The Ghost and Mr Chicken is a beloved 1966 comedy film starring the incredibly talented and hilarious Don Knotts Directed by Alan Rafkin and written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, the movie has stood the test of time as a comedy classic. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at this funny and spooky film.
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
Don Knotts was already well known and loved for his role as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show when he made The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. This was his first major role after leaving TAGS and it allowed him to 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 movie’s funniest and most memorable moments come from Knotts’ pitch-perfect comedic timing and commitment to the bit. From screaming in terror and throwing his shoe at a spooky noise to getting his foot stuck in the mansion’s organ pipes, Knotts’ portrayal of Luther is endlessly entertaining.
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
Joan Staley stars as Luther’s love interest Alma, while Dick Sargent plays his boss at the newspaper. George Chandler, Reta Shaw, Lurene Tuttle, and more play the colorful townspeople of Rachel. The cast’s strong comedic performances play well off of 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 newspaper piece creates such a stir that Luthers editor, George Beckett, orders him to spend a night in the old house and do a followup 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, a descendant of the murdered couple and the current owner of the old house, sues Luther and his paper for libel. At the trial, the judge makes the jurors and all involved parties pay a visit to the deserted 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.