM.

Thankyou for this amazing tour of MGM. I have ‘Hollywood’s Greatest Backlot’ & spend hrs combing thru the pages. Can’t help but lament about MGM’s destruction, if only a wealthy industrial conglomerate like Gulf & Western with Paramount or MCA with Universal had purchased MGM rather than Kirk Kerkorian, all that backlot majesty might still be in place. Meanwhile, while Sony should be praised for retaining & astheticising Lot 1, they’ve also turned it into a bland business park by pulling down stages 18, 19, 20, removing set construction-properties from the lot & converting the amazing stages 5-6 Theatre Stages to recording & an office tower

Thanks for your comment and additional information about the current situation at the Sony lot. There is much to bemoan really in the loss of movie-making heritage at the old MGM lots and in greater Los Angeles. I collect one area, costume design sketches, which have scattered to the winds (those that survived). I started recuperating old MGM lot and set stills by accident. There’s loss everywhere you look.

Hello Christian, thankgoodness for the efforts of yourself & the legendary Debbie Reynolds for preserving artefacts of the MGM legacy. I visited the then Lorimar Studios in the mid 1980s on a holiday to the US. Peering in thru the gates off Overland I marvelled at this place, was like a sabbatical to Bethlehem or the Vatican to me, somehow unreal; the glory was faded & the MGM shingle & lots 2-3 had long gone, but lot 1 was still fully in tact. The place would have been better than Disney Land!

Thanks John. I agree, the lack of vision by the then ownership was staggering. In the case of Universal Studios, even the sale of prime real estate of “Universal City” was a colossal loss of value.

Lack of vision is a nice way for you to put it — I am kind of outraged by it ‘s destruction and of people who think this way. It could have been preserved. Why do some people think if a building is over 40 years old it is of no value anymore. Very stupid and un-enlightened on their part I say

I agree Ava. You could also say they wanted to make a quick buck and weren’t really interested in the movie business .Universal Studios turned part of their sets into an amusement park. 20th Century Fox sold off their back lots and land for cheap, which was developed into Century City in L. A..

It seems that in Hollywood, anything – and anyone – over 40 is of no value. The destruction of both RKO and MGM studios by the moneymen is an example of bad management and lack of foresight.

These two cases were indeed shameful. The RKO lot was absorbed by Paramount (after Desilu), but the famous Radio Pictures globe was demolished. MGM was sad all the way around as was well documented. Thanks for your comments.

I thoroughly enjoyed this… many thanx…

“The Great Earth”? Try “The GOOD Earth.” Most of the rest of the text is on the same insipid level. The photos are great, of course, but already available to anyone who has the indispensible “M-G-M Hollywood’s Greatest Back Lot.”

The error has been corrected

My, what an insipid post of negativity.

Thank you Christian for a most excellent documentation of our cinematic heritage! Bravo!

Thank you Christian for a most excellent documentation of our cinematic heritage. Bravo!

Thanks for your comment James, and I’m glad you enjoyed the MGM backlot tour.

This was a wonderful post, Christian! Thanks so much for the history behind these great photos.

I’m glad you enjoyed the tour Jacqueline. It could have gone on for hours, especially if we had visited inside the sound stages. That will be another tour!

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Wheel of Fortune - Sony Pictures Studio Tour

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Over the years I have been on the Warner Brothers, Paramount and Sony Studio Tours. I have no... read more

We went on the 6pm Thursday-only Twilight tour. It just started back up so there were only 10... read more

Wheel of Fortune

Watched 3 filmings. Great fun and it is free! In fact all taping in LA are free. Don't let the street denizens sell you a ticket. Just go online and come early. Only 100 seats.

Phone number that just tell you to call again. Visitor center that don't help visitors. Avoid this attraction

Fairly easy to obtain tickets online, free parking in 7 story structure on Overland, staff was wonderful helping my mother who uses a walker, check in was easy peasy and seeing Wheel of Fortune live made the long drive worthwhile. The Studio Tour is on our "to do" list this year. Reservations are required for Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and the Studio Tour.

Great Experience! We were fortunate to get to see inside the Barbra Streisand Scoring Studio, one of the top two sound studios in the world and possibly the best for its acoustics, where the scores for countless great movies scores and recording artists have been recorded from Judy Garland recording the Wizard of Oz soundtrack to the greatest films today. Seeing the backlot and the sound stages, vehicles, and props was awesome.

Requested tickets to see taping of Jeopardy. I walk with a cane and the staff, from front gate person to everyone involved with getting us to the taping was so friendly and considerate. Sonny, the person who drove us in the golf cart was so friendly and kind and took pictures of us posing inside at the jeopardy prop sets. Everyone we came in contact with made this experience over the top for me. I couldn't have imagined a better experience of seeing a taping of Jeopardy! A dream come true for me.

I had nothing against the tour guide. Nice fellow seemed to know his stuff, but we literally walked around essentially a load of back alleys with nice cream painted walls and "stage xx" on them - saw both spectacular - everything that was pointed out was reference to dead people - nothing modern or current here to loo at - unless you are a jepodary fan - as an Australian - nope we don't even get it. Sorry I don't write harsh reviews but this was a walk with 20 people I dis. OT know - looking at basically nothing and it cost me $42 - hmmmm I did paramount last year thought it was brill - but cant comment 12 months on...l hope this helps someone xx