5 Secret Film Locations Uncovered ! Hitchcock, Chaplin, Keaton were there. #filmlocations

Hi, it's Pat Patterson and we are going on a road trip that's going to include a number of old Hollywood film locations and I'm at a place, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, that is just loaded with film history. One of Hollywood's amazing legends, Cecil B. DeMille and his sister, Agnes DeMille, here at Hollywood Forever. He left something up at the Guadalupe Dunes. Let's go check it out. I think I need something a little more Hollywood for this episode. Luke, I am your father. Okay, let's go. It was the biggest set ever built for the most expensive movie that had ever been made. The silent version of Cecil B. DeMille's epic The Ten Commandments. I feel like I'm on the set of Lawrence of Arabia. This is the Guadalupe Dunes. We're looking out over the area where some of those incredible artifacts from Cecil B. DeMille's silent version of The Ten Commandments were discovered. So this is an incredible preserve, a beautiful spot, but also a piece of Hollywood history because right out here we had excavations. We start running up this sand dune and we see a lot of debris all over the surface. But it had to be a Cecil B. DeMille set that archaeologists would be digging up. Here's another artifact from Cecil B. DeMille's Ten Commandments. The set was mentioned in his autobiography in 1959. It had pretty much been forgotten to history and a number of Hollywood historians, I'm one of them, knew about it and always wondered, you know, if it was down there. It was really covered up and nobody knew. And so a process was started back in the 80s to start getting permits to be able to dig up some of the dunes and see if it was there and lo and behold, here it was. All of that broken plaster that you see is just the exposed surface pieces of those pharaoh statues. You want to get an idea of scale, that's a person standing there. In 2012 we were actually able to do enough fundraising to lead an archaeological project out there and they unearthed a sphinx. That sphinx, buried for nearly 90 years, has been partially restored and is on display at the Guadalupe Dune Center, along with other artifacts from the film. And I'm with Alexis Elias and she is the interim director of the center and Alexis, I had no idea this is here and you have the biggest collection of some of the lost articles of Hollywood history right here in Guadalupe. Yeah, we do. You know, most people that walk into this museum say that exact same thing. Where did this stuff come from? Yeah, I get people coming in here asking if these are real Egyptian artifacts, which is kind of funny, but I mean they look so real, but no, they are artifacts from a movie. But it's kind of funny, they're real artifacts from a movie, right? So people often are like, wait, are they real or fake? What are they? It's Hollywood history now, real history, where are the pyramids? So and the story is Cecil B. DeMille shot the Ten Commandments out here on the dunes to look like Egypt, I guess. And when he got through, the set was buried, is that what happened? So there are different stories, basically some people say buried, but because of the way that the dunes work, the wind, it's a very dynamic ecosystem. So were they buried or were they left there and then just covered over time, we're not really sure. But yeah, so they were buried eventually. And then whether it was nature or man, and I know I've seen some pictures of local children back at the time playing on them and that kind of thing. So it was a little bit maybe of an attraction before they disappeared. Yeah, I think it was kind of a local secret where people would go and we have a picture of a man standing on the Sphinx in the 30s, which is why we don't think necessarily it was buried. But we don't have any pictures of the set. We just have that one random. No Instagram? There were no Instagram happened? Unfortunately, no. So tell me a little bit about, I know a documentary was made. Now how was the center involved in the excavations? So we managed, and the acting director at the time, Doug Jensen, led the entire project. So he was actually in the sand digging. He was working with Applied Earthwork. They managed the excavation. And also we worked with Peter Brosnan, who was the director of that documentary, The Lost City of DeMille. And so everybody came together to find these objects. And I know you even had representation from local Native American people? Yes, we have a Chumash representative on site to make sure that if anything is found, they can define where it's from. If it's from the 20s when they were in the set, if it's an artifact from that, or maybe if it's even older, like a Chumash artifact. Because a lot of locals were used in the film, right? Yeah. So there's actually one specific scene where they recruited residents of Guadalupe. It's the exodus scene, where the Israelites are leaving the city. So that's kind of Guadalupe's little 15 minutes of fame, where they asked everyone, bring your mom, bring your sister, bring everyone, yeah. So I mean, Best of California, we love to cover California history. Now to switch gears real quickly, because Alexis' real background is as a scientist and preservationist, and you're here also to do what? Educate people. We want to educate people about the extremely diverse ecosystem that we're so fortunate to live in. The Central Coast is amazing, and specifically the dunes. The dunes are a one of a kind. They're so unique. It's the largest coastal dune complex on the West Coast, or south of San Francisco. There are a number of endangered species that are only found in the dunes. So it's really, really important for us to protect and preserve this area, because these plants and animals will be lost. So everything's very fragile here. And I encourage you, come to Guadalupe and see the Dune Center and meet Alexis and contribute to this place. Like any non-profit, particularly in smaller towns, it needs support. This is a wonderful facility, particularly to see these artifacts from Hollywood history. And that's our look at the Guadalupe dunes and the incredible story of Cecil B. DeMille's lost city. Now let's keep going. And as we wind our way up the 101 north of San Francisco, we hit Bodega Bay. This is the place I want to check out all the locations of the classic Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds. Here in Bodega Bay at the Potter Schoolhouse, now a private residence. Iconic piece of Hollywood history. Those poor kids running out of there, being terrorized by birds. It's only Alfred Hitchcock can deliver. And we continue our bird tour of Bodega Bay. Here's St. Teresa of Avila Church that was featured in the film. As you know, Hitchcock was a master of making things look different than they are. The layout of Bodega Bay is obviously very different than what's represented in The Birds. This is actually the city of Bodega, which is four miles inland from Bodega Bay. So St. Teresa of Avila Church, beautiful, beautiful church. One of only two buildings remaining here in Bodega Bay area from the film, The Birds. So here we are at The Tides, the diner where so much of the action took place in The Birds here in Bodega Bay. Obviously, this has been redone. Here's the gas station across the street from The Tides, but it was done as composite when it was blown up by Alfred Hitchcock. So The Tides here in Bodega Bay, another part of the tour. Another reason to come up and check out Bodega Bay and this whole area of the Sonoma Coast. Rod Taylor went across this bay to the home just about over there. But now it is a UC Davis Marine Preserve. The ranch burned down and the owners bequeathed it to UC Davis. Isn't that great? Maybe they're studying birds over there. Enjoy my coffee in Bodega Bay. So far, everything's normal. And now we stop in Thousand Oaks and see some famous historic western filming locations. Let's take a look at what famous westerns were shot here at Wildwood Park. This is the home of Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, some of the shows I grew up with, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Spartacus, some old Hollywood movies. Now a hiking area, a hidden gem. I'm here with Josh Palmer. And Josh, you're from where? I'm from Washington State originally. Whereabouts? Seattle area. And we are here at the Wildwood Ranch hiking area. And Josh, are you a movie fan? Oh, big time. I've lived down here in Los Angeles about four years and I've been to Hollywood a few times. What are your favorite types of films? Oh gosh, I love sci-fi. Big fan of that. I like historical movies. And of course, westerns are a big favorite of mine. Have you ever heard of the TV show from the 50s, Gunsmoke? Yes, my dad knows that show. He's told me about it. Rifleman? Yep, Rifleman. Also, I've heard of that one. Okay, okay. Yep. Check this out. This is where they were shot. Those two ridges are those ridges right behind us. Oh my gosh. Isn't that wild? That is. That's awesome. Isn't that Wildwood? That is wild. God, that's awesome. I had no idea that it was just right here. John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart. Oh, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Yeah, yeah. I know that movie. So do you know much? I mean, have you been to other locations? I haven't. Do you know much about this area and movie ranches? No, not outside the city. I don't. Okay, so the Iverson Ranch is out in this area. The Paramount Ranch where they shot MASH and all those shows. Oh yeah, I know that show. Corriganville is another area. And then the Spawn Ranch. Have you ever heard of the Spawn Ranch? No, I have not. So did you see the movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood? Yes, I've seen that one. Yes. You remember where Charlie Manson was supposed to stay, where Brad Pitt goes? Yeah, where they're in the desert. Really? I didn't know that. And now it's all houses. Oh my gosh, that's crazy. Well, that's awesome. Thank you. Are you going to go see more locations? Oh yeah, definitely now. Hi, it's Pat Patterson with the Best of California. And I'm so excited to be here with Dr. Selina Nadelman. And Selina, tell me about your practice here in Beverly Hills. Well, thank you for having me, Pat. Oh, it's great. So what I do is I am a fine needle aspiration specialist. I'm actually the pathologist as well. So I have my own laboratory. And I perform and interpret small needle biopsies for lumps and bumps of the body. So the scary stuff. Sometimes. Yeah, sometimes. People are usually nervous because they automatically go to cancer. But most of these are not cancerous. And you're a certified cytopathologist. Yes. Why is that important? Well, it's important because I am the type of pathologist or doctor that had an extra year of training or fellowship training in cytopathology, which is the study of cells. Most pathology or surgical pathology is looking at chunks of tissue, whereas I see kind of cells in space. And I am one of the few doctors that actually look under the microscope and see the biopsy. But the thing is, because it's a one-stop shop, I'm not sending anything away. You don't have to wait for it to be processed. And then your doctor gets the answer. It's all done here. And I get the answer out to your doctor within a day or so. So that kind of cuts that anxiety down. Well, this is a whole area that I wasn't aware of. And I'm thrilled to be here with Dr. Selena Nadelman in Beverly Hills. Pat Patterson with the Best of California. Talk to you soon. Thank you so much. Passport, passport. I'm here at Ontario International Airport with Steve Lambert, airport spokesperson. And Steve, what are we looking at behind me? Well, what we're looking at is a movie scene from the movie Argo. And it's been used in some other movies as well. It's our old Terminal 1 that hasn't been used for decades now. But if you remember the last scene in Argo where they're going through the airport in Tehran to escape, that all happened right in there, exterior and interior. And we've got more areas. I'm looking at an old tower. We're looking at some hangars. So name some of the other films that have been shot here at the airport. Right. A lot of movies over the years. So catch me if you can. I don't know if you remember that, but it had a real, right, had a real airport theme to it. There was a TV show a couple decades ago called LAX, interestingly, that was filmed. LAX was shot at Ontario. At Ontario Airport. So it's, you know, it's an easy place for a film crew to work with. You know, we have over 1,700 acres. And the airport, the filming business brings in over a half million dollars a year to the airport. So it's an important. So did you hear that production people? Ontario's film friendly. I think that's an important thing. This is one of my favorite locations, Ford versus Ferrari and behind us. So tell us a little bit. Were you around when that got filmed or? I was around when it was filmed and, you know, this is where they were working on the cars and doing some of the initial test drives and so on was right here. And if you go back and watch the movie, you'll see some iconic Ontario Airport images there. Mr. Ford, this is a surprise. Apologies for the unannounced intrusion, Mr. Shelby, The man pays $9 million for an automobile, you know, to at least be able to see it. Well, that sounds reasonable enough. Yeah, go on, Mr. Ford. Hop on in. Go on. You want me to just see what $9 million feels like? Just to hold me right there. And you take my hand. Oh, God, sat on my nuts. We're going to build the next one for comfort. Don't you worry. You ready? The name on the middle of that steering wheel should tell you that I was born ready, Shelby. Hit it. Attaboy. Right now, the uninitiated have a tendency to soil themselves. Tell me a little bit about like the overall films here at the airport. We talked a little bit about Argo. Yeah. What was going on here? Just a lot of film crews and a lot of activities. And it's something that's in our culture here at Ontario Airport. Movies have been filmed here for years and years and years. And TV shows. And every time I see an airport scene in a TV show or a movie, I'm always wondering, is that Ontario? Oh, yeah. I see the arches inside the terminal. That's Ontario Airport. The TV shows. Yeah. And so like a location person knows about these. Yes. They're World War II vintage. Right. And it takes that genius to go, that's where we could shoot them working on the cars. Right. In an airplane hangar, you know, and yet it fit like a glove. Well, in some ways, you'd think an airport, could you film a movie like Ford versus Ferrari? But when you see how this is laid out. Yeah, this is incredible. And if you're aware of that, and people in that business are definitely aware of it, they see this as a really prime location for them. Right. Well, Steve Lambert, thank you. And I'm here with Manny Pacheco with ForgottenHollywood.com. And Manny, we're at the oldest location that we've been to. Over 100 years old. Tell me about this place. Well, this is an alley right off of Cahuenga, off of Hollywood between Cahuenga and Cosmo that many, many iconic films were made by Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton. And today, we're here to dedicate this alley as a landmark. Councilman Mitch O'Farrell is going to offer a proclamation for this day. The goal, obviously, is to create places for tourists to come in Hollywood that they can enjoy and really think about the memories of such films as Safety Last, which, of course, is a famous clock scene with Harold Lloyd, The Kid, Jackie Coogan, and of course, Charlie Chaplin, and Cops, that amazing moment where Buster Keaton grabs a car and he's just whisked off. It's unbelievable. I'm looking at the street. It happened on. Amazing. His arm didn't get ripped out of it. So I'm here with Stan Tafel. And Stan, you were involved in putting this whole alley commemoration together. Did you have fun? Oh, I'm still having fun. I pinch me. I can't believe it. I can't believe it happened. Tell me about Hollywood Heritage real quick. Oh, my gosh. Hollywood Heritage, which has been around for nearly 40 years now. We are an organization dedicated to trying to preserve not only precious buildings in Hollywood, but also wanting to preserve a lot of the past. Our museum is filled with so many artifacts and props and costumes from the silent era. It's a place where people can go to actually touch the past. And you're a nonprofit, so we'll put your information. People donate money. Yeah, we're a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our website is hollywoodheritage.org. And you can come visit the museum. It's actually the first home of Paramount Pictures. You can tour DeMille's office. You can actually we call it the barn. It's across the street from the Hollywood Bowl. You'll have to come over and get a full tour. It's a great place. So we're here with Kyra Chaplin, who is Charlie Chaplin's granddaughter. And you're here for this incredible preservation of the alley. What does this mean to you? It's very special. It's so nice for me to be able to come here and see where my grandfather filmed The Kid. I love the movie The Kid. It's one of my favorites. And just, yeah, to see a bit of the history. And you came from where? I flew all the way from Geneva, Switzerland. Yeah. That's right. There's a Switzerland connection for you, Chaplin. Are you a fan of a lot of not only your grandfather's work, but that era of film? Yes, I love Buster Keaton movies as well. Like, it's great. It's great to meet the, you know, the grandchildren of everybody. And even seeing people that my grandfather worked with. And I think they would be really happy to see us all mingling. You know, it's fun. And I'm here with Keaton Talmadge, two famous Hollywood names. So Keaton, you're your Hollywood royalty. It's an honor to be so. It's great. And your grandfather, Buster Keaton, who I've really only come to appreciate since there's been so much outpouring on what an incredible career he had. What's your favorite movie of his? Steamboat Bill Jr. That's my favorite. The hurricane scene, just everything. All of his acrobatics. He's the best. And you and I were talking, his name, Buster, comes from an old vaudevillian term, right? Of being tossed about. Like a mop. He was a human mop. Tell me about it. Well, he used to, his dad used to just toss him around. And then he would, he would just pop up. And he learned very early that if he cried or if he was sad, the audience wouldn't laugh. Because they felt bad for him. But if he was very straight-faced when he came up, they would laugh. And so that's how he kind of developed his stone-faced persona. Are you ready, Jose? All right. The renaming of the Chapel of Keaton. The Chapel of Keaton Lord Alley. But unfortunately, pandemic time has delayed the delivery of the plaque. But we have the sign. So that's our look at old and new Hollywood locations all over this great state of California. So as Mel Blanc would say in the voice of Porky Pig, that's all, folks. Until next time. Are you the best? Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to the YouTube channel. And tell us about it. We'll come cover you. No matter where you live in America, you can check out the best of California. Go to funroads.tv and check out where we air in your market. We're in Detroit, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, everywhere. Here in California, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Bakersfield. Check out funroads.tv. And wherever you live, I hope you think it's the best as well. Here's to California. I'm Pat Pattison. Talk to you soon.