The Shootist
“He's got to face a gunfight once more to live up to his legend once more. To win just one more time.”
Synopsis
Afflicted with a terminal illness John Bernard Books, the last of the legendary gunfighters, quietly returns to Carson City for medical attention from his old friend Dr. Hostetler. Aware that his days are numbered, the troubled man seeks solace and peace in a boarding house run by a widow and her son. However, it is not Books' fate to die in peace, as he becomes embroiled in one last valiant battle.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Original TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2023-12-15
Top Cast
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John Wayne
J.B. Books
Lauren Bacall
Bond Rogers
Ron Howard
Gillom Rogers
James Stewart
Dr. Hostetler
Richard Boone
Mike Sweeney
Hugh O'Brian
Jack Pulford
Bill McKinney
Jay Cobb
Harry Morgan
Marshall Thibido
John Carradine
Beckum
Sheree North
Serepta
Rick Lenz
Dobkins
Scatman Crothers
Moses
Gregg Palmer
Burly Man
Alfred Dennis
Barber
Dick Winslow
Streetcar Driver
Melody Thomas Scott
Girl on Streetcar
Kathleen O'Malley
School Teacher
Jack Berle
Man Outside Metropole (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Carson City, Nevada
Festival / Special Debut
July 21, 1976
Wide Cinema Exhibition
September 12, 2017
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$13.4M
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Don Siegel
- Screenplay & Story
- Miles Hood Swarthout, Scott Hale, Don Siegel
- Original Score
- Elmer Bernstein
- Original Title
- The Shootist
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Worldwide Gross
- $13.4M
- Production Studios
- The De Laurentiis Company, Paramount Pictures, Frankovich/Self Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Don Siegel
Miles Hood Swarthout, Scott Hale, Don Siegel, Glendon Swarthout
Elmer Bernstein
Bruce Surtees
Douglas Stewart
William Self, M.J. Frankovich
Department Leadership Roster
Elmer Bernstein
Original Music Composer
Miles Hood Swarthout
Screenplay
Robert F. Boyle
Production Design
Scott Hale
Screenplay
Bruce Surtees
Director of Photography
Douglas Stewart
Editor
Don Siegel
Director
William Self
Producer
Luster Bayless
Costume Design
Moss Mabry
Costume Design
Edna Taylor
Costume Design
M.J. Frankovich
Producer
Don Siegel
Screenplay
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Shootist.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Shootist
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Shootist about?
Afflicted with a terminal illness John Bernard Books, the last of the legendary gunfighters, quietly returns to Carson City for medical attention from his old friend Dr. Hostetler. Aware that his days are numbered, the troubled man seeks solace and peace in a boarding house run by a widow and her son. However, it is not Books' fate to die in peace, as he becomes embroiled in one last valiant battle.
Who directed The Shootist?
The Shootist was directed by Don Siegel.
Who stars in The Shootist?
The principal cast of The Shootist includes John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone.
When was The Shootist released and how long is it?
The Shootist was released in 1976 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
How much did The Shootist make at the box office?
The Shootist grossed $13.4M in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for The Shootist?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Shootist was composed by Elmer Bernstein.
Is The Shootist based on a book or true story?
The Shootist is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Glendon Swarthout".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Shootist?
The Shootist holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: TP; US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).