Lonesome Dove: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Making of a Modern Classic

buckhorn saloonThe complete production archives for the classic television miniseries Lonesome Dove are among the holdings at the Southwestern Writers Collection at Texas State University-San Marcos.

This on-line exhibit was created in conjunction with the tenth anniversary of Lonesome Dove's initial broadcast on CBS in 1989.

Featured here are selected items from the archives that provide insight into the complex filmmaking process. A complete guide to the Lonesome Dove collection is available through our on-line Finding Aid.

The bulk of the Lonesome Dove archives were donated to the Southwestern Writers Collection by Bill and Sally Wittliff, who are also the founding donors of the Collection. Bill Wittliff, who was the writer and executive producer of the film, also convinced many of the principals to donate their artifacts as well. The result is a near-complete record of every aspect of Lonesome Dove's production, from the first screenplay drafts to the costume and set designs.

Note: The materials displayed on this web site are for educational purposes only and may not be reproduced without the permission of the Southwestern Writers Collection.

Story and Script

Production

Art

Wardrobe

Photographs from the set by Bill Wittliff

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