“Chisum,” a classic American Western film released in 1970, brings to life the gripping saga of the Lincoln County War, set against the backdrop of the New Mexico Territory in 1878. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and featuring the iconic John Wayne in the lead role, the film is adapted from Andrew J. Fenady’s short story “Chisum and the Lincoln County War.”
While it takes creative liberties with historical details, it weaves a narrative rich with real figures like John Chisum, Tunstall, McSween, Murphy, Brady, Evans, Garrett, and Billy the Kid—each playing a pivotal role in this tumultuous conflict. The film captures not just the action and drama of the era, but also the human stories behind the legends.
Who Starred in Chisum? Meet the Cast of the Iconic Film
- John Wayne as John Chisum
- Forrest Tucker as Lew Wallace
- Christopher George as Pat Garrett
- Glenn Corbett as Billy the Kid
- James Best as Sheriff Brady
- Ben Johnson as McSween
- L. Q. Jones as Jesse Evans
- Nancy Olson as Margaret
- Richard Jaeckel as Murphy
The film showcases Wayne’s charismatic performance alongside a strong ensemble, each contributing to the story of the Lincoln County War.
Where Was Chisum Filmed?
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J.W. Eaves Movie Ranch
Situated south of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Eaves Movie Ranch is a functional movie set and event space.
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Malibu Creek State Park
The site of the former 20th Century Fox movie ranch is Malibu Creek State Park, which is situated in the Santa Monica Mountains in Calabasas, California. The park offers chances for hiking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and bird watching. Tapia Park, Udell George Nature Preserve, Kaslow Nature Preserve, and Liberty Canyon Nature Preserve make up the park.
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Sonoita, Arizona, USA
In Santa Cruz County, Arizona, Sonoita is a census-designated place in the United States. 803 people were counted in the 2020 census. The CDP’s name comes from the O’odham Ṣon ʼOidag, which translates to “spring field” in most cases.
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San Pedro River, Arizona, USA
The San Pedro River rises in Cananea Municipality, Sonora, Mexico, approximately ten miles south of the international border, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. It flows northward. Just east of Sauceda, Cananea, at the meeting of several streams, the river begins.
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Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
The capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe, is located in the foothills of Sangre de Cristo. It is well known as a hub for the creative arts and for its Pueblo-style architecture.
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Durango, Mexico
Northwest Mexican state of Durango has a low population density and a landscape characterized by the Sierra Madre mountains, forests, and deserts. The Basilica Menor Inmaculada Concepción is one of the numerous well-preserved baroque buildings in Victoria de Durango’s historic center.
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Yecora, Sonora, Mexico
In the Mexican state of Sonora, there is a small town called Yécora as well as the municipality of the same name that surrounds it. Yécora’s population is estimated to be 3171.
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Granados, Sonora, Mexico
In the northeastern part of the Mexican state of Sonora, Granados serves as the municipal capital of Granados Municipality.
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Rio Bavispe, Mexico
The Rio Bavispe, sometimes known as the Bavispe River, is a river in Mexico that flows primarily south and southwest for a short while before joining the Aros River to form the Yaqui River, which ultimately joins the Gulf of California.
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Huachinera, Sonora, Mexico
The northeastern Mexican state of Sonora is home to Huachinera, the municipal capital of Huachinera Municipality.
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Bacerac, Sonora, Mexico
In the Mexican state of Sonora, the town of Bacerac is located in the Bacerac Municipality.
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Janos, Chihuahua, Mexico
The town of Janos is situated in the Chihuahua state in northern Mexico. For the nearby Janos Municipality of the same name, it acts as the municipal seat of government.
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Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico
In the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the city of Hidalgo del Parral serves as the seat of the municipality of the same name.
The Story Behind Chisum: A Deep Dive into the Classic Western Film
“Chisum” centers around the real-life figure John Chisum, a wealthy cattle baron in the New Mexico Territory during the late 1800s. The film portrays his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War, a violent conflict between rival factions vying for control of the region.
Tensions escalate as Chisum stands against powerful opponents like Lawrence Murphy, who seeks to monopolize the cattle trade. When a friend and fellow rancher, John Tunstall, is murdered, Chisum becomes embroiled in a struggle for justice, rallying his allies, including the young outlaw Billy the Kid and lawman Pat Garrett.
The story weaves together themes of loyalty, revenge, and the harsh realities of frontier life, showcasing the battle for power and survival in a lawless land. As the conflict unfolds, Chisum’s determination to protect his community and uphold his values comes to the forefront, highlighting the complex dynamics of friendship and enmity in a turbulent time.
Chisum Movie Review and Rating
Rating
“Chisum” has received a mixed yet generally positive reception from audiences and critics alike. With an IMDb rating of 6.8 out of 10, it reflects a solid appreciation for its storytelling and performances, particularly John Wayne’s iconic portrayal of John Chisum.
Additionally, on Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a rating of 3.8 out of 5, indicating that many viewers found value in its engaging narrative and historical context.
While it may not be universally acclaimed, these ratings suggest that “Chisum” resonates with fans of the Western genre and those drawn to tales of bravery, conflict, and the complex dynamics of frontier life.
Review
“Chisum” is a compelling Western that blends action with historical elements, capturing the essence of the Lincoln County War and the gritty realities of frontier life. John Wayne delivers a classic performance, embodying the strong, principled character of John Chisum.
The film effectively portrays themes of loyalty, justice, and the moral complexities of the time, making it resonate with audiences who appreciate character-driven narratives. While it takes creative liberties with historical facts, the film succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the era and its conflicts, showcasing the larger-than-life figures involved.
Overall, it stands out as an engaging entry in the Western genre, appealing to both fans of the genre and those interested in American history.
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