Saturday, January 12--Old Tucson

Saturday we drove southwest of Tucson to Old Tucson Studios. Many westerns were filmed there. The set was originally built for the movie Arizona starring William Holden in 1939.

We learned that many of the original sets burned in 1995 from a fire of unknown cause.

We especially liked the Rio Lobo sets.

The stunt show took place at the old mission from the movie. You know Bob, he can't go anywhere without wanting a nap! He rested in the Rio Lobo jail. Old Reno was used in many movies and television shows--Wild, Wild West was Joyce's favorite.

The weather was perfect for our visit to Old Tucson. In fact, we had to get out of the sun a few times.

The stores on the main set were used in Little House on the Prairie.
High Chaparral was also filmed at the studio.

This was the blacksmith shop from High Chaparral.

We enjoyed Miss Kitty's Can Can Show. The actors were muli-taskers. The bad guy in the bank shoot out was also in the stunt show. Miss Clementine (middle cancan dancer) was also the lead in the stunt show. Old Tucson had the prerequisite forms for us to pose as barkeeper and waitress.

After spending most of the day at Old Tucson we drove to find the Sonora Desert Museum & Zoo. It is one of the top 10 zoos in America. We also drove a little further to find the West Saguaro National Monument. We watched the short movie, looked in the gift shop, and returned to the rv. Both places closed at 5 p.m. and it was already 3 so we will return another day to explore the Desert Museum and hike at West Saguaro National Monument.