O.K. CORRAL

   The gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, on October 26, 1881, has been told from every possible angle, and it would be hard to find a better example of how historical versions of an event vary widely depending on the motivation of the interpreter. The basic story is that Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday met the Clancys, along with Johnny Ringo, at the corral for the most famous shootout in the history of the West. Tradition says that 30 shots were fired in 30 seconds, but only three men were killed. Inconsistencies with the historical events have meant opportunities for filmmakers. Who were the good guys? The Earps? Not necessarily. The Clantons? Perhaps. What about Johnny Ringo? Was he simply a misunderstood gunman? Among film versions of the event are My Darling Clementine(1946), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral(1957), Wyatt Earp(1994), and Tombstone (1993).

   See also HISTORICAL AUTHENTICITY.