The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
Luther Heggs, a typesetter for the town newspaper, pitches an idea for a story about a local haunted house where a famous murder/suicide occurred 20 years earlier. After the editor assigns Luther to spend one night alone in the mansion, Heggs has a number of supernatural encounters and writes a front page story that makes him a hometown hero...until the nephew of the deceased sues him for libel.
Movie Information
| Release Date | 1966-01-20 |
| Runtime | 90 Minutes |
| Language | EN |
| Rating | 6.752/10 |
Story Summary
Luther Heggs, a nervous but eager typesetter at a small-town newspaper, convinces his editor to let him investigate the infamous Whitmore Manor, a dilapidated house rumored to be haunted after a tragic murder‑suicide two decades earlier. Assigned to spend a solitary night inside, Luther encounters flickering lights, ghostly whispers, and a mischievous apparition that seems intent on playing pranks. Armed with a notebook and his wits, he documents every eerie occurrence, turning the night’s terror into a sensational front‑page article that catapults him to local fame. However, the celebratory buzz turns sour when the victim’s nephew files a libel suit, forcing Luther to confront the fine line between storytelling and truth.
Review
Don Knotts delivers his signature blend of jittery charm and slapstick timing, anchoring the film’s quirky tone. The movie balances lighthearted comedy with a playful mystery, offering enough spooky set‑pieces to keep younger audiences engaged without veering into genuine horror. While the romance subplot feels perfunctory, the supporting cast—particularly Joan Staley’s earnest heroine—adds warmth. The film’s pacing is brisk, and its modest production design captures the creaky atmosphere of a classic haunted house. Overall, it’s a delightful period piece that showcases Knot’s comedic strengths while delivering a family‑friendly spooky adventure.
Main Cast
- Don Knotts
- Joan Staley
- Liam Redmond
- Dick Sargent
- Skip Homeier
- Reta Shaw
- Lurene Tuttle
- Philip Ober
- Harry Hickox
- Charles Lane
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" based on a true story?
No, the plot is an original screenplay created for comedic effect.
Was Don Knotts involved in the film’s writing?
Knotts contributed a few ad‑lib lines during filming, but he is not credited as a writer.
What caused the libel lawsuit in the story?
The nephew of the mansion’s former owner claims Luther’s article falsely implicates his family in the historic murder‑suicide.
Are there any notable behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes?
During a night‑shoot, a real raccoon entered the set and caused a brief panic, which was later incorporated as a comedic gag in the final edit.
Has the film been released on modern home media?
A restored DVD edition was released in 2004, and a Blu‑ray version followed in 2021 with bonus commentary tracks.
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