Where was Gunsmoke filmed?
1953
City Locations
Big Bear Lake, California (USA)
Location Types
Ranch, Home, Saloon, Farm, Film Studio
Location Styles
Creole, Desert, Building Dated, Ranch Style, Rustic
About Gunsmoke
Directed by the talented Nathan Juran and featuring Audie Murphy, Susan Cabot, and Paul Kelly, Gunsmoke (1953) is a must-watch classic Western film. Adapted from Norman A. Fox's 1951 novel Roughshod, it has nothing to do with its namesake radio or television show.
The film follows the story of Rebb Kittrdidge (Murphy), a wandering hired gun who is asked to kill a rancher (Paul Kelly). However, when he meets the rancher and his daughter (Susan Cabot), he forms an attachment to them, forcing him to reevaluate the task at hand. He falls in love with the daughter, learns more about the rancher, and ultimately decides not to follow through with the mission.
Gunsmoke takes the overdone narrative of a powerful businessman striving to claim a rancher's land and spices it up. Though the characters are too attractive for this kind of story, their adventures on the cattle trail still capture your attention with just enough action, romance, and humor blended in perfect measure. It again proves why these tried-and-true cliches work so brilliantly when given an extra spark.
The film was generally well-received by critics upon its release. It also saw Audie Murphy garner much praise for his performance as the gunman, solidifying him as one of Hollywood's leading Western stars.
Gunsmoke Locations
In June 1952, the filming of Roughshod kicked off the Gunsmoke production process, this being the first motion picture in a trilogy that actor Audie Murphy collaboratively produced with director Nathan Juran over two years. Filming took place at Big Bear Lake, California, Iverson Ranch, Old Tucson Studios, Big Sky Movie Ranch, and Bronson Canyon (Griffith Park).
These locations offered unique characteristics that contributed to the cinematic vision of the Western masterpiece. Big Bear Lake is a peaceful mountain water body located in Southern California known for its recreational activities, such as skiing and fishing. The lake's crystal clear waters and surrounding pine trees give it an idyllic feel that is the perfect backdrop for any Western film.
Iverson Ranch is known for its sprawling meadows, filled with wild grasses and bright flowers, creating an awe-inspiring landscape. The area also boasts various plants and animals that provided the perfect backdrop for scenes featuring horses or campfires.
Old Tucson Studios housed some Gunsmoke film sets, and it offers an authentic Wild West experience with its facades replicating historic buildings from the 1800s and natural desert surroundings that are historically accurate and picture-perfect for cinematic purposes. Bronson Canyon (Griffith Park) has also been used frequently in films due to its recognizable rock formations, which add depth to any Western scene.
Taking a trip to explore all of the locations used to produce Gunsmoke would undeniably be worthwhile. With such a diverse range of filming sites being utilized during the production of this timeless film, it captured imaginations then and now.
Cattle drive scene in Gunsmoke
Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA
In the opening scene, Reb Kittridge (Audie Murphy) is racing to warn his fellow riders of an oncoming range fire that threatens their herd. He performs a remarkable feat as his horse slips, but he still manages to stay in control and alert his colleagues about the danger ahead. This incredible moment has become one of the most iconic scenes in Gunsmoke history, praised for its thrilling action and Murphy's quick thinking.
The film’s opening scenes were shot at Big Bear Valley, where audiences are treated to panoramic views of mountains and hills. The San Bernardino National Forest offers vast landscapes and breathtaking views, providing a cinematic setting for filming such an action-packed opening sequence.
The forest stretches across 823,816 acres and is home to majestic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush alpine meadows. It is also home to several wildlife species, including bighorn sheep, bobcats, grey foxes, mule deer, and bald eagles.
Suppose you’d like to visit this incredible Gunsmoke filming location, you can get there by car, navigating your way through major highways, including Interstate 10 or Interstate 15 in California. Once there, you can enjoy camping, fishing, and lists of other outdoor activities the park offers or explore its gorgeous natural surroundings!
Card game for a ranch scene in Gunsmoke
Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA
The Gunsmoke town scenes were recorded at Universal Studios. The Western atmosphere is best showcased through these scenes, and viewers can quickly identify saloons, ranchos, western residences, and the quintessential Wild West city center.
One of the most riveting town scenes is when Dan Saxon (Paul Kelly) stakes his ranch in a poker game with Reb (Murphy). With steadfast determination to keep Telford (Donald Randolph) away from it, he fights quite even as Johnny attempts to foil him.
Universal Studios Hollywood is located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County and was founded by Carl Laemmle in 1914. It features a zoo and even has its police and mayor, with Native Americans living on the premises. Visitors can take a studio tour around the sets used to produce various movies and TV shows over the years, including Gunsmoke 1953.
Universal Studios Hollywood is located just off Highway 101 or Interstate 5, depending on which direction you’re coming from. There are also plenty of public transport options to get there, such as buses, Metro trains, or shuttles from LAX airport. Take Metro J Line (Silver) 910 from the El Monte Stn in downtown Los Angeles and stay on until you reach Broadway/1st. Then, hop on a bus to Santa Monica/Highland before transferring onto a 224 bus, which will take you directly to Cahuenga/Universal Studios. Once there, look out for Universal Studios right next door.
Conclusion
Gunsmoke 1953 is an entertaining Western that works surprisingly well to bring an exciting story to life. The movie’s stars all bring great performances that help make the film more enjoyable. The script and idea behind it are also solid, with the film being able to embellish traditional Western cliches and stereotypes in a way that keeps the viewer engaged throughout its runtime.
Gunsmoke leaves a lasting impression on viewers, with its mix of humor and action keeping them entertained throughout. Additionally, the movie does an excellent job of making its characters feel real, even if some may come off as perhaps too polished for their roles.
It’s also credited for setting a benchmark for future films of its type by using traditional cliches but working them into something unique and original. Overall, Gunsmoke is worth watching due to its entertaining storyline, solid cast performances, and ability to refresh traditional Western stereotypes and cliches into something fresh and enjoyable.