It’s the best Will Rogers screen vehicle—a great pairing of his folksy comedic vaudeville talent and John Ford’s unique cinema world
2nd of 3 films they made together (sadly Rogers died at age 55 in 1935)—first was doctor bull (not great) and this is second. I haven’t seen 1935’s steamboat round the bend yet—but without his death it’s likely that this paring would’ve continued and been very fruitful. You can even see Rogers playing roles in young Mr. Lincoln, stagecoach or grapes of wrath
Populist broad humor with Ford’s sense of community and fellowship
The title is just that—similar to the Ward Bond character in the searchers– religious figure and municipal or community crime fighter
It’s a yarn or tall tale—shots of Rogers on the bench remind me of Harry Carey’s mannerisms as the judge in mr smith goes to washington
Rogers was a vaudeville performer—Kentucky here- we have “old Kentucky home”- again- heavy in folklore, front porch rocking chair rural America
His character defends a stranger, a black man and a woman from a not so great family against rich and fancy people (usually corrupt)
Court room humor — young mr. Lincoln (which came after of course)
Rogers displays great charm here and skill with is duet with Hattie McDaniel as they sing together
Americana—ritual, music and a town dance. Such folksy authenticity
Charley Grapewin from grapes of wrath
Breton Churchill as the heavy as he would play often for Ford
have you seen the Sun Shines bright. i want to watch it soon if it is available on a service i have. it is a semi remake/update of this film with stepin fethit i think but i different actor playing the judge. critic armond white called it john fords best film, and there are others that consider it a masterpiece as well. i dont believe i saw it in your archives.
have you seen the Sun Shines bright. i want to watch it soon if it is available on a service i have. it is a semi remake/update of this film with stepin fethit i think but i different actor playing the judge. critic armond white called it john fords best film, and there are others that consider it a masterpiece as well. i dont believe i saw it in your archives.