BENSON, AZ — Fans of film history and the King of Cool will have a rare opportunity to step into the Old West and meet McQueen historian Marshall Terrill during a special book signing event for his new release, Steve McQueen: The Last Reel. The event will occur Saturday, January 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the legendary Mescal Movie Set, 1538 N. Mescal Rd, Benson, Arizona, 85602.
Hosted on one of Hollywood’s most iconic Western backdrops, this full-day celebration brings together cinema enthusiasts, readers, and Western fans to honor the enduring legacy of screen
legend Steve McQueen. Terrill — internationally recognized for his definitive biographies on McQueen — will sign copies of his new book and speak with attendees about the actor’s remarkable
late-career renaissance.
Steve McQueen: The Last Reel provides an unprecedented, in-depth examination of the actor’s final two films, Tom Horn (1980) and The Hunter (1980). Drawing from exhaustive research, production materials, and forty-five hours of previously unheard taped conversations with McQueen, Terrill offers a deeply human portrait of the superstar as he returned to the screen after a five-year hiatus. The book captures McQueen navigating the realities of middle age, shifting personal priorities, and a changing film landscape — all while demonstrating the commitment to authenticity that defined his career.
In Tom Horn, McQueen threw himself into the role of the legendary frontiersman, immersing himself in character and delivering one of the most soulful performances of his career. Terrill explores
how McQueen fought to protect the integrity of the film, shaping it into a contemplative, revisionist Western that reflected both the actor’s maturity and the genre’s evolution. In contrast, The Hunter — McQueen’s final screen appearance — reveals a lighter, self-aware side of the actor. Playing bounty hunter Ralph “Papa” Thorson, McQueen embraced his aging persona with
humor and humility, poking fun at his image while delivering a performance grounded in emotional truth. Terrill presents the film as McQueen’s poignant
farewell to audiences: a star acknowledging his own myth with a wink.
The book also includes approximately four hundred behind-the-scenes photographs taken by McQueen’s wife, Barbara McQueen, offering readers an intimate visual chronicle of the actor’s last months on set. These images — many previously unseen — show McQueen at work, at rest, and fully immersed in the creative process, providing an unparalleled glimpse into his final
artistic chapter.
As the forty-fifth anniversary of both films approaches, Steve McQueen: The Last Reel serves as a definitive retrospective and a vital addition to McQueen scholarship, reaffirming the actor’s
influence on American cinema.
The Mescal Movie Set—renowned as the backdrop for legendary films such as Tombstone, The Quick and the Dead, and The Outlaw Josey Wales — offers a fitting stage for this celebration of cinematic history. Entry to the book signing and meet-and-greet with the author and cast members is free of charge, offering fans a unique opportunity to connect with the people behind the stories. Also, guest will be able to meet and greet cast members who appeared in Tom Horn and other classic Westerns.
Guests attending the event can also experience a Historical Film Tour of the iconic set, walking its storied streets, exploring famous shooting locations, and immersing themselves in the rich
legacy of Western filmmaking. Knowledgeable guides will be on hand to share behind-the-scenes stories and highlight the productions that shaped Mescal’s enduring reputation. Tour times
are limited, so reservations are strongly recommended at ttp://www.MescalMovieSet.com. (Tours are $20/person. Children 17 & under are free)
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring cameras, and enjoy the unique opportunity to meet Marshall Terrill while experiencing one of Arizona’s most treasured cinematic sites. Books will be
available for purchase on location.
For additional updates, admission details, and tour information, please visit
www.MescalMovieSet.com or call 520-255-6662.
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