Sedona Heritage Museum Celebrates Cowboys’ National Day

SEDONA, Arizona – The Sedona Heritage Museum is marking Cowboys’ National Day with a special showing of “Drumbeat,” a film shot largely in Sedona, at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Saturday, July 26th.

While most of the movie was filmed in Sedona, its story centers on the Modoc Wars of the 1870s in the Pacific Northwest. In the film, Indian fighter Johnny McKay, portrayed by Alan Rudd, is appointed as the Peace Commissioner tasked with calming the conflict. The situation escalates when a Modoc leader, Captain Jack, played by Charles Bronson, kills General Edward Canby, portrayed by Warner Anderson. Ultimately, McKay captures Captain Jack and returns to his love, Nancy Meek, played by Audrey Dalton.

The afternoon kicks off with Sedona Cinema’s History at 3 PM, featuring a panel discussion on the film and the making of it. Film historians John Conway and Clancy Sage will participate, and this will follow the screening of the film from 1954.

Attendees will be treated to the stunning views of Sedona’s red rock landscape, prominently featured in the film. Notably, the historic Schuman Homestead, located off Upper Red Rock Loop Road, plays a significant role. Interestingly, the area’s drumbeat circles drew their name from the film.

This screening is organized in collaboration with the Sedona International Film Festival. Tickets can be purchased at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre Box Office or online. Proceeds will go toward supporting the Sedona Historical Society and the Sedona Heritage Museum.

The Sedona Historical Society manages the Sedona Heritage Museum, located in Jordan Historical Park, which is open daily from 11 AM to 3 PM. For further details, call 928-282-7038 or visit the museum’s website.