This was Don Knotts first film after leaving the Andy Griffith show. Here he is Luther Heggs, mild mannered typesetter for a small town newspaper. 20 years before, an unsolved murder occurred, and the editor of the newspaper decides to do a follow-up article on it. Guess who they get to do it. He spends the night in the house where the murder took place. After a wild night in the house, he is a hero. Then he gets sued by the owner of the house. I'll tell no more, except that if you have not seen this film, you should. It is a good example of 1960's comedy that stars many TV stars of the period. It's a real winner!
Add a Review
-
fiascofilmsco21 May 2000
-
Steve_Smith5419 February 2005The movie trailers refer to Don Knotts' character, Luther Heggs, as the bravest coward and I think that is an accurate description. Although scared to death, Luther agrees to spend the night in the old Simmons house and stands up to the surly nephew Nicholas Simmons. As usual Don Knotts is hilarious. Several times it looks as if his eyes are going to pop out of their sockets. There is an excellent supporting cast with many very recognizable character actors, among them Dick Sargent (Miles Beckett, Luther's Editor), Reta Shaw (Mrs. Maxwell), Lurene Tuttle (Mrs. Miller), Charles Lane (Mr. Witlow, Nick Simmons' attorney), and of course Ellen Corby (Miss Tremaine). Although they were not credited for their roles there were Hope Summer and Hal Smith, two of Don Knotts' "Andy Griffith Show" co-stars made guest appearances. I saw this film in the when it came out in 1966. I suppose, like me, it's a little dated, but still worth watching. I have it on VHS and watch it when I need a good chuckle. More video rental places should keep classics like this on their shelves.
-
I'm not really a scary movie guy, but hey, Halloween is coming up. My choice to celebrate: The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. Nobody does timid with a thin veneer of bravado better than Don Knotts. Watching his struggles to fit in is painful sometimes, but always hilarious.
Saw this 1965 film when I was a kid and still remembered some of the key lines. The Ladies Occult Psychic Society reacting to Knotts' "vibrations" with "Taro, Caro, Solomon!" A neighbor lady exclaiming that there were still bloodstains on the pipe organ's keyboard "and they used Bon Ami!" Don Knotts showing off his mailorder karate moves to a love interest and asserting that "my whole body is a weapon." What a hoot!
I'm biased of course, but still think youngsters might enjoy this one. Just the right mix of semi-scary and funny. For us Boomers, it's chock full of actors you'll remember from 60's TV and memories of simpler times. Recommended. -
When full time typesetter and wannabe reporter, Luther Heggs (Don Knotts) spends the night in the town "haunted" house, he finds far more than a ghost story to write about.
THE GHOST AND MR. CHICKEN is arguably the best movie Knotts ever appeared in. Featuring a supporting cast of characters that seem as though they actually hail from Mayberry, and blessed with incredible music by Vic "THE ADDAMS FAMILY" Mizzy, this is a comedic gem! A perfect Halloween film for the whole family!
Be sure to watch for Luther's "magic" flashlight that throws a 1000 watt spot on the walls! It also shines on his back at one point!
Also, do not miss the wedding scene!
P.S.- Check out Mizzy's brilliant, spooky organ music on YT!... -
babeth_jr21 January 2006I remember watching this movie back in the 1960's with my twin sister Tammy and being frightened when Don Knott's character Luther was alone in the haunted Simmon's Mansion. Now that I am grown I realize the movie was not scary at all, but instead is just a lot of fun. This movie is very funny and by far the best film Don Knotts ever made. Whenever I watch this movie (I own the VHS tape) it takes me back to a more innocent time. I also own The Love God, The Relunctant Astronaut, The Shakiest Gun in the West, and How to Frame a Fig, all starring Don Knotts, but this is my favorite movie of his. This is a great family film, and brings back wonderful childhood memories.
-
bwaynef5 December 2003The first film Don Knotts made after leaving Mayberry to sign a multi-film contract with Universal, I first saw "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" as a tiny tot when it played in support of "Munsters, Go Home" at the drive-in, and it was so funny I forgot all about the severe sunburn I had acquired at the beach earlier in the day. And now, 37 years later, it's still hilarious. An adult, especially a college graduate who majored in English, isn't supposed to admit that "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" is one of his favorite films, at least not without embarrassment at his lack of "sophistication," but I admit it with pride. Knotts may not have had a film career on a par with Laurel and Hardy, but he's their equal in my book and this is his best film. It even manages to be genuinely spooky at times (that organ music-yikes!). This is a comedy classic, and a family film in the best sense of the word.
-
Hey_Sweden11 January 2015After attaining stardom playing Barney Fife on TV, comedy actor Don Knotts made the jump to feature film vehicles with movies such as this one. He plays Luther Heggs, a typesetter for his small town newspaper. What he really wants to be, naturally, is a reporter, and gets his big chance for a scoop when his bosses suggest that he spend the night in a supposedly haunted house.
However, the unaware should know that he actually doesn't spend much of the movie in the house. The balance of the story has him trying to defend himself when the owner of the place, Nicholas Simmons (Philip Ober), sues him for libel. So he is obliged to prove that the supernatural phenomena that he saw in the house were not merely the product of his overworked imagination.
Knotts is priceless in this harmless bit of goofy entertainment. It has a pleasant feel of small town Americana as well as an amusingly decorated Old Dark House. (Whoever was in charge of the cobweb machine clearly went nuts.) The material runs a little hot and cold, though. Whenever Knotts is called upon to do his thing, things get very funny. Whether he's over reacting to the slightest thing, or performing his version of "karate", or awkwardly wooing the lovely young Alma (appealing Joan Staley), he's a riot. All of that jittery energy that was his trademark is in full force. The action is further enhanced by an entertainingly silly music score by Vic Mizzy.
Knotts is supported by an incredible array of top notch character players, most of whom play the straight man - or straight woman - to his antics. It's particularly delightful to see Charles Lane and Robert Cornthwaite as opposing attorneys. The only elements that got annoying quickly to this viewer were the kooky Psychic Occult Society ladies and that "attaboy" heckler (voiced by co-writer Everett Greenbaum).
"The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" is not always terribly funny, but it's certainly got a great charm about it.
Seven out of 10. -
Gooper3 June 2005This picture is easy to rave about. I don't know how many times I've seen it, but 'Chicken' never fails to work its magic. A thesis could be written on its gentle lampooning of small town America, the travails of the 'little guy', and the character studies which show the human comedy which surrounds us every day of our lives. Pretty much every scene is a classic of comedy, from the malfunctioning elevator operator to the repeated motifs of 'Atta boy, Luther/Carlyle/Judge' and 'And they used Bon Ami!' It's also a treasure trove of fine performances, from Burt Mustin to Jesslyn Fax, not to mention Don K., of course. Reta Shaw, James Millhollin, Harry Hickox, Hope Summers, Philip "Phil" Ober, Harry Hines, Eddie Quillan, Herbie "I'm almost up to my Jell-o" Faye, Charles Lane, and the great Al Checco, what could be better? Everything is genuine, from wise-apple Skip Homier's matching with (former Playboy model) Joan "Above Average" Staley to Luther's accurate but frenzied punching of the transmission buttons in the center of the steering wheel of his 1958 Edsel. Vic Mizzy's score is incredible, and his crazed organ toccata will burn itself into your memory even more than his trademark electric guitar accents. Everything is well-composed in Techniscope. This picture, along with the rest of the Knotts Universal contract (climaxing in the very odd but hilarious 'The Love God?'), plus 'Angel in My Pocket', and even 'Cold Turkey' form an amazing comic vision of Americana, created by brilliant minds who knew how to capture it without resorting to cheap shots or vulgarity. 'Chicken' is a great comedy, a classic, and its greatness is found in its humbleness.
-
bkoganbing22 November 2014Don Knotts must have carefully chosen the script and story that would be his first starring film role. He certainly was taking a chance after leaving the Andy Griffith Show. Fortunately he chose well and in addition to a character that suited him perfectly he was surrounded by a cast of familiar and tried and true character players, including a few familiar faces from the Andy Griffith Show.
The Ghost And Mr. Chicken finds Knotts as a typesetter on his local small town paper with aspirations to be a reporter. But his first attempt at a big scoop which I won't go into make him a laughingstock not unlike Barney Fife at times. The girl he desires Joan Staley is disappointed and his rival Skip Homeier is having a great old time at Don's expense.
Another opportunity presents itself however. The owner of an old abandoned mansion Philip Ober returns to town wanting to demolish said mansion just take the wrecking ball and bulldozer to it. There's a lot of opposition because it is reputed to be haunted primarily by the ghost of Ober's wife who was murdered there 20 years earlier.
But it's a town landmark of sorts and Knotts goes to investigate and comes up short the first time, but eventually solves a 20 year old murder.
Which is more than Barney Fife ever did. The part that Don plays here set a pattern for his film career playing the lovable, bumbling schlep who gets it right in the end and gets the girl besides. Of course that was while he was a lead. Later on played various character roles, partnered with Tim Conway and those two were hilarious and is best known to today's audience as the mysterious TV repairman in Pleasantville.
The Ghost And Mr. Chicken was a fine beginning for Don Knotts as a big screen leading movie comedian. -
Bladerunner•14 December 2003This is a fun family comedy, that doesn't have the syrupy "message" nonsense you find in such movies today. This film hinges on Don Knotts and his trademark physical comedy, which he delivers with ease. I loved his movies as a kid, and my kids love them too.
It is amazing how much Knotts is willing to make himself look completely ridiculous to make you laugh. One such scene happens when he is courting his girlfriend on the porch of his boarding house. He starts to chop his hands in the air, she asks what he is doing, he replies "Oh that's karate, I've been studying it through the mail for years". Then he puffs up his chest and boasts, "My whole body's a weapon". You almost can't watch it, but my seven and nine-year-old sons make me rewind it over and over, laughing their heads off each time.
Introduce your kids to this, and other silly movies starring Don Knotts. They'll enjoy them, and it will give them a little insight into your world as a child. -
ComedyFan201015 December 2017I haven't ever heard anything about this movie. But once in a while taking a chance with one of the older movies gives one a fun experience like with this amusing comedy.
The movie isn't scary. It is just a comedy. But I am sure watching it for a child can be both funny and scary, and it is family friendly to watch with a kid as well. If kids are willing to watch old movies these days of course.
I am pretty sure this is the first movie with Don Knotts that I watched. And I was impressed by his comedic skills. He is great in physical comedy where he can make his faces and movements alone be pretty funny.
The haunted house as well as comedy scenes seem to be typical of that time. This also includes the court scene that brought a lot of laughter, the elevator scene which also showed Don Knott's great performance as well as the communism joke that made me laugh and pretty excited when I thought about the times when it was made. -
FiendishDramaturgy26 November 2003As the spunky, witty typesetter of the local newspaper who is sometimes afraid of his own shadow, Don Knotts goes up against the local legendary haunted house, a garden-shears-carrying nemesis, and a real true to life bad guy in this funny, quirky, endearing mystery from Universal's 1966 archives.
"Everything I ever needed to know about life, I learned from the Ghost and Mr. Chicken." the Fiend :.
This is an excellent, wholesome horror/comedy featuring many of your favorite members of the "Mayberry" bunch. It's delightful entertainment for the whole family, and one of Knotts's best performances as the underdog with the stout heart and quaky knees.
And best of all, the ending is a bit of a surprise.
This was my favorite movie as a child, and it rates a 9/10 from...
the Fiend :. -
mrlanceb14 February 2009There's no doubt that The Andy Griffith Show was never what it was after Don Knotts left the series. In The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, Knotts once again takes the character of a bumbling nerd with a good heart - trying to make a name for himself in Small Town America while not always noticing how much he is dismissed by his fellow citizens. Knotts pulls it off expertly, and his performance does not suffer from over-exposure in a full-length movie.
It's not an epic - the story is simple and innocent. The gags are not perfectly timed, but funny nonetheless. When Luther asks the town drunk what he is doing when he is supposed to be dead, it's the first of several memorable quotes the kids loved repeating.
The movie looks clean; the classic Technicolor filming gives the movie the feeling that it was put together by people who knew what they were doing. The sets are perfectly lit, and nothing looks phony. The cameras are all locked down or on cranes. Thankfully, freehand (shaky) camera work was not all the rage back then like it is now.
Overall, this is a fun film to watch in the afternoon when you are in the mood for AMC. Bring the kids in also; they will get a kick out of it if they are not already jaded by the sewage available on screen today. -
wes-connors25 July 2008Mild-mannered newspaperman Don Knotts (as Luther Heggs) is assigned to spend a night in his small Kansas town's "haunted house", on the 20-year anniversary of its ghastly murder/suicide. Mr. Knotts' experience results in a sensational story about the Simmons house, "ghost-written" by his adept rival, reporter Skip Homeier (as Ollie Weaver). Mr. Homeier is, also, Knotts' rival for the affections of busty brunette Joan Stanley (as Alma Parker).
Anyway, the "Rachel Courier Express" story leads to a libel suit against Knotts, from the Simmons (the homeowner's) relatives.
Knotts is nervously appealing; however, this characterization and film do not compare well with either "Barney Fife" or "Mr. Limpet". The "haunted house" evenings (?), set off with an obvious stunt double, are especially disappointing. However, musician Vic Mizzy, who composed "The Addams Family", is noticeably effective. And, the strong supporting cast is full of recognizable TV faces, including two who will join the regulars on "Bewitched". Not too funny, not too frightening; give it an "attaboy", for trying.
**** The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966) Alan Rafkin ~ Don Knotts, Joan Staley, Skip Homeier -
Ajtlawyer3 August 2002This was Don Knotts' first movie vehicle after he left "Andy Griffith". His character, Luther Heggs, is simply Barney Fife transplanted from Mayberry, North Carolina to Laurel, Kansas. The same gentle but slightly quirky small town residents and Heggs/Fife bumbling along and solving one of the town's mysteries. Knotts even wears the same salt and pepper suit with white fedora that he wore on "Andy Griffith".
This is still a fun movie to watch though. Knotts does his "nervous man" schtick all the way through. His stage-fright speech at the town picnic is great ("let me clarify this")and there are two recurring joke lines, "and they used Bon Ami!" and "atta boy, Luther" which keep being said and which will crack you up every time. -
I think we can all remember Don Knotts as that guy who always made us laugh by getting the daylights scared out of him. All someone would have to do is sneak up behind him, tap him on the shoulder and say "boo!", and Knotts would go into his bug-eyed, hair-standing-on-end routine of a guy that acts like he'd just seen a ghost. Don made a living out of playing such a character as Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show". An unlikely hero, Barney Fife was the kind of guy you would least expect to hold the job of a deputy sheriff. Even though Fife was yellow on the inside, he still somehow managed to come out on top at the end of each episode.
As Don Knotts ended his stint on the Griffith show after five years, he signed on with Universal Studios to go into the movie business. He'd take the cowardly, scaredy-cat persona with him, though. His first outing with Universal, "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken", showcased that same weakling quality that helped make Knotts a star.
Knotts plays Luther Heggs, a typesetter working in the basement of a small-town newspaper. Luther has dreams of becoming an ace newspaper reporter someday, but he can never seem to come across that big scoop that will get him out of his lowly position in the basement.
Then one day, the newspaper's editor/owner comes to Luther with what could be Luther's big break! To commemorate the twentieth anniversary of a horrendous murder/suicide, Luther is asked to spend the night in the deserted mansion where the horrific crime took place. The old house is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Mr. Simmons, who allegedly murdered his wife in a fit of jealous rage and then, in turn, leapt to his own death by jumping from the top floor of the mansion. Luther is to arrive at the house just before midnight and make note of any supernatural phenomena that he witnesses during his stay. After Luther sees what he thinks is the evil spirit of Mr. Simmons wreaking havoc about the dilapidated domicile, he returns to report his terrifying experience to his boss. Luther becomes an instant celebrity when his story of horror is published in the morning paper, and the old Simmons place becomes the hottest tourist attraction in town.
The movie is certainly a fine piece of family fare, with Knotts almost creating the Barney Fife character all over again in Luther Heggs. The initial seed of the story provides for the perfect vehicle for Knotts to perform his "Mr. Chicken" guise.
The film overall, though, seems to lack a strong enough, believable storyline. The plot almost seems to be a carbon copy straight from an episode of "Scooby Doo, Where are You?" Sure, it's fun to see Don Knotts acting as if he's about to jump out of his skin, but that's about the only main attraction in "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken". When the story concludes, and the real villain is revealed, you might find yourself scratching your head in puzzlement. There are a few holes left unfilled and loose threads left hanging when the mystery is solved, but because of the fine cast and production, the inconsistencies can be easily overlooked.
The best moments in the movie, of course, are during Luther Heggs's visits to the spooky Simmons mansion. There genuinely are some creepy moments during the haunted house scenes, highlighted by Vic Mizzy's musical score. Mizzy (who wrote "The Addams Family" theme) even provides the bone-chilling organ music emanating from the old pipe organ inside the ghostly mansion.
There's one or two familiar faces working with Don Knotts here. Dick Sargent (the second Darrin on "Bewitched") plays Luther's boss. A couple of fellow "Andy Griffith Show" cohorts show up as well. There's Hal Smith (Otis on the Griffith show) playing (what else?) the local drunk. Also imported straight from Mayberry is Hope Summers and long-time favorite Burt Mustin. Glamorous actress and onetime Playboy model Joan Staley portrays Knott's love interest, Alma, but there's really not much on-screen chemistry between the two. The budding romance between Luther and Alma just doesn't seem very convincing.
But don't let the faults in this film make you turn away from it. "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" spotlights one of the greatest comedic actors of all time. Fans of Don Knotts will not be disappointed as Knotts turns in a fine, energetic performance that only Don Knotts could do. -
mitzistallard24 May 2018This movie is like comfort food. I'll enjoy it every time it's served. Don Knotts is a favorite and so is the spooky theme of the movie. A perfect combination of spooky and funny! Lots of familiar faces add to its many charms. I'll watch it anytime it's on!
-
SimonJack3 May 2016Don Knotts, in any role he played, always was a likable guy. In "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" Knotts plays Luther Heggs, the small town newspaper's typographer who's ready to cover the big story. This is a fun and amusing story with a familiar haunted house plot. Luther takes a challenge to stay a night in the old house before it gets torn down, and the mayhem starts to happen.
It's not terribly original, nor is it hard to guess what crime might be involved. As for fright – can anyone seriously be scared in a haunted house or "horror" film with Don Knotts, Abbott and Costello or the Three Stooges? Well, it's fun and entertaining, but nothing that induces lots of laughter. -
phillindholm29 June 2005What more can be said for this film? "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" is as much a nostalgic picture of small town life (as is "The Music Man") as it is a family horror-mystery. The cast, led by Knotts is terrific, the production full of charm, and the musical score by the estimable Vic Mizzy, perfect. Despite the low budget, it looks like every penny got on the screen, and the film was a hit, so much so that it led to other Knotts vehicles such as "The Reluctant Astronaut" and "The Shakiest Gun in the West". They were enjoyable as well, but nothing tops this one! It was available as a widescreen DVD a couple of years ago, but it's no longer in print. It is now available as part of a set called "The Don Knotts Reluctant Hero" package. It's well worth getting while it still can be gotten! The original theatrical trailer is included, and the enhanced print is beautiful. And remember: "He saw those things!".
-
AaronCapenBanner2 November 2013Don Knotts stars as Luther Heggs, a typesetter for his local newspaper who dreams of being a reporter, and gets his chance when his editor(played by Dick Sergeant) assigns Luther the task of spending the night in the old Simmons mansion, where a murder-suicide occurred 20 years earlier. Luther spends an eventful night in the house, where he sees all kinds of ghostly activity, though after his story is published, and he hailed a hero, is dismayed to learn that he is being sued for slander by a Simmons heir, who wants to have the mansion torn down. During the trial, Luther leads the judge and jury to the mansion to prove his case, though events don't unfold according to plan... Amusing comedy makes effective use of Knott's patented humor, with a good cast of supporting actors. Silly and obvious of course, but great fun.
-
david-barrett-111 January 2009I joke with my friends that "Citizen Kane" isn't the greatest film of all time, "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" is. OK, maybe not THE greatest, but I loved it in 9th grade and I've loved it ever since (probably have seen it 10 times). As my observant godson noted, even the music is perfect for this kind of little movie. I think it's the best, by far, of Don Knotts' films. My favorite line is "And they used Bon Ami!" Out of curiosity, I've checked with a number of published guides to DVDs available for sales/rental and, to their credit, most of the authors of those books acknowledge that the film, however "minor," has humor and a good deal of charm, and that Knotts is at his best.
-
SnoopyStyle19 December 2014Luther Heggs (Don Knotts) is a bumbling fraidy cat. He is the laughing stock of the town after claiming to witness a death. Newspaper reporter Ollie Weaver leads the town in making fun of the wannabe reporter. Ollie is also dating the lovely Alma Parker who Luther is in love with. There is a mansion where 20 years before, a husband murdered his wife and committed suicide. For a story, the editor proposes that Luther spend the night in the Simmons mansion.
It's a little fun to see Don Knotts stumble around and being scared living off of his TV success. It's Don Knotts being Don Knotts. It's not that funny but it has a light charm. It's very light and not that compelling. There are few big laughs. I would think Andy Griffith fans loved this movie when it came out but I never actually seen the show. My Don Knotts is Ralph Furley. -
blndentdumb3 March 2019This movie stands the test of time! I think I have seen this movie 100 times. I showed it to my kids and they love it too.
-
bigverybadtom4 February 2017Don Knotts is Luther Heggs, a typesetter at a small town newspaper who dreams of being a reporter. After several false starts, he gets his chance when his editor has him spend the night at a deserted mansion during the twentieth anniversary of an alleged murder-suicide by the husband and wife who lived there. The mansion is supposedly haunted by ghosts and is the obsession of a group of local female paranormal fanatics. But the nephew of the dead couple wants very much to take title of the mansion and bulldoze it as soon as possible. Luther Heggs spends the night as planned, and hears the organ playing and finds secret stairs. Heggs becomes a local celebrity, but the nephew files a libel suit against him. What next? It is Don Knotts's topnotch performance as the excitable Luther Heggs that carries the whole movie, jumping around nervously and stuttering. The script and the other performers fall short, and the whole thing could and should have been funnier...and more exciting. Knotts did the best he could with this material, but he could have used some support.
-
fom4life12 October 2008When I was young, this film played a lot on TV. I think I liked it way back when. It has a few things going for it. It takes place in a Haunted house. There is something interesting about spending the night in a house where a gruesome murder took place. I would be spooked out if it was me who was in the house alone. YIKES!
Bob Hope, Abbot and Costello, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, Martin and Lewis, Harold Lloyd, perhaps Buster Keaton and others have all been cast in wacky haunted house comedies. And this time it fell to the likes of Comedy legend Don Knots. Besides the premise the audience gets to witness 90 minutes of Don Knott's frighten facial expressions and him running around as a nervous ninny. He constantly brags about his Chuck Norris Karate skills and how his whole body as a weapon. I believe he uses this shtick in many a film.
There is a somewhat amusing gag with a elevator that can't seem to stop all the way aliened with the right floor. There is some unseen heckler who always shouts out "That a Boy_______" That is where the amusement ends. The movie minus what I was mention is as dull as watching paint dry. "The Incredible Mr. Limit is an example of a great Don Knots film. Despite this being a comedy classic that somehow missed the AFI top 100. If you love Don Knots and are a movie buff it might be worth a rental, but it would be worth it more to watch the other film I mentioned. I know others will disagree with me on this film, but .. someone has to be brave enough to avoid the ghosts and print the truth. Don Knots would have.