Although Judy Canova was very popular back in the day, today most folks have never heard of her nor know about her popularity on the radio and in films. Her old fashioned country humor and yodeling are a bit passé today. However, despite her fading popularity, I had a good time watching "Lay That Rifle Down" and, shockingly, my extremely difficult to please wife liked the movie as well.
When the story begins, Judy is working like a slave for her nasty old aunt. Despite being a nice person, her work seems unappreciated....much like a more modern Cinderella.
Among the many ways the Aunt likes to have fun is making fun of Judy. In particular, she likes to remind her that she isn't pretty and has no man in her life. In a panic, Judy blurts out that she DOES have a boyfriend and he's visiting town soon. The family decides to call Judy on this and they insist on going down to the bus station to meet him. So, in a very funny scene, Judy approaches a random man getting off the bus and begs him to pretend to be her new boyfriend. Oddly, he really seems to enjoy this...and kisses her very passionately in front of everyone! Is this an answer to her prayers? Maybe...but what she doesn't realize is that this man is a crook! How can this crook actually turn out to be a GOOD think in Judy's life?!
This film is well written and engaging. Further, Canova never (thank God) yodels. And, one of her songs is actually very sweet and she has a lovely voice. This combined with likeable characters and a very satisfying finale make this a picture worth seeing.
When the story begins, Judy is working like a slave for her nasty old aunt. Despite being a nice person, her work seems unappreciated....much like a more modern Cinderella.
Among the many ways the Aunt likes to have fun is making fun of Judy. In particular, she likes to remind her that she isn't pretty and has no man in her life. In a panic, Judy blurts out that she DOES have a boyfriend and he's visiting town soon. The family decides to call Judy on this and they insist on going down to the bus station to meet him. So, in a very funny scene, Judy approaches a random man getting off the bus and begs him to pretend to be her new boyfriend. Oddly, he really seems to enjoy this...and kisses her very passionately in front of everyone! Is this an answer to her prayers? Maybe...but what she doesn't realize is that this man is a crook! How can this crook actually turn out to be a GOOD think in Judy's life?!
This film is well written and engaging. Further, Canova never (thank God) yodels. And, one of her songs is actually very sweet and she has a lovely voice. This combined with likeable characters and a very satisfying finale make this a picture worth seeing.