Tucson classic movie lovers owe Elisabeth Klingler a big thank you.
Klingler won Turner Classic Movies’ “Bring TCM to Your Hometown†contest.
That means that Dec. 2, TCM will host a free screening of the John Wayne movie “Rio Bravo,†which just happened to have been filmed at Old Tucson 60 years ago. It'll be at the Fox Tucson Theatre, which is pretty classic itself.
And TCM is bringing one of the stars of the flick along: Angie Dickinson.
Klingler is a member of the network’s fan club, “TCM Backlot,†which is constantly conducting contests for members, such as studio tours, on-air time with host Ben Mankiewicz and classic movie posters.
This is the second year for the “Hometown†contest.
John Wayne and Angie Dickinson in "Rio Bravo."
Klingler’s nominating essay was most enticing. She bragged about Old Tucson and its companion Mescal set, and their long history with movie making: “As classic movie lovers, we all know the thrill of walking in the footsteps of the stars in front of ‘Grauman’s Chinese Theater,†she wrote. “The footsteps at Old Tucson Studios/Mescal may be rooted in sand instead of concrete, but the imprint of star power runs just as deep. Why not try them on for size?â€
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She gushed about Tucson-based actor Don Collier, who may have appeared in every western ever made at Old Tucson: “Mr. Collier is intimately acquainted with Old Tucson Studios, having shared some of this consecrated ground with the likes of John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Kurt Russell and a long list of Hollywood luminaries in western and other film and television genre too numerous to list here.â€
And she flattered TCM: “One of the things I have always loved about TCM is its dedication to honoring these precious time capsules of film history, whether it is honoring and interviewing golden era movie stars, film restoration to preserve important movies, moments and locations, or 'Word of Mouth' tributes by those who knew and loved some of our favorite actors.â€
TCM took the bait and Klingler’s essay won out over 161 nominations.
“When I got the email I was literally jumping up and down,†says Klingler. “I think it’s an incredible opportunity for TCM fans, for Tucson, the Fox and Old Tucson.â€
Backlot fans get to reserve tickets for the showing of “Rio Bravo†now. Not a fan? Join at . The public can reserve tickets after Oct. 19.
Photos: Expansion of Old Tucson and filming of "Rio Bravo" 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.
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 a cigarette in his mouth, is John Wayne. Producer-director Howard Hawks is to Wayne's right on the set of "Rio Bravo" on May 24, 1958.
Photo credit: Bill Hopkins, Tucson Citizen
"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."Â
"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.
Contact reporter Kathleen Allen at kallen@tucson.com or 573-4128. On Twitter: @kallenStar
Kathleen Allen
Reporter
