A Beloved Classic from my Childhood

I remember this being one of the first movies I watched on cable when we got it back in 1978. I loved those silly Disney westerns like the Apple Dumpling Gang movies so I was psyched to watch this. I was not disappointed as my 12-year old self really enjoyed the hijinks.

Flash forward to 2016. I'm 50 now and this movie is kind of childish. I still enjoyed it, but, wow, was it dumbed down for its audience back then. The characters are all one-dimensional and the plot is pretty silly. Still, I found myself chuckling at Jasper Bloodshy's constant self-inflicted accidents. And who couldn't love Karen Valentine? She was the most beautiful thing in the world to me in 1978 and I don't know that much has changed since then. She is still gorgeous.

British actor Jim Dale plays twin brothers, Billy and Eli, on opposite sides of the personality spectrum. Both brothers must compete in a race to the death in order to get an inheritance from their father (also played by Dale.) Character actor Darren McGavin is a shady banker who is trying to keep the money for himself, so he sabotages the competition. Don Knotts and Jack Elam have supporting roles as the sheriff and an aged gunfighter, respectively, who are trying to end a years long feud with a final gun duel. However, something always gets in the way. This aspect of the movie I still found entertaining 38 years later. Knotts and Elam are just a joy.

The movie is obviously designed for young teens and kids. There is enough humor and fun for the adults as well. I have fond memories of this movie and that hasn't changed. For family entertainment, you can't beat it.

My memory foam pillow says it can't remember my face. I can tell its lying.