Where Was the 1988 Film ‘Young Guns’ Filmed?
Where Was Young Guns Filmed?
The 1988 Western film Young Guns tells the story of the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid (Emilio Estevez) and his friends, the Regulators. The film was directed by Christopher Cain and written by John Fusco. It was shot on location in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.
The film’s opening scenes were shot in Lincoln County, New Mexico, where Billy the Kid was born and raised. The Regulators’ hideout was filmed in the mountains near Ruidoso, New Mexico. The film’s final shootout was filmed at the Glorieta Pass Battlefield in New Mexico.
Young Guns was a critical and commercial success. It grossed over $47 million at the box office and spawned two sequels, Young Guns II (1990) and Young Guns III (1992). The film helped to launch the careers of Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Charlie Sheen.
Young Guns is a classic Western film that captures the excitement and danger of the American frontier. The film’s stunning cinematography and memorable performances make it a must-see for fans of Westerns.
| Location | Scenes | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, New Mexico | Opening scene, final battle |  |
| Lincoln, New Mexico | Various scenes |  |
| White Sands National Monument, New Mexico | Final shootout |  |
Filming Locations
Young Guns was filmed in various locations in Arizona, California, and New Mexico. The majority of the film was shot in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with additional scenes filmed in Tucson, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California.
Arizona
The town of Lincoln, New Mexico, was recreated in Tucson, Arizona, for the film. The Tucson Rodeo Grounds were used for the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and the Tucson Mountains were used for the scenes set in the desert.
California
The interior of the White House was filmed at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. The Hearst Castle is a large estate that was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
New Mexico
The majority of the film was shot in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Plaza in Santa Fe was used for the scenes set in the town of Lincoln, and the surrounding mountains were used for the scenes set in the desert.
Production Timeline
Pre-production
Young Guns began pre-production in 1987. The script was written by John Fusco, and the film was directed by Christopher Cain. The cast was assembled, and the production team began scouting locations.
Filming
Filming for Young Guns began in January 1988. The majority of the film was shot in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with additional scenes filmed in Tucson, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California. The film was shot on a budget of $15 million.
Post-production
Post-production for Young Guns began in March 1988. The film was edited, and the sound was mixed. The film was released in theaters in August 1988.
Young Guns was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its acting, direction, and cinematography. The film was also a box office success, grossing over $47 million worldwide. Young Guns is considered to be one of the best Western films of the 1980s.
Where Was Young Guns Filmed?
Young Guns was filmed in various locations in New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas. The film’s opening scenes were shot in the town of Lincoln, New Mexico, which was the setting for the Lincoln County War. Other scenes were filmed in the ghost town of White Oaks, New Mexico, and the town of Mesilla, New Mexico. The film’s final scenes were shot in the mountains near Taos, New Mexico.
Cast and Crew
The cast of Young Guns includes:
- Emilio Estevez as Billy the Kid
- Kiefer Sutherland as Doc Holliday
- Lou Diamond Phillips as Chavez y Chavez
- Charlie Sheen as Richard Brewer
- Dermot Mulroney as Tom O’Folliard
- Casey Siemaszko as Charlie Bowdre
- Dana Delany as Rio McDonald
- Terence Stamp as Pat Garrett
- Jack Palance as John Tunstall
- Harry Dean Stanton as Billy’s father
The film’s crew includes:
- Director: Christopher Cain
- Producer: Emilio Estevez
- Screenplay: John Fusco
- Cinematography: William A. Fraker
- Editing: Robert Brown
- Music: Patrick Williams
Reception
Young Guns received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised the film’s action sequences and performances, while others criticized its historical inaccuracies and violent content. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $43 million at the box office.
Young Guns is a well-made and entertaining western film. The film’s action sequences are exciting, the performances are strong, and the story is engaging. However, the film’s historical inaccuracies and violent content may turn off some viewers. Overall, Young Guns is a solid western film that is worth watching.
Where Was Young Guns Filmed?
- New Mexico
Young Guns was filmed in various locations in New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas. The film’s opening scenes, which depict the Lincoln County War, were shot in White Sands National Monument. Other scenes were filmed in the town of Lincoln, which was rebuilt for the film.
What are some of the most iconic locations from the film?
- The Lincoln County Courthouse
The Lincoln County Courthouse was the site of the Lincoln County War, and it is featured prominently in Young Guns. The courthouse was restored in the 1970s, and it is now a museum.
- The Tunstall Store
The Tunstall Store was the site of the gunfight that sparked the Lincoln County War. The store was rebuilt for the film, and it is now a private residence.
- The McSween House
The McSween House was the home of Alexander McSween, a prominent figure in the Lincoln County War. The house was destroyed during the war, but it was rebuilt in the 1970s. It is now a museum.
What are some other interesting facts about the film?
- Young Guns was the first major Hollywood film to be shot entirely in New Mexico.
- The film’s cast included Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Dermot Mulroney.
- Young Guns was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $47 million at the box office.
- A sequel, Young Guns II, was released in 1990.
Where can I learn more about Young Guns?
- The Young Guns website provides information about the film, including the cast, crew, and locations.
- The Lincoln County War Museum in Lincoln, New Mexico, has exhibits on the Lincoln County War and the filming of Young Guns.
- The Young Guns II website provides information about the sequel to Young Guns.
To summarize, Young Guns was filmed in several locations in New Mexico, including Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and the Lincoln National Forest. The film’s director, Christopher Cain, wanted to capture the rugged beauty of the American West, and he found the perfect setting in New Mexico. The state’s diverse landscape, from the desert to the mountains, provided the backdrop for the film’s many action-packed scenes. Young Guns was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to put New Mexico on the map as a filming destination. The film’s legacy continues to this day, and it remains a popular choice for tourists who visit New Mexico.