Mail Order Bride (1964)

Set against the rugged backdrop of 1890 Montana, the narrative follows the tale of Will Lane, a retired lawman bound by a pledge to his deceased friend. Inheriting the responsibility of looking after his friend's recklessly young son, Lee Carey, Will finds himself holding the keys to a half-built ranch and a herd of livestock. This inheritance is destined for the impulsive Lee, but only when he matures into a responsible individual, a condition laid down by his late father. In addition to this, Will is entrusted with the mission of finding Lee a sensible, level-headed wife, who could anchor Lee's wild spirit and prevent him from being led astray by his mischief-loving friends. Upon his arrival at the frontier town of Congress, Montana, Will is greeted by the unrestrained Lee at a challenging river crossing, marking their first tumultuous interaction. As Will unfolds his identity and purpose to Lee, the young man rebelliously resists, doing all in his power to infuriate the old ex-lawman and thwart his matchmaking plans. Lee’s unruly friends join the fray, adding fuel to the fire in their attempts to keep Lee single and carefree. Undeterred, the wily Will resorts to placing matrimonial ads in newspapers and even journeys to Kansas City to interview potential brides willing to marry a stranger. What unfolds is a humorous and heartwarming tale of Will's efforts to find a suitable match for the obstinate Lee, which proves easier than convincing Lee to remain wedded. In the end, 'Mail Order Bride' is a captivating exploration of promises kept, responsibilities assumed, and the lengths one man will go to ensure a young man's future. The journey is filled with unexpected turns, making the viewer question whether Will can indeed fulfill his promise, or if Lee's stubbornness will prove insurmountable.

Mail Order Bride is a comedy movie featuring Buddy Ebsen and directed by Burt Kennedy.

It is possible to buy Mail Order Bride on Apple TV and Microsoft Store.