MovieChat Forums > Race with the Devil (1975) Discussion > The name 'Sheriff Taylor' an ironic refe...

The name 'Sheriff Taylor' an ironic reference?


When I think of a "Sheriff Taylor" in the American South, I think of Andy Taylor and Mayberry on THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW. When Sheriff Taylor introduces himself in RACE WITH THE DEVIL, I couldn't help but think it was ironic. Sheriff Taylor of Mayberry is the most trustworthy public servant who you could hope to come across. This Sheriff Taylor, masterfully played by R.G. Armstrong, not so much.

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I never noticed that before but it's certainly possible. Sort of like how Captain Spaulding (the killer clown in House of 1000 Corpses) is the number one fan of John Wayne. Even has a tattoo of him and talks about True Grit. I wonder if clowns and John Wayne are a reference to John Wayne Gacy.

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Very good observations.

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R.G. Armstrong was a wonderful character actor. He had quite an affinity for Satanic films as his illustrious career can attest so it's no surpise he did this movie. And speak of the devil, he also appeared on the Andy Griffith Show!

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I remember that episode. He was the mean farmer who didn't want his pretty daughter to wear makeup or perfume until Andy told him that was how he may end up with a son in law to do some of the farm work. I also remember him in an episode of Gunsmoke where he played a nice guy and Pernell Roberts played the role of the villain who wanted to kill him.

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