20th Century Fox Commissary Photos

After many years of peering through the Fox Studio commissary windows at the beautiful and historic murals, I finally snuck got in today and got some pictures. The mural was painted in 1935 with a few additions in the year that followed. The Fox commissary mural is a map of all the places Fox had filmed and features cameos bysome of their biggest stars at the time Janet Gaynor, Will Rogers, Shirley Temple, and Warner Oland.

I've scoured the internet for more information about the mural and it's origin with little to no success. All the information I collected is in this post. If anyone has any further details please share in the comments.

 Janet Gaynor surfing in Honolulu, with close up below.

 Warner Oland being remembered for his Charlie Chan role.

Shirley Temple welcoming everyone to Hollywood. Close up below.

 Will Rogers apparently never met a pig he didn't like, either. Rogers died in 1935, based on the lightheartedness, I'm guessing after this was painted

20th Century Fox studio has the oldest renovated commissary. I've been in most of the commissary and the others are all modern and without history. Hopefully, this one will stay just as it is forever.

Classic Hollywood Hikes in Los Angeles

In LA there are a lot of Hollywood museums, and movie lots, but if you want to mix a little outdoor time with movie history these are some great hiking spots to get both.

Griffith Observatory/Mount Hollywood


You can begin a hike from the historic and cinematic (most notable Rebel Without a Cause) Griffith Observatory to the peak of Mount Hollywood. Along the way you get views of the entire city and for my money the best views of the iconic Hollywood sign from various angles.





Malibu Creek State Park

The native home of the Chumash Indians this state park is located in the hills above Malibu. More recently it has been the home of numerous TV shows (The site of the TV show MASH is here) and films. While the sets are all gone you can see the cliff that Butch and Sundance jump from, among other natural beauties.  You won't believe how many films you love were made here. There is also a visitor center with lots of film information. Everything from Gone With The Wind to Pleasantville, even one of my favorites Mr Blandings Dream House was shot here.

Will Rogers State Park and Home

photo: Will Rogers State Park

This park was the home of Will Rogers, in the early 30s the highest paid actor in Hollywood.You can tour his house, stables, and if you schedule it right watch a game of polo. This estate is also in many film. The ranch once covered 186 acres. The are lots of hiking trails to enjoy with views of the city.

20th Century Fox Studio Tour

I got to run around 20th Century Fox today, and thought I'd share some of the pictures I snapped. Hope you enjoy.

This is some of the back lot streets. It's amazing to think how many movies we love have been made here. Not to mention all the TV shows too. It was fun to walk around and imagine all their ghosts around me.

Many of the stages are covered in famous film murals. Here are the 7 Year Itch and What I think is The Ox-Bow Incident. And if these weren't cool enough check out the Facades.

Here is stage 8 and a close up of the medalion. Which coincidently is mentioned in the 1935 video below. It is dedicated to Will Rogers who died in 1935. 20th Century Fox by far has the most beautifully decorated stage facades of any studio I have ever been to. You definitely feel how glamorous the industry once was when you're on this lot.

 Finally, here is a cool building I saw from a distance, at the end of what was labeled French Alley. I tried to find details on it online but nothing came up. I do see it in the 1935 video below but no commentary is given about it. Love any info if anyone knows anything. Hope you enjoyed the photos.

 I wish I could have gotten into the commissary, where there are original murals of all the classic Fox stars. Maybe next time...

Here is the tour of the lot from 1935. I can't believe how painful Darryl Zanucks little speech is. WOW...



UPDATE: 20th Century Fox back lot tour with more detailed photos of the back lot.