Griffith Observatory's motion picture career began before thebuilding opened in 1935, when it was used as a set for "The Phantom Empire", starring Gene Autry. Movie production continued for another 67 years, until, in 2002, the Observatory closed for major renovation and expansion. The last movie to be filmed at Griffith Observatory, "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle", included this obligatory car explosion, staged just north of the Astronomers Monument and the
front lawn on 14 October 2002. (photograph E.C. Krupp).