Where was The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford filmed?

Robert Ford approaches the notorious bandit Jesse James when the James gang carefully orchestrates an audacious train heist in Blue Cut, Missouri. Ford, alongside his brother Charley (Sam Rockwell), who is already an entrenched gang member, makes several clumsy yet determined attempts to ingratiate himself with Jesse James and join their ranks.

This particular scene and many of the film's exterior shots were filmed at Fort Edmonton Park in Alberta, Canada. Fort Edmonton Park offers a rich tapestry of historical immersion, set within 158 acres of lush parkland in Edmonton's river valley. The park, initiated as a Canada Centennial project in 1967, aims to reconstruct the old Fort Edmonton and has since evolved into a broader historical experience. It provides a perfect backdrop for the film, lending authenticity and a palpable sense of the past to the portrayal of the late 19th-century American West.

Getting to Fort Edmonton Park is relatively straightforward for visitors. Located just southwest of downtown Edmonton, the park can be accessed via Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive, with clear signage leading to the entrance. For those relying on public transportation, Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) offers routes that stop near the park, though it's advisable to check the latest schedules and routes.

Jesse and Charley travel to St. Joseph, Missouri. This moment in the film is laden with tension and foreboding as Jesse confronts Charley about the disappearance of Wood Hite, a key member of their gang. Charley, caught in a web of loyalty and fear, denies any knowledge of Wood's whereabouts, setting the stage for unraveling trust within the gang and foreshadowing the tragic events to come.

This particular scene, along with other rural shots in the film, was beautifully captured in the surroundings of Winnipeg, Canada. Winnipeg, the vibrant capital of Manitoba, offers a rich blend of history and natural beauty, making it an ideal location for filming.

The city's heart, The Forks, is a historic site where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, surrounded by converted warehouses that now serve as shops and restaurants, set against a backdrop of green spaces utilized for festivals, concerts, and exhibits. Near this bustling center, the Exchange District is a testament to early 20th-century architecture, boasting numerous art galleries that capture the city's creative spirit.

Getting to Winnipeg to explore these filming locations and the city's attractions is straightforward. For visitors traveling by air, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport serves as a gateway to the town. Downtown Winnipeg and The Forks are easily accessible from the airport via taxi, rideshare services, or public transportation. For those who prefer driving, Winnipeg is well-connected by major highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway, making it a convenient destination for roadtrippers exploring the Canadian landscape.

Following the infamous assassination, the Ford brothers are thrust into an unexpected spotlight, morphing from outlaws to celebrities. They capitalize on their newfound fame by staging a theater show in Manhattan, where they dramatically re-enact the assassination for captivated audiences. Bob assumes the assassin's character, embodying the role he once played in reality, while Charley steps into the shoes of Jesse James, the infamous outlaw they previously rode alongside.

The choice of filming location for this evocative scene was the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg, Canada. Initially named the Walker Theatre, this establishment was constructed in the early 20th century by the esteemed local impresario Corliss Powers Walker. The theatre is a masterpiece of architectural beauty and historical richness, adorned with Italian marble, gilt trim, intricate plasterwork, velvet carpets, stunning murals, silk tapestries, and sparkling crystal chandeliers.

Visitors today can still explore the opulent interiors of the Burton Cummings Theatre and walk through the same space that served as a critical location in the film.

Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, the theatre is accessible to fans and tourists who wish to immerse themselves in cinematic and architectural history. From Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, one can opt for a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation to reach the downtown area where the theatre is situated. For those driving, Winnipeg is well-connected by major highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway, making it an accessible destination for road travelers.

Charley is depicted as a man tormented by his conscience, grappling with the weight of betrayal and the loss of brotherhood. His guilt manifests through a series of unwritten letters to Zee James (Mary-Louise Parker), Jesse's widow, seeking forgiveness he can't ask for directly. This internal battle with remorse ultimately leads Charley down a path of despair, culminating in his tragic suicide in May 1884.

The city scenes that backdrop this intense emotional journey, including the urban environments where Charley's turmoil unfolds, were filmed in Calgary, Alberta. Calgary's selection as a filming location adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the historical narrative being told. Despite being known for its modern skyline and status as a hub of Canada's oil industry, Calgary retains a solid connection to its Western heritage, epitomized by the Calgary Stampede.

Calgary International Airport is a primary gateway, offering flights from various parts of the world. Upon arrival, the city's downtown area, where many urban scenes were likely filmed, is easily accessible via public transit, taxi, or rideshare services.

On June 8, 1892, Ford's own story came to a brutal end. While working as a saloonkeeper in Creede, Colorado, Ford is confronted and murdered by Edward O'Kelley (Michael Copeman). In a narrative steeped in themes of retribution and the cyclical nature of violence, O'Kelley's act is both a culmination of Ford's haunted existence and a stark reflection of the consequences of infamy.

The scene capturing this dramatic climax was filmed at Heritage Park in Calgary, a choice that imbues the sequence with a profound sense of authenticity and historical resonance. Heritage Park, which opened its doors in 1964, is Canada's largest living history museum. It offers visitors a deeply immersive journey into the past, with exhibits and activities spanning the early fur trade to the optimistic boom days of the 1950s. The park's meticulous recreation of historical settings provides the perfect backdrop for the film's exploration of the late 19th century, lending an air of immediacy and realism to Ford's final moments.

Upon arrival in Calgary, public transit, taxis, and rideshare options are readily available to transport guests to the park. For those driving, Calgary is reachable through a network of highways that offer scenic routes across Alberta's diverse landscapes. It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive to Heritage Park from the city center via Macleod Trail.