Customer Reviews

The New Maverick

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What a joy it was to see James Garner return to the role that made him famous! The character has aged like fine wine and the sharp Garner tongue is still firmly planted in the cheek. I agree only in part with the other reviewers - we do want to see the original Maverick on DVD! But this will serve as a nice appetizer until the main course comes along. And personally I can't see reviewing a product that you have not bothered to take the time to watch.

This 1978 made for TV film is heavy on nostalgia and charm but weak on plot. James Garner, who had played Brett Maverick in the original "Maverick" series from 1957 to 1960, returned to the role after 18 years. Fans of Garner and/or the original series will be pleased to see him back in the role that made him famous. Overall, however, "The New Maverick" is a disappointment, suffering as it does from a conflict of purpose.

The film introduces Charles Frank as Ben Maverick, son of cousin Beau Maverick (played by Roger Moore in the original series). The ostensible goal of "The New Maverick" was to serve as a pilot for a series starring Frank, but Garner steals the show, such as it is. Frank can't begin to match Garner's charm and wit. The paper-thin plot revolves around the Mavericks entering a chase for a shipment of stolen gatling guns. Jack Kelly returns as Brett's brother Bart, but his arrival with only 14 minutes left in the film has the feeling of an extended cameo. Susan Sullivan shines in a supporting role as Poker Alice, a card player who is Brett's match at the table.

The "Young Maverick" series that this film spawned lasted all of eight episodes the next season. Television executives finally realized the public didn't want Maverick without Garner, and he returned to the role one more time for a revival of the series in the 1981-82 season. (Trivia: Hy Averback, who directed this film, also directed several episodes of M*A*S*H* and was the voice heard over the camp loudspeaker in that series.)--William C. Hall

This TV flick was filmed a the Old Tucson Studio's in Tucson, AZ. I was the Location Manager on this film and we had lots of fun making it. It wasn't the best MOW ever filmed but it was entertaining and interesting to watch. I would recommend it, not because I was involved, but because it is a fun movie to watch.

Jack Young

When this show was released on VHS in 1994 it was a "Director's Cut". which had added scenes and was 110 minutes in length. The version released on DVD is only 92 minutes long. Couldn't Warner Brothers have at least released the longer version of this show?

James Garner is one of the best actors of our time,and he is the only part of this show worth watching. It drags on forever. Not much thought went into making this show. If you like westerns with a slow plot then you would like this one.

Unlike some of the people who write reviews about a show, I have actually WATCHED this! So we all know that we want to see the original series on dvd, but for now this is what we have. No, it wasn't perfect. Kind of a weak plot, and I never really cared for Charles Franks' take on being a Maverick, but this show was really helped by having James Garner and Jack Kelly in it. James has always been the favorite of mine as far as the 4 Mavericks, but Jack still looked good after all those years, and did a fine job here (albeit short)! And while Susan Sullivan was no match for Jodie Foster (1994 Maverick Movie, Annabelle) she did a good job! All in all a decent movie. Too bad the tv series wasn't as good!

I admit I have never seen this TV movie.
My low marks for this product is aim at Warner Home Video. BOO! HISS!
Why are they releasing this DVD?
They should be releasing season sets for the original MAVERICK TV Series.
That is the Show that the people want.
That is the Show that the People Love.

I totally agree that it is the Original Maverick TV Show that people want, especially the ones starring James Garner.
David N.