Wyo
Film History
cdrombook
WY Film History
cdrombook
errata
Shane cdrombook errata
Walt's Magazine Newspaper Articles
Ribault Class of' '64, Reunion Pics
(Pages are best viewed at 800 x 600 screen resolution.)My name is Walt Farmer, I live in Jackson, WY, and my website is primarily dedicated to the 20th Century of film in Wyoming and the books I've written. On it, you are able to reference the complete list of films, TV shows, documentaries, and other misc. information about this rich history. There are many photographic illustrations and other peripheral information, along with links to various other Wyoming/film sites. Besides the above information, the book mostly relates behind the scenes stories of how these films were accomplished, locations, and what the principals did while visiting Wyoming. The book has extensive interviews with the stars, directors, cinematographers, extras, locals and others responsible for the production of these films.
A story about Wyoming film, focused on the Gillette area, was written by newspaper editor Ann Franscell & ran on Sunday, Mar. 2nd, 2008, in which this author is frequently quoted. Here's a LINK to article one, and another to article two.
My website is featured this month (June 2007) in a TCM blog aka MovieMorlocks.com. Click HERE to read the story about The Big Sky. Fun stuff. And, another in August at this LINK for another about Mrs. Pollifax - Spy.
Check out this article by Dina Mishev on Wyoming film at the Wyoming Tourism website. She mentions my knowledge, books and tours.
I was also featured in the Japanese magazine Rakuda, in their Aug./Sept. 2007 issue, as part of a larger article about western films in the U.S. Very nice article, but you need to be able to read Japanese. Here's a scanned excerpt. On the link, move down the page about 1/3 to the article.
Stories such as who got hurt during filming of a number of movies; the weekly brawls during making of The Big Sky; why George Stevens chose Jackson Hole to film Shane and who else were considered for the principal roles; how Starship Troopers came to fruition and why the producer and his military advisor were at odds; why Marjorie Main always wore white gloves; where the fortress door in Mrs. Pollifax-Spy really came from; or what really happened to all the "dead" animals in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The stories are almost endless, whether through interviews or other historical accounts. As a result, I had hoped to get a publisher for this comprehensive book,"Wyoming, A History of Film and Video in the 20th Century"© , but they weren't especially interested, the dolts. So, in 2001, I authored the book onto CD-ROM which is much more comprehensive than a paper book could ever be & a lot cheaper as well and have published it myself. As of 9.22.00, I finished my first edition of the cdrombook titled, The Making of Shane©, and you can get specific information about it by clicking on the link to the left. You can email me by clicking on the elk. Both have been updated considerably since & are quite large due to all the research info & images in each.
I also wrote a small book several years ago titled, "Shootout on the Town Square: The Story of the Jackson Hole Shootout"©. It's the oldest continuous running show of its kind in the country, which I performed in and managed for a number of years. Click on the Elk and email me for a copy, $7.50 including postage.
TOURS to movie locations in the Jackson Hole area? While the most well known is Shane, there were over 30 films made here either all or in part, that provide a considerable portion of the history of filmmaking in Wyoming. Some are still in the backcountry, but most are easily accessed. From sci-fi to westerns, from the supernatural to some real bombs, this is an homage to Wyoming . Contact me for information about a movie tour &/or click on the link above, or if you have need of a location scout.
I am the founder and a current officer of the Jackson(Hole) Astronomy Club. Advise if you'd like to know when we meet should it be during your visit, or if you would like to have a private (commercial) star party. If you are part of a convention group that would like to engage us for a commercial star party at some location in the valley, or if you are visiting at a motel or B&B, I too can arrange such an event. (I) We are known at all the local resorts and our night skies are incredibly dark and wondrous. Annually in August, we "observe" National Astronomy Day at Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park. Go to the webpage above & find out when it will be for this year. We also do star parties for local student/non-profit groups at no charge. And, I wrote a monthly column on astronomy for the JH News for the last 5 yrs. until Feb. of 2003. Since then I wrote a column for Planet Jackson Hole which ended in April of '05. Just click on the elk above left & email me with any questions.
I was the area representative for the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. To get info on the Memorial, or to learn more about this and the POW/MIA issue, click on the links to the left.
I was also on the Board for Jackson Hole Community Radio - JHCR - which went on-the-air in March 2008 as KHOL at 89.1 FM. I started helping with a noontime Latin program on Tues. & Thurs. on 4/24, and hope to get back to my international program shortly, as the last time I did it was in 1991 in San Antonio at KRTU. We hope to stream on the net soon as well, so you can get Jackson information around the globe.
Lastly? I'm also a cowboy poet of sorts. I've done numerous events in the JH area & am available to perform, as dressed below, for convention groups or other outfits that come to this area. For a nominal fee and found, give me a call. Click on my Local/Personal page above left to see a sample of my mind's wanderings.
Enjoy your forthcoming visit to Jackson Hole, my website of Wyoming movie/video history, and all that is Wyoming.
Site established: 1998.
Last Update: 4/08
Marshal Farmer wants to thank Ranger Ron in So. Texas, for initial construction of this website.
Us hired guns gotta stick together.
Thanks my friend...