Rather than replay a story so familiar to western fans, let’s take a look at why Tombstone belongs in the conversation for best western of all time. We know the 1879 feud between the Earp brothers and the outlaw gang known as The Cowboys. It led to the iconic Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, more accurately said ‘near’ the O.K. Corral. We know the ambush that left Virgil Earp crippled and the assassination that killed Morgan, leading to Wyatt Earp’s Vendetta Ride. The film starts with a good story. Next comes the director.

Director George P. Cosmatos is one of the reasons Tombstone ranks with the best westerns of all time. He wanted to portray the history accurately. He wanted to make it authentic. Take costumes for example, you don’t get the dramatic effect of four resolute men walking to a date with destiny without those long black coats. Props and costums were historically appropriate. Scenery shot on location. Even the mustaches were real. The gunfight itself, choreographed, timed and filmed exactly as it happened. The human element, loyalty and friendship between Wyatt and Doc Holiday, was genuine too.

Which brings us to the actors. Previously on these pages we’ve declared Val Kilmer best Doc Holiday ever. His quick-draw was a practiced skill. The buttery, aristocratic southern accent, sold the character. The light sheen of sweat, made sick believable. We put Kurt Russell in the conversation for the best Wyatt ever, too close for me to call with Kevin Costner; but many of you called it for Kurt. It didn’t stop there either. Sam Elliott is totally believable as Virgil Earp. I don’t know I could name one any better. Costner’s film didn’t have a Virgil character. Another ‘in character’ performance somewhat overlooked in my opinion is Dana Delany as Josephine. From what my research tells me about Josephine, Dana Delany nailed her look and demeanor.

Curiously the film received mixed critical reviews. I suspect that had more to do with a lack of appreciation for the historical accuracy of the film than anything else. To that point, True West Magazine, a publication with deep historical roots, rates Tombstone one of the five best westerns ever made. High praise from a knowledgeable source. Kilmer and Russell’s reviews were great. Folks liked it. The film grossed $56.5 million.

Next Week: The Quick and the Dead
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Ride easy,
Paul