Where was The Magnificent Seven filmed?
1960
City Locations
Cuernavaca (Mexico), Tucson (USA), Bavispe (Mexico), Tepoztlán (Mexico), Durango (Mexico), Mexico City (Mexico), La Presa El Novillo (Mexico), Bacanora (Mexico), Huasabas (Mexico)
Location Types
Ranch, Riverside, Film Studio
Location Styles
Construction, Retro, Old Hollywood, Ranch Style, Rustic
About The Magnificent Seven
The Magnificent Seven is a classic Western-style movie directed by John Sturges. It was adapted by William Roberts, based on Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 Japanese film, Seven Samurai. The Western features an ensemble cast including Yul Brynner, Robert Vaughn, Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Brad Dexter, and Horst Buchholz - playing a group of seasoned gunmen hired to protect a small Mexican village from marauding bandits led by Eli Wallach. United Artists released The Magnificent Seven in cinemas on October 12, 1960, and it achieved both critical and commercial success. It is highly praised as an exemplary Western genre film and has spawned three sequels, a television series that ran from 1998-2000, and a 2016 remake. Elmer Bernstein's score for the movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score and is featured on the American Film Institute's list of the 25 greatest American soundtracks. The film was deemed significant in terms of its cultural, historical, or aesthetic value and was chosen for preservation in the US National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. The Magnificent Seven did not perform well in the U.S. and Canada, earning $2.25 million in rentals. It achieved immense success in Europe, with rental earnings three times higher than in the States, totaling $7.5 million, and overall worldwide rentals of $9.75 million. The Magnificent Seven also sold 7.3 million tickets in Italy, 7.037 million tickets in France, and 7.7 million tickets in the United Kingdom, making it one of the UK's and France's top 100 highest-grossing films. It also achieved a great amount of success in Germany and the Soviet Union (Brynner's home country), where it sold 67 million tickets, becoming the highest-grossing Hollywood film in the region. Additionally, it sold 80,870 tickets in Seoul City, South Korea, and was also successful in Japan, bringing its total overseas ticket sales to at least 89.118 million.
The Magnificent Seven Locations
The Magnificent Seven was filmed in locations throughout Mexico, including the cities of Cuernavaca, Durango, and Tepoztlán as well as at the Churubusco Studios in Mexico City. Primary photography took place in Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán, located in central Mexico near the capital city. Both locations are filled with lush landscapes and stunning vistas of mountainous terrain that gave the film its distinct visual style. The backdrop of the region is breathtakingly beautiful with verdant vegetation stretching over rolling hills and majestic mountains towering above. It’s also where you’ll find a number of notable landmarks that have become instantly recognizable locations from the movie such as Huichilobos, which is a small village at the foot of the Tepozteco mountain where some of the gunfighters traveled to on their journey. Visiting the filming locations of The Magnificent Seven would be a delightful experience for any fan of the film because it gives them a unique chance to explore historical sites that were integral to the production and get an up-close look at what made this classic western so popular. There are also many other attractions to explore in the region, such as colonial churches, ancient ruins, and stunning waterfalls, that will provide visitors with unforgettable memories they can take home with them.
Bandits raid the village scene in The Magnificent Seven
C. Atletas 2, Country Club Churubusco, Coyoacán, 04210 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
A group of seven gunslingers dressed in black ride into town on their horses and enter the village square to face off with Calvera (Eli Wallach) and his men. Onlookers line up along the rooftops watching in amazement as this group of brave heroes takes on all comers. This thrilling fight scene became a part of film history, helping to define what makes a classic Western such an enduring genre in cinema. Some of The Magnificent Seven scenes were filmed at the renowned Estudios Churubusco Azteca, one of Mexico's oldest and most esteemed film production studios. Since its founding in the ‘40s, this major Mexican studio has churned out a slew of hit films, including Man On Fire, William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, Total Recall, David Lynch's Dune, and Rambo: First Blood II. To get to C. Atletas 2, the most convenient route is via the Metrobus line 4 to its final stop of Country Club Churubusco. From here, walk a short distance southwest on Calzada de Tlalpan to reach C. Atletas 2. Alternatively, take a taxi which will get you there in around 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Filming Locations Tour
The Magnificent Seven work with villagers scene in The Magnificent Seven
Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico
Upon their arrival at the village, The Magnificent Seven team up with the villagers to build a defense by teaching them how to fight. It's not until Chico (Horst Buchholz) discovers Petra (Rosenda Monteros) that they learn the reason why there are no women around - they had been hidden in order to protect them from rapist bandits. As time passes by, the gunmen start making friends with the villagers and Petra develops feelings for Chico. Bernardo (Charles Bronson) notices the men are being given better food than the rest, so they share it with the village children. A village was constructed in the desert near Tepoztlán town in Morelos state, to the south of Mexico City. The village had a church, a bell tower, and a Tex-Mex border town called 'Los Toritos.’ Tepoztlán, a charming town in Mexico, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and storied history. The city has an enchanting charm that has attracted travelers from all over the world because it's surrounded by lush green hills dotted with ancient ruins and has colorful azure skies. There are many archaeological sites in the area, including the Tepozteco pyramid from the Aztec era. It's located on a mountain and provides breathtaking views of the countryside. Tepoztlán is also full of vibrant markets, art galleries drenched in culture, traditional music performances, and culinary festivals. If you're interested in visiting Tepoztlán, you can get there by car from Mexico City. The drive takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. Alternatively, take a bus from the Terminal del Sur Bus Station or a taxi directly from the airport. Once you arrive in Tepoztlán, be sure to explore its picturesque cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and historical attractions such as the Aztec-era Tepozteco pyramid which sits atop a nearby mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Video Shoot Locations Guide
The Seven kill Calvera’s men scene in The Magnificent Seven
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
After three of Calvera's men are sent as scouts to the village, Chico makes a mistake that forces The Magnificent Seven to kill them. instead of capturing one as they had intended. Soon thereafter, Calvera and a cavalry of his gang arrive. Despite being greatly outnumbered, The Magnificent Seven and the villagers manage to kill eleven of their enemies forcing them to flee. Believing Calvera will not come back, the villagers rejoice - only for Chico to find out that due to food shortages, they must return. Cuernavaca, Morelos is a city situated in Mexico, filled with stunning mountains and breathtaking views. It's known for its colonial architecture and old churches, making it an ideal destination for those who want to explore Mexican culture and history. The city was also featured as the backdrop in the unforgettable standoff scene in The Magnificent Seven, highlighting its beauty and charm. Apart from its history and culture, Cuernavaca is home to amazing attractions like water parks and natural springs, perfect for nature lovers or adventurers seeking thrills. Located approximately 90km south of Mexico City, there are various ways to Cuernavaca. The most convenient option is to take a bus from the capital city. Alternatively, take a train or drive there, if you have access to a car. There are also international flights that land at the local airport, making it a great destination for those looking for an international getaway.
View Film Shoot Locations
The battle scene in The Magnificent Seven
Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735, United States
The gunmen invade the village and a gun battle ensues. Harry (Brad Dexter) comes to Chris's (Yul Brynner) rescue but is fatally wounded. He begs to know what they were fighting for, and Chris deceives him with a false promise of a hidden gold mine so that he can die believing his death had meaning. Lee (Robert Vaughn) manages to release some captives from a house but is shot down in the process. Bernardo (Charles Bronson), falls after shielding the boys he befriended, and just before dying tells them to be proud of the courage their fathers displayed. Lastly, Britt (James Coburn) succeeds in killing many bandits but sacrifices himself in the process. Old Tucson is a legendary, Wild West-themed studio and theme park in Tucson, Arizona. It has served as the filming location for many Westerns like Rio Bravo and Tombstone, as well as modern-day movies such as 3:10 to Yuma and The Three Amigos. Located on a sprawling 160-acre lot, Old Tucson offers visitors the chance to explore a living movie set with its original wooden buildings, costumed performers, and colorful props. As one of the oldest open-air movie sets in existence, Old Tucson provides an unforgettable experience for travelers looking to explore Hollywood's golden age of Westerns. To get to Old Tucson from Tucson, the most convenient way is to take a taxi. The journey will take around 12 minutes depending on traffic and the address you need is 201 Kinney Rd. Once there, you'll find yourself immersed in the beautiful scenery of the old west as seen in many classic films. There's plenty for visitors to do here whether it be taking part in interactive activities, exploring sets or simply admiring the surroundings.
Tucson Filming Locations Exploration
Conclusion
The Magnificent Seven is a Western film that stands out from its contemporaries due to its unique source material - the legendary Japanese movie Shichinin no Samurai. It's not just a simple retelling of the original story, however. One of the key factors that set it apart is the distinct attitudes of the seven mercenaries that make up the titular team. The film explores the difference between fighting for material gain, fighting for justice, and fighting for a brighter future. Though there are philosophical elements present, the pacing is much faster and more concise than in Shichinin no Samurai, making it feel lighter and easier to digest. Comparing the two movies demonstrates the contrast between foreign and American cinema, with the somber tone of the Japanese film juxtaposed against the lively, almost musical score of The Magnificent Seven.