This movie ranch is now known as Malibu Creek State Park, and has been open to the public since 1976, after the State of California bought the property from Fox in 1974.
Fox bought the park, along with some adjoining properties, in 1946 after using the area for filming How Green Was My Valley in 1941.
The ranch was used for many movies and TV shows. It was the permanent base for the exteriors for M*A*S*H, and was used in the Planet of the Apes movies.
For a time, there was a vehicle used in the filming of M*A*S*H still at the park, although it’s been damaged over the years.
The lake in the park is named Century Lake after it’s former owners.
A large tank and backdrop was built at the ranch in 1962 for miniature work on Cleopatra, and was also used for disaster movies such as The Poseidon Adventure in 1972.
External Links:
- Further details about the 20th Century Fox Ranch
- Malibu Creek State Park – Movie History
- Malibu Creek State Park – Home Page
Sersen Tank
The former tank location is now a parking lot at the park – unfortunately no evidence remains.
See also Fred Sersen Lake on the Fox Backlot
Blandings House
House originally built for the 1948 ‘Mr Blandings Builds His Dream Home’ is still in existence today on the former Fox Ranch.
What3Words location: ///shiny.playtime.save
Planet of the Apes location
M*A*S*H location
