When is a movie sequel not a sequel. Well, when Hollywood, and the press and the critics say so. As in the case of "Support Your Local Gunfighter." In reality though, what makes a sequel is a continuation of an original story, with the same main characters in the story. They don't necessarily have to be the same actors playing them; and, indeed, some films that cover decades of time often have new cast members in some of the roles. But not always. The mark and lure of great actors in the profession has been to be able to play the same role with wide gaps in the age of the character. Of course, that's where makeup helps make the transformation believable to audiences.
So, what makes this film not a sequel is that it's a totally different story, with different characters. While the setting is similar because it's a Western, and some of the cast are the same, the story is all new. James Garner and Jack Elam are back in main roles that provide many laughs. And I think that the addition of Harry Morgan, Suzanne Pleshette, Henry Jones, Kathleen Freeman and Joan Blondell in their roles adds a great deal of humor to this film. Both are good films, but I think the plot and added characters with comedy roles makes this a funnier and better film than the first one.
Pleshette is a real hoot as the rifle-toting', quick-fingered, but terrible shot daughter of one of the competing mine owners, Taylor Barton. Harry Morgan plays him, in a typical role that he sometimes had in comedies. Her name even evokes a chuckle, from her constantly riled nature - Patience. And, I defy any movie buff to watch this film and not laugh at Jack Elam. His Jug May is a far cry from the mean and menacing looking bad guy that he so often played in movies.
The plot itself in this film generates quite a bit of humor. It seems that just about every time a major confrontation is about to take place, or a gunfight, a character bursts into the scene to warn "a fire in the hole," and an underground mine explosion rocks the town. One of the last scenes is the hilarious cameo appearance of Chuck Connors who became famous with the long-running Western TV series, "The Rifleman" (1958-1963). He plays a desperado gunfighter, Swifty Morgan, who shows up for a show down at the end of the film. He does get a shot off, but what a hilarious scene with another "fire in the hole."
Another plus is the scenic opening filmed along the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 45-mile trip is the best and most scenic train ride available for tourists in the U. S. in modern times. In the film, the train is heading for Denver.
This is a great movie for lots of laughs and fun. Here are some favorite lines.
Martha Perkins, hotel operator, "Just as good a service as in the Palmer House in Chicago."
Martha Perkins, "There's two ways you can have the windows - open or closed. Closed, it's hot. Open, there's flies that eat ya alive."
Jug May, "My horse went first, then my saddle. But I'm sober now, and what I got left is these here spurs."
Latigo, "A man's gotta be numb on both ends to earn his livin' sittin' on a horse."
Latigo, "I just don't like horses." Jug May, "Well, that's close to treason in these parts."
Abigail, "There may be snow on the roof but there's fire in..." Col. Ames, "Abigail! Have you no shame, woman!"
Col. Ames, "He's using you, Abigail." Abigail, , giggling, "He sure is."
Abigail, "That's murder." Col. Ames, "I studied law. Of course it's murder."
Col. Ames, "We share the same ancestors as far as back as Adam and Eve. I desire no closer relationship to you than that."
Patience, "I'm a rotten shot and I'm gettin' awful tired of missin' you."
So, what makes this film not a sequel is that it's a totally different story, with different characters. While the setting is similar because it's a Western, and some of the cast are the same, the story is all new. James Garner and Jack Elam are back in main roles that provide many laughs. And I think that the addition of Harry Morgan, Suzanne Pleshette, Henry Jones, Kathleen Freeman and Joan Blondell in their roles adds a great deal of humor to this film. Both are good films, but I think the plot and added characters with comedy roles makes this a funnier and better film than the first one.
Pleshette is a real hoot as the rifle-toting', quick-fingered, but terrible shot daughter of one of the competing mine owners, Taylor Barton. Harry Morgan plays him, in a typical role that he sometimes had in comedies. Her name even evokes a chuckle, from her constantly riled nature - Patience. And, I defy any movie buff to watch this film and not laugh at Jack Elam. His Jug May is a far cry from the mean and menacing looking bad guy that he so often played in movies.
The plot itself in this film generates quite a bit of humor. It seems that just about every time a major confrontation is about to take place, or a gunfight, a character bursts into the scene to warn "a fire in the hole," and an underground mine explosion rocks the town. One of the last scenes is the hilarious cameo appearance of Chuck Connors who became famous with the long-running Western TV series, "The Rifleman" (1958-1963). He plays a desperado gunfighter, Swifty Morgan, who shows up for a show down at the end of the film. He does get a shot off, but what a hilarious scene with another "fire in the hole."
Another plus is the scenic opening filmed along the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 45-mile trip is the best and most scenic train ride available for tourists in the U. S. in modern times. In the film, the train is heading for Denver.
This is a great movie for lots of laughs and fun. Here are some favorite lines.
Martha Perkins, hotel operator, "Just as good a service as in the Palmer House in Chicago."
Martha Perkins, "There's two ways you can have the windows - open or closed. Closed, it's hot. Open, there's flies that eat ya alive."
Jug May, "My horse went first, then my saddle. But I'm sober now, and what I got left is these here spurs."
Latigo, "A man's gotta be numb on both ends to earn his livin' sittin' on a horse."
Latigo, "I just don't like horses." Jug May, "Well, that's close to treason in these parts."
Abigail, "There may be snow on the roof but there's fire in..." Col. Ames, "Abigail! Have you no shame, woman!"
Col. Ames, "He's using you, Abigail." Abigail, , giggling, "He sure is."
Abigail, "That's murder." Col. Ames, "I studied law. Of course it's murder."
Col. Ames, "We share the same ancestors as far as back as Adam and Eve. I desire no closer relationship to you than that."
Patience, "I'm a rotten shot and I'm gettin' awful tired of missin' you."