Cowboys roamed observatory

Thank you for the coverage of the Griffith Observatory reopening [“Home of the Real Stars,” Nov. 2]. The following should be added to the list of movies filmed at the observatory: the cliffhanger serial “The Phantom Empire.” It was produced by Mascot Pictures in 1935, right after the observatory was completed. It featured Gene Autry in his first starring role. It was the only western/science fiction serial ever made.

The observatory stood in for the underground city of Murania. The observatory’s copper roof and Art Deco wall were used for background. Scenes were also shot at Bronson Canyon in Griffith Park. The source used for the above is Boyd Magers’ great book “So You Wanna See Cowboy Stuff? The Western Movie/TV Tour Guide.”

VINCENT GUERRIERO

Los Angeles