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If the theatrical release of Scooby-Doo has you looking to scare up some summer fun for your family, then you might want to check your local video store for the spine-tingling, funny-bone tickling -- The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.

Don Knotts plays (as only he can) Luther Heggs, a henpecked newspaper typesetter with high hopes of becoming a real reporter someday. Unfortunately, his over-reactive nervous nature is constantly getting in the way of his ambition.

But an opportunity to get a byline of his own presents itself when his boss (Dick Sargent) suggests he spend the night in the "old Simmons' place" to see if the house is really haunted. Home of a twenty-year-old unsolved murder/suicide, local interest has been reawakened in the crime by the return of Nicholas Simmons (Philip Ober), heir to the estate, and his plans to demolish the structure.

With some egging on from fellow journalist Ollie Weaver (Skip Homeier), and hoping to show the lovely Alma Parker (Joan Staley) that he's no chicken, Luther accepts the assignment. Entering the deserted residence (on a dark and stormy night, of course), he encounters every thing that can possibly go bump in the night. The insecure investigator returns to the paper office in a flap, with wild tales of mysterious organ music and a portrait that bleeds.

At first heralded as a hero by the superstitious townsfolk, Luther soon faces accusations of foul play with the Simmons' family name. Now he is forced to defend his honor, as well as face his fears, and seek for the long hidden truth.

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken pulls out every spooky trick in the book, from black cats and bloody fingerprints to cobwebs and secret passageways. So convincing is the fright of the lead character, that young viewers may find themselves equally afraid. However, older children who can see the silliness of the script are not as likely to have their feathers ruffled. Fans of Don Knotts will appreciate how he struts his stuff in this slapstick thriller proving this comedic chicken is -- a la king.

Talk about the movie with your family...
Luther is dared into spending the night in the haunted house. What factors do you think influenced his decision to accept the challenge? Was this an example of facing fear and discovering true potential, or simply buckling to peer pressure? How do you tell the difference between challenges that should be accepted and a poor idea that should be walked away from?

What classic techniques does the movie use to create suspense and fear?

Video alternatives...

Scooby-Doo is another silly tale of ghost hunting. Movies dabbling in supernatural themes include, Harry Potter, The Others and Hound of the Baskervilles.

Making the Grades...

Overall: B
A nervous newspaper typesetter (Don Knotts) agrees to stay in a haunted house in order to have a chance at writing a real front-page story. Spooky scares and slapstick antics pervade this silly tale of an unsolved murder.

Violence: B-
Man is hit with a fence post and presumed dead. Many characters scream when they are scared. Slapstick antics include bumbling, minor injuries, and reckless driving. Characters are threatened by karate moves, and gardening sheers. Tale of murder and suicide is told. Blood is shown on a portrait and on the keys of an organ. Some characters use verbal threats and coercion. Woman used as hostage. Characters scuffle.

Sexual Content: A-
Male characters are overly attentive to some female character's attire. Embarrassment follows after the mention of "bosoms." Kisses are exchanged between male and female characters.

Language: A
Mild name-calling.

Alcohol / Drug Use: B+
A character is portrayed as chronically inebriated.

Miscellaneous Concerns:
A character is often mocked and laughed at by others. Séances, physic powers and the occult are mentioned; believers in such phenomena are depicted as silly.

DVD Notes: The Ghost and Mr. Chicken

DVD Release Date: 2 September 2003

Scare up some Halloween fun with the DVD release of The Ghost and Mr. Chicken. The audio track is available in English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), and subtitles are provided in Spanish and French.

Donna Gustafson

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