Really enjoyed 'Support Your Local Sheriff' when watching it during a much needed quiet afternoon, it was enormously entertaining, very affectionate and made with very clear love for the western genre. It was hard to resist a cast with the talent that it had, and despite not really warming to Joan Hackett they all did wonderfully. So there was no doubt about seeing 'Support Your Local Gunfighter', also directed by Burt Kennedy and with James Garner and Jack Elam returning.
Despite the title suggesting that it is a sequel, 'Support Your Local Gunfighter' isn't really. Other than having the same director and a few cast members returning, the only other thing in common is the tone with its comedic spoof approach. Comparing the two, 'Supprt Your Local Gunfighter' isn't as good and doesn't handle some of its elements as well or as consistently. It is still a good deal of fun though, with much to enjoy, and have no regrets at all watching it.
The comic timing is sharper in 'Support Your Local Sheriff' and the gags funnier. 'Gunfighter' still entertains a lot, but it isn't as smooth and tries a little too hard in spots. There is a running gag too that wears out its welcome too early, straining for laughs and only raises a small smile at best at first.
'Gunfighter's' characters were far more likeable in 'Sheriff's' while still interesting, was there any need for Suzanne Pleshette's heroine to be as psychotic-like? Am still not sure about the music, it fits tonally but with what goes on not quite so much always.
However, 'Gunfighter' looks good with handsome production design and scenery especially. The script is still witty and has enough very entertaining moments. Jack Elam's final speech is a gem and his final line is one of the funniest in US screen comedy perhaps. The pace is generally lively and the story clever, the affectionate tone again present. Could definitely tell that 'Gunfighter' was made and directed by somebody that loved and understood the western genre, treating it with respect without taking it too seriously.
James Garner is charismatic and easy going, if not having the same amount of charm as before. Pleshette does her best with what she was given and Chuck Connors is formidable in his role (Bruce Dern and Walter Brennan in 'Sheriff' made more of an impression though). Harry Morgan has great comic timing and looks as though he was enjoying himself, but it is Elam, a joy here, who steals the film.
Overall, not as good but well done. 7/10
