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Classic Who S3 • Serial 8 · (4 episodes)

The Gunfighters

Other variations of this story: The Gunfighters (BBC Audio Soundtrack)

3.39/ 5 318 votes

First aired Saturday, April 30, 1966
Production Code Z
Written by Donald Cotton
Directed by Rex Tucker
Runtime 100 minutes
Time Travel Past
Locations Earth Tombstone USA
Synopsis

When the First Doctor, Steven and Dodo arrive in the town of Tombstone in 1881, the Doctor's only aim is to find a dentist. Adamant that they should only stay a night in Tombstone, the Doctor finds their stay prolonged when he inadvertently becomes involved with a group of gunmen out to kill Doc Holliday.

4 Episodes:

First aired Saturday, April 30, 1966
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Donald Cotton
Directed by Rex Tucker
UK Viewers 6.5 million
Appreciation Index 45

Synopsis

The TARDIS arrives in Tombstone, Arizona in 1891. Where the Doctor is looking for a dentist when he has a toothache, where The Doctor finds the local dentist is the famous Doc Holliday who is in a feud with The Clanton Brothers and their hired gunfighter Johnny Ringo, whilst local sheriff Wyatt Earp is trying to keep the peace. The Doctor, Steven and Dodo find themselves joining forces with The Clanton Brothers and Sheriff Wyatt Earp.

First aired Saturday, May 7, 1966
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Donald Cotton
Directed by Rex Tucker
UK Viewers 6.6 million
Appreciation Index 39

Synopsis

With the Clantons believing the Doctor to be Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp takes him into protective custody but this leaves Steven and Dodo in danger.

First aired Saturday, May 14, 1966
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Donald Cotton
Directed by Rex Tucker
UK Viewers 6.2 million
Appreciation Index 36

Synopsis

Earp comes to Steven's rescue and arrests Phineas Clanton, prompting the Clantons to decide to enlist the help of Johnny Ringo.

First aired Saturday, May 21, 1966
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Donald Cotton
Directed by Rex Tucker
UK Viewers 5.7 million
Appreciation Index 30

Synopsis

The Clantons have shot Warren Earp, leading to a showdown between the two families with the Doctor powerless to prevent bloodshed.

Ratings are from TARDIS Guide members only.

Other adaptations of this story: