The movie does well, but not for his direction, script, photography or even wardrobe, which are acceptable. The line that separates this movie from the classic battered western movie is its peculiar choice of actors. Starring Johnny Cash and Kirk Duglas, the plot is based on the expectation of the town folk for knowing who of the two is the best gunman, when Abe Cross arrives at the town where Will Tenneray is trying to set a quiet life for himself. All in all, it's one of those acceptable movies, except in this case there are two iconic American characters.

TITLE: GUNFIGHT OPENED IN THEATERS IN THE United States on August 25 1971 and it took 90 minutes to watch it. Gunfight starred Kirk Douglas as Wil, Johnny Cash as Abe, and Karen Black as Jenny.SUMMARY: A Gunfight was the first mainstream American film to be produced by an Indian tribe -- specifically, the Jicarilla Apaches of New Mexico. Kirk Douglas and Johnny Cash star as Will and Abe, two long-in... read more -tooth gunfighters with nary a dime between them. Although Will and Abe are fast friends, they agree to a winner-take-all showdown, selling tickets to the momentous event. The townspeople are certain that Will is going to win the shootout, but he knows that it would be a fatal mistake to underestimate Abe. Standing on the sidelines is Will's wife Nora (Jane Alexander), who seems curiously disinterested in the outcome, even though she may become a widow before the day is over. The movie opens with Abe riding through the countryside singing when a rattlesnake bites his horse. Abe cuts the horses leg and sucks the poison of out of the horse. After fixing the horse Abe goes to the nearest town to get him fix. When Abe enters the town, some of the people recognize him as Abe Cross the gunfighter. Also leaving in the town is ex gunfighter Wil Tenneray with his wife and son. Wil works at the local saloon to support his family. While walking around town people start to wonder will Wil and Abe fight each other.QUESTIONS: How did Wil get his reputation? How did Abe get his reputation? Who was Jenny? What part did Jenny play in this movie? Did the gunfight take place? If so where? MY THOUGHTS: This was another movie that had a great build up and only to have fall on its face. This movie had no build up and it was boring right from the start. Sure Kirk Douglas was good in his role as Wil. Johnny Cash was just as good in his role as Abe. Karen Black talents and pretty body was wasted in this movie. She played the role as a bar house cleaner and her talents were missed used in this movie. I would give this movie 0 weasel stars but that not allowed so I have to give it 1 weasel star even if it doesn't deserve it.

See it - As the title suggests, this western is about a gunfight - but not just any gunfight. Kirk Douglas and Johnny Cash (that's right, as in "Walk the Line" Johnny Cash) play two retired gunmen who agree to duel to the death in front of a sold-out crowd for money. The film is similar in concept to "The Quick and the Dead," and the viewer must wait until the climactic ending to see who lives and who dies. But perhaps the main question is whether this is a western or a character study. I would lean more toward character study. The movie is a bit slow and the ending is a bit abrupt, but seeing Johnny Cash as a gunslinger is well worth the watch.

I think I just enjoy this movie because of the actors. The story isn't the best and if you're looking for great art, go elsewhere. But, if you're a fan of Douglas and Cash and would like to see a few other notables on screen, sit back and enjoy the flick with a few beers.