Description
Storyline
A wagon train heads for Denver with a cargo of whisky for the miners. Chaos ensues as the Temperance League, the US cavalry, the miners and the local Indians all try to take control of the valuable cargo.
A Wonderful Movie Experience For People Who Don’t Take Themselves Too Seriously
Unfortunately, the pleasure of enjoying this life-affirming romp through fantasy is greatly diminished without the large screen for which it was designed. The cast is spectacular and so is the music. The dialog is nonstop humor but the narration by John Dehner is even better. I can’t think of anyone who could have delivered the lines with such self-parodying pomposity. The interaction between the characters played by Lancaster and Remick leaves one wondering why the two actors weren’t teamed regularly. Male and Female have seldom been more accurately and understandingly portrayed. The treatment of the Indians will likely offend many today. Mel Brooks may be one of the few (perhaps the only) movie-makers since the 60’s who would have taken such a risk. At the time, tolerance was “in” and conditioned hyper-sensitivity and the thought police weren’t taken seriously. We get to see Jim Hutton in one of the few roles he could handle well. We are also given a chance to appreciate Pamela Tiffin as more than just the background for a bikini. I’m sure her decision not to pursue a film career more aggressively was a wise one for her but it was nevertheless our loss.
Lighthearted fun in a Western guise
I saw the movie when I was a very young man (20’s) and absolutely loved its spirit. It was great to see seasoned actors playing their roles broadly and for laughs. It is very unusual to see Burt Lancaster blustering this much and Lee Remick is a perfect foil for him. A young Martin Landau has obvious fun in the role of the Indian guide. The gem of casting was Donald Pleasence as the hilarious visionary who “sees” the alcoholic wagon train as it crosses the plains, giving the movie its name.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.