Where was The Shootist filmed?

J.B. Books (John Wayne) now an older man, arrives in the city, in the late January of 1901. He soon finds himself confronted by an armed robber, who he promptly disarms by injuring him; this is followed by another confrontation with dairyman Jay Cobb (Bill McKinney). However, Jay Cobb's assistant, Gillom Rogers (Ron Howard), manages to verbally resolve the situation, showcasing the tension and unpredictability of life in this era.

This scene was filmed in Nevada's Carson City, a location that was a shift from the book's original setting of El Paso, Texas. Carson City, located east of Lake Tahoe on I-395, was chosen for its authentic Western charm and historical significance.

As a visitor, you can enjoy year-round recreational activities, explore museums, immerse yourself in a thriving arts and culture scene, shop for unique items and antiques, try Nevada-style gaming, and savor a variety of dining options. The location, Carson City, adds to the authenticity of the film and serves as a gateway to the rich history and culture of Nevada.

To get to Carson City, you can travel on I-395. Another option from Sacramento is to take a bus, but be aware that the journey will take nearly 6 hours. The city is conveniently situated just minutes away from the world-famous Lake Tahoe, the vibrant city of Reno, the historic Virginia City, and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range.

J.B. Books (John Wayne) meets up with Gillom (Ron Howard) in front of the Krebs-Peterson House. In the story, Books resides at this location, which is owned by Bond Rogers (Lauren Bacall), who also portrays the mother of Howard's character.

This iconic boarding house, where Wayne's character spends his final days, is actually the historic Krebs-Peterson House. Located at 500 Mountain Street in Carson City, Nevada, this house was built in 1914 for Dr. Ernest T Krebs Sr., a renowned physician and surgeon of the era. Today, the house is privately owned but it continues to be recognized as a historic site along the city's Blue Line Trail.

Although some changes have occurred over the years, like the removal of the extended patio area, most of the house remains unchanged since its construction in 1914. This provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing fans of "The Shootist" to step back in time and immerse themselves in the world of the film.

For those interested in visiting this iconic filming location, Carson City is accessible by road via I-395, east of Lake Tahoe. Once in the city, you can follow the Blue Line Trail to 500 Mountain Street. Additionally, fans can take a tour through the city to become more acquainted with the house and other historic sites.

Bond (Lauren Bacall) growing more empathetic towards J.B. Books' (John Wayne) situation, invites him to accompany her to church for some solace and comfort. During their solitary cart ride, Books reveals, “I don’t believe I ever killed a man that didn’t deserve it” to which Bond calmly responds, “Surely only the Lord can judge that”.

This interaction, a blend of moral introspection and emotional depth, was filmed against the backdrop of Washoe Lake State Park in the Washoe Valley, not far from Carson City and Reno. The serene surroundings of the park provide an ideal setting for this reflective scene.

Founded in 1977, Washoe Lake State Park was set up to conserve a segment of the Washoe Valley for the enjoyment of future generations. The park, teeming with an array of both terrestrial and aquatic recreational activities, stands as a refuge for lovers of nature. Despite the swift urban expansion of surrounding areas like Carson City and Reno, the park remains a treasured oasis.

To reach this iconic filming location, you can take N Carson St and Eastlake Blvd from Carson City, or take I-80 E from Sacramento. The park is conveniently located between Carson City and Reno, making it easily accessible for those visiting either city.

J.B. Books' (John Wayne) presence in town begins to spread; this causes him trouble from those hoping to capitalize on his name or intent on killing him. Local journalist Dan Dobkins (Rick Lenz), seeking an interview, is sent packing by Books. Additionally, Serepta (Sheree North), an old love interest of Books's, makes an unexpected appearance with a marriage proposal.

This captivating sequence was brought to life at the Warner Bros. backlot and sound stages in Burbank, California, even though "The Shootist" is a Paramount production. The production crew returned to the Burbank Studios lot (now known as the Warner Brothers lot), where seasoned set designer Robert Boyle had masterfully crafted a $400,000 downtown set. This set bore a striking resemblance to the actual El Paso of 1901, during its heyday as one of the last thriving southwestern boomtowns.

Today, while the exact set decorations may have changed, the Warner Bros. Studio still retains much of its original atmosphere and is open for tours. Visitors can explore the backlots and sound stages where iconic scenes such as this one from The Shootist were filmed.

To explore this iconic filming location, make your way to the Warner Bros. Studio. If you're coming from Los Angeles, you can easily get there by taxi, bus, or car via I-5 N. The studio offers various tour options that provide a glimpse into the magic of movie-making and the rich history of the studio.

At the saloon where Books (John Wayne) finds three men poised at different tables. In commemoration of his birthday, Books orders the saloon's best whiskey, raising a toast to himself and his three "guests". The tension reaches its peak as Cobb (Bill McKinney) is the first to open fire, compelling Books to take cover behind the bar. In a quick-witted move, Books hurls a whiskey bottle to divert Cobb's attention and then shoots him down. However, Sweeney (Richard Boone) manages to wound Books in the arm while using his table as a shield.

This intense scene was filmed at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, California. The ranch, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains of Conejo Valley, is a historic film and television production location renowned for its old Western town set, serving as the backdrop for numerous iconic movies and TV shows since the 1920s.

Although the ranch suffered damage in recent years, reconstruction efforts are set to start in spring 2023, with completion expected by fall 2024. While the ranch and its hiking trails will remain accessible during this period, visitors will need to navigate around the construction closure.

To visit Paramount Ranch from Los Angeles, you will need to head west on US-101 N from downtown LA. Take exit 36 for Kanan Rd in Agoura Hills. Continue on Kanan Rd and drive to Cornell Rd where you'll find the historic Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills.