Bite the Bullet

“Bite the Bullet” is about a group of people who are competing in a 700 mile horse race for a $2,000 prize. 

Set during the early 20th century, there are many participants in the race who are racing for different reasons.  Some of the colorful competitors include a former roughrider, an untrustworthy prostitute, a haughty English sportsman and a Mexican kid with a toothache (from which the title comes). The grueling race takes its toll on everyone and brings out the meaning of winning and losing.

Starring Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, James Coburn and Ben Johnson, “Bite the Bullet” was nominated for two Academy Awards and won the 1976 Western Heritage Bronze Wrangler Award for best Theatrical Motion Picture.

• “Bite the Bullet” was shot on location in Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado. 

• “Bite the Bullet” also contains many scenes showing the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad which is a famous steam locomotive that has been in operation since 1882. Originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore, the train became popular because of the spectacular views that it offers passengers.  You can still ride this historic rail line in Colorado.  Click here to go to the Durango Train website.

• “Bite the Bullet” won the 1976 Western Heritage Bronze Wrangler Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture.  This award is given to only one movie per year.

• Nominated for two 1976 Academy Awards: Best Original Score Music (Alex North) and Best Sound