The Gunfighter: The Western With a More Tragic Ending Than John Wayne’s The Shootist

In the realm of striking conclusions in Western films, fewer are as powerful as the one depicted in “The Shootist.” Despite its finale being particularly memorable, there’s another movie that not only shares a similar ending but executes it even more effectively. While “The Shootist” may be more widely recognized, “The Gunfighter” is equally deserving of attention, despite not having the same iconic status.

1950 saw the debut of “The Gunfighter,” a classic Western film directed by Henry King, featuring Gregory Peck in the lead role as Jimmy Ringo, a historical outlaw known for his ties with iconic figures like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The movie, set in black-and-white, is built upon the notoriety of the true Jimmy Ringo, weaving a tale about an aging gunman’s struggle to elude the ghosts of his past and defend his title as the quickest shooter alive.

26 years prior to “The Shootist,” there’s a film titled “The Gunfighter” that bears an uncanny resemblance to the 1976 Western which marked the end of John Wayne’s cinematic journey. Both films revolve around old gunslingers who are challenged by others seeking to outshine them. Remarkably, their storylines share a striking similarity in their conclusions, as both protagonists meet with a tragic demise, although under distinct circumstances.

The Gunfighter’s Jimmy Ringo Is A Legendary Gunslinger Who Dies After Being Shot In The Back

Both J.B. Books & Jimmy Ringo Are Aging Gunslingers Who Meet Unceremonious Ends

In a similar vein to J.B. Books portrayed by John Wayne in “The Shootist”, Jimmy Ringo, played by Gregory Peck, is an iconic gunslinger long past his peak years. However, this doesn’t diminish the allure for some ambitious young gunslingers in the area who still covet the opportunity to eliminate him. Two of these potential adversaries vying for the chance are Marlowe and the cocky cowboy Bromley, who assume the roles of the antagonists in the movie.

In my humble opinion as a film critic, Jimmy Ringo manages to handle Marlowe’s business, but Bromley remains a looming menace. It’s evident that the greenhorn cowboy stands no chance against Peck’s formidable character. As the credits roll, Jimmy has an opportunity to vanquish the most legendary gunslinger of the West and he takes it, only to be betrayed by Bromley – he shoots me from behind as I attempt to escape on my horse.

In a heart-wrenching scene reminiscent of the ending in “The Shootist,” Bromley takes his last breaths following an emotional goodbye with his wife and newly discovered son. The way this event unfolds brings to mind the demise of J.B. Books, who was betrayed by an unlikely adversary – the bartender, a man he had outsmarted in a fierce showdown at the saloon.

The Gunslinger Has A Perfect Ending For The Main Character’s Killer

The Villain Is Forced To Live Like The Hero

In The Shootist, instead of relishing the moment after I inadvertently end the life of Books, I find myself swiftly cut down by Ron Howard’s character. It seems that my role was not to be celebrated or remembered, but rather as a means to further the storyline and ultimately bring about the demise of John Wayne’s character.

In contrast to other Western films, where a villain’s killing of a hero is usually followed by on-screen justice, this Gunslinger tale presents a captivating twist: instead of exacting vengeance upon Bromley, the story concludes with a dying Jimmy Ringo requesting that Bromley not be killed.

Ringo chooses an appropriate outcome for Bromley. He decides to let people think he was the one who initially fired, thus shielding Bromley from the label of a coward who shot Ringo in ambush. However, this doesn’t mean Ringo is forgiving him; his true aim is to make Bromley grasp the immense price of being superior.

In “The Gunfighter,” Bromley achieves his goal, but killing Ringo leaves him with an unsatisfying triumph. He may gain the reputation of being the man who killed Ringo, but the accolades won’t compensate for the continuous threats he’ll face. Worse still, his life is likely to be filled with further risks, and it’s almost certain that his days are numbered.

Bromley might appear to be exceptionally skilled based on his recent reputation, but it’s crucial to understand that this may not accurately reflect his abilities. His adversaries could be misled by this new perception of him. Although The Gunfighter concludes with its vile antagonist still alive, the spectators can have confidence that his wrongdoings will eventually face consequences in the future.

The Gunfighter’s Ending Is Even More Tragic Than The Shootist’s

The Gunfighter Is One Of Gregory Peck’s Best Movies Ever

Watching “The Shootist” carries a profound sense of melancholy, and this emotional resonance is largely due to the poignant backstory associated with it. As John Wayne’s swan song in Western filmmaking, and his final Western movie, its impact on viewers is greatly influenced by its symbolic significance. Conversely, “The Gunfighter” may not hold the same level of deeper meaning, but it still evokes a more intense sense of sorrow and tragedy.

Jimmy Ringo differs from J.B. Books in that he doesn’t have a terminal illness looming over him. Unlike Books, who sought a valiant exit, Ringo was optimistic about a serene and joyful future. He had dreams of vacationing with his family in a place where they were unknown, and the plotline suggested this could become a reality for him.

It was evident that the movie, titled “The Shootist,” would lead to a tragic conclusion, somehow or other. However, contrary to expectations, Gregory Peck’s portrayal in the film intentionally offered a glimmer of hope, not just to the audience, but also to the main character. Rather than wrapping up with an optimistic message, “The Gunfighter” chose a much grimmer route, emphasizing the idea that one cannot evade their past, no matter how diligently they strive to do so.

Even John Wayne Recognized How Good The Gunfighter Would Be

John Wayne Wanted To Play Jimmy Ringo

One more piece of evidence showcasing the excellence of “The Gunfighter” is John Wayne’s eagerness for the movie role. Despite being approached for the part, which was specifically tailored for him, Wayne felt unimpressed with the compensation offered. However, upon hearing the storyline, he recognized its potential, as indicated by his enduring resentment towards the scriptwriter (William Bowers).

Back when I, as a devoted cinephile, watched “The Gunfighter” unfold on the silver screen, John Wayne’s true feelings towards the final product remain uncertain. However, the lingering grudge he harbored against its writer, William Bowers, for over four decades afterwards, hints at the profound significance he attributed to that original concept. Perhaps it was his inability to embody the leading role in “The Gunfighter” that drew him towards “The Shootist,” a film that offered him another opportunity to delve into the heart-wrenching narrative it presented.

2025-07-05 01:39