The 1993 Western Tombstone is a cult classic, and now, those who love the movie can experience a deep dive into the true story that inspired the film. Tombstone stars Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, two best friends who want to leave behind their gunslinging ways and start a business in the Wild West town of Tombstone, Arizona. However, when Earp and his family are targeted by a cruel gang called the Cowboys, Earp, Holliday, and their friends must pick up their guns once more to defend their honor.
Although Tombstone didn’t break any box office records, the movie has become a Western classic. Critics have praised the film for its sleek and modern portrayal of the Western style, along with its notable performances by Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. Kilmer, in particular, has received acclaim for his depiction of Doc Holliday, with Roger Ebert calling him “the definitive saloon cowboy of our time,” (via Roger Ebert.) Tombstone may have been lost in the shuffle during its premiere, but it has since become a staple of its genre, making this new Netflix docuseries of even more interest.
Wyatt Earp And The Cowboy War Is A Great Docuseries For Tombstone Fans
Wyatt Earp’s Story Explained
For those who couldn’t get enough of Tombstone, there is a new docuseries on Netflix that is a perfect follow-up. Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War is a six-part documentary series that depicts the true story of Wyatt Earp in Tombstone, Arizona. In particular, the series dives into the real feud that occurred between Earp and Ike Clanton. With dramatic reenactments and Ed Harris as narrator, the docuseries is ideal for those who want to become steeped once again in the Wild West lore of Wyatt Earp.
Furthermore, without the effects of fictionalization, the docuseries provides a clearer and more honest representation of how Earp faced down the Cowboys at O.K. Corral, along with other notable events in his life.
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Although Tombstone jumps headfirst into this Western history, Wyatt Earp’s story cannot really be summarized in just a two-hour movie. Earp’s life did not begin with his move to Tombstone, nor did Earp’s story end after Tombstone or his infamous Vendetta Ride. In this way, Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War can provide context that Tombstone does not. Furthermore, without the effects of fictionalization, the docuseries provides a clearer and more honest representation of how Earp faced down the Cowboys at O.K. Corral, along with other notable events in his life.
Netflix’s Wyatt Earp Show Dives Deeper Into Tombstone’s True Story
How The Docuseries Makes Tombstone Better
The most important aspect of Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War is that it fills in the blanks that Tombstone leaves. It is certainly possible for audiences to be satisfied with Tombstone’s story, yet the movie does not discuss every minute detail of Wyatt Earp’s true story. Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War fixes this problem. By watching the two back-to-back, audiences can get a better sense of the real history behind Tombstone. It is both educational and also entertaining. In some ways, it is like a behind-the-scenes look at the 1993 classic.
Overall, Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War makes Tombstone much better. Earp’s story is interesting enough on its own, but the fact that it is a true story makes it even more intriguing. Now that Netflix has released Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War, it is a must-watch for all those who love Tombstone. To truly understand and appreciate the story of Tombstone, watching Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War is a need.