36 Facts About The Movie Tombstone

1. Star-Studded Cast

Kurt Russell played the lead role of Wyatt Earp, while Val Kilmer starred as the legendary Doc Holliday, delivering performances that became instantly iconic.

2. Historical Setting

The movie is set in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, during the late 1800s, capturing the essence of the old west.

3. The Earp Family

Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton played Wyatt’s brothers, Virgil and Morgan Earp, integral to the Earp Vendetta Ride.

4. Directorial Challenges

Director George Cosmatos was brought in to replace the original director, bringing his own unique vision to the film.

5. Behind The Scenes Leadership

Although Kurt Russell is credited only as an actor, he took on a significant role in directing the film, ensuring its completion.

6. Doc Holliday’s Wit

Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday is remembered for its sharp wit and memorable lines, epitomizing the character’s intelligence and charm.

7. Historical Accuracy

The film strives for historical accuracy, depicting many events that really occurred, including the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

8. Kevin Costner Controversy

Kevin Costner was initially interested in the film but left to produce his own Earp movie, creating a rivalry of sorts between the two projects.

9. Real-Life Inspirations

Many characters were based on real people, including Johnny Ringo, Billy Clanton, and Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan.

10. Billy Bob Thornton’s Role

Before his rise to fame, Billy Bob Thornton appeared in a memorable scene as a troublemaker who confronts Wyatt Earp.

11. The Earp Vendetta Ride

The film depicts the aftermath of the O.K. Corral shootout, focusing on the Earp Vendetta Ride as a key plot point.

12. Josephine Marcus Storyline

Dana Delany plays Josephine Marcus, who becomes Wyatt Earp’s love interest, adding a romantic subplot to the film.

13. Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo

Michael Biehn plays the role of Johnny Ringo, Earp’s nemesis, bringing intensity to the film’s conflict.

14. Wyatt Earp’s Lawman Background

The film highlights Wyatt Earp’s reputation as a lawman and his efforts to bring order to Tombstone.

15. Jason Priestly‘s Character

Jason Priestly plays Billy Breckinridge, showcasing the diverse cast and characters within the film.

16. The Theme of Friendship

The relationship between Earp and Doc Holliday is central to the film, highlighting themes of loyalty and friendship.

17. John Wayne Influence

The film pays homage to classic Westerns, with John Wayne‘s spirit felt throughout the movie’s style and storytelling.

18. Billy Zane‘s Theatrical Role

Billy Zane appears as a traveling actor, adding a touch of culture and contrast to the rough world of Tombstone.

19. Real Tombstone References

The movie meticulously recreates the look and feel of the real Tombstone, Arizona, during its boom years.

20. Doc Holliday’s Illness

The film accurately portrays Doc Holliday’s battle with tuberculosis, adding depth to Kilmer’s portrayal.

21. Iconic Lines

“I’m your huckleberry,” said by Doc Holliday, became one of the film’s most famous lines, epitomizing the character’s readiness for a fight.

22. The O.K. Corral Shootout

This pivotal scene is historically recreated, showing the famous gunfight that lasted only 30 seconds in real life.

23. Fred White‘s Tragic Death

The town marshal, Fred White, is depicted in his interaction with the Earps and his untimely death, which is rooted in historical events.

24. Real Genius Behind the Scenes

The film’s script and direction were influenced by the real-life genius of the actors and crew, bringing authenticity to the screen.

25. Curly Bill‘s Role

Powers Boothe plays Curly Bill, the leader of the cowboys and a key antagonist in the film.

26. The Earp Brothers’ Unity

The film emphasizes the bond and unity among the Earp brothers, showing their collective effort to enforce law and order.

27. Long Life of Wyatt Earp

The movie touches on Wyatt Earp’s long life after Tombstone, hinting at his future endeavors and legacy.

28. New Mexico Scenes

Although set in Arizona, some scenes were filmed in New Mexico, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of the American Southwest.

29. The McLaury Brothers

Frank and Tom McLaury, played by Robert John Burke and John Philbin, represent the real-life brothers involved in the O.K. Corral shootout.

30. Top Gun Connection

Both Val Kilmer (Doc Holliday) and Tom Skerritt (Virgil Earp) appeared in Top Gun, showcasing their range as actors across genres.

31. Hollywood’s Western Revival

“Tombstone” contributed to a revival of the Western genre in Hollywood during the 1990s, inspiring future films.

32. Three Cowboys’ Fate

The film concludes with the fate of the three cowboys who survived the O.K. Corral, adhering to historical records.

33. Lawman Legacy

Wyatt Earp’s legacy as a lawman and his friendship with Doc Holliday are celebrated, influencing Western lore.

34. Historically Accurate Costumes

The costumes in “Tombstone” were designed to be historically accurate, adding to the film’s authenticity.

35. Outlaws and Brothers

The dynamic between the Earp brothers and their outlaw adversaries adds complexity to the film’s portrayal of good versus evil.

36. Movie Magic and Real Life

“Tombstone” blends movie magic with real-life events, creating a compelling narrative that respects the historical context while entertaining audiences.

Conclusion

Tombstone is undoubtedly an iconic movie that has captivated audiences for years. With its gripping storyline, stellar cast, and memorable quotes, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of film enthusiasts. The 36 facts provided in this article shed light on the behind-the-scenes details, trivia, and interesting tidbits about the movie that add to its allure.From the intense performances of Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, to the breathtaking cinematography that transports viewers to the Wild West, Tombstone is a film that showcases the power of storytelling. It beautifully brings to life the legendary events of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the characters who played pivotal roles in that historic event.Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Old West, a lover of action-packed movies, or simply someone seeking a thrilling cinematic experience, Tombstone delivers on all fronts. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and immerse yourself in this remarkable tale of honor, justice, and friendship.

FAQs

1. Who directed Tombstone?

Tombstone was directed by George P. Cosmatos.

2. When was Tombstone released?

Tombstone was released on December 24, 1993.

3. Is Tombstone based on true events?

Yes, Tombstone is based on the events surrounding the gunfight at the O.K. Corral that took place in Tombstone, Arizona, in 1881.

4. Who portrayed Wyatt Earp in the movie?

Kurt Russell portrayed the iconic character of Wyatt Earp in Tombstone.

5. Did Val Kilmer win any awards for his role as Doc Holliday?

Yes, Val Kilmer won critical acclaim for his portrayal of Doc Holliday and was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe.

6. What are some memorable quotes from Tombstone?

Some memorable quotes from Tombstone include “I’m your huckleberry” and “You tell ’em I’m coming and hell’s coming with me!”

7. How did Tombstone perform at the box office?

Tombstone was a moderate success at the box office, grossing over $56 million worldwide.

8. Are there any sequels or remakes of Tombstone?

No, there are no official sequels or remakes of Tombstone.

9. Where was Tombstone filmed?

Tombstone was primarily filmed in Arizona, including the town of Tombstone itself.

10. Has Tombstone achieved cult status?

Yes, Tombstone has gained a significant cult following over the years due to its timeless storytelling and memorable characters.