Silverado is an American western drama film, directed and co-written, and produced by Lawrence Kasdan with Mark Kasdan as screenwriter.
This is one of the most iconic film for the 80s as it stars many legendary actors like, Kevin Kline, Kevin Costner (Pale Rider & Open Range), Linda Hunt, Jeffrey Goldblum, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, John Cleese, and 80s Hollywood sweetheart Rosanna Arquette.
Silverado movie was released on July 10, 1985 and became an instant hit after its release in the US cinemas. The film was a box office success that made over $32 Million at the box office, against a budget of $23 Million.
Where was the movie Silverado (1985) filmed?
The American western drama film Silverado (1985) was filmed at various ranch locations in New Mexico, but the main filming location was Cerro Pelon Ranch (previously known as Cook Movie Ranch).
In 1984, director Lawrence was looking for a perfect area to recreate the fictional town of Silverado along with screenwriter Mark Kasdan. On scouting a remote area of New Mexico, they chose to film at Cook Ranch.
At first, they were planning to build only two to three structures, but after a few shots, the place was transformed into a big production setup, and the ordinary ranch was turned into the main set of a big budget film, featuring a lot of great actors.
IMDb reports have confirmed that the shooting for Silverado began on Nov 1, 1984 and wrapped after five months of filming on March 31, 1985 within the same state.
White Rock, Los Alamos Country New Mexico
The opening scene of the western movie Silverado was filmed at 700 Overlook Rd in White Rock, New Mexico. When Emmett comes out of his rickety hut, you can see the stunning mountain view of the White Rock Overlook.
The scenic spot features a staggering 270 degree open space view of the beautiful Rio Grande River that runs along the Jemez Mountains.
This location encapsulates the promise and peril of the Old West, where freedom and danger lie around every bend.
Cerro Pelon Ranch, Santa Fe, NM
Most of the shooting was done in Cerro Pelon Ranch, originally called the Cook Ranch, and later the Cook Movie Ranch.
As Paden reclaims his stolen horse in the dusty streets, you can see other old-fashioned houses expanding through the streets.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the shooting of this Kevin Kline movie served as a boon for the ranch owners, as Silverdao was the first film to recognize the potential of this lonesome ranch.
Around thirty Hollywood productions have been filmed at this ranch, including Lonesome Dove, The Return of Desperado, Into the Badlands, Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Girls, The Lazarus Man, and Wild Wild West.
Though the ranch is privately owned and not open to visitors, you can still view it from outside by driving or taking public transportation from Albuquerque towards Capitan.
Crossroads Meeting – Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM
The meeting between Emmett, Jake, Paden, and Mal at a remote crossroads was filmed at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico.
Set against a backdrop of red sandstone cliffs and desert, the wild natural beauty of this ranch reflects the boundless freedom and danger of the Old West.
This expansive 21,000-acre retreat features stunning red sandstone cliffs and desert terrain, which served as a picturesque Wild West backdrop.
When gunslingers converge at the crossroads, we enjoy those panoramic views that underline the allure and excitement of new frontiers waiting to be explored.
The Arrest of Mal – J.W. Eaves Movie Ranch
Mal’s dramatic arrest outside a church was filmed at J.W. Eaves Movie Ranch – 75 Rancho Alegre Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico. This western town set provided the perfect backdrop, with saloons, jails, and mercantile buildings evoking frontier justice.
As Mal is accosted by the sheriff’s men, the scene crackles with tension, bringing Silverado’s outlaw-filled streets to life.
You can visit this ranch to appreciate its role in creating some of Hollywood’s most memorable Wild West moments and don’t forget to walk through Bonanza Creek Ranch, also featured in the film.
The Gunfight – Tent Rocks National Monument
The climactic gunfight between Emmett’s crew and the posse was filmed at the awe-inspiring Tent Rocks in Cochiti Pueblo. This natural monument’s ancient cliffs and precariously stacked boulders create a one-of-a-kind battlefield.
You can see the marks of bullets ricochet off the red rock, the stark beauty of this windswept desert amplifies the scene’s drama. The unique geology tells a story eons old, reminding us of man’s fleeting presence in the vast wilderness. Tent Rocks is a special location that gives Silverado an indelible sense of place.
Rocks View Scene Location
The climactic shootout between Emmett’s crew and the posse was filmed at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument southwest of Santa Fe.
This area contains unique red sandstone rock formations and cliffs formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. The monument is open to daytime visitors only.
The Final Showdown – Galisteo Basin
The epic final showdown between the heroes and the villainous Sheriff Cobb was filmed in Galisteo Basin, another remarkable landscape in New Mexico. It is a popular hiking spot, where tourists can ride a bike.
This dry, high-altitude basin is surrounded by the Ortiz Mountains, with very little vegetation outside of juniper trees and sagebrush. The harsh, barren environment reflected the stark mortality of the characters in their final fight.
As Emmett, Jake, Mal, and Paden have their final confrontation with Cobb amid the ruins of an old adobe town, the location enhances the scene’s drama.
Galisteo Basin’s austere beauty and evocative abandoned buildings provide the perfect backdrop for the emotional climax of the story.
California’s Wild West Past
Scenes involving the ranch home of Kevin Kline’s character were shot at the storied Warner Brothers Ranch in Burbank. This facility offers a variety of Western-style buildings and landscapes, having hosted productions like Maverick and Deadwood.
If you love exploring those western movie locations that takes us back to the cowboy era, then you will love checking out the shooting locations of Jeremiah Johnson, Crossfire Trail, Night of the Grizzly, Outlaw Posse, etc.
Who’s in the cast of Silverado (1985)?
- Scott Glenn as Emmett
- Rosanna Arquette as Hannah
- John Cleese as Sheriff Langston
- Kevin Kline as Paden
- Brian Dennehy as Cobb
- Danny Glover as Mal
- Kevin Costner as Jake
- Jeff Goldblum as Slick
- Linda Hunt as Stella
- Ray Baker as McKendrick
- Joe Seneca as Ezra
- Lynn Whitfield as Rae
- Jeff Fahey as Tyree
- Dick Durock as Bar Fighter
- Pepe Serna as Scruffy
- Patricia Gaul as Kate
- Amanda Wyss as Phoebe
- Earl Hindman as J.T.
- James Gammon as Dawson
- Thomas Wilson Brown as Augie (as Tom Brown)
- Marvin J. McIntyre as Clerk
- Brad Leland as Trooper (as Brad Williams)
- Sheb Wooley as Cavalry Sergeant
- Jonathan Kasdan as Boy at Outpost (as Jon Kasdan)
- Todd Allen as Deputy Kern
- Kenny Call as Deputy Block
- Bill Thurman as Carter
- Meg Kasdan as Barmaid
- Gene Hartline as Bar Fighter
- Autry Ward as Hat Thief
- Jake Kasdan as Stable Boy (as Jacob Kasdan)
- Rusty Meyers as Conrad
- Zeke Davidson as Mr. Parker
- Lois Geary as Mrs. Parker
- Troy Ward as Baxter
- Roy McAdams as Tall Outlaw
- Jim Haynie as Bradley
- Richard Jenkins as Kelly
- Jerry Biggs as Bartender
- Sam Gauny as Deputy Garth
- Ken Farmer as Deputy Kyle
- Bill McIntosh as Deputy Charlie
- Charles Seybert as Shopkeeper
- Jane Beauchamp as Neighbor Woman
- Jerry Block as Townsman
- Ben Zeller as Townsman
- Ted White as Hoyt
- Ross Loney as Red
- Walter Scott as Swann
- Bob Terhune as Guard Cowboy
What is the plot of Silverado?
The movie follows a bunch of friends, who come together to free a small town from the fear of bad guys.
Silverado Movie Review
Over 35 years since its premiere, Silverado remains one of the definitive Westerns of the 1980s.
While the characters and story are fictional, the evocative filming locations scattered across the Southwestern United States are very real places fans can still visit.
Whether you’re seeking the ghost town ambiance of New Mexico, or the Hollywood magic of Old Tucson and Warner Brothers Ranch, it’s possible to experience some of the Old West atmosphere that made this film such an enduring classic.
For a nostalgic trip back in time, see these iconic backdrops and feel the adventure of Silverado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Kevin Costner do his own stunts in Silverado?
Yes, Kevin did some of his own stunts in Silverado.
Is there a real town called Silverado?
No, Silverado is a fictional town, recreated at different ranches in New Mexico, United States.
What year does silverado take place?
The movie Silverado takes place in 1985.
What year was the movie Silverado released?
Silverdao movie was released in 1985.
How long is the movie silverado?
The movie is 2 Hour 13 Minutes or 133 minutes long.
How old was Kevin Costner in Silverado?
Kevin Costner was 30 years-old when he starred as Jake in Silverado.
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