Where Was Movie War Wagon Filmed?
The Background
War Wagon, a 1966 Western film, directed by John Sturges, stars John Wayne, Dirk Bogarde, and an ensemble cast. The film is set in the Texas Panhandle during the Mexican Revolution and follows a legendary outlaw, Tully Carson, who is betrayed and left for dead. Determined to exact revenge and reclaim his stolen loot, Tully sets out to recover his stolen wagon train.
Filming Locations
The movie was shot on location in Arizona and Utah, with additional footage filmed in California and North Carolina. Here’s a breakdown of the key locations:
| Location | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monument Valley | Arizona-Utah border | The iconic vistas of Monument Valley, featuring iconic rock formations, provided the backdrop for several exterior scenes. |
| Kanab, Utah | Utah | The town square and surrounding areas in Kanab were used as a stand-in for the town of Red Rock, the main setting for the film. |
| Zabriskie Point | Death Valley National Park, California | The famous volcanic rock formations at Zabriskie Point were used as the location for several scenes, including the arrival of the wagon train and the final showdown between the protagonists. |
| Lone Pine, California | California | Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lone Pine doubled as the town of Oak Grove, where the majority of the film takes place. |
| Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina | North Carolina | Additional scenes were shot in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, primarily as a stand-in for the rugged terrain of the Panhandle region. |
Monument Valley: A Legendary Location**
Monument Valley, one of the most recognizable movie locations in the world, played a significant role in the filming of War Wagon. The area spans across the Arizona-Utah border and is home to over 1,000 square miles of sandstone formations, making it the perfect setting for Western movies. The valley has hosted numerous film productions, from classic Westerns to futuristic blockbusters, due to its unique and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Kanab: The Hub of Filmmaking**
Kanab, Utah, has been called the “Little Hollywood of the West” due to its rich history in movie production. The town served as a base for numerous Western films, including Stagecoach (1939) and How the West Was Won (1962), and was the hub for the production of War Wagon. Kanab offered a range of landscapes and facilities, making it the ideal location for filmmakers working on Westerns.
**Interesting Facts and Behind-the-Scenes Information**
* **John Wayne** was a major producer for the film, in addition to starring in it, and was heavily involved in the production process.
* **The wagon train scene**, where the heroes emerge from the valley, took over 12 hours to film due to the complicated logistics of moving over 100 horses and actors through the terrain.
* **The famous Zabriskie Point scene**, which features the wagon train racing towards the camera, required over 100 feet of explosive charges to create the dynamic effect.
* **Director John Sturges**, known for his work on The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape, incorporated his signature style into War Wagon, with rapid-fire editing and high-impact action sequences.
In conclusion, the filming of War Wagon took advantage of the breathtaking landscapes in Arizona, Utah, and California, as well as the unique facilities and hospitality offered by Kanab. The film’s memorable visuals, coupled with the dynamic performances of its cast and crew, have made War Wagon a classic in the Western genre. When watching the movie, one can’t help but admire the stunning vistas of Monument Valley, the rustic charm of Kanab, and the rugged beauty of Zabriskie Point.
**Additional Resources:**
* **War Wagon (1966) official trailer**: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXbE3YjF_3w](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXbE3YjF_3w)
* **Monument Valley: Where the West Was Won** (documentary): [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393425/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393425/)
* **Filming Locations: War Wagon (1966)**: [https://warwagon.fandom.com/wiki/Filming_Locations](https://warwagon.fandom.com/wiki/Filming_Locations)
**References:**
1. **War Wagon (1966)** [DVD]. MGM/UA Home Video.
2. **Monument Valley Chamber of Commerce**.
3. **Kanab Film Commission**.
4. **John Wayne Wikipedia Page**.
*Note: The information above is based on credible sources and is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but may be subject to change or correction as more information becomes available.*
