Bret Maverick is a superb professional poker gambler, as handy with the handgun as he handles the cards, but also a master at avoiding violence by deception. Like all great poker layers, he's on his way to a winner take all championship on Commodore Duvall's riverboat, but first must complete the steep entry sum, collecting debts and gambling. He has most confusing encounters with other gamblers, mainly fake 'Southern belle' Annabelle Bransford and Marshal Zane Cooper, tricksters in his league, and various other stooges and accomplices, such as the bandit Angel and his gang, the Indian Joseph who preys on tourists and one of them, a Russian Archduke. Things are rarely what they seem, as layers of shameless deception are unfolded.

Meg Ryan was the original choice for Annabelle.

Annabelle:
There isn't a Mrs. Maverick is there?


Maverick:
Oh I'm sure I would have remembered.

Anachronisms: Tire tracks are visible on the dust trail during the runaway stagecoach scene.

Written and Performed by Randy Newman