So, i bought a little dvd for fifty cents and it had like ten old movies on it. Famous directors. I watched the first film on the dvd: Judge Priest. Made in 1934. Directed by John Ford. Set in post-reconstruction Kentucky. Will Rogers (yes) starred as the warm, wise folksy Judge.
Now the film is just fascinating for all kinds of reasons. Worth watching.
There’s tons of racist stereotypes and other interesting things, but what is most striking is the unabashed over-the-top glorification of the Confederacy. I mean, they even have former slaves singing Dixie and glorifying the Confederacy in this thing.
The final court scene is a perfect example of how some alt-right notions get themselves all germinated. Watch the court scene. I ‘think’ i have it set up to start playing at the right spot. If not, check out the one hour eight minute mark.
Btw, there is even a ‘lynching joke’ in this movie. By Will Rogers of all people. He jokes with one of the servants about saving them from lynching once, but if they dont behave he’ll join in the lynching next time.
Aside from the race stuff, its a lot like To Kill a Mockingbird. I have to wonder if this film didnt influence the director of To Kill a Mockingbird.