MovieChat Forums > The High Chaparral (1967) Discussion > Location,location,location!

Location,location,location!

posted 14 years ago by powersroc
11 replies | jump to latest

One of the enormous advantages that THC had over other TV westerns was that they actually shot this show on location in Arizona.It gave the show a fresh look with its grand scenery compared to the majority of the other TV westerns which were filmed in Hollywood,California.Those westerns all had the same look since they did shoot all over the exact same outdoor locations & used the same backlot western towns.But THC with its terrific AZ vistas had locations we seldom got to view with TV westerns.It also gave the series an epic feel with its panoramic shots.The Young Riders would follow THC's example years later & also film their wonderful series on location in Arizona.

[–] velvetwynter_2 12 years ago

Agreed! I have been to the location which is part of Old Tucson.

[–] skiddoo 10 years ago

Ditto.

I lived in southern AZ and this reminds me of home.

[–] bear022013-909-645034 10 years ago

If you luv the desert at this level it is a beauty that defies description.
yes,it is that good.

[–] mike-848 10 years ago

I thought the same thing. The production values in this show were movie quality. The Arizona scenery is stunning and IMO is also a star of the show.

[–] bgbvette 10 years ago

Why did they list Billy Burke's home in Tarrytown, NY as a filming location?

[–] eddie-fendel 8 years ago

Totally agree Mike. It's wonderful.

[–] powersroc 8 years ago

Since posting this I have found I am somewhat in error.

Read Henry Darrow's wonderful autobiography & discovered that not all of the episodes of THC during its 4-season run were filmed in AZ.

To save costs a certain number of episodes were shot in Hollywood.

You can tell with these episodes whenever you spy scenes taking place in Vasquez Rocks or Bronson Canyon.
Both of those locales are in California & often used in both films & television.

I believe that The Young Riders TV series was filmed entirely in AZ.

[–] wildbillharding 8 years ago

Powersroc - I had no idea Henry Darrow had written an autobiography. I can't wait to read it. I visited some of the Arizona locations way back in the late '90s and at that time the High Chaparral ranch-house still stood at Old Tucson studios. Does anyone know if it's still there?

I remember Henry doing an interview for UK television about a decade ago. He said how sore his rear quarters were from sitting on his horse and described the Manolito Pad he invented to solve the problem. What a great guy!

[–] ABN-Para 7 years ago

wildbill, I visited Old Tucson in the mid-70s, not long after the show ended its run. It was all there, and kept up.

I just went again, in early October, 2016. My wife said I was like a little kid......I checked the map, and ran to the High Chaparral. The main building and bunkhouse are still there....but sadly, they were boarded up. I was really bummed out about it.

I also had forgotten a fire destroyed about half of Old Tucson. Oh well, I still have my memories for my first trip.

[–] wildbillharding 7 years ago

ABN - you mention the fire. When I was at the Studios in '97 there was a selection of newspaper cuttings on display. At least one suggested it may have been arson. I spoke to one of the "shoot-out" cowboys and he agreed this was most likely. Does anyone have any information on these allegations?

The saddest part for me was the destruction of the hotel from Rio Bravo. On another subject, Dan Blocker's massive Bonanza hat was kept in the museum at that time. I wonder if it's still there?

[–] regg5 8 years ago

Also of note was that several of the later episodes of Bonanza were filmed at Old Tucson studios as well. No doubt due to David Dortort being the creator of both shows.