Judge Priest - Will Rogers

Will Rogers

Will Rogers played Judge Priest. The film played a major role in earning Will Rogers the number one box office star of 1934. Rogers earned lots of critical praise for his role in Judge Priest. Many critics attend that Rogers simply fell right into the role with his heart-warming personality. Rogers managed a balance of comedic one-liners with serious dramatics. The Tulsa Daily World summed up Rogers’ performance: “The star’s portrayal of Judge Priest has the mark of authenticity upon it…the unique blending of unique talent with a rich and splendid role.”

Judge Priest is an eccentric judge. Although his wife dies 19 years before the film takes place, he shows no interest in remarrying. He sometimes stumbles his words, but he shows his wit throughout the film. The Judge, despite all his talk of being a confederate veteran, finds his best friend to be the black Jeff Poindexter. Judge Priest has pride in his tolerance for others.

Rogers was killed in a plane crash on August 15, 1935, just a year after the release of Judge Priest.