Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Year: 1957

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: John Sturges

BiographyDramaWestern

In Tombstone, Arizona, lawman Wyatt Earp finds himself facing off against the notorious Clayton gang. He reconnects with old friend and gambler Doc Holliday, whose own personal struggles stem from a past relationship with Kate Fisher. As tensions rise in the lawless town, Earp and Holliday reluctantly join forces, leading to a fateful and legendary confrontation at the O.K. Corral.

Tense
Bittersweet ending
Emotionally heavy
High intensity
Steady pacing
Simple story

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

19th Century

The movie is set in the 19th Century, a time characterized by the expansion of American frontier settlements and conflicts between lawmen and outlaws. Events during this period were often marked by gunfights, lawlessness, and dramatic confrontations as territory was claimed and battles for justice unfolded. It depicts the struggles against societal norms and rampant criminal activities common in the Old West.

Location

Fort Griffin, Dodge City, Tombstone

Fort Griffin is a dusty Texas town serving as a backdrop for a classic tale of vengeance and lawlessness in the Old West. Dodge City is notorious for its wild reputation and law enforcement challenges, while Tombstone is known for the historic O.K. Corral and celebrated for its gunfight legacies. Each location represents a critical stage in the unfolding drama between outlaws and lawmen.

🏜️ Wild West 🌆 Towns 🐴 Old West

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

Main Characters – Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

Meet the key characters of Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Doc Holliday (Burt Lancaster)

Doc Holliday is a notorious gunslinger caught in a web of loyalty, vengeance, and illness. His relationship with Wyatt Earp develops through mutual respect and tension, showcasing a man torn between his turbulent past and the desire for redemption. Despite his tuberculosis, he remains fierce and protective, embodying the tumultuous spirit of the Old West.

👨‍⚕️ Medicine 🔫 Gunslinger 💔 Loyalty

Wyatt Earp (Kirk Douglas)

Wyatt Earp is a driven lawman determined to restore order amidst chaos. His approach often brings him into conflict with both criminals and allies, particularly with Holliday, as they navigate their complex relationship. Earp's sense of duty is tested repeatedly, making him the embodiment of justice in a lawless society.

👮‍♂️ Lawman ⚖️ Justice 💪 Strength

Kate Fisher (Jo Van Fleet)

Kate Fisher is a complex character, torn between her love for Doc Holliday and her fleeting attraction to Johnny Ringo. Her choices reflect the core struggles women faced in a male-dominated environment. As she navigates her feelings amid growing tensions, Kate represents the emotional turmoil and challenges of loyalty.

❤️ Love 🔥 Passion 🎭 Complexity

Ed Bailey

Ed Bailey is driven by vengeance after the tragic death of his brother. His character embodies the quest for retribution, and his arrival in Fort Griffin sets off a chain of violent events. As an outsider seeking justice, he tragically becomes a victim of the very chaos he sought to confront.

⚔️ Revenge 🏇 Outlaw 📖 Tragedy

Ike Clanton (Lyle Bettger)

Ike Clanton is a quintessential outlaw, representing the lawlessness of the frontier. He is embroiled in conflicts with Wyatt Earp and embodies the threats posed by such gangs. Clanton's scheming nature ultimately leads to tragic confrontations that shape the story's climax.

👹 Outlaw 💰 Greed 🔫 Danger

Johnny Ringo (John Ireland)

Johnny Ringo serves as a charismatic yet dangerous antagonist, embodying the lawlessness of the Old West. His rivalry with Doc Holliday adds layers of tension and conflict, making him a pivotal character in the unfolding drama. Ringo's exploits reflect the wild and reckless spirit prevalent among outlaws.

🌪️ Chaos 🔥 Rivalry 💀 Antagonist

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

Major Themes – Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

Explore the central themes of Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Vengeance

Vengeance drives the narrative as characters seek to right the wrongs inflicted upon them and their loved ones. Ed Bailey's quest for revenge highlights the personal tragedies that can spiral into violence, drawing in figures like Doc Holliday. The theme underscores the cyclical nature of revenge and its consequences in the lawless landscape of the Old West.

👮 Law and Order

The struggle for law and order is a central theme as Wyatt Earp attempts to restore justice in the face of rampant outlaw activities. The conflicts between lawmen and outlaws illustrate the constant battle for control in a violent setting. The eventual confrontation at the O.K. Corral serves as a pivotal point in the quest to establish order in society.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal permeates relationships, as seen with Kate's shift towards Johnny Ringo while she remains tied to Holliday. This theme reflects personal loyalties tested amid tumultuous events, leading characters into unexpected alliances and enmities. The emotional hardships amplify the stakes of survival in a world where trust is fragile.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

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Movies about fated duos and last stands like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Reluctant allies join for one final, unavoidable confrontation against overwhelming odds.If you enjoyed the dynamic between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday in Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, you'll like these movies. This collection features stories of iconic partnerships forged in conflict, leading to legendary final confrontations where loyalty is tested and history is made.

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Narrative Summary

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Movies about the heavy cost of frontier justice like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

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Narrative Summary

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Why These Movies?

This thread groups films that share a central theme: the true cost of justice. They are united by a heavy emotional weight, a straightforward narrative driven by conflict, and a consistently tense tone that builds towards a resolution which is morally and emotionally complex rather than simply triumphant.

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Gunfight at the O.K. Corral Summary

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Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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