Customer Reviews

How to Frame a Figg

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Alan Rafkin (1928-2001, who mostly directed television shows and was nominated for four Emmies and won one in 1982) directed his last bit-screen film with "How To Frame A Figg" in 1971. Taking place in a small fictional town, a bungling city accountant, Hollis Alexander Figg (Don Knotts), becomes the unwitting patsy of the town's mayor (Mayor Chisholm played by Edward Andrews), the town's wealthiet man (Old Charley Spaulding played by Parker Fennelly) as well as several other high-ranking city officials who have been embezzling the town's money. To prevent from being caught, the embezzlers fire all of the town's accountants, except for Hollis so that he can operate their newly purchased (but used), room-filling computer known as LEO. While demonstrating the computer to his friend Prentiss Gates (Frank Welker), Hollis stumbles upon a questionable city contract that Prentiss (who works for the city's sanitation department) has in his waste collection cart. To keep Hollis from finding any other questionable financial statements, Mayor Chisholm appoints Hollis to be a commissioner with his own private secretary, Glorianna Hastings (Yvonne Craig, who is better known as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon in the 1966-1968 TV series "Batman") to the chagrin Hollis' girlfriend, Ema Letha Kusic (Elaine Joyce), who works as a diner waitress. Hollis remains oblivious to being used until Old Charley Spaulding is ready to lower the boom upon him and is forced to find a way to prove his innocence.

"How To Frame A Figg" isn't known as well as some of his previous films ("The Incredible Mr. Limpet" in 1964, "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" in 1966, etc.) due to its somewhat weak plot, but it's still a very funny film that can entertain both children and adults alike. Memorable scenes in the film include Hollis' fingers getting stuck in a bowling ball, Old Charlie Spaulding using his cane in city hall meetings, the ketchup scene at the diner, the garbage truck delivery, and the search for extension cords. Overall, I rate "How To Frame a Figg" with 4 out of 5 stars. Other memorable characters in the film include Kermit Sanderson (Joe Flynn, 1925-1974), Commissioner Henderson (Bill Zuckert, 1915-1997) and Dr. Schmidt (Pitt Herbert, 1914-1989).

With "The Ghost And Mr.Chicken" a very close second..........the scenes in this movie are just a hoot, especially the ones in the diner and the bowling alley. Even though Don is still in his Barney Fife personna, the nervous, lovable fool; you still get your money's worth here. He even has a drunken scene, watch for him trying to hang up the mink coat and the explanation given for the secretary's numerous minks! Love the ending, too. What a wonderful cast, the same familiar catchy music from his other Universal films and repeated gags. You will howl with laughter. Even though we all were sad when he left The Andy Griffith Show after only five years, thank goodness he signed with Universal to do these type of comedies, and with Disney to pair with the likes of Tim Conway, too!!!

Mr. Knotts movies represent a clean, small-town American idealism that is very different from the dark, "streetwise" comedys that are so prelevent today. Atmospheric escapism at its best, the Don Knotts movies of the late sixties and early seventies provide a happy vacation to someplace you would love to really be able to go.

Made in 1970, this was Don's final film for several years until making a comeback in Disney's 'The Apple Dumpling Gang' in 1975.
The theme stays with you long after the DVD player has been switched off. A slew of great supporting actors such as Joe Flynn, Edward Andrews and voice artist Frank Welker, make this a highly enjoyable romp, especially with the addition of sexy Yvonne Craig and wholesome Elaine Joyce as Don's female interest.
The rare trailer featuring Yvonne and Don is a must see.

Don Knotts was one of the most underated comics of his time. Just the way he'd want it. He'd just shimmy in place, stammer, and drop the microphone if he tried to accept any accolades anyway. This particular film sums up his homespun humor and at the same time gave him a bit of a backbone to play for the only time in his career (and whenever I think of the quintessential example of his persona i keep going back to the cameo appearance he makes in 'It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World' with Phil Silvers...if ever there were two polar opposites in screen presence it had to be the glib, con artistry of Phil Silvers up against the country
bumpkin of Don Knotts...but that's another movie). As I was saying Don gets to exhibit all of his comedic timing and a new aspect of his character to great advantage. Knotts made gentle comedies that spring out of his everyman cowardice and this is no exception. If you like his work you'll love this movie...if you never got his schtick...you won't.

This may be my favorite Don Knotts film! Every time I watch it im on the floor rolling with laughter! If you want an awesome Knotts film Get this one! Well worth five stars!

I think this is my favorite Don Knotts movie. It's got all his usual dithering and fumbling but I think this is one of the first times he was partnered with someone less intelligent than he is, if that's possible! It's funny and cute. You'll be calling everyone "Poopheads" from now on!

I'm a Don Knotts fan. If I'm tired and irritable all I have to do is put on a Don Knotts movie and watch it. He always puts me in a good mood. The same goes for Andy Griffith. I love those two actors. In my opinion you can't go wrong buying a Don Knotts movie or an Andy Grittith movie. I love anything with Don Knotts or Andy Grittith.

This Movie has got to be the most hilarious Don Knotts Movie ever,where Knott's is an honest,humble townworker being framed by the good ol' boy corrupt, elite Town Council.You've got to see it to believe it!!

I really enjoy Don Knotts movies!! It's good clean fun for the whole family.