Where was the movie the war wagon filmed?

Where was the movie "The War Wagon" filmed?

Released in 1967, The War Wagon is a Western film directed by John Sturges, starring John Wayne and Ann-Margret. The movie tells the story of a notorious outlaw, turned bank robber, who helps a former Union soldier carry out a daring heist. The War Wagon is known for its action-packed sequences, humorous dialogue, and memorable performance by the iconic John Wayne. But have you ever wondered where this classic film was shot?

Exterior Locations

The answer lies in the beautiful country of Utah. Specifically, the team filmed in the following exterior locations:

• Provo, Utah: Scenes featuring the town of Wardville, where the storyline begins, were shot in and around Provo.

  • Provo State Hospital: The hospital scenes were filmed at the historical Provo State Hospital complex.

• Sparta, Utah: Filming took place in this small town, which doubled as the fictional town of Bannock.

  • Sparta Historical Museum: The museum helped facilitate the filming process.

• Heber, Utah: The team moved to Heber to shoot scenes at the Highland County Courthouse, which was used as a stand-in for the ward office.
• Lone Peak, Utah: The majestic Lone Peak mountain range formed the backdrop for several thrilling action sequences.

Hollywood’s Backlot Filming

While Utah proved to be the perfect playground for The War Wagon‘s exterior scenes, Warner Brothers Studios in Los Angeles played host to the majority of the shooting. Here, the soundstages and backlot facilities were used to depict the Ward and Company Bank, the prisoners’ hideout, and other essential locations.

Utah’s Stunning Landscapes

Filming on location in Utah allowed Sturges and his crew to take advantage of the Beehive State‘s breathtaking natural environments. The War Wagon‘s striking visuals showcase Utah’s snow-capped mountains, crimson rock formations, and crisp blue skies. The setting sun casting a warm, golden glow over the vistas adds an extra layer of drama and tension to already intense action sequences.

Interesting Fact: Two of Utah’s most infamous outlaws, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, were rumored to have roamed the Salt Lake City area, roughly 300 miles north of the film’s shooting locations.

The Flick’s Impact

So, why is The War Wagon deemed a Western classic? Directed by John Sturges, a master of filmmaking, the movie balances humor and action with conviction. John Wayne’s solid performance, coupled with comedic relief from Keir Dullea in the role of Roman, The War Wagon‘s loyal sidekick, makes it an unforgettable viewing experience. The movie’s success catapulted Sturges further into the spotlight, garnering an Academy Award for Best Film Editing.

Table: Utah Scenes

Get ready to saddle up, partner, and embark on a thrilling adventure through 19th-century Utah countryside. With its captivating beauty, captivating performances, The War Wagon, a testament to the importance of cinematic storytelling, where the great outdoors meets movie magic.