A Gunfight

The movie does well, but not for his direction, script, photography or even wardrobe, which are acceptable. The line that separates this movie from the classic battered western movie is its peculiar choice of actors.

Starring Johnny Cash and Kirk Duglas, the plot is based on the expectation of the town folk for knowing who of the two is the best gunman, when Abe Cross arrives at the town where Will Tenneray is trying to set a quiet life for himself.

All in all, it's one of those acceptable movies, except in this case there are two iconic American characters.

"A Gunfight" is a pretty good movie. But it's important that folks know that it's all myth...the myth of the old west. So much of what you see in westerns is fake....created by Hollywood to sell tickets. So, while you'll see folks gunning down each other in duels on main street at high noon, this isn't real. I checked....and in the entire history of the old west, only two gunfights like this ever occurred...and they went down very differently in real life. In one case, it took four shots for one gunman to kill the other...and seeing folks doing trick shooting and rapid-firing and the like just didn't occur. When someone did shoot another person, it was usually with a rifle or shotgun and often they shot their victim in the back! No, the notion of the noble quick-shooter is something you just didn't see in the west....although this is the plot to "A Gunfight"!

When the story begins, Abe Cross (Johnny Cash) wanders into a town. He's broke, his horse is dying and he has a reputation as a fast shot which precedes him. Also in this same town is a resident, Will Tenneray (Kirk Douglas)...also thought to be a fast shot. But the pair don't hate each other and neither is in the mood for a fight and instead they share a few drinks and become friendly. During this time, Abe jokes that if they DID have a gunfight, folks would buy tickets to watch! Later, Will approaches Abe...and says selling tickets would be a great idea. Both are poor and the winner (i.e., the survivor) would be able to start a new life. Soon the town is abuzz with folks wanting to bet on the outcome. What's next?

Again, it's pure fiction. But it's well made pure fiction. Johnny Cash is very good and Kirk Douglas is what you'd expect. The film is also technically well made and interesting. My only complaint is that the ending is confusing.

So my suggestion is to watch it (it's currently on YouTube)...but don't believe this really is like the west because it isn't. In fact, I used to be an American history teacher and my students were very disappointed to hear that so many of their assumptions about the west are Hollywood creations.

By the way, oddly enough the Jacarilla Apache tribe was the major financer of the film. Perhaps they just liked the notion of some cowboys shooting each other or they thought it would be a good investment for the tribe.

The quiet loner who emanates raw danger by mere presence has never been portrayed as well until JC takes the role of Abe Cross. Cashs performance alone merits a 'must see' rating for this movie. Kirk Douglas is a natural pick for the role of a flashy, boastful, gunslinger who feels trapped by his retirement as saloon owner and family man in a small town. Will Tenneray(Douglas) yearns for the glory of his past as a feared and known name amongst gunfighters of the West. Abe Cross, his deeds and past are shrouded by a persona that shuns gossip and towns while Will Tennerays' exploits are well known and self-promoted. When Cross rides into town and has a drink in Tennerays' saloon, the tension is immediate and keeps climbing as every townsman whisper their expectations each time the two meet. The inevitable confrontation is a twist on the usual 'meet you at noon duel' that sets this Western apart.

When an outcast gunfighter (a recently deceased Johnny Cash) with battered hat and black dressed goes to a Western small town called Rio Bajo , he meets an old time gunslinger named Tenneray (Kirk Douglas) stranded in the location along with his wife (Jane Alexander) and son (Eric Douglas) . Today he's a big guy with an enjoyable family . Meanwhile the drifter named Will falls in love with a Saloon girl (Karen Black) , the girl who could give the big guy a hard time . The two gunmen get a friendship ; Tenneray says him that he earns in a month it that he spent in one day and which killed the famous gunfighter Ringo . The 'Rio Bajo' folks expect a gun-down and they'd never forget the day the confrontation between Cross and Will . Before they paid to see a man murder a bull , nowadays they pay to see killing men . Needing money , both arrange a showdown for paid entrance and the winner take all . They're got to face a gunfight once more to live up to their legend once more to win just once more time and more money . The excitement starts at the duel when the hands point straight up . They've nothing like'em together in a duel but in the heat and hate of the small town nothing can tear'em apart . Thus, a bull square will become the scenario of the most spectacular duel ever attempted . Who will survive and what will be left of them? .

The picture concerns upon a gun-battle pits two individualist characters . It's a serious , mature Hollywood Western with particular character studio about an aging gunslinger looking for peace and quiet , but also money and unable to avoid his reputation and the duel-challenges it invites against the baby-faced gun-fisted kid (Keith Carradine). So many good actors , such excellent actors as Raf Vallone , Robert J. Wilke , Keith Carradine , Dana Elcar among them , consent to appear in what amount small roles , besides make their film debut Johnny Cash and Eric Douglas (Kirk's true son and recently deceased for drug abuse). The lion's share of the acting meat deservedly goes to Johnny Cash in spite of his first film . There is , in addition , Johnny Cash's catchy theme and equally an impressive roaring climax with an amazing final showdown . It's a better than average Western although a little slow moving . The motion picture was well directed by Lamont Johnson (Little Annie and Little Britches and Mackenzie break) . If you're a Western fan you can't go far wrong with this .

I think I just enjoy this movie because of the actors. The story isn't the best and if you're looking for great art, go elsewhere. But, if you're a fan of Douglas and Cash and would like to see a few other notables on screen, sit back and enjoy the flick with a few beers.