Wackiest Wagon Train in the West [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

We have this "movie" in a 2004 packaging (from Westlake Entertainment Group), which has a different presentation cover than the one shown here. Many of the write-ups, including some of the DVD jackets, such as the one we have), claim this "movie" to be an editing of 3 episodes taken from the show "Dusty's Trail". However, a careful study of the changes and plot shifts reveal it to be from 4 EPISODES, not 3. These shows, were initially edited for their original TV network airings to run approximately 21-23 minutes, leaving time for commercials, in a full 30-minute time slot. When all of the commercials and credits are edited out, and only one set of (newer) opening and closing credits are added, the listed 88 minutes running time for the "movie" works out to about 21-22 minutes per sequence, which is clearly evident in the 4 distinct changes in the story lines. Specifically, the four episodes, in order, as used within this "movie", are: "Tomahawk Territory" (Episode 8), "Horse Of Another Color" (Episode 3), "There Is Nothing Like A Dame" (Episode 2), and "The Not So Magnificant Seven" (Episode 1). We hope this helps clear up any confusion on the matter...

For the record, the show "Dusty's Trail" ran for only 1 season, with 26 total episodes, from 11 September 1973 through 12 March 1974.

Now, as for this DVD "movie" itself, we have to say that while the show surely had its own funny moments, and was clearly similar to "Gilligan's Island", the "movie" could have been helped very much by the insertion of a "laugh track", which would have helped the humor and "nudged" the viewers into laughing along. As funny as the "movie" COULD have been, it needed a laugh track!

R & R English
Kansas City, MO
6 January 2012

If you are a Bob Denver fan this is a great find. It is silly and funny for the whole family.

THE WACKIEST WAGON TRAIN IN THE WEST (aka DUSTY'S TRAIL): "GILLIGAN'S ISLAND GOES WEST" best describes this DVD, which is actually several DUSTY'S TRAIL (a short lived syndicated 70s sitcom) episodes stitched together to approximate a full length feature film. Instead of seven luckless castaways marooned on a tropical isle, it's the same number of folks in a wagon train lost out in the wilderness. Rather than Bob Denver as bumbling, clueless first mate Gilligan, it's Bob Denver as bumbling, clueless trail scout Dusty. Authentic western actor Forrest Tucker is the exasperated, but protective wagonmaster, a cross between the Skipper and his Sgt. O'Rourke character from F TROOP. Along for the ride are a stuffy rich couple (including ROOM 222 regular Ivor Francis putting on his best Thurston Howell III face), an intelligent guy, and a pair of bodacious babes, played by two of the PETTICOAT JUNCTION sisters. If this all sounds a bit too familiar, take left at rock that look like bear, then right at bear that look like rock.

RATING: TWO ROAD APPLES