Classic Doctor Who Season 3 Episode 37 The Gunfighters: The OK Corral

The Gunfighters: The OK Corral is an episode from the third season of Classic Doctor Who. The episode sees the Doctor, played by William Hartnell, and his companions, Steven and Dodo, arrive in the town of Tombstone, Arizona in 1881 during the time of the infamous Gunfight at the OK Corral.

The Doctor is mistaken for a notorious gunman named Doc Holliday by the local sheriff, Charlie, and his gang of outlaws, the Clantons. Steven and Dodo are also mistaken for members of the gang and the trio find themselves caught up in the chaos of the lead up to the gunfight.

The Doctor and his companions are initially unaware of the situation they have arrived in, but soon discover the history of the area and the tensions between the law enforcement and the outlaws. The Doctor is determined to avoid getting involved, but is forced to take action when the Clantons kidnap Dodo and threaten to kill her if the Doctor does not help them.

The episode features a number of classic western tropes, such as shoot-outs, saloon brawls, and showdowns between good and evil. The Doctor and his companions must navigate these dangerous waters and try to prevent the bloodshed that is about to take place.

Despite the historical setting, The Gunfighters: The OK Corral does not take itself too seriously and is peppered with humor and satire. The episode features several musical interludes, including a ballad sung by the Doctor himself, as well as a troupe of traveling musicians who provide comic relief throughout the episode.

The performances by the cast are strong, with William Hartnell delivering an entertaining turn as the Doctor, and Peter Purves and Jackie Lane providing solid support as Steven and Dodo. The supporting cast also shines, with notable performances from Anthony Jacobs as Doc Holliday, Laurence Payne as Johnny Ringo, and Richard Beale as Wyatt Earp.

The set and costume design are also noteworthy, with the production team recreating the look and feel of the old west with impressive accuracy. The town of Tombstone is brought to life with realistic sets and detailed costumes, while the music and sound effects set the tone for the episode.

Overall, The Gunfighters: The OK Corral is a fun and entertaining episode of Classic Doctor Who that blends science fiction and western genres seamlessly. The humor, satire, and action make for an enjoyable viewing experience that will keep fans of the show engaged from start to finish.