The Love God?

Don Knotts is one of the last great physical comedians, making movies in a time when physical comedy was on the wane. His face was a chaotic assembly line of expressions. In ten seconds he could express thirty different emotions, from abject terror to rage to calm certainty. Most of the humor in his movies is in how he reacts physically to a situation.

This movie is no different. The man publishes a bird watching magazine. The magazine is going under, but is republished by an adult magazine publisher who wants to use it to display "birds" of his own. Knotts is then vilified as a sex maniac...horrifying some...fascinating others. It is a light satire.

The Love God has the components of the other Knotts movies: Sudden change in situation, devoted girlfriend, misunderstandings, ostracizing former friends and reconciliation. Not as good as How to Frame a Figg...but fun nonetheless...

Clean and decent ornithologist Don Knotts (as Abner Peacock IV) is about to see his poor-selling bird-watching magazine peck it in. Meanwhile, smut-peddling publisher Edmond O'Brien (as Osborne Tremain) loses his magazine's license, due to pornographic content. To continue printing his bosomy babes, O'Brien tricks Knotts into turning over his periodical's editorial content. After sending Knotts off on safari, O'Brien turns the tame "Peacock's Magazine" into a titillating masturbatory aide.

Knotts returns to find himself corralled into becoming the defendant in a "free speech" case. With assistance from enterprising editor Anne Francis (as Lisa La Monica), Knotts is transformed into a Hugh Hefner-type publishing giant. Then, Ms. Francis falls in love with playboy Knotts...

Knotts can't help but be funny; this particular characterization was perfected in his role of "Mr. Furley" on the TV series "Three's Company". His "Abner Peacock" is little less sure, perhaps necessarily so, considering the times. Note, the screeching and shouting was not part of Knotts' later routine. Under-appreciated writer/director Nat Hiken cleverly mixes satire and sexy women. "The Love God?" is colorful, and features a delightful supporting cast. Unfortunately, by the last act, the film's direction, and humor, has pointedly unraveled.

***** The Love God? (1969) Nat Hiken ~ Don Knotts, Anne Francis, Edmond O'Brien

This was a decent movie from start to finish. I thought the story, characters, and actors did an excellent job making this movie seem realistic. Don Knotts is as always the geeky skinny guy who seems like he'd be the last one picked to do what he does. He plays these characters the best. If you are a fan of Don Knotts, you will enjoy this, simply out of the amusement of seeing him play the super-stud character. The plot is excellent, and not boring, but the content isn't as funny as Don Knotts' other films. Definetely check it out though. It isn't as family oriented because of the content it conveys, but it is still a film that most would enjoy. I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10 rating.

I personally enjoy this film for a few reasons. The style, design, fashion, etc. and time period are awesome. Late 60s and groovy as can be. The whole "Hugh Hefner" thing is happening.

At least in 1969, who would be the best (aka WORST) Love God? Don Knotts, of course. While this movie is a bit different than his other starring films (it's PG-13 for a start), it still has that charm.

Knotts always plays a small town guy getting mixed up in something, and becoming a reluctant hero. It's a formula that works well for him, and we have it in this movie. I think some people do not enjoy this movie because it's just a little different than his other work up to this point, but that's okay.

While this is essentially a sex-comedy, the film is still family friendly overall. There's nothing too blatant, so if you're old enough you'll get it, and if you aren't then that's okay. I recommend this movie, especially if you like Don Knotts, the 60s, or both.

The Love God is a funny movie. don knotts is very funny but notice this movie is PG-13 but it is still funny! i'm 13 years old. i own the movie it is good! the other don knotts movies are not rated!