During the 1950s and 1960s, there were few more popular actors in Hollywood than Gregory Peck. He starred in a number of films, across several genres, becoming both a heartthrob and hard man in a number of memorable roles. Winning an Oscar for his portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird and plaudits in movies such as Roman Holiday, Cape Fear, The Snows of Kilimanjaro and David and Bathsheba. In The Gunfighter, he demonstrates why he became so successful.
Notorious gunslinger Jimmy Ringo (Peck) arrives in the town of Cayenne, knowing he only has a few hours before his past catches up with him. He’s delighted and surprised to find that his old friend Mark Strett (Millard Mitchell) is the sheriff there. The feeling isn’t entirely mutual, given this is a peaceful town. However, he’s only here for one reason. To talk to his wife Peggy (Helen Westcott), who he hasn’t seen for almost a decade. He hopes they can make a fresh start.
The Gunfighter is an assured portrait of a wild man who has reached the stage in his life when he wants to settle down. However, Jimmy Ringo’s infamy and trail of destruction is never going to leave him in peace. Peck is perfect as the dangerous titular gunslinger, whose reputation commands respect but whose demeanour doesn’t always get it. Henry King’s film takes the popular motif of the sharp-shooter and examines the consequences of their life choices. Creating a film, in The Gunfighter, which is both a rich and textured character study whilst embodying the dangers and drama of the Old West.
Special features:
- High-Definition Transfer
- UK Blu-ray premiere
- Introduction by Alex Cox (Director of Repo Man)
- Original Mono Audio
- Still Gallery
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature
The Gunfighter is released on Dual Format by Signal One Entertainment on 10 January.
