HomeWHEREWhere Was The Movie Joe Kidd Filmed

Where Was The Movie Joe Kidd Filmed

Did they actually film “Joe Kidd” in New Mexico?

Old Western Town with Saloon temecula los angeles rental
Source: Peerspace

Most Hollywood movies aren’t actually shot in the place where the story is supposed to be set. Productions have to find the best location that will both fit the location in the script and is also within budget to film in. The setting looks like it could be New Mexico. However, you may be surprised when you hear the answer to the question: where was “Joe Kidd” filmed?

Today, New Mexico is one of the few states that has a robust film industry. The state has been host to critically acclaimed television shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Stranger Things,” along with hit movies such as “The Avengers,” according to IMDB.

However, back in “Joe Kidd’s” day, the neighboring state of Arizona was Hollywood’s go-to choice for Westerns. Therefore, they mostly shot the film there.

This was almost not the case since the studio originally wanted to shoot on Universal’s backlot. But Eastwood and Sturges decided to shoot in Arizona and Inyo County, California, as reported by Trailers From Hell. Part of what made them decide on Arizona was the saguaro cactus, which is only in the Sonoran Desert and sure looks great in a Western!

Refer to more articles:  Where Is Lil Duval From

Notable Arizona “Joe Kidd” filming locations

Christmas Photoshoot Ideas With Dogs
Source: Peerspace

Now we know that some of the filming locations were in Arizona. Next, we can get down to answering the question: where was “Joe Kidd” filmed?

As reported by Looper, the production primarily took place at the legendary Old Tucson Studios. You have probably seen the old-timey Western set in other productions such as “Gunfight At The O.K. Corral,” “Gunsmoke,” and “3:10 To Yuma.”

The studio was open to the public for years as a Western theme park before closing in 2020 during the pandemic. However, according to Tucson.com, the Old Tucson Studios have a new owner as of April 2022.

The park is now leased from the state by American Railway Company, who plan to reopen in October, just in time for their Halloween-themed takeover of the park called “NightFall!”

Fans can look forward to Western history and contemporary fun when they take a trip to the Old Tucson Studios.

Notable California “Joe Kidd” filming locations

Celestial Wedding Theme
Source: Peerspace

As we mentioned before, thy didn’t film the movie in a studio but in locations in Arizona and Inyo County, California. The gorgeous mountain ranges that are perfect for Western shootouts are sure to beg the question: where was “Joe Kidd” filmed?

One of the areas they used in California for filming is Alabama Hills, which is another staple of movies and television shows. According to IMDB, the area has been in major studio movies like “Gladiator,” “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier,” and “Tremors”. An intrepid blogger actually found the exact spot where Clint Eastwood has a little sniper battle in an area with rock formations.

Refer to more articles:  Where Can I Get Lip Fillers Near Me

Some of the other Inyo National Forest locations in “Joe Kidd” are Buttermilk Country and Sherwin Summit, according to IMDB. The USDA Forest Service website says that Buttermilk Country got its name in the 1870s because of a dairy that operated there.

Today, the area is mainly a destination for bouldering, camping, and off-road driving adventures. Sherwin Summit is a mountain pass you may have seen in other Westerns. IMDB reports that it was in the original “True Grit,” and “Shoot Out,” which starred Gregory Peck. You probably won’t see many cowboys if you visit it for yourself since the area is now famous for its hiking trails.

Love all of Clint Eastwood’s movies? Then learn about his movies filmed in Michigan next!

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

Recent Comments