Tombstone is based on actual events and an exacting authenticity helps makes it come to life. The notorious gunfight at the O.K. Corral occurred on October 26, 1881. This resulted in Wyatt’s “vendetta ride” are reenacted with flair. According to Sam Elliott, screenplay writer and original director Kevin Jarre (1954–2011) handpicked the cast. Elliott wanted in from the moment he read the script. While filming the cast and crew faced quite a few challenges. It was 110-degree days in the Arizona shade, Kurt Russell was pinch-hitting as director while still trying to focus on his own portrayal of Wyatt Earp, and Kevin Costner had just announced plans for his own big-budget rendition of Wyatt Earp.
Despite these challenge the filming pressed on and the effort put in by all the cast and crew is evident in the brilliance of the film. Every detail was meticulously studied before it was portrayed on film. For example Doc’s walk. Doc was from an aristocratic family, so his carriage, every single movement, must be done correctly, there was a proper way to do everything. Kilmer did a brilliant job bringing the character to life. Even the handling of guns was taught to the cast by Thell Reed, a world-champion quick draw. Incredible dialogue and delivery has earned Tombstone much-deserved respect, but the loyalty and friendship Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday have for each other is what really pulls the audience in.
The line quoted by Doc at the end of the fight at the OK Corral is historically true and was reported in the Tombstone papers reporting the fight. When confronted by one of the Cowboys at point blank range, the Cowboy reportedly said, “I got you now Doc, you son of a bitch,” to which Doc gleefully retorted, “You’re a daisy if you do!”