Even for 1969, Death of a Gunfighter was a pretty daring movie. Richard Widmark, far from the villain off-screen that he frequently played on-screen, was happy to be a pioneer and act in this western with a unique twist: his long-time girlfriend was played by Lena Horne. An interracial romance in a western, complete with kiss scenes, was far from mainstream at that time.
That's not the main plot, though. Dick plays an aging marshal (I know, everyone gets old), who gets booted out when the town turns on him in favor of someone younger and more modern. Dick refuses to quit his job, though, since he was promised the job until he no longer wanted it or until he was killed. That leaves the townspeople no alternative: since he still wants it. . .
For me, part of the movie was a little sad to watch, since the premise stated that Dick was old. I never think of him as being old, especially since he still maintained his blond locks and twinkling smile for so long.
If you're thinking of skipping this one because there are so many "aging gunfighter" movies, think again. As the plot develops, there's an incredible interesting twist, and it's really riveting to watch. Dick is easy to root for, and even though it's tragic to see the town turn against him, you can still appreciate the story and what his character stands for. I'd definitely recommend it for Widmark or western fans.
That's not the main plot, though. Dick plays an aging marshal (I know, everyone gets old), who gets booted out when the town turns on him in favor of someone younger and more modern. Dick refuses to quit his job, though, since he was promised the job until he no longer wanted it or until he was killed. That leaves the townspeople no alternative: since he still wants it. . .
For me, part of the movie was a little sad to watch, since the premise stated that Dick was old. I never think of him as being old, especially since he still maintained his blond locks and twinkling smile for so long.
If you're thinking of skipping this one because there are so many "aging gunfighter" movies, think again. As the plot develops, there's an incredible interesting twist, and it's really riveting to watch. Dick is easy to root for, and even though it's tragic to see the town turn against him, you can still appreciate the story and what his character stands for. I'd definitely recommend it for Widmark or western fans.