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).
These are such beautiful facades. They remind me of Disneyland's Main Street U.S.A. I'm cringing at the thought of a wrecking ball or bulldozer knocking all of these structures down!
ReplyDeleteWhen I put my ear up to the my computer screen, all I hear is the clang, clang, clanging of a trolley.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Weekend, Major!
Major-
ReplyDeleteCoincidental theses images should be posted today, as I’m attending an old time radio convention this weekend, and who do you think one of the special guests is-? Yes, that’s right - Margaret O’Brien (Tootie) from Meet Me In St. Louis. What are the odds-?
As I think I’ve mentioned before, I was very lucky to walk around all the MGM backlots [unescorted] many times around 1968-1969, and have never forgotten that experience. It was still one hell of a place even then.
Thanks, Major.
The director of Meet Me In St. Louis, Vincente Minneli fought with the studio to get that residential street built. MGM wanted to just use the existing Andy Hardy residential street, but thank god he fought to have the custom built street done because I think a big chunk of the success of that movie was the main house and the rest of that street. It’s been used is tons on tv shows ( including the Twilight Zone) movies ( How The West Was Won - as the San Francisco mansions) and commercials like General Tires - Sooner or later you’ll own General!
ReplyDeleteThese houses remind me of one of my favorite films Orson Welles' "The Magnificent Ambersons". "Meet Me In St. Louis" is another great film. I love films dripping in Americana.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely an extra-special post today. Thanks ,Major.
Nanook, How lucky that you got to walk around unescorted on the MGM backlots. It must've been pure magic. Did you know what you were looking at in regards to the structures and which films they appeared in?
Have fun at the old time radio convention!
The movie industry has always fascinated me. Although my interest lies mostly in the silent era, the 30s and 40s are certainly interesting as well. Hollywood has little regard for history, and will tear down or sell off things no longer needed. Case in point, the Hal Roach Studios, marked only by a plaque a few inches in size, mostly hidden by shrubs, in Culver City. Sad. Often only the films themselves and photos, are left to tell the story. Great stuff today.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm going to have "Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis" going through my head all afternoon. And I'm on my way to a funeral.
ReplyDeleteNanook, that convention sounds amazing! So jelly!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for scanning and posting these! I wish it were easier, so you could scan the other image of the stereo pair--we could see them in 3D! But these are great in just two dimensions.
ReplyDelete@Ken-
ReplyDeleteI remembered *some* of the structures on the lot(s), and the films/TV shows which used them; but certainly not all of them. It really was like being a kid in a candy store walking around their properties. There was just so much history there - and I’ve seen many of the Hollywood lots; but there was something about the MGM lots... Damn.
@Melissa-
I can’t say as I’ve followed Margaret O’Brien’s career - post “Meet Me In St. Louis” - but the uniqueness of her voice as a child is still with her today.
Love Classic Disneyland, classic films and OTR. It's so good to be among friends.
ReplyDeleteDitto to all and especially to our fearless leader.
ReplyDeleteMajor-
ReplyDeleteI finally have the 'MGM Book' handy, and I'm still a bit uncertain as to where the "mystery" house was located. Part of me thinks it's on the St. Louis Street, on Lot 3. And another part of me thinks it's the Andy Hardy/New England Street, on Lot 2. Those Eucalyptus-? trees make me think the chances are better for the Lot 3 location. Dunno.
The detail that went into these "faux" buildings is incredible!
ReplyDeleteWhat Sunday Night said.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Major, and the Unknown Benefactor 2.
JG
Hard to believe these arent real homes! So beautiful in their detail. I want to live here :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these cool views!
My Dad was the head of the Paint dept at MGM for some 40 years. I grew up playing on those back lots. Have 100's and 100's of photos that have never ever been seen of so many of the movies my Dad worked on. Wish I knew how or were to share them with the world. I see all the back lot stuff online and mostly how very much is missing! Thanks for posting these photos...they bring back such lovely memories !
ReplyDeleteKatherine
Katharine, such a shame that people can't see those photos! If I can help in any way, please let me know - I'm in L.A., if that makes any difference.
ReplyDelete