With: Richard Widmark, Lena Horne, Carroll O'Connor, David Opatoshu, Kent Smith, Jacqueline Scott, Morgan Woodward, Larry Gates, Dub Taylor, John Saxon, Darleen Carr, Michael McGreevey, Royal Dano, Jimmy Lydon, Kathleen Freeman, Harry Carey Jr., Amy Thomson, Mercer Harris, James O'Hara, Walter Sande, Victor French, Robert Sorrells, Charles Kuenstle, Sara Taft
Written by: Joseph Calvelli, based on a novel by Lewis B. Patten
Directed by: Don Siegel, Robert Totten, Alan Smithee
The Western Death of a Gunfighter is (I believe) mainly known for being the "debut" feature of Alan Smithee. That's the pseudonym used by the DGA for directors who wish to have their names removed from finished pictures. In the case of this film, it was begun by Robert Totten, a director on TV's Gunsmoke, and finished by Don Siegel. Neither wanted to take credit for the other's work, so Smithee was invented. Although Smithee is usually associated with terrible movies, this one isn't bad.
Like The Wild Bunch, this one takes place at the divide between the Old West and modern civilization. Richard Widmark plays Marshal Frank Patch, who is a little too old school for the town council's tastes (he's quick to draw his gun). They want to get rid of him, but the task will not be easy. The movie has a lot of shootouts, but they are grim in nature, emphasizing the ugly side of violence. The great cast includes Lena Horne as Patch's love interest, Caroll O'Connor, John Saxon, Royal Dano, Harry Carey Jr., and Kathleen Freeman.
Kino Lorber released the film on Blu-ray in 2026, with a solid video transfer and audio track. Bonuses include a new commentary track by film historians Steve Mitchell and Dwayne Epstein, and trailers for Death of a Gunfighter, Backlash, Canyon Passage, High Noon, Madigan, and Two Mules for Sister Sara.
