Rich History of Universal Studios Explored During a 'Fireside Chat' at Campo de Cahuenga

Elizabeth Taylor's first movie and Steven Spielberg's career are just two of the things we have to thank for, according to Jeff Pirtle, the studio's archive manager. (Click on the video to the right for highlights of Pirtle's talk.)

Pirtle was speaking at the first of 's "Fireside Chats," where history lovers are invited to expound upon their areas of expertize. In a sense, it's a perfect partnership, as Campo and Universal are neighbors on Lankershim Boulevard. Pirtle is also the curator of Campo, an adobe museum on the site where the 1847 Treaty of Cahuenga was signed, .

Pirtle recounted the history of the studio from its founding in 1912 by German-born Carl Laemmle to the present day, cataloguing its list of owners right through to General Electric and Comcast.

He pointed out the highlights of the studio's history, including Laemmle's role in the war effort.

"When Hitler took power in 1933, Carl Laemmle took on a really concerted effort to get as many Jewish immigrants to come over from Germany," said Pirtle, "and between 1933 and his death in 1939 he signed over 800 affidavits for Jewish immigrants to come to the US. That's one act of his humanitarianism that not too many people know about."

Pirtle outlined the huge amount of talent that has walked through Universal's doors over the years: Elizabeth Taylor's first film, There's One Born Every Minute,was Universal's, and the studio is also responsible for snagging Steven Spielberg at the beginning of his career; although his distribution deal is now with Disney, his office is still on the Universal lot, said Pirtle.

The next 'Fireside Chat' will feature Academy Award winning actor Ernest Borgnine. Borgnine will talk about his lengthy television and film career, including his roles in From Here to Eternity, The Dirty Dozen and The Wild Bunch. Click here for more information.