As The Texas Chain Saw Massacre celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it brings back memories for many involved in the groundbreaking 1974 horror film. Among them is local attorney Rod Ponton, who had a brief stint in the film industry before his legal career took off.
Prior to becoming a well-known attorney in Texas’ Big Bend and Transpecos regions, Ponton was a Radio, Television, and Film graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. He contributed to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a film that has become a cultural phenomenon and an essential piece of American horror cinema. Reflecting on his time in the production, Ponton shared that while he enjoyed working on the film, the financial realities of the industry led him to pursue a different path.
“Although I tried my hand in the film industry after Chainsaw, I quickly realized the only people making a steady living in film were the lawyers and accountants. So off to law school I went, never regretted it,” Ponton said.
The film, directed by Tobe Hooper, remains iconic 50 years after its release, with celebrations planned throughout 2024. Fans have been treated to special events, including an ice sculpture unveiling at SXSW in Austin and screenings at prominent venues like the Museum of Modern Art in New York. A multi-disc collector’s edition will be released later this year, featuring a 4K UHD restoration of the film.
Ponton, now known for his legal work rather than his time on set, serves clients in Alpine, Presidio, Fort Stockton, Pecos, Terlingua, Fort Davis, Lajitas, and Marfa. He gained further notoriety as the “Zoom Cat Lawyer” after an internet mishap during a virtual court appearance, but his early work in film continues to be a unique part of his story.
For legal services, Rod Ponton can be reached at (432) 837-0990 or through his website, Big Bend Law, which specializes in a wide array of legal services in the West Texas region.
