Comin’ ’Round the Mountain (1936) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place primarily in Kentucky, a state known for its scenic mountains and historical feud traditions. The rural mountain backdrop is central to the film's depiction of family loyalty and local legends.

• kentucky
• mountains
• rural setting
• feud country

The characters break into the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, the legendary gold reserve famous for its secure vaults. This landmark represents significant national wealth and serves as a key location in the story's climax.

• fort knox
• gold depository
• treasure
• landmark

The movie is set in a period resembling the 1960s, marked by rural traditions, family feuds, and a mix of old-time values with modern influences. This time frame is reflected in the characters' actions and humor.

• 1960s
• time period
• era
• decade

Family feuds are a central element of the film's exploration of rural American traditions. The McCoy clan feud drives much of the plot, highlighting how these deep-rooted practices influence character decisions and family loyalty.

• family feud
• mccoy
• rural tradition
• loyalty

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

• superstition
• folklore
• voodoo
• witchcraft
• aunt huddy

Wilbert, known as 'The Great Wilbert,' is an inept escape artist and the long-lost grandson of the McCoy clan. He is portrayed as clueless but good-hearted, with his comedic antics driving much of the film's humor as he navigates family feuds, love, and treasure hunting.

• wilbert
• escape artist
• mccoy grandson
• comedy

Dorothy McCoy is a young woman caught between love and family loyalty. She initially resists Wilbert's advances but eventually falls for his charm, symbolizing romantic hope amidst the rural feuds and comic chaos.

• dorothy mccoy
• love
• romance
• family loyalty

Granny McCoy is the wise, meddling matriarch of the McCoy family who keeps her family's secrets and traditions alive. Her storytelling and influence tie the plot to rural heritage and folklore, serving as a key connector to the family's history.

• granny mccoy
• matriarch
• traditions
• family secrets
• folklore

Comin' 'Round the Mountain is a Western film with a strong emphasis on physical comedy and absurd situations. The genre blend creates a lighthearted tone typical of 1930s Western comedies.

• western
• comedy
• genre
• physical comedy

The love potion is a key plot element that creates chaos and humor throughout the story. Driven by Aunt Huddy's influence, the potion affects multiple characters, driving comedic situations and romantic entanglements.

• love potion
• aunt huddy
• chaos
• humor