Where John Wayne Filmed 'The Alamo'
million production was the most costly production in Hollywood history. Its first release grossed $7.9 million, but subsequent rereleases and the sale of other rights reportedly total more than its original cost. However, Wayne worked for several years afterward to pay off debts associated with his company’s production.
Although some say Happy Shahan insisted on the set’s construction being permament in order to make it available for other productions and to open it to the public after the “The Alamo” moviemakers were gone, others contend the decision was made to open it after curious visitors kept crossing Shahan’s fences to get on the ranch to see it. While Alamo Village is open year round, it has more to offer, such as staged gunfights on its main street and entertainment in the cantina, in summers between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Horse races and other activities have traditionally been staged there on Labor Day, an event with enduring regional popularity.
Since “The Alamo” in 1959, more than 20 movies have been filmed wholly or in part at Alamo Village. The list includes “Two Rode Together” with James Stewart and Richard Widmark, “Bandolero” with Dean Martin and Raquel Welch, “Bad Girls” with Andie McDowell and Drew Barrymore and portions of “Lonesome Dove” with Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. The set also has been used for several retellings of the Alamo story including the Imax production “Alamo: The Price of Freedom” which is shown continuously at a theater within walking distance of the real Alamo in San Antonio.
For more information, visit Alamo Village’s Web site at www.homestead.com/thealamovillage/AlamoVillage.html. Another good source of information about the Brackettville area is on the Web site of Fort Clark, now a retirement community that also has a motel, RV park, restaurants and a golf course. Its site can be found at www.fortclark.com/main.html.
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