Where Was Cahill US Marshal Filmed? A 1973 Western Drama Flick!!

Do you take delight in watching some of the best vintage western flicks? If you do, then be sure to check this article where I discuss the critically acclaimed western movie, Cahill U.S. Marshal. And also share with you where was Cahill US Marshal filmed.

The American classic western drama flick, Cahill U.S. Marshal, released in 1973, was inspired by a fictional story by Barney Slater. Director Andrew V. McLaglen, in this film presents the story of J.D. Cahill, a stern U.S. Marshal. Who’s shown to be compelled to incarcerate his two young sons – Danny & Billy, when they choose to walk on the path of crime.

Cahill U.S. Marshal received a good response from critics and audiences upon its release. This action drama flick grossed over $3 million in total box office collections, which was a considerable amount of money, with respect to the time of its inception. However, Cahill U.S. Marshal did not go on to earn any nominations or prestigious awards.

Now, before I give you a brief overview of this film, let’s explore where was Cahill US Marshal filmed. So that you can be astonished by the gorgeous filming locations of this awe-inspiring movie.

Where Was Cahill US Marshal Filmed? Let’s Know This Western Flick Closely!

Director Andrew V. McLaglen initially wanted to shoot Cahill U.S. Marshal entirely in America, specifically in and around the states of California and Arizona. But after discussing with the rest of the creative heads of the unit, he decided to include Mexico in the list of filming locations. Soon a special team was formed, consisting of 6 members and they were assigned to scout for perfect shooting locations in Mexico.

The scouting team came up with several locations in Mexico which could potentially depict the rough and arid backdrop required for the film. The production unit, after surveying the locations in Mexico, eventually decided to shoot the majority of the film there, and shoot the remaining sequences in parts of California and Arizona. 

The principal photography began in the middle of November 1972 and was completed within a short span of one month. The fast completion of the entire filming process is owed to the hard work done by the filming crew. Who made sure to work round the clock to stay on top of the filming schedule. Now without waiting any longer, let’s have a detailed discussion about, where was Cahill US Marshal filmed. And explore more about the specific shooting sites.

Arizona, California | USA

The opening scene of the film, where we see the lead character hunting down criminals while riding on his horse, was shot at San Rafael Valley, located in the eastern part of Santa Cruz County. Other notable outdoor scenes in Arizona featured the San Rafael State Natural Area and Elgin. Some other pivotal exterior shots were captured near the ghost town of Canelo, which lies between the Canelo Hills and the northern tip of the Huachuca Mountains.

The production unit then moved to the state of California, to shoot the remaining scenes in America. The sequence where Cahill is shown to stop at a local tavern to investigate a murder was filmed just outside of Calderon Ranch a sparsely populated area in the Apple Valley. After this, the filming crew moved south of the U.S. border to Mexico.

Sonora, Chihuahua | Mexico

The production unit then reached the state of Sonora, located near Mexico City, to capture the sequence of the dry and arid Sonoran desert. The scene in the film where Billy is shown to hide with other criminals of the Sawyer gang was filmed in the municipality area of Moctezuma. Other exterior shots in Sonoran were captured near Sahuaripa and Fronteras. 

Notably, the sequence which featured the Bavispe and Yaqui River came out vividly on screen. The production unit was almost done with the filming process but later decided to film a couple of pivotal scenes in the city of Chihuahua.

Alright, guys, it’s time for me to give you an overview of this film. So that you can get a better understanding of the actual storyline. In the meantime, you can check out Pulp Fiction and Grown Ups, which are quite interesting as well.

Plot Of Cahill U.S. Marshal | What’s It About

The film opens by acquainting us with the central character, J.D. Cahill, an earnest and stern U.S. Marshall bestowed with the responsibility to safeguard innocent civilians living outside of New Mexico. The lead actor, after the demise of his wife, did not remarry, as he wanted to raise his two young sons, Danny & Billy, all by himself.

Later in the film, Cahill’s sons are shown to rebel against their father, as the criminal lifestyle attracted them dearly. Soon after Danny & Billy help Abe Fraser, a criminal mastermind, to jailbreak and loot a bank. Then cunningly pose as if nothing happened, upon the arrival of Cahill.

Midway through the film, Danny poses to help Cahill, catch the perpetrators, while Billy remains hidden with the rest of the criminals. The character of Lightfoot, a half-Comanche emerges, who eventually gives in all the information related to the robbery. And after a huge misunderstanding, Fraser insults Billy in front of the other henchmen, resulting in him leaving the gang.

Finally, Danny & Bill weigh in on Cahill’s side, awaiting a showdown with the Fraser gang. Now in order to know what happens next, whether the U.S. Marshall would bring Fraser and his henchmen to justice. Or would he succumb along with his reformed boys, in the hands of Abe Fraser? I’m not going to spoil the fun for you, by giving away all the spoilers! I’d implore you to watch this awesome film by yourself. 

Final Words

Ok guys, now that you know where was Cahill US Marshal filmed, I hope you enjoyed the read and found what you were looking for! Be sure to add your thoughts in the comment section below. And don’t forget to check out other amazing articles on Viebly.