5 Jaw-Dropping Mexican Locations Where 'Two Mules For Sister Sara' Was Filmed

The iconic 1970 Western Two Mules for Sister Sara, starring Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine, is celebrated not only for its witty script and star power but also for its breathtaking, authentic backdrops. For fans looking for the most current and updated information as of December 17, 2025, the definitive answer is that the film was shot entirely on location in Mexico, utilizing the rugged, picturesque landscapes of several Mexican states to achieve its stunning visual authenticity.

This cinematic masterpiece was the second of five collaborations between Eastwood and legendary director Don Siegel, and its production history is as fascinating as the film itself. The decision to film exclusively south of the border allowed the production to capture the sweeping vistas and historical atmosphere necessary for the story, which is set during the French intervention in Mexico. The following sections detail the specific, lesser-known locations and the key figures who brought this "Juarista" Mexican Western to life.

The Star-Powered Trio: A Brief Biography of the Key Figures

The success of Two Mules for Sister Sara rests firmly on the shoulders of its three main creative forces: the leading man, the leading lady, and the director. Their combined legendary status lent significant weight to the production.

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• Clint Eastwood (Born May 31, 1930): An American actor, director, and producer, Eastwood rose to international fame through his roles in Sergio Leone's "Dollars Trilogy" of Spaghetti Westerns. His role as Hogan in Two Mules for Sister Sara was a key transitional film, marking his move from Italian productions to major Hollywood studio Westerns. He is a multiple Academy Award winner for directing and producing, known for films like Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.
• Shirley MacLaine (Born April 24, 1934): An American actress, dancer, activist, and author with a career spanning over 70 years. MacLaine is known for her versatile performances across comedy and drama, winning an Academy Award for her role in Terms of Endearment. Her casting as the feisty nun-turned-prostitute Sara provided a unique comedic and dramatic foil to Eastwood's stoic Hogan.
• Don Siegel (October 26, 1912 – April 20, 1991): An American motion-picture director known for his tough, cynical, and forthright action-adventure films. Two Mules for Sister Sara was a pivotal film in his working relationship with Eastwood, which later produced classics like Coogan's Bluff, The Beguiled, and the seminal crime thriller Dirty Harry.

The Authentic Mexican Backdrops: Specific Filming Locations

The entire 65-day shoot for Two Mules for Sister Sara took place across the stunning and diverse geography of Mexico, providing a sweeping, grand-scale aesthetic that could not have been replicated on a studio backlot.

Morelos: The Picturesque Central Highlands

The central Mexican state of Morelos was a primary location, particularly for scenes involving the village and the more lush, mountainous terrain.

• Tlayacapan: This historical town, known for its picturesque countryside and colonial architecture, served as a key setting. The area's rugged mountains and valleys offered the perfect atmosphere for the journey of Hogan and Sara.
• Jantetelco: Another municipality in Morelos, Jantetelco contributed to the film’s expansive visual palette, likely providing some of the iconic wide-shot vistas of the Mexican landscape.
• Cuatla (Cuautla): Also utilized in the Morelos region, Cuatla’s surroundings provided the necessary historical look for a film set during the turbulent period of the French intervention and the fight of the Juaristas.

Sonora: The Arid Northern Frontier

To capture the more desolate, frontier feel of a Western, the production also ventured north to the state of Sonora, which borders the United States.

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• Bavispe: Located in the northeastern part of Sonora, Bavispe is known for its arid, mountainous environment and is situated near the Sierra Madre Occidental. This region provided the stark, sun-drenched landscapes that contrast with the greenery of Morelos, essential for a Western journey film.
• General Regions: While Bavispe is a specific town, the production utilized the broader landscapes of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, and general areas within the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, to frame the epic scale of the adventure.

The Cinematic Authority: Production Details and Key Entities

The film's visual and auditory impact was largely due to the collaboration between American and Mexican production teams, elevating its topical authority beyond a standard Hollywood Western.

The Master of Light: Gabriel Figueroa

A crucial element of the film's stunning visual quality was the involvement of legendary Mexican cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa. Figueroa, known for his work on classics like The Pearl and The Night of the Iguana, brought his mastery of black-and-white and color cinematography to the project. His expertise captured the dramatic skies and rugged terrain of Mexico in a way few others could, giving the film an authentic, almost painterly quality.

The Maestro of Sound: Ennio Morricone

No Clint Eastwood Western is complete without a memorable score from Ennio Morricone. The famed Italian composer provided an offbeat and inventive score for Two Mules for Sister Sara, utilizing unique musical effects that perfectly complemented the film’s seriocomic tone and epic scale.

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Mexican and American Collaboration

The film was a joint venture between Universal Pictures and Sanen Productions of Mexico, which facilitated the all-location shoot and the integration of American and Mexican actors. The Mexican crew included co-director René Cardona and second unit photographer Gabriel Torres, ensuring the on-location logistics were handled efficiently. Key Mexican actors included Manolo Fabregas and Alberto Morin, who added to the film's authentic feel.

The Juarista Context

The plot of Two Mules for Sister Sara centers on the fight against the French intervention in Mexico, aligning it with the "Juarista" movement (supporters of President Benito Juárez). This historical backdrop, coupled with the authentic Mexican locations, cemented the film’s status as a unique entry in the Western genre, moving it beyond a simple adventure story to one with historical and political context.

The next time you watch Clint Eastwood and Shirley MacLaine traverse the harsh, beautiful landscape, you will know you are looking at the real, untouched vistas of Morelos and Sonora—a testament to the film’s commitment to location authenticity.