Additional Coverage:
On the September 26 episode of CNN’s Table for Five, a surprising declaration emerged during the show’s final segment, “Unpopular Opinions.” While the panelists usually discuss politics and current events, this time the conversation took a turn toward movies-specifically the Western classic Tombstone.
Kmele Foster, Editor-at-Large for Tangle and co-host of The Fifth Column podcast, boldly proclaimed Tombstone as the greatest movie ever made. “It’s an unbelievable western,” Foster said, emphasizing that the Western genre itself is “the very best genre.” He even encouraged viewers to watch it with their children, suggesting they explain the film’s violence as part of experiencing true cinema.
Released on December 25, 1993, Tombstone features an impressive cast including Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, and Powers Boothe. The film dramatizes the story of Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Arizona during the 1880s, highlighting events like the Gunfight at the O.K.
Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride. While it takes creative liberties, the core characters and key historical moments remain grounded in actual Arizona history.
Despite its lasting popularity and memorable performances-particularly Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday-the film’s production faced significant challenges. Original director Kevin Jarre was dismissed about a month into filming, with George P.
Cosmatos stepping in as replacement. Kurt Russell played a crucial role behind the scenes, preparing shot lists and helping maintain the production’s momentum.
Kilmer later credited Russell with being “solely responsible” for the film’s eventual success. Russell described Cosmatos as a “ghost director” and recounted the grueling process, revealing he often got only four hours of sleep per night during filming.
Interestingly, the cast had a unique way of getting into character for the saloon scenes-listening repeatedly to Warren Zevon’s 1978 hit “Werewolves of London,” a quirky rock song known for its catchy piano riff and offbeat lyrics.
Adding to the film’s historical connection, Glen Wyatt Earp, a relative of the real Wyatt Earp, appeared on screen as Billy Claiborne, a figure involved in the O.K. Corral gunfight who fled the scene.
In a memorable gesture after filming, Russell and Kilmer exchanged gifts tied to the film’s setting. Russell gave Kilmer a burial plot at Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone, while Kilmer purchased an acre of land overlooking Boothill for Russell. Russell even had his Wyatt Earp chair, hat, and gun photographed on the land to commemorate the gift.
More than three decades after its release, Tombstone remains a beloved Western with a fascinating behind-the-scenes story. And, as Foster’s bold claim suggests, it might just be the greatest movie ever made.