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A movie executive at MCA, in 1957 Dorskind negotiated the purchase of the big "back lot" from Universal Studios. (MCA bought the rest of Universal in 1961.) Included on the 378 acres of movie sets was a commissary, which was losing $100,000 per year. Dorskind was trying to figure out how to stem the negative cash flow when, while at the Farmer's Market one weekend, he saw tour buses unloading people. He got an idea: buses could bring in tourists at $1 each to see the movie sets. They could then eat at the studio commissary, bringing it more business. The Universal Studios Tour was born, and it was such a quick success the studio spent $4 million in 1964 on expansions and renovations, making the site even more popular. It's now a major tourist attraction -- and the price has increased to $47. Dorskind also developed part of the property into "Universal City", which includes the company's headquarters building, hotels, a movie complex, and the popular "Universal CityWalk". Dorskind died November 28 from prostate cancer. He was 82. From This is True for 28 November 2004 Suggestions for further reading:
 By: Universal Studios List Price: $29.95 Amazon Price: $19.77 Editorial Review: “When the bats fly low and night’s in the sky, Universal Studios are at their best.” That’s how a critic in the 1930s described the magic of Universal monster movie. This was a genre that the studio essentially invented - enabling it to survive and thrive–and that led to cinematic classics that continue to influence entertainment of all kinds. Now, from Universal itself, comes a lavishly illustrated book that provides the words and images behind these legendary films–plus heartfelt tributes from some of Hollywood’s most famous fans. Here are beautiful on-screen and behind-the-scenes photos from the studio’s vaults; the background stories of Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolf Man, and the other classic characters that scared audiences and scared up profits; the makeup secrets; the censorship battles; and words of praise from friends, family, and fans. With today’s fantasy and horror films ruling the box-office–and special edition DVDs available of Universal’s masterpieces–Monsters is an invaluable guide for a new generation. It shows where the “creature feature” began, from the twenties silent classic The Phantom of the Opera to fifties favorite Creature from the Black Lagoon. Frightening and fun, this splendid volume is perfect for monster fans of any age. For more than ninety years, Universal Studios has been bringing unique entertainment experiences to millions of people around the world. Through their motion pictures, home videos, theme parks, television networks and programming, they are in the business of thrills and chills as well as tears and laughter. And with their extensive library of legendary films they have set the standard for inspiring wonder and ultimately transforming moments into lasting memories.  By: Fodor's List Price: $17.95 Amazon Price: $12.21 Editorial Review: Plummeting down Splash Mountain, watching your daughter's eyes grow round at the sight of Cinderella's Castle, waving a safari hat at Mickey—for many families a trip to Walt Disney WorldŽ is the ultimate vacation. While an unforgettable experience at Walt Disney WorldŽ is virtually guaranteed, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the expense, lines, reservation system, and more. Fodor's Walt Disney World 2008 relies on the accumulated knowledge of five Disney travel experts in this easy-to-use fun-to-read guidebook. New to this edition:  By: Tom WeaverMichael BrunasJohn Brunas List Price: $55.00 Amazon Price: $55.00 Editorial Review: Revised and updated since its first publication in 1990, this acclaimed critical survey covers the classic chillers produced by Universal Studios during the Golden Age of Hollywood Horror, 1931 through 1946. Trekking boldly through haunts and horrors from The Frankenstein Monster, The Wolf Man, Count Dracula, and The Invisible Man, to The Mummy, Paula the Ape Woman, The Creeper, and The Inner Sanctum, the authors offer a definitive study of the 86 films produced during this era and present a general overview of the period. Coverage of the films includes complete cast lists, credits, storyline, behind-the-scenes information, production history, critical analysis, and commentary from the cast and crew (much of it drawn from interviews by Tom Weaver, whom USA Today calls "the king of the monster hunters"). Unique to this edition are a new selection of photographs and poster reproductions and an appendix listing additional films of interest.  By: Betsy Malloy List Price: $14.95 Amazon Price: $11.21 Editorial Review: If your idea of the perfect vacation involves sunny days, thrilling rides, and movie magic, The Everything Family Guide to the Disneyland Resort, California Adventure, Universal Studios, and the Anaheim Area, 2nd Edition will help you make the most of your trip out West. Containing the most up-to-date, accurate information, this family-focused travel guide contains everything you need to plan the perfect Southern Californian getaway. Inside are useful ratings for all the rides, shows, and attractions for each member of your family, allowing you to plan the perfect itinerary for your trip. The guide also includes a full hotel/motel resource guide, along with rated restaurant listings and the inside scoop on all the latest additions to the popular parks and attractions, including: California Adventure LegoLand Magic Kingdom Park SeaWorld San Diego Six Flags Magic Mountain The San Diego Zoo Universal Studios Hollywood The Everything Family Guide to the Disneyland Resort, California Adventure, Universal Studios, and the Anaheim Area, 2nd Edition is the perfect resource for families planning the vacation of a lifetime!  By: Andrew Fullen List Price: $18.95 Amazon Price: $18.95 Editorial Review: An Eyewitness Account Of 30 Years Of Deliberate Mismanagement |
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