September 7: 3:10 to Yuma (2007)

Milestone Years

• 20th Anniversary: September 7, 2027
• 25th Anniversary: September 7, 2032
• 30th Anniversary: September 7, 2037

Inspiration Behind the Movie

The 2007 *3:10 to Yuma* was inspired by Elmore Leonard’s 1953 short story “Three‑Ten to Yuma.” The film reimagines a tense Western showdown between a desperate rancher and a charismatic outlaw.

You Might Not Know

• Originally slated for October 5, 2007, the release was moved up to September 7 to beat other Westerns at the box office.
• It debuted at #1 in the U.S. and Canada, earning $14 million its opening weekend.
• Ben Foster earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Charlie Prince.
• Filming took place across New Mexico and Arizona, including Santa Fe, Diablo Canyon, and Ghost Ranch.
• The intense psychological duel at its heart elevates it beyond typical Western fare, filling its two‑hour runtime with gripping character conflict.

Food Ideas

• Smoked brisket sliders—rugged and hearty, just like the Old West.
• “Railroad spike” pretzel sticks—salty and tough.
• Spicy Arizona‑style chili with cornbread muffins.
• Chocolate‑covered “bullet” truffles—sweet with a surprise center.
• Mini flat‑bread “wanted poster” pizzas with Western toppings.

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a viewing night with Western décor and period‑appropriate attire.
• Hold a poker or card game break between acts to echo the period.
• Set up trivia about the cast’s careers—Bale, Crowe, Foster—and Western cinema generally.
• Pair the movie with a reading of Leonard’s original short story for comparison.
• Create a mini “train waiting room” photo booth with props like hats and coats.

Filming Locations

The main filming locations included Santa Fe, Diablo Canyon, and Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, as well as the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area in Arizona. Notably, the final shootout was filmed at the Cerro Pelon Movie Ranch in New Mexico—many of these locations remain visitable today.