Judge Priest
Judge Priest is a 1934 American comedy film starring Will Rogers. The film was directed by John Ford, produced by Sol M. Wurtzel in association with Fox Film, and based on humorist Irvin S. Cobb's character Judge Priest. The picture is set in post-reconstruction Kentucky and the supporting cast features Henry B. Walthall, Hattie McDaniel and Stepin Fetchit.
Cast
Will Rogers as Judge William 'Billy' Priest
Tom Brown as Jerome Priest
Anita Louise as Ellie May Gillespie
Henry B. Walthall as Reverend Ashby Brand
David Landau as Bob Gillis
Rochelle Hudson as Virginia Maydew
Roger Imhof as Billy Gaynor
Frank Melton as Flem Talley
Charley Grapewin as Sergeant Jimmy Bagby
Berton Churchill as Senator Horace Maydew
Brenda Fowler as Mrs. Caroline Priest
Francis Ford as Juror No. 12
Hattie McDaniel as Aunt Dilsey
Stepin Fetchit as Jeff Poindexter
Will Rogers
Will Rogers portrays Judge Priest. The film played a major role in earning Will Rogers' recognition as the number one box office star of 1934. Rogers received critical praise for his role, some noting that Rogers simply fell right into the role with his heart-warming personality. Rogers managed a balance of comedic one-liners with serious dramatics. The Tulsa Daily World summed up Rogers’ performance: “The star’s portrayal of Judge Priest has the mark of authenticity upon it…the unique blending of unique talent with a rich and splendid role.”