Photos: Expansion of Old Tucson and filming of "Rio Bravo" in 1958
The Western movie classic, "Rio Bravo," was filmed at Old Tucson Studios in 1958. It starred John Wayne, who owned a ranch near Nogales, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson and Angie Dickinson. Wayne solidified a long relationship with Old Tucson manager Robert Shelton, which brought more movie productions to Tucson, and in turn, more investment in Old Tucson.
Warner Bros. art director Leo Kuter supervised more than 100 carpenters and craftsmen, many brought in from the studio in Burbank, Calif., to expand Old Tucson for the movie. They constructed many of the buildings that showed up in tourists' photos for year, including the jail, two saloons, a hotel and several businesses.
"We've done everything pretty much off the cuff," Kuter told the Tucson Citizen. "We made no plans until we got here and saw what we had to work with. We've had to work mighty fast."
The studio reportedly spent at least $100,000 (nearly $1 million in today's dollars) to construct the buildings and set pieces.
Old Tucson, Rio Bravo, 1958
Nearly 100 carpenters and skilled craftsmen, many from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif., constructed additional buildings at Old Tucson Studios for the movie, "Rio Bravo," starring John Wayne, in 1958.
Old Tucson, Rio Bravo, 1958
Nearly 100 carpenters and skilled craftsmen, many from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif., constructed additional buildings at Old Tucson Studios for the movie, "Rio Bravo," starring John Wayne, in 1958.
Old Tucson, Rio Bravo, 1958
Nearly 100 carpenters and skilled craftsmen, many from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif., constructed additional buildings at Old Tucson Studios for the movie, "Rio Bravo," starring John Wayne, in 1958.
Old Tucson, Rio Bravo, 1958
Nearly 100 carpenters and skilled craftsmen, many from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif., constructed additional buildings at Old Tucson Studios for the movie, "Rio Bravo," starring John Wayne, in 1958.
Old Tucson, Rio Bravo, 1958
Nearly 100 carpenters and skilled craftsmen, many from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif., constructed additional buildings at Old Tucson Studios for the movie, "Rio Bravo," starring John Wayne, in 1958.
Old Tucson, Rio Bravo, 1958
Nearly 100 carpenters and skilled craftsmen, many from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif., constructed additional buildings at Old Tucson Studios for the movie, "Rio Bravo," starring John Wayne, in 1958.
Old Tucson, Rio Bravo, 1958
Nearly 100 carpenters and skilled craftsmen, many from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif., constructed additional buildings at Old Tucson Studios for the movie, "Rio Bravo," starring John Wayne, in 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Photo from the motion picture, Rio Bravo, 1959.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
At right, with cigarette in mouth, is John Wayne. Producer-direcotor Howard Hawks is to Wayne's right on the set of Rio Bravo on May 24, 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
This is NOT John Wayne. It's a stand-in for the scene during filming of "Rio Bravo" on May 24, 1958. Tucson Citizen article says "At bottom: Wayne's stand-in rehearses scene as camera is angled to follow action effectively."
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Tucsonans Jessie Zededa, Phyllis Thompson, Roy Peak, and Mrs. Barry Rubin have fun playing extras in the Hawks production "Rio Bravo" on May 10 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Night filming of Rio Bravo on May 24 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
A six-month-old Frost Point Siamese kitten, named Yu Phin, was given to Ricky Nelson by the Tucson Cat Club. Presentation was made at Old Tucson where the young singing star was working in the new western movie, Rio Bravo. Nancy Ann Nichols (left), junior member of the Tucson Cat Club and Ricky Nelson fan, and Mrs. Robert L. DuBois made the presentation. He was also given a life membership scroll and an invitation to enter his new kitten in the club's second annual Cat Show Nov. 29 and 30. June 4, 1958. T
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Producer-director Howard Hawks, left, and actor John Wayne on Old Tucson movie set for Rio Bravo on May 24, 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Filming of Rio Bravo. May 24 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Filming Rio Bravo on May 24 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Rio Bravo filming at night on May 24 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Hey Kids Dig This Gunman. May 10 1958. Ricky Nelson in movie Rio Bravo, filmed at Old Tucson. Nelson turned 18 at Old Tucson.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Rio Bravo filming on May 24 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
John Wayne and his mule on May 24 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Rio Bravo. May 24 1958.
"Rio Bravo" at Old Tucson Studios
Ricky Nelson messes around with his co-stars Dean Martin and John Wayne, on the set of Rio Bravo filmed at Old Tucson. May 10, 1958.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
Rick Wiley is the photo editor of the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson. From 1995-2004, he was director of photography at the East Valley Tribune in Mesa. From 1988-94 he was a photographer at the Tucson Citizen. He is a graduate of ASU (yes, that ASU).
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