Where was Gun Fury filmed?
Gun Fury is a 1953 Western film directed by Arnold Laven and starring Rock Hudson and Donna Reed. The movie follows the story of Jack Kiley (played by Rock Hudson), a U.S. Cavalry sergeant who is forced to watch as his pregnant wife, Katie (played by Donna Reed), is murdered by a group of outlaws. Jack’s search for revenge takes him from Arizona to Mexico, where he faces off against the leader of the outlaws, a ruthless Mexican bandit named VicHolland (played by Steat Madry).
Early Production and Filming Locations
The production of Gun Fury began in February 1952, with main filming locations set in Arizona, California, and Mexico. The movie was filmed on location in these states and countries, allowing the filmmakers to capture the authentic look and feel of the American West.
- Arizona: Many scenes were filmed in and around Tombstone, Arizona, a historic town known for its role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The town’s picturesque main street and surrounding hills were used as backdrops for several key scenes, including the opening sequence and a dramatic chase scene.
California
- Death Valley National Park, California: The park’s Ubehebe Crater was used as the location for Jack’s desert trap, where he sets up a makeshift ambush to lure the outlaws.
- Mojave Desert, California: The vast expanse of the Mojave Desert was used as the location for several scenes, including Jack’s escape from the outlaws.
Mexico
- Chihuahua State, Mexico: The Mexican portion of the film was shot in the Ciudad Juárez area, near the border with El Paso, Texas. The city’s rugged terrain and historic buildings provided an authentic backdrop for scenes featuring Jack’s pursuit of Vic Holland.
Interesting Facts and Behind-the-Scenes
- Rock Hudson’s Injuries: During filming, Rock Hudson suffered a severe burn on his hand, requiring surgery and a long period of recovery. This caused significant delays in the production schedule.
- Gun Fury’s Original Title: The film was initially titled "The Vengeance Riders," but was later changed to Gun Fury before release.
- Historic Significance: Gun Fury is notable for its early use of Technicolor, a color film processing technique that was still in its infancy at the time. The film’s bright, vibrant colors add to its nostalgic charm.
Table: Filming Locations and Scenes
Location | Scene/Setting | Description |
---|---|---|
Tombstone, AZ | Main Street and Surrounding Hills | Backdrops for opening sequence and dramatic chase scene |
Death Valley National Park, CA | Ubehebe Crater | Jack’s desert trap and ambush setup |
Mojave Desert, CA | Various Scenic Locations | Jack’s escape from outlaws, desert landscapes |
Chihuahua State, Mexico | Ciudad Juárez Area | Jack’s pursuit of Vic Holland, rugged terrain and historic buildings |
Conclusion
Gun Fury is a classic Western film that showcases the best of the American West’s landscapes and cultures. Filmed on location in Arizona, California, and Mexico, the movie features some of the most iconic scenes in Western cinema. While production was not without its challenges, the end result is a thrilling and unforgettable tale of revenge and adventure.