Reviewing a 1960s comedy
By Adam Fields
Are you tired of the same boring movie options on Netflix? Are you lacking the funds for a night at the movies, or maybe you have already gone through your local Redbox’s collection? Well with a little help from YouTube, it’s time to return to the classic age of American film making with “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken”.
Starring the legendary actor Don Knotts as Luther Heggs, this 1966 comedy directed by Alan Rafkin, reminds us of the importance of bravery, sticking up for what we believe in, and the power of some good old fashioned karate.
Heggs dreams of being a big shot reporter for his small town newspaper becomes a reality when his editor asks him to spend the night at the Simmons mansion, on the 20th anniversary of the famous murder-suicide that took place there. The mansion had brought recent interest in the small town of Rachel, Kansas, not just because of the anniversary, but also because the family heir, Nick Simmons, had returned with plans to demolish it.
Don Knotts, a master of awkward situational comedy, gives a stellar performance by keeping the viewer delightfully entertained with his physicality and verbal struggles as a man desperately trying to face his fears, both supernaturally and publicly, as he tries to impress the girl of his dreams. He is backed by a high quality supporting cast: Joan Staley as Alma Parker, Dick Sargent as George Beckett and Skip Homeier as Ollie Weaver.
The film’s many twists and unexpected turns are matched perfectly by the lighthearted and fun, yet eerie soundtrack, composed by Vic Mizzy, that will make you laugh while also making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
Regardless of your schedule, look up “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” on YouTube, set aside 90 minutes of your day, and enjoy some good old fashioned classic American comedy.
Click here to watch the film now: watch?v=orHQYzv4xU0
Prof. Bruce says
A CLASSIC FILM? REALLY? Adam – you’re killin’ me, man. While I will admit that “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” is a humorous 1960s film (with a funny, though typical performance from Don Knotts), I would not define it as a prime example of the “Classic Age” of American film. The most influential or innovative films over the decades are those that eventually become “classics.” The following films are good examples: “Gone With The Wind,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Citizen Kane,” “Casablanca,” “On the Waterfront,” “Vertigo,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Godfather,” “Annie Hall,” or even “Star Wars #IV.” But NOT “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” Sorry.
Adam Fields says
Well Prof. Bruce I love to agree with you, and I do. Although I may have IMPLIED that this movie is on my “classic films” list, it is not. I only used some verbal jujitsu to make it SOUND like I called it an american classic, instead I just said it is a classic example, not a classic in itself. Thank you for your input though!