The Sun Shines Bright (1953)

John Ford's remake of his 1934 Will Rogers vehicle, JUDGE PRIEST, combines three Irvin S. Cobb stories about the kindly Kentucky magistrate William Priest, played by Charles Winninger. Set in 1905 Kentucky, it focuses on the judge's battle for reelection against Yankee prosecutor Horace K. Maydew (Milburn Stone). Despite the judge's popularity, it's possible that his generosity and sense of justice may cost him the election. First he tries to persuade the eminent General Fairfield (James Kirkwood) to admit that he's kin to Lucy Lee (Arleen Whelan), whose questionable background makes her a subject for ridicule. Next he faces down an angry lynch mob accusing (with extremely thin corroborating evidence) a black man, U.S. Grant Woodford (Elzie Emanuel), of raping a young white girl (Allene Roberts). The frustrated vigilantes, dispersed by the gun-wielding judge, vow vengeance at the polls. One of the director's personal favorites, THE SUN SHINES BRIGHT is filled with Ford's typical low comedy and fine performances from the ensemble cast.