Some stories are too powerful to remain tucked away in old books. Death in Convict Canyon is one of them. Rooted in the rugged mining towns of Nevada in the 1870s, this upcoming feature film is based on the book Fatal Affair in Monte Diablo Canyon, by James S. Reed, brings to life the first train robbery in the West and the largest prison break of its time, blending history, suspense, and redemption into an unforgettable cinematic experience.
A True Story Worth Telling
In 1870, two men, John Chapman and John Squiers, attempted to rob a stagecoach near Verdi, Nevada. They failed, but instead of giving up, they dreamed bigger. Chapman became obsessed with wealth and plotted an audacious plan: robbing the Overland Express. With a gang of miners and petty criminals at his side, he pulled it off.
But justice in the frontier was swift. The gang was captured, tried, and sent to Carson City Prison. That might have been the end of the story, except Chapman refused to fade away. He and his fellow inmates tunneled out, guns blazing. Their escape left behind bloodshed, tragedy, and a posse of vigilantes determined to stop them. The final showdown unfolded in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada, in what is now known as Convict Canyon.
This is more than just a Western, it’s a story of faith, greed, justice, and the moral gray areas in between.
Our Vision for the Film
Directed with the grit of classic Westerns and the atmosphere of modern cinematic epics like The Revenant and Hell or High Water, Death in Convict Canyon will be filmed on authentic locations across Nevada and California, including Virginia City, Benton Hot Springs, and of course, Convict Lake itself.
Our approach is simple but powerful:
- Expansive, anamorphic cinematography that captures the raw beauty of the Sierra.
- Period-accurate sets and costumes, filmed in many of the actual locations where history took place.
- A talented cast of up-and-coming actors who will embody the real-life figures of this forgotten saga.
- A tone that blends Western noir with redemption, action, and moral conflict.
This isn’t just a movie, it’s a time machine that transports audiences to the wild, lawless frontier.
The Creative Team Behind the Project
- Chris Lieber (Co-Writer/Producer): Award-winning filmmaker with a background in narrative shorts and indie projects.
- Matthew Lehman (Producer): A Mammoth Lakes local, businessman, and history enthusiast who has long been passionate about preserving the stories of the Eastern Sierra.
- Michael David MacBride (Co-Writer): A scholar of 19th-century American literature, vigilante violence, and Mark Twain, bringing unmatched depth and authenticity to the script.
- Jim S. Reed (Author): Writer of the source material, Fatal Affair in Monte Diablo Canyon, and consultant ensuring historical accuracy.
Together, this team blends academic expertise, cinematic vision, and local passion to create something authentic and compelling.
Why Now? The Return of the Western
The Western genre is alive and thriving. From Yellowstone to The Power of the Dog, audiences are hungry for authentic, character-driven frontier stories. Streaming platforms are investing heavily in Westerns, with more than a dozen projects slated for 2025–2026.
But here’s what makes Death in Convict Canyon different: it’s not just inspired by the West, it happened in the West. This film is rooted in true history, filmed on real locations, and tied to the people and places that lived through it.
Community and Legacy
This project isn’t only about making a film, it’s about honoring the Eastern Sierra’s history. We’ve partnered with local ranches, tourism groups, and communities who are excited to see their heritage brought to life on screen. Local extras will appear in period-accurate costumes, businesses will support production, and the story will shine a light on one of the region’s most iconic landmarks: Convict Lake.
By telling this story, we’re preserving history, celebrating culture, and creating a piece of art that will live on for generations.
How You Can Help
Independent films like Death in Convict Canyon rely on the passion of their supporters. That’s where you come in. We are currently raising funds to bring this story to life, and every contribution makes a difference. Initial donations help cover:
- Production costs (sets, crew, equipment)
- Location Scouting
- Storyboard Creation
- Initial production setup
When you donate, you’re not just giving money, you’re becoming part of the story. Supporters will be thanked, recognized, and included in the journey. Imagine being able to say: “I helped bring Death in Convict Canyon to life.”
Join the Ride
From a daring train heist to a violent prison break and a dramatic canyon showdown, Death in Convict Canyon has everything a great Western needs, and more. It’s thrilling, emotional, historically grounded, and visually stunning.
We believe this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, but it starts here, with you.
