"The City of the Pharaoh" for the Cecil B. DeMille silent film "The Ten Commandments" was built here (see photo below). At the time of its construction, it was the largest movie set in the world.
After filming on "The Ten Commandments" was completed, the contract called for the destruction and removal of the sets. DeMille decided against it (possibly due to monetary constraints?). So, he ordered the sets toppled and buried under the sand. These sets still exist in the dunes and an attempt to preserve them is underway.
The Guadalupe Sand Dunes are now part of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve.
Directions coming!
"The Sheik" (Famous Players Lasky 1921) Directed by: George Melford. Cast: Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres, Ruth Miller.
"The Ten Commandments" (Famous Players Lasky 1923) Directed by: Cecil B. DeMille. Cast: Theodore Roberts, Charles De Roche, Estelle Taylor, Julia Faye, Terrence Moore, James Neill, Lawson Butt, Clarence Burton, Noble Johnson, Edythe Chapman, Richard Dix, Rod La Rocque.
"Son of the Sheik" (United Artists 1926) Directed by: George Fitzmaurice. Cast: Rudolph Valentino, Vilma Banky, George Fawcett, Montagu Love.
"Morocco" (Paramount 1930) Directed by: Josef von Sternberg. Cast: Gary Cooper, Marlene Dietrich.
