Cary Grant

Double Indemnity

Cagney, Tracy beat Wayne to casting Ridgway in film

September 19, 2007

"True Grit" may have brought Hollywood to Ridgway, but it was Spencer Tracy — or James Cagney — that put us on the map the first time, almost 15 years earlier.

Even this biggest Spencer Tracy fan might not know of an MGM picture called "Jeremy Rodock." The story requires a visit to Miller Mesa, circa 1955.

It was April of that year when MGM announced the location south of Ridgway for the principal shooting of "Jeremy Rodock," chosen for its "rugged, typical Western country," according to press accounts of the time. Trace was set to star in the lead role — Jeremy Rodock, a horsegrower in the early 1870s.

As with Paramount and "True Grit," MGM sought out extras — in this case, some 200 horses rounded up from local ranches. Construction started in May on the Rodock ranch set.

It was May 27 before director Robert Wise arrived in town, and announced the film's name had been changed to "Tribute to a Bad Man." Tracy himself wasn't here yet, having decided to drive from Hollywood to enjoy the scenery. Once here, he spent a week riding horses and fishing, to "become acclimated" before shooting began.

Then, as they say, things went south.

From the June 24, 1955, Ouray/Ridgway Herald:

Rumors were flying this week as to the status of the movie "Tribute to a Bad Man," which is to be filmed on Miller Mesa.

Production work on location was at a standstill, and the 100 or more persons engaged in the work were passing their time "rodeoing" with the stock which has been furnished for the movie, and swimming in Ouray's pool. We even noticed one cameraman taking movies at the pool.

Spencer Tracy, star of the picture, left Friday night stating he was going back to Hollywood to consult his doctor. It was announced that the altitude was bothering Mr. Tracy.


Speculation as to whether there would be an actual shutdown for several weeks, or whether a replacement for Mr. Tracy would be sent in were running rampant.

We've heard rumors of Joel McCrea making the replacement. It will be next to impossible to find accommodations for the large number of people it takes for a movie in July in this territory, so it seems likely the "show will go on" at this time.

In July, MGM packed up and left for Culver City, Calif., where the interior scenes were to be filmed. Production officials announced they would return in August to finish outdoor shooting.

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