The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Bob Denver is Dusty, a cowboy somehow responsible for a wagon and a stagecoach getting separated from the rest of the wagon train.

With wagonmaster Callahan (Forrest Tucker) leading the way, they’re headed for California.

That said, they’re not really sure where they are or which way they should be going.

Inside the stage are business tycoon Carter Brookhaven and his wife Daphine.

Aboard the wagon are saloon girl Lulu McQueen (Jeannine Riley), the more wholesome Betsy (Lori Saunders) and Andy (William Cort).

Dusty keeps getting the group in trouble, by being accused of horse stealing, by leaving a track fierce Indians can follow and other misteps.

Fortunately, he also has a habit in bumbling his way into saving the day.

Bob Denver as Dusty, excited about the prospect of getting to scout the trail in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Forrest Tucker as wagonmaster Callahan, scouting an Indian camp in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Review:

This feature film is, quite obviously, four episodes of the TV series “Dusty’s Trail” strung together to make movie.

If you’re into silly comedy, you might find it enjoyable. If not, you might find it barely watchable.

It doesn’t help that it’s an obvious attempt by producer Sherwood Schwartz to take “Gilligan’s Island” and transport it to the Wild West.

So we have Dusty instead of Gilligan, Callahan instead of the Skipper, Lulu instead of Ginger, Betsy instead of Mary Ann, Andy instead of the Professor and Brookhaven and his wife instead of Mr. and Mrs. Howell.

“Gilligan’s Island” lasted for three seasons (1964-67) and 96 episodes. “Dusty’s Trail” lasted for one (September 1973 to March 1974) and 26 episodes.

Disguises are a favorite ploy in the feature film, during which Dusty dresses up like an Indian, a woman and Bat Masterson in order to get his friends out of trouble.

Watch if you dare.

Lori Saunders as Betsy, a captive of the Hackamaws in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Jeannine Riley as Lulu McQueen, inspecting the headband worn by an injured Indian boy in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Directed by:
Jack Arnold
Earl Bellamy
Bryce Bilson
Oscar Rudolph

Cast:
Bob Denver … Dusty
Forrest Tucker … Wagonmaster Callahan
Ivor Francis … Mr. Carter Brookhaven
Jeannine Riley … Lulu McQueen
Lori Saunders … Betsy
Lynn Wood … Mrs. Daphine Brookhaven
William Cort … Andy
Eddie Little Sky … Natuma
Don “Red” Barry … Marshal
James Gammon … Roy
John Quade … Jack
Dick Peabody … Kyle Skullner
Taylor Lacher … Luke Skullneer
James Jeter … Rafe Skullner

Runtime: 86 min.

William Cort as Andy, hoping to put his book knowledge of Indians to use in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Ivor Francis as Carter Brookhaven with Lyhnn Wood, his wife Daphine in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Memorable lines:

Andy: “The Hackamaws are the most hostile and fierce of all the Indians.”
Betsy to Lulu McQueen: “Doesn’t that make you nervous?”
Lulu: “Not Lulu. Why I’ll match my warpaint against their warpaint any time.”

Dusty: “Are you sure the Hackamaws are following us?”
Callahan: “Positive. But we can’t tell the passengers because they might panic.”
Dusty: “I wish they would. I’d like some company.”

Callahan, as Brookhaven sobs into a handkerchief: “What’s the matter with him?”
Daphine, his wife: “Nothing. He always cries when he hears of other people making millions.”

Brookhaven, his pheasant hunting interrupted by Dusty’s urgent message: “What can be more important than pheasant under glass?”
Dusty: “Us underground.”

Buck Young as Uriah, a rancher convinced Dusty tried to steal his horse in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Don ‘Red’ Barry as the marshal, holding Dusty on trial in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Forrest Tucker as Callahan, the wagonmaster, frustrated with Dusty again in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)

Bob Denver as Dusty, decked out like an Indian to rescue his friends in The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)