James Garner stars in this very funny western comedy, with great performances by Joan Hackett, Harry Morgan, Jack Elam, Henry Jones, Walter Brennan, and Bruce Dern. The film came out in the controversial late 60's, and managed to amuse and entertain audiences without a hint of commentary on the times. It is just plain fun for everyone.

Gold is discovered in the opening scene and soon a small mining camp is transformed into a bustling , chaotic town, where the founding fathers (Harry Morgan and Henry Jones) are dealing with the problem of hiring and keeping a sheriff. Enter James Garner, as a drifter, who is skillful with a gun and not at all intimidated by the town bully (Bruce Dern). Garner takes the job of sheriff on the condition that the town officials realize it is temporary ("I'm on my way to Australia"). Garner is challenged in his new job by a jail without bars and Morgan's daughter, played by Joan Hackett, as the beautiful yet hot tempered woman who first meets Garner during a mud fight, and later up a tree, wet, in her underwear. Jack Elam, as Garner's deputy, began another phase in his film career, going from Hollywood tough guy to comedy playing the town character. Walter Brennan leads the bad guy family, with Gene Evans and Bruce Dern as his sons. Try as he might, he can't seem to outsmart the new sheriff with his usual methods. All through this, Garner plays his usual confident, self-assured self, showing the townspeople and the baddies he is no push over.

Picture-A nice widescreen enhanced picture transfer on the DVD makes this 1968 film look almost new. Only a few specks of dust show up in the almost pristine film print used in the transfer. Colors have been preserved well and no color shifts at reel changes were apparent. Sound-Only the original mono soundtrack was used on the DVD, with Dolby digital enhancing it slightly. The sound is free of distortion but needs to be cranked up a bit because of the mono output.

MGM Home Video provides the original theatrical trailer, a separate mono French soundtrack, and French and Spanish subtitles. The DVD is also Closed Captioned.

A true comedy classic of the old west, this Garner vehicle has many memorable moments to enjoy again and again. The technical quality of the picture is excellent. If you are looking for a clean, family comedy, this western is highly recommended.