The Western film Hour of the Gun is a classic portrayal of the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral and its aftermath, starring James Garner and Jason Robards. For fans of western cinema and film history enthusiasts, this article explores the actual filming locations of Hour of the Gun, revealing the real places that brought this iconic story to life on screen. Discover the authentic sites and studios where this notable 1967 film was shot, and learn why these locations are significant in western filmmaking.
Old Tucson Studios, Arizona
One of the primary filming locations for Hour of the Gun was Old Tucson Studios, located near Tucson, Arizona. This famous movie studio and theme park has hosted countless westerns since the 1930s, known for its authentic Old West town sets. The studio provided the perfect backdrop for the town of Tombstone, allowing filmmakers to capture the dusty streets and period-accurate architecture essential for the film’s atmosphere.
Mescal, Arizona
Some outdoor scenes were filmed in Mescal, a small community near Tucson, Arizona. Mescal’s desert landscapes and rugged terrain offered the natural environment needed for the film’s action sequences. The area’s wide-open spaces helped depict the harsh, unforgiving conditions of the Old West, adding realism to the chase and confrontation scenes.
Coronado National Forest, Arizona
The Coronado National Forest, located in southeastern Arizona, was used for certain exterior shots in Hour of the Gun. The forest’s diverse terrain, including canyons and wooded areas, allowed the filmmakers to vary the settings beyond the typical desert plains. This location added depth and variety to the film’s visual storytelling, contrasting the barren town scenes with more rugged natural surroundings.
Old Tucson Railroad Tracks
Specific sequences involving trains and railroads were filmed on the Old Tucson Railroad Tracks. The presence of historic railroad infrastructure at the studio made it convenient to shoot scenes involving transport and movement, which were crucial to the film’s plot. Using authentic tracks rather than sets enhanced the film’s period accuracy and action realism.
Downtown Tucson, Arizona
Some street scenes were shot in downtown Tucson, Arizona, where period-appropriate buildings and streetscapes could be adapted to resemble 1880s Tombstone. The city’s older architecture and layout allowed for on-location filming that blended well with set pieces. This helped ground the film in a tangible sense of place, lending credibility to the story’s urban moments.
RKO Forty Acres Backlot, California
Although primarily filmed in Arizona, some interior scenes and controlled environment shots were completed on the RKO Forty Acres backlot in Culver City, California. This studio backlot was famous for its western town sets and allowed the filmmakers to shoot scenes under controlled lighting and weather conditions. The backlot was a practical choice for dialogue-heavy or night scenes requiring precise production control.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Arizona
The San Pedro Riparian area, with its lush riverbanks and natural vegetation uncommon in the desert, was used for select outdoor scenes needing a greener backdrop. This contrast added visual interest and helped depict different locales the characters might have traveled through. It also illustrated the diversity of the Arizona landscape beyond the stereotypical dusty desert.
Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona
The Chiricahua Mountains, located in southeastern Arizona, provided a rugged mountainous setting for some chase and ambush scenes in Hour of the Gun. Their dramatic rock formations and elevation changes gave the film a more dynamic and challenging terrain, heightening the tension and stakes in pursuit sequences. This location helped portray the difficulties of frontier life and law enforcement in the Old West.
Boot Hill Cemetery, Tombstone Replica at Old Tucson
A replica of the famous Boot Hill Cemetery was constructed at Old Tucson Studios for the film. This set was used for key scenes involving funerals and confrontations near the graves of gunfighters. The cemetery is iconic in western lore, and its faithful recreation added authenticity and emotional weight to the film’s climax and aftermath.
Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona
The Santa Rita Mountains, near Tucson, were used for distant establishing shots and panoramic views in the film. Their rugged, scenic vistas provided a majestic backdrop that reinforced the film’s sense of place in the American Southwest. These shots helped situate the fictionalized events within a real and awe-inspiring landscape, enhancing the film’s visual storytelling.
How to Choose
When exploring the filming locations of Hour of the Gun, what matters most is authenticity and accessibility. Old Tucson Studios remains the centerpiece location, offering visitors a chance to see the recreated town and sets firsthand. For those interested in natural landscapes featured in the film, areas like the Coronado National Forest and Chiricahua Mountains provide stunning real-world settings that shaped the film’s look. Accessibility and preservation efforts vary, so consider whether you want to visit studio sets or venture into rugged outdoor locations. History buffs might prioritize Old Tucson for its film legacy, while nature lovers may appreciate the national forests and mountain ranges that enhanced the film’s outdoor scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Was Hour of the Gun filmed entirely in Arizona?
Mostly yes, with the majority of outdoor scenes filmed in Arizona locations such as Old Tucson Studios, Mescal, and the surrounding national forests. Some interior shots were filmed in California studios.
Q: Can you visit the exact filming locations today?
Many of the primary locations, especially Old Tucson Studios, are open to the public as tourist attractions. Natural areas like Coronado National Forest and the Chiricahua Mountains are accessible but require travel and hiking.
Q: Why was Old Tucson Studios chosen for the film?
Old Tucson Studios offered ready-made western town sets that were historically accurate and well-maintained, making it an ideal filming location for a period western like Hour of the Gun.
Q: Are there any notable landmarks featured in the film?
The film features a replica of Boot Hill Cemetery, which is an iconic western landmark recreated at Old Tucson Studios. The surrounding landscapes also include real landmarks like the Santa Rita and Chiricahua Mountains.
Q: How historically accurate are the locations used in the film?
While the film used authentic western town sets and real landscapes, some locations are stand-ins rather than exact historical sites. For example, Tombstone itself was not extensively filmed on location but recreated at Old Tucson.
Q: Did the film use any modern technology or sets?
Yes, interior scenes and controlled shots were filmed on studio backlots such as the RKO Forty Acres in California, allowing for precise lighting and sound control.
Final Thoughts
Hour of the Gun remains a classic western largely due to its authentic use of iconic filming locations in Arizona and California. From the meticulously recreated streets of Old Tucson Studios to the rugged natural beauty of the Arizona wilderness, the film’s settings are integral to its storytelling and atmosphere. For fans and film historians alike, understanding where Hour of the Gun was filmed enriches appreciation of both the film and the enduring legacy of western cinema. Whether visiting studio sets or exploring the scenic landscapes that shaped the film, these locations offer a tangible connection to one of the genre’s most memorable retellings.
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