Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1332040
relied on research as reference point but were not beholden to replicating the actual spaces as documented. North Verde Ranch in Victorville is where Mankiewicz was sent by Welles to spend monitored sequestered time, allegedly away from his vices, to pen the script. The actual ranch in Victorville (Kemper Campbell Ranch) still exists as an adobe hideaway in nearly period-correct condition. With some exterior cosmetic work to the existing exposed wood posts and beams, a complete courtyard revamping, and the removal of contemporary fixtures coupled with dressing and greens, the location afforded exteriors that felt genuinely timeless. The adobe exterior provided a necessary texture. The interior living quarters were built and filmed on stage reflecting the exterior location frontage and integrating the dusty desert feel to the set. The dressing for the set was desert ranch style of the period. The concept was to create a western desert guest room that felt remote and contrasted the Los Angeles interiors. Quite the opposite of North Verde Ranch was the portrayal of San Simeonthe extravagant estate of William Randolph Hearst where he entertained the Hollywood and political elite. The film had both interior and exterior scenes scripted. All of the work for San Simeon was accomplished in Los Angeles with a combination of locations and stage. The exterior estate grounds were filmed at several sites, including Huntington Gardens with set pieces installed to supplement the grounds with art directed hardscaping. The pyre scene was filmed on a ranch in Thousand Oaks. The stage interiors of San Simeon represented some of the most challenging sets for the show. F. & G. INTERIOR NORTH VERDE RANCH BUILT ON STAGE 6 AT L.A. CENTER STUDIOS. PHOTOS BY NIKOLAI LOVEIKIS. D E F G C