MOVIES WAY BACK WHEN: An Unplanned Stunt Behind the Scenes

By Betsy J. Green

In 1912, Santa Barbara’s “Flying A” was at its temporary location in the old ostrich farm at State and Islay. Enter some local electricians who were just trying to do their job. Unfortunately, no one explained that to the “Flying A” guard dog. And, apparently, no one told the electricians about the dog, or that the dog took her job very seriously. What happened next seems like it was a scene from a silent movie, too bad no one had the camera running.

The local paper wrote, “The debonair electricians approached and started to go through the corral. With a yelp and a bound, the collie appeared on the scene. Her eyes were glaring, and she meant business.”

The electricians all took a flying leap to the top of the high wooden fence! The noise attracted the “Flying A” folks who managed to explain the situation to the dog, and to the electricians, and everyone calmed down. Fortunately, this story had a happy ending.



Betsy’s Way Back When book — Movies & Million-Dollar Mansions — is now available in local bookstores and at Amazon.com. This is the seventh book in her series on the history of Santa Barbara. Learn more at betsyjgreen.com​.

bjgreen

Written by bjgreen

Betsy J. Green is a Santa Barbara historian and author. Her books are available in local bookstores, and at Amazon.com. (Shop local if you can.) Learn more at betsyjgreen.com.

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