RT Gunfight at the OK Corral

In some Western films a role emerges that becomes strongly important for the alpha male cowboy; the role of the sidekick. The sidekick is always there when needed, obedient, and may even save the alpha male cowboy's life. In films where the sidekick exists, the sidekick is necessary for the survival of the alpha male cowboy. The sidekick helps the glorification of the alpha male and often stays behind the scenes for this to occur. The sidekick often takes care of the dirty work and is about as fearless as the alpha male himself. His loyalty to the alpha male is what makes them who they are.

In films such as, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, the sidekick, Pompey, is almost an obedient servant to the alpha male cowboy. Always setting up the plans, ready to toss guns to the alpha male, and always there when the alpha male is in true danger. Pompey does much of the behind the scenes work allowing the alpha male cowboy to obtain nearly all of the glory. Pompey is extremely loyal to the alpha male and asks for very little in return for his service.

In other films such as, Gunfight at the OK Corral, the role of the sidekick becomes almost equal to that of the alpha male. The sidekick, Doc Holliday, does little of the planning or dirty working, only showing up when the action takes place. Doc is as quick with a gun as the alpha male himself and takes a role nearly as important as the alpha male. Once again you see the loyalty to the alpha male in Doc, who chooses to help in a fight while completely sick. Although still a sidekick, Doc exemplifies an almost alpha male type of persona.