The reason to see "The Over-the-Hill Gang" has very little to do with the script, as it's clichéd and a bit silly. Instead, you see it to get a chance to see some veteran actors once again...here in their twilight years.The film begins in the western town of Boulder. A nasty mayor (Edward Andrews) is making it hard for the honest newspaper man to stay and run against him in the election. This ticks off the newspaper guy's uncle (Pat O'Brien) and as a retired Texas Ranger, he decides to call in his decrepit old friends to clean up the town. But, when these guys (Edgar Buchanan, Chill Wills and Walter Brennan) arrive, they are pathetic and no match for the baddies. So, they come up with a plan--to use their wits to defeat the jerks and free the town from their grip.All in all, this isn't a very good western. The script is often silly and utterly ridiculous. The ending, in particular, is impossible to believe. But, it also isn't without some merit. Seeing these guys as well as Andy Devine is enjoyable for fans of classic Hollywood. For younger audiences, however, it probably just isn't worth your time.

"The Over the Hill Gang" is interesting if only for its cast of veteran performers. Unfortunately they were saddled with a "B" movie script that doesn't know whether it should be serious or funny. It appears that some scenes were cut out in order to fit the film into a 90 minute TV time slot. The story has former Texas Ranger Captain Oren Hayes (Pat O'Brien) arriving in town to visit his daughter Hannah (Kristen Nelson) and her husband Jeff (Rick Nelson). He finds Jeff embroiled in a mayorality race with corrupt town boss Nard Lundy (Edward Andrews). When the baddies rough them up, Hayes decides to call on his old Ranger buddies Nash Crawford (Walter Brennan), George Agnew (Chill Wills) and Jason Fitch (Edgar Buchanan) for help. When they arrive they soon realize that their old skills have eroded with age and then decide to fight the bad guys with their wits rather than with force. Assisting Andrews in his evil deeds are Andy Devine as Judge Polk, Jack Elam as the Sheriff and Myron Healey and Bruce Glover as deputies. Gypsy Rose Lee is also along as a once famous entertainer. Burt Mustin and Billy Benedict appear in minor roles. It was great to see all of these veteran performers in one film. Most were at or near the end of their careers at the time. It was also interesting to see Rick and Kristen Nelson who in spite of their youth were also at the end of their movie careers. Too bad they couldn't have had better material to work with. Followed by "The Over The Hill Gang Rides Again" (1970).

There aren't any surprises, but it's great to have Brennan, Wills, Andy Devine, Buchanon, etc go around the track one more time. Familiar character actors-Bert Mustin, R. Karnes and Harry Swogart(played a bartender on Big Valley, Bonanza, etc 48 times) just add to the nostalgia. Ditto Jack Elam too. Odd to see Rick Nelson in such a bland role, though.**1/2 outta ****, for the nostalgia.

A well made TV movie with a typically short performance by Gypsy Rose Lee. This is a somewhat believable western with good writing, acting and direction. Gypsy Rose's part is much too short, but is a pleasure to see. I found the ending a little sad, despite the fact that it should be a happy one. I would recommend this film to any fan of Gypsy Rose, or of western style movies.