Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Trailer—Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Solid production with two great action-drama stars in the lead roles yet this movie just doesn't feel at all special. Maybe it is the fact that since this movie several other movies have been made about the famous gunfight at the OK Corral, and they were more accurate and more engaging. Tombstone (1993) covered not just the gunfight but the aftermath, which stretched for years. Wyatt Earp (1994) was an extensive study on Wyatt Earp, including the gunfight, though was overly long and a bit laboured. So, now, it feels dated and surpassed. However, for its time this movie is okay. Good performances by Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas in the lead roles, plus the cinematography and action scenes are good. Plot is a touch dull, as the gunfight is really the only exciting part. While the backstory is very important, it feels overdone and padded. Ultimately, a so-so movie. Rather watch Tombstone for the full, accurate story.

This is strictly Hollywood. If one reads even the most fundamental biographies of the Earps and their associates, we come to realize that their feud with the Clantons is overblown by writers who wished to satisfy an audience. The Earps and Doc Holliday were far from perfect enforcer's of the law. Wyatt was as much a politician as he was a lawman, having on many occasions to try to appease a population that didn't especially like him. Doc Holliday was a user and abuser and a very sick man. The Earp brother had their own problems. One of the foibles, especially of Wyatt, was being bad judges of women. This film makes them saviors and, in the Western tradition, black and white. The shootout is a lot of fun as is the suspense leading up to it. It's certainly not a biopic, but it's a really fun Western.

No, this is not the way it really happened at the Ok Corral in Tucson but since when has Hollywood ever been totally accurate and true to history? The chemistry between Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster works extremely well. This movie works because of great stars and a solid cast of great actors. The score is outstanding featuring Frankie Lane singing the title song. The photography is very realistic compared to most westerns of that era. The gunfight at the Ok Corral is worth waiting for. If you like westerns, you will especially like The Gunfight At Ok Corral.

Burt Lancaster plays real-life western lawman Wyatt Earp, who travels to Tombstone, Arizona to join his brothers in their business, only to be called upon to serve after learning about a rival family, the Clantons, who are portrayed as thugs and cattle thieves. He enlists the help of old friend(but outlaw gunfighter) Doc Holliday(Kirk Douglas) to do battle with the Clantons after personal tragedy leads to that famous gunfight. Surprisingly dull western has a good cast but a slow pace, with an awkward and mawkish love story that drags it down even more. Climatic showdown is reasonably exciting, but not enough to save otherwise disappointing film.