The Contrabando Movie Set: A Ghost Town Revived for the Big Screen

The abandoned Contrabando Movie Set, nestled in the remote landscapes of Redford, Texas, invites a sense of intrigue and nostalgia. Once a bustling hub for filmmakers, it now stands eerily silent, its stories preserved in the weathered facades of the buildings. With the advent of virtual tours, one can embark on a 360-degree exploration of this forgotten slice of cinematic history from the comfort of their own home. As you navigate through the virtual tour, each turn reveals a different aspect of the set, from the sun-baked streets that once echoed with the sounds of actors to the deserted structures that hold the secrets of past productions. The experience is not just a journey through a physical space but a passage through time, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of movie magic, now reclaimed by the quiet desert surroundings.

Image by: Eugene Mazz

Image by: Eugene Mazz

The Contrabando Movie Set: A Ghost Town Revived for the Big Screen

Nestled in the rugged landscape of Redford, Texas, the Contrabando Movie Set stands as a testament to the allure of the American Wild West in cinematic history. This unique site, a blend of historical architecture and Hollywood magic, has captivated both filmmakers and tourists alike with its authentic appearance of a deserted frontier town.

The Birth of a Movie Set

The story of the Contrabando Movie Set begins in 1985, constructed specifically for the Roy Clark film “Uphill all the Way.” It comprises an original adobe building known as ‘La Casita’ and several later additions crafted to capture the essence of a bygone era. ‘La Casita’ itself is the only genuine historical structure on site, with the other buildings being facades built for film purposes​​​​.

A Stage for Stories

Throughout its operational years, the Contrabando Movie Set served as a backdrop for nine movies, including the 1996 movie “Lone Star” directed by John Sayles, and parts of the “Lonesome Dove” miniseries, like “Dead Man’s Walk” and “Streets of Laredo.” These productions utilized the site’s authentic Old West look to bring their stories to life, proving the set’s versatility and appeal to filmmakers​​​​.

The Set’s Transformation and Current State

However, the life of the Contrabando Movie Set was not without its challenges. In September 2008, heavy rains and flooding in Ojinaga, Mexico, significantly damaged the movie set buildings, though the original Casita was spared. By 2015, for safety reasons, all buildings except for La Casita were removed. Today, the Contrabando Movie Set is part of the Big Bend Ranch State Park and is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife. While it no longer serves as a movie set, it remains a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into both Texas’s cinematic and cultural history​​​​.

Why Visit the Contrabando Movie Set

Visiting the Contrabando Movie Set is like stepping onto the pages of a Western novel. The location, amidst the scenic backdrop of the Chihuahuan Desert and along the banks of the Rio Grande, offers more than just a historical perspective; it’s an immersive experience into the rugged beauty and enduring spirit of the American West.

Conclusion

The Contrabando Movie Set’s journey from a bustling film location to a serene ghost town within Big Bend Ranch State Park exemplifies the evolving nature of cinematic landmarks. It stands as a bridge between the real and the reel, a place where the stories of the Wild West continue to echo against the backdrop of Texas’s stunning landscape.

If you liked this post, you might want to read about the Bamahenge in Alabama, the abandoned Crane View Condos in Florida, or the Old Sheldon Church Ruins in South Carolina.

A 360-degree panoramic image inside one of the buildings of the abandoned Contrabando Movie Set in Redford, Texas. Image by: Eugene Mazz

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