Where was Rio Bravo filmed?
1959
City Locations
Tucson, AZ
Location Types
Ranch, Film Studio
Location Styles
Ranch Style, Rustic, Mountain Huts, Southwestern, Building Dated/Retro, Dated/50's-60's-70's
About Rio Bravo
What Western film stands out as the epitome of the genre? Look no further than the iconic Rio Bravo, a timeless 1959 classic masterfully directed by the legendary Howard Hawks. The movie boasts an impressive cast, including iconic actors John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson, and Walter Brennan.
Set in late 1860s Texas, Rio Bravo tells the gripping story of a town besieged. At its core is Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne), tasked with safeguarding Joe Burdette (Claude Akins), a ruthless murderer. As the wealthy brother of Burdette recruits gunslingers to free him, the town becomes isolated. It falls upon Sheriff Chance and his unconventional team to fortify the town until the arrival of the United States Marshal. A tale of courage, resilience, and the fight for justice unfolds in this captivating Western masterpiece.
The plot intricately weaves a tale of tension, camaraderie, and high stakes, making Rio Bravo a standout film in the Western genre. In addition to its compelling narrative, the performances delivered by the ensemble cast have been praised for their authenticity and depth.
Recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, the Library of Congress selected Rio Bravo for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2014. The film has also garnered critical acclaim, holding a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus noting the peak performance of director Howard Hawks and his stellar cast. This is a testament to the enduring appeal of Rio Bravo, which continues to be hailed as a towering classic of the Western genre decades after its release.
Rio Bravo Locations
Rio Bravo was primarily filmed in Old Tucson, Arizona's renowned American movie studio and theme park. Shot in 1958, the production utilized the region's picturesque landscapes to capture the essence of the Wild West. The studio is conveniently located west of Tucson, nestled against the Tucson Mountains and adjacent to the western portion of Saguaro National Park, providing a beautiful setting for the film.
Certain scenes from the film were shot in Sonora, Mexico, just across the border from Arizona. Sonora's serene and picturesque landscapes added an authentic touch to the film, enhancing its visual appeal and captivating viewers. In one of the film's most memorable chase scenes, the breathtaking San Juan Mountains in Colorado were featured, further elevating the scenic cinematography of the film.
In addition, the iconic rock formations, Sierra de Organos, located in Zacatecas, Mexico, provided a stunning backdrop for several scenes in Rio Bravo, offering viewers a captivating glimpse of these extraordinary geological wonders. Alongside the on-location shoots, certain interior scenes were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.
For fans of the film or Western genre enthusiasts, a visit to these locations would indeed be worthwhile. Not only do they offer a chance to walk in the footsteps of iconic actors such as John Wayne, but they also provide an opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes that made Rio Bravo such a visually compelling film. Whether it's the rugged beauty of the Tucson Mountains, the serene vistas of Sonora, or the distinctive rock formations of Sierra de Organos, these regions hold a wealth of natural beauty waiting to be explored.
Did you know?
Director Quentin Tarantino affectionately labeled Rio Bravo as his ultimate "hangout" movie. According to him, if his date doesn't share the same appreciation for this film, there's no chance for a lasting connection.
The "pick it up" scene in Rio Bravo
Old Tucson Studios, 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735, USA
In the opening scene, the audience is introduced to Dude (Dean Martin), the town drunk and former deputy sheriff. Entering a saloon through the back door, Dude appears unkempt and broken, starkly contrasting his former self. As he desperately searches for a drink, Joe Burdette, the brother of the town's wealthy, corrupt rancher Nathan (John Russell), watches with amusement. In an act of cruel humor, Joe tosses a coin into the spittoon, laughing at Dude's desperation. Reluctantly, the man known as Dude stoops down to retrieve the object, but his longtime companion, Sheriff John T. Chance, swiftly kicks it aside.
This iconic and historical scene encapsulates Dude's struggles, setting the stage for his eventual redemption and showcasing Martin's impressive acting range. Like the rest of the town, the saloon was brought to life at Old Tucson Studios, located west of Tucson, Arizona. Known for its authentic Western sets, Old Tucson Studios was the primary filming location for Rio Bravo, providing the perfect backdrop for its Wild West setting.
Old Tucson Studios was initially developed in 1939 when Columbia Pictures chose the site to construct a replica of 1860s Tucson for the film Arizona. Over the years, it has been used for numerous movies and television shows, earning a reputation as Hollywood's preferred Western filming location.
For fans of Rio Bravo or Western cinema, visiting Old Tucson Studios is a must. Today, the studio operates as a theme park and offers guided tours that take visitors through film history. To get to Old Tucson Studios, you’ll need to drive bout 25 minutes west of downtown Tucson. Before planning a visit, checking the studio's website for current operating hours and tour availability is recommended.
Chance discovers Feathers at the bar scene in Rio Bravo
Warner Brothers Burbank Studios, Burbank, CA 91522, USA
In a heartfelt scene, Sheriff Chance shares a quiet moment with the enigmatic Feathers (Angie Dickinson). In the hotel bar, this intimate exchange allows both characters to reveal more about their pasts. Feeling remorseful for her previous behavior, Feathers apologizes to Chance. He responds by sharing how he became the sheriff, an anecdote that provides a glimpse into his character and values. Feathers reciprocate by revealing the tragic fate of her gambling husband, who met an untimely end due to his dishonest ways. This exchange deepens their connection and adds layers to their developing relationship.
While much of Rio Bravo was filmed on location, some scenes were shot at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. The interior scenes, including those within the hotel bar, were filmed on stages five and 26. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and historic significance, Warner Bros. Studios has been a hub for countless iconic films.
Today, fans of Rio Bravo and film enthusiasts can explore the legendary Warner Bros. Studios through guided tours. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles. Visitors can walk the same stages where Rio Bravo scenes were filmed nearly 100 years ago and experience the magic of Hollywood firsthand.
To get to Warner Bros. Studios, from downtown LA, take US-101 N to pass through Hollywood, which leads to the studio. Before planning your visit, check the studio's website for current tour schedules and guidelines.
Final fight scene in Rio Bravo
Sierrita Mountains, Arizona 85629, USA
In an intense final scene, the characters Joe and Dude are on a collision course. As Joe strides toward Nathan and his men, Dude heads toward Chance and Colorado (Ricky Nelson). Just as they cross paths, Dude lunges at Joe, leading to a fierce scuffle behind a wall, while Chance and Colorado engage in a thrilling gunfight with the men hiding in the warehouse.
This captivating scene gains an added layer of depth and visual appeal with its breathtaking location, the Sierrita Mountains in Arizona. The majestic grandeur of these mountains serves as a stunning backdrop to the movie's cinematography. The mountains are located approximately 50 miles southwest of Tucson and just west of the Green Valley and Sahuarita communities. Carved by picturesque valleys, these graceful hills emanate a serene ambiance and boast a rich tapestry of history. Crowned by communication towers, the summit of Keystone Peak adds a distinctive touch to the already picturesque landscape.
Today, visitors to the area can experience the same breathtaking views that served as a backdrop for this memorable scene in Rio Bravo.
To reach the Sierrita Mountains, if you're in Tucson, you would head south on I-19 before turning onto AZ-86 W. Continue on this road until you reach the turnoff for the Sierrita Mountains. Always check local travel advisories and respect the area's natural beauty and local communities when planning your trip.
Conclusion
Rio Bravo is a masterpiece of Western cinema. After a four-year hiatus following the commercial failure of Land of the Pharaohs, Howard Hawks returned to filmmaking with trepidation but emerged triumphant with this carefully crafted film that showcases his directorial prowess.
The performances in Rio Bravo are exceptional. John Wayne delivers one of his most memorable performances, displaying an unexpected romantic chemistry with Angie Dickinson. Dean Martin's touching portrayal of a troubled character adds depth to the narrative, while Ricky Nelson, despite his anachronistic pompadour and being a contemporary of Elvis, convincingly plays the role of a young gunslinger. Walter Brennan never oversteps his role as the comic relief, adding a light-hearted touch to the intense storyline.
The filming locations for Rio Bravo significantly contribute to the film's visual appeal. Primarily shot at the Old Tucson Studio, the film also features scenes from Sonora, the breathtaking San Juan Mountains in Colorado, and the iconic Sierra de Organos rock formations in Zacatecas, Mexico. These locations provided a captivating backdrop for the narrative, enhancing the film's authenticity and visual grandeur.
The film's score, composed by Dimitri Tiomkin, deepens its impact, evoking a frontier spirit and marking the passage of days with sunsets and sunrises, making the town streets seem lonely and exposed.
Rio Bravo set a high benchmark for Westerns, influencing numerous filmmakers with its blend of action, character-driven plot, and atmospheric settings. Its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and breathtaking cinematography make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences over six decades after its release.