Where Was "How the West Was Fun" Filmed? Unraveling the Locations of the Hilarious Western Comedy
Hello there, history buffs and comedy lovers! If you've been wondering, "Where was How the West Was Fun filmed?", you've come to the right place. We're about to take a wild ride through the locations that brought this hilarious Western comedy to life. So, grab your Stetson and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and where was how the west was fun filmed.
The Wild, Wild West: Where It All Began
How the West Was Fun, a 1972 comedy film directed by Allard Dailey, was set in the untamed American frontier of the late 19th century. But where was this comedic take on the classic Western genre actually filmed? The answer might surprise you.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: The Unsung Hero
The majority of How the West Was Fun was filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Yes, you heard it right! This vibrant city, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, served as the perfect backdrop for the film's comedic adventures.
Albuquerque's diverse terrain, including its desert landscapes, mesas, and mountains, provided the ideal setting for the film's Wild West theme. The city's historic Old Town district, with its charming adobe buildings and narrow cobblestone streets, was transformed into the film's bustling frontier towns.
The Iconic Sets and Locations
Now that we know Albuquerque was the primary filming location, let's explore some of the iconic sets and locations that brought How the West Was Fun to life.
Fort Courage: The Film's Fortified Hub
Fort Courage, the film's central military outpost, was built on a 2,000-acre plot of land in Albuquerque's South Valley. This sprawling set, complete with wooden buildings, a blacksmith shop, and a saloon, served as the film's primary location. Unfortunately, only a few remnants of the fort remain today, as much of the set was dismantled after filming wrapped.
The Saloon: Where the Action Happened
The saloon, a staple of any Western film, was a central location in How the West Was Fun. This lively establishment, where much of the film's comedic action takes place, was also constructed on the Fort Courage set in Albuquerque's South Valley.
The Battlefield: Where the Action Heated Up
The film's climactic battle scene was filmed at the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. This historic military base, established in 1941, provided the perfect open space for the film's large-scale action sequences.
The Cast and Crew: Bringing the Laughter
How the West Was Fun featured a talented cast and crew, including director Allard Dailey, writer Robert C. Dennis, and an ensemble of comedic actors. The film's humor, a blend of slapstick, one-liners, and witty wordplay, was a refreshing departure from the more serious Westerns of the era.
Some of the film's standout performers include:
- Richard Benjamin as Capt. Thomas Frank, the bumbling military officer trying to maintain order in Fort Courage. - Sally Kellerman as Sgt. Sandra "Sandy" Morris, the no-nonsense nurse who frequently clashed with Capt. Frank. - Sterling Hayden as Maj. Gen. "Monty" Montgomery, the film's gruff, cigar-chomping military commander. - Keenan Wynn as Col. "Pecos" Smith, the crotchety, mustachioed cavalry colonel who often found himself at odds with the film's other characters.
The Legacy of "How the West Was Fun"
How the West Was Fun may not have been a critical darling upon its release, but it has since gained a dedicated cult following. The film's unique blend of comedy and Western genre tropes has resonated with audiences for decades, and its influence can be seen in countless comedic Westerns that followed.
So, the next time you're watching a Western comedy and chuckling at the absurdity of it all, remember that How the West Was Fun paved the way for those laughs. And now you know where the magic happened: in the sun-soaked, desert landscapes of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
How the West Was Fun might have been filmed in the Wild West, but its spirit lives on in the hearts of comedy fans everywhere. So, saddle up, partner, and enjoy the ride!