What Is The North Avenue Irregulars About?
The premise of The North Avenue Irregulars in 299 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sleepy Californian town of New Campton, a modest Presbyterian church stands as a quiet anchor for its community. When Reverend Michael Hill arrives with his young family, he brings a fresh vision of fellowship and purpose, hoping to breathe new life into the congregation’s traditions. The town itself is painted with a gentle, almost nostalgic charm, where everyday rhythms are punctuated by the hum of local shops and the occasional gossip about the latest happenings.
Hill quickly discovers that the serenity of the town masks a more mischievous undercurrent. While the local presbytery encourages him to focus on growing membership, he finds himself drawn into a battle against a creeping influence of organized crime that has begun to make itself at home in the streets. With no help forthcoming from federal agencies, the reverend must look inward, relying on the very people his ministry aims to empower.
Enter Anne, the church’s diligent secretary and music director, whose skepticism of change masks a deep devotion to the parish. Alongside her, a spirited band of churchwomen—affectionately dubbed Hill’s Angels—step forward, each bringing their own blend of gumption, humor, and a touch of the unconventional. Mrs. Rose Rafferty, ever the pragmatic caretaker of the church’s modest finances, adds her own brand of street‑wise savvy to the mix. Together they form an unlikely coalition, bound by faith and a shared determination to protect their community.
The tone of the story balances light‑hearted comedy with an undercurrent of earnest resolve. As the group navigates a world where conventional law‑enforcement feels out of reach, their inventive, sometimes slap‑dash methods become a source of both laughter and hope. The film invites viewers into a lively tableau where piety meets pluck, suggesting that sometimes the most effective guardians are the ones the world least expects.
What Happens in The North Avenue Irregulars?
The complete story of The North Avenue Irregulars, from the first scene to the last, in 568 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Reverend Michael Hill, [Edward Herrmann], and his two children arrive in New Campton, a fictional town in California, to take up duties as the new minister at the North Avenue Presbyterian Church. The church’s secretary and music director, Anne, [Susan Clark], is wary of the changes he plans to implement and wants to keep the congregation actively involved. He asks Mrs. Rose Rafferty, [Patsy Kelly], to manage the church’s sinking fund, which consisted of $1,206 ($4,967 in 2022 dollars). It turns out to be a precarious assignment, because Rose has a husband who is a reckless gambler, Delaney, [Douglas Fowley].
On his first Sunday, Hill delivers a sermon less than 15 seconds long, then escorts Rose out of the sanctuary as astonished worshipers stare. She leads him to a bookie hidden behind a dry-cleaning shop owned by Sam the Tailor, [Carl Ballantine], and Harry the Hat, [Alan Hale Jr.], who recommends that Hill let the bet ride. Hill’s horse, Sundae Treat, loses, and he is expelled from the betting parlor. He calls in the police, but the betting joint has somehow vanished.
That evening, Hill stages a televised tirade against organized crime, which draws the ire of his presbytery. They urge him to go out and grow church membership, but his only real success comes from a rock band called Strawberry Shortcake, whom he recruits to “jazz up” the music at church. Anne resigns as music director, and soon after, two treasury agents arrive: Marvin Fogleman, [Michael Constantine], and Tom Voohries, [Steve Franken]. Their mission is to co-opt Hill into helping shut down the gambling racket by recruiting men from the church to place bets under surveillance. Hill cannot find willing male volunteers, so he pivots and proposes recruiting women instead. Five women from his congregation try to place bets under the agents’ watch, which ends in a comical, clumsy disaster.
The operation shifts gears as Hill coordinates a plan to go after the gang’s “bank.” They tail the mob’s deliverymen through town using a map in the church office. During services, two gangsters enter and identify one of the women, Claire Porter, [Cloris Leachman]. They report this to their crime boss, Max Roca, [Frank Campanella], who advises intimidation.
Anne discovers the scheme, and Hill defends the Irregulars as keeping the gang off balance. Anne resigns from her post, and the gang retaliates by firebombing the church. Hill is shocked, but to his surprise, Anne wants to join the fight. The two of them press on, while Hill learns that his pulpit has been declared vacant and the church will be discontinued. Dr. Fulton, [Herb Voland], a presbytery representative, arrives to discuss the closure. Anne arranges for two more presbytery members to come along—Dr. Rheems, [Ruth Buzzi], and Reverend Wainwright, [Ivor Francis]—and, while transporting them, she recognizes one of the mob’s deliverymen and realizes she might locate the bank. She tracks the man to an isolated compound, and within minutes, the Irregulars surround the place as the crooks attempt a frantic escape with their bank.
A demolition derby ensues, the mobsters are halted, and the evidence is seized. The following Sunday, the congregation gathers outside the ravaged church as Hill delivers news of indictments against the mob and the closing of the church. Dr. Fulton steps in to announce that North Avenue Presbyterian Church will be rebuilt, and the young band resumes its music as the community rejoices.
The North Avenue Irregulars Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Arrival in New Campton” to “Rebuilding and new beginnings”. 13 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Arrival in New Campton
Reverend Michael Hill and his two children arrive in New Campton to assume the pulpit at North Avenue Presbyterian Church. The church secretary, Anne, is wary of the changes he intends to implement to involve the congregation. Hill frames his mission as revitalizing the church and engaging the community. He steps into a town skeptical of his methods.
Where:New Campton, California
- 2
First Sunday shock over sinking fund
On his first Sunday, Hill learns that Mrs. Rafferty's husband gambled away the church's sinking fund. He delivers a sermon that lasts less than 15 seconds and then rushes Rafferty out, guiding her to a hidden bookie behind a dry-cleaning shop. The bet loses and he is thrown out of the betting parlor; police are called, but the joint has vanished. The incident exposes the city’s gambling underbelly and the church’s vulnerability.
When:First Sunday Where:North Avenue Presbyterian Church; Betting parlor behind dry-cleaning shop
- 3
Evening TV tirade and rebuke
That evening, Hill denounces organized crime on a local television broadcast, provoking a swift backlash. His presbytery chastises him and urges him to focus on building church membership instead of public outcry. Hill must navigate administrative consequences while standing by his vigilante stance against corruption. The town and church begin to polarize around his uncompromising stance.
When:Evening Where:Local television studio
- 4
Music reform and Anne resigns
Hill tries to modernize worship by recruiting a rock band called Strawberry Shortcake to jazz up the service. Anne resigns as music director in response to the shift, signaling a rift within the church leadership. The congregation's musical direction shifts as new sounds begin to creep in. The church atmosphere grows more volatile as older loyalties collide with Hill’s new vision.
When:Shortly after the tirade Where:North Avenue Presbyterian Church
- 5
Treasury men propose a new angle
Two Treasury agents, Marvin Fogleman and Tom Voohries, arrive with a plan to help shut down the gambling racket by recruiting church members to place monitored bets. Hill cannot recruit men, so he pivots to enlisting women from the congregation. The Irregulars form as a bold, untested tactic to attack the mob from within the community.
When:Following the tirade Where:Church office
- 6
Irregulars’ first betting attempt ends badly
Five women from the congregation attempt to place bets alongside the agents, but the operation devolves into a clumsy disaster. The failure underscores the dangers of confronting organized crime and highlights the risks for the desperate group. The plan forces the team to rethink their approach and seek more discreet channels.
When:Soon after recruitment Where:Town betting operation site with the agents
- 7
Shifting to the mob’s ‘bank’
Hill shifts tactics and begins tailing the mob’s deliverymen through town, coordinating from the church office with a map. The pursuit aims to locate the gang’s central funds and disrupt their financial flow. This surveillance marks a more hands-on, strategic strike against the criminals.
When:During their surveillance Where:Town streets; map at church office
- 8
Mobsters infiltrate the church
Two gangsters attend services and identify Claire Porter, reporting back to their crime boss Max Roca. Roca advises intimidation, signaling that the mob is willing to threaten the church directly. The church’s safety feels compromised as the criminals step into a public space.
When:During services Where:North Avenue Presbyterian Church
- 9
Anne uncovers the operation; firebombing aftermath
Anne discovers the gambling operation while Hill defends the Irregulars as keeping the gang off balance. Soon after, the mob firebombs the church, shocking Hill and pushing Anne to join the fight. The church’s vulnerability becomes a catalyst for renewed resolve and collective action.
When:Soon after discovery Where:North Avenue Presbyterian Church
- 10
Pulpit vacant and closure looming
The pulpit is declared vacant and North Avenue Presbyterian Church faces possible discontinuation. Dr. Victor Fulton arrives from the presbytery to discuss the church’s closure with Hill, while Anne mobilizes two more presbytery representatives to join the cause. Tension rises as the institution teeters on the edge of extinction.
When:After firebombing Where:Church
Show the other 3 events of The North Avenue Irregulars Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Airport stops and target acquisition
Anne picks up Dr. Rheems and Reverend Wainwright at the airport, and realizes she can locate the mob’s bank by following a deliveryman to an isolated compound. The Irregulars swarm the location as the gangsters attempt a frantic escape, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation. The operation tightens around the mob’s financial hub.
When:Shortly after airport pickup Where:Isolated compound outside town
- 12
Showdown and indictments
A demolition derby ensues as the Irregulars seize the mob’s bank and the crooks are stopped, with evidence seized and the gang pressures beginning to crack. The following Sunday, the congregation gathers to hear indictments against the mob and to learn that the church will be rebuilt. The victory marks a turning point for the town and the church alike.
When:After the showdown Where:Isolated compound; North Avenue Presbyterian Church
- 13
Rebuilding and new beginnings
Despite the indictments, Dr. Fulton announces that North Avenue Presbyterian Church will be rebuilt and returned to the community. The youthful band restarts the music as the congregation rejoices, signaling a hopeful renewal. Hill’s mission to reform the church culminates in a shared commitment to move forward together.
When:Post-indictments Where:North Avenue Presbyterian Church
Who Are the Main Characters in The North Avenue Irregulars?
13 characters, among them Claire Porter (Cloris Leachman), Reverend Michael Hill (Edward Herrmann) and Anne (Susan Clark): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Claire Porter (Cloris Leachman)
Played by Cloris Leachman
Claire Porter is one of the congregation members drawn into the anti-gambling effort. She finds herself a focal point for mob intimidation and a key participant in the women-led strategy to monitor and counter the gangsters. Claire’s involvement reveals resilience and a growing willingness to take risks for the community.
- 💪 Courageous
- 🧭 Resourceful
- 👀 Observant
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Reverend Michael Hill (Edward Herrmann)
Played by Edward Herrmann
Reverend Hill arrives to reform the church’s approach, urging involvement in community activities. He delivers a very short sermon on Sundays and then pivots to practical action, recruiting the congregation to fight the crime problem. Hill faces pushback from presbytery while trying to balance faith, leadership, and social responsibility.
- 🎯 Determined
- 🗺️ Strategic
- 🏛️ Principled
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Anne (Susan Clark)
Played by Susan Clark
Anne serves as secretary and former music director who initially resists Hill’s changes but eventually joins the fight. She resigns from her position over the church’s direction and later becomes instrumental in coordinating the anti-crime effort. Anne embodies pragmatic leadership and growing commitment to the cause.
- 🎶 Determined
- 🧭 Resolute
- DR
Delaney Rafferty (Douglas Fowley)
Played by Douglas Fowley
Delaney is Mrs. Rose Rafferty’s husband, a reckless gambler whose actions with the sinking fund trigger the central conflict. His betting behavior underscores the personal stakes and consequences of the crime network within the community.
- 💸 Reckless
- 🎭 Flawed
- RR
Rose Rafferty (Patsy Kelly)
Played by Patsy Kelly
Mrs. Rose Rafferty handles the church’s sinking fund and becomes entangled in her husband’s gambling; her situation drives the early tension that leads to the church’s engagement with law enforcement. She represents ordinary parishioners affected by crime and the potential for redemption through action.
- 🧭 Loyal
- 🛡️ Protective
- MR
Max Roca (Frank Campanella)
Played by Frank Campanella
Max Roca is the mob boss whose gambling operation dominates the local crime scene. He provides the authoritative threat that motivates the church’s transformation into an active anti-crime unit. Roca’s presence looms over community rallies and confrontations.
- 🧩 Dominant
- 🧪 Calculating
- ST
Sam the Tailor (Carl Ballantine)
Played by Carl Ballantine
Sam runs a dry-cleaning shop that conceals a bookie’s operation behind the scenes. His establishment serves as a pivot point in the mob’s logistics and in the officers’ surveillance of illicit activity. Sam represents the everyday businesses caught up in criminal schemes.
- 🏬 Clever
- 🧵 Connected
- HT
Harry, the Hat (Alan Hale Jr.)
Played by Alan Hale Jr.
Harry, known as the Hat, is a mentor-like figure in the local crime world who provides advice to the mob. His presence adds a colorful, antagonistic element to the town’s underworld. He helps establish the threats that the Irregulars must address.
- 🕶️ Slick
- 🗡️ Threatening
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Marvin Fogleman (Michael Constantine)
Played by Michael Constantine
Marvin Fogleman is one of the Treasury agents tasked with dismantling the gambling operation. He collaborates with Hill to recruit church members for supervised betting as a sting operation. Marvin embodies official intervention and procedural strategy.
- 🎯 Focused
- 🧭 Analytical
- TV
Tom Voohries (Steve Franken)
Played by Steve Franken
Tom Voohries is Marvin Fogleman’s partner in the anti-gambling efforts. He helps coordinate the agency’s plans and supports the community-driven approach. Tom’s role highlights teamwork between government agents and civilian volunteers.
- 🤝 Cooperative
- 🧠 Quick-witted
- DR
Dr. Rheems (Ruth Buzzi)
Played by Ruth Buzzi
Dr. Rheems is a representative from the presbytery who becomes involved in evaluating the church’s fate. Her presence adds a formal, institutional layer to the community’s struggle and the church’s revival.
- 👩⚖️ Formal
- 🗣️ Persuasive
- DF
Dr. Fulton (Herb Voland)
Played by Herb Voland
Dr. Fulton is a presbytery representative who arrives to discuss the church’s closure. His involvement catalyzes key decisions and pressures the church to prove its viability and reform.
- 🕊️ Authority
- 🧭 Principled
- RW
Rev. Wainwright (Ivor Francis)
Played by Ivor Francis
Rev. Wainwright is another presbytery representative who accompanies Dr. Fulton. He contributes to the formal scrutiny surrounding the church’s operation and its future.
- ⛪ Authority
- 🗣️ Reserved
Where and When Is The North Avenue Irregulars Set?
The North Avenue Irregulars is set in New Campton and California (Late 1970s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Late 1970s
The events unfold in a contemporary late-1970s setting, reflecting suburban life, television influence, and local politics of the era. The period mood supports a community-based response to crime where church activities and civic efforts intersect with law enforcement and weighty social issues.
Where
New Campton, California
New Campton is a fictional California town where a neighborhood church sits at the center of civic life. The community atmosphere blends everyday small-town concerns with a surprising surge of crime activity centered around a gambling operation. The church, its staff, and parishioners become the focal point for both neighborhood solidarity and conflict with organized crime.
- 🏘️ Small-town
- 🎭 Comedy
- ⛪ Church community
What Are the Themes of The North Avenue Irregulars?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Community Action, Crime Reform and Women Empowerment.
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01
Community Action
The Reverend Hill tries to galvanize his congregation to take an active role against the gambling ring. The plan evolves from sermons to organized community action, highlighting how a close-knit group can mobilize resources and support for a common cause. The film emphasizes the power of ordinary citizens—especially within the church—to challenge organized crime. It portrays teamwork, local leadership, and practical problem-solving as tools for social change.
-
02
Crime Reform
Treasury agents initially pressure the church to help monitor and curb the gambling operation. The pursuit shifts from confrontations to strategic surveillance and coordinated bets under supervision, attempting to dismantle the ring from within. The narrative shows how law enforcement collaborates with unlikely allies and how reform requires persistence and cunning. It also portrays the risks and tension involved in undercover-style anti-crime efforts.
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03
Women Empowerment
Five women from the congregation become the Irregulars, driving the core plan to counter the mob. Claire Porter and her fellow parishioners demonstrate courage, resourcefulness, and loyalty under pressure. The storyline centers on female leadership and collective action as a catalyst for change, challenging traditional gender roles within the church and community. Their involvement transforms the church into an active front in the fight against crime.
What Kind of Film Is The North Avenue Irregulars?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A lighthearted and comedic underdog story featuring a spirited community who uses unconventional and amusing tactics to fight back against local mobsters, creating a feel-good and eccentric atmosphere.
- comedic
- uplifting
- community-driven
- quirky
- lighthearted
- organized crime
- community action
- church
- underdog story
- improvised justice
Quiz
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