The Quick and the Dead

The Quick and the Dead

Year: 1987

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Day

TV MovieDramaActionWesternWesterns

A mysterious stranger arrives in 1876 Wyoming, threatening to erase a woman’s memory of her marriage while reminding a man of his heroic past. In a land where the gun is the only law, newly settled Duncan and Suzanna McKaskel are besieged by outlaws. Their only hope is rugged frontiersman Con Vallian, whose skill with a pistol may decide their fate.

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Timeline & Setting – The Quick and the Dead (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Quick and the Dead (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1876

The narrative unfolds in 1876, a year emblematic of late 19th-century expansion into the American West. Frontier life is defined by long travel, scarce resources, and ongoing conflicts with outlaws and Native American groups. The tale references the Battle of the Little Bighorn, situating the period in a volatile era of American frontier history.

Location

Wyoming Territory, Frontier Town, McKaskel Spread

Wyoming Territory provides a rugged, dusty Western backdrop for a family fleeing a cholera-stricken wagon train. The story centers on a small, dilapidated frontier town and the remote cattle spread where the McKaskels seek a fresh start. The landscape is marked by harsh weather, open plains, and the constant presence of danger and outlaws.

🏜️ Frontier 🗺️ Westward Expansion 🏚️ Settlement

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:23

Main Characters – The Quick and the Dead (1987)

Meet the key characters of The Quick and the Dead (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Con Vallian (Sam Elliott)

A skilled lone rider with a personal vendetta who repeatedly steps in to protect the McKaskels. He is wary of getting involved but becomes a crucial ally, drawn to Susanna yet committed to keeping the family safe. His calm demeanor hides a readiness to act decisively when danger arises.

🧭 Protector 🏇 Adventurer

Duncan McKaskel

A cautious, determined homesteader who prioritizes his family’s safety. He confronts danger with resolve to reclaim what was taken, while navigating a moral line between pacifism and defense. He leads the journey toward a new start, despite the risks.

🛡️ Family Leader ⚖️ Moral Dilemma

Susanna McKaskel

A resilient, practical mother who seeks stability for her family. She forms a complex bond with Vallian and shows resolve when threats loom. Her choices influence the family's trajectory and the evolving dynamic with Vallian.

🌟 Maternal 🧭 Resilience

Doc Shabitt

The ruthless gang leader who embodies frontier lawlessness and a relentless drive for revenge. He underestimates how far the McKaskels will go to survive, and will stop at nothing to retrieve what he believes is his. His scheming fuels the story’s tension and action.

🗡️ Antagonist ⚔️ Outlaw

Tom McKaskel

A 12-year-old boy who represents innocence amid danger. He contributes to the family’s dynamic and provides a human perspective on the cost of conflict. His presence keeps the stakes personal and grounded in family life.

👦 Courage 🧭 Curiosity

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:23

Major Themes – The Quick and the Dead (1987)

Explore the central themes of The Quick and the Dead (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Violence & Revenge

The pursuit and ambushes drive the plot as Shabbitt's gang closes in on the fleeing family. Vallian's measured, capable fighting contrasts with the family’s desire to avoid violence, highlighting the harsh justice of the frontier. The climax tests loyalty and the cost of vengeance.

❤️ Forbidden Affection

Susanna's attraction to Vallian introduces personal tension amid constant danger. Their moment of closeness unfolds against a backdrop of pursuit and mistrust, challenging boundaries and complicating loyalties. The romance acts as a catalyst that raises the stakes and motivates risky choices.

🛖 Survival & Settlement

The family pursues a new life on a cattle spread and a remote cabin. Their escape, shelter, and collaboration with Vallian underscore the resilience and resourcefulness needed to survive the harsh frontier. Establishing a home becomes a central aim that shapes their decisions.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:23

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The Quick and the Dead Summary

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The Quick and the Dead Summary

The Quick and the Dead Timeline

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The Quick and the Dead Timeline

More About The Quick and the Dead

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The Quick and the Dead (1987) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Quick and the Dead (1987) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Quick and the Dead (1987) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow