Gunfight at the OK Corral-MR

The film, The Gunfight at OK Corral, Wyatt Earp and "Doc" Holliday are tw0 0f the dominant male characters throughout the film. Although Wyatt is the clear alpha male in the film, "Doc" serves as an interesting role that puts him in between being a side kick and another alpha male. "Doc" is a smart and cunning character who has a record of violence. He has a quick hand with an accurate gun shot, and can throw a knife extremely accuratley. This allows "Doc" to have the cool and calm demenor that he shows as he enters dangerous situation. He is morally ambiguous as he made most of his money gambling with drunks. Although "Doc" appears to be strong, he is in poor health. He has a terrible cough that weakens him as the film progresses. This seems to be the only reason that "Doc" is not the dominant male throughout the film. Wyatt is strong and does not show weakness. This places Doc in the role of a sidekick. He serves Wyatt, offering his services whenever they are needed. However, despite Doc's clear role as Wyatt's sidekick there is a particular scene in the film that suggests that the two men are on equal levels as men. When Doc is bed ridden from his cough, Wyatt says "I need you." This shows that Wyatt understands the importance of Doc's role, whereas most sidekicks remain in the background with little recognition. As the two men fight the outlaws at the end of the film, it appears that both of them may be alpha males after all.