Texas-centric movies inducted into the National Film Registry

From “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” to “No Country for Old Men,” several newly inducted films in the National Film Registry have connections to the Lone Star State.

The Library of Congress released its latest additions to the National Film Registry Tuesday, which inducts 25 films each year.

“Films reflect our nation’s history and culture and must be preserved in our national library for generations to come. We’re honored by the responsibility to add 25 diverse new films to the National Film Registry each year as we work to preserve our cultural heritage,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “This is a collective effort in the film community to preserve our cinematic heritage, and we are grateful to our partners, including the National Film Preservation Board.”

Texas connections

Cult classic “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) — set in fictional Newt, Texas — was filmed in various rural locations outside of Austin, including Leander, Bastrop and Round Rock. 

Some of the film’s cast and crew also had direct connections to Texas. Edwin Neal, who played the hitchhiker in the movie, is from Houston and studied at the University of Texas at Austin. Terri McMinn, who played Pam, also studied at UT and St. Edward’s University in South Austin. Director Tobe Hooper and co-writer and producer Kim Henkel met at UT before joining to create the film.

“Spy Kids,” released in 2001, was directed by Texas filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and was partially filmed in Austin and San Antonio. The movie also features a cameo from fellow Texas filmmaker Richard Linklater.

Though “No Country for Old Men” was mainly filmed in New Mexico, the 2007 movie was set in Texas and some scenes were filmed in Marfa and Big Bend National Park.

Latino-led films take center stage

Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, an advocate for Latino representation in media, celebrated the induction of several Latino-led films in the registry, some of which were submitted to Castro’s office for nomination. Among these are “Mi Familia” (1995), “Up in Smoke” (1978), “American Me” (1992), “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982) and “Spy Kids.”

“Mi Familia” follows the story of a Mexican immigrant’s family history and their struggles with social hardships and racial tensions from the 1940s to the 1970s. 

“Up in Smoke” stars comedic duo Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin. Marin is a champion of Chicano art and also stars in a few of the “Spy Kids” movies.

This image released by the Library of Congress shows Tommy Chong, left, and Cheech Marin in a scene from the 1978 film “Up in Smoke.” (Paramount Pictures/Library of Congress via AP)

“American Me,” starring Edward James Olmos, follows the story of a Mafia kingpin attempting to reform his life in Los Angeles.

“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” features iconic Mexican actor Ricardo Montalbán, who founded Latino arts advocacy organization Nosotros in the 1970s to change the stereotypical image of Latinos in Hollywood.

“The new Latino-led films added to the National Film Registry tell complex and sometimes difficult stories, featuring Latinos as heroes and villains, hard-working immigrants and goofballs, space travelers and so much more,” Castro said in a news release. “Together, these films represent a unique cross-section of Latino contributions to American cinema and showcase the talent Latinos bring to the screen.”

For those interested in watching these newly inducted films, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will screen a selection of them on Wed., Dec. 18 starting at 7 p.m. CT.