Bad, Sad, and Mad


Perhaps the effort was laudable, with good wishes on all sides, but this is one of the worst re-union movies ever attempted.

First, Matt Dillon is retired and has found the absolute worst barber in all the Old West, notably for his hamfisted attempt at dying and styling a 60+ year-old man's hair the way he did.

Second, the silly attempt to convince us that Dodge City, Kansas was a hop, skip, jump from Alberta, Canada where this was filmed.

Third, the innumerable sub-plots which were silly and unnecessary. 'Nuff said.

Fourth, it was a good try but the Dodge sets were ludicrous, looking nothing like a small city of the Old West. Looked more like Crackerjack City, built with Popsicle sticks. The only true effort was made for the Long Branch saloon, but missing Glenn Strange, it just didn't feel right.

Too bad, because nostalgic looks at old favorites can be greatly fulfilling. This wasn't.

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Despite the flaws in the script, as a longtime Gunsmoke fan, I think the movie was well worth watching just to see Matt and Kitty together onscreen one last time, if for no other reason.

Amanda Blake died less than 2 years after this tv movie was first broadcast.

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It was probably done on a shoe-string budget anyway. This stuff only appeals to true fans anyway.

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Well I'm one of those true fans and it was great to see it made. Marshal Dillon was my childhood idol & I never missed an episode except from about 1967 to 1970 in which during that time period, Matt was often not seen much at all. People must have complained about it so that changed for the later years.

It is quite apparent that Amanda Blake is not well but she gave it her best. Her ex-husband had given her AIDS or made her HIV positive.

Even in the dead of winter that is beautiful country up there. I'd have no problem living in it.

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