JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The recent passing of versatile actor Michael Parks had many in Jackson Hole reminiscing about when the TV series he starred in came to our valley.
The first four episodes of “Then Came Bronson” were shot in Jackson Hole over the summer of 1969. Tom Foulkes, 2nd Assistant Director under producer Bob Justman, recalled the series shot in Jackson Hole for the first month, then on to Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. The series debuted later that fall on NBC. It ran only one year, shooting 26 episodes in all.
Here at Buckrail, we managed to watch the first two episodes before we had to get back to work. It was very interesting to catch noteworthy locations in and around the valley. Some we recognized right away because they haven’t changed much (the Stagecoach Bar, for instance). Others, we puzzled over where exactly the scene might have taken place.
Many locals were used in the filming of TCB. Jack Klugman and Penny Marshall appeared in the first episode, called “The Runner,” shot mostly around Jenny Lake Lodge.
The second episode, “The Old Motorcycle Fiasco,” opens with Bronson (Michael Parks) riding his motorcycle past the Wilson town sign, which is blurry, but squinting, you can tell it reads: “Wilson, pop. 35, elev. 6146.” The Stagecoach is also prominent in the opening few minutes. In the last scene, Bronson is in a gas station with a sign that reads: “Teton Gas for less.” It is next to the old Jackson Hole Lodge and Motel.
Series star Michael Parks passed away Tuesday, May 9, at the age of 77.
