James Coburn is a total hoot as Lewton Cole, a slick gambler who comes into possession of a map. This will lead whoever has the map to a large stash of gold stolen by some sleazy Confederates. Determinedly pursuing Cole is John Copperud (Carroll O'Connor), a sheriff who's been repeatedly embarrassed by Cole already. And yet, they're obliged to team up in dealing with the cretins (among them, Claude Akins and the great screen psycho Timothy Carey) who stole the gold in the first place.
Some viewers may find "Waterhole # 3" to be too blatantly silly, but I thought it was a pretty ingratiating (and VERY un-P. C.) comedy-Western that's played to perfection by its cast. It's the kind of scenario where there are precious few true "innocents", who may end up utterly screwed due to the machinations of all the scoundrels in this story. It serves up double crosses, plot twists, action, irreverence, and breathtaking desert scenery, complete with an often goofy music score by Dave Grusin and omnipresent narration by balladeer Roger Miller.
Coburn is such a charismatic rascal that it's hard to really hate him, despite Coles' treatment of leading lady Billee Copperud (the lovely Margaret Blye), the Sheriffs' daughter. Carey is a hilarious standout in a strong cast also including Bruce Dern, Joan Blondell, James Whitmore, Harry Davis, Roy Jenson, Robert Cornthwaite, and Ted Markland.
Directed by William A. Graham ("Together Brothers", 'Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones'), this amiable film isn't anything special, but it isn't trying to be, either. It's just good, straightforward entertainment.
Seven out of 10.
Some viewers may find "Waterhole # 3" to be too blatantly silly, but I thought it was a pretty ingratiating (and VERY un-P. C.) comedy-Western that's played to perfection by its cast. It's the kind of scenario where there are precious few true "innocents", who may end up utterly screwed due to the machinations of all the scoundrels in this story. It serves up double crosses, plot twists, action, irreverence, and breathtaking desert scenery, complete with an often goofy music score by Dave Grusin and omnipresent narration by balladeer Roger Miller.
Coburn is such a charismatic rascal that it's hard to really hate him, despite Coles' treatment of leading lady Billee Copperud (the lovely Margaret Blye), the Sheriffs' daughter. Carey is a hilarious standout in a strong cast also including Bruce Dern, Joan Blondell, James Whitmore, Harry Davis, Roy Jenson, Robert Cornthwaite, and Ted Markland.
Directed by William A. Graham ("Together Brothers", 'Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones'), this amiable film isn't anything special, but it isn't trying to be, either. It's just good, straightforward entertainment.
Seven out of 10.