Hour Of The Gun (1967)

After the violent gunfight with the Clanton gang at the O.K. Corral, Marshal Wyatt Earp (James Garner) must contend with Clanton's (Robert Ryan) attempts at revenge. Based on the non fiction TOMBSTONE'S EPITAPH by Douglas D. Martin and directed by John Sturges (THE GREAT ESCAPE). The legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral has provided fodder for many westerns prior to this one but they almost always ended with the gunfight. HOUR OF THE GUN begins with the gunfight and then explores the aftermath. It's a very good western and if it peters out at the very end, well ... that's what happens when you go for the facts and not the legend. Garner and Jason Robards (as Doc Holliday) give fine performances as they dominate the film. It's a testosterone driven film, there's only one female character and she has only two lines. Still, as good as it is I still prefer Sturges' earlier take on the story GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL (1957) even if it strays from the facts. The Jerry Goldsmith score is a disappointment. With Jon Voight, Albert Salmi, Charles Aidman, William Windom, Steve Ihnat, Larry Gates, Monte Markham and Lonny Chapman.