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Lee Meriweather also played Andy Griffith's very pregnant wife two years earlier in 1969's, "Angel In My Pocket."

Having watched both movies again recently and reading other reviews, I felt compelled to write my own review. I enjoyed both movies, but having researched Wyatt Earp and the Tombstone era, it seems that 'Tombstone' is not as accurate as 'Wyatt Earp.' Yes, 'Wyatt Earp' is quite long, but it does give a lot more background about Earp. It's funny, people in reviews rant about the length of the movie, but then talk about things it left out. The real Wyatt Earp had such a complicated life, that no two or three our movie could possibly cover it all and have it make sense. First, while I like Kurt Russell in 'Tombstone', I thought that his portrayal was too soft, overall. The Earps had a reputation for bullying people, which I thought Kevin Costner played better in 'Wyatt Earp.' 'Tombstone' has Wyatt Earp resisting to be a lawman again until just before the infamous shootout, when, in fact, he was one form of lawman or another the entire time he was in Tombstone, which "Wyatt Earp' covers better. 'Tombstone' makes no mention whatsoever about brothers James and Warren, when, in fact, James was in Tombstone at the time of the shootout, but didn't take part because of his useless arm, an injury from the war (which they covered by the way). Warren took part in the posse vendetta, which 'Tombstone' did not cover. 'Wyatt Earp' mentioned or showed actual places like the Cosmopoliton, where the Earps stayed after the shootout, Fly's Photography and Boarding House, the Oriental Saloon and Hatch's Pool Hall, where Morgan was killed. Yes, there are inaccuracies as well. Virgil and Morgan were not shot on the same night. Virgil was first and three months later, Morgan. 'Tombstone' did the same thing, only worse. They'd had you believe that Virgil was shot and Morgan became so enraged that he went to play pool, then got shot himself and that Wyatt wasn't there. 'Wyatt Earp' shows that Wyatt was in the pool hall with Morgan and a bullet hit the wall next to him, which is what really happened. The only problem I have with the shootout in 'Wyatt Earp' is that Doc Holliday didn't fire his shotgun until the end, when most accounts say he fired it first, killing Tom McClaury. Most accounts say that just before any shots, a double click was heard, which most attribute to Doc cocking the shotgun. 'Tombstone' doesn't show Doc as being shot, but he was, which is shown in 'Wyatt Earp.' Later, when Stilwell was found shot at the railroad terminal, he had numerous bullet wounds, including a shotgun blast, which 'Wyatt Earp' depicts. I like Dennis Quaid's portrayal of Doc Holliday better than Val Kilmer's, although both were good. I liked Quaid's Georgia accent much better. By the way, both movies say Doc died in a sanitarium, which is not true. He died in his bed in the Glenwood Hotel. However, 'Tombstone' does show what Doc supposedly said just before he died while looking at his feet, "This is funny!" However, they don't indicate what he meant which was, he'd always thought he'd die with his boots on, not in his bare feet. Wyatt Earp did not learn of Doc's death for several months and was not with him just before he died as portrayed in 'Tombstone.' To me, 'Tombstone' does more accurately depict the shootout with Curly Bill and his bunch than 'Wyatt Earp' does. Neither film covers the shooting of Marshall White accurately according to statements (even by Earp himself). Both movies treat the shooting as intentional, which, I guess it could have been, but the movies leave no room for doubt. To sum up, I believe 'Wyatt Earp' to be more factual than 'Tombstone.' However, both movies take the usual Hollywood liberties to make the movie more enjoyable and watchable. It you want a totally accurate account, I suggest you find a good documentary about Wyatt Earp or find a good history book. Not many movies about real people are ever true-to-form.

My wife had ordered this movie as a free gift off of the TV several years ago. It sat on my movie shelf for years. Finally, three years ago, I watched it, not knowing anything about it. While only 25 minutes long, I was blown away by the story and Jimmy Stewart's acting. He's always been one of my favorites, but this was exceptional. A lot of us know people like his character, alone (because his wife had died), lonely and craving company. Stewart plays the part beautifully. What some reviewers miss is not only his fantasizing, but the fact that when he is on the street, he is saying, "Merry Christmas" to everyone he sees, but no one responds, as if they're too busy, which only adds to his loneliness. At one point, someone drops money into Mr. Krueger's hat thinking him to be a beggar. Mr. Krueger promptly puts the money into a Salvation Army bucket. The music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is fantastic, but the scene where Mr. Krueger goes to the manger is dynamite. He talks to the baby Jesus with a love that is unmistakable. At the end, he develops a very special relationship with a young caroler. This movie is a 'must watch' for everyone's Christmas season and will help you remember what Christmas is REALLY all about. BTW, there is a special feature on the DVD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir beautifully singing various songs.