How Accurate is Young Guns?
Young Guns is a popular movie released in 1988, directed by Christopher Cain and starring Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, and Lou Diamond Phillips. The film tells the story of a group of young outlaws who seek revenge against the man who betrayed them. The movie has become a cult classic and is still widely popular today. But how accurate is the movie’s portrayal of the Young Guns themselves?
The Real Billy the Kid
To answer this question, it’s essential to look at the real-life figure of William H. Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid. Billy the Kid was a notorious outlaw and gunfighter who lived in the late 1800s. He was known for his bravery and his quick draw with a gun.
Accuracy of the Movie
The movie Young Guns takes creative liberties with the story of Billy the Kid and his gang. Here are some of the inaccuracies:
- The Real Billy the Kid was Not a Teenager: Billy the Kid was born in 1859 and was 21 years old when he was killed in 1881. The movie portrays him as a teenager.
- The Gang Was Not All Young: While Billy the Kid was indeed young, his gang consisted of men of various ages. Doc Scurlock, for example, was in his mid-30s when he joined the gang.
- The Shootout at Blazer’s Siding: The movie depicts a shootout at Blazer’s Siding, where Billy the Kid and his gang face off against a group of ranchers. This event is fictional and did not occur in real life.
- The Death of John Tunstall: In the movie, John Tunstall is killed by the gang of ranchers. In reality, Tunstall was killed by William Morton, a rival rancher.
Inaccuracies in the Characters
The movie also takes creative liberties with the characters:
- Doc Scurlock: In the movie, Doc Scurlock is portrayed as a young and inexperienced doctor. In reality, Doc Scurlock was a skilled doctor who had served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- Josiah Gordon "Doc" Scurlock: Doc Scurlock was a skilled doctor who had served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- Charlie Bowdre: Charlie Bowdre was a member of Billy the Kid’s gang and was killed in a shootout with the authorities. In the movie, he is portrayed as a young and reckless outlaw.
The Legacy of Young Guns
Despite its inaccuracies, Young Guns has become a cult classic and has helped to popularize the legend of Billy the Kid. The movie has also been praised for its portrayal of the Old West and its depiction of the struggles faced by the characters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Young Guns takes creative liberties with the story of Billy the Kid and his gang, it remains a popular and entertaining movie. The inaccuracies in the movie are significant, but they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.
