There are some films that truly define what was once known in film history as "Capra Corn", somewhat silly message comedy's or dramas where the leading man comes along in the life of strangers to provide some morality or change the lives of the crooked politicians, attorneys or businessmen they encounter. Here, it is Andy Griffith, a minister without a church, who ends up in a town run by two rival families who hate each other, lead by Henry Jones, the snarly long-time mayor, and Edgar Buchannan, the plain spoken every man who seems hell bent on bringing Jones down. Along with his three children, wife and mother-in-law, Griffith arrives in town right as a fight between members of the two sparring families begins and finds himself utilizing his own fists to try and make his way through the crowds. The church, he finds, is in disrepair, and the school where his children will be going has barely any heat. Money from the town seems to be tied up in red tape in one way or another, and town gossips Margaret Hamilton and Ruth McDeavitt seem intent on finding any kind of scandal on Griffith to keep him in line, especially when he is spotted going into a notorious local burlesque simply to try to barter in order to get a new church organ.
With pretty Lee Meriwether as Griffith's loyal wife and cynical Kay Medford as her wise-cracking mother, as well as their pranksterish brood of children, Griffith has his hands full. His children claim to see ghosts outside in the church's graveyard (where the founding fathers are buried) and scantily clad burlesque show girls dance seductively while Griffith checks out the organ without noticing what is going on behind him. Corruption in the city government lead by prickly Jones deals with his reluctance to use any of the city's money to make repairs, and this causes Griffith to use his influence to change city government. Griffith also plays matchmaker with members of the feuding families at a church social where a flask of booze somehow ends up in the punch. It's a combination of good hearted drama, a few silly bits and some pathos (leading to a church fire) that is sometimes eye rolling, often touching, and ultimately a feel good comedy/drama with good performances all around. This film has sadly fallen by the wayside, becoming very obscure even though Griffith was one of the most popular actors in the 1960's. Hopefully a restored print will show up on home video some day as this has a great message to share even though it isn't a perfect film.
With pretty Lee Meriwether as Griffith's loyal wife and cynical Kay Medford as her wise-cracking mother, as well as their pranksterish brood of children, Griffith has his hands full. His children claim to see ghosts outside in the church's graveyard (where the founding fathers are buried) and scantily clad burlesque show girls dance seductively while Griffith checks out the organ without noticing what is going on behind him. Corruption in the city government lead by prickly Jones deals with his reluctance to use any of the city's money to make repairs, and this causes Griffith to use his influence to change city government. Griffith also plays matchmaker with members of the feuding families at a church social where a flask of booze somehow ends up in the punch. It's a combination of good hearted drama, a few silly bits and some pathos (leading to a church fire) that is sometimes eye rolling, often touching, and ultimately a feel good comedy/drama with good performances all around. This film has sadly fallen by the wayside, becoming very obscure even though Griffith was one of the most popular actors in the 1960's. Hopefully a restored print will show up on home video some day as this has a great message to share even though it isn't a perfect film.