Tall-in-the-saddle and long-in-the-tooth, still attractive con-man Clark Gable (as Dan Kehoe) goes to the burnt-out western town of "Wagon Mound" looking for a fortune in gold. He is "adopted" by cranky sharp-shooting Jo Van Fleet (as "Ma" McDade) and her four beautiful daughters-in-law - Eleanor Parker (as Sabina), Jean Willes (as Ruby), Barbara Nichols (as Birdie), and Sara Shane (as Oralie). Someone knows where the missing gold can be found. The women all want to knock boots with Gable, who probably should have hooked up with "Ma" Van Fleet...
Gable sings the 1902 hit "In the Sweet Bye and Bye". There is too obvious an effort to make the star look young and desirable. Best part of this nonsense may be the color cinematography by Lucien Ballard. But the main appeal is titillating - you watch this for the good-looking women. Especially arousing is Ms. Nichols, who is introduced with one of the straps of her top hanging down. Once, she even threatens to take off her clothes for a swim with Gable. This being a mainstream 1956 movie western, Nichols' top is never going to slip down - but hope springs eternal.
**** The King and Four Queens (12/21/56) Raoul Walsh ~ Clark Gable, Eleanor Parker, Jo Van Fleet, Jean Willes
Gable sings the 1902 hit "In the Sweet Bye and Bye". There is too obvious an effort to make the star look young and desirable. Best part of this nonsense may be the color cinematography by Lucien Ballard. But the main appeal is titillating - you watch this for the good-looking women. Especially arousing is Ms. Nichols, who is introduced with one of the straps of her top hanging down. Once, she even threatens to take off her clothes for a swim with Gable. This being a mainstream 1956 movie western, Nichols' top is never going to slip down - but hope springs eternal.
**** The King and Four Queens (12/21/56) Raoul Walsh ~ Clark Gable, Eleanor Parker, Jo Van Fleet, Jean Willes