In the middle of an arid, seemingly desolated part of eastern California, there’s a unique formation of rocks Hollywood movie producers first discovered in the 1920’s, and have become a part of hundreds of western films. In Lone Pine, California, you find the Alabama Hills — where many will tell you, the American Westerns were born. The old granite rock – rounded and weathered by the elements – has hosted many a John Wayne, Roy Rogers or Hopalong Cassidy film over the years. Lots of non westerns have been filmed here as well:  Gladiator, Ironman, Tremors, Django Unchained to name just a few. For those classic Wild West chase scenes — for the suspense, for the pure beauty of the western scenery, nothing compares to The Alabama Hills. And now a unique museum will help you learn about this piece of Hollywood at the base of the Sierra Nevada, and find the very spots different scenes in your favorite films were shot.

The Museum of Western Film History is a popular stop along the scenic Highway 395. Bob Sigman, who was CEO of Republic Pictures and has run the Museum several years, says the area is a magnet for film makers. The first film shot here was a silent in 1920. Some 400 have been filmed here since then. Says Bob, the directors and actors just loved the backdrop.

 

“The Alabama Hills are almost a character in the movie. They actually were part of the film — a character in the film.”

Bob Sigman, Museum of Western Film History

In the fall, the museum hosts the Lone Pine Film Festival – where the tours take people to the places where the old films were made. The museum is truely one of the “Keepers of Americana,” protecting our past.