
“Gunfight at the White Elephant”
*Based on Actual events.
Story Type
- Tragedy: The story explores themes of rivalry, corruption, and the consequences of violence, ultimately leading to the downfall of a prominent figure in the community.
Tagline
- “In a lawless land, two men’s fates collide in a deadly game of power and pride.”
Logline
- In Fort Worth, gambler Luke Short and corrupt marshal Jim Courtright find their lives intertwined in a dangerous rivalry, leading to a dramatic showdown that will forever change their lives and the town’s destiny.
Brief Summary
- As tensions rise between Luke Short, a gambler with ties to the notorious Earp brothers, and Jim Courtright, a corrupt marshal running from his past, their rivalry escalates into a series of confrontations culminating in a tragic shootout outside the White Elephant Saloon. The ensuing chaos forces the town to confront the consequences of unchecked ambition and the lawlessness of the Wild West.
Full Summary
Act 1: Arrival in Fort Worth
- Luke Short leaves Tombstone, seeking a new start in Fort Worth, where he believes he can thrive in the gambling scene. Meanwhile, Jim Courtright arrives in Fort Worth, trying to escape his past in New Mexico, where he was involved in a notorious murder case. Both men board the same train, and their initial conversations hint at their contrasting values and foreshadow the conflict to come. Short’s connections to the Earp brothers and Courtright’s former role as a deputy set the stage for a rivalry that will consume both of their lives.
Act 2: The Struggle for Control
- As Courtright establishes himself as a private detective offering protection to local businesses, Short gains a stake in the White Elephant Saloon, positioning himself as a rival in the gambling scene. Their animosity grows as Courtright demands protection money, which Short staunchly refuses, leading to a series of tense confrontations. At a church, a local pastor intervenes to cool tensions, while a marshal warns them against public disputes during a festival. Their rivalry culminates when Courtright denies Short entry to a brothel, leading to a physical altercation where Courtright prevails but solidifies their enmity.
Act 3: The Final Showdown
- The story reaches its climax when a drunken Courtright confronts Short outside the White Elephant, issuing a challenge that spirals out of control. Short urges Courtright to reconsider, but the marshal, desperate to reclaim his authority, draws his weapon and fires first. Short, quick on the draw, retaliates, resulting in Courtright’s death. The gunfight reverberates through Fort Worth, leaving the community to grapple with the aftermath of their conflict and Short’s newfound notoriety as a gunfighter.
Act Breakdown (Dan Harmon Circle)
Act 1:
- You: Introduce Luke Short and Jim Courtright, highlighting their backgrounds and contrasting goals.
- Need: Both men seek power and respect in Fort Worth but come from different worlds.
- Go: They arrive in Fort Worth, setting the stage for their inevitable conflict.
Act 2:
- Search: Short attempts to establish his reputation in the saloon scene while Courtright tries to impose his corrupt authority.
- Find: They face multiple confrontations, showcasing their escalating rivalry.
- Take: Short’s refusal to pay protection money threatens Courtright’s hold over the town.
Act 3:
- Return: Tensions boil over into a final showdown, marking the end of their rivalry.
- Change: The community must confront the consequences of their actions and the loss of Courtright.
- Outcome: Short becomes a notorious figure, forever tied to the violent legacy of the Wild West.
Characters
- Luke Short: A skilled gambler with ties to the Earp brothers, known for his charm and quick reflexes.
- Jim Courtright: The corrupt city marshal of Fort Worth, formerly a deputy in New Mexico with a troubled past.
- Bill Ward: Owner of the White Elephant Saloon and Short’s business partner.
- Local Pastor: A voice of reason who attempts to mediate between Short and Courtright.
- Fort Worth Marshal: A figure representing law and order, warning the men against public confrontations.
- Saloon Patrons: Various characters that populate the White Elephant, reflecting the chaotic atmosphere of the Wild West.
Comparable Movies (with Budgets and Gross Earnings)
Tombstone (1993)
- Budget: $25 million (adjusted for inflation to 2024, approximately $50 million)
- Gross: $56 million domestically (approximately $112 million adjusted for inflation)
Unforgiven (1992)
- Budget: $14.4 million (adjusted to 2024, approximately $31 million)
- Gross: $159 million globally (adjusted to around $340 million)
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- Budget: $30 million (adjusted to 2024, around $42 million)
- Gross: $15 million globally (approximately $21 million adjusted)
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
- Budget: $32 million (adjusted to 2024, approximately $61 million)
- Gross: $18.6 million domestically (approximately $35 million adjusted)
Estimated Budget for “Gunfight at the White Elephant”
Based on these movies:
- Low Estimate: $35 million (if it’s a more character-driven, smaller-scale production like Jesse James)
- High Estimate: $60 million (if it involves larger action sequences and star power like Tombstone or The Quick and the Dead)
Most Likely Budget: Around $45-$50 million, given the need for authenticity in sets, costumes, historical accuracy, and potential for notable cast members.
Estimated Gross for “Gunfight at the White Elephant”
Optimistic Scenario: If marketed well and featuring strong performances with a compelling script (akin to Unforgiven):
- Domestic Gross: $100-150 million
- International Gross: $100 million
- Total Gross: $200-250 million
Moderate Scenario: If it performs similarly to Tombstone and captures a solid Western audience:
- Domestic Gross: $70-100 million
- International Gross: $50-70 million
- Total Gross: $120-170 million
Conservative Scenario: If it underperforms like The Assassination of Jesse James or The Quick and the Dead:
- Domestic Gross: $25-40 million
- International Gross: $15-30 million
- Total Gross: $40-70 million
Most Likely Gross: Approximately $150 million (if it hits a mid-range performance with moderate success in both domestic and international markets).
Summary
- Estimated Budget: $45-$50 million
- Estimated Gross: $150 million (moderate success)
This estimate reflects current trends and historical performance for Westerns, taking into account marketing, star power, and global interest in the genre.