The movie Mackintosh & T.J. features Roy Rogers as Mackintosh, a drifter who was once a rodeo champion, and Clay O'Brien Cooper as a young homeless boy in need of mentoring. Together they find a job with rancher Jim Webster. Cooper, who had also performed with John Wayne, grew up to pursue a successful rodeo career. Alongside partner Jack Barnes, Cooper became a prominent figure in the world of professional team roping during the 1980s-1990s. Surprisingly, there are many West Texas connections to this film. Besides having music provided by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, most of the film's scenes were shot at the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie and in the town of Matador. The film's February 5, 1976, world premiere was held at the Winchester Theatre in Lubbock as a fundraiser for the Ranching Heritage Center. Thirty-six years later it would be featured as part of Matador's centennial celebration in July of 2012.

The film's press kit was found among the records of the University News and Publications collection, which is currently being processed in the University Archives. Texas Tech rodeo records are also part of the University Archives, and records for the 6666 Ranch are part of the Southwest Collection.

Lynn Whitfield

University Archivist