Where was Big Jake Filmed? Big Jake is a 1971 Technicolour Western film by George Sherman. John Wayne and Richard Boone were the main cast of this film. It garnered over $7.5 million in the United States, which made it one of the biggest hits from that year. Martha McCandles’ family goes for a massive ranch, and they are attacked by Richard Boone and their Fain Gang. Moreover, They kill all the members of the ranch. But the 8-year-old Jake McCandles is kidnapped.
The kidnappers flee to their hideout in Mexico. The kidnappers placed a ransom of 1 million dollars, so Martha McCandles asks her estranged husband Big Jake McCandles to get her grandson back. Martha knows one thing for sure that he’s the only man who can bring her grandson back alive. Many people think that Big Jake is dead, but he’s still alive. He’s got other plans to successfully get Jake back.
Amidst all the chaos, Big Jake and Martha discuss the plans to save Jake. So, they decide to put the ransom in a red box. Despite everything, Big Jake warns her about losing her grandchild. Big Jake is a Strong gunfighter in the West, and he is known for his company with his rough collie mix, and he named him “Dog”. So, let’s see, Where was Big Jake Filmed?
More About ‘Big Jake’
The family is warned about risking the child’s life. If anything happens, they’ll send back the child’s dead body. Even though Big Jake is hired to do all the work, he doesn’t do anything as per the gang’s way. They reach Mexico the next day, and they’re fully aware of the other gang’s intentions to steal the box with the ransom money. Big Jake is sure that they have a close watch on them, so he sets a trap and kills all the bandits. Between all these things, the box is ripped open, and it’s full of newspaper clippings instead of money.
This creates a huge mess, and both his sons believe that the money is stolen. But Jake convinces them and assures them that this was planned by him and Martha. After everything is settled, Pop Dawson arrives and informs the gang about the meetup. He explains all the rules to them and warns them about their moves because their sharp rifle shooter is closely aiming towards little Jake. Big Jake convinces him about Michael’s death.
They meet the gang members and hand over the box the moment the box is opened. They realize that they’ve been cheated on. But, before they can do anything about it, Jake kills John’s brother Will, and this helps Little Jake to escape. After the fight has started, John and Big Jake find themselves wounded and ready to attack for the last stride. Big Jake informs Little Jake to run to James, but he’s attacked and caught by John Goodfellow. He kills Sam to death with his machete, and now he’s ready to take the boy with him. But, Big Jake’s dog manages to save him but dies in his place, as he is drowned in the water.
Where is ‘Big Jake’ Filmed?
Big Jake was originally titled ‘The Million Dollar Kidnapping’. It was filmed around early October to December 1970, in the Mexican States Durango and Zacatecas, including a lot of scenes recorded at the El Saltito waterfall and in the Sierra de Órganos National Park. Big Jake was premiered on 27th May 1971 in New York and 1st June 1971 in Los Angeles. It is produced by Batjac Productions, Inc.; Cinema Center Films and Distributed by National General Pictures Corporation.
The writers have strongly depicted the roles of all the characters. Maureen O’ Hara as Martha McCandles. She is a very strong and independent woman who sets out her departed husband to look for their grandchild. The movie is well-structured with action and high-end dialogues. Fans appreciate the cinematography and the storyline. Big Jake’s character is very impressive to most of them. His violent, unsentimental, and smart nature has caught everyone’s attention. But some fans are disappointed by Wayne’s portrayal as his character is not up to the mark. However, the movie made its benchmark, and people still love to watch it even after so many years.