This comical western chronicles the silly adventures of a bumbling wagonmaster and his clutzy assistant as they attempt to take seven passengers across the prairie. Among the passengers are two wealthy Bostonians, an aspiring showgirl, a teacher, and bachelor. The story is adapted from Dusty's Trail, a television sitcom.
Four Dusty's Trail episodes edited together (aka Gilligan in the Old West)
RELEASED IN 1976, "The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West" is a compilation of four episodes of the Dusty's Trail TV series that ran for one season in 1973-1974. Producer Sherwood Schwartz tried to duplicate his success with Gilligan’s Island by transplanting a similar group of seven people into the wild west: The wagon master (Forrest Tucker), his “little pal” subordinate (Bob Denver), an educated lawyer (Bill Cort), a saloon showgirl (Jeannine Riley), a winsome schoolmarm (Lori Saunders) and a filthy rich older couple (Ivor Francis & Lynn Wood). These seven are lost in the West, separated from their wagon train, and experience various misadventures.
While the characters are different enough for the show to work, the parallels are uncomfortably too close; moreover, the writing’s nowhere near as good, and the show just lacks the magic of Gilligan’s Island. It’s basically a pale imitation. Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile for Bob Denver fans; there are a few genuine laughs and Jeannine Riley is alluring as the showgirl (I prefer her to Ginger).
The episodes from Dusty’s Trail, as featured in this movie, are in order: "Tomahawk Territory," "Horse of Another Color," "There is Nothing Like a Dame," and "The Not So Magnificent Seven." FYI: Only ONE of these episodes is included in The Almost Complete First (And Only) Season DVD set, which means you’ll have to purchase the set AND this flick if you want all the episodes.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 36 minutes. I incidentally viewed the Catcom DVD and the video quality is horrible (speaking as someone who’s easy to please in that department).
GRADE: C-