The High Flyer Newsletter #101

Author

Brett Perry
April 04, 2024

Above the Golden Age: Aerial Insights into RKO's Iconic Film Legacy

Nestled in the heart of cinematic history lies a tale not often told: the story of Hollywood’s golden era as seen from above. Many of us remember the epic grandeur of films like "Gone With The Wind," particularly the stunning visual spectacle of the Burning of Atlanta. Rarely do we pause to consider the precise location where such cinematic history was etched into film. The legendary Burning of Atlanta scene was not filmed in the historic city it depicted, but rather on the back lots of Hollywood, far from the Southern locale it represented

1 “The Burning of Atlanta” scene from Gone With The Wind

2 HistoricAerials.com: 1948 view of RKO 40 Acres Backlot

It was actually filmed at one of several locations around Hollywood owned by RKO Studios. This aerial photo from HistoricAerials shows the RKO “40 Acres Backlot”, a labyrinth of sets and sound stages, located in Culver City, California. It was originally part of silent film producer Thomas Ince's studios, which opened thirty years earlier in 1918. This photo is from 1948, which happens to be the year RKO Studios was purchased by Howard Hughes

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, RKO 40 Acres was a prime location for filming some of Hollywood's most iconic films. In addition to "Gone with the Wind" (1939), "King Kong" (1933), which utilized its jungle set, was also filmed at this site. The lot was also famous for its standing sets, including the fictional town of Mayberry from "The Andy Griffith Show, the original set for "Star Trek" episodes, and outdoor scenes for “I Love Lucy”.

Just a short distance away, the RKO Encino Ranch was established in the 1930s by RKO Pictures as a movie ranch. HistoricAerials has a photo of this location from as early as 1947. Located in the San Fernando Valley's Encino area, it was part of a trend where major studios owned large, versatile tracts of land for outdoor shooting.

3 HistoricAerials.com: 1947 view of RKO Encino Ranch

The ranch was used extensively for filming a variety of movies, particularly those requiring expansive outdoor or rural settings. Some of the notable films shot at RKO Encino Ranch include parts of "Citizen Kane" (1941) and numerous Westerns, which were incredibly popular during the 1930s and 1940s.

Unlike the more set-dense RKO 40 Acres, the Encino Ranch was prized for its relatively untouched and diverse natural landscapes. The ranch featured some built structures, some of which can be seen in the photo, including simple buildings and sets that could be adapted for different movie genres. 

Through the lens of HistoricAerials, we are afforded a rare opportunity to journey back in time and witness these iconic locales in their heyday. These images capture more than just physical spaces; they encapsulate a bygone era of filmmaking, an age where the grandeur of studio lots and the rustic charm of ranches played crucial roles in bringing cinematic visions to life.

Feature Showcase

With our side-by-side comparison, you'll see Route 66 as it was in 1952 on the right, and how it has evolved by 2020 on the left.

Overlayed road contours bring the journey to life, highlighting the route's enduring spirit amidst changing landscapes. It's a captivating look at how progress and history intertwine, shaping the story of America's most famous highway. Click here to try it for yourself

New Images Added

"Through the Lens" Documentary Update

More filming in the works for our Historical Aerial Imagery documentary “Through the Lens!”.

Here we're joined by David Major, the Vice President of Operations for Cooper Aerial Surveys in Tucson. He'll be giving us an inside look at the plane's aerial mapping and LiDAR systems, showcasing how these technologies are utilized in their operations.

To learn more, view our teaser trailer on Youtube here.

Connect With Us

We’d love to get to know you! Find us on social media and let us know your favorite city to see through the ages.