This is a follow up to our original querry regarding the
historic Paramount Movie Ranch.
We are looking specificaly for any historical information or
sources of original source material on the Paramount
Movie Ranch, Paramount Studios, or historic movie ranches.
We are also interested in ideas and sources of support for
possible partnerships or assistence to preserve and
interpret this unique site.
The Paramount Ranch is, we believe, the the best and last
remaining example of a studio owned movie ranch. Few of the
old movie ranches, including the private ranches, have
survived. These were once an integral part of the movie
production system during the "golden era of the studios".
We also believe that the Paramount Ranch may be the best
site in the US to preserve and interprete the story of the
American Movie industry. To our knowledge, it may be the
Independence Hall of movie history since in the entire
country, only 3 properties are being preserved for their
association with movie making.
The property has been owned by the National Park Service
since 1980. Unfortunataly some loss of historical integrity
has occured on the property. We are now trying to research
the history of the property and understand its historical
use and significance in order to develop management plans
for its preservation and use. The site currently serves as
the location for the TV show "Dr Quinn Medicine Woman". A
number of buildings and structures survive on the property
from the Paramount Studio era circa 1924-1952. They are,
however, in various states of modification from the
Paramount era.
The Dr Quinn town set occupies what was
the operational center of the movie ranch with some of the
original shed buildings "hidden" by the set. None of the
historic sets remain, however, the sites of these set
locations survive. Also, the ranch is currently a
representation of the original ranch, including the
operational center and surrounding landscape where sets were
located. Much of the original movie ranch has been
subdivided and developed following the fate of many historic
movie properties. Although it is still somewhat
difficult when visiting the site to gain an understanding
and feeling for the significant movie making history and
activity which occurred on the property, we hope in the
future to more effectively convey this history to the
visiting public.
The site is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National
Recreation Area. It may be reached from
L.A. by taking the 101 fwy North. In Agoura, take the Kanan
Dume Rd. exit South about 1/4 mile to Cornell Rd. left. Go
South on Cornell Rd. about 1 1/2 miles to the site entry
sign. For additional information you may call the NPS Santa
Monica Mountains Park information office at (818) 597-9192
I am looking for information associated with either the
history of Paramount Studios, the former Paramount Ranch,
and historic movie ranches or individuals and organizations
that may have such information.
Please send responses to: [log in to unmask]
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