Press Release

Title:Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Documentary
Contact: Aaron Pruitt, Director of Programming (406) 994-5021

Date:Thursday, January 19, 2006

On ______, MontanaPBS will present a film which explores ranching life in Eastern Montana, contemporary cowboy culture and the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. The Last Stronghold – The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, produced by Montana filmmakers Jon Dodson and Ian Kellett, offers a rare glimpse into the world of Rodeo and Bronc busting in the context of Montana’s frontier history and a lifestyle that continues to define the American West.

An honest and rugged way of life is observed in the way two sisters take care of a wounded horse on the family ranch, and through the fears and hopes of a young rodeo cowboy who, “can do nothin’ else but ride”. Historic perspectives of this lifestyle are revealed through the eyes of a longtime Montana cowboy who rode the range during the 1930’s and 40’s. Author and historian John L. Moore appears in the film describing ranch life in Eastern Montana, “This is a next year country, people out here live on hope. If you can saddle hope and ride it, you’ll get over the next divide”.

Narrated by renowned cowboy poet and rancher Wally McRae, the half-hour documentary film is a celebration of horses and western culture with plenty of bone-jarring rodeo action. Talented Montana musicians, including Dick Dillof, provide much of the original musical score which was recorded by Sean Devine in his Paradise Valley studio.

The Last Stronghold – The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale airs on ______, with repeats on ______. The program is distributed nationally by American Public Television.

Ian Kellett and Jon Dodson are filmmakers based in Livingston, whose work has been seen on The Discovery Channel, National Geographic and PBS. Jon Dodson is available for interviews by calling (406) 223-4055. High resolution promotional images may be found at the MontanaPBS Pressroom

Montana PBS’ mission is to acquire, produce and deliver high quality educational, informational and entertaining programming and related outreach services to all Montanans. MontanaPBS is comprised of KUSM-TV Bozeman and KUFM-TV Missoula, each a non-commercial educational licensee of Montana State University  Bozeman and The University of Montana  Missoula, respectively.

For 44 years, American Public Television (APT) has been a prime source of programming for the nation’s public television stations. APT is known for identifying innovative programs and developing creative distribution techniques for producers. In four decades, it has established a tradition of providing public television stations nationwide with program choices that enable them to strengthen and customize their schedules. For more information about APT’s programs and services visit APTonline.org.

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Montana State University •Bozeman

Visual Communications Building 183
P.O. Box 173340
Bozeman MT 59717-3340
Phone 406.994.3437
Fax 406.994.6545 / /
University of Montana • Missoula
Broadcast Media Center

PARTV 180

Missoula MT 59812-4146
Phone 406.243.4101
Fax 406.243.3299