Judge Priest

In this lyrical comedy, legendary humorist Will Rogers stars as the amiable judge who presides over his small, post-Civil War Kentucky town with good-natured common sense, but whose eccentricities ruffle the feathers of some of his fellow citizens. A key achievement in director John Ford's early career, exploring the theme of community that he would return to throughout his work, JUDGE PRIEST conjures moments of great charm and humanity through its relaxed tone and ambling plot. The film remains controversial, however, for its romanticized evocation of a South still steeped in Confederate pride and for the stereotyped roles played by Black actors Stepin Fetchit and Hattie McDaniel.