In 1965 David Markson wrote the novel 'The Ballad of Dingus Magee' in which the hero is a scrawny teenager. Fast forward to 1970 and we have a far from scrawny, 55 year old Frank Sinatra in the title role! Mr. Sinatra is indisputably one of the greatest interpreters of popular song ever to step up to a microphone and represents a Golden Age of entertainment that is alas gone forever. His films are a mixed bunch to say the least but with a strong director and the right material he has given some fine performances. Hollywood is an unforgiving place however, in which memories are short. His last commercial and critical success had been 'Von Ryan's Express' in 1965 and in the world of film, five years is far too long. Although he remained both popular and active as an entertainer this dreadful opus of Burt Kennedy effectively scuppered his film career.
Such infantile, puerile nonsense is almost too painful to behold and the spectacle of a middle-aged Sinatra in red long johns cavorting with the somewhat younger, mini-skirted squaw of luscious Michele Carey is exceedingly absurd. The supporting cast does its best in the circumstances and the standout performance is that of Lois Nettleton as Prudence("Prude for short but not for long")
It looks as if the cast had great fun in making this but the end result is an acute embarassment to all concerned and should be filed under 'T' for 'Turkey'.
