Who Played Pat Garrett in Young Guns?
Contents
A Brief Overview of the Movie
Released in 1988, Young Guns is a western film that tells the story of a group of cowboys known as the Dalton Gang, led by William H. Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid. The movie stars Emilio Estevez as Billy the Kid and follows his journey as he seeks revenge against his enemies and falls in love with a beautiful woman named Maria. The film features an all-star cast, including Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Charlie Sheen, and Dermot Mulroney.
The Question: Who Played Pat Garrett in Young Guns?
Now, let’s get to the question at hand. Who played Pat Garrett, the notorious sheriff who seeks to capture and kill Billy the Kid, in the 1988 film Young Guns?
The Answer
Contrary to popular belief, it was Jack Palance who played the role of Pat Garrett in Young Guns. Palance was a highly acclaimed actor who appeared in numerous films throughout his long and illustrious career, including City Slickers, The Great Outdoors, and Bat Masterson.
What Did Pat Garrett Represent in the Film?
As the main antagonist in Young Guns, Pat Garrett represents the corrupt and oppressive authority that is seeking to bring down Billy the Kid and his gang. Garrett is a ruthless and cunning sheriff who is driven by a desire for fame and wealth, rather than a commitment to justice. He is willing to do whatever it takes to capture and kill Billy the Kid, including betraying his fellow lawmen and exploiting his power.
The Real-Life Pat Garrett
Pat Garrett was a real-life sheriff who played a significant role in the Billy the Kid legend. He was a friend and former ally of Billy the Kid, who eventually turned against him after Kid killed a sheriff’s deputy named William J. Brady in a shooting. Garrett sought to capture and kill Kid, leading to a series of battles and gunfights that ended with Kid’s eventual death at the hands of Garrett.
The Casting Decision
According to an interview with Lou Diamond Phillips, who played Charles "Butch" Cassidy in Young Guns, the casting decision for Pat Garrett was not an easy one. The film’s producers initially offered the role to Walter Matthau, who turned it down. Lee Marvin was then offered the role, but he also declined. Ultimately, Jack Palance was cast in the role, bringing his own unique style and intensity to the character.
Jack Palance’s Performance
Palance’s performance as Pat Garrett in Young Guns was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. He brought a level of depth and complexity to the character, portraying Garrett as a ruthless and cunning sheriff who is also a deeply flawed and troubled individual. His chemistry with Emilio Estevez, who played Billy the Kid, was also notable, creating a sense of tension and rivalry between the two characters.
Other Interesting Facts**
Here are a few other interesting facts about Jack Palance and his role in Young Guns:
• **Palance was 67 years old when he played Pat Garrett**. Despite his age, he still managed to bring a level of physicality and energy to the role.
• **Palance was a real-life stuntman**. He performed many of his own stunts throughout his career, including a memorable horseback riding sequence in Young Guns.
• **Palance won an Academy Award for his role in **Sybilla**. He received the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance in this 1965 film.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, Jack Palance played the role of Pat Garrett in Young Guns. Despite initial casting setbacks, Palance brought a level of depth and complexity to the character, portraying him as a ruthless and cunning sheriff who is also a deeply flawed and troubled individual. His performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and remains one of the most memorable aspects of the film.
| Character | Actor |
| — | — |
| Billy the Kid | Emilio Estevez |
| Pat Garrett | Jack Palance |
| Charles “Butch” Cassidy | Lou Diamond Phillips |
| Josiah Gordon “Doc” Scurlock | Charlie Sheen |
| José Chavez y Chavez | Kiefer Sutherland |
Table: Main Characters in Young Guns
