Movie: The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
My Rating: 4 stars
Release date: 1966
Director: Alan Rafkin
Cast:
• Don Knotts, (The Apple Dumpling Gang, the Andy Griffith Show) as Luther
Heggs
• Joan Staley, (The New Phil Silvers Show,) as Alma Parker
• Liam Redmond as Kelsey
• Skip Homeier, (Star Trek) as Ollie Weaver

Plot:
According to legend, the old Simmons mansion was home to a murder
committed more than 20 years ago. The story goes that old man Simmons
murdered his wife and then jumped from the tower to his death. Local residents
claim that they can still hear the ghost of Mr. Simmons playing the organ at night.
Luther Heggs is a newspaper typesetter with great dreams of glory and fame in
the world of journalism. When he gets an opportunity to finally report on a story,
Luther jumps at the chance, until he finds out that he will have to spend a night at
the old Simmons house. Reluctantly, Luther spends a miserable and scary night
at the mansion. The next day, Luther sets the whole town abuzz with excitement
with his article concerning the mysterious happenings at the Simmons house.
Luther finds himself in the position of the new town hero, until he runs into trouble
with Nicholas Simmons, the nephew of the deceased couple. Nicholas charges
Luther and the newspaper with libel. In court, the judge tells Luther that they
will determine whether he is telling the truth or not, by ordering the courtroom
to the Simmons house at midnight. Luther will have one chance to prove his
truthfulness to the court, but will it be enough?

Production: There are few actors that define classic film and television such
as Don Knotts. With his bumbling, nervous style, he won his way into the
hearts of many. This movie’s plot is predictable, the production values aren’t
all that great, but Don Knotts makes this movie a classic. As one viewer
wrote, “Pretty much every scene is a classic of comedy, [and] It's also a treasure
trove of fine performances.  This picture, forms an amazing comic vision of
Americana, created by brilliant minds who knew how to capture it without
resorting to cheap shots or vulgarity. 'Chicken' is a great comedy, a classic,
and its greatness is found in its humbleness.” I couldn’t say it better than that.


Cautions: Some brief sensuality, some mild violence, some scary themes, some
brief crude language.
There is very little in here to offend. This is a very family friendly film in almost
every respect. The only difficulty is the premise which although completely
comic and unrealistic could be a little scary to younger ones (murder, blood on
the organ, ghosts, etc.) Although none of this is treated seriously, the concepts
are still present, so I would urge caution with younger children. Beyond that
there are some silly references to a “spiritualistic” cult of people who want to be
in contact with ghosts, but again, it is done in a funny manner, and is not taken
seriously. There is a brief kissing scene, but very little that would cause offense
in terms of sensuality. Finally there is some very brief crude language, (not
cursing, but just some brief rude humor.) For the most part, this is a very clean,
very family friendly movie. However I would urge parents to view it before their
children do, to make sure that they will be okay with the concepts presented in
the film.


Conclusion: Silly, slapstick, but fun, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken is one classic
you will not want to miss. From Don Knott’s brilliant performance as the
bumbling hero, to the fun and eccentric supporting characters, this makes for a
wonderful Friday movie night. While I would urge caution with younger children,
older kids and adults who will not be affected by the scarier themes will enjoy this
classic comedy.