Twenty-six years ago a documentary premiered at South by Southwest that showed what it was like to be on the set of the Warner Bros. classic “Giant” with James Dean, Liz Taylor, and Rock Hudson in Marfa. That summer of 1955 went on to inspire a stage play, a film, and a TV series.

On June 6 at 7 p.m. in the Hotel Paisano ballroom there will be a screening of the award-winning documentary, “Return To Giant.” A question and answer session with the filmmaker will take place following the documentary.

Winner of Best Documentary at the Lone Star Film Awards and an official entry into SXSW’s 1996 documentary competition, “Return To Giant” takes a touching look at the last days of James Dean as he spent his time on the Evans Ranch outside Marfa. Narrated by native Texan and the lead singer for the Eagles, Don Henley, the documentary contains many never-before-seen photos and home movies shot on the “Giant” set by Marfa residents. It also contains the only interview with the late Dennis Hopper about his part in the movie, as well as his Warner Bros. screen test for the role of Jordie Benedict.

Unlike most films, “Giant” was shot on an open set. This meant anyone willing to drive out to the Evans Ranch could watch the day’s filming, then view the rushes in one of Marfa’s downtown movie theaters with director George Stevens.

“Return to Giant” is currently available only in an edited form on the Warner Home Video DVD of “Giant,” but the version to be screened at the Hotel Paisano is the same one screened in 1996 and on PBS television. It contains about three minutes cut from the Warners DVD release, and is what is referred to as the director’s cut.

“It’s all there, Texas riding high and handsome,” as the late historian Dr. Don Graham said.

The cost is $20 per person. For ticket information, visit Eventbrite. com. Email queries may be sent to kirbyfwarnock@gmail.com, or call 214-600-5861.