"The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin" is a wildly uneven film---with some portions that are likable and engaging while other portions are pretty dopey and strictly for kids. It's a strange combination...one that unfortunately doesn't work very well. It's a watchable family film...and not much more.

The story begins in Boston. A seemingly rich old man dies and his grandchildren, Arabella and Jack (Suzanne Pleshette and Bryan Russell), are left wondering how to afford to live. Jack, though only 12, decides to disappear...heading west for the California Gold Rush. But the devoted family butler, Griffin (Roddy McDowell) follows after Jack and promises to bring him back to Boston as soon as possible. However, a long series of unforeseen events occur...making their trip out west much longer and more productive than they anticipated.

Roddy McDowell is surprisingly good in the film and at times, I liked the plot--especially in the interplay between him and Bryan Russell. I also was shocked by how good Pleshette sand (and it really did sound like her singing). But two major problems are in the script....first, I really found Karl Malden's character annoying (like a cartoon villain) and he kept re-appearing in the film again and again AND the big boxing match at the end was just dumb....1960s Disney dumb. Adults will hate this portion....and who knows what kids will think of it. Overall, a very mixed bag...one that is watchable but a bit dopey.