OLD TUCSON STUDIOS
For decades, Americans have been intrigued with the romance of the west. The rich history,
colorful culture and beautiful landscapes have been the focus of hundreds of movies and television shows, as well as the backdrop for numerous commercials, music videos and documentaries. In 1939, it was the foresight of Columbia Pictures to leave Hollywood for the southwest desert in search of the perfect location for their latest movie project, “Arizona,” based on the novel by Clarence Buddington Kelland. Longing to keep true to the novel’s setting, Columbia set out to create a replica of the 1862 settlement of Tucson in the Arizona Territory. To accomplish this, scouts selected a pristine location, just west of the Tucson Mountains, leasing 320 acres from Pima County and allocating an unheard of $2.3 million budget for production and set construction. With the hiring of 300 laborers, 100 carpenters, and 120 adobe brick makers—many members of the Tohono O’odham Nation—construction for the set of Arizona began. With all water being brought in, no electricity
available, and all production supplies trucked in, the majority of the set was built in just 40 days. The blue print for the construction was based on historical maps and early photographs of Tucson. More than 500 head of cattle and 150 oxen were purchased to lend an authentic air to the film, which employed 250 extras and crewmen. With hopes of producing an epic Western blockbuster, Columbia brought in one of their most popular actresses of the time, Ms. Jean Arthur. As her leading man, the studio took a chance on the up and coming young actor, William Holden. Shot in the spring of 1940, the movie “Arizona” was released and premiered in Tucson in November, 1940, to tremendous local fanfare. At the conclusion of filming, Columbia Pictures packed up its equipment and returned to California, abandoning the set of 80 adobe buildings to the elements. With no money available for upkeep, the property began to deteriorate. In 1946, the Tucson Junior Chamber of
Commerce took over the lease and began to improve the site. During the period from 1940 through 1959, more than 20 films were made at Old Tucson Studios. They included “Winchester 73” with James Stewart; “The Last Outpost” with Ronald Reagan; and “The Last Roundup” with Gene Autry. With each film production the landscape of Old Tucson Studios changed. Twenty years after Old Tucson Studios was built, Robert “Bob” Shelton, a developer from Kansas City, came in search of a place to build an Old West-style town. Thousands of enthusiastic people were on hand as Old Tucson Studios re-opened its doors to the public on January 30, 1960.
KNOWN PHOTO CREDITS Michael Sultzbach Aaron Peterson Monica Munoz Larry Slater Richard Wenz Lee Kington Ron McCoy Teresa Giannotti Nielsen GRAPHIC DESIGN Jeff Speigner
ARIZONA
(1940) Directed by Wesley Ruggles starring
Jean Arthur & William Holden Phoebe Titus is a tough, swaggering pioneer woman, but her ways become decidedly more feminine when she falls for California bound Peter Muncie. But Peter won’t be distracted from his journey and Phoebe is left alone and plenty busy with villains Jefferson Carteret and Lazarus Ward plotting at every turn to destroy her freighting company. She has not seen the last of Peter, however.
Classic Films and Television
The High Chaparral (1967 - 1971) Cast: Cameron Mitchell, Mark Slade, Henry Darrow and Leif Erickson
The Last Outpost (1951)
39 by Columbia After its construction in 19 ona,� Old Pictures for the movie “Ariz g career Tucson Studios started a lon ation in the as the pre-eminent film loc ; by the late southwestern United States sed only by Los 1980s, Tucson was surpas 1970, a secondary Angeles and New York. In scal, located near location was added in Me scal offers a the town of Benson, AZ. Me k for filmmakers. more northern plains loo on shows, Hundreds of films, televisi music video commercials, still shoots, en filmed at and other projects have be in active film both locations, which rema locations today. ts or ease down As you walk the dirt stree e sound of your the boardwalks casting th gle of spurs; the footsteps, listen for the jin horses pounding sounds of the stagecoach of gunpowder; down the street; the smell m the Grand and the music coming fro walking the Palace; remember you are tors walked, same places that famous ac ras rolled for stuntmen fought and came vies ever made! some of the most iconic mo
Hombre (1967) Cast: Paul Newman, Fredrick March, Richard Boone and Diane Cilento
Cast: Ronald Reagan, Rhonda Fleming, Bruce Bennett and Bill Williams Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) Cast: Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Rhonda Fleming and Jo Van Fleet
Monte Walsh* (1970) Cast: Lee Marvin, Jeanne Moreau, Jack Palance and Mitch Ryan Gunfight at th
e OK Corra
The Last Outpost
l
* The first movie filmed at Mescal Movie Set
The High Chapparal
Joe Kidd (1972) Cast: Clint Eastwood, Robert Duvall, John Saxon and Don Stroud Gunsmoke: (1972 TV)
“Tatum” (Season 18, Episode 10)
Cast: James Arness, Pat Hingle, Amanda Blake, Amy Stock-Poynton and Matt Mulhern
Death Wish (1974) Cast: Charles Bronson, Hope Lange, Vincent Gardenia and Steven Keats
The New Maverick
Little House on the Prairie: (1984 - TV)
(1978 - TV)
Posse (1975) Cast: Kirk Douglas, Bruce Dern, Bo Hopkins and James Stacy
Cast: James Garner, Charles Frank, Jack Kelly and Susan Blanchard
“Bless All the Dear Children”
Cast: Melissa Gilbert, Dean Butler, Scottie MacGregor
The Sacketts (1979 - TV)
Cast: Sam Elliott, Tom Selleck, Jeff Osterhage and Glenn Ford
Three Amigos (1986) Cast: Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, Martin Short and Patrice Martinez The Young Riders (1989 - TV)
Cast: Anthony Zerbe, Ty Miller, Stephen Baldwin and Josh Brolin
Young Guns 2 (1990) Cast: Emillio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips and Christian Slater Tombstone (1993) Cast: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton The Quick and the Dead (1995) Cast: Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russel Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio
Gunsmoke Three
Monte Walsh
Death Wish
Amigo
The Young Riders
s
Little House on the Prairie
The New Maverick
John Wayne
John Wayne lived a long and colorful life with a prolific career that spanned an incredible 50 years. As one of the most beloved actors of our time, he became an international icon and a symbol of American values to millions of people. Also known as “The Duke,” John Wayne made 83 westerns during his career; four were filmed at Old Tucson: “Rio Bravo”; “Mclintock”; “Rio Lobo”; and “El Dorado.”
On Location With more than 500 film and television credits to our name, Old Tucson has had many looks over the years. Production companies often modify exteriors and interiors of existing buildings as well as construct additional sets. With two vastly different towns and location scenery available, the possibilities are endless! Old Tucson’s main location in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert features a backdrop of the rugged Tucson Mountains and Saguaro National Monument West. Our second site, Mescal, is situated atop high desert plains featuring sweeping vistas and the majestic Rincon Mountains. Both remain active film locations today.
L Mescal Film
ocation
Can Can and Musical Shows
Join the action of high kicking, free spirited, singing and dancing in the Can Can show. Wet your whistle at the Palace bar and kick back to enjoy the nostalgic moments from classic movies filmed at Old Tucson. Don’t miss our original shows performed throughout the year to celebrate special holidays. Swing your partner and join in a fun loving time..
Stunt Shows The Old West lives again through live historical gunfights, stunt shows and comedy shows staged daily throughout Old Tucson. Don’t miss the thrill and excitement of these performances which have been called the best in the industry.
Living History Old Tucson is the perfect location for teaching living history. Interpretive programs bring to life what it was like to live in the latter part of the 1800s. Guests can experience a day in the life of a Sheriff, learn about what it was like to be a miner, own a store and even how to make adobe bricks! Experience an appreciation for the tough conditions of the Old West and the pioneers who overcame these challenges.
About Town
Attractions On the west side of Old Tucson you will find Amusement rides and other activities geared for younger guests as well as for the young-at-heart. Jump on the C.P. Huntington train to take you on a mile-wide tour of the park. From the airy cars you take in the outer areas and learn about film locations, see the back lot areas and take in the vast views. Slide over for some fun on the vintage A-Cars and test your driving skills. Pick your favorite horse and climb aboard the Carousel for some shared family fun. To get your laugh and scare on, dare to walk through the Iron Door Mine-we’ll see you on the other side!
Grub and Refreshments There are a variety of options to satisfy your thirst and hunger at Old Tucson. To get your day off to a good start, drop in to the Elixir for a fresh brewed cup of hot coffee. As you meander down the streets, you’re likely to find the enticing aroma of mesquite smoke drawing you into Jake’s BBQ where we smoke all our own meat and make our famous BBQ sauces. More in the mood for a stone-fired pizza or a sirloin burger? Then Pony Express will fit the bill nicely. Later in the day grab a hand-dipped ice cream as you enjoy a gun fight show at the Mission. Visit the Grand Palace for one of our lively stage shows, refresh your taste buds with locally brewed beer, a prickly pear margarita or an ice cold sarsaparilla to enjoy with the show. Finally, as you roll out of town, be sure to drop into Phoebe’s sweet shop for some homemade fudge or a bourbon praline.
Gift Shops There are a number of Gift Shops to visit at Old Tucson, each with a unique array of souvenirs and items to help capture your memories of your visit with us! Want to try on a cowboy hat? We’ve got you covered! Pick up one of our books or videos about Old Tucson and take the story of this historical place home or share as a gift. Choose among the many keepsakes, clothing, children’s items and more in all of our stores. Don’t leave without grabbing your friends and family and take your Old Time photo together!
Group Sales An Arizona original, Old Tucson provides a unique, authentic old west experience, perfect for your special events. From corporate and incentive group banquets to special occasion and corporate group events, Old Tucson offers complete event planning, catering and beverage service.
Cultural Events Old Tucson celebrates the region’s diverse cultures and their influence on life in the Sonoran Desert region with special events held throughout the year. Working with our partners in the community, we provide living history, education and cultural programs year-round.
Nightfall Nightfall, Old Tucson’s signature Halloween event, began in 1990 and attracts thousands of guests every year. It takes nearly a year to plan and execute the haunting of an entire town, which includes all original show development, multiple haunts and attractions designed to appeal to all ages. Nightfall has become one of Tucson’s premiere haunts in Tucson and was listed as one Top 10 Must Travel to Haunts by the New York Times in 2016!
Special Events A celebration of history, culture and heritage, Old Tucson is host to a diversity of festivals and special events throughout the year. From Arizona’s birthday to honoring our Veterans, there is always something special happening at Old Tucson! Some of our signature events include Ted Walker Day; the Spirit of the West Fest; The Dog Days of Summer; and our Western Heritage Festival. We are also the home of the Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention (WWWC}, the largest Western-style Steampunk Convention in the United States! The Spirit of the Old West truly comes alive at Old Tucson. Come experience it for yourself!
The Reno On May 2, 1872, Locomotive No. 2816 rolled off the assembly line of the Baldwin Locomotive Works. The Reno hauled more than $400,000 worth of silver in nearly 50 years as an active engine, and pulled famous people including President Grant, General Sherman, Teddy Roosevelt, P.T. Barnum, and Baron Rothschild. The Reno began her film life in the short film “Courage of the West” (1937). Her first starring role was for the Cecil B. Demille film, “Union Pacific” (1938). In 1970 she was purchased from MGM for $50,000 including one train car. The Reno has appeared in more than 91 movies and television shows during her career.
From the movie “Joe Kidd”
Filmography Arizona Raiders Great Sioux Massacre, The Outrage, The America, Inc. And Should We Die El Dorado 1950s Reward, The Winchester 73 High Chaparral, The (1966-71) Last Outpost, The Bonanza (1966, 1971/72) Backlash Johnny Tiger Strange Lady in Town Return of the Gunfighter Ten Wanted Men Pistolero Violent Men, The Death Valley Days 3:10 to Yuma Hombre Broken Star Dundee and the Culhane Reprisal Long Ride Home, The Walk the Proud Land Last Challenge, The Carbine Webb and the Four Rango Sisters Heaven with a Gun Gunfight at the O.K. Corral Hell’s Belles Gunsight Ridge Mini Skirt Mob, The Guns of Ft. Petticoat Blowoff Lone Woman (Playhouse 90) Lonesome Cowboys Tale of Consequence Without Incident (Playhouse 90) Mountain Men, The Young Billy Young Badlanders Again a Love Story Buchanan Rides Alone America, America Gunsmoke in Tucson Lone Ranger and the Lost City 1970s of Gold Monte Walsh Cimarron Shootout at Rio Lobo Last Train From Gun Hill Rio Lobo Rio Bravo Dirty Dingus Magee Johnny Cash Show 1960s Yuma Heller in Pink Tights Ballad of the Old West A Thunder of Drums Bearcats Sounds of Arizona Big Score, The Deadly Companions Bonanza (1971/72) Young Guns of Texas Death of a Gunfighter Have Gun, Will Travel Gunfight at the O.K. Corral Wagon Train Dirty Little Billy Lilies of the Field Pocket Money McLintock 1940s
Arizona Bells of St. Mary’s, The Last Roundup, The
Scandalous John Wild Rovers, The Gunsmoke (1972, 1973, 1974) Joe Kidd Legend of Nigger Charley, The Night of the Lepus Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, The Boomtown Band and Cattle Company Guns of a Stranger Man Who Loved Cat Dancing, The Outlaw Legacy Abduction of St. Anne Backtrack Death Wish Gun and the Pulpit, The Hanged Man, The A Knife for the Ladies Mark of Zorro Petrocelli (1974/75) Pray for the Wildcats Red Badge of Courage Run Simon Run Trial of Billy Jack Wish You Were Here Young Pioneers, The (1975/76) Go USA Hawmps! Katherine (An American Terrorist) Mysteries of the Other World Posse Last Hard Men, The Lizard, The Outlaw Jose Wales, The Quest, The Royce Star is Born, A Tales of Nunundaga Wanted: The Sundance Woman Incredible Rocky Mountain Race, The Harlem Globetrotters Another Man, Another Woman
How the West Was Won (episodes: The Slavers, Luke, Wing) (1977-79) Little House on the Prairie (1977-83) Killing Stones Shadow Horse American Cowboy, The Go West Young Girl New Maverick, The Sackets, The Wild and Wooly Authentic Life of Billy the Kid Dooley Brothers, The Frisco Kid Gambler, The Hunter’s Moon Japanese Quiz Show Villain, The Wild Wild West Revisited 1980s
Tom Horn More Wild, Wild West Death Valley Hart to Hart High Noon Part II: The Return of Will Kane That’s Incredible: Lost Dog Father Murphy Ransom of Red Chief American Frontier Calamity Jane Cannon Ball Run Part II I Married Wyatt Earp Natas, The Reflection Portrait of America September Gun Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Assumption, The (The Coronation) Flashpoint Little Arliss Little House on the Prairie: Bless All the Little Children Ascension, The (The Descent) Webster (1985/88)
Centurion Odyssey Cowboy Up Dream West Go West-Sing West Jackals Le Grand Rallye Stagecoach Buckeye and Blue It’s the Girl in the Red Truck America’s Star Three Amigos, The Desperado (#1) Desperado (#2): The Outlaw Wars Highway to Heaven (Why Punish the Children) Love Among Thieves Nobody Likes It Hot (A Comedy) Poker Alice Reading Rainbow Walker Ghost Town Billy the Kid Once Upon A Texas Train One Life to Live Red River Return of the Desperado South of Reno Stones for Ibarra Desperado Badland Justice El Diablo Grizzly Adams: The Legend Continues Laughing Dead Law at Randado Third Degree Burn America’s Most Wanted Young Riders, The (1989-91) 1990s
Young Guns II Two Fisted Tales (Showdown) Unsolved Mysteries (Skeleton Canyon Treasure) Four Eyes and Six Guns Gunsmoke III: To the Last Man Kid
Legends of the West California Dreaming Showdown Stay Tuned Nemesis Ghosts of Ruby Newton’s Apple (Tumble Weed) Geronimo Gunsmoke V: One Man’s Justice Horse Opera Marshal Charley Posse Tombstone Lightning Jack Hard Bounty Last Bounty Hunter, The Terminal Velocity West, The Legend Quick and the Dead, The Timemaster Under the Hula Moon Los Locos Magnificent Seven 2000s
South of Heaven And West Of Hell Legend of Phantom Rider Ghost Rock Cutoff Dead West Dual Miracle at Sage Creek Wild West Tech- Gang Technology Decoy, The Seven Mummies Wild and the West Legend of Pearl Hart Wild West, The 4-Guys Blood Moon
Wyatt Earp (American Experience) Mad Mad Wagon Train Ambush at Dark Canyon Billy the Kid Billy the Kid (American Experience) Gundown, The Chopped: Grill Masters Goats Like a Cowboy (2014) Music video Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid (American Experience) Hot Bath and A Stiff Drink Billy the Kid: Escape Artist (Legends and Lies) Butch Cassidy: The Last Man Standing (Legends and Lies) Black Bart: Gentleman Bandit (American Experience) Eugene Mirman: Vegan on His Way to the Complaint Store James “Wild Bill” Hickok: Plains Justice (Legends and Lies) Jesse James: Bloody Politics (Legends and Lies) Common Threads Hot Bath and a Stiff Drink 2 No Sunday West of Newton Tombstone Rashomon West and the Ruthless, The You’re Gonna Miss Me Pull Back the Hammer Bequest Western Adoption Widow, The Cassidy Red Amazed by You Bisbee ’17 The Legend of Five Mile Cave A Soiled Dove After the Flesh with Teeth
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Where the Spir i t of the Old We s t Come s Ali ve!