A Stranger in Town

"A Stranger in Town" turns out to be a pleasant surprise. I originally viewed it to see Frank (The Wizard of Oz) Morgan in a starring role, and did not have any grand expectations. But it turned out to be a droll little film, quite entertaining.

The whole plot is predicated on the general anonymity of Supreme Court justices. Does anyone know what they look like? Can anyone even name all 9? Along the way, we get a look and some commentary on small town American life in the 1940s, as well as a Capra-esque speech by Morgan near the end of the film.

Their is also some requisite romantic interest thrown in, which is quite incidental and was probably just added to stretch out the running time. The film also has Porter Hall, who played the heel in "Miracle on 34th St." and the heel in "The Thin Man", playing, you guessed it, a heel.

Overall, a very pleasant way to spend 70 minutes. Give it a view when you get the chance.

Oddly, this film stars Frank Morgan as a Supreme Court justice! He's on vacation and runs afoul of a small town's corrupt administration. The crooked judge, mayor and their henchmen don't realize who Morgan is, so he's able to see first-hand their under-handed tactics. Because of their abuse of political power, Morgan decides to stick around and assist a naive young lawyer (Richard Carlson) in his bid to become mayor. At first, they are pretty much ignored, though in time, when the race for mayor seems tight, the old mayor unleashed a wave of dirty tricks--not realizing that Morgan holds the ultimate trump card.

I had a hard time deciding whether to score this one a 7 or an 8. It was very good--particularly for a B-movie. Being a "B", it is a relatively short picture (only 67 minutes) but unlike many Bs it has excellent production values (especially the writing) and is very entertaining. About the only knock against it is that I thought the fight scenes were a bit too "slapsticky" and didn't exactly integrate well into the rest of the picture. Still, it's a dandy performance by Frank Morgan, as he's more restrained (i.e., less "hammy") than in most of his starring vehicles--well worth seeing and a lot of fun--as well as a decent civics lesson.

Good "B" picture starring Frank Morgan as a Supreme Court justice who goes on a hunting trip. He winds up becoming entangled with a small town's crooked politicians. Unassuming drama has a slight Frank Capra feel to it. Morgan is very good in a subdued performance. Richard Carlson plays the young lawyer who seems to be the only one in town that wants to stand up to the corrupt politicians. Robert Barrat, Porter Hall, Donald MacBride and company make amusing villains. Jean Rogers is the pretty love interest for Carlson. Pleasant cast and an earnest script. Short runtime helps. This is an entertaining hidden gem you should definitely check out if you get the chance.

I have to admit that what initially drew me to watch A Stranger in Town was its 67 minute run time. I don't recall ever seeing such a short run time and I was curious. The result is that I'm very happy that I took the time to check it out because it's a very pleasant, humorous, and enjoyable film. Most of the performances are solid, the production values are decent, and it's a good story. I don't recall ever seeing John Carlson or Jean Rogers on film before, but I found them quite likeable here and may have to see what else they've done. A Stranger in Town is worth checking out.

What makes this one Stand Out from War Years Motion Picture Portrayals of Small Town America is the Realist Portrayal of Corruption. Films of that Era (WWII) Tended to Propagandize the USA as a Utopia of Goodness as its Rally Cry to Ramp Up the Citizenry.

Nothing Wrong with that but it is Refreshing that this Little Movie had the Integrity to Say that Maybe We were not Perfect and some Fighting was needed Right Here at Home. Notice how the Justice Prods and Pokes at Apathy and Cowardice against Inequities and Bullying.

It's all Done in a Lighthearted Manner and is Good Entertainment while Posing Questions and Inspiring to a Greater Good. Certainly Worth a Watch for 1943 Cultural References that are Still Relevant Today.