South Central New Mexico

“A Date with Death” (1959), starring Gerald Mohr, Liz Renay and filmed in Roswell, N.M. One of the first films to use subliminal messages, or as described in trailers, “Psychorama,” this crime drama is perhaps better known for what went on behind and within the scenes than the finished product. A separate YouTube clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVsioKw0sP8) describes the Psychorama process, dispelling its potential dangers: “The only purpose of Psychorama is to increase your enjoyment of the picture by making you feel…

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“The Left Handed Gun” (1958) starring Paul Newman, based on screenplay by Gore Vidal and directed by Arthur Penn. Although filmed on studio sets in California, the plot of “The Left Handed Gun,” fictionalizing one of Lincoln County’s favorite, albeit vile, sons qualifies it for inclusion in a series about New Mexico movies. Billy the Kid movies could be the subject of a separate series. According to the website www.aboutbillythekid.com, over 50 movies about or referencing the Kid have been…

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“The Hi-Lo Country” was released in 1998. It was based on a novel by Max Evans written in 1961 and starred Billy Crudup, Woody Harrelson, Sam Elliott, Patricia Arquette and Penélope Cruz. Filmed in Bernal, Cerrillos, Galisteo, Española, San Jose, New Mexico. Rated R for profanity and sexual content. The film takes place on the plains of north-eastern New Mexico immediately following World War II. Two young men, played by Billy Crudup and Woody Harrelson, return from the war and…

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