Filby's Dept, store was located on MGM's Lot 2 and George Barris provided custom built cars for the 1966 future.

Special thanks to Paul Newitt, Donnie Norden and Christophe Canto for their contributions and inspiration.

First look at Filby's Department Store
This location is referred to as Copperfield Court as it was first built for the MGM production of David Copperfield. It was located on Lot 2 of MGM studios in Culver City.

MGM Lot 2 Culver City, California
Copperfield Court is number 33
George's house is located at number 27

Set still from a 1949 film looking much the same
photo courtesy Phantom of the Backlots

Copperfield Court 1973 prior to being bulldozed
photo courtesy Phantom of the Backlots

Matte shot of George's house, Filby's Department store and street and matte painting by Bill Brace of English town in background for the 1918 scene

Good view of the arch

Here you can see what is actually across the street from Filby's
photo courtesy Phantom of the Backlots

Another view of the arch
photo courtesy Phantom of the Backlots

Copperfield Court as it appeared in 1973
photo courtesy Phantom of the Backlots

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MGM security guard chasing the Phantom of the Back Lot
Notice the arch below lower left.
photo courtesy Phantom of the Backlots

Filby's as it appeared in 1918

Same view as the 1918 scene but this time dressed as 1966

X-Tura Built by Bill De Carr
b. April 20, 1928       d.July 28, 2013

Cars being staged for the 1966 scene on Copperfield Court.

XM-105 (1950 Buick) built by Bob Metz
b. October 18, 1920      d. June 10, 1999

Set still of the 1966 scene. This was photographed on June 3, 1959 as per the notation along the top of the still. 1755 is the production number for The Time Machine and this number will appear on all photos taken during filming. SHUG is a shortened version of the photographer, Frank Shugrue.
photo courtesy Phantom of the Backlots

Shirley Barris' personal custom T-Bird built by her husband, George Barris
b. November 20, 1925     d. November 5, 2015

Copperfield Court after atomic bomb detonation 1966

Miniature built by Project Unlimited

Ok, so by now you're probably wondering who is the Phantom of the Backlot.
The Phantom is Donnie Norden. Donnie was born and raised in Culver City same as me, but Donnie was intent on sneaking into the backlots of MGM, Desilu, Universal, and well you get the idea. Donnie didn't just sneak in to snoop around, he brought a camera and took a multitude of photos on the lots. He was kind enough to share some of his treasures with us for our web site.

Donnie can be found on Facebook under either Phantom of the Backlots or his name Donnie Norden. He has only had his page up for a few months but its gaining popularity.

He also has a web site, CLICK HERE to visit.

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Christophe Canto has a new website where he is attempting to
post all the B&W photos from the movie, publicity stills as well as
set stills. He's aquired a lot already.
CLICK HERE
to visit his site