The Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission, one of the longest-running film commissions in the world, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Coincidentally, 2024 also marks 100 years since the first movies filmed in Utah premiered and the 50th anniversary of the Utah Film Commission, formed in 1974.
Established in 1949, the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission supports Grand and San Juan counties and is pivotal in attracting film tourism. Thirty-seven percent of visitors note that they came to Utah because of a movie they saw.
Over the years, the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission has facilitated thousands of productions, making Moab a sought-after destination for filmmakers.
Bette Stanton recalls Moab’s intertwining relationship with Hollywood in the Summer 1989 Number 2 Issue of the Canyon Legacy:
“John Ford had just finished directing … his fourth movie filmed in Monument Valley. Looking for a change of scenery for his next production, Wagonmaster, it was suggested that he take a look at the magnificent landscapes around Moab.
Upon his arrival in the tiny desert community, Ford went straight to the office of L. L. “Bish” Taylor, editor of the local newspaper. The two men discussed the possibilities of making movies in the area, and Taylor was quick to see the economic potential the film industry might offer to Moab.
To get the ball rolling, “Bish” introduced John Ford to his good friend, George White. George, his wife Essie, and their three sons operated a ranch along the Colorado River, fifteen miles east of town near Castle Valley. The White Ranch, in its pristine setting, would later become the location for several movies.
Knowing the country well, George was asked to scout with Ford in search of possible locations for Wagonmaster. Key sites needed were a river crossing for the wagon train, a bluff off which a wagon would roll, and a few unique vistas for wagons to travel through. It turned out that all locations were available within ten miles of George’s ranch.
For a panoramic view of the area, George took Ford out on a gravel bar at Nine Mile Bottom, where he could look down the Colorado River past Fisher Towers to the La Sal Mountains. According to George, Ford exclaimed, ‘That’s the greatest sight I’ve ever seen.’ They found a spot for the river crossing at the old Titus Ranch, and the perfect bluff was located just below the scenic Fisher Towers. Ford declared the production a ‘go,’ and Wagonmaster began Moab’s long association with the film industry. The town would never be quite the same again.”
Read more about Moab’s history with the film industry, Hollywood, and our very own Monument Valley Film Commission in the Canyon Legacy archive located at moabmuseum.org.
Dive deeper into the history at the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage for a celebration and history of the films created within the area, housed at Red Cliffs Lodge on Highway 128 up River Road.
The Moab Museum is dedicated to sharing stories of the natural and human history of the Moab area. To explore more of Moab’s stories and artifacts, find out about upcoming programs, and become a Member, visit www.moabmuseum.org.
