Many people love the 1966 comedy The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, which stars the very talented and funny Don Knotts. The movie was directed by Alan Rafkin and written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum. Let’s remember this scary and funny movie from the past.
A Brief Synopsis
The movie is set in the fictional town of Rachel, Kansas and follows the story of Luther Heggs, a timid typesetter who dreams of becoming a reporter After a failed attempt at reporting on a “murder” that turned out to just be a drunk man getting hit by his angry wife, Luther is the laughing stock of the town.
In an effort to revive his journalistic prospects, Luther decides to spend the night in the haunted Simmons mansion on the 20th anniversary of the infamous murder-suicide that happened there. Luther ends up witnessing all kinds of spooky happenings during his night in the house. Eventually, he solves the decades-old mystery and becomes the hero of Rachel.
Don Knotts’ Comedic Brilliance
People loved and knew Don Knotts for his part as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. When he made The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. After leaving TAGS, this was his first big role, and it let him shine as a comedic lead.
As Luther Heggs, Knotts got to showcase his nervy, high-strung physical comedy and hilarious facial expressions that made him famous as Barney Fife. Luther is a lovable underdog that audiences root for, even as they laugh at his jittery antics and wild reactions to the spooky situations in the mansion.
Some of the funniest and most memorable parts of the movie are thanks to Knotts’ perfect comedic timing and dedication to the part. Knotts’ performance as Luther is always funny, from Luther screaming in fear and throwing his shoe at a scary sound to Luther getting his foot stuck in the mansion’s organ pipes.
Strong Supporting Cast
While Don Knotts undoubtedly steals the show, The Ghost and Mr Chicken is boosted by a strong ensemble cast of supporting actors. Many of them were familiar faces from The Andy Griffith Show, helping create a similar small-town vibe
Dick Sargent plays Luther’s boss at the newspaper, and Joan Staley plays Alma, Luther’s partner in love. The interesting people in Rachel’s town are played by George Chandler, Reta Shaw, Lurene Tuttle, and others. The cast’s strong comedic work goes well with Knotts’ jittery energy.
Universal Production Values
As a Universal Pictures production, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken was able to use the studio’s Colonial Street backlot to depict the creepy Simmons mansion. The studio was known for classic monster movies and the sets, lighting, costumes, and music all work to create an effectively spooky atmosphere.
At the same time, the movie has that bright, upbeat look typical of comedies of the era. From the poster’s groovy font to the shots of Knotts biking around town, the movie screams 1960s. The production design is a perfect blend of eerie and fun.
Timeless Comedy
More than 50 years after its release, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken remains a hugely entertaining comedy. It offers laughs for viewers of all ages. The jokes and Knotts’ wild physical comedy hold up incredibly well.
The movie offers a pleasant dose of nostalgia for fans of classic slapstick comedies. While not particularly scary, the family-friendly spooky elements create a perfect vibe for Halloween season. It continues to be a holiday favorite to this day.
Don Knotts is simply a joy to watch in this role. His performance as the lovable Luther Heggs deserves to be remembered as one of the all-time great comedy acts on film. For fans of Knotts, The Andy Griffith Show, or just plain funny movies, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken is a must-see.
Film Details Also Known As Running Scared Genre Comedy Horror Release Date Jan 1966 Premiere Information New Orleans opening: 20 Jan 1966 Production Company Universal Pictures Country United States
Brief Synopsis Read More To win a reporting job, a young man must spend the night in a haunted house.
Luther Heggs, a meek, timid typesetter for a smalltown newspaper, envisions himself in his daydreams as a reporter worthy of winning the love of Alma Parker. His chance comes when he writes an article on the local “haunted house,” where a gruesome murder and suicide took place 20 years earlier. The news story makes such a stir that Luther’s editor, George Beckett, tells him to spend the night in the old house and write a follow-up story. During the long vigil, the terrified Luther discovers a hidden staircase, a bloodstained organ that plays by itself, and a portrait dripping blood. When his story is published, Luther is given a town picnic in honor of his courage. Nick Simmons, who owns the old house and is related to the couple who were killed, sues Luther and his paper for libel. During the trial, the judge makes the jurors and everyone else involved go to the empty mansion. Although nothing is found, Luther accidentally tricks Mr. Simmons into revealing his own guilt in the 20-year-old killings, and Luther once again becomes the town hero.
The Ghost And Mr. Chicken | Don Knotts | Clip
FAQ
Is the house in Ghost and Mr. Chicken the same as the Munsters house?
The “Simmons Mansion” is not the Munster house, although they are next door to each other on the new (relocated) Colonial street, with the Munster house on the right.
Where can you watch The Ghost and Mr. Chicken?
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, a comedy movie starring Don Knotts, Joan Staley, and Liam Redmond is available to stream now. Watch it on Prime Video, Fandango at Home or Apple TV on your Roku device.
What car did Don Knotts drive in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken?
Don Knotts driving an Edsel in the movie The Ghost and Mr Chicken.