California Bluff

Girl in the Empty Grave (1977)

There is one reason to see this film—the performance of Andy Griffith. The plot is convoluted and a bit silly, the rest of the cast is purposely lightweight and even at times clownish, and the filming is routine. In fact, there is a quality not so different from television at the time, and Griffith was at this point known mostly for his 1960s t.v. show, the Andy Griffith Show. In fact, this movie is one of two based on a second t.v. series Griffith tried (and failed after two episodes) to launch in the 1970s.

But he's a great actor, and he sure feels comfortable as the country sheriff (that's includes all his famous t.v. roles). The movie here is peculiar because of its cheerful colorful homey feeling, even as they are dealing with a murder, and another, and then one that wasn't, etc. In that sense, it's almost a precursor to "Fargo." And you have to get into that cheerful irony to like it.

If Griffith is flawless and likable, the secondary characters are mostly really good, including an early role by the star of "Babe," James Cromwell. But one key actress, the woman of the title, takes t.v. acting too literally, and she's unconvincing just where an actress needs to be flawless in her lying and invention.

The plot involves so many preposterous propositions, it isn't quite worth even outlining. But its worth saying it's a weakness, because you want to follow all these cheerful lawmen doing their rural jobs. And if you do you'll raise an eyebrow or two. Or three, which is too bad.

Watch if for Griffith.

The story is about a small town police Chief (Andy Griffith) who one day spots a girl drive by the police station who was supposed to have commited suicide months before. He then spots her again at the funeral of her parents and an investigation begins to try and uncover the truth. An O.K. movie with an O.K. plot, but seems to drag along in spots. The ending though will surprise you! If you want to see Griffith at his best, try and catch him in "Winter Kill!"

The seventies was a long decade for Andy Griffith but he was working. Its tough to break out of the only character people knew Andy as. The lovable sheriff of Mayberry. In this role Andy plays Chief Able, of a small town with very little funds to operate upon. The entire cast get thier careers started with this movie and its a enjoyable film. The first time watching you will not know the ending, which is a good thing. Worth watching...

Andy Griffith is in great form and shows a very humorous side. The supporting cast limps along but all in all the movie provides a simple, entertaining evening in front of the TV. There are some quick one-liners and rapid back and forth quips that provided a chuckle. Each character, although stereotypical small town types, provided a comfortable mix of personalities.

Interesting twist at the end but a bit predictable.

Best of all it is rated for the whole family to watch.

They had a wonderful thing on TBS a number of years ago, they had a double feature of Deadly Game and The Girl In The Empty Grave with Andy Griffith as everyone's favorite small town sheriff. Griffith alone makes these films worthwhile with his natural talent, ability and charm, the same that he brought to his classic tv show. He spoke out in an article once and said that the shows that he produced are better than the stuff they put out on tv today and he is right! As small town Sheriff Abel Marsh he persues an industrial polluter and a mysterious killer with the help of his bumbling deputy (like Barney Fife) and his pathologist lady friend. Like most tv movies, there is no real sense of suspense or danger, it is really by the book and predictable, but you still enjoy watching because of these likeable characters that you see. Andy Griffith can do comedy and drama very well and he never lets you down. He is one of our true national treasures and just watch these films and enjoy a master at work.