The iconic attraction was the genesis of Universal Studios Hollywood and the foundation for the development of Universal Destinations & Experiences Global Theme Parks.
By Andreína Longoria.
Universal City, Ca.- In 1964, Universal Studios Hollywood, originally known as Universal City Studios, launched its Glamour Trams unit, inviting tourists to “see the films of current productions, both motion pictures and television, that were being made at Universal City,” according to the attraction’s announcement. Original press release issued July 4, 1964.
It was a novel concept to invite the public to be a fly on the wall of film and television production. After all, no one else had come up with the idea. The iconic red and white Glamour Trams, with their frilly canopies, performed five times a day, each lasting just over two hours, Monday through Friday.
This 2024 celebrates 60 years of the Studio Tour, the more than 200 million visitors who have experienced this attraction, and ultimately, the iconic history of Universal Studios Hollywood.
During its inaugural year, behind-the-scenes special effects included a brief makeup demonstration, a costume exhibit by renowned costume designer Edith Head, an energetic stunt performance and a tour of picturesque outdoor film sets. The following year, Universal expanded its entertainment scope to present a live entertainment series featuring a stunt show, showcasing makeup artist demonstrations, photo stunts and special props. That was 60 years ago, and while a lot has happened in six decades.
The once-famous Glamour Trams are long gone and have been replaced by a contemporary 60-minute experience infused with advanced technology that enlightens and entertains millions of moviegoers, theme park fans and tourists visiting from around the world. Studio Tour is about to convert its fleet of 21 diesel-hydraulic engines to electric streetcars to help reduce carbon emissions and enhance the guest experience by reducing the noise associated with the diesel-hydraulic engine.
However, some aspects of the Glamour Tram have remained constant throughout this amazing six-decade span. Studio Tour Guides were central to Glamour Tram tour operations back then and remain vital to the Studio Tour’s success today. Numerous times a day, professionally trained Studio Tour Guides interact with guests, with tours in English and Spanish.
The Studio Tour Guide position has become a highly coveted position in recent years, with candidates from around the world auditioning for a coveted position, and for good reason. Studio Tour Guides have evolved over time to become a Hollywood “apprenticeship.”
Dozens of producers, directors, artists, film and television professionals, as well as industry executives, began their careers as Studio Tour Guides and, to this day, are among the leaders guiding the Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood into the future.
Today’s Studio Tour continues to build on its rich history, and like many great blockbuster films, creates the foundation for the next great sequel…and therein lies the origins of Universal Studios Hollywood.
