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Tombstone opens with a brief prologue about the film’s setting: the old west and the town of Tombstone, Arizona in the year 1879. After the prologue, members of the outlaw gang known as the Cochise County Cowboys, led by William “Curly Bill” Brocius, ride into a Mexican town, and interrupt a local police officer’s wedding. They then proceed to massacre the assembled policemen in retribution for killing two of their fellow gang members. Shortly before being shot in cold blood, a local priest warns them that their acts of murder and savagery will be avenged, referencing the biblical fourth horseman.
Wyatt Earp, a retired peace officer with a notable reputation, reunites with his brothers Virgil and Morgan in Tucson, Arizona, where they venture on towards Tombstone, Arizona to settle down. There they encounter Wyatt’s long-time friend Doc Holliday, who seeks relief from his worsening tuberculosis. Josephine Marcus and Mr. Fabian are also newly arrived with a traveling theater troupe.
Meanwhile, Wyatt’s common-law wife, Mattie Blaylock, is becoming dependent on laudanum. Wyatt and his brothers begin to profit from a stake in a gambling emporium and saloon when they have their first encounter with the outlaws known as the “Cowboys,” led by Curly Bill and his lieutenant, Johnny Ringo. The Cowboys are identifiable by the red sashes worn around their waist.
Tombstone is a 1993 American Western film directed by George P. Cosmatos, written by Kevin Jarre (who was also the original director, but was replaced early in production[4][5]) and starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, with Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, and Dana Delany in supporting roles, as well as a narration by Robert Mitchum.
The film is based on events in Tombstone, Arizona, including the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride, during the 1880s. It depicts a number of western outlaws and lawmen, such as Wyatt Earp, William Brocius, Johnny Ringo, and Doc Holliday.
Tombstone was released by Hollywood Pictures in theatrical wide release in the United States on December 24, 1993, grossing $56.5 million in domestic ticket sales. The film was a financial success, and for the Western genre it ranks number 14 in the list of highest-grossing films since 1979. Critical reception was generally positive, but the film failed to garner award nominations for production merits or acting from any mainstream motion picture organizations.
Tombstone (1993)
Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Michael Biehn, Powers Boothe, Robert Burke, Dana Delany, Sam Elliott, Stephen Lang, Joanna Pacula, Bill Paxton, Charlton Heston
Screenplay by: Kevin Jarre
Production Design by: Catherine Hardwicke
Cinematography by: William A. Fraker
Film Editing by: Harvey Rosenstock, Roberto Silvi, Frank J. Urioste
Costume Design by: Joseph A. Porro
Set Decoration by: Tom Benso, Richard Prantis, Siobhan Roome, Gene Serdena, Brian Stewart
Art Direction by: Chris Gorak, Kim Hix, Mark Worthington
Music by: Bruce Broughton
MPAA Rating: R for violence.
Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures
Release Date: December 24, 1993
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