The Sun Shines Bright (1953) review

Ford "remakes" (or, rather, 'reconfigures') his 1934 movie Judge Priest and shows the goings-on in the town of Fairfield, Kentucky: Judge Billy Priest (Charles Winninger) - who requires whiskey to "get his heart started" - is seeking re-election but it doesn't look too promising, "prodigal son" Ashby (John Russell) returns home and falls in love with a teacher (Arleen Whelan), young banjo player U.S. Grant Woodford (Elzie Emanuel) is accused of assaulting a little girl, etc.  Screenwriter Laurence Stallings tries to weave together three short stories by Irvin S. Cobb into one narrative that's kind of episodic and perhaps a bit too preachy, but there are several important moments: Priest attempts to "mend fences" between the North and South following a catastrophically destructive Civil War, his defense of Woodford from the murderous mob reinforces the need for actual justice (especially for people of color) and his insistence that a deceased prostitute (Dorothy Jordan) be given a proper burial is a reminder that all humans are worthy of respect.  The decision to recast Stepin Fetchit as Jeff Poindexter still bothers the Northerner in me ... but at least he's treated as a useful figure and not a complete fool.  Note: if possible, make sure you watch the restored Director's Cut (released by Olive Films) - it's roughly ten minutes longer than the theatrical release and the version Mr. Ford wanted you to see.