More MGM Backlot Photos, 1970

Some of you may recall that I have posted a number of historic photos of MGM's backlot over the years; they were taken in 1970 just before the famous auction in which so many incredible props and costumes were sold to the public. A friend of mine was the photographer, and he generously allowed me to scan his personal Viewmaster reels - now I can share them with you! 

This first example shows up in the movie "Cheaper By the Dozen", among others. The weedy lawn makes this look a bit "Munstery", but it's still pretty. I recently learned that the street was known as "St. Louis Street", after the 1944 Judy Garland musical, "Meet Me in St. Louis".

This next house is where Judy's family (the Smiths) lived. If you put your ear right up to your screen, you might just be able to hear the movie's catchy theme song.

Here's a screen grab from the beginning of "Meet Me in St. Louis". It has that MGM sheen!

Various coaches, buggies, surreys, carriages, and wagons were parked on the street for potential buyers to inspect. It's so incredible to think of all of this amazing stuff being sold off like it was surplus junk.

Here's the Smith home again. I like the greenhouse conservatory on the side. These sets are so convincing, you'd swear that somebody will walk out the door at any moment.

Here's another lovely home, with more assorted horse-drawn vehicles. I wonder if those were genuine antiques, or if they were all built by the skilled studio craftsmen?

I wish my MGM book was handy, I'm sure I would be able to ID this structure. I'll bet it appeared in loads of movies.

And finally, here's one last shot of St. Louis Street, looking beautiful and melancholy at the same time.

There is one final reel of personal Viewmaster photos from MGM's backlot!

(I'm still out of town; I hope all of you are having an excellent weekend).