Directed by
Burt Kennedy
Made by
United Artists
The quaint Old West town of Calendar, nestled in the Colorado Territory, emerges almost instantaneously when the clumsy yet spirited Prudy Perkins stumbles upon gold while attending a funeral. Her father, the well-meaning but inept farmer Olly, is quickly appointed as the first mayor of this burgeoning settlement. As they rejoice in their newfound fortune, they soon find themselves under the oppressive thumb of the corrupt Danby family, who demand hefty tolls to traverse the only road into or out of Calendar.
With a population preoccupied by dreams of gold, the town is devoid of any law enforcement, leaving the few brave souls who take on the role of sheriff either brutally dismissed or even killed. Amidst this chaos, the skilled gunfighter Jason McCullough arrives. He witnesses Joe Danby ruthlessly take a man’s life over a card game in the local saloon. Facing a precarious financial situation due to skyrocketing prices, McCullough decides to take on the role of sheriff, impressing the mayor and council with remarkable shooting skills.
The initial encounter with Prudy leaves her flustered, yet her attempts to distance herself seem futile as McCullough’s charm begins to win her over. After swiftly tossing Joe into the town’s makeshift jail, lacking proper bars or locks, McCullough cleverly orchestrates a series of traps to keep him at bay. His ragtag crew includes a hesitant deputy, Jake—once the town’s quirky resident—who aids him in navigating the various escapades that unfold.
Joe’s arrest sends shockwaves through his family, particularly his father, Pa Danby, who is unaccustomed to such defiance from his clan. Following an embarrassing confrontation with McCullough that leaves him disarmed, Pa retaliates by hiring a cadre of gunmen to take down the new sheriff. However, McCullough, with Jake’s assistance, consistently prevails against these challengers while also nurturing a budding romance with Prudy. As the Danbys attempt to forcefully break into the jail, they find themselves outmatched and driven off.
Feeling cornered, Pa rallies the entire Danby clan for a grand assault to free Joe. Initially contemplating escape, McCullough’s resolve solidifies when Prudy expresses admiration for his decision to stay. Despite their reluctance to assist, the mayor persuades the townsfolk against lending a hand, leading to a showdown where only McCullough, Jake, and Prudy stand against the Danbys. In a tense standoff, McCullough cleverly uses Joe as leverage and the old cannon positioned in the town square to gain the upper hand. The Danbys, after being apprehended, are humorously dispatched to jail as the cannon unexpectedly fires, wreaking havoc on the local brothel.
As the dust settles, McCullough and Prudy become engaged, offering a glimmer of hope in the dusty town. In a whimsical closing scene, Jake steps out of the narrative, addressing the audience directly. He shares that after his wedding, McCullough pursued an illustrious career as the first governor of Colorado, post its statehood—though he frequently read about Australia, he never made it there. Meanwhile, Jake claims his place as the beloved sheriff of Calendar, solidifying his own legacy in the annals of Western folklore.
Discovery of Gold
The town of Calendar, Colorado Territory comes to life when Prudy Perkins accidentally discovers gold while attending a funeral. This spectacular find sets off a wave of excitement and draws treasure-seekers to the quaint town.
Olly Becomes Mayor
In the wake of the newfound fortune, Prudy's father, Olly, is appointed as the town's first mayor despite his ineptitude. The townsfolk look to him for leadership in their gold-driven dreams.
The Threat of the Danby Family
As the town flourishes, it becomes clear that the Danby family, led by the corrupt Pa Danby, will exert their control. They impose exorbitant tolls for traversing the town's only road, threatening the progress of Calendar.
Lawlessness in Calendar
With the population chasing gold and no law enforcement, Calendar becomes a dangerous place. Numerous would-be sheriffs are either killed or forced to flee, leaving the citizens in a precarious situation.
Arrival of Jason McCullough
A skilled gunfighter named Jason McCullough rolls into town, seeking refuge from his troubles. He witnesses a shocking murder in the local saloon, igniting his sense of justice and the need for law.
Becoming the Sheriff
After grappling with financial difficulties, McCullough takes on the role of sheriff. His impressive shooting skills earn him the admiration of the town's council and citizens, marking the start of his new path.
First Encounter with Prudy
Prudy Perkins meets McCullough, and their immediate dynamic is a mix of charm and fluster. Although she tries to keep her distance, it becomes increasingly clear that she is drawn to him.
Joe Danby's Arrest
After McCullough throws Joe Danby into the makeshift jail, the Danby family is enraged. Joe's arrest shakes the family and begins a series of retaliatory threats from them.
Danby's Retaliation
Pa Danby enlists a group of gunmen to confront McCullough. This leads to several intense showdowns, showcasing McCullough's shooting prowess and determination to maintain order.
Building a Relationship
As danger mounts, McCullough's bond with Prudy deepens. Her admiration for his bravery and leadership begins to blossom into a romantic relationship amidst the turmoil.
Final Showdown Preparation
Feeling the pressure from the Danbys, McCullough contemplates fleeing but ultimately chooses to stay when Prudy encourages him. The mayor attempts to rally the townsfolk for support, but they refuse.
Showdown with the Danbys
The standoff between McCullough's small group and the Danby clan unfolds. Using strategy and wit, McCullough leverages Joe Danby as a bargaining chip to gain the upper hand.
Victory and Comedy
After a successful confrontation, McCullough and his team manage to defeat the Danby family. In a twist of fate, the cannon inadvertently misfires, causing chaos at the local brothel and humorously sealing the Danbys' fate.
Engagement of McCullough and Prudy
With the danger behind them, McCullough and Prudy become engaged, symbolizing hope for the town's future. Their union represents the consolidation of love and newfound stability in Calendar.
Legacy of the Town
As the narrative concludes, Jake steps out to share the fate of McCullough and his own. McCullough transitions to become the first governor of Colorado while Jake pridefully claims his role as the beloved sheriff of Calendar.
Jason McCullough
Jason McCullough is a charismatic and skilled gunfighter who reluctantly becomes the sheriff of Calendar. He embodies bravery and quick wit, using his talent to outsmart his enemies and restore order. His charm and determination not only help him navigate the lawless landscape but also win the heart of Prudy Perkins.
Prudy Perkins
Prudy Perkins is a spirited and tenacious young woman whose accidental discovery of gold sets off the events in Calendar. Initially flustered by McCullough's charm, she grows to admire his bravery and resolve, highlighting her character's strength and adaptability. Her evolving relationship with McCullough adds a romantic layer to the story.
Jake
Jake is portrayed as the quirky, hesitant deputy who supports McCullough in his quest for justice. Initially lacking confidence, he reveals hidden depths and loyalty as the story unfolds. His humorous interactions provide comic relief while highlighting the importance of camaraderie in facing adversity.
Joe Danby
Joe Danby represents the corrupt and ruthless elements of the town, quickly establishing himself as a major antagonist. His violent tendencies and close ties to his powerful family create a palpable threat to the townspeople. Despite his arrogance, his arrest becomes a catalyst for conflict within the Danby clan.
Pa Danby
Pa Danby is the patriarch of the Danby family, embodying the corruption and greed that plagues Calendar. His reaction to Joe's arrest reveals his entitlement and frustration, showcasing the lengths he will go to maintain his family's dominance. His character adds tension to the struggle between the town and the corrupt elite.
Time period
Gold Rush era
The Gold Rush era was a significant period in American history marked by the discovery of gold and the subsequent rush of settlers hoping to strike it rich. Towns like Calendar sprang up almost overnight, often lacking proper law enforcement and governance. This chaos attracted gunfighters, opportunists, and the corrupt, shaping the narrative of survival and ambition.
Location
Calendar, Colorado Territory
Calendar is a quaint town set in the Colorado Territory, characterized by its rustic charm and rich history during the gold rush era. Known for its desperate pursuit of fortune, the town becomes a hub of chaos when lawlessness prevails, giving rise to conflict and adventure. Its emergence as a settlement highlights the classic themes of ambition and the struggle for power.
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Heroism
The theme of heroism is central to the story as the unexpected sheriff, Jason McCullough, rises to the challenge of bringing order to a lawless town. His bravery and quick thinking demonstrate that true heroism often comes from unexpected sources, inspiring others to stand against oppression. The contrast between his character and the villainous Danbys illustrates the classic struggle between good and evil.
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Romance
Romance unfolds as McCullough charms Prudy Perkins amid the chaos, showcasing how love can flourish even in tumultuous circumstances. Their relationship serves as a beacon of hope for the townspeople, suggesting that connection and partnership are vital in facing adversity. Prudy’s evolving feelings for the sheriff highlight personal growth against the backdrop of lawlessness.
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Greed
Greed permeates the narrative, driving characters to pursue wealth at any cost. The Danby family's desire for control and riches leads to corruption and tyranny, affecting the town's morale. This theme reflects the broader implications of wealth's impact on human behavior and community dynamics, as the citizens are forced to navigate the consequences of their aspirations.
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