That's Moab: thats-moab.com

Times Independent 1949-10-20 Page 1

Movie Work to Start Monday

Work will start Monday on erecting a camp to house the moving picture colony which during the month of November will film a Utah pioneer picture, "Wagon Master," in the vicinity of Moab, according to a long distance telephone message received by L. L. Taylor from Oscar F. Giles of Sedona, Ariz. Mr. Giles is manager for Anderson Camps, an organization that provides housing for picture companies on location.

Mr. Giles, who was in Moab last week, reserved accommodations in local auto courts and hotels for about 75 actors and officials. Living quarters for the remainder of the picture personnel - numbering approximately 150 - will be provided by Mr. Giles through erection of a modern tent city complete with heat, baths and toilet facilities and connected with the city sewer system. A location near the center of town will be obtained.

Mr. Giles has made tentative plans to lease the Arches ballroom which will be used for a dining room for the picture colony. A large tent kitchen adjoining the hall will be installed.

Shooting of the picture will commence Nov. 14 according to Lowell J. Farrell, business executive of Argosy Productions, which will film the western feature. It is expected that an official of the company will arrive within the next few days to start preliminary arrangements.

Mr. Giles yesterday by phone placed a large order for native lumber to be used for tent flooring.

Manager Farrell, when in Moab two weeks ago, entered into a tentative contract with Moab Transportation Co. for furnishing all the transportation needed by the film company, including trucks, buses, station wagons and cars.

Most of the picture, it is expected will be filmed in Castle and Professor valleys, located up the Colorado river some 25 miles from Moab. The picture personnel will be transported to the location every morning from Moab. Considerable improvement work on the Colorado river road will be required principally in widening dugways. The state road commission today issued orders for this work to be done immediately.

It is expected that about a dozen covered wagons with "four-up" teams will be obtained locally for use in the picture, and it is understood that between 60 and 75 local people will be required as "extras."

Ben Johnson will be leading man in the production. This will be his first major role, although he has had important parts in other western pictures directed by John Ford. Harry Carey Jr. will also have a major part in the production.

Times Independent 1949-10-27 Page 1

Preliminary Work Starts for Filming "Wagon Master"

Camp Being Established to House Movie Colony Production to be Filmed Near Fisher Towers

Argosy Productions of Hollywood has started preliminary arrangements for filming a Utah pioneer picture, "Wagon Master," in the vicinity of Moab during the month of November. An Anderson Camp is being established at Moab for housing and feeding the movie colony of some people who will be here to work on the picture, and the company’s location director arrived Monday to attend to advance details.

Shooting of the picture will start Nov. 14. The major portion of the outdoor settings will be filmed along the Colorado River near Fisher Towers, some 20 miles above Moab. The company will be housed at Moab and will be taken to the location each morning by bus.

Improvement work on the Colorado river highway was started under the supervision of O. Donald Miles, district road engineer. George White, state road foreman, has charge of the job. Several dugways will be widening, overhanging ledges will be blasted out, and a number of sharp curves will be eliminated so that buses and large trucks will be able to use the highway without hazard. It is expected that all road work will be completed by the middle of November.

Bill Forsyth, location manager of Argosy Productions, is here to take care of preliminary details incident to filming the picture. He will be joined within a few days by other officials of the company.

Oscar F. Giles, manager of Anderson Camps, has work well underway for housing the picture company. All available accommodations have been obtained from local auto courts and hotels, and Mr. Giles is erecting an 18-tent camp on the vacant lot opposite the Bowen Court. This will house about 75 people. Mr. Giles has leased the Arches Ballroom, which he will use for a dining room. A large tent kitchen adjoining the hall will be erected.

Script for the picture Wagon Master was written by Frank Nugent and Pat Ford. It is a hardship story, detailing the experiences of an advance company of Mormon pioneers sent out in the year 1880 to colonize an isolated valley in primitive southeastern Utah. John Ford, whose picture "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," is just now being released, will be the director. Lowell Farrell is production manager and Mr. Forsyth is location manager.

Members of the cast will include Ben Johnson as lead, with Harry Carey Jr., Ward Bond, Jane Darwell, Alan Mowbray, Ruth Clifford, and Joanne Dru other members of the cast.

The main actors will be flown from Hollywood to Moab and will arrive about Nov. 12.

Times Independent 1949-11-03 Page 1

Film Company Starts Work Here Nov. 14

Preparations are proceeding for filming a western picture, "Wagon Master," in the vicinity of Moab during November and December. One of the major film companies, Argosy Productions, of which John Ford is director, has representatives in Moab and they have spent the past week engaging horsemen, wranglers, and livestock for the production. Preference is being given to local people in the employment of personnel, equipment, and livestock. Already some 35 or 40 people have been signed up, in addition to about 50 work horses and some eight or 10 wagons.

William Forsyth, location manager of Argosy, has been in Moab for two weeks on preliminary work, and he was joined Monday by Robert Clark, in charge of livestock and wagon procurement, and Howard Alston, auditor. The company has opened an office in the building just north of Miller's Co-op store. The room in the north part of the First National Bank building, formerly occupied by the Times-Independent, has been leased as a wardrobe and costume room.

Anderson Camps has practically completed erection and equipping of 18 house tents on the vacant lot opposite Bowen's Auto Court for housing about 75 people of the company. Andersons have also erected a large tent kitchen adjoining the Arches ballroom which will be used as a dining room for the picture company.

Director John Ford and the company of actors who will take part in the picture will arrive in Moab about Nov. 11 or 12. They will fly to Moab from Hollywood. On the occasion of their arrival it is probable that a ceremony will be staged at the Moab airport. Governor J. Bracken Lee and other state officials may be present according to tentative plans.

Times Independent 1949-11-10 Page 1

Argosy Pictures Corp, to Start Filming "Wagon Master" near Moab next Monday

Director John Ford Arrives Friday; Gov Lee to Attend Opening Ceremonies Here on Saturday

Most of the preliminary arrangements have been completed by Argosy Pictures Corporation for commencing the filming of "Wagon Master," a Utah pioneer feature production, in the vicinity of Moab next Monday, Nov. 14. A location camp has been established at the old Hittle ranch on the Colorado River near Fisher Towers, about 30 miles above Moab. All of the covered wagons, livestock, and other things needed for the picture are at the location, announces W.G. Forsyth, location manager. Director John Ford will arrive tomorrow, (Friday), and all of the members of the production crew, as well as the members of the cast, will reach Moab within the next five days.

Governor J. Bracken Lee will be in Moab Friday to extend an official welcome to the picture company, according to word received by The Times-Independent this afternoon, and it is probable that he will participate in ceremonies inaugurating the filming of the picture. J.A. Theobald of the Utah state fair, will arrive Friday afternoon to represent the governor, in extending the cooperation of the state to the picture company, in this first film undertaking in the Moab area.

Due to the present inclement weather, the time of arrival of Director Ford Friday is uncertain. If the weather is favorable, the director, with Manager Lowell Farrell and 19 key members of the production crew, will fly directly to the Moab airport, arriving about 1:30 or 2 p.m. If the weather makes landing at the Moab field inadvisable, the party will fly to Grand Junction and come back to Moab by bus.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, 21 additional members of the production will reach Moab by United Air Lines, and nine equipment trucks are also expected to arrive in Moab around noon.

Arriving Sunday, Nov. 13, will be the remainder of the production crew and members of the cast. Principals expected that day are Ben Johnson, the male lead, Harry Carey Jr., Ben Ward, and Kathleen O'Malley. Jane Darwell is driving through and will arrive in Moab Sunday afternoon.

John Ireland and his wife Jeanne Dru, the feminine lead of the picture, are driving to Moab and are scheduled to arrive Tuesday afternoon. Also arriving at the Moab airport on Tuesday, Nov. 15, are other members of the cast, including Allan Mowbray, Ruth Clifford and Francis Ford. On Nov. 20, Charles Temper and four members of the cast will arrive by air.

Robert Clark, in charge of livestock and property procurement for Argosy, reports success in obtaining all necessary livestock and wagons locally. All have been moved up the river to the location.

About 35 local men have been employed as wranglers and workmen, in addition to a considerable number of people employed by Anderson Camps.

The list of extras signed up includes 10 men, 16 women, and 15 children.

Anderson Camps, which has the contract for housing and feeding the company during the filming of the picture, has completed all arrangements. A tent city on Main Street opposite Bowen’s Court was made ready for occupancy by some 70 people yesterday. In addition, about 65 people will be quartered in local auto courts and hotels. The Anderson café will be in the Arches Ballroom. The full kitchen crew has arrived, and the boarding house is ready to take care of the picture personnel upon arrival.

Times Independent 1949-11-17 Page 1

Filming of "Wagon Master" Started Monday near Moab

Nearly 75 Local People Employed as Extras and Helpers; Shooting of Picture is Well Underway

Filming of the western feature production, "Wagon Master" in Professor Valley, 30 miles above Moab on the Colorado River, by Argosy Pictures Corporation, got off to a good start Monday morning and during the week splendid progress in shooting the production has been made, according to John Ford, producer-director, who is in personal charge of this first moving picture undertaking in the Moab area.

Mr. Ford and 21 members of his technical staff arrived by chartered United Airlines plane at the Moab airport Friday at 2:30 p.m. They were greeted by about a thousand local people, including some students of the Moab schools. The school children had been given a two-hour vacation from their studies to assist in the welcome extended to the famed director and his company. The high school band was present in uniform and played a number of selections.

The gathering at the airport was the largest impromptu assembly of Moab people in the history of the community. The runway at the airport was lined with cars for a distance of nearly half a mile.

Technicians, actors and actresses of the cast arrived daily during the past week by plane, and altogether about 80 people are here from Hollywood to work in the picture.

Filming of the picture started on schedule Monday morning and during the week splendid progress has been made in shooting the outdoor sequences of the production, Director Ford states.

Members of the cast, technicians and extras are transported to the location in Professor Valley, near Fisher Towers every morning at 7:30, about an hour being required for the trip. Five large buses and several cars and trucks are used for transportation. All hauling is being handled by the Moab Transportation Co.

The story of "Wagon Master," written by Frank Nugent and Pat Ford, tells of the travels of an advance company of Mormon pioneers sent out in the year 1880 by the church to colonize an isolated, inaccessible area in southeastern Utah. A train of 12 wagons is used in the picture, most of them pulled by strings of six and four horses. Most of the livestock was obtained locally, some 25 head being brought from California. Over a hundred head of horses are being used.

Stars in the production are Ben Johnson, Joanne Dru, Harry Carey Jr., Kathleen O’Malley, Ward Bond, Alan Mowbray, Jane Darwell, John Ireland, Ruth Clifford, Francis Ford, Russell Simpson, Charlie Temper, and others.

Among the local people who have been employed as extras are the following: George Newell, William Harding, Vince Denny, Ace Turner, Fred Turner, Emit T. Pittman, D. C. McDougald Sr., Andrew Tangren, Warren Straughn, Bruce Strlley, Mrs. Stella Stewart, Mrs. Jessie Balsley, Mrs. Lydia Skewes, Mrs. Maggie Taylor, Mrs. Essie White, Mrs. Pearl Taylor, Mrs. Donna Reid, Mrs. Irma Newell and children Patricia and Allen, Mrs. Irene Robertson and children Karen and Kent, Mrs. Ruth Holyoak and sons Gary and Glenny, Mrs. Lorraine Meador and sons Don and Terry, Mrs. Myrtle Holyoak and daughters Wynonna and Roberta, Mrs. Louise Westwood and children James and Norma, Mrs. Frances Foy and son David, Mrs. Jessie Worthington and Joyce and Alice.

Among the "wranglers" and helpers in charge of horses are the following: Harold Proyonsha, Val Leavitt, Don Thomas, Rusty Musselman, David Perkins, Bert Mecham, Alvie Holyoak, Ray Holyoak, Fred Frazier, Fred Garlett, Roy Holyoak, Arnol Holyoak, Earl Somerville, Herman Rowe, Albert Maxwell, Edgar Hayes, Bob Tibbets, John Westwood, D. A. Kerby and Len Woodruff.

Times Independent 1949-11-17 Page 1

Movie Goers Will View Moab but Won't Believe it True

(An Editorial in Ogden Standard-Examiner)

John Ford, producer-director, and a motion picture company have established headquarters in Moab , Utah for production of a western film to be called "wagon Masters." The movie man is happy about the location and so are Moab folk, all of whom are tickled their community is on the movie map and some of whom will take part in the production.

There is only one thing against Moab as a motion picture setting. Most movie fans will doubt there is in nature any such place. They will insist that and over imaginative scene painter was permitted to go to extreme lengths. Moab, the fans will say, is as fictitious as Shangri-La.

Movie goers are not to be blamed if they argue there is no real place like Moab. First time visitors to the Grand county seat feel the same way about it for hours The dramatic approach from the west, the first view of the Colorado river and then the intense green produced by the red soil all contribute to the make- believe aspect. After you are in Moab you wonder how you got there and how you can get out.

Times Independent 1949-12-01 Page 1

A Letter of Appreciation

Moab Lions Club
Moab, Utah Nov. 30, 1949

Mr. John Ford and Members of the Cast and Crew of "Wagon Master"

Ladies and Gentleman:

The Moab Lions Club takes this rather inadequate method of attempting to express its appreciation for the wonderful help you gave us in the production of our annual show staged for the purpose of raising funds for a community Christmas festival at Moab.

As a result of your wholehearted cooperation the show was by far the greatest success ever staged at Moab, and the financial returns far exceeded our most wishful expectations. Moab is now assured the grandest Christmas celebration in its history.

We want to say to you, Mr. Ford, and members of your company and technical personnel, that we will always treasure the memory of your fine cooperation and thoughtfulness. In fact, your stay in Moab has been a most pleasing experience for all of us. We can say with the utmost sincerity that your group constitutes about the finest lot of people with whom we have ever associated, and we surely will be boosters for the Argosy Pictures Corporation from here out.

It is not with selfish or financial motives that we express the hope that you will come again to Moab, and we look forward to the privilege of again having your fine company located in our little community. If you do return please be assured of our genuine and undivided support in any of your endeavors.

We know we are stating the sentiments of the entire community and Grand County in the expression of the above sentiments.

Again expressing our gratitude, we are Very sincerely yours,
Moab Lions Club
Winfred Bunce, President

Times Independent 1949-12-01 Page 1

Filming of "Wagon Master" by Argosy Pictures Nears Finish

Perfect Weather, Fine Cooperation of Local People, Contribute to Success of Undertaking

The filming of "Wagon Master," John Ford’s forthcoming version of a pioneer Mormon emigrant train into southeastern Utah in the year 1880, is rapidly nearing completion. It is announced that the filming of the story at the Moab location will end Saturday.

To date all of the exterior shots have been done in Professor Valley near Fisher Towers, 32 miles above Moab, on the Colorado River. Other shots in the Moab area also will be made, it is reported, including a sequence in upper Moab Valley.

The weather has been ideal, bright sunshine and warm days greeting the picture company daily since their arrival. Loyal cooperation by the local people has also been a contributing factor to the early completion of the work, according to Argosy officials.

Three members of the cast will leave for Hollywood Friday, five will leave Saturday, and the remainder will depart Sunday and Monday. Most of the company will fly back to the coast, although a few are here in their personal cars.

Mr. Ford and his company are leaving much pleased with the success of the Moab location and enthusiastic about the scenery in this vicinity. It is learned from unofficial sources that Mr. Ford plans to return early in the spring to film a feature in technicolor. "Wagon Master" is being filmed in black and white.

Fox Studios Interested

That other producing companies are taking note of the Moab area as a locale for western pictures was indicated Wednesday, when Fox Studios of Hollywood telephoned J. W. Corbin, president of the Moab Chamber of Commerce, asking as to the condition of the Moab airport for landing large planes. The Fox people also inquired as to hotel accommodations for seven people for Saturday, indicating that a location party may be coming to arrange for filming a picture immediately.

Times Independent 1949-12-08 Page 1

Argosy Stars Love Moab

( By Margie Stocks and Marjorie Smith )

Were you aware that Ben Johnson "loves Moab girls?" That Kathleen O'Malley was in her first movie at the early age of nine months?

Has anyone told you that Harry Carey Jr. got his nickname “Dobey,” from the color of his hair? That Don Summers would like to buy a ranch and live at Moab?

Did you know that John Ford definitely plans to return next spring to film a technicolor picture which will star John Wayne?

We obtained this information along with many other interesting facts while interviewing John Ford and some of the members of the "Wagon Master" cast last week.

Our decision to make these interviews came with the desire to put to use instructions on interviewing we received while attending the Intermountain Journalism Conference at Provo on Nov. 19. The experience we gained proved that interviewing can be interesting and exciting.

World’s Champion Roper

Our first interview was Ben Johnson, star of the movie. Ben is a native of Oklahoma where his father is foreman of a 150,000-acre ranch. Ben holds the world’s calf-roping record with a time of 12.5 seconds, the calf being given a 60-foot lead. This time also set a new record at Pendleton, Ore. Ben began his movie career with a bit part in "The Outlaw." He told us that he was discovered by John Ford when he played the part of a hero who saved the lives of two men in Fort Apache. He also doubled for John Agar in this movie. Then followed a more important role in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon." His hobbies are roping and traveling. He is married and his wife’s name is Carol. When asked for a direct statement about Moab he said, “I just like it here, that’s all. It is the best location yet, people and all — and I might add that I just love the girls.” Much of this material about Ben was given to us by Harry Carey Jr. in our next interview. Although Ben was very nice about being interviewed, he is the modest type and slow to talk about himself, so when "Dobey" offered to tell what he knew about Ben, we gratefully accepted his offer.

About himself, Harry Carey Jr. - who prefers to be called "Dobey" - told us that he was born in Sagus, Calif. He is the son of the late Harry Carey Sr., a famous western star. Dobey became an actor after being discharged from the navy in December 1945. He played several bit parts before getting his first real chance with John Ford in "Three Godfathers." He likes acting very much. His latest movie was "Copper Canyon" with Hedy LaMarr and Ray Milland. Dobey and his wife Marilyn are the parents of two children: Steven, 4, and Melinda, 3. Of Moab he said, “It is a perfect picture location and the people are wonderfull.” Dobey, as most people agree, has a nice singing voice and is very likable. He helped us very much in getting our interviews.

Started Career at 9 Months

While interviewing Kathleen O’Malley, we found that she is the daughter of an actor and actress. She was in her first movie with her father when nine months old. She took up her acting career at the age of eight years, and has been an actress since that time. Kathleen, whose hobbies are sports and record collecting, has an exceptionally sweet disposition. Members of the "Wagon Master" crew tell us that she is a wonderful person to work with. Kathleen said she loved Moab, and its people, and would miss it when she left.

Don was the subject of our next interview. For the benefit of the few who did not become acquainted with him, his last name is Summers and he is one of John Ford’s rising stars. His acting experience includes work in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," "Three Godfathers," "Fort Apache," "Front and Center," and a play "What Price Glory." Don is from Sheridan, Wyo., and became an actor after his release from the Marines in 1945. From information obtained elsewhere, we learned that he was a much-decorated captain. "Trading just anything," Don says, is his hobby and he ropes at rodeos in his spare time. Don told us he would like very much to live here, and intends to return in hopes of buying a ranch. He thinks Moab has the nicest people he has ever met, and to use his own words, “They are truly human and not a bit phoney and phoneyness is something I can't stand.” Don has a very fine baritone voice, and his friends tell us if hard work is the key to success, he shall have his share.

We believe everyone is acquainted with Danny Borzage, who is a wonderful accordionist. He plays in many of John Ford’s pictures and supplies mood music behind the cameras. He has worked for Ford for some time and seems to be an indispensable member of Ford’s permanent crew. Danny was born in Salt Lake City and went to Hollywood some 20 years ago. He is a brother of Director Frank Borzage. He is married and has a son, Donald, 19, who is a classical pianist and works in the movies also. We shall remember Danny as one who always had a new joke.

When talking to Joanne Dru and her husband John Ireland, they said they had enjoyed their stay here very much and hoped to return soon.

Ward Bond was apparently interview-shy but never too busy to stop and talk for a minute. He is the outdoor type and enjoys all outdoor sports.

Coming Back in Spring

Our last interview was with Producer-Director John Ford. We must admit we were doubtful as to whether or not we dared to approach him. However, we found him to be very pleasant and cooperative.

He said Wagon Master is a tryout movie for one he intends to make here next spring. It will be in Technicolor and will star John Wayne. He predicted that many movies would be filmed in this locality hereafter by Argosy and other studios of Hollywood. He said this is the best location he has ever found, partly due to the fact that Moab’s citizens are so cooperative. “Moab people,” he said, “are so different, so genuinely human.”

Many of the stars to whom we talked commented on the climate. They said they had been warned to bring their "long-handles" as there would be four feet of snow and the temperature would be 20 below zero. But to their pleasant surprise, what they had seen of our weather would beat California’s any day.

Times Independent 1949-12-08 Page 1

Moab's First Movie Project Ends Saturday

The outdoor sequences of "Wagon Master," the first moving picture to be made in the Moab area, were completed by the Argosy Pictures Corporation Saturday, after three weeks on location here. Producer-Director John Ford and his company of about 130 actors and technicians, left Sunday for Hollywood. They went to Grand Junction by bus and boarded United Airliners for the coast city.

William A. Forsyth, location manager, and Howard Alston, auditor of the Argosy company, have remained in Moab during the week to wind up local business matters connected with the picture project. They will leave for Hollywood Friday.

Filming of "Wagon Master" was completed in record time and with a minimum of trouble or confusion, stated Mr. Ford Saturday evening. “Moab has been a most delightful location and the people have been most cooperative and friendly,” he stated. Mr. Ford indicated that he plans to return to Moab in the spring to film a major feature in Technicolor.

Two units were operated by the company on the final day's shooting Saturday. One sequence was filmed in upper Moab Valley and the other completed the filming operation in Professor Valley where the major portion of the picture was made.

Anderson Boarding & Supply Co., which had the contract for housing and boarding the company on the Moab location, has torn down its "tent city" and kitchens, and the last truckloads of this equipment departed this morning. Oscar F. Giles, manager of the company, had considered storing his equipment at Moab this winter but was unable to find suitable storage space. He is confident that he will return to Moab in the spring, as several producing companies, in addition to Argosy, are making preparations to film pictures locally in the late winter and spring.

Times Independent 1950-01-05 Page 1

"Wagon Master" Said to be "Very Beautiful"; New Picture in Spring

The picture "Wagon Master," filmed at Moab in November and December, has been completed and is now on the screen, according to a letter received from Bert Glennon, chief cameraman of Argosy Pictures, to W. G. Harding, secretary of the Moab Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Glennon stated that the picture is "very beautiful" and the producers have every reason to believe it will be a hit. It has not been announced when the film will be released.

Mr. Glennon stated in his letter that Director John Ford definitely plans to return to Moab in the spring to film another picture.

Times Independent 1950-02-09 Page 1

John Ford Paid $916 in Federal Fees to Film "Wagon Master"

One of the heretofore unpublished stories of movie-making in Utah came to light this week with the release of the semi-annual motion picture report of H. Byron Mock, regional administrator of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Reading like the scripts of some pictures, part of the report tells of the plot of the stories. For instance: "'The Outriders' is based on happenings during Civil War days. It shows a wagon train carrying one million dollars in gold from Mexican mines, then near Santa Fe, N.M., to the federal treasury in St. Louis," the federal report discloses, adding: "The dangers and hardships encountered on the journey are shown. In addition to the filming on federal range, a number of days were also spent by the company in this locality (Kanab) on private land and on government land administered by other agencies.

The report notes that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer worked seven days on federal range, used 65 horses and mules, and paid $181.50 in fees.

Uncertainty of production in southern Utah is highlighted in the report on making of "Sierra" by Universal-International Pictures. The company had intended to film the picture entirely on the private land of Thomas E. Robinson and Sons. "However," the report notes, "a flood came down Kanab Creek and made it impossible to use the picture set on private land for one day, so the company used public lands for their filming on this one day." The fees to Universal were $80, the report notes, and 220 horses were used. The picture depicts ranch life in the Sierra Mountains, the gathering and rounding up of wild horses, and the use of these horses after they are gathered.

It cost John Ford and Argosy Pictures $916.75 in fees to film "Wagon Master" on federal land, according to the report on that picture. And here Mr. Mock gets in a plug for the Moab area in which "Wagon Master" was filmed. "They (the company) estimated they would require 22 days to complete filming. Due to the pleasant working conditions and the geographical features of the federal range, the filming was completed in 18 days, says the report.

Mr. Mock’s report says: “We found this company very cooperative in carrying out their requirements for the use of federal range to the letter. The picture is a story of the Mormon pioneers who left Escalante and came by way of the Hole in the Rock crossing of the Colorado River to the southern end of San Juan County, Utah, for colonization.”

It is just another government report, this statement of Mr. Mock to his officials, but it tells another phase of making pictures in Utah.

Times Independent 1950-02-09 Page 1

Preview of "Wagon Master" Set for Moab during March

"Wagon Master," John Ford's Argosy production filmed at Moab late last fall will be given a preview at Moab sometime during March, with Mr. Ford and members of his cast flying in from Hollywood for the occasion, and with the governors of Utah and Colorado, as well as prominent citizens, including church officials, in attendance. Such are the tentative plans that have been decided on by Mr. Ford and Utah state officials, according to a letter received by The Times-Independent today from J. A. Theobald, secretary-manager of the Utah State Fair Association.

Mr. Theobald writes, in part: "Last week-end John Ford spent several hours with me discussing plans for his needs for next summer. His present intentions call for quite an extensive program, a good part of which will be centered around Moab.

"We also discussed the preview of "Wagon Master." This is not to be a premiere showing but rather a preview... Present plans, if they can be worked out, call for this preview to be at Moab with Ford and others flying in from Hollywood and we here arranging for the appearance of the governors of Utah, Colorado, and possibly New Mexico, all representing the area in the Four Corners section within reasonable access of Moab. We would also invite prominent citizens, including church officials, from Salt Lake City as well as others from the western slope of Colorado."

Mr. Theobald stated that quite a little advance work will be necessary to make the affair successful, and local cooperation will be extended to him in making all arrangements. The exact date for the preview will be set after Mr. Ford's return from a business trip to Washington, D.C.

Mr. Theobald continues:

"I am very happy to know that Mr. Ford's plans for the coming year will be so beneficial to the southeastern part of Utah. He certainly still remains high in his praise for the attitude of the people of Moab toward him and his group during the filming of Wagon Master."

Times Independent 1950-03-09 Page 1

"Wagon Master" Slated for Three-Day Run at Moab April 23-24-25

John Ford's production of "Wagon Master," which was filmed at Moab last November and December, has been booked for showing at the Ides Theater in Moab on April 23, 24 and 25, it was announced Wednesday by Mrs. Elberta Clark, manager of the theater. The feature will have its first showing in Utah at Moab.

It was announced recently by John Ford that the preview of the picture would be held at Moab sometime in March. No further word has been received from Mr. Ford as to the date for the preview.

It was originally understood that "Wagon Master" would not be released until late summer or early fall. Evidently decision has just been made to advance its schedule.

The picture is being released through RKO.

Times Independent 1950-04-06 Page 1

"Wagon Master" Film Released Apr. 4; to be Shown First at Moab

According to the current issue of Motion Picture World, the picture "Wagon Master," which was filmed at Moab last November by John Ford for the Argosy Pictures Corp., was reviewed on April 1 and formally released through RKO on April 4. The picture has been booked by the Ides Theater for showing at Moab on April 23, 24, and 25. This will be the first showing in Utah, it is understood. The producers are John Ford and Merian C. Cooper, and Mr. Ford directed. Starring in the picture are Ben Johnson, Joanne Dru, Harry Carey Jr., and Ward Bond.

SPOLIER ALERT - BEGIN SPOILER

An advance synopsis of the story, as published in the Herald follows:

"Travis and Sandy, two young horse traders, with a string of horses for sale, meet a Mormon group and the elder, Jonathan, hires them as guides. They start across the parched desert and meet a medicine show caravan which is out of supplies. Jonathan agrees to take them along. Travis becomes interested in Denver, a dancing girl, while Sandy is attracted to Prudence, a pretty Mormon girl. Farther along they meet five sinister strangers who are really outlaws hiding from the sheriff’s posse. The bandits get the drop on the Mormons, take away their guns, and announce that they will stay with the party until it’s safe to leave. Later, when the marshal overtakes the group, the outlaws hide in wagons with ready guns, and to avert a massacre Jonathan misleads the marshal and sends the posse away. After a perilous trip through the Colorado River country, the party meets a tribe of suspicious Navajos. One of the outlaws attacks a Navajo girl at a party and Jonathan agrees to punish the offender. Finally, when the outlaws try to get even with Jonathan, Sandy, who has a concealed revolver—opens fire. After a swift battle the five outlaws are killed, the wagons reach their destination safely, and Travis and Sandy begin thinking about wedding bells."

END SPOLIER

Times Independent 1950-04-13 Page 1

Film Wagon Master Set for May 14-15-16

Mrs. Elberta Clark, manager of the Ides Theater, has received a revised booking for the John Ford production "Wagon Master," which was filmed at Moab last fall.

The feature will be shown at Moab on May 14, 15, and 16, instead of an earlier date in April. Ides will show the feature seven times - three times on May 14, and twice each on May 15 and 16. The feature will be released at Salt Lake City on the same date as the Moab booking.

Reviews by motion picture critics gives the production an “excellent” rating.

Times Independent 1950-05-11 Page 1

"Wagonmaster," Filmed at Moab, Here Sunday

Moab people are looking forward with eager anticipation to the showing at the Ides theater Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday of "Wagonmaster," the John Ford production that was filmed in the vicinity of Moab last November. Many Moab people worked as extras in the picture and are wondering if they will show up when the feature is flashed on the silver screen.

The picture will be shown seven times at Moab, with four showings on Sunday and two each on Monday and Tuesday.

Times Independent 1950-06-01 Page 1

Fisher Towers Featured in John Ford Pictures

Famed Fisher Towers, outstanding scenic feature of Grand County, formed the background for the John Ford picture "Wagon Master," which was recently released. Mr. Ford's new production "Rio Bravo" will be filmed in the same general area.

Fisher Towers were made more accessible and enjoyable to tourists this spring by the construction of a series of trails through the area, the work being financed by Grand County. Tourists can now hike to all parts of the Towers without danger.

The Towers rise to a height of 1,200 feet.

Times Independent 1950-08-10 Page 1

"Overcharging" Said to be Driving Movie Industry out of Utah; Moab Held out as Bright Ray in Otherwise Gloomy Picture

Howard Pearson, theater editor of the Deseret News, writing in Friday's News, states that Utah is threatened with loss of its lucrative moviemaking industry. He quotes a business leader as saying that overcharging on the part of the local people is driving the movie people out of the state, and worse still, it appears Utah's share of the film production business is going to other states, and on a permanent basis.

The News says:

"The business leader who declared the state is losing this industry stated that representatives of one company, which had made several pictures around Cedar City and Kanab in past years said four years ago they would never return. They never have. He said they told him they did not believe they were getting a fair deal. This particular company had established a ranch in southern Utah. Representatives of another company, which produced three movies in the state in 1948 and 1949, also commented they would not return after their accounting department informed them the charges were 'exorbitant,' this business leader declared."

The News writer adds this encouraging comment: "There was one bright ray in the situation in announcement that John Ford, who has made two pictures in Utah (at Moab) planned to produce three others within a year. Industryites pointed out that this is only one company, however, and can hardly compensate for the loss of three or four others."

"Meantime, both residents of the communities affected by the curb and those in the industry in Salt Lake were pondering ways to woo the film companies back to Utah."