The Tenderfoot
The Tenderfoot

Movie spotlight

The Tenderfoot

1966
Movie
119 min
English

Based on author James H. Tevis' Arizona in the 50s. Natural dangers and hostile Indians create problems for travelers in the West in the 1850s; a young man almost killed in an Indian raid looks to a frontier scout, Mose Carson, for an education. They get involved in a plan to sell wild mustangs to the Army. The edited-down theatertical release of a 3-part miniseries that aired on television.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Sheldon LeonardGenres: Comedy, Western

Plot Summary

A meek, timid accountant from New York City inherits a ranch in the Wild West and decides to try his hand at ranching. Despite his complete lack of experience and a disposition ill-suited for the rugged frontier, he attempts to make a go of it. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters and finds himself in a series of comical misadventures as he navigates his new life.

Critical Reception

As a made-for-television movie, "The Tenderfoot" received a generally lighthearted reception. Critics often highlighted Buddy Hackett's comedic performance as the fish-out-of-water protagonist, finding humor in his struggles against the backdrop of the Old West. While not critically acclaimed as a groundbreaking film, it was seen as a charming and entertaining diversion for family viewing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Buddy Hackett's comedic timing and physical humor are the main draw.

  • The film offers a lighthearted and familiar fish-out-of-water narrative.

  • A charming, albeit predictable, Western comedy suitable for a family audience.

Google audience: Audience reception for "The Tenderfoot" is difficult to quantify due to its nature as a television movie from an earlier era. However, viewers who recall the film generally appreciated its comedic elements, particularly Buddy Hackett's performance, and found it to be an enjoyable, lighthearted viewing experience.

Fun Fact

The film was originally produced as a pilot for a potential television series, which was never picked up.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review