The story begins in Wyoming back in the time of the old west. Joshua Cabe (Buddy Ebsen) learns that there's a change in the homestead law and he'll lose his land if he doesn't make a new claim. But, the law also says that each family member can make a claim and if he could get his daughters to file as well, he'd be able to keep his land. But there are two huge problems--he's estranged from his daughters and they have their own lives back East AND his neighbor is a slimy jerk with four slimy jerk sons...who all plan on filing a claim on HIS land! In desperation, he quickly takes a trip to St. Louis to recruit some 'daughters' who will agree to move West with him! He can't be picky and ends up with a prostitute (Leslie Ann Warren), a career criminal (Karen Valentine) and a pickpocket (Sandra Dee). Can this weird new family actually work? And, can they stand up against these ruthless neighbors?
The film certainly is odd and has some actresses playing against type--particularly Valentine and Dee who both played Gidget! And, it's also odd to see Ebsen in a western! But somehow it all works-- mostly because the movie is fun. It is NOT a comedy...and I think that would have worked poorly. Instead, it's a light drama...and a well written and enjoyable one. For a made for TV film, it's very good and actually manages to deliver a rather touching ending.
