31 Days of Horror: The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966)

Didn't expect this one, did you?

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken doesn't offer intense scares or gory delights. No, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken is pure small-town Americana brought to you by Don Knotts.

Flighty Luther Heggs (Knotts) aims to be a reporter for his small town newspaper, the Rachel Courier Express. When the editor offers the break of a life time, Luther's in... until his finds out he has to spend the night at the Simmons mansion. 20 years ago, the home was the site of a now famous murder-suicide. As the anniversary draws near and the family heir, Nick Simmons returns to destroy the mansion, this is Luther's only chance. What ensues is the stuff of good movies.

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken hinges on Don Knotts and his trademark physical comedy. His nervous disposition, eye movements and propensity for chest-enhancing is goofy, but so much fun to watch. The dialogue and Knott's delivery is a riot.

The sincerity of the entire cast, the beautiful production, and the crazy ominous soundtrack help create a wonderful film. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken is a family-oriented movie with a few stringed scares and plenty of laughs.