This article is not directly LVC related, but fans of Sergio Leone and Spaghetti Westerns will instantly recognize the above image... the remains of the arch from Once Upon a Time in the West.
During a recent trip to Monument Valley, I was able to track down the precise area and visit this fantastic location.
Released in 1968, the majority of the film was shot in Spain, but 2 key scenes were shot in the US, as Leone wanted to use historic Monument Valley as a backdrop.
1968 vs 2013
The truck/dolly tracks from the tracking shot are still in place.
Coming over the horizon just as Frank (Henry Fonda) did.
I had to bring a harmonica!
While the majority of the arch is gone, it is still an impresive size!
Such a shame this has just been allowed to deteriorate away. Was this built by Leone for the film or was it already a structure that existed?
ReplyDeleteIt was built for the film.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the exact location of the arch... is the Rd 432? Thanks.
ReplyDelete37° 7'45.83"N 109°58'24.87"W in case anyone wants to know ;) .
ReplyDeleteWas there in June 2016 and found it with the help of a Indian teen working at a nearby gas station in Mexican Hat, Utah. The road to the site isn't marked. Brought home a piece of brick used in the foundation of the arch. Shame that it looks like it's used as some sort of hang-out for folks. Trash and empty beer bottles were everywhere.
ReplyDelete