This witty Western follows the exploits of con man, gunfighter, lover and card sharp Brett Maverick. The film stays true to the droll spirit of the television show (1957-1962) on which it is based. Included in the cast is the original con man, gunfighter, and card sharp "Maverick," James Garner, who plays a sheriff. Mel Gibson plays the title role. The story begins as the dapper Maverick sits upon his horse. A noose is around his handsome neck and with hint of satire explains in voice over that this has been a rotten week. The story leading up to his predicament is the basis for the movie. It all began when he needed to come up with enough cash to enter a major poker tournament upon the steamboat Lauren Belle. He finds a card game in a small town. At the table are Annabelle Bransford, and Angel, one bad dude. Using his standard con of playing the chuckle-headed coward, Maverick enters the game and walks away with the pot, Annabelle's heart, and Angel's rage. Demure Annabelle immediately tries to seduce Maverick out of his gain, but he is not easily fooled. Together they take a stage to the big game, and encounter Marshal Zane Cooper. The threesome are subjected to the usual movie trials of stagecoach rides.