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Of all the films Don Knotts starred in during his 1960's era heyday as a comedy film star, this is the most unusual and interesting. Knotts may have his name above the title in The Love God? but he is actually part of an ensemble that drives the suprisingly involved and complex storyline. Director/writer Nat Hiken's scenario mixes daring satirical ideas and sitcom-styled comedic shtick in a manner that works better than one might expect. For instance, a memorable sequence features both the prosecution and defense of an obscenity trial handling their roles in a way that reveals they only care about their careers and publicity rather than values or ideals (meanwhile, Knotts mugs and does double-takes at the center of it all). Hiken's direction gives the story a colorful look and snappy pacing. Better yet, he stocks the cast with a game collection of familiar faces who dig into their comedic roles with relish: Edmond O'Brien shows great deadpan comic timing as the sleazy magazine publisher who kickstarts the plot while Anne Francis delivers a forceful, sexy performance as the editor seeking to capitalize on the hapless hero's fame and B.S. Pully is both menacing and hilarious as a gangster who craves a refined social status. Knotts offers a mixture of goofiness (his bird-call performance near the beginning is a highlight) and charm that gives the film a heart. The end result is dated by modern standards in both its style and satirical aims but it delivers its laughs with a mixture of style and ambition that keep it interesting. As a result, The Love God? shapes up as an amusing and unique period piece for fans of vintage comedies.