Tombstone: On the Cutting Room Floor

[@greghardy9476]

I love both movies. ‘Wyatt Earp’ for the story, ‘Tombstone’ for the entertainment. The chemistry of the cast in ‘Tombstone’ was perfect.

[@billw5369]

I worked TOMBSTONE for about last 10 weeks. I was the downstairs waiter in the Bird Cage and horseback with all my own gear, horses, saddle portraying Red Sash Gang. I got to sit down with Sam Elliot , ride and pic took with Buck Taylor, get my picture took with Kurt Russell, meet Harry Carey jr, Bill Fraker and talk about Monte Walsh, long list of good times. Long hours, good food, camping with my horses , riding and seeing neat country, and good pay for playing cowboy. Bill Weddle

[@ralphh.2200]

Did you have a chance to meet Dana Delany?

[@billw5369]

@@ralphh.2200 Nope.

[@stevensmith1911]

"Hello Bob" ( BTK reference!) I could listen to you all day. Love it. Thanks!!

[@MPitchSOD12]

I loved the Costner movie as well. I believe the real secret weapon for Tombstone was the cast. Tombstone had a much better cast than Earp did. Especially with Val Kilmer. I’m no expert as to if his portrayal was accurate or not, but he certainly stood out as did Michael Biehn and Powers Boothe. And of course you can’t go wrong with anything Sam Elliott does.Hopefully if Kevin’s script gets a mini series on Netflix hopefully , he can get a great cast.

[@cavecookie1]

Casting was brilliant in this movie. Val Kilmer will be hard to top as Doc Holliday, but the entire cast was perfect!

[@moss8448]

I felt Wyatt Earp was more of a character study; whereas Tombstone leaned towards an action flick in it's dialog/character development. Both were good but Tombstone won out as more appealing to the masses. We had a local critic at the time if she didn't like it we all went to see it no matter what it was that was our movie barometer.

[@AGTtactical]

Good grief. Kurt Russel outshined them all.

[@kevinduane4348]

Wyatt Earp would be played by Kevin Hart

[@desertliving3668]

I think so too. I am a fan of Costner, and Russell both. I think both were really good, with some big talent. But the support cast in Tombstone was absolutely over the top amazing. I truly do not think there was anyone in Tombstone that didn’t deliver an exceptional performance. And I mean no disrespect to anyone on Wyatt Earp.

[@Cap5332]

Another great job Bob, fascinating how the script was changed. Being able to visit both movies sets would've been a daisy.

[@Skidoodle555]

Tombstone is one of my top 5 favorite movies. Casting was the very best. Performances top notch. I can’t give this movie enough superlatives. The bad guys were as interesting to watch as the good guys!

[@JohnBrown-qd4hv]

Great job Mr Bell, I would love to see that miniseries!

[@boballen8093]

Nice presentation. I had seen some time ago that the movie had to be rushed to meet certain timeframes and Kurt Russell felt that if those deadlines didn't exist the movie would have been an all time great, even though it still ranks very high. I really appreciate the behind the scenes look at both movies and like you, I hope I am still around if and when a movie or mini-series is made using the original script of Tombstone. Thanks again. P.S. I look forward to each issue of your magazine.

[@rendezvous5784]

Mr. Bell, you are a fascinating man for sure! Your ability to covey your enthusiasm through your videos is second to none. It was riveting, thank you and keep them coming!

[@randygates2001]

I’m an old old rookie to true west. But have always been keenly interested in Westerns /Histories. Your knowledge, experience, and talent to share both just solidifies why I love the old west so much. Great job Bob, and thanks.

[@seanca7]

I really enjoy your articles in True West and enjoyed listening to you tell the tale just as much. If you keep doing live streams, I'll keep watching them!

[@michaeltompkinssr9389]

I am a True West subscriber and wasn't able to watch the comments live, but I sure enjoyed listening to the Bob's personal information relating to the two films. Also, I feel like I need to go back and re-watch Tombstone and Wyatt Earp after hearing about the wardrobe challenges when Kevin Costner decided to buy up the available costumes, leaving the Tombstone wardrobe availability to seek alternatives overseas. Thanks for doing this!

[@Rick_King]

How about a sequel to Tombstone? Kurt Russell as a fifty-something Wyatt Earp, traveling to Alaska, living in Los Angeles, and mining near Vidal? Sam Elliott as a sixty-something Virgil Earp, working as a deputy sheriff in Goldfield, Nevada. Someone would have to write the script, but I think it would be awesome!

[@georgemoore7186]

I liked both movies, I feel what made all the difference at the box office was you had to be a fan of Westerns to enjoy the Costner film, Tombstone had a lot wider appeal, if you enjoy, Westerns, Drama, Comedy, great writing, great acting great directing etc Tombstone had it all, up until then Rio Bravo was my fav Western and The Sting was my fav film of all genres, Tombstone is now the best I have ever seen of any genre, some of the greatest one liners of all time and there were many of them, the writing was out of this world and the delivery was just as good, Poor old Kevin had no chance with a comparison.....but that is nothing to be ashamed of cos it was incomparable, how it didn't clean up every category at the Academy awards can only be testament to the politics involved, it certainly wasn't anything about talent

[@jimsotomayor6846]

Interesting and informative information. Like the way he presents It bob’s knowledge of the Western history is impressive. I watch all of these talks that I can finand almost always learn Something

[@stevemccoy8138]

Awesome Bob ! I saw both movies both were good but Tombstone was the best I think.. loved the show. Thanks

[@RoseFelton]

I agree! I saw both also and Tombstone is my all-time favorite movie.

[@debeholland]

When it came out I WAS HOOKED! i have watched it so many times, its embarrassing . . . love your videos! So if they remake Jarre's version, IDK if it could have the personal connection . . . i would watch it if and when it may come out!

[@richardburchell7312]

Me too Started at Cinema 2 times Then on VHS then onto DVD & Blu Ray I have watched this at least 30 times

[@timburleson1078]

I loved Tombstone! It had all the elements that I like, action, bravado lines from the good guys and the swagger of the bad guys. The characters had more personality than Costner's movie. I can't wait to read the original script, thanks for the info!

[@DarcySullivan]

Watched this with my son as we both love Tombstone. Fascinating! I think another saving grace of the film is its pace - it moves like a B picture. No fat, no slack. Costner had no one to say no to him, and no budget pressure. Russell was right!

[@sogdal1]

I like the old west stories and you make them even more interesting, thanks.

[@elwsee1]

Hello Mr Bell: First off, I want to THANK YOU for your “True West Magazine” and these You Tube Videos- I can’t get enough of them! ❤️ I live in Oklahoma City and I would like to ask you, if you would to do a Video or a Story about the Gunfight at Ingalls (outside of Stillwater, Okla). After I read about it, I believe it is every bit as “exciting” of a story as Tombstone or Coffeyville. If you have done something on it already, I apologize because I’ve missed it. Thank You again.

[@Grant25]

The movie is good but I definitely think the original script would’ve made it a masterpiece.

[@desertdanblacksmith1394]

Good stuff....thx.......I grew up in a Hotel (our family owned) in Colorado that was built in 1878. Love this stuff. I seen a historic photo of the Hotel in True West Magazine once . It was the Jackson Hotel ...Poncha Spga Colo. ....thx again from Golden Valley Arizona !

[@douglaspkeatingjr3232]

This is the coolest story. I will never forget, my first time in Arizona I was 12 years old and visiting a friends family. We went to Tombstone and I knew nothing of the story. Serendipitously, the movie Tombstone was in the theater and we watched it the next day. I was hooked, forever. I read everything I could and even moved out to Arizona to go to college at ASU in part due to my love for westerns! Thank you for this story! I really enjoyed it

[@jaynesager3049]

Loved Tombstone! The actors really captured the spirits of the people they portrayed. I loved the way they established the close bonds of the Earps, which drove the vendetta- I mean-pursuit of justice. I need to watch it again.

[@carinabella3393]

This was FASCINATING! Thank you. I have lost track of how many times I have seen Tombstone; such an incredible movie.

[@k.j.lindsey3048]

Really enjoyed it. Thanks! Looking forward to the March issue.

[@ronholmstrom]

Great stories of the old west. Thanks!

[@timsears1341]

this program, that you have now...IS WONDERFUL, Brother Bob !!

[@Pancito49]

Enjoy very much your shows, Thanks

[@rogeroday9408]

Just found your channel. I used to listen to your radio show and have been a Wyatt fan since watching it on TV as a kid. Of the two movies, if someone were to blend those two scripts and shoot it as a mini series, WOW! The early life in Wyatt Earp, and the later in Tombstone would be a blowout. Thank you Bob.

[@keiththomas3141]

Bob, thanks for posting. You know I've watched the movie "Tombstone" over 120 times! I loved the movie so much I moved nearby from back east. I still live near Tombstone. I never knew any of this though. I'll look for the March issue when I go to the store this afternoon. P.S. I bought the magazine today. Very good!

[@rmbion]

I've long been an enthusiast of our western history, including Little Bighorn, Billy the Kid, and, of course, Wyatt Earp. Years ago I loved a series about the search for Troy. I recall especially the phrase "discovering new worlds for the imagination". Apt! That is precisely what Bob gives us.

[@shyjames83]

You may enjoy my book, “Billy the Kid: El Bandido Simpático” which will be released by University of North Texas Press this summer

[@melvinmayfield470]

Only from 'Sir' BBB, can we get this kind of historical narrative, both stimulating & entertaining! (And, let's not forget, informative & educational!) Many Thanks to You Sir!

[@wserafin11]

Great Stuff! My kids always kid me about True West magazine every time they see a copy on my desk or any number of tables in the house, especially because of the number years that I've been reading it. But the last time (this Christmas) my kids visited us, my son in law asked me to play my "Tombstone" DVD and he watched it late into the night before he, my daughter and grandson were to fly home to New York! So who gets the last laugh? POP POP!!

[@raydrecker1883]

Please make this a miniseries! "Kevin Jarre's Tombstone!"

[@chrislind2]

My daughter and her boyfriend were in Tombstone at the end of last summer and he proposed to her shortly after the gunfight reenactment at the OK corral in front of the spectators. I have a video of it. I wish I could have been there.

[@marcusbuckner5582]

Thank you, sir. It's sad that Costner's ego would go so low. I'm glad that possibly, providentially, the costumes worked out as such. Tombstone and The Outlaw Josie Wales are. 2 of my all timers. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and good fortune.

[@kurtsumption77]

Thank you sir! Enjoyed your comments about both Tombstone movies

[@d-vision2426]

Loved this video, Bob! A Tombstone mini series would be sweet! BTW I clicked the bell for Bell long ago! Peace!

[@gaetanovindigni8824]

Tombstone may be the only western I have watched that reminds me of an Opera. And that is how I enjoy it. I can describe Tombstone as a tragedy using only the title of a Giuseppe Verdi Opera, 'The Force of Destiny". Each movie discussed captures the tragic nature of not only Wyatt Earp's life but many of the characters in each movie. But, for me, only Tombstone makes me remember my favorite Operas. Glad I found your video and will be watching from now on.

[@debrataylor5025]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. I got so caught up in watching this movie, that I actually felt as I were living in that time period! Love your story telling Bob! You definitely have the voice for it!

[@susanandtedjohnson3744]

Mr Bell thank you for telling this info . i have both movies and enjoy Kurt Rusells version the most....matter of fact i am going to play it now. Thanks again,

[@davidelack8809]

I have been listening to you since the KSLX and Wild Country days. Lifetime mag subscription ( still can't believe you offered that). Love your work brother.Thank you for keeping the west alive and relevant.

[@rustyphillips1984]

How very interesting! Amazing to know all the twist and turns in making these two films. Thank you sooo much.

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Watched Tombstone for the umpteenth time two days before watching this video. Absolutely loved the information. Great job.

[@julianharrison8878]

Hi Bob loved this video and thank you for your expertise and enthusiasm on all other videos about the old west which has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember watching the Saturday night western with my uncles over here some of the films even had Gabby Hayes getting the girl! I preferred Tombstone over Kevin Costner’s Wyatt Earp but would love to see Kevin Jarre’s original script filmed. Very best wishes. Jim Harrison. Cheshire. UK.

[@plymouthduster225]

Great video as always Bob. I'm a little late getting to watch but Tombstone is one of those movies that I can always watch everytime I find it on TV. I have it and the Wyatt Earp movie on DVD. I'm 30 years old but I grew up watching John Wayne movies and Bonanza and Gunsmoke with my grandparents. Wyatt Earp was a good movie also, but Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday is the main reason I alway liked Tombstone better.

[@Go4Corvette]

Great information and video hope to see more soon.

[@rodbrock4759]

Great channel Bob. Great movies and they should do all versions.

[@russbaldwin8470]

i love the channel please make more and give us TRUTH in history!!!

[@rogerpeterson5528]

Great job Bob! Loved all the background stories. I could listen to you for hours! You are amazing....and lucky to visit both sets. I dream of being on a western movie set someday. See you down the trail. Keep those True West Mags comin'

[@aussiejoker2031]

Very good as usual!

[@_Cryptotruth_]

Brilliant! Loved your story. Empathize with the boomer arrogance reference regarding writing a better script and taking your son to Tombstone premiere. Envy you. Nearly destroyed my life in midlife crisis believing I could be a better screenwriter/filmmaker than most in Hollywood (digital cameras were just coming out) & set out to prove it! Now that is arrogance! Told my wife I’d give up in 5 years if I hadn’t succeeded. She lasted 3, I won awards around the world and met with some of the top names in Hollywood before my 5 year goal arrived. My reward was being divorced, penniless and homeless. But, in my mind, I succeeded! Yeah, a film in itself! Thanks for your story on Tombstone & Wyatt Earp movies! Gripping!

[@alexandroslysais1798]

Fantastic post, really enjoyed it! Tombstone my favorite movie hands down. Would love to take a look at that orig. script. Excellent!

[@dwashbur]

I'm a little surprised you didn't mention Robert Mitchum's accident that kept him from playing Old Man Clanton. I know a lot of the opening had to be rewritten because of that.

[@robertspecht1911]

Best movie ever.

[@androlibre9661]

Tombstone was SO good.....and so ICONIC.....if they tried to go back and do it all again with the original scripts it would fail....Doc Holiday is owned by Kilmer. Cant think of an actor that fill those shoes

[@seanobrien2306]

"Fast Forward" ..., Excellent video and important information by "Bob Boze Bell" ! ! * So good.., I watched the video, not once.., but twice... Excellent video, and thank you for sharing the video and information. I may.., watch it again... Mike O'Brien in Montana :)

[@charlescomly1]

Wes I did very much injoy your video and would like to see more done like this, thanks much Bob.

[@rosss.mortensen5862]

Great job Bob and I sure hope you're right, it would be a treat to see the way it was originally written.

[@theimp5901]

When they came out I thought Tombstone would be a classic. I love affirmation. Bob, you are spectacular and thanks . Legend wasn't bad just not Tombstone.

[@madmadjenny]

I just found your channel and I love it!

[@bw101449]

Love the inside story of movies. This is absolutely wonderful

[@Washoejim]

Really love the stories, keep them Bob.

[@robertiaccarino4363]

Thanks Bob, good job from Tucson.

[@bartetzenhouser2943]

Excellent job, as usual!

[@stvhop]

I always enjoy your content. Thanks.

[@blakehendrix7791]

Amazing story! I would love to read that original script.

[@docholliday1970]

I have been a FAN of TOMBSTONE , since '93 . My friend and I have called one another Doc and Wyatt , ALL These Years . We have quoted their lines for GENERATIONS . It is my HOPE that we WILL NEVER lose sight of how GREAT this MOVIE 🍿🎥 was. We watch TOMBSTONE at least once a year , together. HOWEVER , I watch 3 - 4 times a a Year, especially on the Anniversary of the shoot out at the O. K. CORRAL . Loved everything thing about this MOVIE , the LOCATION, CAST ,and CREW. If I had been DIRECTING and PRODUCING this FILM ,I wouldn't change a thing . ❣️ AWESOME MOVIE ❣️ the BEST WESTERN 🤠 OF ALL TIME ❣️ ............ LOVE 💕LOVE 💕 LOVE 💕...... Yours Truly , Doc Holliday , esq .......... Thanks , Mr. Bell , for this Awesome Documentary .

[@Tammy-un3ql]

Great video Bob👌👌👌👌

[@williamboyd8688]

Really good stuff Bob, keep it coming. Nice depth of detail and story telling in all your video and True West. The old west characters are fascinating especially for a westerner like me.

[@jesselynch1928]

Bob Wonderful Video. I can’t wait to read that issue of True West. I am going to wait by my mailbox. Feb/Mar? Ok maybe I wait inside. Tombstone is one of my favorite movies. Love the costume story. As far as Wyatt Earp movie. I loved the scene where the brothers came to get Wyatt for the Tombstone fight and the cup of Steaming coffee was left on the table. I always thought that was a nice touch.

[@AetherflyerGames]

This is great! Hope to see the mini-series.

[@solace829]

Terrific commentary and passionate perspective .... as usual !

[@myopinion999]

Great show. Thanks

[@jb6027]

Absolutely brilliant. Well done.

[@fallout567]

Enjoyed the insight. Very good job.

[@jerryrpettus1926]

Kevin Jarre's script would have been a four hour movie and for economic reasons, that wouldn't work. (You've already noted the disparity between the budgets of both Tombstone and Wyatt Earp) On top of that, Kevin Jarre's vision, right down to the authenticity of the saddles, costuming and guns would have cost way above budget. The script was brilliant. It was also financially unworkable. Jarre was fired and the studio was dragging it's feet on naming a new director. The cast, realizing the movie was on the verge of just being shut down and abandoned, needed a decision made. From what I read, Kurt Russell took the script, started cutting out scenes that didn't directly tell the story. Then, with the assistance and complicity of the cast and crew, began filming the scenes that were needed to tell the story, with Russell directing the movie. Kosmatos was eventually named director and when he showed up on set and saw what they were doing, he essentially allowed the process to work the way it was already working, with Russell directing the film. He simply double checked the shots before the scenes were filmed. Actress Dana Delaney has said that the movie would not have been completed had it not been for Kurt Russell.

[@dcb_75]

Great story. It is kind of hard to believe that as good as Tombstone is that there might actually be a better version of it that we didn't get to see. I am with you, I hope they make it. I think their biggest issue is going to be casting - it is always an issue with any movie but it will be bigger with this one. Even if people don't know that this is the original script for Tombstone, people will automatically be comparing the acting to Kurt, Val and all the rest because they were so good in it so the movie will have a disadvantage right from the start. But I think the time is right now that we have had shows like Deadwood, Justified, Yellowstone, etc - people are getting back into the western groove again so what better time to make this.

[@michealbrennan4310]

Fantastic job again bob alwasys enjoyable and great information Mike Calgary, Alberta

[@johnnash8000]

Bob. Another great episode in your telling of Southwest history. I would love to meet you sometime and discuss a couple of my favorite topics. Back in the day you used to tell people to stop into the True West offices in Cave Creek for a visit. All the best.

[@ianriordan6382]

My two favourite "modern" movies are Tombstone and Legends of the fall. They both build into revenge movies. I suspect that most people have un-resolved issues in life, so this type of movie appeals to them more than historical accuracy. As I live in "Kelly Country" in north east Victoria Australia, I see that hero-worship is well and truly alive 140+ years after they hanged poor Ned.

[@slowmutants]

Really enjoyed the stories! Subscribed.

[@franciscoflores8208]

Great video, Sir! I'm a big fan of your work!

[@tommybrunolesen5837]

Bob Boze Bell: I think I speak for a lot of us regular viewers when I suggest if you could do a series on the boomtowns of the old west in TV/Books or both, just as you did on the gunslingers. I for one, would love for you to take me back to Dodge City KS, Las Vegas NM and other boomtowns from the first half century after the civil war. Thank you so much.

[@oletimer5853]

I would love for you to do a video on my favorite western of all time, lonesome dove

[@jamesrobinson433]

That was very interesting and I’m glad I watched it!

[@robertdale711]

Great job

[@oletimer5853]

I think you awesome, sir. I share your passion for the ole west but not nearly as knowledgeable as you .. I enjoy your books greatly

[@VictorLewis-nd4ld]

Bob, I enjoy your videos very much. My daughter, Meghan, and I had a ritual the summer between her juinor and senior year of high school. We'd watch Tombstone together. My final nickname for her, 'MegYig' is a direct result of that. It paraphrases Johnny Ringo and is code for, "Meghan, you ignorant wretch." (Unlike the Cowboy, who butchers what the Mexican priest is quoting fom the bible, Meghan happens to speak Spanish fluently, as well as English of course.) I'm reading Kevin Jarre's original screenplay per your recommendation. Bob, you're correct, he's trying to put in way too much for a movie. It WOULD have to be a miniseries. His dialogue rings false at times, too. He obviously fell in love with Western slang, so he tends to cram too much of it into a single statement. That's actually rookie writing. That's something I'd do if I ever tried writing a screenplay. And I ain't no writer. I've read that members of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch would say things like, "Raise 'em or I'll scatter your brains from Hell to breakfast!" They didn't get too wordy..."Raise 'em or I'll scatter your brains from Hell to breakfast and you'll be buzzard meat pushin' up daisies! I'm your huckleberry." I'm not finished with Jarre's screenplay yet, but so far I'm thinking that what ended up in 'Tombstone' is pretty darn good. And it qualifies as a "classic" as is.

[@kentharris3878]

Really enjoying BBB's commentary on this and other topics (just listened to the bit about the gun that killed Billy The Kid). Looking forward to catching up on more from True West Magazine and Bob.

[@rustyranchtx7353]

Way cool... Thanks Bob

[@robertoperia345]

I would love to see the script resurrected as a mini series. I have long wished for a remake of "Big Jake" With Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott , And Wes Srudi. What do you thing?

[@jesselynch1928]

If they remake Big Jake I hope they let dog make it through the end. And Sam too. Or at the very least have the ending reflect their loss. The ending seemed hurried

[@goldrush49]

Love this

[@lelandframe1029]

Being from Kansas, I laughed out loud at "Wyatt Earp's" depiction of Dodge City with huge mountains in the background!! 😂

[@stevemowery1656]

Very enlightening.

[@warntheidiotmasses7114]

Interesting. I visited Tombstone once. Would be interesting to see all the clips cut.

[@Hazeltonpeakroad]

Great video. Extremely informative. You're the 'master'.

[@BrickWilbur2020]

At 19:18 where did they move over one street? In tombstone or the ranch set for Wyatt?

[@AIRRAID2]

Neat to get the story about these two scripts . Thank you very much. Yeehaaw. Turning 40 and i grew up in Sweden we had all the classic western movies, and yeah a rerun of Flipper .. and a theme park called High Chaparral (still exist, look it up) Patrik. Edit. Shame he got fired. Still love that movie tho. Glad you got to see both sets 🤠