Have you heard about the classic Western flick Night Passage? Do you want to know where was Night Passage filmed? Then read this article till the end because today I’m going to share everything about this iconic movie.
Night Passage is an American Western film that was released in the late ‘50s. This Western drama movie was adapted from Norman A. Fox’s novel, which was published in 1956. Borden Chase wrote the screenplay, while James Neilson was at the helm of affairs.
The basic premise of Night Passage revolves around the character of Grant McLaine, an ex-railroad man living in Arizona. The story gets interesting when Grant gets re-hired by the officials and is tasked to transport ten thousand dollars worth of gold.
The makers were content with the commercial performance of Night Passage. This epic western drama film grossed over $2.6 million at the box office and also collected several nominations. The critics enjoyed James Stewart’s performance in the lead role. However, this Western action film didn’t manage to bag a single major award.
Before I tell you more about the movie, let’s first find out where was Night Passage filmed. Later, I’ll share other intriguing details of this action drama movie.
Table of Contents
Where Was Night Passage Filmed? Let’s Know This Action Drama Movie Closely!
Night Passage was one of the most important films that James Nielson made during the early stage of his career. Over the years, Nielson made a number of blockbuster films like Return of the Gun-fighter, The First Time, The Moon-Spinners, and Moon Pilot.
But comparatively, it proved out to be the most influential film ever made by Nielson throughout his entire career. The director had previously worked with a number of Hollywood actors, who were also selected for this film.
After the auditioning process was over, Nielson and his crew started looking for filming locations in Arizona. Potential filming locations near the mountainous region in Arizona were scouted by the team, but later the shooting location had to be changed.
The director was perfectly alright with the overall setting of the scouted locations in Arizona, however, the production members couldn’t arrange the filming permits. So, later on, the director asked the production members to scout for other locations with the same sort of setting.
After a couple of weeks, the production members moved to Colorado and searched for the main filming locations. After these sites were selected, the production members moved to California and looked for other locations.
By the end of August 1956. The team scouted all shooting sites, after which Nielsen asked the crew to commence filming. The principal photography of Night Passage began in the first week of October 1956 and continued till the second week of December of the same year.
The production members filmed the majority of the scenes in and around the state of Colorado. However, some pivotal sequences of Night Passage were also captured in California as well. It’s also important to mention that the interior shots of this movie were filmed in California, inside a well-equipped studio.
Let us now discuss in detail where was Night Passage filmed. Later, I will walk you through the plot of the movie as well.
Colorado | USA
The opening scene of the film was shot in Colorado. The production members selected a sparsely populated area located near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The sequences depicting Grant McLaine’s residence in the first part of the movie were filmed in this location.
Later, the production members moved to the next shooting location. The sequence where the outlaws confront the previous railroad contractor was filmed in Silverton/ Additional sequences of the movie were also filmed in Durango, after which the filming crew moved to California.
California | USA
The remaining outdoor scenes of the film were shot in and around Buttermilk Country. This famous place is an integral part of the Inyo National Forest. The majority of the outdoor scenes from the second half of the movie were shot here.
The filming crew captured additional outdoor scenes near Cerro Gordo and then moved to Universal City, California. The remaining interior shots were captured inside Universal Studios, located at 100 Universal City Plaza.
If you’re planning to visit Colorado later this year, then you can look up Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen, Boulder and Mesa Verde National Park. These are some of the most beautiful and iconic places in Colorado. So before you make your travel arrangements, don’t forget to look up these places. And now, let me give you an overview of Night Passage.
In the meantime, you can also read about other movies like Statham’s action-thriller flick, Extraction 2, and Breaking Bad.
Plot Of Night Passage | What’s It About
The story of Night Passage revolves around Grant McLaine and Lee McLaine, two middle-aged American men living in Colorado. At the beginning of the movie, the lead actor gets relieved from his railroad job.
But as the story progresses further, the officials rehire the lead actor and ask him to transport $10,000. Shortly after, the lead actor reaches the main location to perform his duty. However, the story takes a sharp turn when some officials accuse the lead actor of being a double agent.
Watch Night Passage and find out how Grant MaLaine manages to defeat his enemies by devising a sharp plan.
Final Words
I hope now you know where was Night Passage filmed. If you’d like to know more about this movie, then check out the FAQs listed below. However, if you wish to find out the filming locations of other movies and shows, then browse through other blogs on Viebly.
Who Is The Cinematographer Of The Film Night Passage?
William Daniels is the cinematographer of the film Night Passage.
What Is The Rating Of The Film Night Passage?
The film Night Passage has an approved rating.
Who Is The Music Director Of The Film Night Passage?
Dimitri Tiomkin is the music director of the film Night Passage.
Who Is The Producer Of The Film Night Passage?
Aaron Rosenberg and G. Paulson are the producers of the film Night Passage.
