Authors Unveil New Book Exploring the Untold History of Sedona’s Cinema Magic

The Sedona Heritage Museum’s 2024 Sedona Stories speaker series wrapped up on November 14, featuring co-authors Diane Phelps Budden, Chris Seeholzer, and Janeen Trevillyan alongside photographer Mark Elder. The event highlighted their latest work, “Sedona Movie Locations Then & Now,” published in 2023.

Budden remarked on the nostalgia the book evokes, particularly for baby boomers. “Most people in the room are boomers, because this is such a walk down memory lane,” she noted, reflecting on the strong connection between cinema and personal memories.

This book serves as both a guidebook and a pictorial history, directing film enthusiasts to 21 key filming locations in Sedona. It contrasts archival film images with current photographs, showcasing how these iconic sites have transformed over the years.

Since the filming of Zane Grey’s “The Call of the Canyon” in 1923, Sedona earned the title of “Arizona’s Little Hollywood.” More than 100 feature films have been shot in the area, particularly during its peak as a Western film production center from the late 1930s to the early 1960s. Notable stars like Cesar Romero and Joan Crawford graced the region’s stunning landscapes.

Trevillyan highlighted cinema’s role in shaping perceptions of travel during an era when reaching such destinations felt unattainable for many. Meanwhile, Seeholzer shared his own journey, recalling his childhood dreams of visiting the storied landscapes of Arizona. “I knew every American Western,” he said, reminiscing about the impact of film on his aspirations.

The last chapter of Sedona’s cinematic history unfolded in 1968 with the completion of “Firecreek” and “Stay Away, Joe.” “Firecreek,” featuring Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart, was filmed at various Sedona locations, while “Stay Away, Joe” starred Elvis Presley and his entourage during a six-week shoot. The film’s plot revolved around a Navajo character facing a humorous crisis involving a prized bull.

Seeholzer humorously admitted his struggle to watch “Stay Away, Joe,” describing it as “so bad” that he couldn’t finish it. The book suggests that fans can locate filming sites, including one at the intersection of State Route 89A and Forest Road.

Location photographer Chris Elder shared an amusing tale from his visit to one of the movie sites. He recounted a mishap involving a barbed wire fence, leading to an unexpected fall and a call from his phone’s emergency feature, which humorously activated after his tumble.

Trevillyan expressed the joy of creating the book, emphasizing the excitement surrounding its release. “This book was a labor of love,” she stated, reflecting on the anticipation from potential readers.