Will Rogers was one of the most popular movie stars of the 1930s, successfully making the transition from silent films to talkies. We provide the popcorn - bring a picnic and join us on the lawn to enjoy a film!
Stop in at the Visitor's Center and purchase your Will Rogers State Historic Park picnic blanket!
Free popcorn!
The 2016 MiWB was produced by the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation in partnership with California State Parks and Street Food Cinema. Below are a few of the postcards for Movies in Will's Backyard through the years - enjoy!
11th Annual Movies in Will's Backyard
This year's movie was The Verdigris: In Search of Will Rogers (2015) with a special appearance by the films creator and star, Beau Jennings!
In the film, Beau visits locations where major milestones of Rogers’ life occurred and performs original songs about those events. Along the way he explores the places and people who shaped or were influenced by the “Cherokee Kid” from Oklahoma who became an American icon.
Beau Jennings is a musician, filmmaker, and former architect currently based in Oklahoma. Originally the frontman and songwriter for the indie-rock/Americana band Cheyenne, he toured the U.S. while calling both Brooklyn and Austin home. Jennings' latest project is a documentary film and accompanying album entitled The Verdigris: In Search of Will Rogers, retracing Will Rogers' life journey from coast to coast and retelling his story through original songs. In 2015 the album was named “#1 Okie Album of 2015” by Literati Press, and in 2016 the film premiered on public television stations across the United States through American Public Television. The film was also recently nominated for a 2016 Heartland Emmy award in the cultural documentary category.