Westerns have always been an interesting topic to tackle as a filmmakers because it is a time of roughness, despair, individuality and anti-heroes. Western always have had the reputation by filmgoers of no complexity which in a lot of cases seems right, the good guy against the bad. But over the years Westerns have gained complexity and depth. Great actors have had amazing careers in the genre like the two main actors in “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral”: Burt Lancaster (“Il gattopardo”, “Birdman of Alcatraz “) and Kirk Douglas (“Spartacus”, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”).
This is based on the true story, generally regarded as the most famous shootout in the history of the American Wild West. Lawman Wyatt Earp and outlaw Doc Holliday form an unlikely alliance which culminates in their participation in the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
John Sturges (“The Great Escape”, “The Magnificent Seven”) is known for his famous action films filled with famous movie stars and incredible adventures. Sturges great ability is to create tension and finishing on a great climax. The building up to the fight, in this film, is very carefully implemented and it is firmly directed. The team-up between Lancaster and Douglas is famous. They worked together on 7 movies and always had an electric chemistry,” Gunfight at the O.K. Corral“ was their second collaboration . Every movie they acted together is worth watching because of their charisma and acting ability bringing the best out of each other. Seemingly best friend, the pair hated in each other in real life but it didn’t stop them to be one of the best duo in film history.
The film was shot in beautiful Vista vision and was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Editing, Best Sound.
