Movie Tours of Jackson Holeand Area Filming Locations
Movie Tours of Jackson HoleIn 1995, I began extensive and exhausting research
into Jackson's and Wyoming's film history & have written one book about the
film Shane titled, The Making of
Shane (approx. 500 pgs. with over 500 images) & have finished another
much larger book, Wyoming, A History of Film
and Video in the 20th Century: Shane Edition. It's
currently over 3,000 pages with over 2,000 images with the complete Shane book
included. Both books are on cd-rom & read on your computer like a
website. For more info on these books and how to order, go to either
above link. In the process, I've driven and hiked to the myriad of
location sites where these films were made, especially those in Jackson Hole
where I live. My research & enjoyment of the outdoors is your gain,
in the form of tours to these sites. You'll also get a wonderful tour of
the valley with lots of information regarding wildlife, history of the area,
geology, & the opportunity for lots of photographs of the area. Got a
question? Just ask...
Starting in the 1999 season, I have been available to provide tours of the many
film sites of Jackson Hole. Clicking on "Movie
List" will give you an idea of what's happened here since 1922. Call
me at 307.690.6909 for specific info.
Hike to the townsite or the Starrett homestead from Shane.
See where the Indian villages were in The Wild North or The Big Sky.
Jubal and Spencer's Mountain share many of the same locations, while The Mountain Men was filmed all over the valley.
Visit the site of Rocky's Russian training camp from Rocky IV.
Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) beat up Jack Wilson (William Smith) on Jackson's Town Square and other locales, in Any Which Way You Can.
Did you know that the fortress doors used in Mrs. Pollifax-Spy, were originally built and used as the castle front doors in the Richard Harris version of Camelot? The facade was placed at the top of the mountain and the Jackson Hole tram.
The falls the boys went over in A River Runs Through It are just south of Jackson and were also used in The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper, all shot with doubles.
Learn about the variety of music videos, TV programs, commercials & documentaries that were also shot in the area. Stars that have come here include: John Wayne, Bo Derek, Glenn Ford, Donna Reed, Charlton Heston, Ernest Borgnine, Ron Howard, Vera Miles, Wallace Beery, Marjorie Main, Laddie, Henry Fonda, Maureen O'Hara, Kirk Douglas, Dewey Martin, Howard Hawks, George Stevens, Neal McCoy, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Stewart Granger, Jack Palance, Anthony Quinn, Leo Carillo, Van Heflin, Fred MacMurray, Cyd Charisse, Rod Steiger, Charles Bronson, James MacArthur, and so many more.
It's a colorful movie history here, and I've got a tour waiting for you. On request, I can send you a list of films in the Jackson area (or reference the movie page link on this site Movie List) and the tour can be customized for the particular films in which you're interested. Scheduling a week or more in advance is recommended. I can also provide other information on what to do, where to stay, or other touristy stuff: just ask. Or, check the other links on my Places webpage.
WHAT TO BRING...I can bring a cooler & water, & you can bring any special beverages or soft drinks as well. I have a 2005 Windstar van that can accomodate up to 5 persons. I'll have several notebooks with numerous publicity still photos, candids, behind the scenes shots, pics of what the location sites look like today, & more, for reference. My tour includes anecdotes from the producers, directors, cinematographers, stars and extras involved in the productions, as well as visiting the location sites. You'll need to bring your interest in film & a camera with film in it, unless you've gone digital & these days, who hasn't. I have 10x70 binoculars or you can bring your own in case we encounter the occasional wolf, coyote, bison, elk, moose, bald eagle, pronghorn, or other wildlife denizens of the valley. I have lived here over 15 yrs. & am extremely familiar with local history and other aspects of the local area. Chances are, I know a little about where you come from as well, so we'll talk, debate, discuss or whatever. Be nice & I'll do some of my cowboy poetry for you. Weather & ground conditions permitting, or based on your desire or capabilities, we can take one or more hikes to several location sites, particularly the Shane Cemetery Hill/Townsite/3 Tree Hill, or the Starrett homestead locations. Many other films have locations we can drive by, or walk out to as well. No hikes are strenuous, but a couple could be of some minor length depending on your interests & remember, we're at 6,300 ft. (1900 meters) + elevation. Re my other webpage for more info.
Half Day: Tours are $90. per person, or $130. for one, children under 10 for free (please volunteer their ID), for 4-5 hrs. This half-day tour usually is preferred by Shane fans, but includes other film information, or, as you wish it to be. I usually take no more than 5 persons on each tour, so our time is personalized.
I'll have copies of my book, "Shootout on the Town Square" available to be purchased & personalized for $5. as well as copies of my "The Making of Shane" or the "Wyoming, A History of Film..." cdrombooks available at a 10% discount to those on the tour.
I have worked with Callowishus Park Touring Co., 307.733.9521, which conducts day tours of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. All tours are conducted in English. Come on out, it doesn't get any better than this.
Send me (Walt Farmer) a message, questions, or
reservations.
You can also call
307.690.6909 or 307.733.2173.
Dear Walt,
I was sitting here reflecting what a great year 2003 has been for me. One of the highlights was my visit to the SHANE sites with you in October. After watching the film for umpteen times it was a thrill to see those locations. I thank you for the excellent tour and all that you have done to keep the memory of this classic movie alive. Perhaps I will return next summer to see the locations I did not get to this year. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.
Larry O'Donnell
