Day 27 and adventure 25 in this marathon takes us to The Gunfighters, a four-part serial first broadcast in April and May 1966. Written by Donald Cotton, this lighthearted historical adventure places the Doctor and his companions in the middle of one of the Wild West’s most infamous events: the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
With its comedic tone, musical interludes, and unconventional take on history, The Gunfighters stands out as one of the most distinctive entries in the Hartnell era. This rewatch, using the complete and beautifully remastered episodes from the Doctor Who archive, is a chance to re-examine its charm, humor, and unique place in Doctor Who history.
The Story: Trouble in Tombstone
The TARDIS materializes in 1881 Tombstone, Arizona, with the Doctor suffering from a toothache. Seeking treatment from the local dentist, Doc Holliday, the Doctor and his companions—Steven and Dodo—are mistaken for outlaws by the Clanton brothers, who are feuding with Holliday.
As the Doctor tries to extricate himself from the conflict, Steven and Dodo are caught in a web of mistaken identities, threats, and shifting alliances. The story culminates in the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, where Holliday, Wyatt Earp, and their allies face off against the Clantons and their gang.
The Doctor: A Reluctant Cowboy
William Hartnell’s Doctor is delightfully out of his element in The Gunfighters. His attempts to avoid violence and maintain his dignity are consistently thwarted by the chaos around him, leading to some of Hartnell’s most comedic and endearing moments.
The Doctor’s interactions with Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp highlight his adaptability and charm, as he tries to navigate the treacherous social landscape of Tombstone. His insistence on being a “simple traveler” while inadvertently influencing events adds to the humor and underscores his growing role as a reluctant hero in historical settings.
Steven and Dodo: Unlikely Western Stars
- Steven, played by Peter Purves, is at his most spirited, embracing the Wild West setting with gusto. Dressed in a garish cowboy outfit, Steven gamely sings “The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon” and tries to talk his way out of trouble with mixed success. Purves balances humor with moments of genuine tension, particularly in scenes where Steven’s life is on the line.
- Dodo, played by Jackie Lane, provides a mix of naivety and determination. Her attempts to keep the peace often backfire, but her courage and quick thinking add depth to her character. Dodo’s chemistry with Steven is a highlight, showcasing their growing camaraderie as they face the absurd dangers of the Old West.
A Musical Narrative: The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon
One of the most distinctive features of The Gunfighters is its use of “The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon,” a recurring musical motif sung by Lynda Baron (off-screen). The song serves as both a narrative device and a source of humor, providing commentary on the unfolding events and adding a layer of charm to the story.
While divisive among fans, the ballad gives the serial a unique tone, emphasizing its playful approach to history. For me, the song enhances the atmosphere of the Wild West setting, even if its frequent repetition risks overstaying its welcome.
Historical Figures: Larger Than Life
The serial’s portrayal of historical figures like Wyatt Earp (John Alderson), Doc Holliday (Anthony Jacobs), and the Clanton brothers leans heavily into caricature, blending humor with a touch of menace.
- Doc Holliday is a standout, portrayed as a charming rogue with a sharp wit and a hidden edge. His uneasy alliance with the Doctor and his rivalry with the Clantons drive much of the narrative tension.
- Wyatt Earp, by contrast, is more reserved and authoritative, providing a counterpoint to Holliday’s flamboyance.
- The Clantons are depicted as bumbling yet dangerous villains, adding to the serial’s comedic tone while maintaining a sense of threat.
Themes of Identity and Morality
At its heart, The Gunfighters is a story about mistaken identity and the blurry lines between justice and revenge. The Doctor’s attempts to avoid being mistaken for an outlaw underscore his aversion to violence, while the escalating conflict between the Clantons and Earp’s group highlights the moral ambiguities of frontier justice.
The serial’s playful tone doesn’t detract from these themes but instead provides a lens through which to explore them in a way that feels accessible and engaging.
Production and Atmosphere
The sets and costumes of The Gunfighters effectively capture the spirit of the Wild West, with the saloon, dentist’s office, and dusty streets of Tombstone providing an evocative backdrop for the action. The performances, while occasionally theatrical, suit the larger-than-life tone of the story, and the direction by Rex Tucker balances humor and tension with skill.
The decision to incorporate musical elements and lean into the comedic aspects of the setting gives The Gunfighters a unique energy, even if it sometimes undercuts the stakes of the narrative.
Revisiting in 2024: A Personal Perspective
Rewatching The Gunfighters today, I was struck by its willingness to take risks and embrace its identity as a lighthearted historical. The comedic tone and musical interludes make it a refreshing change of pace, even if it doesn’t fully align with the darker and more dramatic stories that preceded it.
The Doctor’s bemused reactions, Steven’s enthusiasm, and Dodo’s determination kept me engaged throughout, while the exaggerated portrayals of historical figures added to the story’s charm.
Legacy and Significance
The Gunfighters is a polarizing entry in the Doctor Who canon, but its boldness and creativity have earned it a unique place in the series’ history. Its comedic approach to history foreshadows later stories like The Romans and The Unicorn and the Wasp, which similarly blend humor with historical settings.
The serial also highlights the versatility of Doctor Who, demonstrating its ability to tackle a wide range of genres and tones while maintaining its core identity.
Final Thoughts
Rewatching The Gunfighters has been a delightful and entertaining experience. Its humor, music, and playful take on history make it a standout story in the Hartnell era, even if its tonal shifts and stylized portrayal of the Wild West may not appeal to everyone.
This adventure is a testament to the creativity and versatility of Doctor Who, reminding me of the show’s ability to surprise, entertain, and experiment with its format. Whether you love it or find it baffling, The Gunfighters remains a memorable and distinctive chapter in the TARDIS’s journey through time and space.
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