I loved all of the movies Knotts did when I was a kid. Mindless stuff for kids but a lot of fun when none the less. Not only did Knotts get the pretty Penelope (Barbara Rhoades) but it seemed like us kids got her too? She was a knock-out.
_______________________________________ Nick "A hell of a great guy! NOT!"
I love watching anything with Don Knotts in it, but for this film, I think Barbara Rhoades really steals the film away. Too bad she didn't really have many starring roles. I'd really wish we could have seen more of her than just bit parts here and there.
He was so fearless, willing to make himself completely and utterly ridiculous. There aren't that many performers in the world who are able to do that. Some can do it, but they have to let the audience know that they are in on the joke, Tom Green comes to mind in that category (plus, most of his humor is vulgar). Bill Murray did it somewhat in Caddyshack. Jerry Lewis is also the master, but his humor is a bit different. When Lewis does his shtick he is often a victim of circumstance, things snowball, it gets worse and worse and he is kind of caught in the middle, the perpetrator, but also the victim - he knows he is ridiculous and is apologetic. Knotts' characters however, are completely unaware of their own absurdity, almost embracing it.
The thing I love the most is watching my kids totally crack up, knowing I did the same when I was watching as a young boy. My oldest boy is a teenager now, but he still enjoys watching them, I suppose probably mostly because he knows I get a kick out of it. They're fun films and a slice of life from that time.
"...nothing is left of me, each time I see her..." - Catullus
It has been years since you posted,but I am watching now and had to agree with you about Don Knotts. Mr Knotts was a treasure and I doubt that we ever see another like him. I am so glad that others have their children watching the golden oldies. I always had my children and now grandchildren watching these treasured memories of mone.
Every time I watch "Shakiest Gun in the West", when Don Knotts gets up to give the commencement speech...I love to yell at the screen: "ATTABOY LUTHER!"