Where Was The Last Challenge Filmed? An Epic-Western Flick From 1967!!

We understand that epic-western films have a loyal fan base. So if you enjoy watching vintage western flicks as well, then continue to read this article till the end. As today, I will tell you all about the classic film, The Last Challenge, starring Glenn Ford. And later let you in on where was The Last Challenge filmed.

The American iconic film, The Last Challenge, released in 1967, was loosely inspired from a novel by John Sherry, published 4 years prior to the movie. Richard Thorpe, the director of the film, was so inspired by the story, that he later decided to bring Sherry on board, as a screenwriter. The basic premise of this action-packed film is centered around the character of Dan Blaine, an unforgiving Marshal of the southwestern town of Suwora. The plot thickens when the ex-gang members of the law-keeper, entice him to join the gang, again.

The Last Challenge performed decently at the box office and went on to gross over $38 million in total collections. Even though this exciting film didn’t go on to win any major awards, the fans and critics categorically appreciated the overall storyline of The Last Challenge.

So, without waiting any longer, let’s find out where was The Last Challenge filmed. So that you can analyze the filming locations. And as promised, I’ll also acquaint you with the plot of this exciting film, later.

Where Was The Last Challenge Filmed? Let’s Know This Western Flick Closely!

The story of The Last Challenge is set in the southwestern town of Suwora in America, although the sequences of the film were captured in a different location. Richard Thorpe consciously refrained from shooting on location for a number of reasons. The nominal filming budget, of course, was one of the major reasons why the director kept from filming in the remote town. As extra money would be required to get the logistics delivered to the sparsely-populated town on time. 

Thus, after scouting for other filming locations across the southern states of America, Richard finally decided to shoot the majority of the exterior sequences in and around Arizona. The director later decided to capture the remaining scenes in California, after conferring with other creative heads of the production. The principal photography began in October 1966 and was completed within two months. So let us now discuss in-depth, where was The Last Challenge filmed, and find out more about the specific filming sites.

Arizona | USA

The opening scene of the film, as captured in the state of Arizona. The rocky backdrop of the Texas Canyon located in Cochise County was perfect to match the barren and rough setting required for the film. Several exterior shots were captured near the valley, after which the production members moved to a region near the Dragoon Mountains. The scene where the Marshal appears to chase away a group of criminals in the film was filmed here.

The filming crew then moved to the city of Tucson. The vintage-styled tavern shown in the movie, where the lead actor runs into his old gang members, was constructed by the production members. The make-believe tavern was built in one and a half weeks, and then the filming crew extensively filmed inside it, capturing the interior sequence of the first duel. Other pivotal scenes were filmed in Old Tucson, specifically near the Sabino Canyon where we see the sequences depicting the back story of the Marshal. After completing the majority of the filming, the members then captured the final sequence of the film near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and then headed back to California.

California | USA

The ending sequence of the movie, where we see the wildlife sanctuary, was actually filmed in California. The filming crew traveled to the beautiful Alpine Butte Wildlife Sanctuary in Palmdale and captured some jaw-dropping outdoor shots. Almost all other interior sequences were then captured inside the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, located at 10202 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City. Shooting in California lasted for about a month or so, after which the production heads wrapped up the entire filming process and began working on other areas.

Alright guys, now let’s discuss the plot of The Last Challenge in brief. So that you may be able to get a fair idea about the basic premise of this vintage movie. Plus you can check out Jingle All the Way, A Cozy Christmas Inn and Sweet Home Carolina later as well.

Plot Of The Last Challenge | What’s It About

The story of The Last Challenge revolves around the character of Dan Blaine, a stern and unforgiving Marshal of the southwestern town of America. In the beginning, Blaine appears to be an honest lawkeeper reminding the people of his town to abide by the law at all costs. But later as the story progresses further, the back story of the lead actor becomes apparent, when runs into a gang of criminals.

Soon, the shameful past of the Marshal is revealed by the henchmen, in front of other locals of the town. This completely infuriates Blaine and forces him to think over his decision of reforming. The lead actor then confronts the gang leader and challenges him for a duel. Watch The Last Challenge to find out who wins the gunfight in the end.

Final Words

Alright friends, I hope you enjoyed the read. So now that you know where was The Last Challenge filmed, it’s time for me to say goodbye. Do let us know about your thoughts, in the comments section below. I am also adding other interesting facts about The Last Challenge in the FAQ’s section, you can read them as well. Don’t forget to check out other amazing articles on Viebly, they are equally intriguing.