The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West

The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West is another movie that goes and stitches four episodes of a TV series together (which aired in 1973). Here, we have four episodes of Dusty's Trail, a western comedy that lasted only 26 episodes due to the fact that it was nothing but an attempt at rewriting the beloved Gilligan's Island in a different genre (even down to casting Bob Denver, who played the silly, yet lovable Gilligan, as Dusty).

Basically, this "movie", as it's called, takes four episodes and tries to tie them together, removing the laugh track. The episodes are Tomahawk Territory, Horse of Another Color, There Is Nothing Like a Dame, and The Not So Magnificent Seven. If you've seen Gilligan's Island, then you know this uses the exact same formula, as the wagon and stagecoach is lost because of Dusty's bumbling, and on its way to reunite with its wagon train, the plans are usually foiled by Dusty's bumbling. Also, the characters are the same archetypes of Gilligan's cast (The Brookhavens are basically the Howells, and wagonmaster Mr. Callahan is basically the same role as The Skipper, acting as Dusty's boss and big buddy). Despite the change in setting and era, it is clear why Dusty's Trail never got far, as it was blatantly Gilligan's island in the wild west with little to no changes to separate it from Gilligan, and this movie is possibly a failed attempt to try and revive the series (which obviously failed).

"Dusty's Trail" is a tepid rehash by Sherwood Schwartz of his earlier "success," "Gilligan's Island." The similarities are so blatant, it is hardly surprising that Bob Denver is playing the lead.

Each of "Gilligan's" seven characters has been transplanted to a very stereotyped Old West setting. Even many of the supporting characters in this "film" popped up on that remote island a decade earlier.

Check on the "Dusty's Trail" page for further comments of other users, and details of the actual show. (It aired in syndication during the 73/74 season; why this "movie" surfaced two years later, one can only guess.) I actually remember seeing the series during its first-run. One afternoon I sat with a bunch of neighborhood kids, viewing an episode, and we all agreed that it was a ripoff of "Gilligan," and not HALF as good.

RELEASED IN 1976, "The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West" is a compilation of four episodes of the Dusty's Trail TV series that ran for one season in 1973-1974. Producer Sherwood Schwartz tried to duplicate his success with Gilligan's Island by transplanting a similar group of seven people into the wild west: The wagon master (Forrest Tucker), his "little pal" subordinate (Bob Denver), an educated lawyer (Bill Cort), a saloon showgirl (Jeannine Riley), a winsome schoolmarm (Lori Saunders) and a filthy rich older couple (Ivor Francis & Lynn Wood). These seven are lost in the West, separated from their wagon train, and experience various misadventures.

While the characters are different enough for the show to work, the parallels are uncomfortably too close; moreover, the writing's nowhere near as good, and the show just lacks the magic of Gilligan's Island. It's basically a pale imitation. Nevertheless, it's worthwhile for Bob Denver fans; there are a few genuine laughs and Jeannine Riley is alluring as the showgirl (I prefer her to Ginger).

The episodes from Dusty's Trail, as featured in this movie, are in order: "Tomahawk Territory," "Horse of Another Color," "There is Nothing Like a Dame," and "The Not So Magnificent Seven." FYI: Only ONE of these episodes is included in The Almost Complete First (And Only) Season DVD set, which means you'll have to purchase the set AND this flick if you want all the episodes.

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 36 minutes. I incidentally viewed the Catcom DVD and the video quality is horrible (speaking as someone who's easy to please in that department).

GRADE: C-

I can barely remember the t.v. show Dusty's Trail that this film was based on, yet i do remember seeing this flim promoted on t.v. I can also recall the voice over guy bragging that"Gilligan was never this funny"[Then seeing Bob Denver tossed off a horse into a tub of water}.I always thought that this was a film that was based on the show,but all they did was put four shows together and made a movie. People have already said that the show and this film was ripping off Gilligan's Island yet with Sherwood Schwartz and Bob Denver both taking part it's more like there were just trying what worked before.The film copy that i have is very faded yet the old gags and bad jokes are here,some work,some don't but thats what happened on Gilligan's Island.I give this film a 3 but just think that Dusty is Gilligan's great,great grandfather and you will find it a little better.

This movie is bad. Maybe campy bad? Or do bad its not eligible to be campy? Immediately the viewer will have quasi fun assigning Gilligan's Island characters to the parallel universe's Wild West version. You man recognize the western version of Mary Ann to the actress that starred as Bobbie Jo in the 1960's TV show Petticoat Junction. The actor from the 1960's TV show F Troop plays the cowboy boot wearing Skipper in this film. After you do that, the fun stops and you'll find yourself open jawed thinking "was any of that actually funny when they shot this film"? Can't believe the film producers were peddling dated and predictable slap stick in 1976, as they were already dated in the early 60's with Gilligan's. Nevertheless if you're looking to watch ten minutes "of something" while doing some other activity like scrolling down Craigslist or FB Marketplace listings, this movie will provide the audio/visual noise that will tempt you to look at the TV as frequently as you might need to scratch your nose. I'm a fan of schlock but this film is so beyond that scale I wouldn't recommend you watch this if you want to sit down for 90 minutes and actually focus and concentrate on the storyline. Better to watch the OG versions of Gilligan's Island and/or F Troop.