This was my second helping of Universal Studios, the first being back in the early 1970's. As we entered the grounds, there were a variety of props and areas we could look over. Judy and I explored a section of the backlot that was made up to resemble a small european town. We then cast our eyes on a full-sized replica of the shark from "Jaws", hanging as if it had been caught and put on display.

Our official tour began by boarding a tram, which was hosted by a purposely schmaltzy narrator, dressed up like a movie studio executive in dark sunglasses. Okay. We played along.

The tram rolled up the hill towards the sound stages. On the way, we witnessed the facade of a house that was designed to be set on fire. We then stopped and entered a stage where a few special effects were demonstrated. Outside, back on the tram, we saw other devices used to produce unusual, gravity-defying conditions.