“The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again” is a comedy Western film released in 1979, produced by Walt Disney Productions. It is a sequel to the 1975 film “The Apple Dumpling Gang” and directed by Vincent McEveety. The film stars Tim Conway and Don Knotts, reprising their roles as the bumbling outlaws, Theodore and Amos.
The story continues the misadventures of Theodore and Amos, two hapless characters who always manage to find themselves in comical situations. This time, they are mistaken for bank robbers and end up on the run from the law.
Theodore and Amos are accompanied by three orphans named Bobby, Clovis, and Celia, who are in their care. The orphans are looking for a new home, and the duo tries to help them find a family. Along the way, they encounter a tough sheriff, a conniving band of outlaws, and other wild characters in the Old West.
As Theodore and Amos try to clear their names and protect the orphans, they find themselves in one humorous predicament after another. Their antics and slapstick humor provide laughter and entertainment throughout the film.
“The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again” retains the light-hearted and family-friendly humor that made the first film a success. Tim Conway and Don Knotts’ comedic chemistry is a highlight of the movie, and their performances as the lovable and clumsy outlaws are endearing.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but it was appreciated by audiences who enjoyed the comedic duo’s shenanigans and the wholesome nature of the story. It remains a beloved film for fans of classic family comedies and Western adventures.
Today, “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again” is considered a nostalgic piece of Disney’s filmography, cherished by those who enjoy humorous and heartwarming stories from the golden age of family entertainment. It is a testament to Disney’s ability to create timeless and memorable characters that continue to entertain audiences for generations.
Fun Facts
- “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again” is a Disney live-action comedy-western film released in 1979. It is a sequel to the 1975 film “The Apple Dumpling Gang” and features the return of the bumbling outlaws, Amos and Theodore.
- The film stars Tim Conway and Don Knotts, who reprise their roles as Amos Tucker and Theodore Ogelvie. Their comedic chemistry and slapstick humor were a major highlight of both films in the series.
Additional Details
Cast
- Tim Conway: Amos Tucker
- Don Knotts: Theodore Ogelvie
- Tim Matheson: Pvt. Jeff Reed
- Kenneth Mars: Marshal Woolly Bill Hitchcock
- Elyssa Davalos: Miss Milly Gaskill
- Jack Elam: Big Mack
- Robert Pine: Lt. Jim Ravencroft
- Harry Morgan: Maj. Gaskill (Milly’s father)
- Ruth Buzzi: Old Tough Kate, aka ‘Granny’
- Audrey Totter: Martha Osten (Blind Cabin Widow)
- Richard X. Slattery: Sgt. Slaughter (chief soldier)
- John Crawford: Sherick
- Ralph Manza: Little Guy
- Cliff Osmond: Wes Hardin (Bank robber)
- Ted Gehring: Hank Starrett (Bank robber)
- Morgan Paull: Corporal #1
- Gary McLarty: Corporal #2
- Nick Ramus: Native American chief
- Bryan O’Byrne: Photographer
- Robert Totten: Blainey
- James Almanzar: Lennie
- Shug Fisher: Bartender
- Rex Holman: Reno
- Roger Mobley: Sentry #1
- Vince Deadrick Jr.: Sentry #2
- Stu Gilliam: Black Cook
- A.J. Bakunas: Henchmen #1
- David S. Cass Sr.: Henchmen #2
- Louie Elias: Henchmen #3
- James Van Patten: Young Soldier on Train #1
- Jay Ripley: Young Soldier on Train #2
- George Chandler: Elderly Man (Right outside the Police Office)
- Jack Perkins: Junction City Town Drunk
- John Wheeler: Conductor
- Art Evans: Baggage Master
- Ed McCready: Citizen #1
- Ted Jordan: Citizen #2
- Peter Renaday: Jailer at Fort
- Bobby Rolofson: Boy
- Tom Jackman: Officer #1
- Bill Hart: Officer #2
- Joe Baker: Prisoner Joe
- Allan Studley: Prisoner Pete
- Michael Masters: Cowboy
- John Arndt: Cavalry Man #1
- Bill Erickson: Cavalry Man #2
- Mickey Gilbert: Tough #1
Crew
- Director: Vincent McEveety
- Producer: Tom Leetch and Ron W. Miller
- Music: Paul J. Smith, Buddy Baker and Joseph S. Dubin