Was Tombstone Made Authentic? Debunking the Myths and Myths Surrounding Wyatt Earp’s Hollywood Portrayal

One often hears claims that the 1993 film Tombstone was as authentic as possible. However, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Was this claim true, or was it simply hogwash?

A Comparison with Other Works

When discussing the authenticity of Tombstone, it is essential to compare it with other films that have depicted Wyatt Earp, such as 1939's Frontier Marshal starring Randolph Scott or 1946's My Darling Clementine with Henry Fonda as Earp. Both of these films, in my opinion, portrayed Earp more authentically than Tombstone.

However, it's important to note that 'more authentic' does not equate to 'better.' Tombstone is undeniably a well-made film, but in terms of authenticity, My Darling Clementine reigns supreme. This film also features Randolph Scott, who, in my opinion, is a western star on par with John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. Therefore, any fan of classic Westerns would appreciate Frontier Marshal as well.

The Authenticity Controversy

When it comes to the authenticity of Tombstone, a lot was jiggered for the sake of drama. For example, it's important to recognize that Wyatt Earp worked for Virgil Earp more often than the film indicates. The movie portrayed Earp as reluctantly sworn in just before the shootout at the OK Corral, but this was not the case. In reality, Wyatt worked as a part-time deputy town marshal alongside his brother Virgil more frequently.

Another area where the film took dramatic liberty is in the portrayal of Earp's actions during the shooting of Tombstone Town Marshal Fred White and the arrest of Curly Bill Brocius. At the time, Earp was acting as a Deputy Sheriff of Pima County before the section of Pima was cut out to form Cochise County. This details were significantly altered for the purpose of the film's narrative.

Additionally, when Virgil was appointed town marshal and Earp served under him, the brothers often worked in both municipal and federal capacities. Wyatt also regularly worked as a shotgun guard for Wells Fargo, investigating stage robberies by the "Cowboy" gang. These details were further simplified for the sake of dramatic tension in the film.

Conclusion: The "I’m Done with Being a Lawman" Schtick

In summary, it appears that the portrayal of Wyatt Earp as "done with being a lawman" in Tombstone was largely fictional. This romanticized depiction was created to enhance the dramatic elements of the story rather than to accurately reflect Earp's actual work history.

While Tombstone is a well-crafted film, it's important to approach it with critical analysis, recognizing its dramatic liberties and distortions. Familiarizing oneself with the actual historical context can provide a more balanced and accurate understanding of Wyatt Earp's life and legacy.