Grand Ole Opry

Taking its name from the long-running country music radio show, this lightweight comedy has its roots in America's vaudeville circuit, but also sneaks in a little political satire. Starring popular "hillbilly" troupe the Weaver family, the film revolves around the death of a state governor in a duck-hunting accident and the subsequent election to find a similar "voice of the people" to take his place. Intended as a vehicle for music stars of the day (iconic country pioneer Roy Acuff appears as himself), the film features simplistic hoedowns and two-steps while also providing a snapshot of the post-Depression era. The fictional Farmer's Bill legislation contains elements of President Franklin D Roosevelt's historic New Deal coalition, aimed at getting the nation back on its feet, which provides a solid jumping-off point for a yarn about the can-do spirit of the common man.