Where was "Hour of the Gun" filmed?
"Hour of the Gun" is a 1967 Western film directed by John Sturges, starring James Garner and Sidney Poitier. The movie is a sequel to the 1962 film "Lawman," which was also directed by Sturges and starred Garner. "Hour of the Gun" follows the story of Wyatt Earp, who is played by Garner, as he seeks revenge against the murderers of his brother, Morgan Earp.
Australian Locations
The film was primarily shot on location in Australia, which was a common practice for many Westerns in the 1960s. The country’s unique landscapes and weather conditions made it an ideal location for filming Westerns. Some of the specific locations where "Hour of the Gun" was filmed include:
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: The iconic Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) can be seen in the opening scenes of the film, where Wyatt Earp rides his horse towards the massive rock formation.
- The Flinders Ranges: The Flinders Ranges in South Australia were used as the backdrop for many of the film’s outdoor scenes, including the scenes where Earp is tracking down the outlaws.
- The Pinnacles Desert: Located in Western Australia, the Pinnacles Desert was used as the location for the film’s climactic showdown between Earp and the outlaws.
Contents
Table: Location Breakdown
| Location | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park | Landmark | Seen in the opening scenes where Earp rides his horse towards the rock formation. |
| The Flinders Ranges | Landscape | Used as the backdrop for outdoor scenes where Earp is tracking down outlaws. |
| The Pinnacles Desert | Landscape | Used as the location for the climactic showdown between Earp and the outlaws. |
Specific Filming Locations
- The Olgas: Located in the Heart of Australia, the Olgas were used as the location for the town of Tombstone, which is where Earp has his showdown with the outlaws.
- Wilpena Pound: In the Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound was used as the location for the scenes where Earp is tracking down the outlaws.
- The Great Central Road: The Great Central Road in Western Australia was used as the location for the scenes where Earp is on the run from the outlaws.
Filming Challenges
Filming in Australia presented several challenges for the crew. The hot and dry climate made it difficult to film outdoor scenes, and the crew had to deal with frequent dust storms and extreme temperatures.
- Dust and Sandstorms: The arid landscape of Australia can be prone to dust and sandstorms, which caused problems for the crew when filming outdoor scenes.
- Extreme Temperatures: The Australian climate can be extreme, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F) during the day and dropping below -10°C (14°F) at night.
- Remote Locations: Some of the filming locations were remote and required the crew to travel long distances, which added to the difficulties of filming on location.
Conclusion
"Hour of the Gun" is a classic Western film that was primarily shot on location in Australia. The unique landscapes and weather conditions of the country provided a diverse and challenging backdrop for filming. Despite the challenges posed by the climate and remote locations, the crew managed to capture stunning footage of the Australian outback. The film’s use of real locations adds to its authenticity and makes it a must-see for Western fans.
