Rustlers' Rhapsody

If you ask most people what their favorite western spoof is they will Say Blazing Saddles. Don't get me wrong, I love Blazing Saddles, and everything Mel Brooks has done. But for my money, my favorite western parody is 1985's Rustlers' Rhapsody.

Tom Berenger stars as Rex O'Herlihan, the singing cowboy. Rex rides into the small town of Oakwood Estates where an evil land barron named the Colonel, Andy Griffith, is strong arming the local sheep herders to leave Dodge. At first, Rex doesn't want to get involved, but decides that it's the right thing to do. Aided by the town drunk who desperately wants to be his sidekick, G.W. Bailey, the town prostitute who talks dirty but doesn't go all the way, Marilu Henner, and the Colonel's daughter, Sela Ward, Rex applies his nice guy brand of justice.

Rustlers' Rhapsody pokes fun at different western genres. Rex is obviously a nod to Roy Rogers. The Colonel seems like a villain from a John Ford picture. They even take a nod at the spaghetti westerns. Patrick Wayne, the Duke's son, even has a cameo.

Berenger, who's not really known for his comedy chops, is really funny as Rex. As is Griffith, who also plays against type in the villainous role. The whole cast seems to be having a blast. This was written and directed by Hugh Wilson, who you can tell has a lot of love for his source material.

There's a lot of laughs in Rustlers' Rhapsody, especially for fans of the cowboy classics.

It's available on dvd.