USS Angeles explores Greystone Mansion
Editor’s note: This is the second part of a two-part series on “Star Trek: Into Darkness” filming sites.
By Capt. Jeremy Kranz
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Greystone Mansion has had many roles on the big screen and in the darker corners of history.
The iconic Beverly Hills site served as everything from Wayne Manor in the 1997 “Batman & Robin” movie to London Royal Children’s Hospital in “Star Trek: Into Darkness” (2013). It was another hospital in the Jerry Lewis comedy “The Disorderly Orderly” (1964) and became Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in the original “X-Men” movie (2000). The mansion later served as the Osborn residence in “Spider-Man” (2002) and “Spider-Man 3” (2007).
In real life, the mansion has a reputation for several suspicious deaths.
Kat Campbell, Lisa Sobien, Dave Mason and I visited the historic Beverly Hills site in early April during a USS Angeles away mission on a pleasant day with mostly clear skies.
It was my third time there, and each time was a little different but still impressive. During the previous times, we had a guided tour. This time, we were on our own and only allowed to explore the first floor and the grounds, which include the library, kitchen, several workrooms, bedrooms and lavish bathrooms.
The rooms seemed large and historic. The kitchen seemed particularly interesting, as I could see different types of stoves and an icebox. Even though it was more relaxing to be on your own, I missed the education the guides gave us. There were other visitors there, but it was not too crowded.
Outside, we walked around the building, viewed the gardens, which are on multiple levels, saw where the pool used to be, and looked down at Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.
We stood in the outdoor area where British actor Benedict Cumberbatch appeared as Khan in “Star Trek: Into Darkness.” The mansion became London Royal Children’s Hospital, and it was here where Khan offered a cure for a father’s young daughter, provided the dad helped Khan commit a horrific act of terrorism.
Elsewhere at the mansion, a small basement room, next to the mansion’s bowling alley, became the San Francisco bar where Scotty (Simon Pegg) and his alien friend Keenser (Deep Roy) are having drinks. According to Memory Alpha, in between takes, Pegg and Deep Roy had some fun by recreating the ending of the 2007 oil history-inspired movie “There Will Be Blood,” which was filmed in the same room.
Greystone has a long history and was built by oil magnate Edward L. Doheny as a gift for his son, Ned Doheny. Unfortunately, his son, Ned Doheny, was murdered there. Because of the suspicious deaths in that home, it now has a reputation for being haunted.
Even though we were restricted to the first floor, we felt satisfied with our visit. I would have liked to see more. Maybe if the mansion can’t have formal docent-led tours, it could at least have people there talking about it. I went home after the mission, and others went out to eat at Mel’s Diner in Sherman Oaks. I highly recommend visiting the mansion.
From left, Kat Campbell, Jeremy Kranz and Chris Mulrooney stand in the courtyard at Greystone Mansion. (Photo by Dave Mason / USS Angeles / Angels Flight)
Lisa Sobien holds information on Greystone Mansion as she stands in its grand foyer, which was featured in the Jerry Lewis comedy “The Disorderly Orderly.” (Photo by Dave Mason / USS Angeles / Angels Flight)
Dave Mason visits one of the exquisite rooms at Greystone Mansion. (Photo by Lisa Sobien / USS Angeles / Angels Flight)
Jeremy Kranz visits the breakfast room at Greystone Mansion. (Photos by Dave Mason / USS Angeles / Angels Flight)
Greystone Mansion has served as a hospital in “Star Trek: Into Darkness” (2013), Wayne Manor in “Batman & Robin” (1997), the Osborn residence in “Spider-Man” (2002) and Professor Xavier’s mansion and school for mutants in “X-Men” (2000).
From left, Chris Mulroooney, Kat Campbell and Jeremy Kranz explore a room at Greystone Mansion.
A couple outside is framed through the elegant door at Greystone Mansion.
This is the large kitchen at Greystone Mansion.
This was among the flowers in a concrete pond at Greystone Mansion.