The War Wagon is a classic Western film, released in 1967 and directed by Burt Kennedy. It starred the legendary John Wayne as Taw Jackson, an ex-convict seeking revenge on the man who framed him for a crime he didn’t commit.
One of the most remarkable features of this film was its stunning scenery. The vast landscapes, rugged terrain, and majestic mountains featured in the movie make it a delight to watch even today.
So where was The War Wagon filmed? Let’s take a closer look at the locations that served as the backdrop for this iconic movie.
1. Durango – Mexico
Most of the exterior shots from The War Wagon were filmed in Durango; a city located in northern Mexico. Scenes featuring characters traveling across open plains or rocky hillsides were mostly shot here.
Durango has been used frequently by Hollywood filmmakers since 1954 due to its proximity to Texas and New Mexico — two other popular filming destinations for western movies during that time period.
2. Universal Studios Lot
Several scenes involving indoor sets such as banks or taverns were shot at Universal Studios’ backlot in California. This backlot has been home to dozens of famous productions over many decades of filmmaking history.
3. Bronson Canyon
Another location worthy of mention is Bronson Canyon situated on Griffith Park Hill (Los Angeles). This location gained popularity due to becoming an idyllic site for several TV dramas and comedy series set there like “Batman,” “Star Trek,” “Gunsmoke” etc., but also offered spectacular views which lent themselves perfectly well with Western movies like The War Wagon being produced during those times.
Last thoughts:
Overall, despite being primarily set outside Mexican territories depicted cleverly through shooting styles employed like panning camera movements e.g when they get chased down by gunmen we are put right into tension loaded gallop while dramatic musical score produces atmosphere packed full capturing viewers emotions into the fray of it all making War Wagon a thrilling, exciting and visually stunning classic Western movie.
The War Wagon is a classic Western movie that has stood the test of time. Released in 1967 and directed by Burt Kennedy, this movie stars the legendary John Wayne as Taw Jackson, an ex-convict seeking revenge on the man who framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. Along with its captivating storyline, one of the most significant features of The War Wagon is its stunning scenery.
The vast landscapes, rugged terrain, and majestic mountains featured in the movie make it a delight to watch even today. Many viewers have often wondered where this incredible landscape was filmed. Let’s take an in-depth look at some exciting locations used for filming this iconic film.
Durango – Mexico:
Most of The War Wagon outdoor scenes were filmed in Durango—a city situated within northern Mexico. It’s no surprise that numerous Hollywood filmmakers flock to Durango since 1954 due to its proximity to Texas and New Mexico—two other popular filming destinations for western movies during that time period.
Several scenes featuring characters traveling across open plains or rocky hillsides were mostly shot here. This region provided an ideal set with imposing rock formations and expansive vistas; furthermore, plenty of cowboys could be hired locally!
Universal Studios Lot:
Several indoor scenes such as banks or taverns depicted throughout The War Wagon were filmed at Universal Studios’ backlot located in California.. This backlot has been home to dozens of famous productions spanning several decades worth filmmaking history.
Bronson Canyon:
Another location worthy of mention regarding Filming sites employed here includes Bronson Canyon located on Griffith Park Hill (Los Angeles). While primarily known for providing idyllic settings essential for TV dramas like Batman and Star Trek etc., it also offers sightseers breathtaking views perfect for pictures but without question like so many locations shooting great Western Movies Bronson Canyons natural formation lent itself perfectly well into visual tapestries featured throughout The War Wagons scenes adding ruggedness of wild frontier bestowed with viewer-enticing and euphoric punch values.
Last Thoughts:
In conclusion, The War Wagon’s unique filming locations have made it a classic Western movie for generations to come. This iconic film is not only thrilling and exciting but also visually stunning, thanks to its backdrop scenery that captures viewers’ emotions into the fray of it all. Without question, if you’re a fan of Western movies or just appreciate great visuals—The War Wagon is a must-watch!