What are the main themes of Comin’ ’Round the Mountain?

The summary picks out 2 themes: Rural Tradition and Superstition & Folklore.

Who directed Comin’ ’Round the Mountain?

Comin’ ’Round the Mountain (1936) was directed by Mack V. Wright and runs 57 minutes.

Comin’ ’Round the Mountain Plot Summary

Q: Who are the main characters in Comin’ ’Round the Mountain?

The story follows Wilbert (The Great Wilbert), Dorothy McCoy and Granny McCoy.

No spoilers

What Is Comin’ ’Round the Mountain About?

The premise of Comin’ ’Round the Mountain in 258 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the bustling world of 1930s show business, theatrical agent Al Stewart thrives on turning unlikely talents into headline acts. When he lands a night‑club booking for the wildly charismatic Dorothy McCoy, billed as “The Manhattan Hillbilly,” the stage becomes a playground where country swagger collides with city sleekness. Joining her is the well‑meaning but catastrophically clumsy escape artist known only as The Great Wilbert, whose penchant for spectacular mishaps promises a night full of laughter and surprise.

The film paints a vivid tableau that jumps from smoky New York lounges to the dusty, lively fairs of the countryside, where the air hums with the promise of a horse race and the roar of a bull‑fight. This contrast fuels an energetic, screwball tone that celebrates eccentric personalities and the chaos that follows when big‑city ambition meets rural tradition. The characters navigate a world where music, rivalry, and a dash of good‑natured mayhem weave together, creating a light‑hearted atmosphere that invites the audience to revel in both the spectacle and the folly.

Amid the bustling preparations, Dorothy McCoy exudes a daring mix of innocence and grit, while Al Stewart balances his knack for promotion with a genuine affection for his eclectic clients. The Great Wilbert, ever the earnest performer, brings a slapstick charm that keeps the audience guessing what will go awry next. Together, they set the stage for a comedy of errors that blends heartfelt ambition with the exuberant spirit of a time when anything could happen under the bright lights—or the open sky of a dusty rodeo.

Full plot

What Happens in Comin’ ’Round the Mountain?

The complete story of Comin’ ’Round the Mountain, from the first scene to the last, in 565 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

The movie follows the humorous and adventurous journey of Al Stewart, a theatrical agent who successfully arranges performances for his clients, including the talented Ann Rutherford as Dorothy McCoy, famously known as “The Manhattan Hillbilly,” at a lively New York nightclub. Alongside her, he also books an amusingly inept escape artist called The Great Wilbert, whose act quickly turns chaotic during a performance when he fails to free himself from his shackles, desperately shouting for help. Dorothy recognizes Wilbert’s distressed scream as the distinctive “McCoy clan yell”, a clue that begins to unravel his heritage.

Further investigation reveals a photograph and a concertina — a small musical instrument — in Wilbert’s dressing room, confirming he is the long-lost grandson of Squeeze Box McCoy, the legendary leader of the McCoy clan. Granny McCoy, a wise and determined relative, has been searching for Wilbert because she wishes to reveal where Squeeze Box hid his hidden treasure — gold that has been sought after for generations. Granny emphasizes that Wilbert must prove himself worthy by winning a fight against the notorious Devil Dan Winfield, who leads the rival Winfield family, in a turkey shoot, which involves shooting and gambling, adding to the chaos. Interestingly, Wilbert has never held a gun before, and his clumsy attempt to participate unintentionally reignites the family feud that has persisted for over 60 years.

To make matters more complicated, Granny insists Wilbert must marry before the secret of the treasure can be disclosed. She suggests he marry her 14-year-old daughter, Clora, also known as Matt, who is portrayed by LeRoy Mason’s character. However, Wilbert is more fond of Dorothy, and when he proposes to her, she declines, explaining that she is in love with Clark Winfield, adding a romantic layer to the already complicated plot. In an attempt to sway Dorothy’s affections, Granny sends Wilbert to Aunt Huddy, a local witch, to acquire a love potion. The encounter turns into a bizarre mishap as Wilbert and Laura Puente’s character create voodoo dolls of each other, sticking pins into them and causing mutual pain, a humorous and dark moment in the story.

After finally obtaining the love potion, Wilbert makes a dramatic exit on Huddy’s broom, equipped with windshield wipers, only to crash into a tree, adding physical comedy to the film. The potion initially works once administered, and Dorothy begins to fall for Wilbert. However, chaos ensues when everyone, having sipped the potion, falls wildly in love with each other. As the effects of the spell gradually wear off, Dorothy and Clark prepare to marry, rekindling hope for love and happiness.

The arrival of Devil Dan and his gang sparks a chaotic showdown. During the fracas, a stray bullet shatters the love potion jar, unintentionally causing Devil Dan to taste the potion and unexpectedly fall for Wilbert. Meanwhile, Matt reveals the clues to the treasure: a secret map concealed inside Wilbert’s concertina, which leads directly to a mine in Winfield territory. The group daringly enters the mine, where they eventually succeed in breaking through the rocky barriers and discover a vault filled with gleaming gold. Just when they think the adventure might conclude happily, armed guards rush onto the scene, aiming to arrest them, only to discover that the treasure they have uncovered is actually the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox — an unintentional and humorous climax to their wild escapades.

Timeline

Comin’ ’Round the Mountain Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

11 key events in the order they happen, from “Booking of Performers at the Nightclub” to “Arrest and Chaos”. 3 events name a place, across 3 locations.

1

Booking of Performers at the Nightclub

Theatrical agent Al Stewart arranges performances for Dorothy McCoy, 'The Manhattan Hillbilly,' and an inept escape artist, The Great Wilbert, at a New York nightclub. Wilbert's act encounters failure when he cannot escape from his shackles during his performance. Dorothy recognizes Wilbert's scream as a clue to his heritage.

Where:New York City
2

Wilbert's Heritage Confirmed

A photograph and concertina found in Wilbert's dressing room reveal his identity as the grandson of 'Squeeze Box' McCoy. Granny McCoy has been searching for Wilbert to reveal the location of her family's hidden gold, known only to 'kinfolk.'
3

Travel to Kentucky

Al Stewart, Dorothy, and Wilbert travel to Kentucky to meet Granny McCoy. Granny recounts the history of the feud between the McCoy family and Devil Dan Winfield that began over 60 years ago, setting the stage for new conflicts.

Where:Kentucky
4

Turkey Shoot and Feud Revival

The McCoy family selects Wilbert to represent them in a turkey shoot against Devil Dan Winfield, sparking the revival of their old feud. Wilbert's inexperience with guns contributes to escalating tensions between the families.
5

Wilbert's Marriage Obligation

Granny reveals that Wilbert, as Squeeze Box's kin, must marry before the treasure's location is disclosed. Kalem, the clan leader, plans for Wilbert to marry his 14-year-old daughter, Clora, also called Matt. Wilbert proposes to Dorothy, who declines because of her love for Clark Winfield.
6

Obtaining the Love Potion

Wilbert is sent to Aunt Huddy, a local witch, to acquire a love potion to win Dorothy's affection. During the process, Wilbert and Huddy create voodoo dolls of each other and stick pins, causing mutual pain. Wilbert finally leaves on Huddy's broom in a chaotic arrival.
7

Effects of the Love Potion

The love potion initially makes Dorothy fall for Wilbert, but soon everyone—including Dorothy, Clark, and Wilbert—falls in love due to everyone drinking the potion. The effects fade over time, leading to tensions and the rekindling of romantic feelings.
8

Arrival of the Winfield Clan

The Winfield family arrives in Kentucky, prepared for a confrontation. During the altercation, a stray bullet breaks open the love potion jar, causing Devil Dan Winfield to drink it and unexpectedly fall for Wilbert, complicating the situation further.
9

Secret of the Treasure Revealed

Matt McCoy reveals that the treasure map is hidden inside Wilbert's concertina, pointing to a mine in Winfield territory. This clue sets the group on a quest to find the gold and escape the impending conflict.
10

Entering the Mine

Wilbert, Dorothy, and the others enter the mine with Devil Dan's help, following the map. They break through the rock, discovering a vault filled with gold, marking the rediscovery of the family family's legendary treasure.

Where:Mine in Winfield territory
11

Arrest and Chaos

As the group uncovers the gold, armed guards arrive to arrest them for breaking into the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. The scene escalates into chaos as they suddenly find themselves in a precarious legal and physical situation.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Comin’ ’Round the Mountain?

3 characters, among them Wilbert (The Great Wilbert), Dorothy McCoy and Granny McCoy: who each one is and the part they play in the story.

W(
Wilbert (The Great Wilbert)

An inept escape artist and the long-lost grandson of the McCoy clan, Wilbert is portrayed as clueless but good-hearted. His antics drive much of the comedy as he navigates family feuds, love, and treasure hunting with naïve enthusiasm.
- 🤹‍♂️ Clown
- 🌄 Naïve
- ❤️ Lovable
DM
Dorothy McCoy

A young woman caught between love and family loyalty, Dorothy initially resists Wilbert's advances but eventually falls for his charm. She symbolizes romantic hope amidst rural feuds and comic chaos.
- 💃 Romantic
- 🌺 Determined
- 😊 Caring
GM
Granny McCoy

A wise, meddling matriarch who keeps her family’s secrets and traditions alive. Granny's storytelling and influence tie the plot to rural heritage and folklore.
- 👵 Wise
- 🧙️ Mysterious
- 🎭 Patriarchal

Setting

Where and When Is Comin’ ’Round the Mountain Set?

Comin’ ’Round the Mountain is set in Kentucky and Fort Knox (60s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

60s

The story is set in a period resembling the 1960s, evident from the movie's style and social context. This time frame was marked by rural traditions, feuds, and a mix of old-time Values with modern influences, much reflected in the characters' actions and humor.

Where

Kentucky, Fort Knox

The movie begins in Kentucky, a state known for its scenic mountains and historical feud traditions. Later, the characters break into the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, the legendary gold reserve, signifying a notable national landmark famous for its secure vaults and wealth.

🟡 Rural
🏞️ Mountainous
🏦 Gold deposits

Themes

What Are the Themes of Comin’ ’Round the Mountain?

2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Rural Tradition and Superstition & Folklore.

01

Rural Tradition

The film explores rural American traditions, including feuds, family loyalty, and local legends. The setting and plot highlight how these deep-rooted practices influence characters and plot developments, especially in Kentucky's mountainous backdrop.
02

Superstition & Folklore

Superstitions, witchcraft, and voodoo are central themes, driven by the influence of Aunt Huddy and the love potion. These elements inject humor and chaos into the story, emphasizing rural beliefs and mystical humor.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Comin’ ’Round the Mountain?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone: Light
Pacing: Fast
Story: Moderate
Intensity: Low
Ending: Happy

A fast-paced and whimsical Western comedy full of chaotic mishaps, a zany love potion subplot, and a lighthearted treasure hunt that concludes with an absurd and humorous twist.