The Gunfighter

The Gunfighter

Year: 1950

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Henry King

Western

A seasoned detective journeys through a harsh and unforgiving landscape, hot on the trail of a dangerous outlaw. The criminal has assumed the name and reputation of a deceased hero, creating confusion and chaos. As the chase intensifies, both men find themselves confronting not only each other, but also their own sense of justice and what it means to be a legend. The pursuit becomes a tense and perilous game that challenges their abilities and forces them to question their values.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Gunfighter (1950)

Trace every key event in The Gunfighter (1950) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Jimmy Ringo Arrives in Cayenne

In the dusty town of Cayenne, the atmosphere shifts as the infamous gunfighter, Jimmy Ringo, strides into the local saloon. His presence captures the attention of all present, igniting whispers and speculation about the legendary shooter's prowess.

Cayenne
2

Confrontation with Eddie

The tension escalates when Eddie, a reckless cowboy, confronts Ringo in the saloon. This confrontation culminates tragically, as Eddie underestimates Ringo's speed and skill, leading to his own downfall at the hands of the legendary gunfighter.

Saloon, Cayenne
3

Eddie's Brothers Seek Revenge

After Eddie's death, three of his brothers, driven by a desire for vengeance, set out to confront Ringo. However, they are swiftly outmatched, showcasing Ringo's unmatched skill as a gunfighter.

Cayenne
4

Ringo Shows Mercy

In a surprising turn, Ringo spares the lives of Eddie's brothers, demonstrating unexpected honor. He allows them to return to town unharmed, taking only their horses, reinforcing the complexity of his character.

Cayenne
5

Marshal Mark Strett's Warning

Mark Strett, the local marshal and an old friend of Ringo's, learns about the brewing conflict from the saloon owner. Concerned for Ringo's safety, he warns him to leave town before the situation escalates further.

Cayenne
6

Ringo's Desire for Reconciliation

In a heartfelt moment, Ringo insists on seeing his estranged wife, Peggy, after eight years of separation. Strett reveals Peggy's efforts to distance herself from Ringo, igniting Ringo's determination to find her.

Cayenne
7

Conspiring Enemies

Two men, Jerry Marlowe and Hunt Bromley, plot against Ringo, each motivated by personal vendettas. Marlowe seeks revenge for his son’s death, while Bromley aims for notoriety by taking down a legendary outlaw.

Cayenne
8

Ringo Disarms Marlowe

Ringo confronts Jerry Marlowe in a tense showdown, successfully disarming him and imprisoning him in the saloon jail. This encounter reveals Marlowe's complicated character, suggesting he is not merely the villain he first appears to be.

Saloon Jail, Cayenne
9

Emotional Reunion with Peggy

After being persuaded by an old acquaintance, Molly, Peggy agrees to meet Ringo. This emotional reunion is filled with longing and hopes of reconciliation, capturing the complexities of their past together.

Cayenne
10

Ringo's Aspirations for a New Life

During their reunion, Ringo expresses his desire to leave his gunfighter life behind and start anew, hoping to escape to California or South America. Peggy, however, is hesitant and suggests waiting a year to see if he can maintain peace.

Cayenne
11

Meeting His Son

Ringo finally meets his son, grappling with the choice of revealing his true identity. He ultimately decides against it, wanting to protect the boy from the legacy of his violent past.

Cayenne
12

The Brothers' Failed Ambush

As Ringo prepares to leave, the three brothers attempt to ambush him outside the saloon. Their plot is foiled by Strett and his deputies, leading to the brothers' swift capture and preventing further bloodshed.

Outside Saloon, Cayenne
13

Bromley's Betrayal

In a cowardly act, Hunt Bromley shoots Ringo in the back, undermining the ideals of honor that Ringo had tried to uphold. This shocking betrayal sends Ringo into his final moments, seeking peace.

Cayenne
14

Ringo's Dying Words

As Ringo lies dying, he implores Strett not to seek vengeance on Bromley, instead choosing to leave his legacy as a gunfighter in the past. His final words reflect the solitude that fame brings, resonating deeply with those present.

Cayenne
15

A Haunting Legacy

Ringo's funeral is marked by Peggy's heartfelt declaration of love, affirming his quest for forgiveness. The film closes with an anonymous cowboy drifting into the twilight, symbolizing Ringo's enduring legacy entwined with violence and solitude.

Cayenne

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 21:01

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about weary antiheroes like The Gunfighter

Tired legends seeking one last chance at peace in a violent world.If you liked The Gunfighter's story of a tired gunslinger seeking peace, you'll find similar movies here. This thread gathers films about aging legends and weary outlaws on a path to redemption, often set against unforgiving landscapes where the past is inescapable.

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These narratives follow a linear, often fate-driven path. The protagonist's desire for a new life conflicts with external forces—vengeful pursuers, ambitious rivals, or the weight of their own legend—leading to a climactic confrontation that tests their resolve and often ends on a bittersweet or tragic note.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a specific character archetype: the world-weary antihero. They share a somber, regretful mood, a steady pacing that allows for reflection, and a central theme of grappling with a violent legacy in search of personal peace.

Bittersweet atmospheric tragedies like The Gunfighter

Slow-burn stories where a somber mood leads to an inevitable, poignant ending.Find movies that share The Gunfighter's somber and resigned vibe. This collection features stories with a strong sense of atmospheric dread and inevitable fate, where characters move steadily toward a bittersweet and meaningful, though often tragic, conclusion.

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Narrative Summary

The journey is characterized by a building sense of inevitability. The plot is straightforward, focusing on the emotional and psychological toll on the characters as they approach a climax that underscores the theme of inescapable destiny, resulting in an ending that is meaningful but deeply bittersweet.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects films through a specific blend of tone, pacing, and emotional payoff. They share a melancholic and atmospheric mood, a steady, deliberate pace that builds tension, and a narrative structure that leads to a conclusively bittersweet ending, creating a coherent and resonant viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Gunfighter

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The Gunfighter Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The 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.

The Gunfighter Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Gunfighter

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Gunfighter. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Gunfighter

The Gunfighter Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Gunfighter Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Gunfighter

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