November 26, 2006
PublicInfo@itd.idaho.gov
Dear Sir or Madam:
I’m a great admirer of your historical signposts sprinkled throughout Idaho and often use them as guidelines when directing visitors from out of State to this great area.
Living in the Wood River Valley for fourteen years, I’ve often heard people speak of Clint Eastwood’s Movie Pale Rider, much of which was filmed North of Ketchum, in the Boulder and Silver Creek drainages, along with the Vienna Mine up by Smiley Creek. The movie, filmed in 1984, received great acclaim upon its release in 1985.
Many in the community tried out as “extras”, and played in movie background roles, as is the outstanding backdrop of the Boulder Mountains.
The theme of the movie itself is timeless, as a nameless preacher (played by Clint Eastwood) protects a poor prospecting town from a greedy mining corporation trying to intrude on their land.
I think that a spot near the top of Phantom Hill (on Highway 75) is a great site for you to consider placing a historical sign commemorating the making of this movie there.
Signs done in the right manner lend an aura of respect to the land. In fact, motorists gently reminded of the helping spirit of “Pale Rider” may very well be inspired in turn to assist stranded motorists along this stretch of highway where traffic is sometimes sparse and communications limited.
With the great backdrops that Idaho offers, I look forward to enjoying other movies filmed here. Artfully, placing signage, at proper spots, reminds those in the film industry of the potential here, and inspires them towards future moviemaking ideas.
Thank you for the great job you are doing and for considering my suggestion.
Sincerely,
Jim Banholzer
PO Box 10039
Ketchum, Idaho
83340
208-720-2196
Hardscrabble Gold
E-mail Smavo@cox.net