One of Val Kilmer’s best one-liners as Doc Holliday in Tombstone perfectly captures the idealogy of the iconic Western character. The late Val Kilmer, who brought the real-life character of Doc Holliday to life in a career-defining role, was known for a flurry of one-liners throughout the entirety of Tombstone, which loosely covers the true story of the O. K. Corral.
The 1993 movie follows Wyatt Earp, played by Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday, and other outlaws in the 1880s in Southeast Arizona. The film has built a lasting legacy since its release, largely due in part to the iconicity of Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday. One particular moment symbolizes this, occurring during the historic shootout at the O.K. Corral. The line harnesses the essence of Doc Holliday’s mindset in the film while being perfectly delivered by Kilmer’s electric performance.
“You’re A Daisy If You Do” Perfectly Sums Up Doc Holliday’s Character In Tombstone
Many of Val Kilmer’s lines as Doc Holliday in Tombstone have been regularly quoted in the three decades since the film’s release. However, one line in particular encapsulates the legendary Western icon. Tombstone‘s legendary shootout scene, which recreates the real-life gunfight between Holliday and Frank McLaury at the O.K. Corral, pictures Doc running out of ammo in the standoff. This prompts McLaury to utter, “I got you now, you son of a b*tch,” thinking he’s in control of the situation.
However, Doc Holliday insouciantly responds with, “You’re a daisy if you do.” The moment showcases Holliday’s standing at this moment in the film. The character knows his swiftly approaching death is inevitable, with his fatal tuberculosis diagnosis worsening throughout the picture. Doc Holliday doesn’t fear death because he has nothing to lose.
Doc Holliday doesn’t fear death because he has nothing to lose.
The “daisy” in this context implies that Frank McLaury would be a superior gunslinger if he did. Still, Holliday knows this to be untrue, and his deadpan delivery lets McLaury know he doesn’t believe his adversary will hit him. It’s Doc’s attempt to get inside McLaury’s head moments before McLaury’s eventual demise in the shootout. Even with his skills, Doc’s greatest power is his mortality, as it gives him boundless confidence and a devil-may-care attitude.
Val Kilmer’s Performance Made Doc Holliday One Of The Western Genre’s Most Quotable Characters
The Performer Brought His Unique Charm To The Character Like No Other Actor Could
When we think of one-liners, they’re often from significant franchise heroes, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator or Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. That said, Doc Holliday deserves to be in the pantheon of one-liner deliverers, with many of the best in the Western genre and beyond coming from his character. The late Val Kilmer delivers each Doc Holliday quote perfectly, nailing both the character’s deadpan inflection and brilliant timing throughout the film’s runtime, highlighting Holliday’s quick and witty mind.
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Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday Turned Tombstone From A Good Western Into An All-Time Great
Val Kilmer’s performance as Doc Holliday made Tombstone a timeless classic of a Western, and the late actor was the most important part of the movie.
While the “daisy” quote may define him, the crowning jewel of Doc Holliday’s lines from Tombstone is the treasured “I’m your huckleberry.” Holiday’s unique way of saying he’s the perfect man for the job firmly established itself as the most symbolic quote of the movie and one of the most noted in the Western genre as a whole. None of it would have been possible without Val Kilmer’s magnetic portrayal of the real-life Holliday in Tombstone, a renowned performance in the actor’s illustrious career.
Tombstone
8/10
- Release Date
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December 25, 1993
- Runtime
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130 minutes
- Director
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George P. Cosmatos, Kevin Jarre
