In the 1980s, acclaimed writer Bill Wittliff and country music icon Willie Nelson collaborated on several film projects, breathing new life into the Western genre and expanding Nelson's cultural reach as a movie star. Now, four decades later, their creative partnership is being celebrated at a special event hosted by The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University and Luck Presents, which produces events on Nelson's Luck Ranch in Spicewood.

Unlocking the Cinematic Treasures of the Southwest

Honoring a Legendary Screenwriter

The upcoming "Look West" event, taking place on November 8-9 at Luck Ranch, will feature screenings of several films that showcase the collaborative efforts of Wittliff and Nelson. These include the classic "Barbarosa," the musical "Honeysuckle Rose," the drama "Raggedy Man," and the epic "Legends of the Fall." Additionally, a marathon of the acclaimed "Lonesome Dove" TV miniseries, for which Wittliff wrote the teleplay and co-executive produced, will be a highlight of the weekend.The event will also feature musical performances by acclaimed artists such as James McMurtry, John Moreland, and Amy Irving, who co-starred with Nelson in "Honeysuckle Rose." This multifaceted celebration aims to not only honor Wittliff's contributions to cinema and storytelling but also to showcase the work being done at The Wittliff Collections and Texas State University to preserve the cultural and creative legacy of Texas and the Southwest.

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

"It's an opportunity for us to not only celebrate Bill Wittliff, which we love to do, but also to expose the work that's being done here at the Wittliff Collections and at Texas State University," said Mark Willenborg, the marketing and promotions coordinator at The Wittliff. "We're dedicated to preserving the cultural and creative legacy of Texas and the Southwest and to inspiring the next generation, which is what Bill always wanted."To further enhance the experience, The Wittliff Collections will curate a temporary exhibition at the event, showcasing archival materials from the movies being shown. This could include media kits, publicity photos, costumes, or other props, providing attendees with a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filmmaking process.

Wittliff's Lasting Impact on Texas Cinema

The late Bill Wittliff, along with his wife, Sally, established The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University in 1986, with their gift of papers from renowned author and folklorist J. Frank Dobie. This coincided with a prolific period in Wittliff's career as a Hollywood screenwriter, during which he wrote and directed the 1986 movie "Red Headed Stranger," which starred Willie Nelson and led to the construction of the Old West town movie set at Nelson's Luck Ranch.Wittliff's cinematic legacy extends beyond his work with Nelson, as he wrote "Barbarosa" (1982), co-wrote "Raggedy Man" (1981) and "Legends of the Fall" (1994), co-wrote the screenplay of "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and wrote the teleplay and co-executive produced the acclaimed "Lonesome Dove" (1989) TV miniseries.

Fostering a Thriving Film Industry in Texas

"Bill was an integral part of getting the film industry started here in Texas," Willenborg added, "because when he became a hot writer for Hollywood, he stayed in Texas, and the industry came this way." Wittliff's decision to remain in Texas, even as his Hollywood career flourished, played a crucial role in establishing the state as a hub for filmmaking, paving the way for future generations of Texas-based storytellers and filmmakers.The "Look West" event at Luck Ranch promises to be a captivating celebration of the enduring creative partnership between Bill Wittliff and Willie Nelson, as well as a testament to the lasting impact of their collaborative efforts on the cinematic landscape of Texas and the American West.