HOLLYWOOD IRL: The notion of spying the cinematic workings of a movie studio was a pretty fanciful one back around the middle of the last century. You usually had to read about your favorite actors and film sets in magazines, for venturing to where the movies were actually made was a dream that couldn't be realized. That all changed when the first trams toodled through the Universal Studios backlot in 1964, the year the Studio Tour began its legendary roll through the cinematic splendors of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You might have caught a thrilling glimpse of a celebrity performing a scene or walking to their dressing room, but, even if you didn't, you'd encounter all sorts of silver-screen-y sights, some created specifically to thrill tram guests.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD... is honoring its celebrated Studio Tour's milestone year in 2024; tour fans can stop by through Aug. 11 and view a throwback Glamor Tram and its awesome old-school awnings, pose for a picture in front of a King Kong backdrop, and eek-out over the park's first "JAWS" shark. "The Studio Tour paved the way for the development of Universal Studios Hollywood and celebrating its 60-year milestone pays homage to its indelible impact," said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. "The Studio Tour is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests. We are thrilled and honored to share our enthusiasm for its historic relevance with guests both new to the experience as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way."
STUDIO TOUR CELEBRATION: The theme park also shared some fabulous photos of the early trams, providing historical peeks at the studio as it was about halfway into its history. True, Universal Studios is well over a century old, and some way-way-way-back visitors also got a very early peek at Carl Laemmle's nascent studio. But the on-the-go tram tour we know today, the airy adventure with all of the energetic attractions, is a stellar 60. Happy anniversary, Studio Tour!