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1963 Universal Studios Lot Tour: A Nostalgic Look at Hollywood’s Iconic Studio

Get ready to discover the secrets of Universal Studios as we take a journey through time to explore the early years of this iconic film production company. Thanks to the incredible work of LIFE photographer John Dominis, we have the unique opportunity to explore the Universal Studio lot and catch a glimpse of the magic behind the scenes during this iconic era.

Founded in 1912, Universal Studios is the oldest surviving film studio in the United States and a member of Hollywood’s “Big Five” studios. Over the years, this legendary studio has produced countless memorable movies and captivated audiences worldwide.

In 1963, John Dominis had the extraordinary chance to embark on his own personal tour of the Universal Studio lot. The photos he took during his visit capture a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, offering a rare peek into the world of filmmaking during this remarkable period.

Dominis’ photos transport us to a time when the Universal Studio lot was bustling with activity, from extras in vibrant costumes preparing for their scenes to Hollywood’s biggest stars, like Cary Grant and Gregory Peck, going about their daily routines. These images not only showcase the magic of movie-making but also provide a candid look at the lives of the people who brought these films to life.

As we explore the Universal Studio lot in 1963 through Dominis’ lens, we’re reminded of the incredible dedication and passion that went into creating the cinematic masterpieces of the era. The lot itself was a world of wonder and imagination, where the lines between fantasy and reality were often blurred.

Take a moment to immerse yourself in these enchanting images and let them transport you to the Universal Studio lot in 1963.

#1 Actor Cary Grant at the Universal studio lot in Hollywood, 1963.

#3 WIth a commisary counter full of movie extras clad as cowboys. lone Native American extra Iron Eyes Cody stands waiting for a seat during lunch break in filming of a Western TV show at Universal Studios, 1963.

#4 Actress Tippi Hedren screen testing for Alfred Hitchcock’s movie Marnie at Universal Studios, 1963.

#5 Makeup artist Bud Westmore prepared actress Angie Dickinson for mask-making at Universal City Studios in Los Angeles, California, 1963.

#7 A prop man pulled a cart at the Universal studio lot, 1963.

#8 A prop man pulled a cart at the Universal lot, Hollywood, 1963.

#9 A prop man pushed a stuffed lion at the Universal lot in Hollywood, 1963.

#11 Men at work on the Universal lot in Hollywood, 1963.

#12 Cats gathering for a feed at the Universal lot in Hollywood, 1963.

#17 A hound gone Hollywood at the Universal studio lot in California, 1963.

#19 People traveling by wagons in a scene from a film at Universal studio lot in Hollywood, 1963.

#20 A prop man carried large rubber rocks at the Universal studio lot, Hollywood, 1963.

#21 Prop men tossed a rubber rock at the Universal studio lot in Hollywood, 1963.

#22 A night view of the Universal studio lot, Hollywood, 1963.

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Written by Heather Brown

Heather Brown is a writer and historian with a passion for all things vintage. She shares her knowledge of the past through her blog, with a particular focus on historical photos and the stories they tell.

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