The town of Calendar, Colorado becomes a gold boom town overnight when the town folks discover gold in a fresh grave during a funeral. It's the lawless wild west. The town is held hostage to the Danbys since they have to transport the gold through their territories. The town council including Olly Perkins (Harry Morgan) is desperate to find a new sheriff. Jason McCullough (James Garner) is new in town and gets into a argument with Joe Danby (Bruce Dern). Jason decides to take the job of sheriff which comes with room and board at the Perkins. His first job is to arrest Joe Danby and he recruits Jake (Jack Elam) as his deputy. Olly's daughter Prudy Perkins (Joan Hackett) is a hothead, accident-prone klutz.
It's a fun slapstick western. James Garner is quite a sly leading man. He makes this work. Basically he's the only one in on the jokes. He's great at that character. The jail cell idea is hilarious. Jack Elam has the best look ever. For me, he will always be the crazy doctor in 'The Cannonball Run'. The weak point is probably Joan Hackett. She's fine in comedic acting but the chemistry isn't really there.
It's a fun slapstick western. James Garner is quite a sly leading man. He makes this work. Basically he's the only one in on the jokes. He's great at that character. The jail cell idea is hilarious. Jack Elam has the best look ever. For me, he will always be the crazy doctor in 'The Cannonball Run'. The weak point is probably Joan Hackett. She's fine in comedic acting but the chemistry isn't really there.