Death of a Gunfighter

The movie begins in the town of Cottonwood Springs, Texas, at the turn of the century, where Marshal Frank Patch is established as the town's Old West style lawman. He has a reputation for violence but also for maintaining order in a community eager to move forward into the 20th century.

During an altercation, Patch kills drunken Luke Mills in self-defense, an act that sparks controversy among the townsfolk and the town council. This incident marks a turning point in the community's attitude towards Patch's rule.

Following Mills' death, the town council decides it is time for Marshal Patch to retire and establish a modern police force. Patch refuses to step down, asserting that his appointment was for as long as he wished to serve.

The council enlists the aid of the county sheriff, a protege and friend of Patch, to force him out of his position. Patch rebuffs this attempt, showing his determination to stay and continue his law enforcement role.

Some of the more outspoken councilmen, fearing Patch's violent past and influence, conspire to have him murdered as a way to rid the town of the lawman. The plot deepens as tensions rise.

Patch humiliates Andrew Oxley, a cowardly lawyer and councilman, during a town meeting by slapping him in disgust. Oxley's embarrassment fuels his desire for revenge against the marshal.

Oxley's son, intending to ambush and kill Patch, is trapped in a room by the marshal. Facing certain death, he turns his gun on himself to avoid capture. His death stirs further revenge plans among the townspeople.

Will Oxley, seeking vengeance for his father, confronts Patch and attempts to kill him. Patch wounds Will mortally, and before dying, Will reveals that his father had previously shot a man in the back, which Patch had covered up.

Patch seeks to dismantle the conspiracy against him by pursuing Locke, a cynical saloon owner involved in the plot. He wounds, captures, and jails Locke, leaving the townspeople in suspense about what will happen next.

Despite his efforts to hold the town accountable, Patch goes back out to face the town councilmen, who have planned to kill him. He is ambushed and shot by riflemen firing from rooftops on the main street.

Following Patch's death, Claire, the local brothel madam and Patch's long-time girlfriend, is seen leaving the town by train, symbolizing the end of an era.