Warner Bros.: Hollywood's Ultimate Backlot Hardcover – September 16, 2014

Another fascinating book from Steven Bingen! This book covers the history in depth of Warner Bros. from the very beginning as well as a brief history on how making movies came to be in the early 20th century starting with other companies. There are so many interesting things about movie making that I found out from reading this book that I never knew before. The book is mainly divided into seven chapters: Through the Gates, Breaking Ground, Burbank, Front Lot Studio Tour, The World on a Soundstage, The Backlot-30 Acres of Fairlyland, Into Hollywood's Future and Shadow Lots. There's also a lengthy Appendix in the back of the book of the names of many different productions and on which lots they were shot in.There's an interesting foreword by written by Doris Day. She started out in show business as a singer and then she went on to acting. She tells a funny story that happened during her early days with Warner Bros., while making the movie "The Romance on the High Seas", they took her onto the soundstage, she naively asked when they'd be leaving for the boat and everyone laughed at her.I found super interesting the chapter on "Shadow Lots". It has pictures and information on different "houses" (they were mainly just front of houses with no rooms inside) that have been used for exterior shots over many years for different shows on TV as well as in the movies. For instance, the house that was used for the TV comedy "Bewitched" was also used for Dr. Bellow's home in "I Dream of Jeannie" as well as assorted episodes of other TV shows.Another really fascinating book that I enjoyed from the same author is "MGM: Hollywood's Greatest Backlot". There are many pictures throughout the book as well as maps of the studio. If you're into movies, especially old movies and TV shows, I highly recommend both books and a great price at Amazon!

Steven Bingen's book about MGM is one of the best I've ever seen on the subject, and every time I watch an MGM movie from the golden age, I find myself pausing the movie to check the book to see where on the lot certain shots were made. I know that sounds weird, but it's addictive. The Warner's book is very, very good, and I enjoyed it, but I don't think it is as detailed as MGM. Just an example - the book talks about Sinatra's office, and when we get to the section of the office, there is no photo. There is a map of the lot earlier in the book and you can see where the office was - but that's all (even a photo of the building as it looks today would have been good) Many of the sites discussed do not have photos (. Now, I am guessing that it's not the fault of the author. I am thinking that the simple fact could be that Warner's did not take a lot of photos during that era.... the MGM book is loaded with them, and after reading it you really get the feeling you have seen the backlot. I didn't get that impression with this book. Would I recommend it? Absolutely - if you are a die hard fan of classic Hollywood as I am. I guess I was expecting a little bit more. Will I buy his (hopefully) up-coming books on Fox, Universal, Paramount, Columbia?? In a heartbeat.

I am not going to beat this review to death. I read the author's other book on MGM which essentially told the story of the backlots at METRO GOLDWYN MAYER which had been sold off for real estate development in the early 1970's. This book is very similar and offers one advantage; most of the Warner backlot still exists save for the construction of studio facilities and some tweaking of the outdoor sets. I have taken the Warner Studio Tour many times over the years and have sat through narratives delivered by mostly well trained tour guides who have proven themselves to be quite knowledgeable regarding the early studio operations as well as current operations. If you have a large film archive with Warner Bros Films this book is very useful and informative because it documents things that are gone, still exist, and often unrecognizable.I had a great time with this book and found it to be an essential guide if you are interested in Hollywood history. It is loaded with information as well as interesting facts.My only regret is that I am liquidating a lot of my books so I ordered this on Kindle. The Kindle version is o.k., but I am thinking of buying the hard copy version so I can fully enjoy this book. Well researched and well written, this is a fine book about the brass tacks of making movies on a well utilized back lot and the day to day operations of a legendary movie studio.

I liked everything about this WB book. Get yours now.

I grew up in Burbank, 1951-1972, and cannot count the times I have riden by the Warner Brothers Studio and the Columbia Ranch on Hollywood Way. The details about the sound stages, costume, property departments and the backlot property is most interesting. I remember driving along Forest Lawn Drive looking across the LA River to see the Camelot castle. We saw part of the filing take place for the movie Picnic. Yes, I even have Kim Novak's autograph! What a nice way to gain more insight to my Burbank past! An enjoyable read for sure.

If you are intrigued with the production side of Hollywood movies and television, this book offers a rare glimpse behind the fourth wall. This would be a great companion book to the Warner Bros VIP Tour.

There's a history of Warners and then a soundstage by soundstage review of the entire lot. Some administrative buildings are also covered. There are some cute anecdotes along the way. Pictures are OK. Overall, it seems like a middling effort.I got interested in the subject by reading about the 40 Acres Backlot online. There are many more online pictures and wonderful stories about 40 Acres than there are in the Warners book.In short, it's OK.

Not enough pictures...lots of descriptions but could have used more photos of the various back lot locations and older studio photos. The text is well written but I was left unsatisfied because I wanted to see more pictures of everything. Some studio sites only had a written description without any supporting photos. The MGM Back Lot book is better.

If, like me, you love Warner Bros, this is the book of your dreams. Filled with marvellous and rare photos and incredible detail, the book is a joy. Having visited this backlot on numerous occasions in the 1970s, this book brought back so many happy memories and was difficult to put down. Mr Bingen writes in a very engaging style and clearly loves his subject. I shall buy his other book on MGM without delay! Unreservedly recommended!

I was expecting a history of Warner Bros. actual film output but this is just a history of the bricks and mortar.

This is a must for any serious collector of movie history, many never before seen pictures. Just great.

An ideal companion to the Warner Brothers Story

Interesting book well written insight into Warner Bros film studios