Continuing with locations from “Once Upon a Time in the West”. After the confrontation at the Cattle Corner station the scene switches to the McBain ranch where food is being prepared and set out for a party. The large ranch house was designed and built by Carlo Simi. The logs used in the construction were the remains from the Orson Welles production of “Chimes at Midnight” (1965). The family scene is interrupted by shots and Brett, Maureen and Daniel McBain are murdered. A terrified Timmy McBain runs out the front door but is frozen in fear as five gunmen approach.
“What are we gonna do with this one, Frank?”
“Now that you’ve called me by name.”
Today the location is called “Western Leone” and is a tourist attraction. Buildings have been added to simulate a western town which ruins the atmosphere. The ranch house itself is a bar and is filled with western film photos (many American films which were never shot in Spain). “Western Leone” is north of Mini Hollywood on the same expressway. Look for the billboards and you won’t get lost. Exit the N-340 road between Almeria and Sorbas. Stunt shows are performed and you can stay as long as you want. Look to the north of the site and you’ll be able to see the remains of the El Condor fort lying in rubble about a half mile away.
For a more detailed view of this site and other Spaghetti Western locations please visit my friend Yoshi ‘Garringo’ Yasuda’s excellent website: http://garringo.cool.ne./jp
Its such a shame that this wonderful location has been messed up with 'toy town' western buildings, that have no historical value.
ReplyDeleteWhen I visited, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that the people working there seemed to know very little about the films that were shot here.
If it was restored to the way it looked in '68, they would surely get a lot more visitors.
I totally agree. The buildings conduse the location and add nothing to it. If anything they should have added the barn back on to the original ranchouse. Why do they have pictures of Paul Newman and John Wayne decorating the walls inside the saloon?
ReplyDeleteThey also play a CD on loop of various western themes, such as Bonanza! The Magnificent Seven! and 'The Ballad of the Alamo'!!!
ReplyDeleteTom, if my lottery numbers ever come up, you me Ray, Chris etc are going to Almeria to save the McBain Ranch.
Sergio would be spinning in his grave if he could see the place!
Yes I agree Adrian the it is irritating to hear American scores played in Spain. They do the opposite in Old Tucson Studio in Arizona, they play Spaghetti Western music.
ReplyDelete