Tombstone Film

The 1993 Tombstone film main cast
The 1993 Tombstone film main cast

The Tombstone Film had some quirky details! Some aren’t what you’d think! Did you imagine it was filmed right in the historic town of Tombstone Arizona? The Tombstone movie’s 25th anniversary celebration was in Tombstone. But filmed where? We’ll let you in on some inside info about this beloved wild west Tombstone movie. We’ll answer some of those crazy questions about the making of the Tombstone 1993 film.

  • What was the Director’s Cut of the Tombstone film?
  • What about Lester Moore Tombstone & where was the film made?
  • A major role turn-down!
  • An insider interview from behind the scenes.

The Director’s Cut Vs. Original

The original version of the Movie Tombstone was released in 1993. This was referred to as the Theatrical Version which came out in all the theaters, and then eventually produced for VHS, DVDs, etc. This version is already beloved by so many, with an all-around Terrific Cast – did it need another version?

In 2002 a version called the “Director’s Cut” was released. It added some scenes that were previously edited out, which produced a little more clarity to some of the plot lines. That made the film go a little bit longer – extending it for six more minutes. Did it make for a better film. Possibly.1

Where Was the 1993 Movie Tombstone Filmed?

Wouldn’t it be logical to think that the film Tombstone was made in Tombstone Arizona. But it wasn’t. Even though the town of Tombstone has really done well since the release of that film. Even though Tombstone town should be thankful for its release, the powers that be did not want it filmed in town.

Early in the film, they show a grave where the headstone says “Here lies Lester Moore, Four Slugs from a .44, No Les No more.” Just like the movie had so many laughably, Great Film Quotes – If you’ve been to Boothill in the town of Tombstone (we recommend it), then you likely have noticed that very gravestone!

Didn’t they film that headstone in Tombstone’s Boothill for the 1993 film Tombstone? No – not even that! In Knotsberry Farm theme park in California, there’s a Wild West section. That’s where you can find an exact replica of this Boothill grave of Lester Moore. And that’s where they shot this for the 1993 Tombstone film! Do you think that’s kinda strange?

The movie Tombstone itself was filmed in a number of different locations. Many of them around rural areas in Cochise and Pima counties. The town scenes were mostly filmed in two places.

  • In an area to the West of Tucson, by Tucson Mountain Park is a theme park called “Old Tucson.” But incorporated into that, is their movie film studio called “Old Tucson Studios.” For instance, the train scenes: when they first arrive in Arizona, and when they send Morgan’s body to California were both filmed there. It was really slammed with the Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020/2021, and it succumbed to it, shutting down. Pima County has staked an interest in it, because it’s a valued Local Asset.
  • The other major filming area was in Mescal Arizona. They specifically built a set there for the Tombstone film. Bill and I remember when that was going on. After the movie was finished, we even drove out there to take a look. You could even get up close to view the buildings. Then after awhile it was open for touring. Now it’s private property and you have to make arrangements to get a tour. 

Tombstone Film Role Turn-Downs!

You may have heard of some of those who turned down roles in the Tombstone 1993 movie? Or did you? Let’s mention the big one!

  • You know Kevin Costner starred in his own film: Wyatt Earp. Before that came out, he was offered the role of Wyatt Earp in the Tombstone film. That according to Kevin Jarre, the first director. He turned it down.2

Tombstone 1993 Film Anniversary: 25 Years

The Tombstone film first came out in 1993. On Saturday June 30 & Sunday July 1, 2018, the Movie’s 25th Anniversary Reunion Celebration was held in Tombstone Arizona. It was an ambitious event! The Tombstone Lion’s Club was the host for this local epic event.

Two hard workers were instrumental in making the production of this Reunion Anniversary a success!

  • Miguel Corona had been contacting the Cast/Crew to get them involved. Miguel is a producer for Southwest Pistolero Productions.
  • The other is Gordon Anderson, who owns the Larian Motel. You may already know it – since it’s a great Place to Stay on Fremont St. He did so much of the organizing. Plus he was a major player, as well, in gathering financial support.
Tombstone Film Headliners - Standing (Left to Right) Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Kurt Russell; Sitting: Bill Paxton
Standing (L-R) Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Kurt Russell; Sitting: Bill Paxton

Insider Tombstone Film Interview

Karen from Tombstone Travel Tips had the opportunity to speak with the wife of cast member a of the 1993 Tombstone film. The couple were in town for this anniversary – the cast reunion. Her husband, Jerry Crandall, had been hired on to be a Buckaroo in the Tombstone movie. They have quite a life, and they run a business together.

©"Isn't That A Daisy" by Artist Jerry Crandall - portrait of doc holliday
©”Isn’t That A Daisy” by Artist Jerry Crandall

Interview About Movie Buckaroo Jerry Crandall

  • Karen – Hello Judy, I understand you’re Jerry’s publicist, and of course his wife! I think you both used to live in Arizona?
  • Judy – Yes, we lived in Sedona Arizona for over 15 years in the 1980s & 1990s. Jerry was a Buckaroo for the Tombstone movie. But he’s also a traditional Western Artist. When we lived in Sedona, he participated in art shows, galleries, and he had several private commissions. Jerry’s been painting his beloved West for over 50 years.
  • Karen – Lots of experience! So you’ve now moved to Montana, and you both have your business there?
  • Judy – Yes. In 1997 we moved to the Hamilton Montana area. There we’re able to continue studying the old West, its history. Our Company is Eagle Editions Ltd. It is located near the awe-inspiring Bitterroot Mountains in the Western part of the state.
  • Karen – I understand you’re a bit into the arts too?
  • Judy – Well I’ve been a director for several galleries. I have also penned quite a few publication articles about artists, history and collecting. Plus I have a book, Cowgirls – which is in its 2nd Edition. It’s published by Schiffer Publishing in Pennsylvania.
Iconic images of Tombstone Arizona in a painting called
“Tombstone”© by Jerry Crandal

Jerry’s Movie Career

  • Karen – How did Jerry get into the film industry?
  • Judy – Jerry was born in La Junta, Colorado. That’s near Bent’s Fort on the Santa Fe Trail. He grew up with this Western interest. He began collecting artifacts, period photos, clothing, holsters, saddles, etc. As an avid collector, he also became an intense historian.
  • Karen – That really did take passion for the subject!
  • Judy – Yes! And because of his expertise on the American West, he served as Historical Consultant for early segments of the TV series Centennial, and for the Charlton Heston Movie, The Mountain Men. He has served as consultant for various shows on the A&E Network, Discovery & The History Channel.  He has also been an actor on shows for those networks as well. Articles about Jerry have appeared in Southwest ArtArt Voices SouthTrue WestCowboys & IndiansMan at ArmsPrintsAir Classics,  Distinctly Montana , as well as many more.

Jerry in 1993’s Tombstone Film

  • Karen – What’s the story on Jerry’s appearance in the film Tombstone?
  • Judy – Jerry was given the role as “Cowboy Number 2” or the 2nd Cowboy in the script. But he also does some stunt work, and he performs his own stunts. He was working as cowboy Number 2 on the second unit with Terry Leonard stunt Coordinator & director of the second unit. It was the part when Jerry did his stunt falling off his horse, Apache. When doing that, he broke his shoulder! 
  • Judy – So he couldn’t continue in that role as that cowboy. Unfortunately, Jerry couldn’t stay on at all after he broke his shoulder. He came home to re-cover.
  • Karen – That’s too bad! About that accident. But, he sure has diverse talents!
  • Judy – Yes, in fact he was also an uncredited stunt actor on the Tombstone film. He is a SAG member – the Screen Actors Guild.
Tombstone filming with stunt actor Jerry Crandall

1993 Tombstone Film Reunion

  • Karen – What will you and Jerry be doing at the Anniversary/Reunion?
  • Judy – We’ll have original paintings, prints, posters and Giclée editions of the Tombstone film stars. The Buckaroos will be in the City Park June 30 and July 1. Visitors can drop by, meet Jerry as the artist, and view and/or purchase his amazing artwork.
  • Karen – Any special pieces you’ll be featuring?
  • Judy – Yes. Of special note is the original oil of Peter Sherayko as Texas Jack Vermillion in the movie. Available are limited editions of only 35 autographed prints, each signed by both Peter Sherayko and artist Jerry Crandall.
  • Karen – Wow, that is a great opportunity! They’re bound to be collector’s items.
Painting called
“Texas Jack Vermillion” © As played by Peter Sherayko in “Tombstone”
Painting by Jerry Crandall:
“Turkey Creek Johnson”© by Jerry Crandall, As Portrayed by Buck Taylor in “Tombstone”
  • Judy – We’ll also have Jerry’s “Ed Bailey” as played by Frank Stallone. We’ll be offering a signed print edition of Frank’s piece as well! In addition we’ll have several Giclée editions available of the featured Tombstone pieces. And we’ll have some smaller posters for only $20 to $25 so folks can have these and the stars’ signatures. Pretty cool, huh?!
  • Karen – Absolutely! I know I’ve read that more than 50 of Jerry’s Western and Aviation Art paintings have been reproduced in limited edition collector prints and Giclée editions. I hear quite a few are now sold out and getting collector secondary market prices. Judy, I appreciate you speaking with me today.
  • Judy – Thanks so much for letting your readers have a glimpse of Jerry’s work!

It was a pleasant time, when I spoke with Judy Crandall. You’ll notice Jerry’s style combines a union between historical authenticity and fine art. Working as a professional artist for over 50 years, he enjoys painting in a more traditional realistic style.

He is listed in Who’s Who in American Art, Who’s Who in the West, Who’s Who in America, Contemporary Western Artists, among others. He’s also a member of American Mountain Men.

Portrait of Frank Stallone as Ed Bailey in the Movie Tombstone, By the Artist Jerry Crandall ©
By the Artist Jerry Crandall ©

References

1 McHale, J. (1990-2020). Tombstone 1993 FAQ. IMDb Movies That Changed My Life. Retrieved from imdb.com/title/tt0108358/faq

2 Farkis, J. (2019) The making of Tombstone: Behind the scenes of the classic modern western. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company Inc. 


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