Arkansas Judge

It's forty years since Leon Weaver found Peaceful Valley and started to clear out the stumps for what would become a prosperous farm and pleasant town. But when Eily Malyon discovers the forty dollars she has hidden in the flour barrel for decades missing, she accuses Spring Byington, who helps her clean for no pay, of stealing it. Soon, the entire town believes it, save Weaver.

Republic Pictures had a nice market for homespun movies that suited their rural audiences to a T. Not only did they have Judy Canova, but the Weaver Brothers and Elviry, who are the main draw here. Originally a musical-comedy act, Leon played the hick, who was wiser than he appeared; his brother Frank spoke only in bird whistles; and Elviry -- actually June -- was sharp-tongued and belligerent. After appearing in one movie for Warner Brothers, they were signed by Republic and made eleven films for them.

It's a pleasant little movie, with a message of compassion and thankfulness. Republic Pictures put their best foot forward, with Roy Rogers playing a lawyer with nary a sign of a horse. Pauline Moore, Veda Ann Borg, and Russell Hicks have significant roles. It's not really to my taste. I find it saccharine and obvious. But here's a case where I find it interesting, just as I do Frank Randle somewhere in England, for showing what a bygone audience liked in entertainment, and how director Frank MacDonald could turn out something that pleased them.