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The Culver Studios For Sale: Hollywood History Listed At $150 Million

PHOTOS: The Legendary Culver Studios Listed At $150 Million
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The Culver Studios has been listed with a $150 million + price tag reports Financial Times.

Founded by Thomas Ince in 1918, the legendary studio was expanded in 1925 by the second owner -- prolific film director Cecil B. DeMille, reports the LA Times. Since DeMille, other owners include RKO's Joseph Kennedy, Howard Hughes, David O. Selznick, Desilu Productions (Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball), Pathe, Laird International and Sony.

The Colonial-style studio is being sold by Pacific Coast Capital Partners, Lehman Brothers, and Picbengro -- who bought the property from Sony in 2004 for $125 million, reports Financial Times. "This is an iconic trophy. I've always felt that I was a steward of history because it's been owned by the kings of Hollywood," said Jamie Cella, President and CEO of Culver Studios.

Not only has this lot been home to some of the most iconic filmmakers, but it has also served as the stage for some of the most influential films from the Golden Age of Hollywood. "Citizen Kane", "King Kong", "Rebecca", "Notorious", and "Gone With The Wind" were all created on the lot. One of the most famous scene from "Gone With The Wind", when the city of Atlanta burns, was filmed on the lot in 1939, authenticates The Culver City Historical Society. Rumor has it, the set from "King Kong" was part of what they set fire to, reports Seeing Stars. The official listing is with CB Richard Ellis.

Check out photos of the historical site:

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The Thomas H. Ince Studios in 1919, just after completion.Photo: "Movie Studios of Culver City" by Marc Wanamaker and Julie Lugo Cerra.
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An aerial view of The Culver Studios -- then the Thomas H. Ince Studios in 1920. Photo: "Movie Studios of Culver City" by Marc Wanamaker and Julie Lugo Cerra.
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The Atlanta Examiner building in "Gone With The Wind".Photo: RetroWeb
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From "Gone With The Wind" -- the large reform school set from DeMille's 1929 silent film "The Godless Girl" can be seen in the background, reports RetroWeb.Photo: RetroWeb
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An aerial view of Tara mansion from "Gone With The Wind" in 1958.Photo: RetroWeb
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A plaque commemorating the historical nature of the property.Photo: Flickr/ eli.pousson
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In the background, the Atlanta Examiner building from "Gone With The Wind," used here in Batman and Robin.Photo: RetroWeb
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A photograph of former owner Cecille B. DeMille.Photo: Wikimedia
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Former owner Howard Hughes in front of a Boeing Army Pursuit Plane.Photo: Wikimedia
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Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz seated at a 1953 press conference.Photo: Wikimedia
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An on-lot mural of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, former owners.Photo: Flickr/ jbcurio
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A contemporary view of The Culver Studios.Photo: eli.pousson
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A recent aerial photo of The Culver Studios.Photo: Flickr/ spotreporting

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