DVD Corner

Rafferty And The Gold Dust Twins Blu-ray Review

“Rafferty And The Gold Dust Twins” is a quirky road movie. 

Penned by John Kaye, “Rafferty And The Gold Dust Twins” revolves around Gunny Rafferty- an ex-marine who is lost in life. He resides in L.A., works at the DMV, drinks frequently and is flat broke. While drinking at the park, he encounters two drifters- a teen girl (Frisbee) and a young woman (Mac). The two bum a ride with Gunny on his way back to work, but Frisbee winds up holding Gunny at gunpoint to take her and Mac to New Orleans. After a series of misadventures, Gunny voluntarily embarks on a road trip with the two. Frisbee and Mac shake up Gunny’s life and make him feel alive again. Now, he finds himself getting involved with crimes, car issues, a Las Vegas trip, a fight, and so forth. Along the way, he learns more about the mysterious and feisty Frisbee and Mac (who has big dreams) and the three develop a bond with one another.

Directed by Dick Richards, 1975’s “Rafferty And The Gold Dust Twins” is an oddball comedy with an even weirder title. It’s a road movie about lost souls and dreamers, but it has heart. It’s the kind of surprising comedy that wins you over with each passing moment. ‘Rafferty’ also features a fair amount of characterization of these complex down on their luck characters who are looking for connections and a different life. It may sound slight on paper, but it’s a rewarding 70s flick.

‘Rafferty’ is aided by a trio of fine performances from the always reliable Alan Arkin, Mackenzie Phillips, and Sally Kellerman (of “M*A*S*H” fame). Viewers can expect a host of character actors popping up too such as Harry Dean Stanton and Charles Martin Smith (it’s like a mini “American Graffiti” reunion with him and Phillips). Arkin, Phillips, and Kellerman all have great chemistry together which is truly what makes the film work as well as it does. Without their believable connections, ‘Rafferty’ would not work at all. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? This is a typical top notch Warner Archive restoration through and through.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A little soft in spots, but otherwise a clean 2.0 track.

The lone extra is an original theatrical trailer. 

November 22, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 70s Movie, Alan Arkin, Comedy, Rafferty And The Gold Dust Twins Blu-ray Review, Road Movie