Search - The New Maverick (Pilot) on DVD

Mary L. (marymix) from NANTUCKET, MA
Reviewed on 2/19/2012...

Always a treat to see James Garner as Bret Maverick, but the dialog was pretty weak and the plot barely hung together.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

The New Maverick

Jack N. Young | Tucson, AZ | 11/27/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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"

It's Got James Garner As Maverick, but...

W. C HALL | Newport, OR USA | 09/22/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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"

Where is the director's cut?

Yankee Mike | Brooklyn,NY | 10/26/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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?"