Memories from the Homestead: NBC series ‘The High Chaparral’ was popular with Western fans

This past week the Sons of the Pioneers performed once again at the famous Old Tucson Studios, a short distance west of Tucson, Arizona. We did three performances inside the Grand Palace Saloon.      

One of the popular attractions at the studio property is the exterior set from NBC's “The High Chaparral” television series. Located on the northeast side of the studio, it looks much the same as it did in 1967 when it premiered.

I've talked about Old Tucson Studios in the past; their rich history as a filming location dates back to 1939. “The High Chaparral” was filmed there for four seasons, 1967 through 1971.

The setting for the series is Arizona Territory in the 1870s, near the Mexican border, and follows the life of the Cannon family. Their struggle to operate a cattle ranch in the southern Arizona desert, the High Chaparral Ranch was brought to life with character Big John Cannon, played by actor Leif Erickson.

Others who starred in the series were Cameron Mitchell (Buck), Linda Cristal (Victoria), Henry Darrow (Mano) and Mark Slade (Billy).

The series was created by “Bonanza” creator David Dortort. Construction on the set at Old Tucson began in 1966, with two pilot episodes completed in June 1966. The musical score was produced by David Rose. There's a familiar name, as he did the musical duties for the “Bonanza” series and later “Little House On the Prairie.” 

Going into full-time production in 1967, “The High Chaparral” premiered on NBC on September 10, 1967. A total of 98 episodes were produced with the finale airing March 12, 1971.  

“The High Chaparral” was rather expensive to produce, due to its production location at Old Tucson and other nearby locations in Pima County. The cast and crew worked 18 weeks a year filming the series. Due to location issues, the crew numbered anywhere from 50 to 70 individuals, and sometimes as many as 200 extras were required.  This put the production costs at three times higher than normal. 

Actor Cameron Mitchell, who played Buck Cannon had this to say in a 1969 interview in the Tucson Citizen newspaper. 

"Working out there in this heat - I pulled an 1,100-pound horse around so hard the other day, the reins broke - putting in these long hours I pray I don't die."

Due to budget cuts, the series only saw 18 episodes in its final season (1970-71). The cast all got along well and worked hard to please their fans. The series did well in the ratings even though “Bonanza” overshadowed it considerably. In the early 1970s as the popularity of television Westerns began to fade, NBC canceled the series. 

In recent years “The High Chaparral” series has seen popularity in reruns and currently airs on the INSP network.

If you're out here for a visit at Old Tucson Studios, go over and see the iconic gateway, fence and ranch house.  The scene has hardly changed in over 55 years. Visit the Old Tucson Studios website for more information and operating hours. Go to oldtucson.com