Sedona, AZ — The Sedona Heritage Museum will celebrate National Day of the Cowboy with a special screening of a Western film made in Sedona, “Drum Beat,” on Saturday, July 26 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Though Sedona was the filming location for much of the film, the plot revolves around the Modoc War which took place in the Pacific Northwest in the 1870s. Indian fighter Johnny McKay (played by Alan Ladd) is appointed peace commissioner to put an end to the hostilities. Negotiations falter when a Modoc leader named Captain Jack (Charles Bronson) kills General Edward Canby (Warner Anderson). In the end McKay takes Captain Jack prisoner and returns to his newfound love, Nancy Meek (Audrey Dalton).
The afternoon of Sedona movie history will begin at 3 pm with a panel discussion about the film itself and stories about the filming. The panel features film historians John Conway and Clancy Sage. Following the discussion, the 1954 film will show.
Viewers will enjoy Sedona’s picturesque red rocks which feature prominently in the film. The historic Schuerman Homestead just off Upper Red Rock Loop Road plays a role, as does the old Western town movie set which was located near the base of Coffeepot Rock in today’s Mountain Shadows neighborhood. In fact, Drum Beat Circle in that area was named for the film.
The screening is a partnership with the Sedona International Film Festival. Tickets are available now at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre box office or online at https://sedonafilmfestival.com. Proceeds benefit the Sedona Historical Society and Sedona Heritage Museum.
The Sedona Historical Society operates the Sedona Heritage Museum located in Jordan Historical Park, 735 Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona, Arizona. Open daily 11 am – 3 pm. For more information call 928-282-7038 or visit www.sedonamuseum.org.