J.O. Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) portrays an unusual relationship between the alpha male cowboy and his sidekick. Typically in Westerns, the sidekick is usually an understudy of the alpha male cowboy; this person is still naïve at times, is not superb with a gun, and follows the male hero obeying his every word. This type of relationship, depicted in films such as The Searchers (Ethan and Martin) and Red River (Tom Dunson and Matthew), describes the sidekick as one who is learning the ropes and through his journeys with the alpha male cowboy gradually becomes one himself. However, in Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Doc Holliday, who appears to be Wyatt’s sidekick, is certainly not learning anything from Wyatt.

The alpha male cowboy in this film is most notably Wyatt Earp. Wyatt stands up for what he believes in; he does not fall to bribes and is invulnerable to corruption. Further, like a true alpha male cowboy, Wyatt has a superb reputation for his toughness, is an excellent gunslinger and fearlessly stands up to the villains numerous times throughout the film. Conversely, Doc Holliday is also introduced in the film but as the extreme opposite of Wyatt. Doc is well-known as well, but not for courageous actions; instead, he is known for two things: a gambler and a murderer. Doc, in the film, portrays many traits of the alpha male cowboy – he stands up for what he believes, he is tough, one of the best gunslingers in the film, and he is very independent. However, Doc, unlike Wyatt, acts for himself instead of considering his duty to others.

Analyzing the relationship of Wyatt and Doc, both seem to be equals who are indebted to each other. At first, Doc owes Wyatt for saving him from a possible lynching; on the other hand, Doc repays Wyatt when he saves him from Shanghai Pierce. Both men are highly skilled with their gun and are quick thinkers. The sidekick aspect comes into this relationship when the change in Doc’s character becomes apparent. Before meeting Wyatt, Holliday was a ruthless killer who dared anyone to challenge him. However, through his travels with Wyatt, Holliday’s behavior transformed and his mindset of killing anyone who opposed him gradually diminished. Doc began to respect those around him and like Wyatt, started to act according to duty-based ethics instead of following his own virtues and being self-centered.

Additionally, throughout most of the film, Doc was seen helping Wyatt whenever he was in need. Wyatt saw Doc as someone he could trust, most notable when Doc was immediately deputized on a mission to stop bank robbers. Further, characteristic of a true sidekick, Doc stood behind Wyatt to the very end, even helping with the gunfight despite his state of health. Typical of the relationship between the alpha male cowboy and the sidekick, some of Wyatt’s traits rubbed off on the Doc, transforming his character into a more respectable and alpha-male like person. Doc already had most of the traits of the alpha male cowboy; however, by sticking around Wyatt, Doc took on the mindset of the alpha male cowboy and eventually became a true alpha male cowboy in the end.