‘Tombstone’: A Tale of Justice in the Wild West

1993 | R | 2h 10m | Biography, Drama, History

Much of establishing the mythos of Americana can be attributed to classic Western films of the 1930s, ‘40s, and ’50s. Who could ever forget seeing James Stewart in 1950’s “Winchester ’73” or Gregory Peck in 1958’s “The Big Country”? Films such as these incredible barn burners capitalized on the massive popularity of the genre during its heyday.

However, by the time legendary director John Ford made his final adieu to the Old West with his classic “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” in 1962, interest in this once-hallowed genre had begun to ebb. Although there were a few exceptions, Westerns began to fade into the dusty history of the era they portrayed like tumbleweeds blown into the dark.

One of the most compelling real-life tales presented in Western cinema is the shootout at the O.K. Corral in the small town of Tombstone, Arizona, in 1881. It was the dramatic and violent climax between two conflicting forces that had been feuding for quite some time.

One of the greatest classic film renditions of this historic gun battle, and the events leading up to it, was 1946’s “My Darling Clementine” (also directed by Ford), but perhaps the greatest modern version of it would be 1993’s “Tombstone,” helmed by George Cosmatos and Kevin Jarre.

Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) has some cleaning up to do, in “Tombstone.” Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

The film kicks off in an interesting fashion, with the great Robert Mitchum delivering a rich-voiced narrative of the tumultuous late 1800s. The post-Civil War’s economic boom propelled many to move to the relatively untamed western United States. Although this time and place could be described as an every man for himself free-for-all, some elements of the population wanted civility and justice, and some of those elements were personified in the Earp brothers.

The opening act doesn’t waste time getting into the action. A man who sports a perpetually devilish grin, Curly Bill Brocius (Powers Boothe) leads a band of banditos known as the Cowboys into a Mexican town. They believe that two of their cohorts were killed by the Mexican police, and so they ambush one of the officers just as he’s getting married. However, they end up slaying not only the officer they believe to be responsible but also the entire detachment of officers attending the ceremony. It’s a pretty grisly scene but successfully manages to convey the gang’s viciousness.

Meanwhile, after mopping up much of the crime in Dodge City, Kansas, former lawman Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) wants to move on to a smaller town to start his new life. Since he has a rather checkered past, the wildness of a boomtown called Tombstone on the Arizonan frontier appeals to him. He travels there with his older brother Virgil (Sam Elliott) and younger brother Morgan (Bill Paxton).

Tombstone is a lively place filled with all sorts: everything from cowboys, bandits, and miners to upper-crust types. All are looking to better themselves through legal, or often illegal, means.

The three brothers have brought their respective ladies with them, and it is revealed early on that Wyatt’s wife, Mattie (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson), is becoming increasingly addicted to the opium tincture laudanum. Soon, a love triangle develops between Wyatt, Mattie, and another woman, a traveling troupe performer named Josephine Marcus (Dana Delany).

Wyatt’s old pal Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) also shows up. Holliday has moved out to Arizona in the hopes of improving his tuberculosis because of the state’s arid climate.

But the good times don’t last for long.

Curly Bill Brocius (Powers Boothe), in “Tombstone.” Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

The Earps and Doc Holliday are gambling one day when several of the villainous Cowboy outlaws interrupt the proceedings. Tension develops between the two groups, igniting an enmity that will soon result in an escalating body count via some spectacular gunfights.

Eventually, Wyatt’s retirement plans are put on hold, and he and his brothers become the lawmen of Tombstone. But these new lawmen face great odds, not only because of the superior numbers of the Cowboy outlaws but also because of their ruthlessness.

A Tense Buildup

Although I knew the general outcome of the famous shootout that occurs near the end of the film, the way that its gradual tension builds up is highly entertaining. For instance, Doc Holliday doesn’t want to fade away on some hospital bed because of his illness, so he’s pretty reckless in his actions. Watching the Doc Holliday character handle various situations is suspenseful. Viewers never know what kind of shenanigans he’s going to engage in. The role also seems to be tailor-made for Kilmer, who steals most of the scenes he’s in, which is hard to do considering the stellar cast.

All of the performances, from the main to the supporting cast, are top-notch. The film’s music and excellent costuming are also well done and lend themselves to the overall immersion factor of the film. If there was one thing I felt wasn’t necessary, it was the love triangle between Wyatt, his wife Maddie, and Josephine. It just felt perfunctory and hollow, as if tacked on to bloat the running time.

Val Kilmer steals the show as Doc Holliday, in “Tombstone.” Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Other than that minor quibble, “Tombstone” is one of the best modern Western films I’ve ever seen. A wide array of scenes are just oozing with tension and menace; there is lots of outstanding action with timeless themes about camaraderie, justice, and good standing up against evil, even when the forces of good are outmatched. It also may inspire those with curious minds to delve further into the fascinating history of the Old West.

“Tombstone” is available on Pluto TV, Vudu, and AMC on Demand.

‘Tombstone’ Directors: George P. Cosmatos, Kevin Jarre Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott MPAA Rating: R Running Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes Release Date: Dec. 25, 1993 Rated: 4 1/2 stars out of 5

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