You know, every once in a while, Hollywood turns out a movie that’s not meant to be a prestige picture or a grand epic, but simply a lighthearted way to spend an hour and twenty minutes — and A Stranger in Town is one of those movies. Released in 1943, this MGM charmer stars Frank Morgan, who most of us best remember as the kindly Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Here, he trades in emerald smoke and mirrors for a judge’s gavel — and the result is one of the most enjoyable, overlooked comedies of its era.
Morgan plays Supreme Court Justice John Josephus Grant, a man exhausted from the pressures of Washington who sneaks away for a fishing trip in a small town. But instead of getting peace and quiet, he discovers a town under the thumb of corrupt local officials — and, as you might guess, he simply can’t resist getting involved. Before long, this stranger in town becomes a champion for justice, all while trying to keep his true identity under wraps.
What makes this film so delightful is Morgan’s warm, mischievous performance. He has that twinkle in his eye that lets you know he’s enjoying himself, and he makes the audience feel like we’re in on the fun. Richard Carlson and Jean Rogers provide a charming romantic subplot, and Porter Hall does what Porter Hall does best — play a deliciously pompous villain.
This is the kind of movie that reminds you why we love the Golden Age of Hollywood: crisp black-and-white photography, a breezy pace, and a story that leaves you smiling. If you enjoy a fish-out-of-water tale with a touch of small-town Americana, or if you just want to see Frank Morgan having a ball, A Stranger in Town is a perfect choice.
