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Visiting the “Contrabando” Movie Set Site
Historical Landmark in Redford, Texas
What a surprise it was to be driving along Highway 170 in Big Bend Ranch State Park and see a sign that said “Contrabando Movie Set Site.” Of course, Rich hit the brakes and I said, “Turn around, go back.”
I thought it was the set for a movie titled, “Contrabando,” but boy was I wrong. I looked it up and here is what I discovered…
The buildings and set was built in 1985 for the 1986 comedy movie “Uphill All The Way,” starring Mel Tillis, Roy Clark, Burl Ives, and Glen Campbell.
In 1993, the set was used in the movie “Rio Diablo,” starring Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, and Naomi Judd.
In 1994, it was used in the “Gambler V: Playing For Keeps,” movie starring Kenny Rogers.
In 1995, it was used for the TV mini-series “Streets of Laredo,” starring James Garner, Sissy Spacek, Sam Shephard, and Ned Beatty.
In 1996, “Dead Man’s Walk” was an epic western television CBS mini-series filmed here as a prequel to the “Lonesome Dove” series. It starred Keith Carradine, Brian Dennehy, David Arquette, Jennifer Garner, and Jonny Lee Miller.
Also in 1996, Brooks & Dunn filmed their music video here for the song “My Maria.” Their music video shows the building in the photo above.
And finally, in 2000, the 2001 released movie “The Journeyman” was filmed here as well as in Lajitas down the road. This film starred Willie Nelson, Brad Hunt, and Daniel Lapaine.
You can read this article to see some of the other buildings that are no longer standing.
