Original director Robert Totten clashed with lead actor Richard Widmark , leading to his firing after 25 days.
The 1969 Western is famously known as the first film credited to the Hollywood pseudonym "Alan Smithee" . Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil that led to this fake credit, the movie is regarded by critics as a "surprisingly solid" and "extraordinary" revisionist Western. 🎬 Production & The "Alan Smithee" Legend subtitle Death.of.a.Gunfighter.1969.WEBRip.x264...
Set at the turn of the 20th century in Cottonwood Springs, Texas, the story follows the "passing of the Old West". Original director Robert Totten clashed with lead actor
Don Siegel (known for Dirty Harry ) was brought in to finish the shoot, filming for about 9–10 days. 🎬 Production & The "Alan Smithee" Legend Set
When released, the New York Times and Roger Ebert praised the "new" director Smithee for his sharp and effective direction. 🤠 Plot & Themes
Neither director felt the final cut represented their specific vision. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) created the name "Allen Smithee" (later "Alan") as a way for directors to disown a project.