I waited a while to submit this review in order to give the cast members and others related to or having a financial interest in the film's success a chance to post their 8-10 star reviews, which seems to be the trend with low budget films, though it is hard to understand why they believe their "B" movie should be higher rated than say, The Searchers, Gone with the Wind, Star Wars, and Forrest Gump. With that out of the way, it's time for an honest, unbiased review. After learning about this film back in 2018 I eagerly awaited its release. I so much wanted to love this film, because like some many others out their I really crave a resurgence in the Western film genre, but with Bill Tilghman and the Outlaws I was only left with disappointment. On the positive side, I did really enjoy the opening titles and credits. I like how they used black and white camera stills to introduce the characters and identify the actors by name. For the most part, the music in the soundtrack is very entertaining, and I really enjoyed the songs performed by the Walker Avenue Gang. Their lead singer is definitely worthy of a top C&W career in Nashville. My favorite character during the entire film would have to be John Buttram, who is the nephew of Pat Burttram who ages ago played Gene Autry's sidekick and starred as Mr. Haney in the old Green Acres TV series. John Buttram's voice is marvelously as similiar and entertaining as was his uncle Pat's. The concept and storyline for this film is brilliant and whoever came up with it deserves a big pat on the back. However, the film suffers from four primary failures in that of direction, casting, special effects, pacing that is the equivalent of watching a slow dripping faucet. As for casting, very competent performances were turned in by Ken Arnold, Brian St. August, Robert Neal Marshall, Darby Hinton, Barry, Cantor, John Buttram, Matthew Greer and Dan Collier. Cute little Christine Nelson, has previously shown herself to be a compentent actor and should have a promising career ahead of her, thus I can only attribute her performance to that of mediocre direction. Otherwise, except for the child actors, performances by the remainder of the cast were mostly lackluster or wooden. It was really difficult to watch the formerly beautiful Lana Wood in this film as a lifetime of booze, cigarettes and pork chops have really taken their toll. Concerning special effects, you'll find notthing really special about them. In fact, the cgi'd puff's of smoke representing bullets hitting dirt and wooden boards on buildings is simply embarrassing, as were the cgi'd cannon ball impacts. Overall, the film is worth watch, if for nothing less than its appeal as a nostalgic novelty...and if you can somehow mentally prepare yourself to have the absolute lowest of expectations, I think you will be able to watch the entire movie from beginning to end and may even find yourself enjoying at least some of it.
19 Reviews
Not Good
rocknstv29 January 2022
Three stars, only because of Robert Carradine, Don Collier, Darby Hinton and Johnny Crawford. Sorry, but a ridiculous premise. Over acting, bad acting, bad guys trying too hard to be ornery. I was ready to turn it off, if not to keep watching for Johnny Crawford to show up. Sadly, he's not featured long. Had to turn it off.
I wonder if Target was approached to sponsor this. I love Westerns, but not this one.
I wonder if Target was approached to sponsor this. I love Westerns, but not this one.
Worst movie ever
hraecrawford9 August 2019
Only good part was Johnny Crawford's 30seconds. Terrible plot , terrible effects and bad acting so dumb. I have never left a review I am mad that I wasted my time watching this movie. It does not ever get good. Do not waste your time or data
Even if Drunk Dont Watch
stuanddor14 June 2020
I must say that after 65 years of watching western movies this is the biggest pile of steaming ordure that I have ever seen. My wife who also loves westerns comment was that it was made by Hallmark when they were really desperate.
In my opinion this film wasnt released it dug a tunnel and escaped from prison.
THE worst movie I've ever seen
kirby-4329 March 2020
I don't usually do movie reviews,, but with this one I HAVE to. Oh, do I have to. I take it as my obligation to mankind.
If you should EVER have a chance to watch this movie, don't just walk away, but RUN. And I mean RUN FAST. As fast and as far as you can.
I have seen some bad movies in my day, but I've never seen anything as bad as this. I feel so sick for anyone who got suckered into performing in this movie. It is hyped as a "family movie", and I'll give it that--at least it doesn't have cursing, etc., in it. That is its one single saving grace, but that won't save this one.
From the very fact that these producers can't even spell the word "marshal" correctly on the cover of their DVD, (because it was later changed to the title "The Marshall") to the most juvenile acting, production, cinematography, directing.... Well, I could go on and on, but you have the gist. I watched about ten minutes of this movie we purchased at Walmart. That was all the torture I could take.
When I tell you this was bad, I really am not even beginning to touch the surface. I have never seen a worse production in my life. I have no doubt a couple of twelve-year-olds in their back yard could put together as good a film as this. I shudder to think this sham made it all the way through the thought process, filming process, cutting process, production, and onto store shelves. How did this happen?????
Do you get the idea this an incredibly bad movie? Then I have done my job. I wouldn't show this to a three-year-old.
If you should EVER have a chance to watch this movie, don't just walk away, but RUN. And I mean RUN FAST. As fast and as far as you can.
I have seen some bad movies in my day, but I've never seen anything as bad as this. I feel so sick for anyone who got suckered into performing in this movie. It is hyped as a "family movie", and I'll give it that--at least it doesn't have cursing, etc., in it. That is its one single saving grace, but that won't save this one.
From the very fact that these producers can't even spell the word "marshal" correctly on the cover of their DVD, (because it was later changed to the title "The Marshall") to the most juvenile acting, production, cinematography, directing.... Well, I could go on and on, but you have the gist. I watched about ten minutes of this movie we purchased at Walmart. That was all the torture I could take.
When I tell you this was bad, I really am not even beginning to touch the surface. I have never seen a worse production in my life. I have no doubt a couple of twelve-year-olds in their back yard could put together as good a film as this. I shudder to think this sham made it all the way through the thought process, filming process, cutting process, production, and onto store shelves. How did this happen?????
Do you get the idea this an incredibly bad movie? Then I have done my job. I wouldn't show this to a three-year-old.
The film makers should be arrested
natrose-8519927 January 2022
This movie made me understand what a director does, because this director sucks. Lots of downtime. Bad positioning. Lack of pace. Incredibly bad acting. The only thing that had any value was the log line and premise. I schlepped through 15 minutes of this garbage, then I had to abort or throw up. As for any rating over 1, it must have come from the actors or their friends because no one not associated with the movie could possibly give it a positive review. If this were my movie, I would pull it from production and burn every piece of film.
Too long, too slow, too many blackout scene! Bored to freaking death! Avoid at all cost!
kwenchow31 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This film start at 1915 Oklahoma, a man "Pepper" causing havoc at a bar and a marshal "Bill" appear and stop him scene! As turnout, this film is about a director want Bill using real prisoner to star in a robbery film! And three guy(Cole, Frank and Murphy) want to rob the bank in real! Entire film too slow and too many blackout scene! Bored to death! Barely funny scene is, Pepper shooting the director and ask him to dance! Barely intense scene is at the ending of the film! Have some explosion, shooting and punching scene! At the end, Murphy fight with Bill and Bill hang him to death! Still have a post credit scene! Three man mocking the making of the robbery film! That's it! Completely wasting time to watch!
Wonderful movie for a family to see
lanatrumpey8 August 2019
I was in Ardmore Oklahoma for the Cowboy Way, Jubilee 2019, and I got to see this movie it was wonderful to see Johnny Crawford and Darby Hinton. I enjoyed the show it was nice to see a show, that did not have nudity and cursing, just an all-around show that anyone could go to. My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the show, beautiful scenery also.
Indie Western
searlesp13 August 2019
Indie Western with great fight scene and many very good actors from Hollywood and locally. The plot has a good twist. Is it Clint Eastwood, no. But it's good clean entertainment that takes you back to the days when you knew who the good guys were and the bad guys. The really bad guys.
Great Family Western
flying_s_charters18 February 2019
Ken Arnold played the role of Bill Tilghman PERFECT.. He was amazing and held to the true life character with a great acting ability.. The surporting cast was great, as well as the writing and the directing was great.. The over all movie was filled with something for everyone.
The Mythology of the Old West
donsakers12 March 2020
A well-written and nicely-acted story with suspense, adventure, gunfights, and all the standard trappings of the classic Western. Underneath, there are several levels of meaning. A 1920s film crew is shooting a movie to satisfy the public's appetite for stories of the mythic Old West, starring an actual sheriff and outlaws who lived through those epic times. On a deeper level, we're watching a modern film about the mythology of the Old West, informed by 21st century attitudes toward racism, colonialism, violence, and oversimplified historical narratives.
Going even deeper, the movie confronts questions of good and evil, the meaning of heroism, repentence and forgiveness, and even the place of mythologies in culture.
If you want a fun movie that also gives the opportunity for thought and discussion, this one will do the job nicely.
Going even deeper, the movie confronts questions of good and evil, the meaning of heroism, repentence and forgiveness, and even the place of mythologies in culture.
If you want a fun movie that also gives the opportunity for thought and discussion, this one will do the job nicely.
Fun Family western
skydance1235415 March 2019
Great Movie
rbillie-1312112 March 2019
This movie is a must see. Has a bit of "edge of your seat" thrill along with a little comedy. Great for the whole family to see. Wonderful work by Dan Searles, Wayne Shipley, Cast and Crew. Looking forward to watching again.
Great family Cowboy movie
chtistine30 June 2019
I was fortunate to be able to see Bill Tilghman and the Outlaws while attending an event in Oklahoma in May. It was so nice to see a movie that I could take my niece's and nephews to as well as my 93 year old Dad. No nudity. No vulgarity. Plenty of action but nothing morbid. Loved Darby Hinton and such a thrill to see Johnny Crawford. Hope it comes to a theater in Atlanta soon! More movies like this need to be made.
There might be something to these moving pictures!
caboeyes3 October 2019
This is a fun film. I thought it was wonderful. High production quality, funny, and a fantastic cast. Great musical soundtrack and I especially loved the black and white montage scenes leading up to the filming! Bravo! "There might be something to these moving pictures!"
Westerns - as they should be
catran-0537429 June 2019
We had the pleasure of screening this film at The Memphis Film Festival...and thoroughly enjoyed it!
There was comedy, but subtle, not slapstick. There was violence, but not gory. There was very little cursing and no nudity.
How refreshing! A fun family film!
Highlights were Darby Hinton as Cole Younger, and Johnny Crawford, who lit up the screen in his small role.
Dan Searles wrote the book (based on a true story) and made it come to life onscreen. I hope there's a sequel!
Excellent family western
saclatrx30 June 2019
I was fortunate to be able to view a screening of this movie at the Memphis film festival in June. It is a very entertaining, family friendly movie. Highlights were Darby Hinton as Cole Younger and KenArnold as BillTilghman. Highly recommend this movie!
Bill Tilghman and the outlaws !
comancheboy15 March 2019
Just Awesome Film ! Wayne Shipley, DIRECTOR, AND PRODUCER. AND WRITTEN BY ! Dan Searles, WITH EXCEUTIVE PRODUCER: Florentino Manuel Gregorio ,ONE EYED- HORSE PRODUCTIONS . Ken Arnold AS BILL TILGHMAN, LANA WOOD , ROBERT CARRADINE, JOHNNY CRAWFORD ,Richard Cutting,,Kathy Dan Searles, DARBY HINTON ,Johnny Alonso,Robert Neal Marshall,Connie Lamothe , Donald Imm, Jill Rhyne-Grey,..#BilltilghmanAndTheOutlaws, AND ALL CAST AND CREW MEMEMBERS... THIS WAS AWESOME MOVIE..and glad to be part of this movie
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
