Robert Conrad Stars in "Baa Baa Black Sheep"

Unlike the stars of Korean War-themed rival M*A*S*H on CBS, Robert Conrad often found himself shirtless in episodes of NBC's "Baa Baa Black Sheep" (1976-1978) — which was extremely loosely based on the autobiography of World War II flying ace Gregory "Pappy" Boyington. After all, something needed to be done for ratings. Thankfully, NBC pulled the plug after two seasons. Meanwhile, M*A*S*H lasted 11 seasons (1972-1983), and TV viewers were sad to see it go.

Exterior sequences such as this were filmed at Indian Dunes, The Newhall Land and Farming Company's motocross park on the south side of Highway 126, along the Santa Clara River just west of Valencia Travel Village. (M*A*S*H used Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas for exteriors.)

BBBS was retitled "Black Sheep Squadron" after it was canceled and went into syndication.

Read about the real Pappy Boyington's peculiar visit to Newhall.

Opened in 1970 by The Newhall Land and Farming Co. to compliment its other attractions that put Valencia on the map — a public golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones and a magical amusement park that was under contruction — Indian Dunes was a 600-acre motocross park that featured two motocross tracks ("International" in the front and "Shadow Glen" in back along the Santa Clara River), as well as a flat track and a mini bike track. Frequented by Steve McQueen, it was located west of the new Interstate 5 and south of Highway 126. It closed in February 1985.