

Scattergood Pulls the Strings
Small-town store owner Scattergood Baines helps a runaway boy find his father, who has escaped after being unjustly imprisoned, and a young chemist who is trying to invent a color television but is being opposed by his girlfriend's father, who wants the girl to marry a pharmacist like himself instead of some crazy inventor.
Insights
Plot Summary
Pliny "Scattergood" Purvis, the shrewd and beloved owner of a general store in Coldriver, finds himself embroiled in a community dispute when a wealthy businessman, Mr. Hastings, arrives with plans to build a factory that threatens the town's traditional way of life. Scattergood must use his wit and influence to protect his neighbors and preserve the charm of Coldriver.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Guy Kibbee's performance and the heartwarming depiction of small-town life, while others found the plot to be predictable and formulaic. It was generally seen as a lighthearted, albeit unremarkable, entry in the Scattergood series.
What Reviewers Say
- Guy Kibbee is a charming presence as Scattergood, anchoring the film with his folksy wisdom.
- The story offers a gentle look at community values and the challenges of modernization.
- Some viewers found the pacing slow and the narrative lacking in significant dramatic tension.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this specific film is not readily available, but general sentiment for the Scattergood series often highlights the comforting, old-fashioned storytelling and the appeal of its lead character.
Fun Fact
"Scattergood Pulls the Strings" is one of several films in a series featuring the character Scattergood Baines, who was originally created by author Clarence Budington Kelland.
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