Directed by George P. Cosmatos, and written by Kevin Jarre (who was also the original director, but was fired early on), Tombstone (1993) remains the definitive film version of the Earp/Holliday/Cowboy gunfight at the OK Corral and one of the best Westerns ever made. After Cosmatos' death, star Kurt Russell claimed that he actually directed the film himself, but it is debatable. The story starts with the Earp brothers' arrival in Tombstone, Arizona, and their feud with the outlaw cowboys in town leading up to the gunfight at the OK Corral, it then follows Wyatt Earp on his vendetta ride after the murder of his brother. The production is vibrant and action packed. A modern Classic. The ensemble cast is excellent, including Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp, Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, Sam Elliot as Virgil Earp, Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp, Powers Booth as "Curly Bill" Brocius, Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo and Dana Delany as Josephine Marcus. The supporting cast is great as well, including Billy Bob Thornton, Charlton Heston, Jason Priestley, Thomas Haden Church, Stephen Lang, Billy Zane, Harry Carey Jr., Frank Stallone, Buck Taylor and Joanna Pacula. Robert Mitchum narrates and Bruce Broughton provides a memorable musical score.
Tombstone. 1993: Kurt Russell, Sam Elliot, Bill Paxton: The Earp Brothers
Tombstone. 1993: Powers Booth as "Curly Bill" Brocius
Tombstone. 1993: Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday
Tombstone. 1993: Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo
Tombstone. 1993: Billy Zane and Dana Delany
Tombstone. 1993: Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp
Tombstone. 1993: Billy Bob Thornton as Johnny Tyler
Tombstone. 1993: Stephen Lang as Ike Clanton
Tombstone. 1993: The Earps and Holliday
Tombstone. 1993: Gunfight at the OK Corral
Tombstone. 1993: Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday
Tombstone. 1993: Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp
Tombstone. 1993: Charlton Heston
Tombstone. 1993: Jason Priestley as Billy Breakenridge
Directed by Jacques Tourneur, based on the story "Build My Gallows High", Out of the Past (1947) is considered by many historians to be one of the preeminent examples of the Film Noir genre. The convoluted story involves a private detective, a racketeer and a femme fatale in a twisted love triangle. The stark cinematography is brilliant, dark and moody. Robert Mitchum is great in the lead role. Jane Greer is beautiful, sexy and dangerous as the classic Femme Fatale. Kirk Douglas is wonderful in his role as well.
Out of the Past. 1947: Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum
Out of the Past. 1947: Jane Greer
Out of the Past. 1947: Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum
Out of the Past. 1947: Jane Greer
Out of the Past. 1947: Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum
Out of the Past. 1947: Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas
Out of the Past. 1947: Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum
Out of the Past. 1947: Kirk Douglas and Jane Greer
Out of the Past. 1947: Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum
Out of the Past. 1947: Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum
Directed by Howard Hawks, El Dorado (1966) was the second of three films he made with a similar theme… one in which a sheriff is forced to defend his office against outlaw elements threatening it. Shot in Technicolor, the film is visually stunning. John Wayne and Robert Mitchum are great in the lead roles, each allowing the other room to work. James Caan is wonderful in a supporting role. The rest of the cast is good as well, including Charlene Holt and Paul Fix.
Directed by the great actor Charles Laughton, The Night of the Hunter (1955) did not fare well with audiences upon it's release, but has since proven to be hugely influential... with directors David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Jim Jarmusch and the Coen Brothers all citing it as a favorite source. Referencing the German Expressionist films of the 1920's, Charles Laughton created an eery, dramatic feel that is terrifyingly palpable. Robert Mitchum is iconic as the serial killing preacher with "Love" and "Hate" tattooed across his fingers. An older Lillian Gish, in a mothering role, almost recalls her maternal part in the silent film Intolerance (1916) 40 years earlier. The Night of the Hunter is simply amazing and not to be missed.
