Ah, the familiar sight of Amos Tucker and Theodore Ogelvie, arguably the two most calamity-prone hombres ever to stumble across the cinematic West. If the first Apple Dumpling Gang film in 1975 felt like lightning in a bottle – a warm-hearted mix of frontier adventure and kid-friendly comedy – then The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979) felt like Disney trying to coax just a little more spark from that same bottle. And you know what? For those of us parked in front of the TV on a rainy Saturday, clutching that worn-out VHS tape, it often felt like enough.
### Back in the Saddle (Sort Of)
This time around, our favorite reformed outlaws, played with impeccable comedic timing by the legendary duo of Tim Conway (Amos) and Don Knotts (Theodore), are attempting to go straight. Really, they mean it this time! They roll into the boomtown of Junction City, only to find themselves immediately mistaken for notorious bank robbers, embroiled in skirmishes between a local cavalry detachment and a grumpy gang, and generally leaving a trail of bewildered townsfolk and accidental destruction in their wake. The plot, penned by Don Tait (who also wrote the first film, adapting characters created by Jack Bickham), is less about the kids from the original and more a pure vehicle for the comedic chaos Knotts and Conway excelled at. It’s a series of escalating mishaps, exactly what you signed up for.
### The Kings of Calamity
Let's be honest: the main reason anyone rented or rewatched this tape was for Tim Conway and Don Knotts. Their chemistry, honed through years of working together at Disney and elsewhere, is undeniable. Knotts, all nervous energy and bug-eyed panic as the perpetually flustered Theodore, is the perfect foil for Conway’s Amos, whose bumbling nature often hides moments of accidental (and sometimes intentional) genius absurdity. Conway, known for his incredible improvisational skills that often sent co-stars (and himself) into fits of laughter on set, reportedly had plenty of room to play here under the direction of Disney stalwart Vincent McEveety. You can almost feel those moments where Conway goes slightly off-script, adding little physical bits or unexpected line readings that elevate simple slapstick into something genuinely funny, even if you’ve seen it coming a mile off. Their attempt to rob a bank after it's already been robbed, or their disastrous stint in the army under the command of a wonderfully exasperated Harry Morgan (just a few years post-MASH*), are prime examples of their particular brand of gentle lunacy.
### Rounding Up the Posse
While Conway and Knotts are the undisputed stars, the supporting cast brings that familiar, comfortable Disney feel. Tim Matheson, fresh off National Lampoon's Animal House, plays Private Jeff Reed, the handsome straight man caught up in the gang's antics and wooing the local Millie (Elyssa Davalos). Kenneth Mars chews the scenery appropriately as the town's blustering Marshal, and it's always a treat to see Western veteran Jack Elam pop up, adding his unique brand of grizzled charm as Big Mack. It’s a cast that knows exactly what kind of movie they’re in, delivering performances that fit the light, almost stage-play feel of the comedy.
### Retro Fun Facts & Dusty Trails
While the original Apple Dumpling Gang was a bona fide hit for Disney, pulling in nearly $18 million in 1975 (that's over $90 million today!), this sequel didn't quite recapture that same magic at the box office, though it certainly found a long life on home video and television. Much of it was filmed, like many Disney Westerns of the era, on the studio's own Golden Oak Ranch in California, giving it that distinct, slightly sanitized frontier look. Director Vincent McEveety was a safe pair of hands for Disney, helming numerous projects for them including Herbie Goes Bananas and The Strongest Man in the World. He knew how to deliver these family-friendly adventures efficiently and on budget. The charm wasn't necessarily in groundbreaking filmmaking, but in the reliable comfort of the formula and, most importantly, its stars. There's a story that Conway's ad-libs during the army physical scene caused so much laughter on set that takes were repeatedly ruined – a testament to his comedic prowess.
### Still Good for a Gentle Chuckle?
Look, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again isn't high art. It lacks some of the heart of the original by sidelining the 'dumpling' kids almost entirely. The plot is episodic, essentially a series of sketches strung together. But does it still hold up as a dose of pure, unadulterated nostalgic comfort food? Absolutely. It’s a film squarely aimed at evoking smiles rather than deep thoughts. Watching Knotts accidentally trigger every disaster imaginable, or Conway delivering a line with that perfect deadpan cluelessness, feels like visiting old friends. It represents a very specific type of Disney live-action comedy from the 70s – G-rated, reliant on physical gags, and built around beloved familiar faces. It might not be the first tape you reach for, but finding it again feels like unearthing a pleasant, simple memory.
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
Justification: The score reflects the undeniable comedic charm of the Knotts/Conway pairing and the warm, nostalgic vibe that earns it affection. However, it's docked points for its derivative plot, lack of the original's heart, and generally predictable nature. It’s good-natured fun, but undeniably a lesser echo of its predecessor.
Final Thought: While they might not have struck gold twice, Amos and Theodore's second outing still delivers enough gentle chuckles and bumbling charm to make it a welcome trip back to the dusty, disaster-prone trails of Disney's old West. Just make sure nothing valuable is nearby when they ride into town.