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The Shakiest Gun in the West

Play trailer Poster for The Shakiest Gun in the West 1968 1h 41m Western Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
In 1870, bumbling Philadelphia-based dentist Jesse W. Haywood (Don Knotts) travels west to set up a practice in the frontier. There, he meets Penelope Cushings (Barbara Rhoades), a pretty bandit who has agreed to investigate an Indian gun-smuggling operation in exchange for her freedom. When their wagon train is attacked, Penelope shoots several Indians dead. However, Jesse falsely assumes it was his errant gunshots that saved the wagon, and soon earns a reputation as a great gunslinger.
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The Shakiest Gun in the West

Critics Reviews

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Brian Costello Common Sense Media Jul 2, 2012
3/5
Wacky Don Knotts Western spoof has lots of drinking. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Adam N @RT93209334 Jan 15, 2026 One of Don Knotts' more memorable cinematic outings. There aren't enough western comedies, and this film perfectly hits the balance, with Don Knotts in his signature Barney Fife fashion in this enjoyable parody. See more Ron G @RT48342791 Jun 18, 2024 It IS an old time movie comedy Classic with plenty of memorable Don Knots shtick. You just have to feel for his character! And Barbara Rhodes is hot. SO, it is definitely worth seeing once! (actually, I think I've seen it 3 times!!!) See more s r @ScottR Nov 13, 2020 I really wanted to like this, but it was just too much like dad jokes, in a bad way. Saw it on TCM. See more Jun 23, 2016 Amazing movie a classic very very funny See more Apr 23, 2016 Don Knotts is a funny guy! Put Barney Fife in a western! loved it! See more Nov 25, 2014 All of the gags and jokes are either hit or miss. No in between. See more Read all reviews
The Shakiest Gun in the West

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Cast & Crew

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Alan Rafkin

Director

Don Knotts

Dr. Jessie Heywood

Barbara Rhoades

Penelope "Bad Penny" Cushings

Jackie Coogan

Matthew Basch

Don "Red" Barry

Reverend Zachary Grant

Ruth McDevitt

Olive

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The Shakiest Gun in the West

The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968) The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968) The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968) The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1870, bumbling Philadelphia-based dentist Jesse W. Haywood (Don Knotts) travels west to set up a practice in the frontier. There, he meets Penelope Cushings (Barbara Rhoades), a pretty bandit who has agreed to investigate an Indian gun-smuggling operation in exchange for her freedom. When their wagon train is attacked, Penelope shoots several Indians dead. However, Jesse falsely assumes it was his errant gunshots that saved the wagon, and soon earns a reputation as a great gunslinger.
Director
Alan Rafkin
Producer
Edward Montagne
Screenwriter
Edmund L. Hartmann, Frank Tashlin, James Fritzell, Everett Greenbaum
Production Co
Universal Pictures
Genre
Western, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 11, 2015
Runtime
1h 41m
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