Where Was Big Jake Filmed? Locations That Will Blow Your Mind!

Big Jake is one of the top-most movies from the early 70s. No worries if you have never watched this movie. I am here to update you about its plot and filming locations. Read the article till the very end to get acquainted with the basic premise and where was Big Jake filmed!

The western-action movie received positive reviews due to the depiction of influencing characters. According to the critics, the movie was well-structured with action and perfect dialogue. Fans were in love with the cinematography and storyline. And the most attractive element of the movie was the character of Big Jake, which fans like till the present. Viewers found him violent and a smart guy. However, the film made a benchmark for movies of the same timeline.

Before discussing the plot, we are going to cover where was Big Jake filmed. So, pull up your socks for an adventurous ride through this article!

Where Was Big Jake Filmed? Locations For Your Upcoming Vacations!

Big Jake was shot in technicolor and came up as the last movie produced under the direction of George Sherman. The primary shooting of the movie commenced in early October and went on till late December 1970. Before commencing the shooting, the makers were clear that they would need only a few locations. Luckily, this worked for them and the movie turned out to be a blockbuster. 

The entire shooting of Big Jake took place in the Mexican states of Durango and Zacatecas. Get along with me to know more about where was Big Jake filmed! 

El Saltito Waterfall, Durango

The opening and many romantic scenes were shot at El Saltito Waterfall. Filming at such a muddy location was quite tough for the production team. The cameras were heavy at that time so the crew members were supposed to bear with it. At the same time, they were responsible for shooting without slipping. 

Even the cast members were a bit worried for their safety while shooting. But somehow none of the cast and crew members got injured during the shooting. The perfect natural setup of the waterfall was the only reason that forced the makers to shoot the movie here.  

Well, let me inform you that El Saltito Waterfall is unlike other waterfalls where you can have a close look at the waterfall. There’s a big natural pool in front of the waterfall so you can watch it from a distance. This place resonates a lot with the filming location of The Harder They Fall. 

Sierra de Organos National Park, Zacatecas 

Situated in the northwest corner of the municipality of Sombrerete, Sierra de Organos National Park was another primary location of Big Jake. Interestingly, this location did not get consensus from all the crew members until they visited it. The moment the production unit visited this place, everyone showed a green flag. 

The biggest problem that the cast and crew members faced here was the presence of scorpions and criminal gangs. Before shooting, the crew members would check the spot carefully to remain safe from scorpions. For protection from criminal gangs, a special security team was hired by the makers. 

If you are excited to know more about his park, let me tell you that it’s a wonderful place for camping and checking natural rock formations. Just like the production team of the movie, you need to be careful of scorpions. Apart from this, you can also enjoy hiking and watching caves. 

Plot Of Big Jake | What’s It About?

The plot of Big Jake is set in 1909 and revolves around Jake’s family. 

Martha and Jake run a ranch with the help of their sons- Jeff, Michael, and James. One day, the Fain Gang attacks the family, kidnaps Little Jake (Jeff’s son), and leaves behind a ransom note. After reading the note, Martha arranges money and keeps it in a strongbox to keep it safe. 

Big Jake gets the responsibility to take the amount to the kidnappers. But suddenly, Michael informs them that he has found the kidnappers. Upon hearing this, Big Jake takes the matter into his hands and decides to manage things in the old-fashioned way. Jake and his sons set out to confront the kidnappers and they happen to meet Michael’s son who left home a few years back. 

The only messenger, John Fain, informs Jake that the kidnappers are planning to kill Little Jake and gives instructions on how to act smart.  When Jake and his sons arrive at their destination, they find that the money strongbox is replaced with newspaper clippings. Jake’s sons start doubting him but he clarifies things. 

The story gets more interesting when all of them start searching for Little Jake and Fain’s brother, Will holding him. Big Jake manages to set fire and kills Will. Amidst all this, Big Jake gets wounded badly and requests his grandson to run rather than asking for help. Soon Michael kills all the kidnappers and takes Big Jake to their home. 

Final Words 

I hope it’s been exciting for you to learn where was Big Jake filmed. Now that you know all the filming locations, why not visit them to relive all the action sequences? Book your tickets and have an amazing time with your family. You can also read where was Avatar 2 filmed to note some more interesting locations.