The New Daughters of Joshua Cabe

Set in the Old West in typical cowboy fashion, The New Daughters of Joshua Cabe is a 1976 made-for-television western film. It stars celebrated actors John McIntire, Jack Elam, and Jeanette Nolan among others, unfolding a unique and exciting tale as illuminating as it is enjoyable, often bridging gaps between family, stranger relations, and the classic American West charm.

The film's pivot, Joshua Cabe (John McIntire), is an elderly homesteader whose life's mission is to preserve his land and legacy. However, his legacy comes under threat from several sources, primarily by the aggressive claim-jumping laws that existed during the period. These said laws stipulated that if a person could not prove they had a legal family inhabiting their land, their ownership, therefore, could be challenged.

Without a real family by his side, the cunning and determined Joshua Cabe devises a ploy to retain his land. He orchestrates an unusual family setting by hiring three young women to masquerade as his daughters. These hired 'daughter figures' are not just any random women; they are a band of clever, strong-willed women, each showcasing distinct and compelling personalities. From a woman who was once a saloon worker to another who is an accomplished confidence trickster, and a formidable outlaw on the run. All three are individuals who, under different circumstances, would never have crossed paths. These newly-fabricated daughters, Bufe (Karen Valentine), Charity (Susan Buckner), and Mae (Tracie Savage), are tasked with the responsibility of helping Joshua maintain his rightful claim, portraying the ideal image of a loving, wholesome family unit.

Onto this unlikely arrangement, Jack Elam's character, Bert, is introduced as a scruffy and licentious man yet impressionably kind-hearted. Initially, serving as a liaison between Joshua and the girls, over time Bert's role and relationship with the new Cabe family develop beyond just a fleeting connection.

Jeanette Nolan plays Harriet, a bold, assertive, and somewhat brash woman in a nearby town. She plays a significant role in the film's narrative, contributing greatly to the societal commentary that the film subtly addresses.

The film's premise is served with a decent amount of humor. The unlikely combination of this quartet proves to be entertaining and gives the movie its distinctive charm. Through humorous antics and unexpected bonds formed, the comedy present in the script adds an extra layer to the rich narrative. The women's pretense in their newfound roles in this faux household lends a lot of opportunities for comedic situations, where they grapple to perform their sisterly duties convincingly and maintain the charade.

Despite being a Western, the film surprisingly talks about female empowerment, making it way ahead of its time. Each of the girls hired by Joshua Cabe represents an independent, strong woman with her own distinct character. They show resilience and resourcefulness when faced with the challenges of their masquerade and embody the spirit of frontier women who navigated the struggles of the wild West.

The New Daughters of Joshua Cabe treats viewers to a tour de force of Old West cinematography. From rustic homesteads to wide, sweeping landscapes, the film excellently portrays the aesthetics of the mid-19th century American Western Frontier. The movie's authenticity is also attained from its impressive set design, immersive portrayal of the era's fashion, and the true-to-period dialogue.

The distinctiveness of The New Daughters of Joshua Cabe lies in its seamless merge of comedy with the traditional Western theme. Yet, it also boldly experiments with inherent family dynamics, social commentary, and surprisingly, a dash of feminism. Viewers are taken on an eventful journey in this compelling wild West narrative wrapped up in unusual family bonds. The movie promised and delivered a fun, thought-provoking, and uniquely entertaining production of its time in the Western genre.