E.J. Stephens

The popular behind-the-scenes lecture and tour series “Newhallywood On Location” will take off again Saturday, this time with a rare opportunity to tour the grounds of Walt Disney’s historic Golden Oak Ranch in Placerita Canyon.

The series will be comprised of two parts and will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on consecutive Saturdays – Oct. 15 and 22 – led by historian E.J. Stephens, co-host of the “SCV In the Movies” series on SCVTV.

The tour is sponsored by the SCV Historical Society.

Along with being a filmographer, TV  host and author of a book on the early history of Warner Bros. Studios, Stephens is also a champion of the silent film era and organized the recent “Chaplinfest.” Part of that event included a trip to the spot where Charlie Chaplin took his final steps as his character “The Little Tramp” – on Sierra Highway.

A portion of the funds raised with class fees will go towards a monument at the site of those steps, preserved forever in the closing scene of “Modern Times.”

This Saturday’s session will include the intimate look at Disney’s sprawling canyon ranch, where scenes from classics like “Spin and Marty,” “Old Yeller,” “Little House On the Prairie” and “Bonanza” were filmed. The October 22 session will consist of a lecture and caravan tour to film sites in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Both classes will begin at the historic Saugus Train Station inside Heritage Junction, at William S. Hart Park in Newhall. The cost for the class is $60. For more information, including reserving a spot in the class, e-mail deadwrite(at)yahoo or call 626.483.1205. Space is limited.