Death of a Gunfighter

Death of a Gunfighter

Year: 1969

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Directors: Alan Smithee, Robert Totten

Western

Marshal Frank Patch, an old‑style lawman, serves the turn‑of‑century Texas town of Cottownwood Springs. After killing drunken Luke Mills in self‑defence, the town’s modernizing leaders demand his resignation. Patch refuses, citing his contract, and the city fathers, fearing his knowledge of their secrets, plot violent means to remove him.

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Timeline & Setting – Death of a Gunfighter (1969)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Death of a Gunfighter (1969). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Turn of the 20th century

The story takes place around the early 1900s, a period marked by the decline of the Old West era and the rise of modernization. It was a time of social change, law enforcement reform, and regional development in the American West.

Location

Cottonwood Springs, Texas

Cottonwood Springs is a small Texas town at the dawn of the 20th century, transitioning from its wild frontier past to modernity. Known for its rugged history and community resilience, it reflects the typical Old West settlement with a close-knit yet troubled atmosphere.

🤠 Old West 🏜️ Desert town 🏛️ Historic community

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Main Characters – Death of a Gunfighter (1969)

Meet the key characters of Death of a Gunfighter (1969), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marshal Frank Patch (Richard Widmark)

A steadfast and violent Old West lawman determined to uphold justice on his own terms. His strong sense of duty and willingness to challenge societal change lead him into conflict with the town authorities and his own safety.

💪 Determined 🧔 Veteran ⚔️ Protective

Claire (Lena Horne)

A compassionate brothel madame and Patch’s long-time love interest. She demonstrates loyalty and strength, supporting Patch’s decisions even as the town turns against him. Her departure symbolizes the end of an era.

❤️ Loyal 🎭 Strong 🌹 Supportive

Andrew Oxley (Kent Smith)

A cowardly lawyer and town councilman who feels humiliated by Patch. His desire for revenge and cowardice lead him to conspire in the plot to eliminate the marshal.

🤥 Schemer 🧻 Cowardly 🗣️ Ambitious

Will Oxley (Michael McGreevey)

The son of Andrew Oxley, who seeks revenge against Patch for his father's humiliation. He is impulsive and ultimately sacrifices himself, illustrating the destructive cycle of vendettas.

🔥 Reckless 💔 Vengeful 👦 Youthful

Lester Locke (Carroll O'Connor)

A cynical saloon owner who becomes one of the main instigators of the plot against Patch. He embodies the corrupting influence of vice and greed in the Old West.

🍸 Corrupt 🗡️ Manipulative 🕶️ Sly

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Major Themes – Death of a Gunfighter (1969)

Explore the central themes of Death of a Gunfighter (1969), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The film explores themes of justice and law enforcement, contrasting the Old West lawman's rugged methods with the evolving ideals of modern policing. It questions the morality of justice by depicting the personal sacrifices of the protagonist.

💕 Love and Loyalty

Patch’s marriage to Claire showcases loyalty, sacrifice, and personal commitment amidst societal conflict. Their relationship underscores the personal cost of standing against corruption and violence in a changing society.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

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Movies about obsolete protagonists like Death of a Gunfighter

Stories where a stubborn figure clashes with a world that no longer needs them.If you liked Death of a Gunfighter's story of a lawman out of time, explore these movies about characters facing their own irrelevance. These films feature stubborn heroes, changing eras, and the bitter cost of refusing to adapt, perfect for fans of similar westerns and dramas.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a protagonist, often skilled or principled in an old-fashioned way, who is confronted by a society or system that has moved on. Their refusal to change or step aside creates a central conflict that escalates toward an inevitable, bittersweet, or tragic conclusion, highlighting the personal cost of progress.

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Movies in this thread share a core theme of obsolescence and the resulting internal and external conflict. They are united by a melancholic, defiant mood, a steady pacing that builds toward an inevitable climax, and a focus on the heavy emotional weight of being left behind by time.

Movies with grim moral compromise like Death of a Gunfighter

Dark stories where characters are forced into impossible, morally grey decisions.Fans of Death of a Gunfighter's ethical dilemmas will appreciate these stories of moral compromise. Discover similar movies with dark tones, politically corrupt settings, and characters making heavy choices, featuring violent action, bleak westerns, and gritty crime dramas.

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Narrative Summary

The plot typically unfolds in a corrupt or brutal setting, forcing characters to compromise their principles for pragmatic survival, revenge, or a twisted sense of justice. The journey is characterized by escalating moral compromises, betrayal, and a pervasive sense that there are no purely good options, often culminating in a tragic resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared dark tone, high intensity, and exploration of moral grey areas. They deliver a consistent experience of tension, moral unease, and heavy emotional impact, appealing to viewers who enjoy complex, character-driven conflicts where right and wrong are blurred.

Unlock the Full Story of Death of a Gunfighter

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Death of a Gunfighter Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Death of a Gunfighter, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Death of a Gunfighter Summary

Death of a Gunfighter Timeline

Track the full timeline of Death of a Gunfighter with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Death of a Gunfighter Timeline

Death of a Gunfighter Spoiler-Free Summary

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Death of a Gunfighter Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Death of a Gunfighter

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