Tragedy at El Moro – Documentary

Tragedy at El Moro is historical documentary that delves deep into the historical and controversial tale of the day the Durango Town Marshall shot the La Plata County Sheriff to death on Main Avenue in Durango, Colorado. I Originally intended to document this local legend in a 15 minute piece for DurangoTV, but as I uncovered old newspaper reporting on the tragedy, I knew I had to turn it into a feature-length documentary to  properly cover the politics and intrigue that led up to the fateful day. My synopsis reads: “Animosity has been brewing between two factions in a rapidly growing railroad town in the Southwest. Gambling has recently been outlawed by the state of Colorado, but a rebellious gang made up of saloon owners and businessmen, are intent on keeping the racket alive. A newly elected sheriff boldly acts to shut down these illegal activities, but, by challenging the gang, the sheriff has made a high stakes wager of his own.” Now if that doesn’t make you want to watch I don’t know what will.

I directed and produced this documentary for FASTFORWARD Media. It features historians Sharon Greve and Duane Smith, and the incredible narration of local cowboy poet “Dirty” Don Hinkley brings the story to life. The documentary premiered for a sold-out house with standing room only at the El Moro Spirits and Tavern, in Durango. This bar and restaurant just so happens to be named after the same saloon establishment and is even located at the same address where the deadly shootout took place over 100 years ago. I’ve posted the trailer, but the documentary will be available on DVD soon, so contact FASTFORWARD Media if you are interested in getting a copy. Also look for it at film festivals across the country including the Durango Independent Film Festival.