Alias the Deacon on AllMovie

Jean Hersholt stars in this Universal "jewel," which was based on the Broadway success by John B. Hymer and Leroy Clemens. A professional gambler (Hersholt) comes to a small town and is mistaken for the new deacon. He decides that this is as good a front as any, and sticks around to swindle the villagers at cards. But the Deacon has a heart of gold, and when Phylis, a girl he has befriended (June Marlowe), falls in love with reformed crook Jim Adams (Ralph Graves), he decides to help them out. Adams tries to make some money in a prize fight, but he is cheated out of his earnings and falsely accused of robbery. the Deacon beats out the crooked promoter (Ned Sparks) in a card game, clears Adams' name and gives Phylis the money as a wedding present. Since the sheriff has finally figured out his game, the Deacon makes a getaway. This story was filmed once again in 1940.