The idea of quick-draw contests being common occurrences is largely something created by writers and filmmakers, not actual history. While there’s the example of Wild Bill Hickok and David Tutt's dispute over a pocket watch in Springfield, Missouri, in 1865, it’s difficult to find much else documented. Back then, if someone wanted to shoot another person, they generally just did it. Even when Wild Bill met his end, J…

I'm having trouble seeing this as anyone’s best work, nor does it feel like a respectful nod to its kind, watching two aging gunslingers trying to get by. “Cross” (Johnny Cash) thought he could do alright begging, but all he ended up with was a bad back; “Tenneray” (Kirk Douglas) gets through his days capitalizing on his past while getting free drinks from people who are easily fooled. With these two well-known figur…

A Gunfight, directed by Lamont Johnson and written by Harold Jack Bloom, features Kirk Douglas, Johnny Cash, Jane Alexander, Karen Black, and Raf Vallone. Laurence Rosenthal composed the music, and David Walsh handled the cinematography. Will Tenneray (Douglas) and Abe Cross (Cash) are aging gunfighters who quickly develop a mutual fondness and respect after encountering each other. Both men need money, and the to…