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The Plainsman: The Story of Wild Bill Hickok, the American Frontier Legend

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The Plainsman: A Story of Wild Bill Hickok

by Richard D. Wyckoff

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3613 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Plainsman is a classic Western film that tells the story of Wild Bill Hickok, one of the most famous figures in American history. The film stars Gary Cooper as Hickok and Jean Arthur as Calamity Jane, and it was directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The Plainsman is a sweeping epic that captures the spirit of the Old West, and it remains one of the most popular Western films ever made.

The film opens with Hickok arriving in Abilene, Kansas, in 1871. Abilene is a lawless town, and Hickok is hired as the town marshal to clean it up. Hickok quickly runs afoul of the local cattle barons, who are led by Roy Bean (Frank McHugh). Bean and his men try to run Hickok out of town, but Hickok stands his ground and eventually defeats them.

After cleaning up Abilene, Hickok sets out on a journey to find his old friend, Buffalo Bill Cody (James Ellison). Cody is now a famous showman, and Hickok hopes to join him in his Wild West show. Along the way, Hickok meets Calamity Jane, a tough-talking woman who is also a crack shot. Jane falls in love with Hickok, but he is not interested in her.

Hickok eventually finds Cody, and the two men join forces. They travel together for a while, but eventually Hickok decides to go his own way. He returns to Abilene, where he is shot and killed by a gambler named Jack McCall (Lafe McKee).

The Plainsman is a classic Western film that is full of action, adventure, and romance. Gary Cooper gives a star-making performance as Wild Bill Hickok, and Jean Arthur is equally good as Calamity Jane. The film is beautifully directed by Cecil B. DeMille, and it captures the spirit of the Old West perfectly.

The Real Wild Bill Hickok

Wild Bill Hickok was born James Butler Hickok in Troy, New York, in 1837. He was the son of a farmer, and he grew up in a small town. Hickok was a skilled hunter and trapper, and he also worked as a stagecoach driver and a Pony Express rider.

In 1861, Hickok joined the Union Army and fought in the Civil War. He was a brave and skilled soldier, and he rose to the rank of captain. After the war, Hickok returned to the West and became a professional gambler and gunfighter.

Hickok was involved in numerous gunfights, and he is credited with killing several men. He was also a skilled poker player, and he often won large sums of money. Hickok was a popular figure in the Old West, and he was known for his quick wit and his fearless nature.

In 1871, Hickok was hired as the town marshal of Abilene, Kansas. He quickly cleaned up the town, and he became a hero to the citizens. However, Hickok was not a natural lawman, and he eventually grew tired of the job. He resigned from his position and returned to gambling and gunfighting.

In 1876, Hickok was shot and killed by Jack McCall in Deadwood, South Dakota. He was only 39 years old. Hickok was a complex and enigmatic figure, and he remains one of the most famous figures in American history.

The Legacy of The Plainsman

The Plainsman is one of the most iconic Western films ever made. It has been praised for its sweeping epic scope, its memorable characters, and its stunning cinematography. The film has also been criticized for its historical inaccuracies, but it remains a popular and beloved classic.

The Plainsman has had a significant impact on American culture. The film has helped to shape the way that we view the Old West, and it has inspired numerous other Western films and television shows. The film has also helped to make Wild Bill Hickok one of the most famous figures in American history.

The Plainsman is a classic Western film that is still enjoyed by audiences today. It is a film that captures the spirit of the Old West, and it is a film that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

The Plainsman: A Story of Wild Bill Hickok

by Richard D. Wyckoff

4.2 out of 5