Set in a hokey, poorly built western town during the gold rush of the late 1800s, The Apple Dumpling Gang leaves an impact on its viewers. Maybe it’s just my immature sense of humor speaking for me, but I believe the director, Norman Tokar, did an excellent job with this film. He really hit home with the quirky storyline, funny actors, and keeping it a sensible movie for viewers of all ages to enjoy.
Although I loved the movie, I was left shaking my head at some of the terrible acting and awful special effects. One scene in particular that left me wondering what the heck the director was thinking, was when the three kids found themselves flying down the hill in that wagon. To me, it really looked like three kids looking utterly amused while sitting in a box that was being tossed around. The whole thing looked terribly fake, but there were so many good parts in the movie, that the bad parts were disregarded. I loved little things such as Theodore lighting his cigarette off of Amos’s flaming bottom, or the sheriff sneaking off to grab a couple shots during an intense shoot-out. I also was intrigued by the discreet romance between Dusty and Mr. Donavan. Right from the beginning I think we all secretly knew that those two would form the unlikely couple found in many movies, but this one was played off well. They were brought together in holy matrimony by a great cause; keeping the kids they cared so much about in good hands, and I really liked that message.
One of the best, and worst, things about this movie was the acting. At times viewers were pushed to the point of exasperation by the preposterous villains, but other times we were laughing along just as it was intended. Out of the whole movie, my favorite part was the three adorable children: Bobby, Clovis, and Celia. The way they always stayed together and acted so innocent made me smile; especially little Celia. I would have to admit that had another actor taken the spot of Stacy Manning, the movie would not have been as memorable. Celia’s sweet but clingy manner made her one of the cutest children I have ever seen in a movie. My heart all but melted when she looked right into Mr. Donavan’s eyes and announced “I like you, Mr. Donavan!”
I believe that Bill Bixby (Mr. Donavan) and Susan Clark (Dusty) played their parts just right. Bixby did a wonderful job of transforming from a gambling, drinker to a kind-hearted family man, just as Clark gave a fantastic performance as the motherly tomboy, Dusty. The only problem I encountered with the casting was Dusty’s appearance. She did indeed look like a tomboy, but her hair cropped so short made her look too manly. I don’t think that a woman living in the late 1800s would wear her hair that short, so my only suggestion would be to make her character fit that time period a little more.
The Apple Dumpling Gang does a superb job of balancing some of the bad things that were going on in the movie, and making them suitable for younger audiences. When you think about it, the movie could easily be deemed as inappropriate seeing that it is filled with drinking, stealing, cheating and lots of guns being held against another person. The directors did an excellent job seeing to it that the movie contain elements that both older and younger viewers could find humorous. Another thing to note is how Tokar kept the movie flailing on the tightrope between silly and far too corny. I believe that people of all ages can enjoy this film, because it’s not too heavy, but it holds your interest.
The Apple Dumpling Gang is an amusing movie that can be shown today, and still gives the same effect. While the movie is meant for kids and will probably appeal mostly to younger viewers, it will still manage to catch the attention of older viewers with a childish sense of humor. The movie doesn’t require much thinking and is very lighthearted; and that’s exactly what makes it so easy to watch. Warning: If you are easily agitated by lack of common sense, some of the following scenes may disturb you.
