The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: An Evening in Gold Hill with Jim "The Trainman" Clark

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: An Evening in Gold Hill with Jim "The Trainman" Clark
Jim Clark at the March 12 Gold Hill Hotel Lecture Series season opener. | Photo Credit: Axl James

On March 12, the historic Gold Hill Hotel hosted an unforgettable evening as legendary Hollywood “Trainman” Jim Clark came to town to open his new presentation, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”.

Drawing on more than four decades of experience working behind the scenes in the film and television industry, Clark treated an eager full house to a series of personal collections and firsthand stories about some of the most iconic names in Hollywood history. Clark recounted a variety of experiences, ranging from chance encounters with living legends like Clint Eastwood and Anthony Hopkins, to the crew members that left lasting impressions on his career and life, many from films that still take up space on the big screen today. 

Clark spoke about meeting actors, directors, and a variety of other film professionals, offering insight into the moments that shaped his life's work. The stories showcased the human side of fame, with Clark sharing hilarious off camera encounters, unexpected acts of kindness, and the times he faced exceptional industry pressure. Whether he was discussing light hearted pranks on Old West film sets, unexpected acquisitions like Kirk Douglas’ wrist watch, or the heartbreak that accompanies love and loss in the entertainment industry, Clark's storytelling struck an exceptional balance between entertainment and insight into his life's work.

By the end of the evening, the Gold Hill Hotel felt much more like a gathering of friends than a presentation venue. Clark’s warmth and lighthearted delivery left the already excited crowd smiling and clearly moved by some of the emotional weight in the stories told. Many attendees lingered afterwards, a sign of the positive impact that the Trainman has had on not only the most recognizable scenes in entertainment history, but also the local communities of Storey County and Nevada.

The Gold Hill Hotel Lecture Series is planned for every other Thursday from March to September/October 2026. Visit goldhillhotel.net/event to verify lecture dates, details, and reservation information as it becomes available.