Where was Big Jake filmed?
1971
City Locations
Durango, Zacatecas (Mexico); Monument Valley, AZ (USA)
Location Types
Ranch, Clubs/Bars
Location Styles
Ranch Style, Rustic, Craftsman
About Big Jake
In 1971, a Western movie called "Big Jake" was released, directed by George Sherman and starring John Wayne, Richard Boone, and Maureen O'Hara. The story revolves around Jake McCandles (played by Wayne), whose grandson has been kidnapped by a ruthless outlaw. McCandles sets out to pay the million-dollar ransom to save his grandson. Maureen O'Hara plays the role of McCandles' estranged wife in one of her less active roles on screen.
Along the way, Big Jake is joined by his two sons, who help him battle off enemies and carry out their mission successfully. The movie culminates with an exciting climax that sees Big Jake succeeding in rescuing his grandson from Boone and restoring peace to the region.
During the early 1970s, there was a significant change in the style and content of Hollywood films. This change affected even veteran stars from previous eras, like John Wayne, who adapted his style to fit the changing times. Although Wayne mostly stuck to his classic style, he had to make some adjustments. As a result, Big Jake is an intriguing example of how Wayne adapted to the changes happening in 1970s Hollywood.
Big Jake was met with generally positive reviews from critics upon its release, with Howard Thompson of The New York Times encouraging theatergoers to "stick it out" for the exciting climax at the end of the movie. On Metacritic, Big Jake has a 57 score.
Big Jake Locations
Big Jake features some of the most beautiful and rugged backdrops seen on screen. It was filmed across three central locations in Arizona (Monument Valley), Mexico (Durango), and Utah (San Rafael Swell). Most scenes were shot in Durango, Mexico, giving viewers a taste of the Wild West atmosphere that makes up this classic movie. Durango provided stunning backdrops for the film, from its historic central plaza to its mountainous terrain, making it an ideal setting for exciting action sequences.
The gorgeous backdrop of Monument Valley—made famous by John Ford’s Westerns—provided an unmistakable location for Big Jake. This iconic region has been used as a filming location for countless Westerns and is known for its impressive red rock formations and open skies. Meanwhile, San Rafael Swell gave viewers a glimpse into the landscape of the Wild West with its dusty plateaus and wide-open vistas.
For fans of Big Jake, a trip to these various locations would be well worth it. These places are visually stunning and provide an opportunity to get closer to the world created on screen many years ago. Further adding to the experience is El Saltito waterfall, located in Zacatecas, also featured in the movie, providing an idyllic place to relax and remember a cinematic classic.
Jake rides through the valley scene in Big Jake
Monument Valley, Indn, Route 42, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, USA
In the 1971 movie, a sweeping opening scene shows the titular character riding through Monument Valley. The landscape is majestic and breathtaking, with its iconic towering sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires providing a perfect backdrop for the future adventure. This area has been featured in many classic westerns, including Stagecoach and Fort Apache. In Big Jake, viewers get to experience this iconic landscape up close as they follow alongside protagonist Jake McCandles on his quest.
Monument Valley is located in the Four Corners region of the United States and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery of the American West. Visitors can explore the area's ancient Navajo tribal lands and admire its breathtaking views from any one of its numerous lookouts. People from all over have come to witness its beauty for centuries—from Native Americans who lived there long ago to filmmakers who have used it as a backdrop for their movies.
To get to Monument Valley, visitors can take a short road trip from Phoenix or Las Vegas or fly into Grand Junction Airport in Colorado or Durango Airport in Colorado and rent a car there. Once visitors arrive at Monument Valley, they can book a tour or rent an ATV to explore the area's many trails located throughout Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The best way to experience Monument Valley’s incredible beauty is by taking a guided tour with an expert local guide who can provide insight into the history and culture of this remarkable place.
Filming Locations Guide
Big Jake's reunion with family scenes in Big Jake
San Rafael Swell, Utah, USA
In this scene, we see the iconic western hero, Big Jake, reunited with his two sons James (Patrick Wayne) and Michael (Christopher Mitchum) after many years of absence from home. The tension between Big Jake and James is palpable but Michael seems overjoyed to be reunited with his father. This moment highlights the importance of family and how it can survive even long absences and strained relations.
The location where this scene was filmed is as iconic as any other in the movie—the San Rafael Swell in central Utah. This area is home to incredible rock formations, such as the renowned red rocks and San Rafael Reef. The location has been used as a backdrop for various western films throughout the years because of its picturesque look. The movie's homestead set was built in San Rafael Swell and resembled a typical Western home with a wooden cabin, a corral, and other decorations.
Getting to this location requires a bit of effort, but it’s worth it! To get there, travelers should take I-70 west out of Green River, Utah, until they reach exit 131 toward S Lawrence Rd/S Tan Seeps Rd/Temple Mt Rd. After that, you’re only a handful of miles away from the beautiful red rocks and striking canyons and plateaus of San Rafael Swell.
Car chase in the canyon scenes in Big Jake
Sierra de Organos National Park, Ejido, El Calabazal, Villa Insurgentes, Zac., Mexico
The scene in the Sierra de Organos National Park is a pivotal moment in the movie. Michael tells the rangers that the kidnappers are headed towards a canyon and proposes that they can use their cars to catch up to them. Despite Jake's objections, Martha (Maureen O'Hara) chooses to take the risk and sends Michael and the rangers to ambush the kidnappers in the rugged terrain filled with canyons, mountains, and mesas.
The scene was filmed in Sierra de Organos National Park, which is located in the northwest corner of Sombrerete municipality in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. The park boasts stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, bird watching, wildlife spotting, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
The main challenges the cast and crew faced were the presence of scorpions and dangerous gangs in the area. To avoid any mishaps with scorpions, the crew made sure to carefully inspect the area before shooting. Additionally, the production team hired a special security team to ensure their safety.
If you’d like to visit this location for yourself, Sierra de Organos National Park can be accessed by taking a one-and-a-half-hour drive southeast from Durango.
Scout Film Shoot Locations
Automatic handgun scene in Big Jake
El Saltito waterfall, Nombre de Dios, Durango, Mexico
Jake sees that Michael has acquired a new gas-powered handgun with a magazine handle, which appears to be an automatic handgun. He is curious about its quality since he has never seen one before. Michael clarifies that it is a pre-production Bergman that the family received as a dividend for owning stock. Jake asks Michael if he is skilled at shooting and Michael responds that he is proficient. However, when Jake asks him to fire the automatic handgun, Michael appears alarmed. Despite this, he attempts to demonstrate how to use the weapon, but struggles to control the recoil and ends up firing in an uncontrolled manner.
The scene was shot at El Saltito Falls, which is located in the heart of a high desert plateau in Mexico. These spectacular falls will take your breath away. Rather than look up at them from below, you can observe them from above as they rush down over the natural pool formed by the Mezquital River.
Those looking to visit El Saltito can be reached by car via Mexico Federal Highway 45. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes from Durango.. Once you arrive, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no facilities nearby. Guided tours are also available if you would like to explore other nearby attractions.
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Conclusion
The 1971 movie Big Jake offers a thrilling approach to the classic Western style. Its storyline centers around a macho character, featuring renowned performers like John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Richard Boone, and Bobby Vinton. The film showcases some violent sequences and reflects how revisionist filmmakers of the 1970s influenced and transformed the Western genre.
All the actors are top-notch, with John Wayne giving one of his best performances for his age. The script is well-written and entertaining, allowing for suspenseful moments that keep viewers engaged. The director, George Sherman, uses a dignified style that suits the film well, and the score by Elmer Bernstein is stirring and reminiscent of his legendary work on The Magnificent Seven. In his usual fashion, Wayne delivers a convincing performance, using his powerful presence to emphasize the script's respect for traditional values.
While not one of Wayne's most famous films, Big Jake deserves more recognition and appreciation than it has received. And if you’re keen to check out some iconic cinematic scenery, the Big Jake filming locations featured here are well worth a visit.