The Shakiest Gun in the West

The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968) starring Don Knotts, Barbara Rhoades

In short, The Shakiest Gun in the West is a very funny Don Knotts movie. Set in the American Old West, Don plays the part of Jesse W. Haywood, a recent graduate from Dentistry school, who is going out west to make his fortune. His final exam in dentistry school is funny, as is his boarding the train out West. Along the way, two robbers hold up his stagecoach — his reaction being very funny in itself. And one of the two robbers is a lovely woman, “Bad Penny” Cushing (Barbara Rhoades). She is arrested, and given an opportunity for a pardon … In exchange for infiltrating a wagon train heading out west and breaking up a ring of gun smugglers.

Married?

The smugglers murder the agent posing as her husband. So she sets her sights on the first available single man— Don Knotts! After a rocky introduction, the beautiful Penny has our hero besides himself, pretending to have a toothache, and soon has them both in front of a preacher, getting married — despite the groom’s protests. Sealed with a kiss, the newlyweds join the wagon train. And along with the audience, they meet various members of the wagon train, including the gun runners. A pretend “preacher” (Don ‘Red’ Barry) and his minion, Jackie Coogan.

That night, Jesse looks forward to his wedding night. But wagon train guard duty interrupt his plans. Between his typical cowardly disposition, and his wife’s lack of interest, nothing happens on the wedding night. Except for Penny sleuthing, looking for the guns, and almost getting caught.

Indian attack

During an Indian attack on the wagon train, Jesse tries to fire his gun at one of the attackers. Whom Penny shoots, unknown to Jesse. Other members of the wagon train see Jesse throwing off the body of the dying Indian … And get the wrong impression. And so begins the legend of “Doc Haywood”. Which lasts for a while, until the truth eventually comes out. Along the way, Penny slowly begins falling in love with her husband. And eventually, captured … How will Jesse’s knowledge of dentistry save the day?

Watch The Shakiest Gun in the West for yourself, and enjoy the answer! I recommend it and rate it 4 stars.

Editorial review of The Shakiest Gun in the West starring Don Knotts, courtesy of Amazon.com

(Editor’s note: Don Knotts’ The Ghost Shakiest Gun in the West is available as part of the Don Knotts Reluctant Hero 4-Pack) Jesse W. Haywood (played by Don Knotts) graduates from dental school in Philadelphia in 1870 and goes west “to fight oral ignorance.” Meanwhile stagecoach robber Penelope “Bad Penny” Cushing is offered a pardon if she will track down a ring of gun smugglers. She tricks the bungling Haywood into a fictitious marriage as a disguise, and he becomes the heroic “Doc the Haywood” after he guns down “Arnold the Kid” and performs other exploits with Penny’s help (unbeknown to him or anyone else).