Where was The Virginian filmed?
1946
City Locations
Kernville (USA), Newhall (USA), Agoura (USA), Thousand Oaks (USA), Hollywood (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Ranch
Location Styles
Americana, Ranch Style, Dated, Old Hollywood, Rustic
About The Virginian
The Virginian is a timeless Western film set in the untamed frontier of Wyoming during the aftermath of the Civil War. It chronicles the journey of an Eastern school teacher who ventures to Medicine Bow and finds himself immersed in the rugged life of the Wild West. As he becomes entangled in a feud between a nefarious cattle baron and a resilient local rancher, he must rely on newfound allies to combat injustice and safeguard the vulnerable town.
Featuring a stellar cast including Joel McCrea, Sonny Tufts, Brian Donlevy, and Barbara Britton, this film embodies the essence of adventure, camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit of the American frontier. The 1929 classic remake, featuring Gary Cooper and Walter Huston, stands out for its breathtaking cinematography, which flawlessly captures the vast wilderness of the Wild West.
Additionally, it is one of only three live-action theatrical films released by Paramount Pictures before they transitioned to exclusively producing animated features. The other two films in this category were A Medal for Benny (1945) and Road to Utopia (1946).
Prepare for an extraordinary film inspired by the historic Johnson County War in Wyoming. This clash between cattlemen and homesteaders sets the stage for an exhilarating storyline, drawing inspiration from timeless classics like Shane and Heaven's Gate.
Witness the triumph of this blockbuster masterpiece at the prestigious Paramount Theatre in New York City! Garnering an impressive $98,000 in its inaugural week, it claimed the 27th spot among the highest-grossing films in the United States and Canada.
The Virginian Locations
Several different locations throughout California. Most scenes came to life at the Andy Jauregui Ranch in Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall. The area is known for its beautiful landscapes with rolling hills and valleys that offer stunning backdrops and picturesque views.
Other filming locations included Kernville, Monogram Ranch, and Paramount Ranch in Agoura. For those looking to walk in the footsteps of the characters portrayed in the movie, a trip to these various locations would be worthwhile. From the majestic mountains of Kernville to the lush forests of Monogram Ranch and the stunning views from Andy Jauregui Ranch, visitors will be immersed in the beauty of nature and explore some incredible sites.
With its unique landscape and natural beauty, each location used for The Virginian provides an excellent opportunity for sightseeing and adventure. In addition to these spectacular spots used during filming, travelers can also explore surrounding landmarks such as Placerita Nature Center and Saddleback Mountain; both are great places to enjoy some outdoor activities before or after visiting any of these filming sites from The Virginian.
Molly arriving at the Wyoming scene in The Virginian
Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, United States
Upon reaching her destination, Molly (Barbara Britton) is startled by a skittish steer. The Virginian (Joel McCrea) comes to her rescue, only for them to realize that the animal is a docile pet belonging to a young girl. This unexpected revelation causes Molly to develop a strong aversion towards the cowboy while he finds himself deeply infatuated with her.
Paramount Ranch, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains near Agoura Hills, California, is a captivating and historically significant destination. This enchanting locale has played an instrumental role in filmmaking and beckons visitors with delightful experiences.
As an integral part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Paramount Ranch has a network of scenic hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, that meander through diverse plant communities, including riparian, Chaparral, and valley oak savannah. These enchanting trails offer an idyllic setting for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers to immerse themselves in the natural splendor and revel in its timeless beauty.
2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, is off Cornell Rd, accessible via Kanan Rd or the 101 freeway.
The Virginian getting shot in the back scene in The Virginian
Melody Movie Ranch, Oakcreek Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321, United States
After pursuing Trampas (Brian Donlevy), the Virginian (Joel McCrea) is wounded, taking a bullet to his back. Molly (Barbara Britton) dedicates herself to nursing him back to health over several months. However, Molly contemplates leaving and returning to the East after discovering he had to hang his friend.
In an unexpected turn, Andy (James Burke) helps Molly realize her true feelings for the Virginian. Eventually, she agrees to marry the cowboy, embracing their love and the life they could share. Melody Movie Ranch, also known as Melody Ranch Studio, is a renowned motion picture studio in Santa Clarita Valley, California. Spanning 22 acres within the 30-mile zone, this studio has been the backdrop for numerous productions, particularly in the Western genre.
With sound stages ranging from 11,200 square feet and beyond, Melody Ranch provides filmmakers with versatile spaces to bring their visions to life. The studio dates back to the late ‘20s when movie sets relocated to Oak Creek Road from Placerita Ranch. During the 1930s and ‘40s, Monogram Studios leased the ranch, further expanding its influence within the industry.
If you are up for an adventure and love the outdoors, you should visit Melody Movie Ranch. This destination has provided a backdrop for countless movies and television shows and is a must-see for any film buff. But how do you get there? The ranch is in Newhall, California, just outside of Los Angeles. The best way to get there is by car, and you can find detailed directions on the website or by using a GPS.
Conclusion
The Virginian, a classic Western movie based on the novel by Owen Wister, was filmed across several locations in California. It begins in Medicine Bow, a small rural town where the new schoolteacher arrives, and two cowpoke court her.
However, their courtship is interrupted by cattle rustlers and other violent incidents. Newhall, California, provided the backdrop for the the scenes of Medicine Bow. Other filming locations include Kernville and Agoura in the same state.
In conclusion, The Virginian offers a range of spectacular cinematography spanning from rural towns to vibrant cities. Its rich plotline conveys the complexities of human relationships through its characters’ struggles for justice and revenge against corruption and injustice.
Filmed across multiple settings in California, this classic Western shows how far people will go for their beliefs, even if it means facing danger and death head-on.