Sierra Baron (20th Century Fox) (1958)

PRESS PUBLICITY: “Sierra Baron’ Captures Violence Of California Gold-Rush Period The State of California—named by the great conquistadore Cortez for a mythical land of promise mentioned in a popular 16th century work of literature—is the subject of an unusual film currently at: Thee. sa .c ess Theatre. “Sierra Baron,” a Twentieth Century-Fox CinemaScope, De Luxe Color production, deals with the crucial period of the “Golden State’s” history, the 1850’s— when old families holding huge land grants from the Spanish crown fought with tenacity and futility against the Yankee land grabbers brought west by the floodtide of the gold rush. The film, produced by Plato A. Skouras, deals with this period not only in terms of violence and gun law, but in terms of human relationships and the subsequent mingling of Spanish and American blood which produced the empire builders of a later era. At the point at which “Sierra Baron” picks up California’s history, the state has been free of Mexican domination for some twenty or more years; a war has been fought, primarily over Texas, but one which ceded, de facto, all of the Mexican claims north of the Rio Grande River. A part of this Mexican claim was California. The discovery of gold had brought vast numbers of people streaming west—this was a new breed of man, unknown to the old line Californians, many of whom were feudal in their concepts. Among this flood of new blood were, of course, many thieves. A tew of the Spanish land grant holders were reasonable men, such as the title figure of “Sierra Baron,” played by Rick Jason, and they sought to conciliate with this new force which was changing their lives—such men were few, but they managed to become important in the new state and the nation. “Sierra Baron” has captured completely this phase of history with keen insight into the right, as well as the wrong on both sides; and, emulating life and history itself, it tells its story in terms of romance as well as violence. This is due not only to the immagination of the Houston Branch screenplay or the competence of the stars—Brian Keith, Mr. Jason, Rita Gam, Mala Powers and Steve Brodie—but also to the direction of James B. Clark. Quick Change Artist Rick Jason, star of Twentieth Century-Fox’s CinemaScope, De Luxe Color production, “Sierra Baron,’ currently at; thes ....: Theatre, is a ‘quick-change’ actor. In his last picture for Fox —‘Rx Murder,” he played a modern doctor on the trail of a killer; earlier he had been the driver of “The Wayward Bus.” In “Sierra Baron,” which was produced by Plato A. Skouras, he plays a Spansh grandee of the mid-19th Century. SEE THAT “SIERRA BARON” RULES AIRWAVES FOR YOU Tune in early for the biggest returns on the most reasonable out put for your promotion dollar. Radio is still, today, one of the least costly of advertising media despite its current popularity rebirth. Consult your local stations for time-buys surrounding leading day and evening shows and book as many as your budget will allow. "Sierra Baron" is a family-type production. It has romance, adventure, suspense; it has breath-taking scenic beauty, it holds the exotic charm of Spanish culture, the hard-hitting realism of gold-rush hordes. Don't let "Sierra Baron" ride by without creat ing a pre-sell stir the like of which resounds at your box office. Suggested Radio Announcements: (For Live Broadcasting) 20 Seconds Across the screen the valiant, violent vaqueros ride again. “Sierra Baron," the flaming epic of Old California's bloodiest battle . .. a mighty adventure of greed, guns and glory. Don't miss Twentieth Century-Fox's powerful adventure drama, "Sierra Baron." In breath-taking CinemaScope and De Luxe Color. "Sierra Baron" starts ................ ate thO ee ess: Theatre. 30 Seconds "Sierra Baron," the epic saga of the valiant, violent vaqueros in the last flaming days of Old California. Don't miss Twentieth Century-Fox's thrillpacked adventure drama, "Sierra Baron." See the glory ride of the wild . . . See the . “Sierra Baron," vaqueros . . . See the men whose courage built an empire first covered wagons smash through the mountains . . starring Brian Keith, Rick Jason, Rita Gam, Mala Powers and Steve Brodie. “Sierra Baron" ‘starts’ ..............2 att inein a ae Theatre. 60 Seconds Across the screen the valiant, violent vaqueros ride again as Twentieth Century-Fox presents its blazing action drama, "Sierra Baron." Before your eyes Old California becomes a battleground for power. Before your eyes the epic saga of the men whose courage built an empire. Before your eyes the covered wagons blaze an historic trail across mountain and river. Here is California's bloodiest battle for power. "Sierra Baron," a CinemaScope drama in thrilling color by De Luxe. See Brian Keith, Rick Jason, Rita Gam, Mala Powers and Steve Brodie in "Sierra Baron." A mighty adventure of greed, guns and glory. Live or die . . . shoot to kill. Be sure you see each thrilling moment. "Sierra Baron" starts ..0.0.00.0...... Cees Theatre. ‘Sierra Held Over “Sierra Baron,” the Twentieth Century-Fox CinemaScope, De Luxe Color production filmed entirely in Mexico, has been held-over for an additional .... cM FMB aS acer ere Theatre. Starring Brian Keith, Rick Jason, Rita Gam, Mala Powers and Steve Brodie, the film was produced from Thomas Wakefield Blackburn’s novel by Plato A. Skouras. James B. Clark directed the screenplay about the gold rush days in California. “Sierra Baron” is Mr. Skouras’ first full production for Twentieth Century-Fox, although he previously produced two features for Regal Films, releasing: through Twentieth. “R | a elampago The beautiful horse ridden by Rick Jason in Twentieth Century Fox’s CinemaScope, De Luxe Color production of ‘Sierra Baron” was a special loan from the Mexican government to the producer of the film, Plato A. Skouras. The horse, “Relampago,” is a blooded Arabian stallion and was originally presented to the President of Mexico by the President of Cuba. Emillio Fernandez, famed Mexican director, loaned the horse to Skouras for his production in the name of the government. “Sierra Baron” is the film dramatization of Thomas Wakefield Blackburn’s historical novel of the California gold rush and stars Brian Keith, Rita Gam, Mala Powers and Steve Brodie, in addition to Rick Jason. “Relampago” is Spanish for lightning. Later, the beautiful animal caught pneumonia due to the unusually intense cold in the mountains and had to be replaced. ” ae } 3 Ai 3 MALA POWERS STEVE BRODIE ee SPELLS excitement! ~~ Ancient Hacienda, Mighty Mountains Form Authentic Backdrop for “Sierra Baron” “Sierra Baron,” Twentieth Century-Fox’s CinemaScope, De Luxe Color picturiza tion of Thomas Wakefield Blackburn’s adventure novel Ae ee Theatre, was filmed en@ tirely on location in Mexico, using such diverse areas as the bottom of a dried lake across which Cortez launched his invasion of Mexico City 300 years ago; rugged Cortez Pass, high in the La Marquesa mountains; and a palatial hacienda built in 1590 by a Spanish grandee. Producer Plato A. Skouras selected these sites for their rela Hungry Hay Burners Plato A. Skouras, young producer of Twentieth CenturyFox’s CinemaScope, De Luxe Color production of Thomas Wakefield Blackburn’s novel of the California gold rush “Sierra Baron,” now playing at thes Bee Theatre, has reaffirmed his title to the crown of being one of Hollywood’s most exacting young producers. He and Director James B. Clark found that the Houston Branch screenplay called for a wagon train with starved horse teams. Filming on location in Mexico, they were able to find some actual, starving horses belonging to Mexican peons and they were used. Once the wagon train scenes were shot, all of the animals were assured full feed bags for some time to come, compliments of Skouras and Clark. The lusty tale of the Spanish grant land wars which took place in the 1850’s stars Brian Keith, Rick Jason, Rita Gam, Mala Powers and Steve Brodie. os M r) which is currently at the e Fair Senorita. “STERRA’ STANDEE | tion to the story which concerns a Spanish aristocrat fighting to protect his inherited ancient land grant from land grabbers. The novel had long fascinated the young producer and when he brought his cast — starring Brian Keith, Rick Jason, Rita Gam, Mala Powers and Steve Brodie—into Mexico he knew Beautiful Rita Gam _ stars in Twentieth Century-Fox’s CinemaScope, De Luxe Color production of “Sierra Baron” currently atthe nce Theatre. Mat 1A just the kind of backdrop he wanted to recreate this drama of the mid-19th century. Skouras felt that by filming in the very land which bred the actual incidents in the film, he would achieve the kind of inner realism which means the difference between just another Western picture and a true epic. Nor, were the locations chosen by the producer easy upon either himself or the cast and crew. When shooting high upon Cortez Pass, 14,000 feet above sea level, everyone had to be given daily doses of pure oxygen to preserve their strength. It seemed at times that all of nature conspired against them —wolves, coyotes and even local villagers devoured the huge barbecued steers needed for props in a fiesta scene. Rick Jason’s horse, a beautiful golden Palamino — loaned by the Mexican Government — developed pneumonia and died. Numerous storms delayed the picture’s filming schedule both in the flatlands and while in the mountains. The La Marquesa’s first snowstorm since 1940 not only blew away all of the props and sets, but stranded the company for over 48 hours before relief could reach them. Although rewarded for his “Sierra Baron” production, the young producer, and Director James B. Clark, groaned when they heard that the “reward”’— an assignment to make “Villa,” another Fox film—would also be shot on location in Mexico. FOLLOW THESE EXPLOITATION TIPS TO ROUND OUT YOUR CAMPAIGN @ Trave! Agencies. Promote windows stressing the legends and legendary beauty of Southern California and Mexico featured in "Sierra Baron." e@ Bank Promotion. "Since the times of the ‘Sierra Baron’ and the forty-niners, only a few have struck it rich. Steady savings are surest, safest. Open an account here today.'' Use this copy for a poster in promotion with a local savings bank. @ Handicraft Shops. Colorful displays of Mexican-Spanish fashion accessories can highlight a still display of "Sierra Baron"' to your box office advantage. e@ Specialty Shops. Have local fashion shops feature Spanish (Mexican) emA. os: Sue broidered blouses, skirts, mantillas, etc. BRIAN KEITHRICK JASON: RITA GA Gold Doubloons. Hide a few "gold doubloons" in the business and shopping center of town, advertising that the first one brought to your theatre will receive its value in dollars—sixteen—as the reward. Conduct beauty hunt for the loveliest representative of Spanish descent in your locale. Have winner crowned by other entrants in stage presen tation in which all wear native costumes. Spanish Rose. Select a certain red rose to be furnished by local florist as door compliments to all fair ladies attending opening showing of film. Vaquero Rides. Costume a street rider in the dashing trappings of the Spanish vaqueros in the film to advertise your playdate. e Spanish Dance. Arrange for a Spanish Dance Competition with local amateurs displaying their skills in flamenco dances. @ Color-In Contest. Using the mounted vaquero figure from the ad art, set up a color-in contest awarding free passes to the best entries. e Hispanic Society. Contact the chairman of your local Hispanic Society to ar range for club members to attend the local premiere. The sweep, the excitement of "Sierra Baron" challenges the viewer in this stunning standee designed for multi-uses in the local campaign. In full-color, the "Sierra Baron" standee has all the dash and attraction to pull in the Western-conscious public. Order from NSS. ee | @ Spanish Menu Special. Arrange with nearby restaurant to serve a special Spanish (Mexican) dinner which, together with theatre tickets, will be packagepriced for your engagement. TV SLIDES SELL RED-BLOODED ACTION Make home audiences instantly aware of the colorful and vastly different kind of Western that awaits them at your theatre by flashing these exciting frames at key viewing hours. SHARED I.D. Slide (or Telop) This style, with Call Letters, is used for 10-secona station breaks. Copy and frame shown at left. Announcer (Live) : Live or die . . . shoot to kill . . . in the last days of Old California. Don't miss "Sierra Baroniccstants ..0)2 fs er nee Theatre! ALSO AVAILABLE: General Slide (or Telop) ORDER FROM: Q.Q. Title Card Co. With info.... $6.00 247 W. 46 Street Without .... $5.00 New York, N. Y. Duplicates.. $2.50 Announcer (Live) : Across the screen the valiant, violent vaqueros ride again in the last flaming days of Old California. "Sierra Baron'’ in CinemaScope, Specify: "Shared" or "General," slide or h telop. If "Shared," include station Call StattSanceacc ass) 5 teas Theatre. Letters. Name film, "Sierra Baron." (date) (name) Page Three