Wichita (1955)

Joel McCrea: Wyatt Earp

Photos 

Quotes 

• Ben Thompson : [examining Earp's revolver]  That's a nice gun. Yeah,it wouldn't do for us Texans, though.

  [comparing barrel lengths] 

  Ben Thompson : We like ours regulation size.

  Clint Wallace : Yeah, don't ever get into an argument with a Texas man when you're carrying that thing. Must take you a half hour to clear leather with it.

  Wyatt Earp : The only arguments I've had lately have been with buffalo, and they don't draw very fast, you know.

• Wyatt Earp : My name's Earp. Wyatt Earp.

• Arthur Whiteside : I believe in what you're trying to do. I'm not sure your solution is the right one.

  Wyatt Earp : It's the only one, Mr. Whiteside. If men aren't carrying guns, they can't shoot each other. It's as simple as that.

  Arthur Whiteside : Taking a serious step, Wyatt. It's not going to make you popular. Without guns, even the *good citizens are unprotected. It's your job to see that they're not.

  Wyatt Earp : Now you know why I never wanted this job in the first place.

• Ben Thompson : Has your huntin' ever taken ya anywheres near this town, Wichita, where we're headin''?

  Wyatt Earp : No, it hasn't. But, I hear it's a pretty fair-size town. Its growin' mighty fast since it became a railhead. Yours must be the first trail herd in there. You oughta get quite a welcome.

  Gyp Clements : Well, we can use it. We ain't seen a drink or a woman for a long, long time.

  Clint Wallace : Maybe some of us might even take a bath.

• Arthur Whiteside : Babylon on the Arkansas River.

  Wyatt Earp : No hanging gardens, yet.

• Wyatt Earp : Miss McCoy, I wouldn't advise you going out on the street unescorted after this. At least, not until the cowboys have left town.

  Laurie McCoy : Do you really think there'll be any violence?

  Wyatt Earp : Yes, I do.

• Laurie McCoy : I've heard about these wild Western nights before; but, I didn't believe it really happened.

  Wyatt Earp : It happens.

• Sam McCoy : Wichita depends on these cattlemen for its livelihood. Men like Clint Wallace and his cowboys, they're important to us. Of course, they raise a little cain once in awhile; but, I think we have to make certain concessions.

  Wyatt Earp : I don't agree with you, Mr. McCoy - not when the result is destruction of property and loss of life.

  Sam McCoy : I didn't know anybody was killed last night. One of the townspeople?

  Wyatt Earp : Yes.

  Sam McCoy : Who?

  Wyatt Earp : Michael Jackson was his name.

• Mayor Andrew Hope : There's no point in fencing, Wyatt. This group, which is something of a town council,you might say, thinks your reforms have been a little too drastic.

  Wyatt Earp : I see. That refers to the ban on firearms I imagine.

  Doc Black : It certainly does. It's the silliest thing I ever heard of.

  Sam McCoy : And we know that men eventually will leave their guns at home as a matter of choice. But, that day hasn't come yet, Wyatt.

  Wyatt Earp : It has in Wichita, as long as I'm Marshall.

• Laurie McCoy : Apparently you haven't had much interests in girls.

  Wyatt Earp : I would have had, if there'd been more of them like you.

• Laurie McCoy : Who's right? You or my father?

  Wyatt Earp : It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.

• Gyp Clements : Either you're gonna die or I am.

  Wyatt Earp : I know, Gyp. I'm sorry.