Introduction
Big Jake is a classic western movie from 1971 starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The movie follows the story of Jacob McCandles (John Wayne), a Civil War veteran who must travel to Mexico to rescue his kidnapped grandson. It was released to critical acclaim, earning Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score and Best Sound.
In this article, we will explore the filming locations of Big Jake. We will discuss the various places the movie was filmed, the iconic sets that were used, and the behind-the-scenes details of the production. Additionally, we will provide information on how to visit the locations featured in the movie today.
Exploring the Filming Locations of Big Jake
Big Jake was filmed across three main locations: Monument Valley, Arizona; Durango, Mexico; and San Rafael Swell, Utah. Each of these places provided stunning backdrops for the movie and helped create its iconic Wild West atmosphere.
Location 1: Monument Valley, Arizona
Monument Valley is an area located in the Four Corners region of the United States. It is home to some of the most iconic landscapes of the American West, including towering sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires. The valley has been featured in many classic westerns, including Stagecoach, Cowboy, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and Fort Apache.
Big Jake was shot extensively in Monument Valley, with many of the movie’s scenes taking place here. From sweeping shots of the majestic landscape to close-up shots of the characters riding through the valley, Monument Valley serves as a beautiful backdrop for the action of the movie.
Location 2: Durango, Mexico
Durango is a city located in northern Mexico. It is the capital of the Mexican state of the same name and is known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and rugged mountain scenery. The city was also the setting for many classic western films, including The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and The Magnificent Seven.
Big Jake was filmed in several locations around Durango, including the city’s historic central plaza. Scenes featuring the Mexican bandit El Sombrero (played by Richard Jordan) were shot in the city, as well as scenes featuring Jacob and his posse crossing the border into Mexico. Many of the movie’s action sequences take place within the city’s mountainous terrain.
Location 3: San Rafael Swell, Utah
The San Rafael Swell is an area of rugged canyons and plateaus located in central Utah. It is home to some of the most stunning rock formations in the state, including the legendary San Rafael Reef. The area has served as a backdrop for many classic western films, including The Outlaw Josey Wales, Jeremiah Johnson, and The Cowboys.
Big Jake was filmed in several locations around the San Rafael Swell, including the area’s iconic red rocks. The movie’s opening scene, which features Jacob and his posse riding through the desert, was filmed here. The area also provides the backdrop for the final showdown between Jacob and El Sombrero.
A Tour of the Sets of Big Jake
The filmmakers of Big Jake built several sets to bring the movie’s Wild West world to life. These sets included a homestead, a saloon, and a canyon set.
The Homestead Set
The homestead set was built in the San Rafael Swell and served as the main setting for the movie. It was constructed to resemble a typical western homestead, complete with a wooden cabin, a corral, and other furnishings. Several scenes, including Jacob’s reunion with his family, were filmed at this location.
The Saloon Set
The saloon set was built in Durango and served as a key setting for the movie. It was designed to resemble a traditional western saloon, complete with a bar, tables, and a stage. Scenes featuring El Sombrero and his henchmen were filmed at this location.
The Canyon Set
The canyon set was built in Monument Valley and served as the backdrop for the movie’s climactic showdown between Jacob and El Sombrero. This set was designed to resemble a typical western canyon, with cliffs and boulders providing a dramatic backdrop for the action.
Behind the Scenes at Big Jake
Big Jake was directed by George Sherman and produced by John Wayne. The movie featured an all-star cast, including John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Richard Jordan, Harry Carey Jr., Christopher Mitchum, and Patrick Wayne. The cinematography was provided by William H. Clothier, and the score was composed by Elmer Bernstein.
The movie was shot using Technicolor film and was the first western to be shot in Panavision. The movie’s sweeping vistas and action-packed sequences were made possible by the use of helicopters and cranes. The movie also featured an iconic soundtrack composed by Elmer Bernstein, which added further to the movie’s Wild West atmosphere.
Visiting the Big Jake Film Locations
Today, it is possible to visit the locations featured in Big Jake. All three of the movie’s filming locations are open to visitors and offer a chance to experience the beauty of the American West. Here are some tips for visiting the locations featured in Big Jake.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Visitors can explore the valley on their own or take a guided tour of the area. There are also several hotels and campsites located in the area, making it easy to stay overnight.
Durango
Durango is a vibrant city located in northern Mexico. Visitors can explore the city’s colonial architecture, take a day trip to the nearby mountains, or enjoy the local cuisine. Hotels and restaurants are plentiful in the city, making it easy to find accommodation and dining options.
San Rafael Swell
The San Rafael Swell is a rugged area located in central Utah. It is home to some of the state’s most stunning rock formations, including the San Rafael Reef. Visitors can explore the area on their own or take a guided tour of the area. Camping is also available in the area, making it easy to spend a night under the stars.
Exploring the Wild West Through Big Jake
Big Jake is an iconic western movie that captures the essence of the Wild West. From its sweeping landscapes to its iconic costumes, the movie offers an immersive experience of what life was like in the Old West. Here are some of the ways the movie brings the Wild West to life.
The Iconic Costumes
The costumes in Big Jake are iconic and help to bring the characters and settings to life. From John Wayne’s signature cowboy hat to Maureen O’Hara’s striking dresses, the costumes evoke the style of the Old West and help to create an immersive experience for the viewer.
The Historical Accuracy
Big Jake is renowned for its historical accuracy. The movie features accurate representations of 19th-century firearms and clothing, as well as accurate depictions of Native American culture. The movie also features an original score composed by Elmer Bernstein, which adds to the movie’s authenticity.
The Western Storytelling
Big Jake is a classic example of western storytelling. From its sweeping vistas to its fast-paced action sequences, the movie offers a captivating look at the Wild West. The movie also features memorable characters and a thrilling plot, making it an engaging experience for viewers.
Revisiting the Iconic Landscapes of Big Jake
Big Jake was filmed in some of the most iconic landscapes of the American West. From Monument Valley to the San Rafael Swell, these locations provide a stunning backdrop for the movie’s action and drama. Here are some of the places you can visit to get a glimpse of the iconic landscapes featured in the movie.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes of the American West. It has been featured in countless movies, including Big Jake. Today, visitors can explore the valley on their own or take a guided tour of the area. There are also several hotels and campsites located in the area, making it easy to stay overnight.
Durango
Durango is a vibrant city located in northern Mexico. It is known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and rugged mountain scenery. Visitors can explore the city’s historic central plaza, as well as its mountainous terrain, which provides a stunning backdrop for the movie’s action sequences.
San Rafael Swell
The San Rafael Swell is an area of rugged canyons and plateaus located in central Utah. It is home to some of the most stunning rock formations in the state, including the legendary San Rafael Reef. Visitors can explore the area on their own or take a guided tour of the area. Camping is also available in the area, making it easy to spend a night under the stars.
Conclusion
Big Jake is a classic western movie that captures the spirit of the Wild West. In this article, we explored the filming locations of the movie, from Monument Valley to Durango. We also discussed the sets used in the movie and the behind-the-scenes details of the production. Finally, we provided information on how to visit the locations featured in the movie today.
From its sweeping landscapes to its iconic costumes, Big Jake offers a captivating look at the Wild West. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just curious to explore the Wild West, visiting the locations featured in Big Jake is a great way to do so.
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