How to Frame a Figg

How to Frame a Figg is a 1971 American comedy film starring the multi-talented and very engaging Don Knotts, who is considered an icon in the world of comedy. The film was directed by Alan Rafkin, a renowned director known for his work in televisions and comedies. The screenplay was written by George Tibbles, who had marked his expertise in the realm of situational comedies. Apart from Knotts, the film also stars other comic geniuses like Joe Flynn and Edward Andrews.

Let's plunge into the plot of the film without revealing too much: Don Knotts plays the role of Hollis Alexander Figg, role, an esteemed yet underappreciated accountant in a small town. Working in the humble basement of the town's municipal building, Figg is the eyes and the ears of the office with his exceptional skills in numbers. The activities in the municipal building are controlled by the corrupt politicians who ignore Figg as they believe he’s too myopic to notice their misdoings. Much to their chagrin, Figg isn’t as naive as he initially appears.

However, the smooth and seamless running of their corrupted system hits a bump in the road when they are confronted by the town's new computer system. This advanced system is set up to track town funds, which poses a threat to the corrupt politicians. Seeing this as a potential risk to their shady operations, the corrupt politicians plan on misdirecting the system.

In an interesting turn of events, they decide to employ Figg as the perfect fall guy. They pull him out of his basement office and make him the new head of their computer operations, with the aim of framing him when things go south. Figg is overjoyed by this sudden elevation, oblivious to the impending doom they seek to cast him into.

The memorable movie further unfolds as Figg, accompanied by his assistant Prentiss (played by Elaine Joyce), begins to find discrepancies in the town's financial reports. Figg realizes all is not as it should be and starts his investigation into the fraud, demonstrating an unexpected courage and resourcefulness.

Meanwhile, his promotion and the incompetent team of corrupt administrators’ attempt to frame him, while keeping him in the dark, forms the core hilarity and intrigue of the story. There's plenty of humorous business with that enormous early computer system, too - modern audiences will get a kick out of the exaggerated, seemingly primitive technology.

The sophisticated comedy relies heavily on the timing, the goofy yet riveting performances of Don Knotts, and the chemistry between him and Joe Flynn. Pillared on the shoulder of Knotts, the film never falls short of slapstick humor and jesting that is charmingly captivating. Knotts brings to life Figg, who with his deceptive demeanor and cunningness, not only ticks the funny bone but also keeps you hooked to your screens as he weaves his way through a web of corruption and deceit.

In conclusion, How to Frame a Figg is a delightful melding of comedy and intrigue, showcasing Knotts at his very best. It is a fun-filled, comic excursion into the world of small-town corruption, machinations, and a man's journey to unveil the truth and protect his integrity. For fans of Don Knotts, this film is a must-watch with its perfect balance of wit, satire and hilarity. Light-hearted and entertaining, it’s a classic comedy capturing the essence of its time through an engaging narrative and remarkable performances.