Bit to Do

I have previously discussed the state of the Western genre in American cinema. There are some mighty fine masterpieces – John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

, for instance. In my opinion, though, the Italians who tackled the form showed us its true potential – directors such as Sergio Leone, who gave us the

Dollars Trilogy

and

Once Upon a Time in the West

, or Sergio Corbucci, who helmed

Django

. These films were gritty, violent, and unflinching in a way that most American Westerns lacked (although Sam Peckinpah has been known to hold his own). Things took a turn for the better, though, in the 1990s, when we were given films like Clint Eastwood's

Unforgiven

and George Cosmatos'

Tombstone.

Speaking of: Baxter Avenue Theater is presenting a screening of

Tombstone

tomorrow, Saturday, August 11, at midnight. The story revolves around the legendary story of Wyatt Earp, here portrayed by Kurt Russell. After a long and successful career as a lawman, Earp just wants to retire, and so he moves to the town of Tombstone, Arizona. Of course, trouble is never far in the Olde West, as the town is set upon by a group of bandits called the Cowboys. Earp, along with his brothers, are called back into service to eradicate the brutes and bring peace once again to Tombstone – resulting in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

And they do it all sporting some of the finest mustaches west of the Mississippi River.

Baxter Avenue Theater is located at 1250 Bardstown Road, in Mid-City Mall. Further theater information and advance ticket sales can be found at the theater's website.

Image: Internet Movie Database