Doctor Who: The Gunfighters
Doctor Who: The Gunfighters

Movie spotlight

Doctor Who: The Gunfighters

1966
Movie
100 min
English

Arriving in the town of Tombstone, the First Doctor finds himself involved with gunmen out to kill Doc Holliday...

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Waris HusseinGenres: Science Fiction, Western, Adventure

Plot Summary

The TARDIS lands in the Wild West town of Tooth N' Nail, Arizona, in 1881. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Susan find themselves in the middle of a feud between the notorious Clanton gang and the Sheriff of the town. The TARDIS is damaged, forcing the Doctor and his companions to interact with the local inhabitants, including the legendary gunslinger Doc Holliday.

Critical Reception

As an early Doctor Who serial, 'The Gunfighters' is often noted for its ambitious attempt to blend science fiction with the Western genre, though its execution is considered somewhat dated by modern standards. The serial is also remembered for its unique musical interludes, which were unusual for the show at the time. Despite its historical significance, it's not always regarded as one of the strongest classic Doctor Who stories.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique genre fusion of sci-fi and Western.

  • The musical numbers are considered a distinctive, if polarizing, element.

  • Some find the pacing and plot to be less engaging compared to other classic Doctor Who serials.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the novelty of the Western setting for Doctor Who and the memorable guest characters. Some viewers appreciate the attempt at a different style of storytelling, while others find it less compelling than more traditional sci-fi adventures.

Fun Fact

This serial is notable for featuring a saloon scene where the Doctor and his companions participate in a musical number, a rare occurrence in Doctor Who's history.

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