Death of a Gunfighter

Death of a Gunfighter

Year: 1969

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Directors: Alan Smithee, Robert Totten

WesternWesternsWild west outlaws and gunfightsWestern frontier dramas with a touch of humorViolent action guns and crime

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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Death of a Gunfighter Summary

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Death of a Gunfighter Summary

Death of a Gunfighter Timeline

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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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