John Ford’s Cheyenne Autumn (1964) is no less than a masterpiece. When it comes to Westerns, Ford is somewhat considered to be a maestro. The epic western drama film recounts the story of the Cheyenne Indians who starved nearly to extinction in a barren desert reserve as the US government failed to keep its promise. In this article, I’ll discuss the movie and tell you where was Cheyenne Autumn filmed.
People have this wrong idea that Western movies are all about gunfights or riding horses in the desert. But I have to tell you that it is much more than that. And Cheyenne Autumn is an excellent example of that. If you’ve seen the movie, then you know it narrates an essential story about how the Indians were treated and misrepresented back in the day by white Americans.
The all-time classic western drama Cheyenne Autumn features a veteran cast including some of the big names in Hollywood, like Richard Widmark, Carroll Baker, Karl Malden, Sal Mineo, Dolores del Río, and Ricardo Montalbán.
Now, to get back to your main question about where was Cheyenne Autumn filmed, the epic western drama movie was filmed in Utah, California, Arizona, Wyoming, and Colorado, United States of America.
As mentioned, Cheyenne Autumn was directed by John Ford and written by James R. Webb. The epic Western drama film was released on 3rd October 1964, in the United States. It is a John Ford-Bernard Smith Production that Warner Bros distributed in America. However, it’s time to give you a detailed account of the filming locations.
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Where Was Cheyenne Autumn Filmed? Western Movie Filming Locations!
Interestingly, Cheyenne Autumn was John Ford’s last western film. The movie was well-received by most critics. The New York Times’s Bosley Crowther praised the film as “a beautiful and powerful motion picture.” The American Film Institute declared Cheyenne Autumn one of the greatest films ever. Not to mention, it was also nominated for two Academy Awards.
John Ford was not only a veteran filmmaker but was also a war veteran who served in the army during the Second World War. He is one of the most influential American directors of all time. However, let’s get down to business and check out where was Cheyenne Autumn filmed.
Moab, Utah, United States Of America
John Ford’s Cheyenne Autumn was shot in multiple locations across several American states, including Utah, Wyoming, California, Arizona, and Colorado. Most of the scenes were shot on location, except for some of the sequences filmed in the studio. Principal photography began on 23rd September 1963 and was wrapped up on 6th January 1964.
The production team shot scenes in and around Moab, located in Utah’s Grand County. The Fisher Towers Trail was featured in the movie, which is situated 16 miles northeast of Moab. A few scenes were shot near Fisher Canyon and the Fisher Towers in Moab. A few scenes were filmed at the White’s Ranch near Milepost 14 on the Utah Highway.
Most of the epic western drama movie was shot at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park near the Arizona-Utah border. Scenes were filmed at the Goulding’s Lodge at 1000 Gouldings Trading Post Road and the Park Avenue viewpoint in Arches National Park, Utah. Some of the other filming locations in Utah include Castle Creek in Castle Valley and Mexican Hat on the San Juan River.
Los Angeles County, California, United States Of America
A portion of the epic western drama movie was shot at Warner Brothers Studios, located at 400 Warner Boulevard in Burbank, LA County. The Dodge City scenes were filmed on Midwest Street at the studio complex. Stages 6 and 9 were also used for filming a couple of sequences. The cast and crew shot in the Encino neighborhood in LA as well.
Arizona, United States Of America
The production team filmed in Arizona, particularly in the vast Sonoran Desert. The western drama film features the historic Magma Arizona Railroad. A handful of scenes were shot in the town of Superior, which falls under Pinal County, and in the town of Kayenta in Navajo County.
Fort Laramie, Wyoming, United States Of America
All the US Army scenes in Cheyenne Autumn were filmed in Wyoming, specifically at the Fort Laramie Historic Site at 965 Gray Rocks Road in Fort Laramie, which falls under Goshen County. Interestingly, the fort was a military base in the 1800s during the Western Indian Wars.
Montrose County, Colorado, United States Of America
The famous Gunnison National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park were featured in the movie. The cast and crew filmed some scenes in the nearby town of Gunnison. The region is known for its river canyons, diverse landscape, and rocky mountains. Movies like The Shining, The Prestige, and Dumb Dumber were also shot in Colorado.
Plot Of Cheyenne Autumn (1964) | The Cheyenne Tribe Vs. The US Army!
The story of the Cheyenne Autumn is set in 1878 and revolves around Little Wolf, played by Ricardo Montalbán, and Dull Knife, played by Gilbert Roland. They led a Cheyenne tribe of 300 Indians at their former home in Wyoming. But somehow, the US government considers it an act of rebellion.
The compassionate captain of the US Army, Thomas Archer, played by Richard Widmark, without having much of a choice, is forced to lead his troops to stop the Cheyenne tribe. As the press misrepresents the whole matter, Carl Schurz, played by Edward G. Robinson, the US secretary of the interior, had to step in to prevent a clash between the Cheyenne Indians and the Army.
Final Words
Now you’re aware of where was Cheyenne Autumn filmed. I have mentioned all the filming locations of the epic Western drama movie. If you wish to check them out, well, you better start making a plan as you have several places to go. However, if you’re a sucker for classic westerns, then Cheyenne Autumn is highly recommended. It is one of John Ford’s finest movies.
Which is The Last John Ford Film?
Chesty (1970) was the last John Ford film.
How Old Was John Ford When He Died?
John Ford was 79 when he died.
Is John Ford An Academy-Award Winning Director?
Yes, John Ford is an Academy-winning director.
Who Wrote The Screenplay Of Cheyenne Autumn?
James R. Webb wrote the screenplay of Cheyenne Autumn.
