Guide Note

Tombstone is a western movie released in 1993 which is loosely based upon historical events between 1881 and 1882 in and around Tombstone, Arizona. It dramatizes the history of Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday in their conflict with a band of cowboy criminals led by Johnny Ringo. It grossed $56 million on a production budget of $25 million

Fast Facts

1. Release date: December 25, 1993
2. Rated: R
3. Running time: 130 minutes
4. Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton
5. Written by: Kevin Jarre
6. Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
7. Budget: $25 million
8. Earned: $56 million
9. Loosely based on the 1957 movie: Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
10. Taglines: "Every town has a story. Tombstone has a legend," and "Justice is coming"
11. Filmed

When Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) retires from a famous career as a peace officer in and around Dodge City, he relocates with his brothers, Morgan (Bill Paxton) and Virgil (Sam Elliott) to Tombstone, Arizona. Although he tries to escape the violence of his past career by establishing himself as a businessman in Tombstone, his reputation follows him. He earns the enmity of the local Cowboy gang, led by Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn). After the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Violence between the Cowboys and Earp's family escalates until Wyatt and his rogue-like friend Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) become involved in an all-out war against the entire outlaw gang.

1. Although officially credited to George P. Cosmatos, star Kurt Russell helped direct as well
2. Willem Dafoe was initially intended to play Doc Holliday
3. Original script for the movie focused not just on the Earp family, but all the major characters in the events around the O.K. Corral gunfight
4. The film runs at 130 minutes even after numerous characters and scenes were cut out