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 takes place in the made-up town of Rachel, Kansas, and is about a shy typesetter named Luther Heggs who wants to be a reporter. After failing to report on a “murder” that turned out to be a drunk man getting hit by his angry wife, Luther is the talk of the town.
In order to get his job as a reporter back on track, Luther decides to spend the night in the spooky Simmons mansion on the 20th anniversary of the famous murder-suicide that happened there. While Luther is staying in the house that night, he sees a lot of scary things. He finally solves the decades-old mystery and Rachel sees him as a hero.
Don Knotts’ Comedic Brilliance
People loved and knew Don Knotts for his part as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. When he made The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. After leaving TAGS, this was his first big role, and it let him 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 Colonial Street backlot of the studio to make the creepy Simmons mansion. The studio was famous for making old monster movies, and the sets, lighting, costumes, and music all work together to make a very scary 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.
In his dreams, Luther Heggs, a shy and quiet typesetter for a small town newspaper, sees himself as a reporter who could win Alma Parker’s love. 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 news story makes such a stir that Luther’s editor, George Beckett, tells him to spend the night in the old house and write a follow-up story. During the long vigil, Luther, who is scared, finds a secret staircase, a bloody organ that plays by itself, and a painting that is dripping with blood. When his story is published, Luther is given a town picnic in honor of his courage. Nick Simmons, who owns the old house and is related to the couple who were killed, 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.