For years and years, one of your best online sources for Disney news and history has been Jim Hill Media and he also covers other theme parks and related forms of entertainment. Recently, Jim happened upon the above postcard which is a scene of the backlot at Universal Studios in Southern California. In teensy type on the back, it says, "Panoramic view from Hollywood Visitors Village looking north over the New York street area." Jim thought I'd like to have this postcard and he was right. Thanks to him, I was able to purchase it.
So now you're wondering why I want it. It's because if you look real closely on the left side of the "panoramic view," you can see some exterior sets for the finale of my favorite movie, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Which means this photo was shot in late 1962.
If you click above on the postcard image, you can see an enlargement of a section of the entire image. And yes, it's grainy but that's how how something like this looks when you blow it up as much as I blew this up. I'll guide you through a little of it…
See that red thing in the postcard image? That's the fire engine that figures big into the climax of the film. It's parked in front of a building for Santa Rosita Savings and Loan. Here's a frame grab from the movie…
That's the building "Milton Berle" crashes through. You can match it up with the enlarged image of the postcard. And then here's another frame grab…
There's the pet store that "Spencer Tracy" (obviously doing his own stunts) crashes into. You can't see much of the pet store in the postcard image but you can see the awning of the business next to it on the right side of the postcard detail.
There are some other identifiable items there. The tall structure atop the fake Savings and Loan building might have something to do with shots of the folks on the fire escape but I suspect it's mainly a camera platform from which to film the view from the fire escape or ladder looking downwards. Or maybe to throw things off of.
I think this is a neat "find" and I thought I'd share it with you. If it tickles you a little as it tickles me, don't thank me. Thank Jim Hill. Thanks, Jim Hill!