A successful lawman’s plans to retire anonymously in Tombstone, Arizona, are disrupted by the kind of outlaws he was famous for eliminating.
Between December of 1993 and June of 1994, moviegoers were treated to two different takes on the Wyatt Earp legend: Kurt Russell starred in “Tombstone,” while Kevin Costner headlined “Wyatt Earp.” I watched both when they premiered, and I came away feeling that “Tombstone” was the stronger film. While “Wyatt Earp” tries to cover the lawman’s entire life, starting from his boyhood and stretching into his later years, “Tombstone” zeroes in on a defining chapter in southern Arizona during the 1880s, bringing iconic moments like the gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride to vivid life.
“Tombstone” boasts an impressive cast: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, Charlton Heston, Jason Priestley, Billy Zane, Stephen Lang, Thomas Haden Church, Billy Bob Thornton, and Dana Delany all make memorable appearances, regardless of how big or small their roles are. Val Kilmer’s take on Doc Holliday drew widespread praise—many thought he was robbed of an Oscar nod. His energetic performance perfectly contrasts Russell’s more restrained Wyatt, highlighting their partnership.
The story opens in 1879 as Wyatt Earp (Russell), along with his brothers Virgil (Sam Elliott) and Morgan (Bill Paxton) and their wives, arrive in Tombstone, Arizona. After years spent keeping the peace, they’re hoping for a quieter life. But their dreams are quickly threatened by the Cowboys, a ruthless gang led by Curly Bill Brocius (Powers Boothe) and the menacing Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn). An uneasy truce doesn’t last long; the Cowboys’ criminal behavior soon pushes Wyatt back into action.
When Curly Bill drunkenly kills Marshal Fred White and Wyatt brings him down, the tension between the Earps and the Cowboys explodes. This sets the stage for the legendary showdown at the O.K. Corral, where Wyatt, his brothers, and Doc Holliday confront the gang. Although the Earps suffer injuries—Virgil and Morgan are hit—they emerge victorious. The violence escalates when Morgan is later murdered, driving Wyatt to leave Tombstone with his grieving family. But he can’t walk away for good: taking up the badge again, Wyatt assembles a posse to bring down the Cowboys, seeking justice in a final, decisive campaign.
“Tombstone” ranks among the greatest westerns ever made. It blends a roster of major 1990s stars with seasoned actors from earlier western classics, like Charlton Heston, Harry Carey Jr., Buck Taylor, and Peter Sherayko. Robert Mitchum’s narration bookends the film, linking it to the tradition and prestige of old Hollywood.
After the original director, Kevin Jarre, exited due to production woes, George P. Cosmatos—who had directed “Rambo: First Blood Part II,” “Cobra,” and “Leviathan”—took over. Cosmatos’s leadership brought a dedication to period accuracy, visible in the film’s detailed costumes and props. Still, his directorial style wasn’t without controversy; some, including Michael Biehn, felt he prioritized visuals over actors’ performances and gave preference to the more famous cast members.
Despite these production challenges, the film shines as a western. The cast’s commitment is matched by William A. Fraker’s sweeping cinematography, which uses anamorphic widescreen to capture the epic feel of classic CinemaScope westerns. Bruce Broughton’s stirring score—full of dramatic brass—turns the movie’s action into something grand and almost operatic.
Every element of “Tombstone,” from the acting to the technical craftsmanship, stands out. If you haven’t seen it, seek out the widescreen version for the full experience. And if you’re already a fan, it’s well worth another watch—a film that proves just how powerful a great western can be.
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