The Apple Dumpling Gang

About The Apple Dumpling Gang

The Apple Dumpling Gang, a comedy-western film, was released in 1975. The movie, directed by Norman Tokar, is based on a novel by Jack Bickham. It chronicles the humorous tale of a gambler named Russell Donovan (Bill Bixby) who is tricked into taking care of a group of orphans and their large gold nugget. With the help of two hapless outlaws, Donovan and the kids outwit a greedy rival miner to protect their find.

Making / Production

Walt Disney Productions produced The Apple Dumpling Gang movie. The direction was by Norman Tokar. The screenplay was done by Don Tait from a story written by Jack M. Bickham.

Actors

• Bill Bixby as Russell Donovan - A smooth-talking gambler who finds himself in charge of three children. Bixby delivers a charming and witty performance filled with comedic timing.
• Susan Clark as Magnolia Dusty Clydesdale - A stagecoach driver who befriends Donovan and the children. Clark provides a strong and memorable performance as a tough frontier woman.
• Don Knotts as Theodore Olevie - One half of the bumbling outlaw duo who attempts to steal the children's gold nugget. Knotts brings his signature goofiness and comedic antics to the role.
• Tim Conway as Amos Tucker - The other half of the outlaw duo. Conway's performance meshes well with Knott's, resulting in a hilarious partnership.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The working title of the film was "Two for the Gold."
• It was one of the highest-grossing films of 1975.
• The gun that Don Knotts uses in the film is the same one he used on "The Andy Griffith Show."

Awards

The Apple Dumpling Gang did not win any major awards but was a commercial success, beloved by audiences for its comedic elements and family-friendly storyline.

Quotes

• "Theodore, they're orphans. Can't you tell?"" - Amos Tucker
• "There's a lesson in that, someplace." - Russell Donovan

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Buddy Baker and Paul J. Smith.
• The theme song "The Apple Dumpling Gang" was written by Shane Tatum and performed by Randy Sparks and The Back Porch Majority.