This was written by the same team that wrote all the classic "Andy Griffith Show" episodes- Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, so you get the same simple and folksy humor you got in Mayberry and again, it works well for Andy's comic style. This time out, though, Andy plays the newly-appointed pastor of a small-town church that's got a few problems. Along the way you 'll see several familiar character actors (including Hope Summers- "Clara" from the Griffith show) and Ellen Corby ("Grandma Walton"). If you love the folks from Mayberry, you'll enjoy this movie. Unfortunately, I don't think this has been released on home video yet, but it occasionally pops up on TBS or The Family Channel.
19 Reviews
Released without a flap.
ptb-86 April 2004
How do I break this weird news to you all.........well here goes: ...this excellent family film was released in Australia for ONE WEEK in March 1970 on a double feature with the equally excellent but radically different COLOSSUS THE FORBIN PROJECT...as a double feature (!) in a crumbling 2500 seat palace called the Capitol. There was NO display advertising, just a directory listing and the whole program was whisked away never to surface again.
What a weird thing for Universal to do! I guess they were just played off and wasted.........well I was one of the few there that fateful Saturday morning and thought both films were a big surprise. ANGEL as others will tell you here is a rural charmer and belongs to the YOURS MINE AND OURS or WITH SIX YOU GET EGGROLL type of family film. COLOSSUS of course is literally a scary and fantastic political drama. See both if you can find them. I did and I was still very happy about it 34 years later.
What a weird thing for Universal to do! I guess they were just played off and wasted.........well I was one of the few there that fateful Saturday morning and thought both films were a big surprise. ANGEL as others will tell you here is a rural charmer and belongs to the YOURS MINE AND OURS or WITH SIX YOU GET EGGROLL type of family film. COLOSSUS of course is literally a scary and fantastic political drama. See both if you can find them. I did and I was still very happy about it 34 years later.
Griffith brings his Andy Taylor Personna to the Big Screen....
Isaac585518 September 2006
ANGEL IN MY POCKET was a charming and folksy 1969 comedy that took Griffith's Sheriff Andy Taylor persona and brought to the big screen in the form of a devoted minister named Reverend Samuel Whitehead, who has just been assigned a new church in a rural area and all the various problems and troublesome townsfolk he has to deal with. This role is not much of a stretch for Griffith and fits him like a glove. Jerry Van Dyke is very funny as his useless brother-in-law as is Kay Medford as his meddlesome mother-in-law. Lee Meriwether makes a lovely Mrs. Whitehead. A few years later she would play Andy's wife in a CBS TV series called HEADMASTER. This old fashion comedy is predictable as they come with several film and TV veterans in supporting roles (including Andy's TV co-star Jack Dodson). Take special notice of the wonderful scene where the Reverend goes to a burlesque house to purchase an organ for the church. A light and amusing family comedy that goes a long way on Andy Griffith's considerable screen charisma.
One of my favorites of all time.
rockdog520-120 June 2002
This film is most certainly a rare gem. Not only does it have all the elements of a fun family film. But it has lots of great actors & a great director. I remember this film when it came out in 1969. Andy Griffith as a minister in a town of fighting families. Jerry Van Dyke as the lovable lush brother in law. Lee Meriweather looks good as a pregnant wife.I remember watching this on KTLA's Family film festival years ago. If you can find this film, it's worth a relaxing couple of hours. I hope it will be released soon on DVD. It will be well worth the money. My Ijust watched it again on AMC with my kids and they loved it also.
Entertaining
Ajtlawyer18 April 2001
This is an overlooked, but endearing, Andy Griffith movie. After he and Don Knotts achieved fame on TV both made movies that drew on their Mayberry personas. Knotts's movies became tiresome but Griffith's turn here is terrific. Griffith is Rev. Samuel Whitehead, fresh out of seminary and sent to a small Kansas town where two warring families dominate the church and the town. Every other minister at the church has been driven out or has fled (of course Whitehead isn't told any of this). Very quickly Whitehead finds himself in the middle of the feud which leads to hilarious confrontations. The movie plays very well and has a very dramatic scene late in the movie when Whitehead's patience is finally at an end and the church has been literally destroyed. The movie suddenly shifts from a comedy to a drama and is very poignant. It makes me wonder if the story would've been as good if it had been a drama from the start. The supporting cast is excellent with Miss America Lee Merriweather as Sam's wife and Jerry Van Dyke as his useless brother-in-law. Of course Jack Dodson (Howard Sprague, the Mayberry town clerk)is instantly recognizable and he actually does a very good job. Another thing that makes this movie stand out is that it is such a positive portrayal of someone trying to follow a Christian walk. How many movies have been made in the last couple of decades where ministers or priests are portrayed so realistically and so positively? Rev. Sam Whitehead is such a great character that his story could've easily have carried a TV series.
A reasonably entertaining domestic comedy.
JohnHowardReid15 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Copyright 29 March 1969 by Universal Pictures, Inc. U.S. release: 7 February 1969. No U.K. release. 105 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: A Methodist minister unites opposing mayoral factions in the small town of Wood Falls, Kansas.
PRINCIPAL MIRACLE: Andy Griffith almost succeeds in a big-screen comeback.
COMMENT: Andy Griffith is here making his first film in eight years, after a considerable success on television. Those two facts alone would stamp Angel in My Pocket firmly as a non-headline flick. But a "religious" picture to boot? Angel would be lucky to make the support slot at a midweek matinee.
Actually, despite its "G" rating, the movie actually falls between two stools. Whilst the theme itself would discourage the average picturegoer, its treatment would outrage all church people - particularly the reverend's visit to a burlesque rehearsal with its scantily clad "Girls of All Nations."
In point of fact Angel is a reasonably entertaining domestic comedy. Doesn't tell you anything about Christianity of course, but it does take in some nice hymns, a short sermon or two, a lot of slapstick fighting, a bit of romance, a shot of spookiness, and a great deal of farcical shouting and screaming. Mr Griffith holds it all together amiably enough, occasionally drawing on the help of seasoned comedians like Kay Medford and Margaret Hamilton or less experienced but equally personable players like Gary Collins and Joy Harmon.
A tendency by just about everybody to over-act, however, is prevalent throughout, a problem compounded by the director's emphasis on close-ups. (But this said, it must be added that Rafkin often fills his wide screen with pleasing images).
Pleasantly superficial, reasonably well-produced, Angel will entertain most patrons. The only problem is how to sell them tickets.
Angel comes to a cosily predictable, highly superficial conclusion, but one that will leave audiences happy.
OTHER VIEWS: Rank Film Distributors (who handled Universal product in the United Kingdom) rejected the movie and as a consequence it was never shown in Great Britain. Rank's refusal was based on Griffith's total lack of appeal to British cinemagoers and the proven fact that religious pictures - unless they happened to be based on best-sellers like A Man Called Peter and The Song of Bernadette - were box-office poison. However, despite Rank and the impediment of TV-style direction with its emphasis on unattractive and distractingly too-revealing close-ups, this is an enjoyable little comedy that not only moves at a reasonable pace but has a refreshing air of verisimilitude.
Though some of the players seem determined to exaggerate their portraits way past the point of caricature, for the most part the movie is appealingly acted. Production values, including a bright music score, are otherwise fair. - John Howard Reid writing as Charles Freeman.
SYNOPSIS: A Methodist minister unites opposing mayoral factions in the small town of Wood Falls, Kansas.
PRINCIPAL MIRACLE: Andy Griffith almost succeeds in a big-screen comeback.
COMMENT: Andy Griffith is here making his first film in eight years, after a considerable success on television. Those two facts alone would stamp Angel in My Pocket firmly as a non-headline flick. But a "religious" picture to boot? Angel would be lucky to make the support slot at a midweek matinee.
Actually, despite its "G" rating, the movie actually falls between two stools. Whilst the theme itself would discourage the average picturegoer, its treatment would outrage all church people - particularly the reverend's visit to a burlesque rehearsal with its scantily clad "Girls of All Nations."
In point of fact Angel is a reasonably entertaining domestic comedy. Doesn't tell you anything about Christianity of course, but it does take in some nice hymns, a short sermon or two, a lot of slapstick fighting, a bit of romance, a shot of spookiness, and a great deal of farcical shouting and screaming. Mr Griffith holds it all together amiably enough, occasionally drawing on the help of seasoned comedians like Kay Medford and Margaret Hamilton or less experienced but equally personable players like Gary Collins and Joy Harmon.
A tendency by just about everybody to over-act, however, is prevalent throughout, a problem compounded by the director's emphasis on close-ups. (But this said, it must be added that Rafkin often fills his wide screen with pleasing images).
Pleasantly superficial, reasonably well-produced, Angel will entertain most patrons. The only problem is how to sell them tickets.
Angel comes to a cosily predictable, highly superficial conclusion, but one that will leave audiences happy.
OTHER VIEWS: Rank Film Distributors (who handled Universal product in the United Kingdom) rejected the movie and as a consequence it was never shown in Great Britain. Rank's refusal was based on Griffith's total lack of appeal to British cinemagoers and the proven fact that religious pictures - unless they happened to be based on best-sellers like A Man Called Peter and The Song of Bernadette - were box-office poison. However, despite Rank and the impediment of TV-style direction with its emphasis on unattractive and distractingly too-revealing close-ups, this is an enjoyable little comedy that not only moves at a reasonable pace but has a refreshing air of verisimilitude.
Though some of the players seem determined to exaggerate their portraits way past the point of caricature, for the most part the movie is appealingly acted. Production values, including a bright music score, are otherwise fair. - John Howard Reid writing as Charles Freeman.
One of My Favorite Movies
gohlson6 September 2007
Angel in My Pocket is a delightful family friendly comedy about a newly ordained minister who is sent to a small-town Kansas church dominated by two feuding families. Most of the comedy results from Andy Griffith's interactions as the minister with these two groups. Griffith is ably backed up by a cast that includes Lee Merriweather, Jerry Van Dyke, and a cast of character actors very familiar to anyone who watched TV in the 1960;s. Lee Merriweather is excellent as Griffith's very pregnant wife. Jerry Van Dyke and Kay Medford are very good as Griffith's neer do well brother in law and meddlesome mother in law, both of whom are supported by Griffith.
All in all, its a very uplifting comedy that can be enjoyed over and over by young and old.
All in all, its a very uplifting comedy that can be enjoyed over and over by young and old.
Reminds me of my high school years.
jmworacle-9902530 July 2021
This is a nostalgic film for me. I spent my high school years living with my father who was a United Methodist minister. Minister were located within a conference and every year in June they would meet to discuss business and assign new charges to member in the congregation. Back then in most cases a minster could expect to be moved every two years (although there were some exceptions) whether it was needed or not. Andy Griffith and family are arriving to his new job. Upon arrival he learns his congregation has been under going a feud between two families for several generations.
Tasked with the assignment of running a congregation and holding down hostilities is challenging.
Tasked with the assignment of running a congregation and holding down hostilities is challenging.
One of the best family movies ever, we would like so much to see it back on TV or find it available in a DVD or VHS copy.
mhess23724 September 2006
We just loved this movie and have been searching for a very long time for the DVD or VHS copy of this. Can you, please help us find it, or transfer our deep wish to get this? We viewed this with our children way back when and they also would like to get it.
We loved the story and the actors were so perfect for the characters. It is so wholesome and family appealing. It moved along and kept our interest and our children also.
Is Andy Griffith hindered legally in making this movie available in DVD or VHS? Can we help in any way to request this to the original source? We would at least like to see it on our television channels and maybe that is the route we should take.
We will so very much appreciate your help in any way. This is a great movie !!
Thank you, Marian Hess
We loved the story and the actors were so perfect for the characters. It is so wholesome and family appealing. It moved along and kept our interest and our children also.
Is Andy Griffith hindered legally in making this movie available in DVD or VHS? Can we help in any way to request this to the original source? We would at least like to see it on our television channels and maybe that is the route we should take.
We will so very much appreciate your help in any way. This is a great movie !!
Thank you, Marian Hess
Not Family Friendly
lyddie7716 October 2023
I choose mainly old movies and TV shows for my family to watch. I am very picky about watching things that are clean and family friendly. I discovered this movie that I hadn't heard of, and we love Andy Griffith. After seeing the reviews about how family friendly it is, I was excited. After watching about half the movie (we turned it off halfway), I do not agree that this is family friendly. The scene with the burlesque dancers shows women very scantily clad and eyeing Sam (Andy) provocatively. One woman has no pants on. Another has an extremely low cut dress on. She gets up against Sam with her chest in his face, and she asks him to help with her battery. He has his hands on her as he fixes a cord hanging on her body. It's an uncomfortable and sexually tense scene as he's a married pastor touching on a provocatively dressed woman. Once he fixes her battery, propellers on her boobs start spinning, and she gets close to show Sam. He giggles and says, "Twin engines!" I was so upset to expose my children to all of this! Then the movie continues with a burlesque show. I can't say what else is shown in this scene as I fast forwarded past it. I already decided that we wouldn't be watching this again, but I hoped the remainder of the movie would be ok. Shortly after the burlesque scene, Sam angrily yells, "Damnation!" It's meant as an expletive. Around this part of the movie he also yells something about a stripper. Soon after that someone starts talking about a townsman who is having affairs with 3 different widows. It was one thing after another. At this point we turned the movie off. Much of what people consider family friendly is filled with filth. I wanted to leave this review in case another family who shares our values is reading reviews to determine if this movie is appropriate.
Andy Griffith Does it Again
temlakos25 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This film makes great fun of small-town secrets, family feuds, politics, and gossip. The warfare (often physical) between the Sinclairs and the Greshams, and the sign at the town hall showing that the two families have bounced the mayor's office between them like a volleyball for the last sixty years, suggest a deliberate satire on the Democrats and Republicans. Say--one year after an election in which George Wallace said that there wasn't a dime's worth of difference between the two parties--sure, why not? And yes, it does give an excellent portrait of a minister trying to *be* a good minister. His retort to those two old biddy gossips was dead-on. It also shows why a church ought to get along fine without bishops. Baptist life, anyone?
Wasted Talent of Andy Griffith
magellan3339 December 2009
I finally got to see this film thanks to a bootleg DVD from ioffer.com. I had wanted to see it for many years as I am huge fan of Andy Griffith. Boy was Angel In My Pocket a disappointment. It is surprising to see all the praise in other reviewers comments. It starts off trying to be a comedy but never really delivers. Is Samuel wrestling his hungover brother-in-law around the living room and tearing pajama's owned by his father supposed to be funny. The town is seemingly full of angry and bitter people who lack any charm whatsoever. Think of Emma Brandt on the Andy Griffith Show and her comical uppity ways and drama over her "pills" or the curmudgeon Ben Weaver. The feuding characters in this movie lack any of that. The potential for a subplot involving the star-crossed lovers has potential but is brought into the film too late and wrapped up too quickly. Suddenly a mayor's race is tossed in at the film's conclusion. This film is a shaky mess of drama, attempted comedy and characters that are wooden as two by fours. There is also a burlesque show that that viewers get to view in its entirety for no good reason.
All the audience knows about Samuel Whitehead is that he was a marine who paid his way through seminary while working at a brickyard. Why not a scene telling us what gave the good minister his calling? Somehow Whitehead's enabling mother-in-law and completely worthless brother-in-law have mooched their way into his home. These characters were not comical and added little to the story. The kids seem mere ornamentation and serve only as part of the dilapidated school subplot which again wraps up too quickly and arrives too late.
With the great cast, great setting and a plot full of potential, this could have been a great family classic that launched Andy Griffith into a new level of stardom. Unfortunately, all these elements never gel as they should and what results is a lackluster film with only a few chuckles here and there and little else.
All the audience knows about Samuel Whitehead is that he was a marine who paid his way through seminary while working at a brickyard. Why not a scene telling us what gave the good minister his calling? Somehow Whitehead's enabling mother-in-law and completely worthless brother-in-law have mooched their way into his home. These characters were not comical and added little to the story. The kids seem mere ornamentation and serve only as part of the dilapidated school subplot which again wraps up too quickly and arrives too late.
With the great cast, great setting and a plot full of potential, this could have been a great family classic that launched Andy Griffith into a new level of stardom. Unfortunately, all these elements never gel as they should and what results is a lackluster film with only a few chuckles here and there and little else.
Great funny feel-good movie. Andy Griffith's best work ever!
Hermit23 October 1999
I can't honestly say I remember all the details of this movie. It's been a very long time since I've seen it, and I've been keeping my eye out for a copy for a while. I do remember that I was completely taken back by Andy's performance, and the story was very sensitive, funny, and believable. It's sort of like "It's a Wonderful Life" in some ways, but funnier. Andy plays a do-gooder that has a special flair for handling other people's problems. I don't want to give it all away, so that's all I'll say about it. Definitely see this movie if you get a chance to. It won't let you down one bit. A five-star pic all the way.
Refreshing Family Movie
CarolynJ17 September 2006
I saw this on Turner Classic Movies. Andy Griffith is a wanna-be pastor. He's got the education, the maturity, a family, and is even an ex-marine, but no church. Well, this particular church has an ornery congregation (a Hatfield/McCoy situation), and they keep chasing away the pastors. So finally, the Bishop digs through his old file and tries Andy Griffith.
Andy and his family are totally idealistic and naïve, expecting to help people and spread the love of the Lord. This congregation does not want to be helped, nor do they want the love of the Lord. They want to control the town, the finances, and have the pastor be their yes-man.
There are a lot of interesting characters, played by many familiar faces from 1960's sit coms. "Uncle Joe" from Petticoat Junction plays the mean mayor. "Howard Spragug" from Andy Griffith show plays a star-crossed lover. The band "Wildcats" which appears in many sitcoms plays at this church's social. Margaret Hamilton plays a vindictive gossip. There were many faces that I recognized, but I could not place them.
Andy tries to stand up to the feuding congregants, but they just call the Bishop and get him into trouble. Andy does not give up, and he keeps doing what is knows is the right thing, and they keep turning up the heat to cause more conflict. Being a family film, it does have a happy ending where everything works itself out anyway, which is nice.
One thing I really liked about this movie was that it involved a church, but was never preachy. Most of TV and movies pretend that no one has any faith at all, but most people believe in something. This accepted that church is a normal part of many American's lives.
The story supposedly took place in Kansas, but it had rolling hills and eucalyptus trees. I suspect they filmed it in California's Central Valley, or maybe in Fillmore.
I recommend it for any family that wants some good, old-fashioned fun, without worrying about something popping up that might be offensive for the kids.
(For the super-sensitive: there is one scene where Andy goes to a burlesque place to talk to the owner, and they do have spicy but corny showgirls doing a routine, but that is it. They are more covered up than women you see on the beach today. The movie still has a "G" rating.)
Andy and his family are totally idealistic and naïve, expecting to help people and spread the love of the Lord. This congregation does not want to be helped, nor do they want the love of the Lord. They want to control the town, the finances, and have the pastor be their yes-man.
There are a lot of interesting characters, played by many familiar faces from 1960's sit coms. "Uncle Joe" from Petticoat Junction plays the mean mayor. "Howard Spragug" from Andy Griffith show plays a star-crossed lover. The band "Wildcats" which appears in many sitcoms plays at this church's social. Margaret Hamilton plays a vindictive gossip. There were many faces that I recognized, but I could not place them.
Andy tries to stand up to the feuding congregants, but they just call the Bishop and get him into trouble. Andy does not give up, and he keeps doing what is knows is the right thing, and they keep turning up the heat to cause more conflict. Being a family film, it does have a happy ending where everything works itself out anyway, which is nice.
One thing I really liked about this movie was that it involved a church, but was never preachy. Most of TV and movies pretend that no one has any faith at all, but most people believe in something. This accepted that church is a normal part of many American's lives.
The story supposedly took place in Kansas, but it had rolling hills and eucalyptus trees. I suspect they filmed it in California's Central Valley, or maybe in Fillmore.
I recommend it for any family that wants some good, old-fashioned fun, without worrying about something popping up that might be offensive for the kids.
(For the super-sensitive: there is one scene where Andy goes to a burlesque place to talk to the owner, and they do have spicy but corny showgirls doing a routine, but that is it. They are more covered up than women you see on the beach today. The movie still has a "G" rating.)
Good Family Movie
jamesawilliamson-7673015 January 2019
Good luck finding this little gem
BigGiantEyeball23 April 2013
I saw this as a child in the theater. Turns out I'm lucky I did. I was never a sucker for 'Family films', and as a kid my radar for idiot sentimentality was very twitchy. So when I say that I was completely satisfied with this it's high praise indeed.
Andy Griffith has been painted as some kind of icon for all that's good about the American character, but thinking of his work as wholesomeness served up like apple pie ala mode, completely misses what he has accomplished here, and in most of his work.
From 'Andy' to 'Matlock', he portrays a humble, good, man placed in a position to referee self absorbed, vain, power hungry, evil, and weak people as they spread chaos through their universe. And he always portrays honestly, and holds an honest respect for, the loser among us.
Thus, far from being a Norman Rockwell postcard of human endeavor, his body of work reflects society, warts and all, while offering solutions based on tolerance, humor, and dignity.
So it goes here. I remember being extremely happy to see Jerry Van Dyke, one of my favorite underdogs of the entertainment world as a kid, as the useless lush in this. I wish that I could go into more detail about what grabbed and held my hyperactive self glued to the screen, but as I haven't seen it since then, I can't trust my memory.
So...count me in on pleading for this to be released on DVD.
My God, the industry acts like they just laid a diamond every time they finally put out a "DIGITALLY ENHANCED" product.
Get a grip. put out the back catalog for a low price and rake in the bucks. You can keep the 'EXTRAS'.
Andy Griffith has been painted as some kind of icon for all that's good about the American character, but thinking of his work as wholesomeness served up like apple pie ala mode, completely misses what he has accomplished here, and in most of his work.
From 'Andy' to 'Matlock', he portrays a humble, good, man placed in a position to referee self absorbed, vain, power hungry, evil, and weak people as they spread chaos through their universe. And he always portrays honestly, and holds an honest respect for, the loser among us.
Thus, far from being a Norman Rockwell postcard of human endeavor, his body of work reflects society, warts and all, while offering solutions based on tolerance, humor, and dignity.
So it goes here. I remember being extremely happy to see Jerry Van Dyke, one of my favorite underdogs of the entertainment world as a kid, as the useless lush in this. I wish that I could go into more detail about what grabbed and held my hyperactive self glued to the screen, but as I haven't seen it since then, I can't trust my memory.
So...count me in on pleading for this to be released on DVD.
My God, the industry acts like they just laid a diamond every time they finally put out a "DIGITALLY ENHANCED" product.
Get a grip. put out the back catalog for a low price and rake in the bucks. You can keep the 'EXTRAS'.
In God he trusts; All others must pay.
mark.waltz24 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
There are some films that truly define what was once known in film history as "Capra Corn", somewhat silly message comedy's or dramas where the leading man comes along in the life of strangers to provide some morality or change the lives of the crooked politicians, attorneys or businessmen they encounter. Here, it is Andy Griffith, a minister without a church, who ends up in a town run by two rival families who hate each other, lead by Henry Jones, the snarly long-time mayor, and Edgar Buchannan, the plain spoken every man who seems hell bent on bringing Jones down. Along with his three children, wife and mother-in-law, Griffith arrives in town right as a fight between members of the two sparring families begins and finds himself utilizing his own fists to try and make his way through the crowds. The church, he finds, is in disrepair, and the school where his children will be going has barely any heat. Money from the town seems to be tied up in red tape in one way or another, and town gossips Margaret Hamilton and Ruth McDeavitt seem intent on finding any kind of scandal on Griffith to keep him in line, especially when he is spotted going into a notorious local burlesque simply to try to barter in order to get a new church organ.
With pretty Lee Meriwether as Griffith's loyal wife and cynical Kay Medford as her wise-cracking mother, as well as their pranksterish brood of children, Griffith has his hands full. His children claim to see ghosts outside in the church's graveyard (where the founding fathers are buried) and scantily clad burlesque show girls dance seductively while Griffith checks out the organ without noticing what is going on behind him. Corruption in the city government lead by prickly Jones deals with his reluctance to use any of the city's money to make repairs, and this causes Griffith to use his influence to change city government. Griffith also plays matchmaker with members of the feuding families at a church social where a flask of booze somehow ends up in the punch. It's a combination of good hearted drama, a few silly bits and some pathos (leading to a church fire) that is sometimes eye rolling, often touching, and ultimately a feel good comedy/drama with good performances all around. This film has sadly fallen by the wayside, becoming very obscure even though Griffith was one of the most popular actors in the 1960's. Hopefully a restored print will show up on home video some day as this has a great message to share even though it isn't a perfect film.
With pretty Lee Meriwether as Griffith's loyal wife and cynical Kay Medford as her wise-cracking mother, as well as their pranksterish brood of children, Griffith has his hands full. His children claim to see ghosts outside in the church's graveyard (where the founding fathers are buried) and scantily clad burlesque show girls dance seductively while Griffith checks out the organ without noticing what is going on behind him. Corruption in the city government lead by prickly Jones deals with his reluctance to use any of the city's money to make repairs, and this causes Griffith to use his influence to change city government. Griffith also plays matchmaker with members of the feuding families at a church social where a flask of booze somehow ends up in the punch. It's a combination of good hearted drama, a few silly bits and some pathos (leading to a church fire) that is sometimes eye rolling, often touching, and ultimately a feel good comedy/drama with good performances all around. This film has sadly fallen by the wayside, becoming very obscure even though Griffith was one of the most popular actors in the 1960's. Hopefully a restored print will show up on home video some day as this has a great message to share even though it isn't a perfect film.
Witty comedy for everyone.
rsmithclan-0639725 July 2020
One of my favorites of all time
jbranham-516-44131127 December 2021
This story of a preacher who is handed a dysfunctional church in a town that is controlled by warring factions and still makes a difference is about as good as it gets. Dealing with a drunk brother-in-law, a trial of a mother-in-law, 3 kids and another on the way, this preacher is still the kind I would love to have! Truly a man of God, but no plaster saint! One of the most feel-good movies I've ever seen.
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