Old Tucson daring world for famous western movie stars
The American Wild West is alive in Old Tucson
Old Tucson
The American Wild West is far from gone – it’s still well and alive in Old Tucson.
Built in 1939, the historic movie studio and theme park of Old Tucson brought the spirit of the West to the silver screen.
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Welcoming Western icons such as John Wayne, Paul Newman, and Clint Eastwood, the dusty tracks of this manufactured town are kicked up by the bootheels of celebrities, film crews, and visitors alike.
John Wayne, Paul Newman, and Clint Eastwood came
Exploring the western wonderland at night, we encountered a real-life blacksmith, tickled our funny bones at a Vaudeville act, and let out a fair share of gasps and cheers at a stunt show filled with backflips, free falls, and pyrotechnics!
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The truth is often stranger than fiction, a fitting adage for how Old Tucson came to be.
It started with Santa Rita Hotel in 1934 when Missourian hotel manager Nick C. Hall moved from San Antonio to Tucson to manage the establishment.
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Unlike the forest of San Antonio, Tucson was awash with jagged mountains, waves of giant Saguaro cacti, and desert plains encompassing high and low ground.
Hollywood west
Taking it all in, Hall came up with a brilliant idea to bring in business for himself and create jobs in the desperate times of the Great Depression – pitch Tucson as the perfect Western location to Hollywood.
Relentless in his goal, Hall did everything he could think of – hired photographers to take ideal scenery images, convinced property owners and local businesses to work with and cater to filmmakers, and even sent prime cuts of steak to key influencers in Hollywood.
Western Arizona film location
His efforts paid off, and by 1940, Western Arizona opened the floodgates for its ongoing use as a film location.
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Over the years, as more films and television shows were produced in Old Tucson, the small town gradually developed into a sprawling area featuring over a hundred buildings comprising movie sets and a theme park.
Fire wiped out half of Old Tucson
But much like in the real Old West, fire nearly levelled it.
It was a crisp Monday evening in late April 1995 when Tucson lit up with a fire that destroyed over half of the place. It took over 200 firefighters three and a half hours to stop the destruction.
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The flames were merciless, damaging most wooden buildings, melting down an antique fire engine, and reducing irreplaceable film artefacts to ash.
One of the precious artefacts was the only copy of a short documentary about Old Tucson, including quotes from John Wayne and William Holden.
Another blow to Old Tucson
The Pandemic was another blow to Old Tucson, with Pima County, then-owners of the film location and theme park, announcing that the Arizona landmark would be closed indefinitely.
Thankfully, its closure would not last. By April 2022, American Heritage Railways (AHR) was selected as Old Tucson’s new operator.
Believing in the site’s future potential, AHR has opened several seasonal events and expanded its offerings as a filming location with sound stages and pre-and post-production facilities.
The state has also added its support, with official legislation passed in 2022 (the Arizona Film Tax Incentive), to encourage productions to return to sites like Old Tucson.
While big gesture incentives are meant to draw in Hollywood types, on-site entertainers are still a huge part of the public draw.
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Take, for example, a village blacksmith, stereotypically a stoic, burly fellow with more muscles than words, a big bushy beard, and a stink eye for anyone bothering him.
Smiling Resident blacksmith
While that kind of blacksmith is still very active in video games, Old Tucson’s resident blacksmith is nothing but smiles for the crowds that come and go like the tide.
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Master smith Jason Ritchie has the work down to a rhythm. “It’s just heat, beat, and repeat,” he cheerily stated.
While in Old Tucson, Ritchie primarily works with a technique called the yin-yang twist.
Taking heated metal rods, he uses his pliers to twist them one way and then the other, resulting in a hypnotic pattern that has made all his handmade metal wands sell like hotcakes in the gift shop.
A minor celebrity in the smithing world, Ritchie featured in season two of the American show Forged in Fire. Featuring as an apprentice, he admits that his skills have come a long way since then.
When I smiled and said that was cool, he grinned and quickly shot back with, “Technically, it’s hot”, lifting his tongs as proof.
“You’re getting the gun show here,” he joked, lifting his wiry biceps for show. “But there’s lots of great stuff to see here in town.
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Take the old mines, for instance. You guys visit it.”
Visit the old mine try child labour
Here, he pointed to a group of kids with their parents, “You can try something called child labour!”
Jokes aside, he also cheerfully told us about a few unmissable attractions.
Old Tucson beautifully recreates the ambience of the Old West through its distinctive architecture.
The park features traditional adobe and stucco structures, characterised by thick, earth-toned walls and flat roofs that evoke a rustic Southwestern feel.
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Wooden facades adorn many buildings, including weathered storefronts and saloons that resemble classic Western movie sets.
Elements of Mission Revival architecture, such as arched doorways and decorative tilework, can also be seen, adding to the authenticity.
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The iconic saloons often boast large porches with wooden beams, while the theatre buildings exhibit more ornate facades.
Open courtyards enhance the community feel typical of frontier towns, and the surrounding native desert plants complement the historical aesthetic.
While charming, architecture is only the backdrop to the immersive experience.
The magic of Old Tucson largely owes its thanks to its live-action performers.
Throughout the day, theatre performances astound audiences with stunt shows, musical acts, and historical re-enactments.
During our visit, two performances had me splitting my sides in laughter: A magical vaudeville act where everything went wrong and the back-flipping, dynamite-blasting stunt show.
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The stunt show started as many action-packed tales do in the Old West – with gold-blinded greed.
When an elderly gold rusher declares that he’s struck it big, he begs the local mercantile, who’s been put in charge of the absent sheriff’s safe, to let him store “his most valuable treasure” for safekeeping while he makes arrangements for his golden nugget to be appraised.
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Discretion is absolutely critical. Too bad they didn’t bother to check if the area was free of greedy, eavesdropping, good-for-nothing orphans.
Abandoned by their father at an early age, the three siblings learned to survive on their wits (what little they collectively possessed), largely relying on stealing to make ends meet.
Word about this treasure is too good for them to pass up. From spark-filled electrocutions after they sabotage the telegraph wire to belly-flopping falls off store rooftops, the entire show was a rip-roaring display of athleticism in the funniest way imaginable.
In a surprising twist, the kooky gold rusher turned out to be the children’s long-lost father. And that treasure he begged to be protected, an old photo of his family, which he kept near and dear to his heart since his beloved children went missing.
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Old Tucson stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of the American Wild West, blending history, entertainment, and artistry into a unique experience.
From its inception as a film location to its rejuvenation under new management, the park continues to captivate visitors with its immersive atmosphere and rich storytelling.
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As the site evolves, it remains a cherished portal to the past, inviting new generations to explore the spirit of the frontier and appreciate the tales that shaped American culture.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for family fun, Old Tucson promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Old West.
Text & Photos Victoria Mae Martyn
