News Release

50th Anniversary of “Support Your Local Sheriff” to be Celebrated at the LBJ Ranch in “Movies Under the Stars” Series

News Release Date: May 20, 2019

Contact: Terry Sentell, 830-868-7128 ext. 231

Johnson City, Texas -- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park begins its popular summer “Movies Under the Stars” series on Saturday, June 1, with the screening of “Support Your Local Sheriff.” Starring James Garner in the leading role, this western comedy delighted audiences fifty years ago—including an audience at the LBJ Ranch. On March 21, 1969, former President and Mrs. Johnson screened this film for friends and neighbors in their airplane hangar, which they periodically turned into a movie theater. The film will start at dusk on June 1 and will be presented on an outdoor screen at the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall. Access to the ranch begins at 7:00 pm.
 
This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Support Your Local Sheriff.” Released in 1969, the film tells the story of a skilled gunslinger named Jason McCullough (James Garner) who takes on the job of sheriff in a rough and tumble gold rush town in Colorado. Using his quick wit and humor, the laid-back sheriff takes on the hired guns of an evil landowner who controls the lone transportation route out of town. Co-stars include Henry Morgan, Jack Elam, Joan Hackett, and Bruce Dern.
 
The Johnsons enjoyed inviting guests to their ranch to show some of the biggest films of the 1960s and early 1970s. For modern visitors, the Movie Under the Stars series is a great way to enjoy timeless classics while enjoying a night of family fun on the LBJ Ranch—just like friends of the Johnsons experienced.    
 
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments. The program is offered free of charge. The entrance to the LBJ Ranch is located north of US Highway 290, just off of Ranch Road 1. Parking is available near the movie site. In case of inclement weather, call 830-644-2396 for updates on possible postponement.
 
The LBJ Ranch hangar visitor center will be open from 7:00 pm through the end of the film. Visitors are welcome to explore the interactive exhibits and shop the Western National Parks Association sales outlet. A movie trivia contest will precede the film.
 
“The Italian Job,” starring Michael Caine, will be the next film in the Movies Under the Stars series. The park will screen that film on Saturday, July 27.  
 
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information call 830-868-7128 ext. 231 or 244, or visit www.nps.gov/lyjo andwww.facebook.com/LBJohnsonNPS.
 

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.