Wyatt Earp 1994. Warner Brothers, Warner Home Video, Color, Aspect Ratio 2.35 : 1 , 191 minutes, Rated PG-13 Release Date: June 24, 1994 Wyatt Earp is available at Amazon.com as a Single Disc DVD, a Two-Disc Special Edition, on Blu-ray, and on VHS. Movie Synopsis: A detailed account of the life and times of the famous lawman, Wyatt Earp, looks at his life from a more personal perspective than most other films about the Western hero. ~Aimee Cast: Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman, David Andrews, Linden Ashby, Jeff Fahey, Joanna Going, Mark Harmon, Michael Masden, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Pullman, Isabella Rossellini, Tom Sizemore, JoBeth Williams, Mare Winningham Director: Lawrence Kasden Thoughts on the Movie: By the time this excellent movie was made, a lot of people had started hatin’ on Kevin Costner. I never could really figure that out: the man is super-talented, he has been involved in numerous successful and extremely entertaining projects, and he’s basically very likable (if somewhat quirky). I guess he just did some things too good, and most of the time people start in not liking that. Anyway... this movie is great. It’s a masterpiece of Western moviemaking. I love how long and drawn out the whole thing is. Heck, do you want to know about Wyatt Earp or not? If not, then don’t watch this particular biopic about him; nobody’s twisting your arm. This character study of one of the great Western heros, Wyatt Earp, is beautifully photographed and exquisitly told. You can settle down for a good, long while and simply be entertained by something that is class all the way. Costner is wonderful as Earp, and the supporting characters all more than adequately meet the challenges of their by now, sometimes familiar, roles. God knows, the story of Wyatt Earp and the gunfight at the O.K. Corral has been told a dozen or more times over, but it’s a great story, and that’s why it keeps being told. And this is one of the best versions of it. And that movie poster is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you, Mr. Costner. ~Jean Location Site: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Chama, New Mexico (see Map) The railroad station scenes toward the end of Wyatt Earp (when the Earps are attempting to get their families to safety) were filmed at this historic railroad depot. One shootout scene also takes place here. Right: The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad station house in Chama, New Mexico, was one of the locations for the 1994 epic Western drama, “Wyatt Earp.” The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, located on US 84/64, about 7 miles from the Colorado border, was originally constructed in 1880 as part of the Rio Grande’s San Juan Extension, which served the silver mining district of the San Juan mountains in southwestern Colorado. Like all of the Rio Grande rails at the time, it was built to a gauge of 3 feet between the rails, instead of the more common 4 feet, 8-1/2 inches that became standard in the United States. The inability to interchange cars with other railroads led the Rio Grande to begin converting its tracks to standard gauge in 1890. However, with the repeal of the Sherman Act in 1893, and its devastating effect on the silver mining industry, traffic over the San Juan Extension failed to warrant conversion to standard gauge. Over the ensuing decades it became an isolated anachronism, receiving its last major upgrades in equipment and infrastructure in the 1920s. Right: This photo captures the beauty of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad route, somewhere in Northern New Mexico, near the community of Chama. In 1970, the states of Colorado and New Mexico jointly purchased the track and line-side structures from Antonito to Chama, nine steam locomotives, over 130 freight and work cars, and the Chama yard and maintenance facility. They began hauling tourists the next year. Today, the railroad is operated for the states by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, an interstate agency authorized by an act of Congress in 1974. Care of the historic railroad is entrusted to the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a non-profit, member-based organization whose mission is to preserve the railroad as a living history museum for the benefit of the public, and for the people of Colorado and New Mexico. About Chama, New Mexico: Chama, New Mexico (population 1,199; elevation 7,871 feet; 36° 53’ 41” N, 106° 35’ 4” W) is located in the north-central part of the state on US 84/64, about 7 miles from the Colorado border. Historic Chama is not a single place, but a diverse valley region stretching south from the Colordo border to the Tierra Amarilla Valley and down to Abiquiu, New Mexico. The Rio Chama Valley offers a unique blend of cultures. In the shops and cafes you will hear a mix of English, Spanish and Native languages, often used in concert. The local economy, once fueled by agriculture, is increasingly fed by tourism and new businesses started by transplants from more congested urban areas. Chama offers clean air and water, open spaces, exciting scenic vistas, outdoor sports, and a warm and welcoming community that embraces cultural, religious and political diversity. Lodging & Dining: Chama Station Inn. Across from the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Depot Known for its authentic character and unhurried ambiance, the inn was built in 1926. Small, with only 10 rooms, it has true Northern New Mexico/Western charm. Right: Chama Station Inn is a welcoming rest stop when visiting the Chama, New Mexico, area. High Country Restaurant and Saloon. Intersection of US 84/64 and NM 17, Chama, New Mexico Favorite plates include hand cut steaks, trout, seafood, burgers, pastas, and New Mexican cuisine. For Recommended Hotels, Motels and Lodges in Taos, see: Taos Lodging Awards: • Dan Gordon and Lawrence Kasden won the Spur Award for Best Drama Script. • Owen Roizman was nominated for the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Movie Trivia: • Dennis Quaid lost over 30 pounds to play Doc Holliday, who suffered from tuberculosis. • Tombstone (1993) was being filmed at the same time nearby, and bought up most of the period clothing in the region. Clothing had to be imported from Europe, delaying production. • For the movie, Wyatt Earp’s actual 6-shooter was loaned by the Earp museum and used in some scenes during a number of close-ups.e. Right: Another view of the station building of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, located in the picturesque town of Chama, New Mexico. Character Quote: “Mister, I’ve been in a really bad mood for the last few years, so I’d appreciate it if you’d just leave me alone.” ~Wyatt Earp (Kevin Costner)