Lay That Rifle Down

Lay That Rifle Down is an American comedy musical that was released in 1955. It stars the vivacious and talented Judy Canova, accompanied by Robert Lowery and Jil Jarmyn. It's the type of charming, family-centered narrative that encapsulates the 1950s-era feel-good cinema. Director Charles Lamont helms this cinematic piece, while Olive Cooper and Charles Lamont himself wrote the screenplay.

The film stars leading actress Judy Canova, who has been hailed as the "Queen of the B's" in American movies in the 1940s and 1950s. Known for her offbeat, kooky comedies that mostly focused on rural themes, Canova packs a punch in Lay That Rifle Down. She takes on the character of Judy Canova, an honest, hardworking chambermaid at the Shady Rest Hotel, where her stepfather, Jeremiah (Richard Deacon), is the proprietor.

Jeremiah exploits her for his interest, deceitfully claiming control over her hard-earned money by arguing that he's better suited to manage her savings, while she lacks the financial literacy necessary for such endeavors. This is not the best of situations for Canova, but it's the life she knows, so she willing complies. Furthermore, even under pressure, she remains upbeat, generous, never succumbs to self-pity, and is always scheming to improve her lot in life, spreading joy and goodwill to everyone.

Enter Robert Lowery, playing the character of Ralph Jones, a slick, city-slicker type and keen businessman. He carries the aura of trouble. He first encounters Canova when he's flat broke and his car has broken down. Through a series of miscommunications, Canova, being the good and innocent soul that she is, believes that Ralph has proposed to her. An array of hilarity, confusion, and musical interludes unfold, all while maintaining the period's classic, light-hearted impish humour.

Lowery's performance is stylish and provides a well-crafted counterbalance to Canova's comedic timing and personality, while Jil Jarmyn, performing as Terry, rightly complements the undeserving Jeremiah. Richard Deacon's portrayal of the crafty Jeremiah leaves the audience rooting for Canova’s freedom from her stepfather's unprincipled management.

What is likable about this movie is its blending of comedy, drama, and romance. It carries a sense of rustic charm and showcases small-town morality and values. The evident twists, rich characters, and light-hearted humor - sometimes bordering on absurdity - result in a film that keeps viewers intrigued through and through. Moreover, laden with 1950s American popular songs and engaging musical numbers, Lay That Rifle Down becomes more than a film; it becomes a nostalgia-inducing auditory delight.

The film also throws light on the theme of financial literacy. Despite her innocence and naiveté, Judy Canova's character, punctuated by an immense depth of kindness and compassion, is inspirational. She dreams of better opportunities and strives to reach for them, not merely for herself but also for those around her.

The film has an undercurrent of sweetness and simplicity, blending harmless humor with a dash of mild romantic tension. Lamont's direction is impressive and maintains the spirit of the story, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained.

Lay That Rifle Down serves as a fantastic vehicle for showcasing Judy Canova's multifaceted talent. It presents an engaging musical comedy that takes us through a journey of love, lies, and ambition. The movie reminds us of a simpler time, stirring feelings of nostalgia for its black-and-white cinematography, good ol' slapstick humor, and a paradigm of clear moral distinctions. It offers audiences of all demographics a wholesome treat of entertainment that refrains from skirting into overly silly or crude, a signature style of 1950s American cinema.