TOP

For Jim Tuck, the new film ‘Lost Outlaw’ is a chance to grace the screen in a redemptive Western

Can’t you just see Jim Tuck as an Old West sheriff? He certainly has the voice for a character with gravitas. The retired Fresno radio personality and thespian landed a film role in Darrell Mapson’s new Western “Lost Outlaw.” In the film, Chinese gold miners get run off by outlaws, and one of them has to do some soul searching after meeting a woman of faith.

Pictured above: Jim Tuck plays one of the good guys in ‘Lost Outlaw.’

“Lost Outlaw” celebrates its world premiere on Thursday, June 17, at Yosemite Cinema in Oakhurst. We caught up with him to ask about the locally filmed production.

Q: Your role in the film is Jim Tucker. And you’re Jim … Tuck! Is that an amazing coincidence or was that by design?

A: It turns out the Writer/Director, Darrell Mapson, asked if I’d take the part before the character was named.

Q: Tell us about your character.

A: He’s a retired sheriff. He’s one of the good guys and helps the whippersnappers take down the bad guys.

STORY CONTINUES AFTER SPONSORED CONTENT



Q: When and where did you shoot your scenes?

A: My scenes were shot at Fresno Flats Historical Park in Oakhurst and in Bandit Town, near North Fork. All of the scenes I appeared in for Alan Autry’s film, “Forgiven,” were also shot in Bandit Town, although then it was called Old Town North Fork. The settings, indoors and out, had a period feel to them and helped drive the attitudes of days gone by.

Q: Tell us what you’d think one big advantage would be of living in the Old West.

A: Hmm … I’m tempted to say no cell phones, but I also could give that answer as a disadvantage to living in those days. LOL! I tend to equate the Old West with smaller population centers where everybody knew everybody and the whole town would run out to help put out a neighbor’s fire or build a barn, and those kind of things. The sense of community was essential, I think.

Q: How about one big disadvantage of living in the Old West?

A: For me it would be difficulty of travel. I love to travel! Car, plane, ship…I just love going places and seeing things and meeting people, and I don’t think that happened as much then.


The Munro Review has no paywall but is financially supported by readers who believe in its non-profit mission of bringing professional arts journalism to the central San Joaquin Valley. You can help by signing up for a monthly recurring paid membership or make a one-time donation of as little as $3. All memberships and donations are tax-deductible.

Q: Does doing a period piece like this make you think more about the history of places you might pass through every day?

A: That’s a really interesting question. I guess I’d have to say sometimes. When I force myself to not be “on task,” and examine “the moment,” then certainly I try to imagine what that life might have been like. And as an actor, imagining is growing. What might have been the great challenges of living there in that time? I wonder why people arrived here and decided to stay — or not stay. Lots of questions.

Q: Anything to add?

A: I loved every minute of this project. The cast and crew were all amazing and Darrell was so patient, even when falling acorns kept making us have to stop and reshoot the scene …over and over and over. It got to be so comical! I also loved being part of a story of redemption. It’s never too late to change and do the right thing.

I was really disappointed when I wrapped my shooting because I was having such a great time that I didn’t want it to end. I hope people will make it a point of seeing “Lost Outlaw” whenever they can and support the local folks.


Follow-up: I checked with Mapson about how folks can see the film after the Oakhurst premiere. He tells me: “The film will be released worldwide Sept. 13 of this year by my distributor, Bridgestone Multimedia Global. The platforms to see it remain to be seen. I am open to talking to any theaters or churches locally that would be willing to let me show it. I will be posting more along the way at my website.


 

Covering the arts online in the central San Joaquin Valley and beyond. Lover of theater, classical music, visual arts, the literary arts and all creative endeavors. Former Fresno Bee arts critic and columnist. Graduate of Columbia University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Excited to be exploring the new world of arts journalism.

donaldfresnoarts@gmail.com

Comments (4)

  • Awesome interview! Thanks Donald and Jim.

    reply
  • Steph

    Jim Tuck is a Fresno treasure. One of the nicest humans alive and a wonderful actor.

    reply
  • Jackie Ryle

    This looks like such fun. Haven’t seen Jim in years. Is the premier open to the public? Thanks, Donald, for keeping us always up to date!

    reply

Leave a Reply